Play@YSDC

SunlessNick wrote:Millicent Collins will volunteer for the duty of caring for the stricken Miss Winters. She will ask Lt Forbes whether he thinks it likely that some malefactor was involved in the young lady's distress, and whether this party might still lurk nearby.

aine wrote:Countess DuPres looks on with interest to see how the lady of the house deals with this ragamuffin girl in front of such a loud crowd. Hopefully it will be precipitous; Josette should be the one getting all the attention.

Mr. Handy wrote:
Victoria Winters smiles at Millicent. "Thank you for your help," she says.

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Curious," says Reverend Orville Trask, scratching his chin. "Most curious. I would like to examine the scene of the accident."

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"No need to worry, my dear. I've spoken to the young lady -- charming, but not so much as present company, of course -- and there is no evidence of any highwayman involved.

"I believe all this excitement has rendered you a bit overheated. Shall we take a walk in the garden and enjoy the cool night air?"

Mr. Handy wrote:
Victoria is grateful for the welcome, and she enjoys teaching Sarah. In her free time, she peruses the books in the library hoping to find something that might help her with her predicament. She can't be the first person in history this has happened to, after all.

Mr. Handy wrote:
With no more evidence available, Reverend Trask resumes his preparations for the wedding, though he keeps his eyes open for anything suspicious.

Mr. Handy wrote: Reverend Trask is sure to warn Countess DuPres often about the danger her soul is in from using Satan's tools of divination. "You would do well to burn them," he cautions her. "They give the devil a foothold in this house."

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Indeed," says Reverend Trask to Abigail. "I have sensed it myself, but I cannot yet pinpoint it. Do you know what is the source of the black magic, good lady?"

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:And I'm not so sure about Miss Winters, if that's really her name. Showing up out of nowhere with that cock-and-bull story about losing her memory! And making such a shameless display of her . . ." A slight blush. ". . . lower limbs. Torn dress, indeed! I'm sure she's after the Collins fortune, just you mark my words!"

Mr. Handy wrote:
Maybe there is something to this after all, thinks Victoria when the Countess speaks. "I would like to know what the future holds," she says.

* * *

"Thank you, sir, you flatter me," says Victoria to Jeremiah. "I cannot explain it either, but I do not wish to rise above my station."

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Yes, I find it disturbing as well," says Reverend Trask. "These are symptoms of the disease of wickedness, of course. It is the disease itself that must be rooted out and eradicated, or it will merely reoccur in others. It is written that the love of money is the root of evil. You have spoken wisely indeed. A thief, who covets what is not his own, and a wanton girl who seeks what is not hers. Both are motivated by greed. I shall watch them closely."

SunlessNick wrote:"But she was so confused and frightened when she was found," says Millicent. "I fear she suffered a true distress, and I cannot believe so ill of her. Her heart appears as fair as her countenance."

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"Hello," she says, letting herself in without invitation. "Nathan about? I hear he's been spending a lot of time around here."

It so happens that Nathan is in the next room, discussing business with Joshua.

Mr. Handy wrote:
"I will be," Victoria says to the Countess. "Do the cards say anything about what I must do?"

* * *

"I wish I could," says Victoria, "but I cannot. We are from two different worlds, you and I." She doesn't want to break his heart, but she also wants to help avert his fate. Jeremiah could also be a possible ally, but she knows she must be careful. "If you truly love someone, you must be willing to let her go. If she does not return, it was never meant to be. Tell me, if there were a way you could help save my life, and your own as well, yet it meant we could never see each other again, would you do it?"

Mr. Handy wrote: Seeing that Ben Stokes remains uncooperative, Reverend Trask sees no choice but to approach Joshua Collins with what he has observed.

SunlessNick wrote:"Lt Forbes is near at hand," says Millicent. "Certainly I may fetch him for you - perhaps you may wait in the drawing room." She shows the newcomer the room she means. "Whom should I say seeks his counsel?"

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:The woman settles herself into the most comfortable chair in the drawing room. "Just tell him Suki's back, and watch his face. That should be good for a laugh. You wouldn't happen to have a spot of gin about the place, would you?"

Mr. Handy wrote:
It must be the book, thinks Victoria. "Are the cards always right?" she asks the Countess. "Can the future they reveal be changed by the knowledge of it?"

"I believe your feelings for me are sincere," says Victoria, deciding that she can trust Jeremiah because of them. "What I'm about to tell you, you must promise not to repeat to anyone under any circumstances. I wasn't kidding when I told you we're from two different worlds. My home is the year of our Lord 1967, almost two centuries hence. In a manner I do not understand, I have found myself in the past. I was living in Collinsport in my time, and the Collins family is still there, but there is much tragedy that will happen to the family in this time that I hope to prevent. I seek a way to return to my own time as well, though I know not how. Perhaps with your help it may be possible. Perhaps there's even a way you could come with me, and then the situation may change, though I cannot promise that will happen. I do not know whether I can alter fate. I know something of the history of the Collins family in this time, including your own history. The history I read said that you fell in love not with me, but with Josette, and that she returned your feelings. Whatever happens, you must not get involved with her! Doing so will lead to your death. It will break up the impending marriage, and Barnabas will kill you in a duel. I am also mentioned in the history. It says that I will be hanged as a witch. Other horrible things are due to happen this year, but if we work together, we may be able to avert them."

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Yes, of course," says Reverend Trask, bending down to help lift the dead man. "Mr. Stokes said that 'she' would kill him, and then he died. There is only one thing that could have caused his death, and that is witchcraft. There is a witch in this house, and she has been manipulating him. I must find her, before she causes further deaths."

SunlessNick wrote: "I... I am sure some could be found," says Millicent, unnerved by the woman's brazen manner. "I shall summon a servant to attend you."

In a slight daze, and perhaps anticipating that the encounter is to be a difficult one, she goes straight to the room where Nathan is speaking with Joshua and knocks on the door. Upon entry, she says, "I am sorry to disturb you Nathan, Uncle. Nathan, young woman has arrived at the house, and wishes to speak with you. She says her name is Suki. But she is quite unmannerly - perhaps is is another Nathan she seeks - I cannot see what tie she might have to one of your bearing."

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:When the pair have made their farewells, Joshua remarks, "I would not have taken them for siblings. Nature plays strange tricks, does she not?"

SunlessNick wrote: "As you say, Uncle Joshua," agrees Millicent. "I found her manner alarming, quite unlike the Lieutenant's. I must apologise when I see her next."

SunlessNick wrote:
Meanwhile, unaware of the commotion from downstairs, Josette asks her mother what the strange girl wanted to talk about. (She knows she should not be resentful of this Victoria, or pry into her, but no one wants to be upstaged during the preparations for her wedding).

Mr. Handy wrote: "Thank you," says Victoria. "Is there any way the cards can help me identify my enemy?"

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:She is in need of money; a great deal of money. Having few resources myself, and being too involved in the dealings between Joshua and the Navy to interfere in their smooth operation by such an embarrassment, I find I have no one to turn to save yourself. If you could possibly extend a loan, I swear I would labor to repay it with all my might. The amount, I am afraid, is distressing. Suki is in need of one thousand dollars."

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:Your Barnabas -- ridiculous name! -- I trust he is not overly grieved by the death of that manservant? I suppose the wedding must be delayed for a decent length of time, even if the fellow was merely a servant."

SunlessNick wrote:
"I grieve at your poor sister's misfortune, Nathan," says Millicent, distress easily evident on her face. "Naturally I have no command over my family's finances, but I can surely appeal to my father to aid her." Sadly, however, her mother's growing illness quickly claims her attention - she spends her days praying for a change in her condition. Should Nathan press the matter, she tearfully begs him to allow her some time.

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:

Spoiler:

A slight clarification: Millicent is a distant cousin of the other Collins. Her only close relative is her young brother Daniel, their parents both deceased. She is, in fact, an heiress, in charge of a considerable sum of money; in the eyes of the law, however, even the boy Daniel might be considered to have power over her fortune, if he so chose.

As days go by, Suki frequently pays visits to the Collins mansion, often wearing a new frock, generally brightly colored in a gaudy manner, and of expensive, if not overly tasteful design. For one said to be in distress, her mood seems bright, even gay. Nathan, meanwhile, is often moody and sullen, as if some great burden weighs upon his mind.

SunlessNick wrote:
Millicent offer Suki her apologies for misjudging her on her first visit, and remarks how well she is bearing up (though she makes no direct reference to what circumstances she might be bearing up under).

Mr. Handy wrote:"I know he has hurt you greatly, Josette," says Victoria, "but do not give up hope. You can still find love with a better man. You are young and beautiful, and of a good and noble family. Suitors will be lining up for the chance to woo you. It is preferable that you learn of Barnabas's true nature before you were wed than after."

SunlessNick wrote:

Vicki,Is it up to me whether Josette goes through with her suicide?

SunlessNick wrote: At a quiet moment, Millicent will request a walk with Nathan, ostensibly to ease her nerves from the strife within the household - an excuse with more than a little truth to it, but nonetheless a pretext. When they are alone, she will say, "Firstly, Nathan, I must apologise for my having neglected your request these last few weeks. I know it a poor repayment for the courage you showed, humbling yourself to me. There has been so much distress. So much. If I can ease but one person's burden, it is surely my duty to do so. I will sign the necessary documents to advance the money to you."
Cutting off whatever reply he starts to make, she adds, "I know you are about to say I should consult with my Uncle first, but with the illness of my poor Aunt, and now this terrible revelation from Barnabas, I would not wish to add to his troubles."

Mr. Handy wrote: Reverend Trask is not convinced of Angelique's innocence in the matter, though he holds his peace about that for now while he is in front of everyone. Perhaps later he can discuss his suspicions with Joshua in private. Clearly Barnabas has sinned greatly by his own admission, but he has at least confessed it.

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"My darling, would you ever find it within your stainless soul to wed such a one as I?"

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"It -- it was to be my wedding present to you," she continues with a trembling voice. "Please accept it, that you may know that I bear you no ill will."

SunlessNick wrote: "Oh dearest Nathan, I know not what to say. If I appear to hesitate, it is only because I fear to wound poor Josette with such happy news so soon after her heartbreak. Be assured I accept your proposal, but I beg that we might delay the announcement a short while longer."

SunlessNick wrote: "It is quite beautiful," says Josette. "I thank you for the gift, no matter the circumstance. May Barnabas always treat you as a husband ought." She takes her leave, uncertain what to do with the music box, the sight of which which opens the same manner of wound as Angelique herself - still, she retires to her room and plays it just the once - to do otherwise would be churlish.

Mr. Handy wrote:
Victoria will tell Jeremiah in private about the similarity to what she knows from the history, as well as the difference, concerning Barnabas marrying Angelique.

Mr. Handy wrote: Reverend Trask seeks out Naomi, both to caution her against drinking too much sherry, and to sound her out on her opinion of Angelique.

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:

SunlessNick wrote:

Vicki,Is it up to me whether Josette goes through with her suicide?

Spoiler:

That is entirely up to you. Consider this game, as well as the other one, to be completely different universes. I will add that, if you die, you will return as a ghost, and would be allowed to continue play in that form.

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Thank you for your kindness," says Victoria. "While I'm not out of danger myself, I think if I continue to be careful, I will be all right. I'll need to keep the book well hidden. I'm fortunate it was not found when Reverend Trask was searching all the ladies' rooms. Is there a hiding place in the house where we can safely keep it?"

SunlessNick wrote: Those at Collinswood could hardly fail to notice the sense of joy that has overtaken Millicent - though she attempts to hide it, her heart is worn on her sleeve and it is plain for all to see.

Except for Josette, who spends her days ensconced with the music box that is both escape from and reminder of her broken heart. Her voice can often be heard singing along to its tune.

Mr. Handy wrote:
"I agree completely, good lady," says Reverend Trask. "In fact, I will go further. Not only do I believe Angelique has seduced your son, I fear she may have actually bewitched him. In addition to her natural charms, she may have used a love potion or something similar. She does have extensive knowledge of herbs."

SunlessNick wrote:

Vicki,"[color=#00BFFF]Nathan will soon be family,[/color]" says Millicent. "[color=#00BFFF]But if you truly think it is best, I shall arrange to have the remainder of my inheritance put in charge of my brother. I am sure Nathan will understand. Oh, I must say, I have asked him to remain silent about our engagement for now, to spare Josette any further hurt - since you have found us out, I make the same plea of you.[/color]"

SunlessNick wrote:
Josette gradually rejoins the rest of the household though she remains wan and withdrawn. Whenever called upon to entertain with her singing, her choice of music is always a melancholy one. Despite her kind words to Barnabas and Angelique, it is clear that the matter weighs heavily upon her.

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Could you place the book in the crypt?" asks Victoria. "You are at least a Collins, and would have reason to visit your family's crypt. If you're seen, you could always say you were pondering your own mortality or something."

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Indeed I do," says Reverend Trask. "As for evidence, it comes in various forms. Witnesses are always important, and of course Angelique may have items in her possession that would incriminate her. Ideally, I'd like to find something written in her own hand. I've already searched her room, which is how I found the herbs, but perhaps I missed something. A recipe for a love potion would be just the thing. Or perhaps she has another hiding place. You know this house better than I do. You would know if there were somewhere she might know about where she could conceal things she didn't want found. I believe she used to use Ben Stokes's quarters before. He must have been under her command before she sank her claws into your son. There were a number of personal items that he had stolen found in his room - stolen for her, I believe. Those items could then have been used in witchcraft, to cast spells upon the owners of said items. Before his passing, he refused to say who had put him up to it, saying that 'she' would kill him if he told. And then she did, through witchcraft, before he could be compelled to identify her. As for witnesses, Josette spent the most time around her. If anyone would have seen her doing anything untoward, it would be her."