A/N: Welcome, welcome! I want to thank: MissMisc3, SweetMusicDreamer, Jandra1969, xSealiee, TinkerbellxO, nuckythompson, juuuuuustpeachy, AqoCJeyBee, Makrciana, JDluvaSQEE, LabyFan23, XantheXV, dionne dance, Sagacious Rogue, ForeverACharmedOne, BlooperLover, Leyshla Gisel, 88dragon06, GloomDusk, Jay D. Moore, smilin steph, LeShyWolf, Loki-Lover18, CharlieCats, hannahhobnob, IgnitingFireworks and music is life 99 xxx.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Shadows.
Chapter 12
Cesar's fur felt smooth and warm under Samantha's fingertips and his calm breathing was soothing to her ears. She swallowed hard as she stared down at the sleeping foal and then sighed.
She shifted closer to him, his warmth inviting to her chilled body and she did not care that hay was sticking to her clothes. The night air smelled of rain and she knew that it pouring down outside. She could hear the raindrops as they fell on the ground and leaves just outside the stables.
Cesar gave a small whine and rubbed his head against her hand, causing her to smile. She started petting him again, not even realizing that she had stopped, when she heard footsteps approaching. The shoes of the person coming towards her were making wet, splashing noises as they stepped onto the slick path.
She stiffened because she knew who it was. She was familiar to the sound of his footsteps by then.
"Samantha!" His voice sounded desperate and she sat up slightly, her cheeks flushed at the memory of him in his room. He had been difficult to recognize just a few minutes ago. He was so different from the man she knew and…
Stop it, Samantha. Just stop it. She scolded herself as she shook her head and raised her eyes towards the entrance.
Sure enough he appeared a few moments later. She was startled at the image he made. He had thrown his waistcoat over his ruined shirt and he was soaking wet. Tendrils of his dark hair were sticking to his forehead and his eyes were wide.
"Samantha." He breathed once he saw her sitting there, "Are you alright?" he asked her quite breathlessly and she frowned.
"I am fine, sir. What are you doing here?" she asked him softly, her eyes guarded.
He licked his slightly red lower lip and she was reminded of how Angelique had made that bite on his mouth. She looked away.
"You…You should not have seen that." He whispered as he approached her, "I am so sorry." He crouched down next to her and made to touch her hand.
She flinched and he froze in mid air. He gulped and placed his hand on Cesar's back instead.
"Don't apologize to me, sir…I am not the one you humiliated-…" she started in a crisp tone but he didn't let her continue.
"She deserves it. You know nothing of it." He cut her off sharply as his eyes flashed angrily, "She cannot get away with threatening me. I am not her equal and I could never be." He snapped and Samantha's eyes widened at the implication.
"Because she's a servant." She whispered and his eyes glimmered with regret. He licked his lips and shook his head.
"No. Because of her being…her." He whispered, "Not because of her status."
"Still, if she was not a maid you would have married her instead of Ms. Josette." Samantha stated as she stood up.
He followed her with his eyes, "Why do you say that?" he murmured and she took a deep breath while clutching onto her shawl.
"Because you…you are better suited for her. I saw it tonight. Ms. Du Pres is…She is so calm and serene and-…"
"Alright, since we are discussing some truths," he cut her off sharply as he slowly stood and came towards her, his clothes sticking to his chest, "Josette is like you." He said and she tensed up, "She is polite and kind and beautiful and I'd choose her over Angelique in a heartbeat." He told her and she nodded her head even as her stomach twisted painfully at his words.
"Of course. But if she was not of your status? Who would the master of Collinwood choose, sir?" she challenged and he paused before he replied.
"If I was alone...I'd choose differently. Completely differently." He said and she averted her eyes, "But I am not." He trailed off as he turned away and ran a hand through his wet hair.
Samantha watched him and she turned around to gather her shoes from the hay. She leaned down and started pulling them on, feeling a peculiar urge to flee, to get away from him and the strange emotions he was evoking in her.
When she straightened she felt him right behind her. His hands trapped her between his body and the wall of the stable and she stiffened.
"Please tell me you're not afraid of me." He whispered in a strained voice into her ear, "I would never ever treat you like that."
Samantha had to resist the urge to lean back against him with all her power.
"Maybe not but only because I'd never do what she just did." She replied and he sucked in a quick breath.
"No. I guess you wouldn't." he replied softly as his warm breath disturbed the fine hair at the nape of her neck.
He pulled one hand away from the wall and placed it on her throat, cradling it between his fingers. She shivered and her throat bobbed as she swallowed. He groaned softly as he stepped closer to her and nuzzled his nose into her hair, breathing in her scent.
Samantha made a small noise at the back of her throat as she tried to move away but he held her fast.
"Please." He murmured as he nuzzled her neck and skimmed his nose up her cheek in a caress, "Don't leave." He whispered and her eyes opened wide with a start at his pleading words.
"I have to."
"No. You don't have to do anything. I don't have to do anything." He almost snarled as he coiled his free hand around her stomach and pressed her to him. His hold was so strong that he almost swept her off her feet with the movement. She grasped onto his forearm as he rolled them over and pressed his back against the wall. His hand slid up her neck to the back of her head and he weaved his fingers into her hair as his eyes perused her profile.
He leaned forward and his lips found the side of her neck in a butterfly kiss. She gasped and her heartbeat accelerated as his lips parted and his kisses intensified. Her eyes drifted closed as his hand found anchor on her hip and she could feel her knees trembling. His fingers tightened around her strands and he pulled her head back, exposing more of her skin to his hungry mouth. She gave a startled groan when his tongue joined his lips and he moaned softly in return. At his breathy exclamation, her eyes snapped open with a start and her cheeks flushed when she realized that she had been enjoying his kisses.
Abruptly, she turned in his arms and shook her head, "No." she whispered as his hands grasped her shoulders.
"Don't say no to me. Ever." He murmured as he pulled her to him, "Not when I know you do not mean it."
His lips brushed against hers and she froze up against him when he pressed them firmly against her own. Her hands slid momentarily to his hair but when he tried to push her further she twisted her fingers in his strands and pulled his head back. He groaned as her teeth caught his already bloodied lip and his eyes snapped open with a start when she pushed him away from her.
She stepped back and stared at him wide eyed, her lips slightly red from his kiss.
She placed a hand over her mouth while he stared at her with shock filled eyes.
"I am so sorry, Samantha." He whispered as he wiped at his lip with the back of his hand, watching as it appeared blood stained. His wide eyes looked up at her upset face and he shook his head, "I don't know what I am doing anymore." He murmured and she swallowed hard, furious with herself for being so weak.
"Who are you?" she asked him and he froze, barely breathing.
"Samantha." He breathed pleadingly.
"I have to go." She said abruptly before she turned and fled the stables.
She stepped out into the rain and she could no longer distinguish her tears from the raindrops that kept sliding down her exposed face.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
A few days later…
Samantha dipped the quill into the ink pot and finished writing the letter a moment later. She put the quill down and while she waited for the ink to dry she looked at the empty kitchen. It was Sunday evening and the Collins would dine at the Du Pres' residence. An opportunity that gave the maids and cook some free time to rest and Samantha was glad of the quietness even though she feared sudden meetings with Angelique. The woman had been ignoring her but Samantha had spotted her glaring at her while she thought she was not looking. She wondered if Master Barnabas had warned the woman away. She couldn't be certain because after their secret meeting in the stables she had not seen him much. She had not been avoiding him but she just had not seen him in the house that often. He spent more and more of his free time with his fiancée at her house.
The knowledge of that brought sadness on Samantha but she knew it was for the best. That would make his absence much easier to bear.
She shook her head and brought her attention back to the letter. She blew on it gently before she started sealing it.
Someone entering made her look up, "Maria?" she frowned.
The other maid smiled at her and pointed towards the entrance, "Master Barnabas is looking for you. He's coming here." She said before she grabbed a pear from the table and disappeared out of the door.
Samantha tensed up and straightened in her chair, her palms sweating as she listened to his footsteps approaching.
A moment later she saw him entering the kitchen dressed in a dark green coat with beautiful brocade on the sleeves and neck. His eyes perused the kitchen until he spotted her.
She quickly stood up when his eyes fell on her.
"Samantha."
"Sir? May I help you?" she asked as she looked up at him from under her eyelashes.
"Get ready. You're coming with us." He told her softly before he turned to go.
"Excuse me, Master?" she breathed and he paused with a hand on the threshold.
"We are leaving in half an hour for dinner to the Du Pres' house. Get ready. You're coming with us." He repeated but he seemed a bit upset.
That angered Samantha.
"Why?" she asked boldly and he turned to look at her.
He inhaled deeply before he answered, "Your dress is almost done. Josette has arranged a fitting for you with the dressmaker." He told her as his eyes lingered on her a little more than necessary.
Samantha paused, "Does it have to be today?" she asked quietly and he gritted his teeth before he stormed up to her. She flinched.
"Yes, it has to be today. There is no negotiation. Josette arranged it today so you will come today. I know you do not want to be around me but you have to bear this." He said as he gazed into her eyes and she looked back.
"Of course I will go, Master. Forgive me for upsetting you." She whispered as she lowered her eyes, not wanting to make a scene in the middle of the day.
And I do want to be around you. Her inner voice wanted to scream but she did not continue.
He narrowed his eyes at her words and he exhaled a deep sigh, "Forgive me." He murmured as he touched the side of her head and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead, startling her and making her eyes water.
"Please." He whispered as he pulled away and then walked out of the kitchen, his shoulders rigid and his footsteps quick, giving away his distress.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
"Now, I know this is not the color we had arranged." Ms. Josette started as Master Barnabas escorted his parents and Mr. D Pres out of the parlor, "But I saw his pale pink one and I knew it'd fit you better." She finished and Samantha smiled a little.
"Do we need to take measurements again?" she asked as the dressmaker opened a box and started pulling out the fabric.
"No, we have them from the previous one." The dressmaker said as she turned towards them with the dress.
Samantha paused. It was beautiful with lace on the sleeves and a small belt that defined the waist.
"It's so beautiful." She breathed and Josette nodded.
"The color will fit your skin tone so much better! Put it on." She clapped her hands and Samantha tried, really tried, to match her enthusiasm but she couldn't.
Stiffly, she took the dress and went to put it on, feeling as if it weighted a tone in her arms.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
The tray of dessert looked delicious as Samantha carried it out to the dining table. Behind her, the Du Pres' maid followed her with a pot of tray and a pot of coffee.
As she placed the tray on the table, she felt eyes on her. She paused and saw Lady Josette watching her with a small frown.
"This will not do. Samantha, please take a seat. You must be starving." She said and her father smiled in encouragement.
"Do sit, dear."
Samantha felt five pairs of eyes on her and she gulped, "Um, not thank you. I am not hungry."
It was a lie of course. She just didn't want to sit in that table. It wasn't her place; especially when Josette was there and she had her hand linked with Master Barnabas'.
"Please sit. We do not mind." Ms. Josette said and Master Barnabas looked at her sharply. She did not notice because she didn't realize the implication of her words.
"No, I-…" Samantha tried to decline again but she was cut off.
"She said she doesn't want to, my love." He spoke up and Josette turned to look at him, her eyes wide as he proceeded to let go of her hand, "Isn't it obvious that she does not feel welcomed?" he asked as he sent a poignant look to his father who was scowling.
Samantha's cheeks flushed a deep crimson and she took a step back at the same time her master stood as well.
"If you'll excuse me, I have some business back home. Father, please stay and discuss the new business arrangements with Sir Andre." He gave a small smile before he kissed Josette's hand and then walked away from the table, "Samantha, come." He ordered and she was startled.
She gave a quick look at Master Joshua who waved her away and she followed his son in silence.
They walked out of the mansion and when Samantha saw him heading for his horse, she paused.
"Sir, I'd rather walk." She spoke up and he stopped.
He placed a hand over his face and then turned to her, "I am sorry about all this. She did not mean anything by it." He told her and she nodded.
"I know. Do not apologize to me please." She replied as he stepped closer to her and his expression softened.
"Did you like the dress?" he murmured and she blinked in surprise.
"I did." She replied and he smiled at her.
"Good. I liked the color better." He told her before he turned and started walking towards Abraxas.
Samantha gaped after him, "How do you know of the color?" she asked him and he smiled a bit.
"Oh well, that is for me to know and for you to guess." He shot her a quick grin and she flushed, "Now come. We're going home." He outstretched a hand towards her and she stumbled forward.
He grasped her hand in his warm one and propelled her forward.
He patted the horse's back and looked at her, "Up you go."
She paused, "On my own?" she asked and he rubbed the back of his neck.
"I won't join you. Like you said before, people might be watching." He said quietly and she nodded once.
"Then you go. I'll walk." She said as she made to step back.
He held her fast, "Samantha." His voice was a firm warning and she sighed before she did as he bid her.
She carefully mounted the horse with his help and when she was up and sitting on Abraxas' back he patted her calf and grabbed the reins. He petted the horse's face and then started walking towards Collinwood in silence.
Samantha used her opportunity to imprint his image into her mind forever.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
A week later…
Three sharp knocks resonated in the foyer and Samantha abandoned the mop and sat up.
Master Barnabas looked up from his book and frowned, "Who is it so early?" he murmured before he stood and motioned for her to stay where she was.
"Please, finish your work." He told her softly before he walked towards the door.
Samantha gazed after him before she continued. The water had gone cold since she had started cleaning but she gritted her teeth and carried on because there was only a little bit left.
As she stood and made to pick up the bucket, Angelique appeared with a vase of flowers in her hands. She paused when she noticed her there and they locked eyes.
Samantha stared right back at her until Angelique scowled and averted her eyes.
"Petite souris." She hissed in French and Samantha frowned.
"Excuse me?" she asked as she gazed at the dark haired woman.
Angelique looked at her with a smirk before she shrugged innocently.
"I did not speak, little Samantha. Your mind must be playing tricks on you." She replied and before Samantha had the chance to reply she heard her name being called.
"Samantha!"
Master Barnabas' voice was loud and firm and she frowned as she turned to walk towards the door.
Once she appeared, she noticed her Master with another man, probably a little bit older than him but handsome all the same.
"Sir?" she asked and both men turned to her.
The stranger was smiling a bit and she could see innocence on his features while Master Barnabas' expression was ashen. His hand was holding the door handle so tightly that his knuckles were white.
"Something the matter?" Samantha asked as she came to stand next to young Mr. Collins.
He turned to her, his eyes wild, "This gentleman claims that he is your betrothed." He told her through gritted teeth, his lips barely moving.
Samantha froze, "I am sorry?" her voice trembled as she looked from Master Barnabas to the stranger and back again.
"Why did you not tell me that you were to be married?" Master Barnabas asked her and she could see fury along with betrayal and despair swimming in his dark orbs. Suddenly she felt like she could not breathe and everything started turning around her.
"I know my visit is…unexpected but your father wanted us to meet as soon as possible…" the man's voice trailed off but she did not care for it.
The only thing that mattered was the wild look on her Master's eyes and the furious beating of her heart.
As she locked eyes with Master Barnabas she only had time to shake her head in denial before her knees gave out and she started falling forward.
Strong arms caught her and coiled around her back before she had the chance to hit the ground and then everything went black.
End of chapter 12
Author's note: Ahem, yes. Still here? Good. Thank you for reading! Please leave me a review if you liked it. Your comments inspire me and put a smile on my face. So, please let me know what you think!
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Xxx Lina :o)