Play@YSDC

Posted: **Thu Oct 29, 2020 10:18 am**

Some time after Ben Stokes is laid to rest in a plain grave, after a simple ceremony, a certain sense of normality returns to Collinwood, darkened as it is by recent sad events. There is little communication between the two mansions on the estate, which is thought best by all concerned. Barnabas and Angelique, bound in holy matrimony in a ceremony notable mostly for a lack of guests, save two hired witnesses and a traveling prelate from Boston, settle into a quiet life. Whilst Barnabas pursues a career in Collinsport as a humble clerk, his fame as a member of the Collins family offering him entry into such a position despite a certain lack of experience, Angelique settles into what appears to be domestic bliss, if reports be true.

The disturbing news arrives that a young woman, of that class of person often seen walking about the docks late at night, was found dead by foul play. Rumor has it that her body bore signs of both serious wounds and strangulation. All are warned by the local constabulary to avoid wandering about after dark. It is a matter of concern that the long hours during which Barnabas labors for his bread requires him to be in Collinsport long after the sun has vanished.

Posted: **Thu Oct 29, 2020 2:24 pm**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:
Millicent,The necessary arrangements are made through the appropriate legal counsels, these residing in New York City, from whence Millicent has so recently arrived. Young Daniel being assigned this responsibility at a tender age, he proves to take the matter with the appropriate gravity. "I shall see to it that you lack for none of the necessities and reasonable comforts of life," he remarks, in a tone which cannot fail to amuse with its pretense of maturity. "Nevertheless, dear sister, I shall ensure that our inheritance is not squandered on frivolity." Although this promise may bring only a smile, considering the youth of its source, it proves to be based on a firm foundation, Daniel turning away from such childish amusements as draw the attention of carefree lads, and educating himself in the intricacies of wealth. Joshua, pleased by Millicent's wise decision to heed his advice, agrees to avoid mentioning Millicent's upcoming nuptials, the advent of which was let slip by Nathan during one of those intimate moments shared by gentlemen whilst under the influence of brandy and cigars. In return, he asks that Millicent say nothing of the financial arrangements to Nathan, lest the Lieutenant take it as a sign of mistrust in his own judgment.

She takes the news of the dead woman with characteristic grief, exclaiming that she hopes Barnabas remains safe at night in a town with such ruffians about.

Posted: **Thu Oct 29, 2020 2:36 pm**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:
Josette,The curious music box continues to provide a degree of solace. There is something about its simple melody that leads one into flights of fancy. Perhaps it is the mere suggestion of the mysterious East, from whence the finely wrought object made its way across the oceans to the New World. Visions of unimagined places fill the mind while it plays, of strange lands and strange peoples. Sometimes one feels that one could enter into these worlds of dream, if only one knew how.

Those observing Josette will see that her melancholy had become laced with dreamy demeanour, as if her mind has been taken far away from the scene of her heartbreak. She rarely speaks to anyone, and is prone to taking long walks around the estate, alone.

Posted: **Fri Oct 30, 2020 4:27 am**

The news of the young woman's murder frightens Victoria. While she isn't the sort to walk around town at night, that doesn't mean that the killer wouldn't strike in the house - or be from the house. The book hadn't said anything about this murder or others like it, but it had been largely inaccurate so far. She also worries about Josette being alone and brokenhearted, and she offers to accompany her on her walks.

Posted: **Fri Oct 30, 2020 4:29 am**

Certain that this murder is the work of the devil, whether there is any supernatural element to it or not, Reverend Trask makes inquiries into it and offers to assist however he can. While the streetwalker was clearly a sinner, whoever murdered her was a worse one, and could easily kill again if not stopped.

Posted: **Fri Oct 30, 2020 9:55 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
Vicki,Millicent agrees to Joshua's request, albeit with an obvious reluctance born of her natural unwillingness to lie to her betrothed. Nevertheless, she will keep the promise.
She takes the news of the dead woman with characteristic grief, exclaiming that she hopes Barnabas remains safe at night in a town with such ruffians about.

In light of this terrible tragedy, Nathan entreats Millicent to prepare for the nuptials as soon as possible.

"You will not truly be safe until we are man and wife, living under the same roof," he explains.

Posted: **Fri Oct 30, 2020 10:14 am**

Whilst on one of her frequent walks, on a particularly mist-haunted, blustery day, Josette draws near to the edge of Widow's Hill. The site is famed as one of the most sublime viewpoints in New England. From the top of the cliff, one can observe the wild churning of the ocean far below, crashing into jagged rocks with such force that the roar of the waves is clearly audible. It is this sound, perhaps, which gives rise to the name of the place. Legend has it that the howling of the wind and water is, in truth, the lamentation of those who have lost their menfolk to the sea, themselves mere phantoms, doomed to mourn for eternity.

Be that as it may, on this occasion Josette, in a dream-like state, carries the music box with her, singing wordlessly along with its tinkling melody. Closer to the edge she walks, ever closer, to the alarm of Miss Winters, who has been sure to accompany her to this dangerous place.

Posted: **Fri Oct 30, 2020 10:22 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
Certain that this murder is the work of the devil, whether there is any supernatural element to it or not, Reverend Trask makes inquiries into it and offers to assist however he can. While the streetwalker was clearly a sinner, whoever murdered her was a worse one, and could easily kill again if not stopped.

Inquiry of the constable yields the information that a man of prodigious strength -- surely not a woman! -- gripped the throat of the unfortunate victim with such power as to shatter the bones. As if this were not enough to induce certain death in an instant, the throat was torn open, leading to exsanguination sufficient to be fatal in and of itself.

Posted: **Fri Oct 30, 2020 11:35 am**

"You are right, dear Nathan. I shall delay the day no longer."

Posted: **Fri Oct 30, 2020 11:37 am**

The sound of the waves promises comfort to Josette, and she walks closer and closer, imagining a world where her pain will gone. Should any force try to impede her, she will pull away, crying, "Leave me be!"

Posted: **Sat Oct 31, 2020 2:48 am**

"Josette, no!" cries Victoria, rushing to stop her from plunging to her death. She tries to grab hold of her to keep her from the edge and, seeing the hypnotic effect the music box seems to have on her, attempts to shut the lid of the box in order to stop the music.

Posted: **Sat Oct 31, 2020 2:53 am**

"Thank you, Constable," says Trask, the information confirming some of his suspicions. Superhuman strength, and exsanguination, he thinks. Could it be the work of a vampire? "Exsanguination, you said? Was much blood found at the scene?" A vampire would have consumed as much of the blood as possible. If I'm right, there wouldn't have been enough of it left to account for all the blood in the victim's body.

Posted: **Sat Oct 31, 2020 10:53 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
"You are right, dear Nathan. I shall delay the day no longer."

Rewarding his betrothed with a delicate kiss upon the cheek, Nathan expresses much gratitude.

"We shall have the finest wedding Collinsport has ever seen!" he remarks with a grin.

Following tender moments between the two, Nathan goes into town, purchasing the finest jewelry and raiment for his intended. (Being a Naval officer, and known to be associated with the Collins, he is able to obtain these items upon credit.)

Posted: **Sat Oct 31, 2020 10:55 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: "Thank you, Constable," says Trask, the information confirming some of his suspicions. Superhuman strength, and exsanguination, he thinks. Could it be the work of a vampire? "Exsanguination, you said? Was much blood found at the scene?" A vampire would have consumed as much of the blood as possible. If I'm right, there wouldn't have been enough of it left to account for all the blood in the victim's body.

"Oh, no blood left to speak of, sir. The poor lass was found on the docks, you see, and it seems to me that it flowed into the ocean, to be lost in the water."

The fellow beams a little with pride at this clever deduction.

Posted: **Sat Oct 31, 2020 10:56 am**

Spoiler:

Desperately struggling to keep Josette from hurling herself upon the jagged rocks below, Victoria is able to pull her away from the precipice. As she seizes the music box, its gentle melody seems to offer her visions of the time where she belongs. Shutting the lid ends these half-dreams, leaving only a pleasant memory behind.

Posted: **Sat Oct 31, 2020 1:32 pm**

Millicent shares the happy news with the rest of the household.

Posted: **Sat Oct 31, 2020 1:33 pm**

The strange draw of the waves abated, Josette falls to her knees, sobbing. "I just want to be free of this!"

Posted: **Sat Oct 31, 2020 9:47 pm**

Victoria kneels beside Josette and gives her a hug. "It's going to be all right," she assures her. "It was the music from the music box that made you do it, the one Angelique gave you." Give me a transistor radio any day over that thing, she thinks. "I think she meant you harm."

Posted: **Sat Oct 31, 2020 9:50 pm**

Even if the blood had drained into the sea, there'd still have been some blood, thinks Reverend Trask. But a bloodthirsty vampire would make sure not to spill a drop. He knows better than to correct the constable, however. "Was anything found at the scene? Were there any witnesses?" he asks.

Posted: **Sun Nov 01, 2020 5:11 am**

"But why should she harm me?" Josette wails. "I have done her no wrong. I have not stood in her way. I do not belong in this life now - I am but a ghost already."

Posted: **Sun Nov 01, 2020 9:58 am**

SunlessNick wrote: Millicent shares the happy news with the rest of the household.

There are subdued congratulations from the members of the household, given recent sobering events. Nathan makes arrangements to have Millicent's own pastor transported from New York City, at no little expense (to be paid at a later date), to perform the ceremony. There are also to be flowers, singers and musicians, food and drink for the guests, et cetera.

"Only the best," remarks Nathan with a smile, "and devil take the expense!"

Posted: **Sun Nov 01, 2020 10:01 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
Even if the blood had drained into the sea, there'd still have been some blood, thinks Reverend Trask. But a bloodthirsty vampire would make sure not to spill a drop. He knows better than to correct the constable, however. "Was anything found at the scene? Were there any witnesses?" he asks.

"Oh, bless me, not a one caught sight of the miscreant, sir. She'd be plyin' her trade out of the sight of curious eyes, if you catch my meanin'."

Spoiler:

"Haven't found a thing to track down the blackguard, more's the pity. Nary a bootprint nor hair else."

Posted: **Sun Nov 01, 2020 10:09 am**

Escorting the melancholy Josette back to the New House, Victoria faces the problem of what is to be done with the strange music box. It is undeniable that its melody provides a sort of dreamy solace to all who hear it; but did it lure Josette to the treacherous cliff as well, or was this mere happenstance? Should it be destroyed, hidden away, returned to Josette (who clearly yearns for its effect as an anodyne), or placed in the trust of other hands? Should one confront Angelique, demanding that she reveal all she knows about it, or would this only alert a potential enemy?

Posted: **Sun Nov 01, 2020 11:11 pm**

"Let our joy wash away all our recent sorrows."

Posted: **Sun Nov 01, 2020 11:12 pm**

Josette says nothing as she allows Victoria to lead her back to the house. She makes no attempt to reclaim the music box, though Victoria will doubtless see her companion's eyes stray to it many times.

Posted: **Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:02 am**

Victoria privately meets with Jeremiah, the only one she can trust to help her with this, and tells him what had happened. "Angelique has only been kind to me," she says, "at least to my face. But this music box she gave Josette nearly caused her to take her own life, as it filled her with such sorrow. Indeed, in the history I remember, she had killed herself in exactly that manner. She still might, if she ever gets her hands on it again. When I touched it, I got a feeling of homesickness for my own time, but I shut it quickly, and the feeling went away. I suspect Angelique may have induced Barnabas to fall in love with her somehow, but after that there was no need for her to get Josette out of the way, unless she was afraid his affections for her would return. If there is a witch here, it is probably Angelique. I know Reverend Trask is always suspicious. The music box is strong evidence against her, as everyone saw her give it to Josette, and he could feel its effects for himself if he had it. It takes a long time of being exposed to it before it causes extreme enough melancholy to induce suicide, so a brief exposure should not be harmful, and he seems strong-willed enough to resist his effects. Yet I am reluctant to approach him, for fear his suspicions will turn on me. Perhaps if you presented him with the music box and told him of the incident, but presented the suspicions as your own, I need not be personally involved."

Posted: **Mon Nov 02, 2020 2:55 am**

"Thank you," says Reverend Trask. "I should like to see the scene of the crime myself." He doesn't say so, but he doesn't have much faith in the constable's perceptive abilities, and the man doesn't truly know for what to look. The constabulary is ill-equipped to deal with a murder committed by a vampire.

Posted: **Mon Nov 02, 2020 9:30 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
"Let our joy wash away all our recent sorrows."

Nathan cannot but agree with this pleasant sentiment. After some time goes by, however, there appears to be something troubling him, although he unsuccessfully attempts to hide his concerns from his intended. Millicent will, of course, make discreet inquiry as to what weighs upon his mind. After some coaxing, he reveals a brace of worries.

"Suki has disappeared, and no one seems to know where she might be. We have never been very close, and she has always had a habit of gallivanting about without notice, but I am curious.

"In addition to that, if I may raise an embarrassing matter, I am afraid in my passion to make our upcoming nuptials most memorable, I am afraid I have overextended my resources. Blasted creditors! If I might request another small loan, until such time as we are wed, and I take over the dreary responsibility of handling our financial affairs."

Posted: **Mon Nov 02, 2020 9:38 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
Josette says nothing as she allows Victoria to lead her back to the house. She makes no attempt to reclaim the music box, though Victoria will doubtless see her companion's eyes stray to it many times.

After some time, Josette no longer feels the need to lessen her sorrows by listening to the seductive melody of the music box, relying instead on the tender ministrations of family and friends to slowly heal her soul's wounds.

Posted: **Mon Nov 02, 2020 9:44 am**

Posted: **Mon Nov 02, 2020 10:07 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Thank you," says Reverend Trask. "I should like to see the scene of the crime myself." He doesn't say so, but he doesn't have much faith in the constable's perceptive abilities, and the man doesn't truly know for what to look. The constabulary is ill-equipped to deal with a murder committed by a vampire.

Spoiler:

As a member of the clergy, Reverend Trask is permitted to pay a visit to the undertaker's place of business where the young woman's body is being prepared for burial in the local potter's field, on the pretext of praying for her scarlet soul. Upon close examination, next to the large, open, slashed area on her throat there are two much smaller punctures, which have gone unnoticed, due to the proximity of the other wound. There are also barely visible bruises on what remains of the flesh of her neck, these being rendered nearly as pale as the rest of her skin, due to the extreme loss of blood. Nevertheless, this provides evidence that the act of strangulation was performed by someone with larger than usual hands.

Examining the scene of the crime, Reverend Trask discovers an earring, of cheap and gaudy making. It does not match the design of those worn by the dead woman as part of the allurements of her trade; and, in any case, her body still bears both of those. No, this must belong to someone else.

Spoiler:

But who? The answer is not immediately evident, as Reverend Trask, disdainful of all vanity, pays no attention to the baubles with which members of the weaker sex foolishly decorate themselves. He must seek elsewhere for the identity of the wearer, and what role she might play in this mystery.

Posted: **Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:56 pm**

"I am sorry for you worries, dear Nathan," says Millicent. "Suki knows of your love for her. She will surely come to you if trouble should befall her."

In response to his request, she goes to Joshua and David, arranging to see them together. "In his zeal to provide me with a suitable wedding, I fear Nathan has ventured somewhat ahead of himself. He finds himself in need of a further brief loan. But of course because of you counsel, dear Uncle, I cannot provide this myself - nor can I tell him of my dilemma due to my promise. So it is to you and David I must turn to to release a little money that I may pass on to him."

OOC: This is the first time Millicent has directly referred to having lent Nathan money before.

Posted: **Mon Nov 02, 2020 8:14 pm**

Thinking about recent event, Josette is beginning to believe Victoria's words about the music box. With a heavy heart she approaches the Reverend Trask when he returns to the house. "It is a black matter about which I wish to speak Reverend, all the more so because even now it seems like betrayal. Some time ago you searched the rooms of all the ladies at Collinswood. You expressed suspicion of my then maid Angelique, and in response I vouched for her good character. I fear I can no longer stand by that assurance. When... when her betrothal to... Barnabas was announced, I went to her and gave her my blessing. In return she gave me a music box. I suppose you must have heard me play it often. Yet I am now cognisant that its music had a baleful effect on me. It turned my grief into a madness in which I would have sinfully taken my own life had Miss Winters not saved me. She took the box into her care, and without it, the madness has faded. I do not want to believe that Angelique meant me harm. I pray that my fears are wrong, and that she is somehow another victim in this - or that in bleak serendipity the music box merely compounded a madness that was my own. But I would welcome your counsel."

Posted: **Tue Nov 03, 2020 6:12 am**

"I tell you the truth, I did not try to kill Josette," says Victoria to Jeremiah. "Please believe me. I saved her life. If you do not believe me, you may ask her yourself. She is my friend, and I have no reason to harm her." After she finds the note, she seeks him out again and tells him what happened. "I think Angelique is the one that left it. Maybe she has the power to send me home. Maybe she'll even keep her word and do it. I don't know. Whatever we decide to do, I shall have to speak to Reverend Trask. Will you come with me as a witness when I do?"

Posted: **Tue Nov 03, 2020 6:16 am**

"You were right to come to me," Reverend Trask tells Josette. "For some time I have suspected Angelique of witchcraft. And this music box, along with your testimony, may be the final proof. She is already responsible for one death, and it is only by the grace of God that you did not meet the same fate. Where is this music box now, and what has become of it? Also, do you recognize this earring? Do you know to whom it belongs?" He shows her the earring he found at the crime scene.

Posted: **Tue Nov 03, 2020 7:04 am**

"Miss Winters took charge of the box after she saved me, but I confess I know not what she has done with it." Josette examines the earring.

Posted: **Tue Nov 03, 2020 11:35 am**

SunlessNick wrote: "I am sorry for you worries, dear Nathan," says Millicent. "Suki knows of your love for her. She will surely come to you if trouble should befall her."

In response to his request, she goes to Joshua and Daniel, arranging to see them together. "In his zeal to provide me with a suitable wedding, I fear Nathan has ventured somewhat ahead of himself. He finds himself in need of a further brief loan. But of course because of you counsel, dear Uncle, I cannot provide this myself - nor can I tell him of my dilemma due to my promise. So it is to you and David I must turn to to release a little money that I may pass on to him."

Spoiler:

Upon hearing this statement, Joshua and Daniel take themselves off to another room to discuss the matter in private. When they return, it is, surprisingly, Daniel who speaks.

"It was most foolish of you to trust your heart rather than your head, dear sister. Heaven knows I cannot blame you for suffering under the common weakness of the female brain, but from now on Lieutenant Forbes shall not receive a penny of our inheritance. Rather let him support himself and you through his labor. If he has fallen into debt, he must climb his way out again, without any help from the Collins fortune."

Joshua shakes his hand as if he were a grown man, saying "Well spoken, sir, like a true Collins."

Posted: **Tue Nov 03, 2020 11:44 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
"Miss Winters took charge of the box after she saved me, but I confess I know not what she has done with it." Josette examines the earring.

Spoiler:

Josette does not recognize the earring, which is of a much less refined design than her own jewelry.

Posted: **Tue Nov 03, 2020 11:48 am**

Spoiler:

Play@YSDC

A Funeral and a Wedding

A Funeral and a Wedding

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