The Trial of Angelique

[Mr. Handy]

"Did you know that your wife is no longer in jail?" asks Reverend Trask, watching Barnabas for a reaction.

[Mr. Handy]

Victoria guides Millicent back to where they found the watchman to wait.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"You do not know where Mrs Collins may be?" asks Nathan. "If she is not a fugitive, then she is in danger."

Spoiler:

A couple of unexplained die rolls0

"My late wife is in a place now where no worldly harm can befall her. May she rest in peace."

Nathan,Given your experience with the practice of deception, you are well aware that he is lying.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

"Did you know that your wife is no longer in jail?" asks Reverend Trask, watching Barnabas for a reaction.

Spoiler:

A couple of unexplained die rolls.0

Spoiler:

We must assume that you and Nathan ask your questions separately, and are not yet aware of how they have been answered.

A single tear falls from Barnabas' eye.

"Indeed, she is no longer an inhabitant of this prison we call life! Dead, and no longer subject to the tortures of the flesh and the persecutions of the soul! I pray you, sir, leave me to mourn in peace."

He turns away, once again facing the eternal sea.

[SunlessNick]

Victoria guides Millicent back to where they found the watchman to wait.

"Have I done the right thing?" Millicent asks. "Mr Jennings did not bid me keep his message secret, though he must surely have meant me to."

[SunlessNick]

"My late wife is in a place now where no worldly harm can befall her. May she rest in peace."

Nathan,Given your experience with the practice of deception, you are well aware that he is lying.

"I am sorry for your loss, Sir. May Mrs Collins find the peace this world denied her."

Vicki,Presumably, Angelique is either dead or leaving Collinsport. Either suits Nathan well enough, so he will not question Barnabas's statement.

Nathan will relay the news to Reverend Trask.

[SunlessNick]

When Josette has finished her prayers she returns to Collinswood, and asks whom she may for news of events in town.

[Mr. Handy]

"You meant well," says Victoria to Millicent, "and you were right to tell us about the message."

[Mr. Handy]

"I am sorry, Mr. Collins," says Reverend Trask. "I wish you the best." With that, he takes his leave. While Barnabas seems to be convinced that Angelique is dead, Reverend Trask is not so easily persuaded. After disembarking with the rest of the search party once their inspection of the ship is complete, he intends to get warrants to search the four remaining ships they have not yet examined.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

As Polonius is alleged to have advised the melancholy Dane, whilst not exhibiting the trait himself, brevity is the soul of wit. In brief, a thorough search of the American ships reveals nothing out of order, their captains only exhibiting that stubbornness and pride oft ascribed to their countrymen. Not very long thereafter, the master of the Lydia, eager to make full use of the outgoing tide, prepares to raise anchor and set sail for his native land.

[Mr. Handy]

"She may in fact be dead," says Reverend Trask, "but how would Barnabas have known? Did someone tell him so? Did he see it himself? Was he in fact the instrument of her death? Or is she still alive, but fled elsewhere? A ship could have sailed before we arrived with her on it. Or she may have fled by land instead of by sea."

[SunlessNick]

"Perhaps Jenning's assault on the gaol was not a rescue after all," says Nathan.

[SunlessNick]

"You meant well," says Victoria to Millicent, "and you were right to tell us about the message."

"Thankyou, dear Victoria."

[Mr. Handy]

"You're very welcome, dear Millicent," says Victoria.

[Mr. Handy]

"That is possible," says Reverend Trask, "though if she were dead, why was her body not reported as having been found there?"

[SunlessNick]

"True. He would have little reason or opporunity to move it."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

There being much question as to the fate of the formerly imprisoned Mrs Collins, inquiry is made regarding evidence of her demise or other current status. In a word, no information relating to such is forthcoming. By questioning many of those frequenting the dock, it is determined that she, or someone answering that description, was seen in the vicinity not so very long ago, but has not been sighted since the search of the various sailing vessels began.

The mysterious and deadly circumstances involved with the lady's disappearance would have, no doubt, been the sole topic of conversation around the dockyards, and within Collinsport itself, were it not for a tragic occurrence occurring not long after. It seems that an entirely unexpected, and seemingly anomalous, contrary wind sent the Lydia crashing into the treacherous shoals that lie at no great distance from the foot of the cliff known as Widow's Hill. A spyglass reveals the vessel to be entirely wrecked, but there appear to be some survivors clinging to what remains. A general call goes out for those of bold heart to brave the dangers of the sea in small boats, in the hopes that some may be rescued.

[SunlessNick]

Nathan is no sailor, but needs must.

[SunlessNick]

Knowing that Barnabas was aboard, both Josette and Millicent each have their reasons to anxiously follow news of the disaster.

[Mr. Handy]

Victoria also awaits the outcome of the search with concern.