A/N: Happy New Year! Welcome back!

A huge thank you to: CharlieCats, HidanKakuzuFanGirl, Ivyforever, XantheXV, JohnnyDeppLover44, Why Fireflies Flash, Sapphire-Serenity-Phoinex, TinkerbellxO, Jay D. Moore, Gary the Snail x3, Jandra1969, dionne dance, MischievousOne, Sagacious Rogue, carmeleissle5cullen, MissMisc3, ForeverACharmedOne, IgnitingFireworks, nuckythompson, Makrciana, Leyshla Gisel, AngeliqueBouchard1972, BlooperLover, sparrowismyhummingbird, SweetMusicDreamer, JellyWinchester, LabyFan23 and runs with myths.

Thank you all for the support!

Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Shadows.

Chapter 17

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,

Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,

Silence the pianos and with muffled drum

Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

~Funeral Blues, W. H. Auden

The clouds were dark and thick and they would certainly bring a storm. The wind was howling and the trees creaked as they moved with it. Samantha stepped away from the window as voices suddenly came from the parlor's entrance.

"Yes, bring them through here. Thank you." Lady Collins' voice cut the thick silence and Samantha turned towards her.

"Ah, Samantha." She smiled and Samantha bowed her head in greeting.

"My Lady." She offered a small smile.

"Please find my son. His and Josette's paintings are here." Lady Collins said and sure enough right behind her four men brought in the two covered paintings.

"Right away, Madame." Samantha nodded her head before she turned on her heel and made her way out of the parlor. When she checked his room and the library and realized he wasn't there she immediately knew where he was.

Grabbing her shawl, she made her way towards the stables in silence. Her quick footsteps led her out of the back door and when she stepped out in the gardens the wind pierced her skin like a thousand needles. She quickened her footsteps and once she was at the stables she breathed a sigh of relief. His gloves were resting on a stock of hay. He was there.

He was kneeling in front of Cesar as the still young horse ate from his hand like a kitten. She didn't have to look into his face for her skin to prickle and flush. As she stepped closer she could see his tousled from the wind hair and his red from the cold cheeks. Her hands started sweating but she straightened and cleared her throat nonetheless.

"Master?" she called and he paused before he turned to look at her from over his shoulder.

"Samantha." He murmured as his eyes took her in greedily.

Her grip on her shawl tightened as he stood and brushed his hands against his breeches and when he approached her heartbeat accelerated. It was madness what he could do to her with his eyes.

He came to stand right in front of her before he reached up to cup her face with his cold hands.

"How many times must I ask you to call me by my name?" he murmured as he brushed his thumbs under her eyes and then leaned forward.

Her eyes widened when she realized his intention and she tried to pull back in fear of being seen. He held her fast and wrapped an arm around her waist before he pulled her mouth to his. His lips, unlike his hands, were warm and his nose cool as it brushed her own. Her hands released her shawl and grasped his coat instead as her head span.

In his ardor to pull her closer he tugged too hard and her shawl fell to the ground around their feet.

Samantha shivered as the cold from the entrance hit her back and pressed closer to him in an attempt to escape the biting cold.

He pulled away from her lips and frowned down at her before he leaned down to pick up her fallen clothing.

"Apologies." He whispered as he shook it and wrapped her in it tightly, his arms around her once more, trying to rub warm in her, "But like I've said before this is too thin." He added as he leaned his forehead against hers.

"We…we can't do this." She whispered, "Someone might see." she murmured and he took a deep breath.

"We're alone."

"Yes, but-…"

"I know." He cut her off, "I know I have to wait until everything is settled with Josette but I fear that it won't be easy. She is acting oddly. It is like nothing has happened. I have tried to speak to her but it's like she's in her own world. Mother was just barely able to convince her to go home. I do not understand." He shook his head and looked beyond the entrance of the stables, "I am afraid for her sanity." He said and Samantha bit her lip.

"Forgive me but I think that something is wrong with her. And it does not have to do with her." Samantha said quietly and he frowned.

"I know what you mean. Angelique."

"Yes." She nodded her head quickly, "And I have something more to say but I cannot now. Lady Collins asked me to fetch you. She's in the parlor. Your painting is here." She said as she stepped back.

He released her with reluctance and nodded, "Very well. I will go." He stepped back as well and stared at her intently for a moment before he added, "I shall come to you tonight. Wait for me." He murmured and her breath got caught in her throat. She nodded nonetheless and with a last smile at her he walked away, leaving her alone.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

It was after midnight and she knew that he said he'd come for her but it was too cold to stay up. She was huddled under the covers with a book in her hand. It still amazed her that she could do that. A few months ago she couldn't even write her own name and now…now she could read Shakespeare and understand him. A smiled stretched on her lips but when loud thunder lighted up her room the smile fell right off her face. A shiver ran up and down her spine and even though she knew that it was insane she thought that the wind was actually speaking. No, not speaking…It was more like a cry and laughter at once. The two different sounds were mingling together until she could not tell what she was really hearing.

Book forgotten, she pushed it away and sat up against the headboard. Her wide eyes were fixated on the window across from her and as she looked at it, strange shadows danced around. For a moment she thought that the shadows were moving towards her and she closed her eyes tightly. When she opened them again, she only saw the movement of branches and she exhaled shakily.

A sharp knock caused her to yelp and she placed a hand against her chest, feeling her heartbeat thumping loudly against her palm.

Shaking her head, she pushed the covers away and stood. She unbolted her door and the upset face of Master Barnabas greeted her.

He stormed inside and shut the door before he grabbed her shoulders.

"Are you alright? I heard you yelp." He told her as his eyes perused the room around her, looking for the source of her fear.

"I am fine. This storm is…" she shook her head as she shuddered.

"Different from any other?" he cocked an eyebrow and nodded, "It most certainly is, my dear." He murmured, "My parents are worried about the boats and the men. Father left hours ago and he's still not back. That is why I couldn't come sooner. Mother is so worried that she's outside waiting for him." He shook his head, "What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" he asked her as he tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear.

"Oh, yes. When Angelique left, I remembered something that I noticed the night Philip died." She started and he frowned.

"Yes?"

"I was in the mirror when I noticed that a lock of my hair was shorter than the others…At first I was confused. But now…Now I fear that I know who took the hair." She looked up at him and his eyes widened.

"Angelique? But why would she…? Oh." Realization downed and Samantha wrung her hands together.

"I don't mean to presume anything but what if she has something to do with it?"

Master Barnabas stepped back and started pacing, "But nothing has happened to you…"

"Yet. Or I am not aware of it."

He suddenly paused, "One of my handkerchiefs is missing." He blurted out suddenly and Samantha frowned.

"What?"

"It's true. It's be gone for months now. Since that night you saw me with…her." He waved a hand in the air and Samantha's eyes widened.

"Well, she has feelings for you. Perhaps she took it as a token…"

"Sentiment?" he snorted, "Don't link Angelique with sentiment. She is just possessive." He drawled and shook his head, "I cannot believe I did not realize this before." He muttered.

"Is there a way for us to check if Lady Josette has lost something…? Or if her hair is uneven? I cannot believe I am saying this." She covered her face with her hands but his expression was grave.

"I can." He whispered, "Do you know that she's employed in another house? She rejected my mother's offer. How did she manage to get a position in a proper household with such references? It's beyond me." He said as he walked over to the window and looked out.

"Bad things have always happened to my family, Samantha. That is the reason we left England. But our bad luck has followed us here." He murmured quietly.

"Bad luck?" she asked and he nodded.

"How did Angelique get to be here?" she asked and he took a deep breath.

"I knew her since we were young children. Her mother always worked in our household. She had no husband but my parents took pity on her and gave her a position. The father never showed himself. As you can understand, my being an only child had its disadvantages. I was alone and soon we became…friends. We took them with us when we left Liverpool." He turned around to face her, "Angelique was always a disobedient child but she had charm. When her mother was accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake my mother took her under her wing. Because of my friendship with her she ignored all her mistakes. Until recently." He said softly and Samantha nodded.

"I see. You were drawn to her."

Master Barnabas nodded, "You need to realize that I was raised to believe that I owned the world. I was never denied anything. Mother did not approve of my…conduct. That is why she was intent on finding me a proper wife."

"Lady Josette." Samantha whispered.

"Hmm. But alas, I had once again to divert from my path." His voice softened and she looked up.

Her cheeks flushed at his gaze and when she lowered her eyes he grabbed her chin and lifted her face up towards him.

"But I no longer care for the world." He smiled and leaned his forehead against hers, "I only care for you." he added before he pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth.

"Lady Collins hung Ms. Du pres' painting in the parlor." She blurted out and he paused.

"I know. She thinks that the delay is due to my…caprice again. She thinks it's just a passing fancy." He looked outside the window again, "She's mistaken. She's been filling Father's head with lies but I will put an end to this show. Sooner or later. But first I need to find out what is wrong with Josette. Once she tells them what she knows, once she can testify the depth of my affections for you, the betrothal will be over. Done. And then…then I don't care what happens as long as I'm with you." He looked back at her and she exhaled tremulously before she did something she'd never done before.

She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face into the crook of his neck.

"Thank you." She murmured and then his arms closed around her, pulling her tight to him.

"Whatever for?" his voice was bewildered.

"For everything." She replied, "For existing."

He inhaled sharply and his hold on her tightened, "Don't thank me, my love. If you feel the need to thank me then I should fall on my knees in front of you." His voice was hoarse and she huddled closer to him in silence.

His hand reached up and he threaded his fingers through her hair, well in his intent to tilt her head for a kiss but then an awful noise interrupted them. A loud female scream filled the air and Samantha jumped away from him. She opened her window and she screamed when she saw the large statue that adorned the West Wing crumbling to the ground with a horrible groan.

"Mother. Good Lord." Master Barnabas whispered before he jumped away from the window and ran out of the room.

Samantha blinked out of her terror filled haze and followed him, her bare feet not quick enough to catch up with his eager pace.

It seemed like an eternity until she was finally out of the manor and she almost collided with Maria. The other maid was frozen on the spot, staring at the debris with wide eyes. Tears were rolling down her cheeks and Samantha grabbed her arm.

"Maria, what is it?" she asked in a strained voice but the other woman could not take her eyes from the destroyed stony statue.

Master Barnabas gazed at the crumbled figure with wide eyes before he turned towards Maria.

"What happened? What did you see? Where' my mother?" he asked as he stormed up to her and grabbed her shoulders.

"M-master…" Maria shook her head and pointed at the debris, "I was just bringing her one of her shawls and when I arrived she and Master Joshua were talking to each other. He s-seemed upset I barely had time to move before…b-before it f-fell on them." Maria's words were muffled because of her sobs and the whistling wind was making it difficult for Samantha to hear her properly.

But Master Barnabas did.

"What are you talking about?" he whispered and when she didn't reply he shook her head, "For the love of God, answer me!" he barked at her and Samantha grabbed at his arm.

"Master, please-…"

"NO!" he threw both women away from him and turned to face the wreck, "No." he grabbed at his own head and tugged hard on his hair , "No." he whispered.

"I swear they-…"

"Silence! It's a lie! Call the guards! I want these pulled away and cleared out! Now!" he screamed and Maria stumbled backwards before she ran off to fetch the men.

Samantha watched as he turned back towards the ruins and her eyes stung with unshed tears as he fell on his knees and started sobbing.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Her hands shook as she prepared the tea for the Du Pres family. Maria was sobbing by a corner while Mrs. Filch was speaking quietly with one of the keepers of the gate. Her face was pale and her hands were shaking as she held onto her walking stick but she had not shed a single tear.

"Bring the tea out." He turned to her and Samantha nodded before she picked up the tray and headed for the parlor.

Collinwood was dressed in absolute sadness and black drapes were covering the windows as a sign of mourning. The maids were dressed in black and only their white aprons stood out in the glumness that had fallen upon them.

Maria had not been wrong. The statue had fallen on Master and Lady Collins. Their bodies were found under the debris and they were almost unrecognizable. Samantha shuddered as she recalled the scene.

Mrs. Filch followed her to the parlor and as Samantha entered her eyes were immediately drawn to the man sitting by the piano.

Her Master was hunched over the instrument and his fingers were clutching the edge of the stool. His eyes were dark and swollen and it was like he had no sense of the world around him. His black coat made the paleness of his skin stand out even more and his mouth was set in a grimace of despair that made her heart clench.

"My Lady." Samantha whispered as she offered a cup of tea to Josette.

The other woman took it with shaky hands and as she locked eyes with her Samantha could see the clarity in them. She was back in her senses. But for how long?

"Your Master would surely appreciate something warm too." She whispered and when she had handed Mr. Du Pres his tea, Samantha picked up the last cup and walked over to her Master.

She placed a hand on his arm but he barely flinched, "Please." She murmured as she placed the cup on the piano's wide surface.

"I'm tired." He whispered as he grabbed her hand.

Samantha looked at Lady Josette who was staring at them oddly before she nodded at her Master.

"Of course you are, sir." She replied as she placed her other hand on his forearm.

"I want to go to sleep." He choked out.

"And you shall. But first you have to drink something." Josette spoke up and he turned to her.

"I want nothing."

"But-…"

"I want to find out who did this!" he snapped in a rough voice.

"You won't find out while being so tired, son-…" Mr. Du Pres started and Samantha could sense the tension and fury coming out of Master Barnabas' body in hot waves.

"I am not your son!" he exploded as he stood, knocking the stool to the ground. His hand shot out and he threw the cup of tea off the piano, sending it to the floor. It shuttered to tiny little pieces near Samantha's feet.

She jumped away and her wide eyes locked with her Master's. All she could see in his dark orbs was madness and she cowered in front of him.

His breathing was fast and labored and for a moment she feared that he would strike her. But then his expression changed and the anger melted into helplessness until he turned and walked away in silence.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Days later…

Samantha hesitated in front of the chamber door. Her hands flexed on the fresh towels in her hand and she strained her ears, trying to listen for any noises.

She could hear soft murmuring and she immediately recognized the voice; Lady Josette.

Her indecision increased but she gathered up her courage and knocked on the door. Instead of her Master's voice, Josette's granted her entrance and she peered inside.

"Ah, Samantha. Come in. I was just saying to your Master what a great day for a walk it is. Don't you agree?" Lady Josette stared at her, begging her with her eyes and she smiled.

"Yes, of course. It's very sunny despite the cold." Samantha replied but the words sounded hollow even to her own ears.

The man sitting on the bed barely moved. His eyes were fixated out of the window, on the large statue that was posing so elegantly right above his window.

Lady Josette shook her head and approached Samantha. She placed her hand on her arm and pulled her a bit back.

Lady Josette's hand on Samantha was tight as she pulled them away from the unsettled man. She led Samantha to the door and wiped a stray tear from her eye.

"He is not well." Lady Josette whispered and Samantha looked back at the now rocking man. He was resting his elbows on his knees while tugging harshly on his hair, his body never stopping the back and forth motion. Murmured and half formed sentences were escaping his moving lips but Samantha could not make them out. Her heart shattered even more the longer she looked at him and she averted her eyes, settling them on the woman in front of her instead.

"This has been really hard on my Master, my Lady. You have to excuse him." Samantha whispered and Josette looked at her with determination.

"Can you help him?" she asked and Samantha frowned.

"I am sorry?"

"He keeps murmuring your name. When he's not spending his time in the library that is. He scares me. The things he talks about. They scare me, Samantha." Josette choked out before she took a deep breath.

"I know it now. I know that I will never be able to take your place. Please, if you can help him, do it. You might be the only one who can pull him from the dark."

Samantha's eyes widened, "My Lady, he cares for you. You need to give him time." She whispered as she dared to place a hand on the other woman's hand. The lie burned her tongue because she knew that her Master would never stop searching for the culprit.

Lady Josette shook her head, "But he loves you. Please, help him. Do not deny him the light your presence can give him. He won't talk to me. He will talk to you." She whispered in a strained voice and Samantha's heart went out for the woman. She looked different. So much different.

Josette pulled her hand away from Samantha's arm and with a last look at her fiancé she turned on her heel and walked away from his bedchamber.

Samantha watched her go before she wiped her cheeks and turned to face her Master. Taking a deep breath, she entered his bedroom, closing the door behind her.

When she came to stand in front of him and placed her hands on his own on his head he ceased the rocking. Samantha slowly untangled his fingers from his hair and cradled her hands in her own. They were so cold inside her own warm ones.

"Barnabas." She whispered and his breath quivered at the sound of his name coming from her lips. His fingers grabbed her hands and he slowly raised his tired face to hers.

"Samantha." He breathed as he nuzzled his face into her palms, his lips pressing kisses on her skin, "Forgive me." He murmured and she sighed in relief when she heard his voice.

"Shh." She whispered as he pulled her between his legs and wrapped his arms around her waist. He pressed his face against her stomach and exhaled shakily.

"I need to find her. I need to find Angelique." He spoke against the fabric of her apron and she tensed, "And when I find her, I am going to kill her. I am going to kill her for murdering my parents." His voice was dripping with hate and Samantha could do nothing more but hold on to him tightly.

End of chapter 17

Author's note: Thank you for reading! Please review before you go! Do you think he will find her or will he have a different fate? Ahem. Comments are greatly appreciated.

The ones waiting for an update for Out Of Control I can say with safety that the next chapter will be posted on Sunday. ;o)

Xxx Lina :o)