A/N: Welcome to another chapter! A huge thank you to: SweetMusicDreamer, Night-Weaver369, Sagacious Rouge, nuckythompson, MissMisc3, Jandra1969, XantheXV, TinaG646, LabyFan23, Loki-Lover18, IgnitingFireworks, ForeverACharmedOne, JDLuvaSQEE, smilin steph, Jay D. Moore, Makrciana, Child Of Old, GloomDusk, xxPaige23xx, CharlieCats, Dionne dance, music is life 99 xxx, Balder Rask, TinkerbellxOAqoCJeyBee, Leyshla Gisel and 88dragon06.

Also, this chapter is dedicated to five ladies from Facebook. You know who you are! :D

Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Shadows.

Chapter 8

~"I think it a glorious thing to have the hope of living with you, because I love you.

No, sir, don't caress me now-let me talk undisturbed."~

~Jane Eyre~

Samantha worked mechanically. She picked up the dirty dishes and cutlery and studiously brought them back into the kitchen to get them washed. She returned to the parlor and fixed the tablecloths, the vases which were filled with wild red roses and then diminished some of the candles.

The guests were gone after spending hours of congratulating and talking to the newly betrothed couple and the loud noises of the melodic violin had long stopped, leaving a dull, bitter atmosphere behind; at least for Samantha. As she replaced the chairs around the dinner table, which had been turned into a buffet, she noticed Angelique a few feet away. She was on her knees, mopping at the floor with insistence, trying to clean all the wine remnants from it while her eyes were fixated at a spot across from her.

Samantha gulped at the intense look in the dark haired woman's eyes and she timidly, almost reluctantly, followed her line of vision. Her throat went dry for she knew that her own gaze mirrored Angelique's. Ms. Josette and Master Barnabas were outside, talking to each other. Ms. Josette was beaming at him and he was nodding his head in polite consent to whatever it was that had her so excited. As Samantha gazed at them she couldn't help but admit that they were a very fitting couple; both of them so beautiful and so refined. It was blinding almost to look at them.

It took one caress of Master Barnabas' hand down Ms. Du Pres' cheek for Samantha to turn her face away from the scene.

She swallowed hard and as her gaze settled back on Angelique she took her words back. No. Her gaze did not mirror Angelique's. Because in Angelique's eyes the hate was shining so profoundly that it turned Samantha's blood cold.

Picking up the cloth she had been using to brush dust from the table and chairs she walked away with her heart thumping wildly inside of her chest.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Samantha angrily scratched the word out with her quill and started writing the sentence again, her eyes intent on the purpose of writing down everything he said without one single mistake.

"Samantha?" Master Barnabas' voice was smooth and warm like always and it made her heart ache. She paused and looked up at him, her eyes wide.

"Did I curse out loud?" she asked quietly and he smiled.

"No." he shook his head with a chuckle, "You curse? I've never heard you curse." He said as he closed the book and approached her.

She tensed when she noticed the movement, "Um, I am human. Of course I curse when I am mad, sir." She replied as she perfected an R in her sentence with her quill.

"Good girls do not curse." He narrowed his eyes playfully as he placed his palms on his desk and leaned down closer to her.

"Not out loud." She replied as she quickly averted her eyes and pushed the page towards him. He reached out and pulled it to him, his fingers brushing and lingering on her own as he did so.

Once his eyes were on the written page, Samantha tucked both of her hands on her lap and out of his reach. He shouldn't touch her. She could not bear it. Not anymore. It confused her because he hadn't done anything to her. On the contrary he had helped so much that she knew that she could never repay the goodness he had given her so generously. It wasn't his fault that she had taken that goodness and had turned it into something else in her head. It was her own fault; no one else's.

"Perfect." He looked up at her, his eyes warm, "Well done." He reached out and grasped her chin between his fingers, gently flicking the skin and she tried hard not to pull back.

"I have made a decision." He murmured and she frowned.

"What about?" she asked hesitantly.

"Josette's father has been insistent on giving us his house here in Collinsport after the wedding. He insists on me and Josette living there." He said with a small frown.

Samantha gulped. He was going to leave Collinwood? Him? Impossible.

"I do not want to. I love this house and my parents are here and…It is unorthodox but I do not want to pose a problem for Josette." He let go of her chin and cocked his head to the side.

"I did not congratulate you, sir. I hope you are very happy." She said, trying not blink for her eyes were stinging.

"Don't you want to hear the decision I've made?" he asked, disregarding her wishes.

"Of course, Master." She tried to smile.

He frowned, "I am taking you with me." He said to her softly and her eyes widened.

"I am sorry?" she stuttered.

"You heard me." He chuckled.

"At Mr. Du Pres' residence?" she asked as her heart filled with dread.

"Hmm. The work there won't be the same. The mansion is much smaller than this but I need someone I can trust there. There was only one choice. You." He brushed the back of his hand over her cheek and she pulled back.

He frowned when she stood up and gathered her book, "Samantha?" he asked her and she blinked rapidly.

"I am honored, sir. But I need to run. I have the um…" she trailed off, the words leaving her mouth in a hurry as her heart threatened to burst from her chest, "This…errand to run before the night is out. Um, goodnight." She muttered before she turned on her heel and fled his chamber, leaving him confused and mildly upset.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"Mrs. Filch?" Samantha wiped her hands on her apron as the housekeeper entered the kitchen.

"Hmm? What is it, child?" the older woman looked up.

"May I be excused for a while? I am finished with my chores." She asked hopefully.

"You may. Be back before supper time." Mrs. Filch warned her and Samantha nodded.

"Yes, ma'am." She picked up her shawl and walked out of the back door.

Her feet carried her over to the stables and straight to the newborn foal. As she headed for the hay she noticed that someone was already there.

She faltered when she saw Master Barnabas but then she carried on walking. Maybe it was her chance to talk to him.

"Master?" she cleared her throat and he looked up.

"Samantha." He smiled but it was guarded. The way she had left had been shocking to him it seemed.

"Came to visit Cesar?" he asked her as he handed her some hay.

She accepted it and nodded, "Yes, sir."

"Come then." He motioned towards the horses and she followed him.

As soon as they were in, they headed straight for the little one and Samantha smiled. He was standing, albeit a little wobbly, and as soon as he saw them he tried to approach.

Master Barnabas laughed and leaned down to pet its head, "There, there." He murmured as Samantha went to feed its mother.

The mare flicked her hand with her face and Samantha petted her in return.

"Master?" she spoke up after a while and he looked at her.

"Hmm?"

"I want to speak to you about something." She said quietly and he straightened his posture.

"Of course." He motioned towards the outer space of the stables and they slowly made their way outside.

"Does it have to do with the abrupt way you left the other day?" he asked as he wiped his hands from the hay and looked at her.

She gulped, "Sir, I do not want you to think this as ingratitude but…" she trailed off shakily and he frowned.

"But?" he encouraged.

She looked up at him and his chocolate gaze made her falter a bit. It was unassuming.

"Um, I think we should no longer meet for lessons." She finally said the words and it seemed as if all the color left his face.

"Why? Have I done something?" he asked as he leaned closer and looked deep into her eyes.

"No, sir. But now that you are betrothed it is not proper for us to meet in your chamber. What would your fiancée think? I cannot do it." She shook her head and he swallowed hard.

"Josette would have no problem." He said quickly.

"But I do, sir." She objected and he looked away as he quickly licked his lips.

"We can meet in the morning. It doesn't have to be in my room." He suggested as he looked back at her.

"Sir, we simply have to stop. You have achieved your purpose. I now know a lot of things that I did not know before. And I am grateful for that." She smiled and he stared at her.

"If that is so why does it have to end?" he asked her in a low voice.

She fought to find the right words, "Sir, why can't you see my point of view? It's simply not right. The staff already talks about us behind closed doors. Your father does not approve and your mother is simply too polite to frown upon her son for spending his nights with a lowly servant girl." She said with fire and he reared back as if she'd slapped him.

"Do not talk like that about yourself. I've already told you that I do not care what others think. I like spending time with you. It's inspiring to see you develop. It's…" he trailed off as he tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, "It's enthralling watching you develop in front of my eyes." He smiled and she shivered when he touched her cheek.

"You are like a raw gem that has to be polished and carved in order to fully show its true beauty. You amaze me at times." He breathed as he closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers.

"I am none of those things." She whispered as he slowly angled his head and brought his mouth closer.

"Do not take this away from me." He murmured and Samantha stood rock still as his lips brushed against hers and then firmly closed over them. He released a choked sound from deep in his chest as he kissed her deeply and Samantha felt as if her knees were ready to buckle. Her hands found anchor on his coat and she held herself up by grabbing onto it tightly.

His hand moved to the back of her head to press her closer but the moment she almost gave in, her senses returned to her and she pushed hard again his chest.

He stumbled back and his eyes widened when her hand connected with his cheek in a sharp slap. His head turned to the side from the force of the blow and then his wide eyes locked with hers.

Samantha took a step back and covered her mouth with her hand while he stood still, his hands resting limply by his sides as he stared at her.

Her breath quickened at her own actions and she swallowed thickly, "I am so sorry, Master. I don't know what possessed me to do this." She whispered as she stepped further back from him, "I am so sorry." She repeated before she turned and fled the stables.

He stared after her with pained eyes and then ran his fingers over his abused cheek, "I am sorry, Samantha." He murmured before he turned on his heel and walked away, his boots loud and rough against the cobblestone path.

Angelique's ice blue eyes followed him from the stables' entrance, her lips set in determination.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

A few days later…

The meat looked delicious but as Samantha served it, it made her stomach churn. Her hand shook slightly as she placed a slice of the beef on Ms. Du Pres' plate and the shaking worsened when she arrived at Master Barnabas' seat.

His hand shot out and he steadied her fingers before he took the fork from her, "I'll do it, love." He murmured the words so quietly that no one could hear them as he transferred a slice of the meat onto his plate and then placed the fork on the large platter. Samantha ducked her head and carried on while Rosy served the wine.

When she was done, she immediately stepped back and came to stand to her usual corner.

"How are the preparations for the dress going, Josette?" Lady Collins asked and Josette beamed.

"Very well. The design is ready. The fittings will start shortly." She replied before she took a bite from her food.

Master Barnabas pushed the food around in his plate as soon as the conversation started and then shot a glance around.

"Is it silk only?" Lady Collins asked and Josette nodded.

"And lace."

"Veil?"

"Certainly."

Both women giggled and Samantha looked at them, trying to keep her face neutral.

"Barnabas told me that you are going to give us a member of your household?" Josette asked delicately and Lady Collins nodded.

"Ah, yes! Samantha will come with you."

Ms. Du Pres looked at Samantha and smiled.

"How lovely." She said warmly and Samantha tried to smile back.

Angelique who had been standing near the entrance looked up at those words and she looked at Samantha, her eyes wild and narrowed before she quietly excused herself and walked away.

Samantha looked away from the entrance and sighed softly as the conversation was diverted from her.

Feeling eyes on her she looked up and realized that while his fiancée and mother were talking, Master Barnabas had his eyes on her, his expression a mask between irritation, anger and determination.

With his eyes, he motioned towards the French doors and she frowned.

He smiled a bit and motioned towards it again, his eyes warmer and she gulped.

"Excuse me." He whispered but the two women paid him no mind as he stood and headed for the balcony.

Samantha followed him slowly and when she was out his hand closed around her wrist.

"Tedious." He sighed as he looked down at her, "It's what I hear all day." He muttered and Samantha smiled up at him.

"They are joyous things to hear." She whispered and he frowned.

"So I hear…"

She looked up at him with a frown at that.

"How's your reading going?"

"Well, sir. Thank you."

"Come by my chamber tomorrow. I shall provide you with more books." He smiled as he reluctantly released her hand.

"Um, thank you, sir." She smiled and he returned it.

"I am so sorry about the other day. What I did…"

"Please, sir. Do not think of that." She cut him off, "I still cannot believe I slapped you." She flushed and his eyes darkened.

"Believe me, my dear. Every touch from your lovely hand is a blessing. Even if it's meant to punish." He murmured and she looked at him with wide eyes, her cheeks a deep red.

"Sir…"

"Barnabas!" Lady Collins' voice rang from inside and Master Barnabas sighed.

"I better go." He briefly touched the side of her head and then walked away.

Samantha followed him after a moment, her skin still flushed from his honeyed words.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"Here you go." Master Barnabas placed a book on the tray she carried and breathed in her scent before he walked towards the breakfast table.

"Another one, sir?" she smiled as she placed the teapot, sugar and milk on the table.

"Of course. Anything for you." He told her as he reached for the pot.

Samantha staggered at his words but tried not to think too much of them. He was always sweet spoken.

As Lady Collins and Master Joshua joined him, Angelique came in. In her hands she held the family's correspondence.

"These arrived this morning, sir." She handed them to the young Master who took them from her with a small smile. Angelique stared at him longingly but when he looked up at her with a quirked eyebrow, she stepped back and came to stand in her usual place.

Master Barnabas looked through them and frowned, "Um, Samantha. There is a letter for you here. Angelique must have misplaced it." He told her with a grin and Samantha frowned.

"Oh, thank you." She walked over and took it from his hand. He smiled and nodded in reply before he handed the other letters to his father.

Samantha stepped back towards the far side of the room and slowly opened the letter while the Collins started eating in silence. She unfolded the letter and smiled when she realized that it was from her father. A sense of gratitude towards Master Barnabas blossomed in her heart and she looked at him briefly. Shockingly enough he was watching her as he chewed on his eggs. When he saw her looking back at him, he smiled a smile she hadn't seen on his face since before she had terminated their lessons together.
Flushing she lowered her eyes and carried on reading the letter.
The wide smile slowly left her face when she read her father's words however. Her face turned ashen and her hands started to shake uncontrollably as her eyes read the words again and again.
"Oh my God. No." she whispered and Master Barnabas looked up with worry.
"Samantha?" he placed his cutlery aside and slowly stood up.
Mr. and Mrs. Collins looked at her as well, while Angelique watched with a small smirk upon her face.
"Samantha." Master Barnabas repeated and when she looked at him his eyes widened, "Whatever is the matter?" he asked as he walked around the table and headed towards her.
Samantha dropped the letter and then looked down at it as it lay on the expensive marble floor. She cupped her face with her trembling hands and shook her head. The room around her started spinning and she felt her legs giving out from under her.
"Samantha, love!" Master Barnabas sounded much closer and as her knees buckled he was there to catch her.
His arms wrapped themselves around her and he made her lean her head on his chest, just where his heart was. Samantha could hear it beating wildly under her ear and with one look upon his handsome face she felt her world go black.
Her last thought echoed deep in her subconscious even after she had fainted.
My mother. Dead.

End of chapter 8

Author's note: Thank you for reading. Please, please review before you go. It means a lot and it's my only payment! Give some love to this penniless writer!

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