A/N: Welcome back!

A huge thank you to: Smilin Steph, Shattered-k3, Nucky Thompson, Makrciana, TinaG46, ForeverACharmedOne, Jay D. Moore, XantheX, Balder Rask, DovieDM-1991-Promised Wings, Ravenclaw Slytherin, GloomDusk, VesperLogan12, Dionne dance, TinkerbellxO, Leyshla Gisel, music is life 99 xxx, 88dragon06, AqoCJeyBee and Jandra1969.

I also want to thank my readers even if they do not review. ;)

Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Shadows.

Chapter 3

Good Lord. Samantha thought as she tightened her grip around the water pitcher and paused. She was tired, the middle finger of her left hand was throbbing since she had burned it while pouring hot tea, her legs were ready to buckle from running up and down the stairs and last but not least, she was lost.

Her path was barely illuminated by candles and even though she had walked alone towards the bedchambers before she had a difficulty doing so in the dark.

With a sigh, she took a few steps further down the hall before she stopped and leaned against the wall. She closed her eyes and took a deep calming breath. She had been so close in convincing Mrs. Filch to change her position but the moment she had almost achieved it Mrs. Collins decided it was time to congratulate her for her work in her wardrobe closet. What she had done to deserve the praise she didn't know. She had just arranged the dresses and coats by color.

Thinking back to it, it had been nothing but an amusing time for her. She had never seen so many dresses in her life before and when she had found the closet so untidy she decided to help out.

Now she was under the scrutinizing eye of Mrs. Filch because of it and she had to endure the heartfelt glares of Angelique.

Stifling a sigh she pushed away from the wall and continued walking down the hall, her shoes barely making any noise on the carpeted floor.

A deep laugh alerted her of someone else's presence and she froze.

Not again. She thought as her heart dropped to her stomach at the familiar sound of laughter.

A female chuckle made her look to her right and she gulped. A few feet away, with her back to the wall was none other than Angelique herself. Master Barnabas was gazing down at her with a grin on his handsome face before he leaned down to kiss her deeply. His defined profile was illuminated by the candle by their heads and he had his eyes closed as he indulged in the intimate embrace of his lover.

Samantha took an involuntary step back when he spoke, "I have to go." He murmured and watched as he briefly squeezed the woman's thigh that was wrapped around his hip.

Samantha turned on her heel and quickly walked away, her heart beating loudly in her chest. She slipped into an alcove and pressed against the wall as his footsteps approached. She saw his shadow as he passed by and exhaled with relief. When all went silent again she carefully walked out of the alcove and continued down the hall. Clarity had returned to her after the panic attack she had just experienced and she knew that she had been walking towards the wrong direction.

As she rounded the corner she collided with someone. A gasp left her as the water pitcher slipped from her hand and she found herself on her back on the floor. Her hand flew to her mouth when the pitcher's edge found the wall and smashed into pieces. Water soaked the lavish carpet and she squeaked in embarrassment.

"Oh my God!" she exclaimed as she immediately moved forward, "I am sorry." She looked up and froze.

Young Mr. Collins was looking down at her worriedly, "Are you alright?" he asked as he offered her his hand. She shook her head and quickly scrambled to her feet on her own.

Barnabas pulled his hand back after looking at it with surprise. He was obviously not used to being denied anything; not even that.

"I am so sorry. I will clean it immediately." She said and he frowned.

"It's just a pitcher, Samantha. Calm down." He said with amusement and she pursed her lips as she kneeled down and started picking up the pieces with her bare hands.

"Were you heading to my room?" he quirked an eyebrow and she quickly nodded.

"I got lost."

At her words he chuckled and she looked up. The sound was similar to the one she had just heard him make with Angelique.

"You got lost?" he said with a smile and she frowned.

"Yes." She murmured.

"Perhaps I ought to draw you a map." He smiled and she flushed.

"No need, sir. I recovered my bearings just right." She replied and as she stood Mrs. Filch appeared in the hall.

"What happened?" she asked and Samantha winced.

"I smashed a pitcher." She replied and Mrs. Filch sighed.

"Be more careful, girl."

"It really was my fault, Hattie." Master Barnabas cut in with a charming smile and Mrs. Filch calmed down immediately, "Hardly a matter to scold her for, don't you think?" he leaned over and pinched the older woman's cheek and Samantha's eyes widened when the woman actually blushed.

"Of course, sir. Have a good night then. Samantha, bring a new pitcher to the Master's room immediately." She said and Samantha nodded.

"I shall, Mrs. Filch. I am not famous for my clumsy grasp." Angelique rounded the corner and smiled.

Samantha pursed her lips in anger but remained silent.

"Fine. Samantha, come with me then." Mrs. Filch said and Samantha followed her.

She could feel eyes on her and she turned her head to look over her shoulder. The dark eyes of young Mr. Collins were there, staring at her as she walked away.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"Please, ma'am. Change my position. I am too clumsy. What if I break something more valuable?" Samantha pleaded as Mrs. Filch paced up and down the kitchen, her expression troubled.

"And what am I suppose to tell Mrs. Collins?" the older woman demanded, "What am I supposed to say?"

"That I am clumsy." Samantha said with a wince and Mrs. Filch regarded her carefully.

"So you want me to place you as a downstairs maid. To clean." She stated, dubiousness clearly carved on her features.

"Yes... Please." She added politely and the housekeeper sighed.

"Alright. I shall then." Mrs. Filch sighed reluctantly.

Samantha felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off her chest by those four words.

"Thank you so much." She smiled and Mrs. Filch rolled her eyes, already turning away from her.

"Got to bed, lass." She waved her away and Samantha happily obeyed.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

A few days later…

A pair of boots stepped onto the freshly mopped floor and Samantha paused. She raised her eyes and froze.

"Good morning, sir." She tried a smile as Master Barnabas stepped over towards the couch and took a seat, ignoring the fact that she had just been cleaning there.

"Samantha." He acknowledged but there was something different about him.

"I was just finishing here. I shall make haste so you can read." She noticed the book in his hands which he was slowly twirling between them.

"You're mopping the floors." He stated and she paused in mid-motion. Cautious of her exposed cleavage she pulled slightly back and looked at him, mop still in hand.

"Yes, sir."

"You stopped being my chambermaid to mop the floors of Collinwood instead?" he quirked an elegant eyebrow and she flushed. It was true; she had declined a better position just to be out of Angelique's way.

Pathetic. Her inner voice hissed at her but she ignored it.

"It was Mrs. Filch's decision." She murmured.

"Is that so? May I ask the reason?" he asked almost too casually.

"I am too clumsy." She replied simply.

"I see." he said before he picked up his heavy volume and opened it.

Samantha gulped and carried on with her task, mindful of his presence. He made her uncomfortable. He with his excellent manners and sophisticated appearance was making her feel more than inadequate.

A few minutes later she was done and she exhaled a sigh of relief. She dusted her dress as she stood up, putting the bucket and mop away.

"Wait." Master Barnabas called and she paused.

"Sir?" she frowned when he patted the seat next to him.

"Come and sit to catch your breath." He told her softly and she hesitated.

She looked around but no one was there to witness what she was about to do. She bit her lip and walked over to him before she took a seat next to him. She placed her hands on her lap and looked at the shiny floor she had just cleaned. She could feel sweat on the back of her neck and she swiped her hair away from it and over her shoulder.

When she looked up she found the young Master looking at her. He smiled and offered her his book.

She froze.

"Take it." He murmured quietly and she slowly took it from his outstretched hand.

She held the heavy volume in her hand and blinked before she gently ran her fingers over the cover.

"Are you familiar with it?" he asked with his head cocked to the side.

"Um-…" she managed to mumble before he cut her off.

"Recite to me. Page one hundred." He leaned back and regarded her with scorching eyes, his expression intense and expectant. He placed his hands on the settee; one hand on the armrest and the other on the back of the lavish furniture.

Samantha gulped and quickly shook her head before she handed the book back, "I can't, sir." She said and he slowly took the book, a frown on his face.

"Why not? Don't be shy. You have a beautiful voice." He smiled and she flushed.

"I cannot read, sir." She said quietly and the smile left his face.

"Oh." He murmured and his eyes widened, "Oh!"

Samantha flinched when she heard approaching footsteps and quickly stood up, "Excuse me." She mumbled and he stood as well, his expression contrite.

"Samantha, I did not-…"

"Son! There you are!" Mrs. Collins exclaimed as Samantha picked up her things and headed towards the kitchens.

"Samantha." Lady Collins greeted and Samantha inclined her head.

"Mrs. Collins." She whispered and quickened her pace.

She fled the parlor without looking back.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"Hush! Hattie will hear!" Maria laughed as Rosy burst into laughter, her cheeks a bright red.

"What? She is not close. I am telling you I saw everything!" Rosy said, still laughing and Samantha stifled a sigh as she kept peeling potatoes for dinner.

"They didn't see you?" Maria asked quietly and Rosy shook her head.

"No. They were too busy playing music!" Both women burst into new fits of laughter and Samantha looked up at last, her fingers tightening around the knife she held.

"Seriously, Rosy." She said quietly and they turned to her, "You need to stop wandering around the house at night. What if someone saw you?" she scolded lightly and Rosy shrugged.

"I couldn't sleep."

"What were you doing in the East Wing anyway?" Samantha asked her and Rosy had the decency to blush.

"Taking a walk." She said defensively and Samantha shook her head.

"She is right." Maria cut in, "You need to stop it. They will discharge you if they find out. You know how Hattie is."

"Why is no one putting Angelique in her place, I wonder?" Rosy complained and Samantha pursed her lips.

Because she is intimidating. She thought as she remained silent.

"The only one who can put her in her place is the young Master, but he won't until someone better comes up." Maria said and Rosy snorted while nodding her head.

"What are you doing here? Keep moving! Dinner won't make itself." Mrs. Filch walked in and scolded them, "Where is the cook?" she demanded.

"She went to get eggs." Samantha replied.

"Oh you're here. Rosy, take her place. Go and serve refreshments to the Masters. They are in the parlor." Mrs. Filch said and Samantha was suddenly filled with dread.

"Me?" her eyes were wide and Mrs. Filch barely looked at her as she inspected the steaming pot of boiling meat.

"Yes, you. Hurry." The older woman waved her away and Samantha quickly cleaned her hands before she grabbed two glasses and a tray.

She walked out of the kitchen and headed for the parlor.

"Ah, Samantha, isn't it?" Mr. Collins smiled as he sat in an armchair. Master Barnabas was by the crimson curtains, looking out of the window but turned when he heard his father speak.

His gaze landed on her and he smiled softly as she inclined her head.

"It is, sir. I was told you need something…?"

"Ah, yes. A glass of Bushmills would be perfect to warm us up from this dreadful chill, wouldn't you say, son?" Mr. Collins smiled.

"Indeed." Master Barnabas replied and Samantha gulped as she turned to the liquor cabinet by the corner. She came to stand in front of it, her hands sweating as she gazed at the various bottles. She knew it was whisky but she couldn't distinguish the labels.

She outstretched her hand out as the two men engaged in a conversation and she bit her lip. Embarrassment made her knees tremble but she shook her head and took a deep breath.

She squinted and made to touch one of the bottles but stopped. Which one was the one they wanted?

"I am afraid the weather won't help us try those fishing boats tomorrow, Father. Fishermen are already tired by these awful conditions. I think we should give them leave for tomorrow." Master Barnabas' voice was much closer and she stiffened before she picked up a glass from the tray.

His hand appeared out of nowhere and his fingers clasped the neck of one of the bottles. She watched as he brought it forward and then she looked up. His gaze was on her as he tapped his finger on the bottle and then walked towards his father who was gazing out of the windows.

Samantha blinked and then breathed in with relief. She picked up the proper bottle, the one he had pointed out, and poured the amber liquid in the two glasses, her lips breaking into a smile at his gesture.

She picked up the tray and walked over to them. Mr. Collins took his glass and smiled at her before he turned towards the window again.

Master Barnabas' lips were twitching in amusement at her relieved face as he too took his drink from the tray and nodded at her.

"Thank you, Samantha." He told her and she raised her eyes to his. Once they were locked he winked and turned away, a self satisfied expression on his face that made her flush.

Feeling too warm, she took the tray and excused herself, her heart beating wildly against her ribcage.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Samantha's dark gray linen robe was brushing the floor as she walked towards the kitchens, a letter tightly clutched in her hand. As she turned the corner she came face to face with a flushed Angelique.

The dark haired woman smiled widely while wiping the corner of her mouth with a silk handkerchief.

"Little Samantha. Out and about so late?" the woman asked in her thick French accent and Samantha swallowed hard, her gaze drifting briefly towards the handkerchief in the woman's hand.

The letters B.C were sewn in golden thread and Samantha blinked, quickly coming to her senses, "I am looking for Mrs. Filch." She said quietly, putting the letter behind her back.

"Hmm. Don't let me keep you then. Happy mopping tomorrow." Angelique winked before she walked away happily.

Samantha sighed and shook her head before she continued down the corridor.

Mrs. Filch was locking the back door when Samantha walked in the kitchen.

"Samantha? What are you doing dressed like this? It's inappropriate." The housekeeper said and Samantha looked down at her attire.

"I am sorry but this came for me today." She outstretched her hand that held the letter and Mrs. Filch looked at it.

"Yes?"

"I was wondering if you could tell me what it says." Samantha swallowed thickly in fear of being rejected but the older woman took the letter from her hand and opened it.

Mrs. Filch read it quickly, her brow slightly furrowed before she looked up at Samantha.

"It's from your father. He asks of your health and he is sad to tell you that your mother fell sick after you left. He also asks if you could help out with the doctor's expenses." Mrs. Filch handed the letter back, looking as cold and composed as ever.

Samantha blinked rapidly, her expression ashen, "Sick?" she asked shakily, her lower lip trembling.

"Yes."

She looked at the letter and took a deep breath, "Will you…will you please help me write a reply?" she asked quietly and Mrs. Filch regarded her in silence until she nodded once.

"Thank you so much. Could I perhaps ask for a part of my monthly payment?" she ventured hesitantly.

"For that you'll have to talk to one of the Masters." Mrs. Filch replied and Samantha nodded.

"Go to bed now." The older woman dismissed her and Samantha turned on her heel and walked away.

As soon as she was in her room a single tear fell down her cheek.

End of chapter 3

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