A/N: Hello! A quick update this time simply because I love writing this!

A huge thank you to: AqoCJeyBee, SweetMusicDreamer, BlooperLover, tonidepp16, hannahhobnob, nuckythompson, Jandra1969, Sagacious Rouge, LabyFan23, ForeverACharmedOne, IgnitingFireworks, cherrysoft, SecretSparrowTodd, Jay D. Moore, GloomDusk, dionne dance, Night-Weaver369, CharlieCats, Makrciana, Loki-Lover18, TinkerbellxO, guest, Lovely Rain Dancer, Obsessive Compulsive Fangirl, Sarah Leet, XantheXV, smilin steph, VesperLogan12, 88dragon06 and Leyshla Gisel.

I really want to thank the guest reviewers for commenting! Your reviews are much appreciated!

Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Shadows.

Chapter 9

"Barnabas! This is highly inappropriate!"

Samantha heard Lady Collins whisper gently and she frowned as she fought hard to open her eyes.

"Oh, I am sorry, mother. Should I just let her tumble to the floor?" Warm arms tightened around her but she could feel something soft under her body. The settee perhaps?

Her head pounded and her heart was still beating erratically against her ribcage.

"No, of course not. But calling her love in front of your father! Do not think he did not notice." Lady Collins said and Master Barnabas clicked his tongue in irritation.

Samantha tried to stir but her limbs felt heavy and they were uncooperative.

"Please, mother. Not now." Master Barnabas replied gently and Samantha felt his cool, and by now familiar hand, brushing over her brow in a caress.

"Fine. I shall order for some tea with honey for her." Lady Collins sighed and the telltale sound of her footsteps signaled her exit.

A cool cloth was pressed against her forehead and Samantha realized why his usually warm hand was cool; he had been holding the wet cloth.

The air around her seemed cold to her and she shivered, her hand jerking as he touched it with his free one and rubbed the skin softly.

"There, hush." He murmured and she reflexively turned her head towards the warmth next to it; his chest.

She felt him tense but after a moment he released a tremulous breath and coiled his arm around her shoulders, puling her deeper into his body and warmth.

Samantha's eyelids felt swollen and she could still feel moisture leaking from them even in this state of half awareness.

The cool cloth left her forehead and went to wipe the skin under her eyes this time. She was glad because the tears were making her eyes sting.

A moment later she felt pressure on the top of her head and she realized with a start that he had pressed his lips against her hair. He lingered until he heard footsteps approaching.

"Master?" Angelique's voice was sweet, in that tone that was reserved only for the young Master, "Shall I take her instead?"

She felt every muscle in his body tensing at the woman's words.

"No."

"Surely you must be numb from sitting there-…"

"Keep your hands away from her!" his voice had changed, it was darker and furious.

"Master?" Angelique's voice was shocked.

"Do not think I did not see that smirk on your face when you delivered the letters and afterwards. Why do you keep having this attitude? Why are you so ill-behaved towards others?" his voice was confused.

"You know why." Angelique's reply was strained.

"No, I do not and I certainly do not appreciate the sentiment." Master Barnabas replied.

"Have you ever thought how you have been treating me?" Angelique asked and by then Samantha was fully awake and aware of her surroundings. Suddenly the comfort of his arms around her was not wanted and she wished to be gone from their presence. She had to force herself to be still.

"Me? I have only ever been truthful." Master Barnabas sounded confused and mildly offended.

"Your truth hurts!" Angelique's voice was a mere hiss before she turned and walked away.

Samantha felt him move then and her head found the settee. She heard the clutter of the teaspoon as he stirred the tea and she decided it was time to open her eyes. He noticed the movement of her head as she turned to look at him and he abandoned the tea to come back to her side.

He smiled, "There you are." His eyes were soft.

Samantha blinked her swollen eyes before she sat up. When he touched her arm to help her she flinched. He frowned.

"I am fine, sir." She whispered hoarsely as she gazed at the table across from her emptily.

He frowned again and reached for the teacup, "Drink. It will warm you up." He murmured but she shook her head, "Please, my dear."

She looked at his face and swallowed hard before she took the cup. She brought it to her lips but the sweetness of the honey made her nauseous. She swallowed it nonetheless.

"I…I took the liberty of reading the letter. You have my sincere condolences." He told her as he sat down next to her and placed his hand on her knee.

She tensed, "I do not understand. She was perfectly fine…I have to go-…"

"Go where?" Master Barnabas raised his voice, "I am not letting you travel in this condition."

"My father said that everything has been taken cared of…That means he did not send the letter immediately. He knew he'd have to pay for my travelling expenses as well since all my money is going to them." She said numbly and Master Barnabas stared.

"I beg your pardon?" he whispered, "You…you're not keeping any of the money?" he asked her as he reached over and tucked her hair behind her ear.

Samantha jerked at the touch and placed the cup on the table, realizing that she had said too much.

"Samantha-…"

"I have work to do, Master. Thank you." She gazed at him with gratitude before she picked up the letter that lay on the table and then hurried away.

He stared after her with parted lips and pained eyes.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

A few days later…

Ms. Du Pres' laughter echoed in the garden of Collinwood and for some reason it made Samantha's ears throb. It had never happened before. She usually rejoiced in the sound of laughter but this time…This time all she wanted to do was cover her ears like a petulant child. She had the urge to abandon the laundry and head straight to her room. But she did neither of those things because he was there and he was watching.

He was taking strolls with his fiancée and she was clutching onto his hand tightly, her mouth moving but Samantha's ears were deaf to her words. Only her eyes worked as she from time to time looked up from her work to gaze at them.

The weather had chilled and the couple was dressed heavily, their coats wrapped tightly around them as they walked. Master Barnabas held his walking stick and was gazing at it with pursed lips while his eyes kept flickering from it, to Josette and then to Samantha.

Samantha shivered as the wind blew more sharply, chilling her and she suddenly regretted pulling her hair up. On an impulse she reached up and untied the ribbon that held it together. Her locks fell down her back and shoulders and she immediately felt much warmer. She pulled on her shawl one more time before she carried on gathering the half frozen clothes. She folded them and placed them in the basket before she started hanging out the wet ones.

"Samantha!"

She froze when she heard Lady Josette's voice calling out to her. She looked up and she almost gulped when she saw the other blonde woman approaching. Master Barnabas' expression was guarded as he followed his fiancée.

"My Lady?" Samantha's teeth chattered and her eyes flickered to the large coat that was wrapped around Ms. Du Pres' slender body.

"I know Barnabas wanted to wait for me to ask you this but I cannot wait much longer!" Lady Josette said and Samantha looked at her master.

"Yes? How may I help you, madam?" she spoke with hesitance.

"I know that the death of your mother is very fresh but since our wedding is in a few months I'd like to ask you now." Ms. Du Pres smiled widely, "Because of my dress I have a lot of materials left and I was thinking that the color of blue would suit you. So, since we are also in need of a flower girl I am asking if you'd like to take on that role. The dress will be yours afterwards of course."

The words were not meant to hurt but to Samantha it looked like charity.

"Um, if it would please you and my master then of course, I shall do it. But I do not accept the dress." She replied as she wrapped her arms around herself to keep warm.

Lady Josette's smile faltered and she could see a frown taking over her face. She pouted and her rosy cheeks were more accentuated by the expression.

"Oh, no. That would not do." Ms. Du Pres murmured and then turned to Master Barnabas, "Barnabas, tell her!"

"Tell her what, my dear?" Master Barnabas murmured.

"That gifts cannot be returned."

Master Barnabas looked at Samantha and his eyes lingered on her shaking shoulders.

"That is true. They cannot." He agreed and Samantha wished they could take their conversation inside where it was warm.

"See?" Lady Josette smiled.

Samantha found herself at an impasse, "Alright. Yes, of course."

Ms. Du Press laughed and beamed, "I knew it! I should use your soft spot for Barnabas more often! Well, I am cold. I shall go inside." She smiled at them both and hurried towards the mansion, her tiny figure straight and proud as she walked.

Samantha stared after her in shock. Was her fondness that apparent? Her heart fell to her stomach at that thought.

She snapped out of her daze when she felt something warm on her shoulders. She looked up and saw Master Barnabas wrapping his coat around her shoulders.

"For the cold." He murmured as he pulled the material close together on her front and rubbed her arms.

"I was just finishing-…"

"I am going anyway." He cut her off as he pulled his hands away and looked at her intently.

"Look, Samantha. If you don't want to get involved in the wedding-…"

"I shall do anything you want me to, sir. It's my job." She said simply and he sighed.

"I do not want you to do it forced." He said fiercely and Samantha smiled sadly.

"Please do not think that way. I am doing it for you. I know how women are when they do not get their way. Now, I need to finish." She said as she stepped back and removed the coat.

He looked wounded, "But-…"

"Please, Master. Someone might be looking." She shivered as she handed him his coat back and then turned back to her work without another glance at him.

It took him a while to leave and when he did he did not put on his coat. He walked back into the house with his lips pressed tightly together.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Samantha swallowed the last bite of her eggs and finished her tea before she pushed the plate away. The other maids were conversing loudly with each other and only Angelique was missing. Then again she never ate with the rest of the staff. She was quite a lonely person.

Suddenly the girls went quiet and Mrs. Filch spoke up.

"Young Master? May we help you?" she asked softly and Samantha froze as she looked up and found Master Barnabas standing by the door.

He wore his heavy coat, boots and he was holding his gloves.

"I need Samantha for a moment. May I borrow her?" he smiled charmingly and Mrs. Filch flushed.

It almost made Samantha smile.

"Of course. But it's her day off."

"I am aware of that. Samantha, if you please." He motioned towards the kitchen door.

Samantha stood and followed him after picking up her shawl.

She wrapped it around her shoulders and followed her master to the stables. As they entered the enclosed area he tuned to her, placing his gloves on a stool.

"What is wrong with you?" he asked her quietly and she gulped.

"Sir?"

"You are not talking to me, you are avoiding me…You didn't accept the book I left for you outside your chamber. What have I done?" he asked her with a deep frown and eyes that spoke of confusion and sadness.

"I am having a bit of difficulty coming to terms with the death of my mother, sir. Nothing is wrong with me. I know it is time for the family to rejoice due to your upcoming wedding but-…"

"Did I mention the wedding?" he cut her off sharply.

She flinched, "No, sir."

"Then don't speak of it!" he snapped as he turned from her and ran a hand through his short hair, "I have neither the patience nor the peace to speak of it with you as well."

Her eyes widened, "I apologize. But I do not see how this particular subject would bring you grief."

"Of course you wouldn't!" he exploded as he turned to her, his eyes wide, "You have eyes but you do not see! Like most people around me."

She frowned, "Master, what is wrong?"

He closed his mouth and breathed heavily through his nose, "I could ask you the same thing but I see that I will receive no answer." He said as he turned to look at her.

"I told you-…"

"You're a terrible, terrible liar, Samantha. Please, at least try to be good at it when you're around me because when I see you like this." He motioned to her dull eyes and sad expression, "I cannot breathe. Do you understand me? I cannot breathe."

With those words he grabbed his gloves, opened the door to let his horse out and then he was gone.

Samantha stared after him with her heart thumping wildly, "And I cannot breathe when I see you with her." She murmured before she walked away too.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

She paused at the door when she realized that he was in his chamber. The window was shut and he was curled in his bed. The covers were tightly wrapped around him and he had his arm covering his eyes.

Samantha frowned as she walked further in, "Master?"

At her voice he pulled his arm away from his eyes and looked at her. He looked flushed and drenched in sweat.

"Samantha."

She placed the water and towels on his bedside table and leaned down towards him. His chest was bare and the covers were coming up close to his sternum. She frowned and placed a hand on his forehead. She gasped.

"Are you sick? You're awfully warm, sir." She said as she quickly soaked a towel and placed it on his forehead.

He sighed in relief and looked up at her, "I am so sorry." He murmured and she blinked as she sat next to him.

"What for?" she murmured, "You shouldn't have gone out the other day with this weather, sir. Now you're sick." She pulled the covers up to his chin as he shivered and leaned towards her, angling his body closer to hers.

"Tell her to go away." He murmured as he curled his hand around her wrist and looked up at her pleadingly.

"Who?"

"Barnabas-…Oh!"

Samantha looked up and she froze when she saw Ms. Josette standing near the washroom door. She wore Master Barnabas' robe and her hair was wet.

Samantha immediately stood from the bed, thanking God that Mr. and Mrs. Collins were away for the weekend.

"Um, my Lady. I didn't know you were here. I shall go and-…"

"Samantha!" Master Barnabas' voice was sharp but hoarse, "Tell her to go away." He whispered and her eyes widened.

"Barnabas? Are you alright?" Ms. Du Pres asked with worry but her master did not look at her.

"He is sick, madam. Perhaps you should come back tomorrow." Samantha told her politely.

"But he…Last night he…" the woman stuttered as her cheeks flushed.

"He has a fever. It might be contagious so it'd be better if you left." Samantha encouraged as politely as she could but from the corner of her eye she could see her master's snarl. It made him look furious and Samantha had never seen him that furious. Why was he furious? He loved Ms. Du Pres…Didn't he?

"Yes. O-of course." Josette whispered as she gathered her discarded dress and hurried back into the washroom to get dressed.

Samantha had not noticed the woman's clothes on the floor when she had entered. She wouldn't have done the mistake to do so if she had.

Shaking her head, Samantha returned to his bed and turned the towel over . He shivered and released a small moan before he grasped her hand. He nursed it to his cheek and she froze at his actions.

"Sir…"

"Sit next to me. You're warm." He whispered as he looked at her with foggy eyes.

"Sir…"

Lady Josette walked out of the room and placed his robe on the bed, her face still a deep shade of crimson.

"Um, I will come back tomorrow then." She said as she walked around the bed and leaned down as if to kiss his cheek.

He grasped her arm to stop her, "No. Don't." he tried a smile but it didn't work. It was more of a grimace.

Josette frowned but didn't object before she turned and walked out of his room.

Samantha reached for the robe on the bed and made to wrap it around him but he shook his head.

"Sir, what can I do?" she asked as she abandoned the robe and touched his cheek.

He blinked and looked up at her before he reached up to touch the side of her head, "You exist. It's enough." He murmured as another shudder raked his body.

Samantha swallowed thickly, "You're feverish. I will call a doctor."

As she made to move away, he seized her elbow and pulled her back, "You persist not to see." he whispered with heavy eyelids, "Why?"

Samantha stared at him, "Because one of us has to be the blind one, sir. There is no other way." She whispered back and he shook his head as he threaded his fingers into her hair and pulled her down.

"Dear heart, I do not wish to be blind any longer." He breathed before he placed his lips on hers and used his strength to pull her down on top of him. Her body fell onto his and she gasped into his mouth. He kept one hand in her hair and he coiled the other around her waist as he deepened the kiss. He sucked her bottom lip into his mouth and she froze when she smelled the flowery perfume of Ms. Du Pres on him. Her breathing hitched and she pulled her mouth away. His eyes snapped open as she moved out of his embrace and as she held a hand up.

"I shall call a doctor." She told him quietly before she turned and walked out of the chamber.

As she walked, she placed her fingers on her lips and heaved a dry sob.

It's alright...He won't remember this anyway. She told herself as she walked.

"I am sorry, sir. But I have to be blind." She whispered, ignoring the deep ache in her abdomen.

End of chapter 9

Author's note: Thank you for reading! Please, please review before you leave! Reviews feed the muse and put a smile on my face!

Xxx Lina :)