A/N: Welcome, welcome. How are you all? Well I hope.
I want to thank: IgnitingFireworks, Jandra1969, SamanthaJane13, HellsingValentine28, SecretSparrowTodd, guest, Nucky Thompson, Amelia V. Sparrow, Makrciana, Lovely Rain Dancer, ForeverACharmedOne, Ravenclaw Slytherin, guest, Leyshla Gisel, 88dragon06, CharlieCats, dionne dance, TinkerbellxO, Jay D. Moore, GloomDusk, music is life 99 xxx and AqoCJeyBee. You are all wonderful for supporting this story! Lots of kisses to you all!
Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Shadows.
Chapter 4
"Um, Mrs. Filch?" Samantha spoke up, trying to get the older woman's attention. The housekeeper dipped the spoon in the soup to taste it before she nodded in satisfaction.
"It needs more salt. Just a pinch though. Not like the other time." She said and the cook nodded before she carried on serving the food.
"Um, the letter, ma'am?" Samantha reminded her, trying to make the other woman to notice her.
Mrs. Filch paused and glared at her, "Does this look like an appropriate time to deal with your correspondence, Samantha? Later." She snapped and Samantha gritted her teeth before she turned to go. She knew that it wasn't the proper time but she had to send the letter and money as soon as possible. As she turned to head out of the kitchen she came face to face with Master Barnabas.
"Oh!" she gasped as she placed a hand over her chest and smiled at him, "I didn't see you, sir." She lowered her hand from her chest and he reached over to take it in his.
Her eyes widened as his soft fingers pried her own open and placed a velvet pouch in her palm. She raised her eyes to his and he smiled, "The money you asked."
"B-but I thought Mr. Collins said that I would get it tomorrow." She stammered.
"These are from me." He seemed reluctant to pull his hand away but eventually he did so and clasped his hands behind his back as his eyes did a quick perusal of the kitchen.
"Come with me." He told her shortly before he turned and walked away. Samantha blinked in confusion and when she didn't immediately followed him he paused and looked at her from over his shoulder.
"Come with me." He repeated and she finally made her feet move.
She ran to catch up with him and on the way to the library they met Angelique. The woman paused and frowned at the sight of them together before she looked down at the tray in her hand.
"I was just bringing you your coffee, Master." She said sweetly and Master Barnabas looked at her briefly before he continued down the hall.
"Take it back, Angelique. I shall wait till dinner for my coffee." He called and Samantha almost flinched at the glare Angelique sent her way. Her long fingers were curled tightly around the handle of the tray as she watched them walk away together.
"But-…" the dark haired woman sputtered but Master Barnabas raised his hand and cut her off.
"I have business to attend to at the moment." He said as he and Samantha rounded the corner and disappeared from her view.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"Come inside." He beckoned her inside the library and Samantha tentatively stepped in.
"Sir? Why are we here?"
"To compose your letter. You need assistance, yes?" he said as he sat behind the grand desk and crossed his legs, his hands resting on the arms of the chair.
"Um, I do. Mrs. Filch will-…"
"Well, I have free time and you don't want to trouble Hattie. She has a temper. In my younger years I received more than one reprimand of her bare hand than I'd care to admit." He smiled and Samantha returned it.
"I do not want to trouble you." She said quietly as she approached the desk.
"It is of no trouble, my dear. Take a seat." He waved a hand at the chair in front of the desk and Samantha quickly complied, placing the pouch with the money on her lap.
"Now then," Master Barnabas reached for a parchment of paper and picked up a quill, "What shall I write?" he raised his eyes and regarded her warmly.
Samantha licked her lips and leaned forward, "It's for my father."
He nodded, "What shall I write to him?" he dipped the quill into the pot of ink.
"Please tell him that I am sending the money and that I hope mother gets better." She started slowly and he looked up at the mention of her mother.
"I am sorry about your mother, my dear." He murmured and she smiled sadly at him, "Anything else?" he asked as he cleared his throat and started writing.
"Ask him about his health and…" she trailed off, "And tell him that I love them both." She concluded quietly.
He nodded his head, a small smile playing on his lips, "How do you like our household, Samantha?" he asked as he carried on writing.
"Excellent, sir." She replied with a frown.
"When is your free day?" he asked as he looked up and gazed at her with a quirked eyebrow.
"Um…this Sunday evening, sir."
"Hmm. Sunday, you say?" he murmured as he put the quill away and leaned back, waiting for the ink to dry.
"Yes."
He stared at her studiously for a moment before he blinked and leaned forward to fold and seal the letter. He asked her for her address and she gave it to him. When he was done he handed the letter over to her.
"Whenever you wish to send a letter to your parents you may come to me and I will write it for you." He told her when she stood to leave.
Her eyes widened, "Sir, I couldn't possibly impose on you-…" she started.
"Nonsense. You shall come to me. Do we have an accord, my dear?" he stood as well and extended his hand for a shake. She eyed it before she reached over and took it in her own. He gripped her hand firmly but gently at the same time before he let go of her.
"Good." He smiled and then walked around the desk, "I will see you at dinner." He called as he walked out of the study, leaving her alone and flustered.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Three weeks later…
Samantha walked steadily towards the young Master's bedchamber, a pack of blank parchments in her hand. She gazed down at her gift and immediately knew that it was not much but he had written so many letters for her in the past few weeks that she had to give something in return. She knew she was a little early for their appointment but she had work to do later and she knew that she had to hurry if she wanted to make it back on time.
She quickened her footsteps and felt a small triumph bubbling up inside her at feeling at ease with the house and its owners. As she reached the door, she hesitated. She looked around and then raised her hand to knock. Before she had the chance to do so noises from inside alerted her of the fact that he was not alone. She heard a small groan, some rustling about and then she heard his voice.
"Your hair is in disarray, my dear. Fix it before you leave." His voice was husky and Samantha's eyes widened.
"You were never like this." The familiar voice of Angelique spoke up.
"Like what?" Master Barnabas' voice was impatient and Samantha could hear him as he walked around his bedroom.
"Quick, dismissive." Angelique replied tersely.
Samantha took a step back, her face flushing.
"Don't be ridiculous. I have some business to take care of in a few minutes. That is all." The young Master's voice was firm but weary at the same time.
"What kind of business?" Angelique asked and Samantha waited for his reply. If the other woman knew that his business was her would certainly be furious.
"Business that does not concern you." He replied and Samantha gulped, wondering if she should bolt.
"When will I see you again?" Angelique's voice had taken a sweeter hue.
"I do not know."
"Can I come back later tonight?"
"No! Are you witless, woman? Someone might see you. I will let you know." Mr. Collins' voice was low and sounded much closer to the door.
Samantha stepped away and took a few steps backwards before she turned and headed down the hall.
The door was opened a moment later and Samantha paused and looked over her shoulder. Angelique walked out and huffed before she turned to walk towards the opposite direction.
Samantha breathed a sigh of relief but when Master Barnabas spoke, she froze.
"Samantha?" he was standing just outside his door, only in his pants and shirt.
"Sir."
"What are you doing there? Were you leaving?" he frowned as he leaned against the doorframe.
"Um, no." she stammered and he smiled in amusement.
"Then what are you doing there? Come on in." he beckoned her closer and she gulped before she complied.
She entered the room in after him and closed the door. When she turned around he was right in front of her.
"Samantha." He breathed and reached over to grasp her wrist. He pulled her closer and her eyes widened.
"Sir?"
"I know you saw Angelique leave." He murmured and she swallowed thickly.
"Master I-…" she started, her heart beating wildly against her ribcage.
"I know you won't say anything." He said with a smile, "And it's not for my sake either. Angelique would get in trouble." He frowned, "My parents already suspect." He sighed but didn't release her, "You understand, don't you?" he asked and she quickly nodded her head.
"Of course." She replied and he smiled, his eyes relieved.
"Thank you, my dear. What is that?" he motioned to her hand as he slowly released her, his thumb brushing her wrist as he did so.
"Oh." She blinked, trying to ignore the tingle his touch left behind, "Um, new parchment paper. I have diminished all your supplies." She said and he chuckled.
"Well, thank you then. What shall we write today?" he asked as he walked over to his desk by the window.
She smiled.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Days later…
The foyer was full of people as Samantha stood by the corner, anxiously brushing her skirt with her hands to smooth it.
"Come on, Samantha! Grab this." Rosy came towards her, talking loudly in order to be heard over the loud noise, "Serve it to the people over there. They are new business partners. That's what I heard."
Samantha nodded and took the tray of shimmering champagne in her hands, "Does your dress stifle you?" she asked quietly and Rosy grimaced.
"Yes! I feel like my chest is going to explode." Rosy eyed Samantha's bosom and smirked, "Looks the same for you." She chuckled and Samantha flushed.
"It's too tight."
"It's the latest fashion in France. That's what Mrs. Collins said." Rosy shrugged before she walked away.
Samantha sighed and headed towards the direction of the circle of people who stood by the settee, conversing loudly with Mr. Collins and his wife.
As soon as she approached, Mrs. Collins smiled at her and took a glass from the tray. The rest of the people did the same without even looking at her. She ducked her head and walked away, blushing furiously as a young man eyed her appreciatively and raised his glass at her. His eyes followed her and she felt uneasy under his stare.
She arrived at the buffet and placed the tray on it before she started filling it with new glasses. Someone brushed up behind her and she apologized without looking to see who it was.
"I am sorry."
"I am not." Master Barnabas' voice was low as he leaned down to speak into her ear.
She gasped and turned to face him but he turned her back around, "Continue your work." He murmured and she felt his hand on her waist, his fingers brushing the fabric of her lilac dress, "French fashion suits you." She could hear his smile and she flushed.
"Thank you, sir."
"Most eyes are upon you. Have you noticed?" he said quietly and she shook her head.
"I don't think so."
"I do." He said and she turned to look up at him. He tipped his glass back and finished his drink before he placed it on the buffet. He picked up a fresh glass of champagne and regarded her intently before he stepped back, "Samantha." He inclined his head and then turned to walk away.
Samantha's eyes followed him and she watched as he passed through people and made his way towards a young woman and a man. The woman had long blonde hair and she was dressed in a beautiful midnight blue dress. Master Barnabas bowed in front of the woman and picked up her hand to kiss it, his eyes never leaving her face, before he folded her hand into the crook of his elbow and led her towards the dance floor.
Samantha looked away but something in the distance caught her eye.
Angelique was staring at them as well from the far side of the room, her hands tightly clasped around a silver pitcher of wine. Samantha frowned at the woman's expression before she picked up her newly filled tray and walked away.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
A few people gasped and Samantha's eyes widened when she saw the lovely young woman stumbling over her own feet. Angelique, who was next to her, pulled back immediately and watched with a small smirk as the blonde woman tripped and almost fell to the floor.
Master Barnabas' hands steadied her and he shot a quick look towards Angelique who locked eyes with him, challenging him to speak.
He gritted his teeth and turned towards the woman in his arms, "Are you alright, my dear?" he asked her and she nodded.
"Of course. I wasn't watching where I was going." She replied in a light tone.
Samantha glanced at Angelique who seemed less than contrite.
"I shall give her some water, Master." She spoke up but Master Barnabas' hand shot out, preventing her from coming any closer. His eyes were wide and stormy as he looked at the dark haired woman.
"No. You may clean up the mess you created." He pointed at the pool of wine on the floor, "Samantha. Take Ms. Du Pres to the balcony for some fresh air. I shall be with you shortly." He said and Samantha nodded.
"Yes, sir. My lady." She smiled and the other woman smiled back.
"How kind." She took Samantha's hand and together they walked away.
The last thing Samantha saw was Master Barnabas' irritated expression as he grabbed Angelique's arm and pulled her away from the sea of people.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Samantha closed the large French doors and pulled the curtains closed before she picked up the last tray of dirty glasses. She looked around one last time before she headed for the kitchens.
As she slipped into the long hall that connected the parlor with the kitchen area, an arm wrapped itself around her waist and pulled her backwards. She yelped when her back connected with a solid chest.
"My, my. One shouldn't wander in the dark, my darling." An unfamiliar voice whispered in her ear and she tensed.
"Pardon?" she wiggled and managed to get free, clutching onto the tray. He reached over and pulled it from her grasp as he stepped forward and into the light. He placed it on a nearby vase stand and turned to her.
He had dirty blond hair and pale blue eyes. He was the gentleman who had been staring at her earlier that evening.
"The Collins family always has the prettiest servants. What's your name, love?" he asked her with a smile as he stepped closer.
"Who are you?" she asked him instead and he smiled as he leaned over and touched her face.
"Jonathan Evans. His name is Jonathan Evans." Master Barnabas' voice came from behind her and she breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of him. His hair was slightly disheveled as if he had run his hand through it too many times and he was still in his ball clothes.
"What are you doing here, John?"
"What are you doing here, my friend? I thought you were busy." Mr. Evans replied as he pulled his hand from Samantha's face and Master Barnabas' pursed his lips.
"Go to bed. We'll talk more tomorrow. I am sure you remember we have business to discuss." The young Master replied and the blond smiled before he shrugged.
"Spoilsport." He muttered and with a last wink towards Samantha he walked away.
Samantha watched him go while Master Barnabas ran a hand through his hair.
"I apologize on his behalf, my dear. Are you alright?" he asked as he eyed her form.
"I am well, sir. He surprised me is all." She smiled and he returned it.
"He has a tendency to paw at lovely young creatures such as yourself. Stay away from him as much as you possibly can. Don't hesitate to tell me if anything like what happened tonight happens again."
Samantha smiled and reached for the tray, "Thank you but don't worry about me. Goodnight, sir." She made to pass by him but he caught her arm.
"Samantha." He murmured and she looked up.
"Yes?" she shivered as his thumb rubbed back and forth on her skin.
His eyes searched her face before he spoke quietly, "Come to my chamber tomorrow at midnight."
"Excuse me-..."
His fingers tightened around her arm in response, "Find a way and come. I want to talk to you."
Her eyes widened, "I can't!"
"I have a proposition to make to you. Come." He stared into her eyes, "Do you trust me, Samantha?" he murmured and she swallowed thickly.
"Of course, sir." She replied softly.
"Then you will come to me. Until then." He released her and walked away, his boots a gentle round of thuds on the carpeted hallway.
Samantha watched him go with wide eyes before she turned and rushed to the kitchen.
End of chapter 4
Author's note: Thank you for reading! Why do you think he wants her? ;o)
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