A/N: Hello, hello! Welcome back!
A huge thank you to: Leyshla Gisel, MissMisc3, LabyFan23, xxPaige23xx, Loki-Lover18, Sagacious Rouge, Jandra1969, nuckythompson, Lovely Rain Dancer, guest, PrincessKanako, dionne dance, GloomDusk, XantheXV, TinaG646, ForeverACharmedOne, IgnitingFireworks, hannahhobnob, Makrciana, smiling steph, Tink, 88dragon06, AqoCJeyBee, , Jay D. Moore and CharlieCats.
You are all awesome!
Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Shadows.
Chapter 7
The candlelight did not provide much illumination for her to see clearly but she carried on writing as Master Barnabas continued reciting from a large volume. His voice was clear but quiet and he did not seem uncomfortable in her presence; so unlike herself. She was shifting in her seat from time to time, blushing every time he leaned over her to look over her words and every time he locked eyes with her she could feel her heart beating like it was about to stop.
"The mind which is created quick to love," he started on another paragraph and Samantha almost protested. She had written two pages already and he had not looked over the last one for mistakes.
"…is responsive to everything that is pleasing…Samantha." He spoke her name and she looked up.
"Sir?"
He wore a frown on his face, "Are you alright?" he asked and she felt her face heating up. Again.
"Of course."
He quirked an eyebrow at her, "Shall we continue with the last paragraph then?"
"Hmm." She shook her throbbing hand and poised the quill above the paper again.
"…soon as by pleasure it is awakened into activity." He came to stand by the window as he waited for her to write the words. When he saw her hand stopping he carried on.
"Your apprehensive faculty draws an impression from a real object, and unfolds it within you,"
Samantha frowned at the words.
"…so it makes the mind turn thereto. And if being turned, it inclines towards it." He looked at her and smirked at her frown.
He pushed away from the window and approached her as he read out loud the last sentence, "That inclination is love; that is nature, which through pleasure is bound anew within you." He snapped the book shut and placed it behind his back as he leaned down towards her.
When she was done he took the pages from her and started reading them in search of mistakes, going through the first one as well again.
"What book is that?" she asked curiously and he looked at her briefly before he replied.
"Dante's Divine Comedy." He told her as he went to the other page and picked up her quill, circling the words she wrote wrong.
"I am sorry, sir, but it seemed difficult to understand…At least for me." She whispered and when he was done he put the pages down and smiled at her fondly.
"Of course it is. It took me a long time to understand the meaning behind the words." He placed the book on his desk and tapped it with his finger, "It is difficult to comprehend. That is why I decided to give you a play to read." He said as he opened a drawer and pulled out a book.
"Which one?" Samantha asked and he slowly handed it to her.
"Pygmalion by Rousseau." He said and she blinked.
"Can you tell me what it is about, sir?" she looked up and he nodded.
"Very well. It is the story of a man who fell in love with one of his own sculptures, Galatea."
Samantha frowned, "How is that even possible?" she asked and Master Barnabas laughed.
"Well, it is. The creator fell in love with his creation. The sculpture comes to life when Pygmalion finishes her and starts talking to him. When you read it you will understand. It is an English translation from the original French version." He told her and she gazed down at the book.
"When do you want it returned to you?" she asked quietly and he waved a hand at her dismissively.
"Whenever you've read it." He said as he picked up the Divine Comedy and placed it in a shelf.
"Thank God we have our lessons so late because this morning I had the most dreadful headache." He said and Samantha froze.
"Oh?"
"Yes. I woke up feeling disorientated. My head felt ten times its weight." He winced in the memory and rubbed his temple.
Samantha stood up and smoothed down her skirt before she murmured, "Well, perhaps you should not drink so much the next time, Master." She said before she could stop her tongue and he froze.
Slowly he looked up at her, "Beg pardon?" he frowned at her and she gulped.
"Um…"
"You…You were there, weren't you?" he whispered and as he approached she took a step back, "You were there." He repeated and Samantha reluctantly nodded.
"I helped you to your room. I had some work to do in the kitchen when I found you in the parlor…"
He blinked rapidly and a small smile appeared on his lips as he gazed at her intently, "I thought it was a dream." He murmured but when he saw her terrified expression he took a step back.
"I hope I did not offend you when I…" he trailed off and her wide eyes focused on a spot by his feet.
"Samantha." He grasped her chin and lifted her face up, "I did kiss you, did I not?" he whispered and she nodded once.
"Please forgive me for taking such liberties…I was not in my right state of mind at the time." He murmured as he slowly released her chin and touched a lock of her hair instead, "Your loveliness does not make it easier." He added hoarsely and she had the sudden urge to bolt. So, she did.
Gripping the book tightly she stepped back and headed straight for the door. The last thing she heard when she closed his door was his rapid footsteps and the exclamation of her name.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
A few days later…
"May I have some more tea, Samantha?" his voice was smooth and gentle as he spoke and Samantha looked up sharply from her place by the table. She could not even look at him from what had been said and happened the last few days. It was awful how everybody was talking about something that they had no idea of.
"Ah, some more for me as well, dear." Lady Collins smiled and Samantha returned it. She served Mrs. Collins first and then walked around the table to refill Master Barnabas' teacup as well.
She could feel his eyes burning her skin and when she had done the task she immediately stepped back and away. His barely audible sigh was lost to the other table's occupant but not to her.
"Barnabas, when shall we invite Josette and her father for dinner again?" Lady Collins asked and Angelique chose that moment to walk into the door with the orange juice pitcher. At the sound of Ms. Du Pres' name she literally froze by the table and looked at Master Barnabas with intense but oh, so cold eyes. He didn't even flinch though.
"Soon, mother." He smiled at the woman as he stirred his tea and glanced at Samantha once.
Angelique noticed and turned to look at the blonde woman, her gaze frozen.
Samantha promptly avoided eye contact with her and kept her eyes on the table.
"Have you thought what we told you-..."
"I said soon, mother." Barnabas cut her off before he took a sip from his drink, "These things do not need any unnecessary haste." He added more softly.
"Of course not but your father-…" Naomi started objecting.
"Mother, please. This is not the proper place for such a discussion." He said sharply as Angelique approached and placed the pitcher on the table.
"Surely Samantha would not-…"
"I am no referring to Samantha." He cut her off once more and Angelique looked at him with wide eyes.
"Are you referring to me then, Master?" she asked and he looked up.
"Actually, I am." He said as he pushed his chair back and stood, towering over her, "I am referring to your inclination towards gossip."
"Me?" Angelique looked at Lady Collins who simply stared back calmly.
"I know you've been spreading un-favoring rumors inside our household about my tutoring Samantha. Due to that fact, my father is more than just upset. Please cease your gossips immediately. What I do or don't do is none of your concern." He told her, his eyes dark and stormy.
"It is not gossip. I simply-…" Angelique started heatedly.
"You don't have the right to discuss other people's affairs. If I hear one more slanderous word coming out of your mouth that has to do with anyone in this household I will throw you out myself. Is that clear?" he cut her off, his words biting and Angelique looked stricken. It was a novelty to see the young Master so angry.
Even his mother looked shocked.
"Barnabas, I am sure Angelique has learned her lesson. No reason for this fuss." She said gently and Barnabas looked at his mother before he picked up his coat and gloves and looked at Angelique with calmer eyes.
"I apologize, mother." He murmured with sincerity while Angelique stood rooted on the spot by his harsh words.
"I just do not like injustice." He shot a quick look at Angelique who had her eyes lowered and was clutching the fabric of her skirt tightly.
"Of course, son." Lady Collins nodded, "I am glad you're helping out Samantha." She turned her eyes on Samantha who was avoiding everyone's gaze.
"How are the lessons going, my dear?" Lady Collins asked her and Angelique quickly excused herself. Master Barnabas gazed after her before he turned his eyes on Samantha.
"Very well, my lady. Thank you." Samantha said quietly and Master Barnabas smiled.
"She is a very capable student, mother." He said gently and Samantha dared to look up at him.
"Good, good." Lady Collins smiled at them.
"Samantha, come. Let's feed the horses." Master Barnabas said out of the blue and Samantha blinked.
"But I-…"
"Come along." He cut her off as he turned and headed for the door.
Samantha bowed slightly and hurried after him.
"Sir, I have work to do!" she said as she tried to catch up with him.
"We need to talk." He told her simply and she frowned as they passed through the garden.
After a few moments they arrived at the stables and Master Barnabas pulled her inside by grabbing her arm. She gasped.
"You did not come last night. Or the night before." He said with a frown as he gazed down at her.
"I couldn't."
"You didn't let me know." He pointed out and she averted her eyes.
"After everything that has been said about us it didn't feel right." She confessed and he clicked his tongue.
"Who cares about what other people think? We didn't do anything wrong. Do you wish to stop your tutoring with me?" he asked her and there was deep worry in his gaze.
"No."
He smiled and slowly released her arm, "I thought I did something." He murmured, "Will you come tonight?" he asked as he cocked his head to the side.
"Yes."
"Did you read the book?" he asked her as he ran his hand down her braid.
"I did." At that she smiled.
He chuckled, "Then I shall give you a new one tonight." He released her hair and stepped back.
He placed his gloves and coat on a stool and leaned down towards the hay, "Now let's feed the horses. Did you see the newborn?" he asked with glimmering eyes, "It is snowy white. I want you to name him." He winked and motioned towards the hay before he headed towards the direction of his horse.
Samantha grinned and followed him after grabbing some hay. They named the newborn horse Cesar.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
The candlelight was really accentuating Lady Du Pres' midnight blue dress as she let Master Barnabas twirl her around. Her melodic laughter echoed in the walls of Collinwood like music. Lady Collins was too dancing with Mr. Du Pres alongside a few other couples, while Master Joshua was talking animatedly with a few of his business associates.
Samantha looked at the dance floor again and sighed while Rosy next to her groaned.
"I want to dance. No, I don't want to dance. I want to find a husband so I can get out of here." She complained as she tugged on her white apron.
Samantha turned to her, "Don't be greedy. All come with time." She pointed out and she froze when she turned and met Master Barnabas' eyes. He was looking at her from over his partner's shoulder, his expression peculiar.
"Oh, yes. It seemed like you wasted your time with the young Master. He looks taken with what's her face…" Rosy said with a smirk and Samantha broke the eye contact with her Master to glare at Rosy.
"My time was not wasted. I learned a lot. I still do." She said sharply and Rosy seemed startled.
"I was just pulling your leg, Sam." She said quietly, "I didn't mean anything."
"You could have fooled me." She muttered before she walked away and towards the liquor cabinet. She busied herself with filling more glasses with sherry when suddenly she felt a presence behind her.
"Sherry. Hmm. The best is made in Cadiz." Master Barnabas' voice whispered in her ear over the loud violin. His hand came around her waist and he picked up a glass. She filled it and then put the bottle away. He lifted the glass to her lips and she tensed.
"Drink. I think you will enjoy it." He murmured and she looked around.
"Someone will see."
"They are all half drunk. No one will notice. Try it." He coaxed and with a small sigh she tasted the drink. The taste was sweet and heady on her tongue.
"Well?"
"Very nice, sir. One could become drunk from it very easily I fear." She said as he allowed her to turn around. She looked up at him as he drank from the same glass, his eyes half lidded.
"It seems to me that you always get what you want, sir." She said with a small smile as he lowered the glass from his lips and put it on the stand behind her.
"Indeed." He murmured as he reached over and grasped her hands, "And what I want right now is a dance. With you." He smiled as he pulled her towards the center of the room.
Samantha stiffened, "Sir."
"Hush. It's just a dance." He told her quietly as he wrapped an arm around her back and pulled her closer, as close as he had been dancing with Ms. Du Pres. It was so inappropriate. She was surprised no one had noticed who he was dancing with.
"Your date must be missing you, sir." She said as she gazed at the brocade of his vest.
"One would think that you do not find joy in dancing with me." He said quietly and she looked up.
"You know that is no true, sir."
"Do I?" he smiled lopsidedly at her and she flushed.
He twirled her twice and she fell back against his chest as the music slowly came to an end. He pressed his nose into her hair and then released her.
Samantha looked up at him and it was increasingly alarming that she kept getting lost in his eyes lately.
"Your attention please!" Master Joshua spoke up and Samantha quickly lowered her eyes and walked away from the dance floor.
Angelique looked at her as she returned to her spot and her eyes were slightly narrowed.
"May I take this opportunity to announce some very joyous news for my family? Yes? Thank you."
Samantha watched as Master Barnabas walked towards his parents, his head lowered.
"I am happy to announce the betrothal of my son to the lovely Josette." Master Joshua proudly announced and everyone gasped and clapped their hands.
Samantha froze and watched with wide eyes as Ms. Du Pres came to stand by her Master, her eyes alight with joy.
Rosy looked equally shocked and Angelique looked like she had eaten something extremely bitter from the way her face was scrunched up. With a quiet curse spoken in French, she let the tray she held with a clutter and then walked away, her fists clenched.
"What did she think?" Rosy said as they watched the guests congratulate the couple, "That he'd marry her or something? Pff!" she laughed but Samantha did not join her. All she could do was watch with alarming despair as Master Barnabas dropped his head and pressed a kiss on Lady Josette's lips.
End of chapter 7
Author's note: Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you did and want more then please review before you go. It really just takes a minute and it is my only payment!
I had planned on including more in this chapter but then I thought otherwise. :D
AqoCJeyBee will receive a sneak peek of the next chapter since she guessed right on my little quiz on the story over at Facebook. :D Congtrats , love!
Xxx Lina :)