Play@YSDC

Posted: **Fri Dec 25, 2020 12:31 pm**

Things go back more or less to normal in Collinsport. David is his own, unpredictable self. He expresses, more than once, an interest in somehow breaking into the locked room in the basement. As of now, however, his aunt Elizabeth has the only key.

Sam Evans is drinking less and painting more, including a portrait of his daughter that, to use his words, "ain't half bad, if I say so myself."

Burke Devlin arranges for a series of private meetings with Roger Collins, which, in time, results in an uneasy reconciliation between two proud men. What exactly has been resolved is not known to anyone else.

One day a letter addressed to Elizabeth Stoddard arrives at Collinwood. It is somewhat lengthy, it seems, as Elizabeth studies it for some time. After a while, she asks both her brother and her daughter what they think of the letter, after they have had a chance to examine it.

"Sounds like fun," Carolyn says. "We could use some new blood around this dreary old tomb."

Roger shrugs. "Could be a con artist, for all I know."

Having come to think of Victoria as a member of the family, she shows the letter to her as well. It is written in ink, in a fine hand. The writer introduces himself as Barnabas Collins, a distant cousin, newly arrived from England. He expresses an interest in purchasing the Old House, naming a substantial sum for a structure so dilapidated. He is currently staying at the Collinsport Inn, and asks permission to pay a visit to Collinwood some evening, and if he might be allowed to bring a guest. In a postscript, he notes that, during his brief stay in Collinsport, he purchased a portrait at the local art gallery, entitled Maggie and signed S. Evans, for a handsome sum. Being informed that the model was a local resident, he inquires if they are acquainted with her, as he would be very pleased to meet her.

"What do you think, Miss Winters?"

Posted: **Fri Dec 25, 2020 10:17 pm**

"He sounds intriguing," says Victoria. "I think Maggie would be interested to meet him too. I'm curious how he's related to the Collins family. I saw a book once about the family history. Maybe there's something in there about the English branch of the family."

Posted: **Sat Dec 26, 2020 11:49 am**

"Yes, that's true," Elizabeth says. "The first Barnabas Collins sailed to England nearly two hundred years ago, according to the family history. I'm afraid we've lost track of that branch of the family. Let me see, there's a portrait of the original Barnabas in the hall." She points out the painting.

A message is sent to the Collinsport Inn inviting Barnabas Collins to pay a visit one evening. If there is any doubt as to his being a true member of the family, that is removed by the fact that he so strongly resembles his ancestor, even wearing the same opal ring and carrying the same wolf's head cane shown in the painting.

"Inherited from my ancestor, " he explains. His accent does not seem particularly British, but rather something like that of an Atlantic Canadian; perhaps he has been in that country at some time.

He is accompanied by a woman he introduces as Doctor Julia Hoffman, his personal physician, who will be in residence with him in the Old House, if he is allowed to purchase it, and once renovations are completed. This suggests not only abundant wealth, to afford a private doctor, but that he may be afflicted with an illness that requires constant attention, although what this might be is not evident; he seems reasonable healthy, if a bit gaunt and pale.

Doctor Hoffman appears to be a rather sober, if polite, woman, while Barnabas is courtly and old-fashioned in his manner. He appears to know quite a lot about the Collins family history.

At some point in the conversation, he asks, "Is Miss Evans about? I am quite eager to make her acquaintance."

Posted: **Sat Dec 26, 2020 6:11 pm**

Maggie is delighted at her father's painting, and at his cutting down on the drinking (she doesn't mention the latter, though, not wanting to jinx it). She lets Victoria know about the painting of laura having burned up.

When Victoria mentions Barnabas, Maggie's initial reaction is "More of them? Sorry that was mean. Thanks, I'd love to.

Posted: **Sat Dec 26, 2020 6:35 pm**

"She's a friend of mine," says Victoria. "She lives in town with her father, the artist. I told her you'd be coming, and I think she'll come by."

Posted: **Sun Dec 27, 2020 10:29 am**

"Excellent," Barnabas replies. "By the way, Miss Winters, have we met before? It seems that I have seen you somewhere, very long ago, years and year gone by."

Before Victoria can answer, Doctor Hoffman says "Don't be silly, Barnabas. Miss Winters is very young. She could not possibly have known you 'years and years' ago."

"Of course. Please excuse my presumption. There are times when I dwell over much in the past."

Posted: **Sun Dec 27, 2020 11:27 pm**

On the evening she is to go the manor, Maggie cooks a stew for her father - something he can reheat easily. Then pretties herself up for the trip out (some old old world nobility sounds pretty fun).

Posted: **Mon Dec 28, 2020 2:14 am**

"Perhaps you've met my mother," says Victoria, "or some other relative of mine?"

Posted: **Mon Dec 28, 2020 10:54 am**

"I suppose that is possible," Barnabas remarks. "Might I inquire as to your mother's full name? I seem to have known a Winters in my time." Upon learning that Victoria is an orphan, named by the facility that took her in, with no knowledge of her parents, he apologizes for stirring up any unpleasant memories.

This possibly awkward moment is interrupted by the arrival of Maggie, whom Barnabas greets most warmly.

"Your portrait does not capture the charm of its original," he says, "although it will win an honored place in my new home. You must all come to pay me a visit once it has been restored." It is evident that he presumes he will be allowed to purchase the place. Judging by the effusive welcome he receives from Elizabeth and Roger, he is correct in this assumption; it's clear that the payment will come in handy, given Burke Devlin's actions to reduce the income of their corporation.

"Perhaps we should go," Doctor Hoffman says. "There is much planning to be done. Willie is waiting for your instructions."

"Indeed," Barnabas replies. "I do not mean to disturb your evening, but business keeps me away from Collinsport most days. Good night, all." He makes a few more remarks of no great importance to everyone present, particularly extending his farewells to Maggie, so that Doctor Hoffman has to take his arm to remind him that it's time to leave.

Over the next few days, a great deal of noises suggesting hammering and sawing come from the Old House.

Posted: **Mon Dec 28, 2020 7:56 pm**

Maggie is rather touched by Barnabas's greeting - a lot of guys compliment her, but not so many are so romantic about it, even when dating her. She's definitely intereted in seeing him again. "Wow," she says after he's gone. "He could have posed for that painting himself!" After that, she reverts to form, exchanging gossip with Vix.

Posted: **Tue Dec 29, 2020 4:59 am**

"It's strange that Barnabas seems to know me," Victoria tells Maggie. "So did Sarah, the ghost of the little girl I met. But she died in 1796."

Posted: **Tue Dec 29, 2020 9:42 am**

Construction continues on the Old House, most of the work being done by one young man, although various day laborers come by now and then to perform specific tasks. One afternoon, a series of loud knocks is heard on the front door of the main house. When opened, the young man, heretofore only glimpsed from a distance, stands there, with his hand gripping the collar of David's jacket.

"You better tell the kid not to go sneakin' into the old place no more. It ain't safe, what with sawin' and hammerin' and what not. Barnabas don't want nobody snoopin' around the joint."

"Lemme go," David protests. "I was just looking for Josette. I haven't seen her in a long time."

"None of your fairy tales, young man," Roger says. "I'll deal with my son myself, if you don't mind," he continues, dismissing the young man and sending David up to his room.

"That was Willie Loomis," Carolyn says. "Never had an honest job in his life, as far as I know. Used to bother all the girls at the Blue Whale, come up and touch their hair and stuff. A real creep."

"He seems to be working like a Trojan now," Elizabeth says. "It seems that Cousin Barnabas has been a good influence on the fellow."

"Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it," Carolyn answers.

Several days later, Willie, his manner somewhat subdued, delivers a large, old-fashioned trunk, along with a handwritten invitation to a costume party at the newly completed Old House a few nights from now. The trunk contains all sorts of clothing of the style of two centuries ago.

I discovered this trunk in a neglected part of the Old House, the note explains. The garments are in remarkably fine condition. I trust that each of you will find something appropriate to wear within it. My very best regards, Barnabas.

During one of their frequent conversations, Victoria discovers that Maggie received a similar invitation and a smaller parcel, containing a white lace gown and the appropriate accessories to go along with it.

Posted: **Tue Dec 29, 2020 10:32 pm**

Mr. Handy wrote:"It's strange that Barnabas seems to know me," Victoria tells Maggie. "So did Sarah, the ghost of the little girl I met. But she died in 1796."

"Maybe you'll meet Dr Who," Maggie jokes.

Maggie confirms Carolyn's assessment of Willie Loomis. "He's been thrown out of Collinsport Inn a few times for getting handsy with the waitresses."

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:During one of their frequent conversations, Victoria discovers that Maggie received a similar invitation and a smaller parcel, containing a white lace gown and the appropriate accessories to go along with it.

"It looks like a wedding dress! Maybe he plans to sweep me off my feet." (She does find herself liking the look of it, though, even if she can't take it 100% seriously). It's going to be a bit awkward if Burke's there too, though...

Posted: **Wed Dec 30, 2020 3:13 am**

"Oh, I love that show," says Victoria. "The Doctor even has a new companion named Victoria. I quite like Jamie too. He's dreamy!" She looks through the old-fashioned clothing for something that would fit and suit her.

Posted: **Wed Dec 30, 2020 10:02 am**

As luck would have it, there is clothing of appropriate size for everyone at Collinwood; even a boy's outfit for David, although he is less than enthusiastic about wearing it. The outfit that fits Victoria best happens to be the simple and practical dress as might be worn by one of the more respectable servants of a wealthy household. Maggie's costume is a perfect fit, as if it were tailored for her.

Upon arrival on the night of the party, the guests discover that the Old House has been restored, as best as possible, to its original state. There is no electricity, although it would be a simple matter to extend the power lines that serve the main mansion to it.

Burke Devlin is present, having had some recent business dealings with Barnabas, dressed rather simply, but in the correct manner of a gentleman of the late 18th century. Getting into character, he is gallant to all the young ladies, but pays particular attention to Carolyn, who lights up the room in a gown of fine quality which must have belonged to someone of great wealth. His interaction with Elizabeth and Roger is cool, but polite. David is obviously bored, and has to be distracted from playing with the candles by Burke's tales of travels throughout the world.

Willie, acting as unobtrusively as possible, is dressed as an ordinary servant of the time, and performs that function as guests are introduced and food and drinks are served. Barnabas is dressed in the exact manner as his ancestor, as shown in the portrait. Doctor Hoffman, perhaps to the slight surprise of the guests, is colorfully arrayed as a romantic version of a Gypsy of the period.

Barnabas welcomes all the guests warmly, taking particular care to direct Maggie to the sitting room, where two portraits hang next to each other above the fireplace.

"You can see why I was so eager to make your acquaintance, Miss Evans," Barnabas says.

One of the paintings is the one newly created by her father; the other is of a woman dressed in the white lace gown she is currently wearing. There is a strong resemblance between the two.

Posted: **Wed Dec 30, 2020 9:58 pm**

"Who was she?" Maggie asks, instinctively assuming the woman is no longer among the living. Her heart is beating quickly, as if trying to mark out the rhythms of nervousness, excitement and curiosity all at once.

Posted: **Thu Dec 31, 2020 5:39 am**

"That must be Josette," says Victoria. "David told me about her. She lived here back then. She threw herself off Widow's Walk. The resemblance is uncanny, isn't it?"

Posted: **Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:34 am**

"You are quite correct, Miss Winters," Barnabas replies. "She was exquisitely lovely, as evidenced by Miss Evans' close resemblance to her. Such a tragedy! To lose such a kind, wise, elegant, and loving young woman, just before she was to become a bride! Such, at least," he explains, "was her nature, according to all accounts I have been able to discover. Her death broke my ancestor's heart, and he never stopped mourning for her. That is to say, my impression is that he did not. That was so very long ago, after all."

He pauses, contemplating the portrait for a while.

"But let us think of the present, as tempting as it might be to dwell upon the past. Willie," he cries to his employee, "fetch the box I told you about."

Willie is heard descending the stairs to the basement, unlocking a heavy door, then returning, after locking again. He gives a small box wrapped in white paper to his employer.

"I should like you to have this, Miss Evans." He unwraps the box and opens it, revealing a music box of antique design.

Doctor Hoffman has been observing all this for a while. "Barnabas, do you think--" she begins.

"I am aware of your opinion, Doctor," Barnabas replies. "Please allow me to indulge my whim." While handing the music box to Maggie, he addresses Victoria. "By the way, how does it happen that young David is so familiar with Josette? I am most curious to know."

Posted: **Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:39 pm**

"Oh, that's... er, sad," Maggie says of Josette's suicide, visibly aborting a more sarcastic turn of phrase. "I hope she wasn't wearing this."

"Thankyou Mr Collins, it's lovely," she says of the box. She doesn't set it going, so's not to interrupt Victoria's answer.

Posted: **Fri Jan 01, 2021 3:54 am**

"He likes to explore a lot," says Victoria. "He used to spend time in the Old House before you moved in. He showed me her portrait once and told me about her, but I'm not sure how he knows. Maybe he read up on his family's history. Or maybe he met her ghost."

Posted: **Fri Jan 01, 2021 9:45 am**

To Maggie, Barnabas replies, "No. That gown has never been worn by anyone, until now. That is, so I gather, from accounts of the tragedy. How perfectly it suits you. One might imagine that it has been waiting for you, all these years."

On hearing Victoria's reply, he becomes noticeably agitated. "Can it be that there are truly specters in this house? " He seizes her arm in a firm grip. "You must tell me! What do you know of Josette's spirit? Have you seen her? Have there been any other manifestations witnessed hereabouts?"

Doctor Hoffman places a restraining hand upon him. "You must not allow yourself to become overly excited." She turns to the others. "His condition is very delicate."

"That is so," Barnabas confesses. "I believe I will need another treatment soon, Doctor. Forgive me, my friends."

The party winds down with inconsequential talk. As the guests make the way home, Willie takes an opportunity to speak to Maggie quietly, in a respectful manner not at all in keeping with their few previous encounters.

"You be careful. Don't go walkin' around alone at night or nothin' like that."

Posted: **Fri Jan 01, 2021 8:24 pm**

"Barnabas seems very excitable," Victoria says to Maggie.

Posted: **Fri Jan 01, 2021 10:45 pm**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"You be careful. Don't go walkin' around alone at night or nothin' like that."

"I will," Maggie replies with a smile.

Mr. Handy wrote:"Barnabas seems very excitable," Victoria says to Maggie.

"Yeah he sure did. Did he hurt you? It looked like he was about to shake you. I guess a Collins had to be mad one way or another."

Posted: **Sat Jan 02, 2021 6:42 am**

"Oh, I'm fine," says VIctoria. "His grip was firm, but he didn't hurt me. It's like he's in love with Josette, and not just his ancestor."

Posted: **Sat Jan 02, 2021 9:48 am**

A couple of days later, Willie shows up at the diner, picking up some food to go. There are black and blue marks on his face and arms. When asked about them, he says "I fell. Gotta be more careful."

David claims to have seen Sarah near the Old House, along with "some really old guy, about a million years old." As usual, his relatives dismiss this as his typical nonsense.

Posted: **Sat Jan 02, 2021 10:19 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:"Oh, I'm fine," says VIctoria. "His grip was firm, but he didn't hurt me. It's like he's in love with Josette, and not just his ancestor."

"It really is!" Maggie agrees.

She smiles sympathetically at Willie's story, not really believing him, but not wanting to embarrass him. She gives him a little extra on the house.

Posted: **Sat Jan 02, 2021 7:27 pm**

"I believe you," says Victoria to David. "I've seen Sarah myself once, but not the old guy. Did they say or do anything?"

Posted: **Sat Jan 02, 2021 9:40 pm**

After her shift, Maggie makes sure her father is ok and fed and so on. Once she has some time to herself, she sets the music box going. Barnabas's seeming obsssion with this Josette creeps her out a little, especially given the resemblance in their portraits, but he did give her the gift, and it'd be churlish not to listen to it.

Posted: **Thu Jan 07, 2021 8:09 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: "I believe you," says Victoria to David. "I've seen Sarah myself once, but not the old guy. Did they say or do anything?"

Pleased to be believed at last, David responds eagerly.

"She's always singing this old song, you know, about London Bridge and stuff. This old guy was in the woods, just after dark, walking toward the mansion, like he was coming from the Old House. Then Sarah popped up out of nowhere, the way she does, and the old guy stopped dead in his tracks. They said something I didn't hear to each other, then the old guy fell to his knees. I guess he felt pretty sad. I didn't hang around after that. Something about the guy, with all those wrinkles all over his face and hands, and that big bald head with a couple of white hairs, gave me the creeps."

Posted: **Thu Jan 07, 2021 8:14 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
After her shift, Maggie makes sure her father is ok and fed and so on. Once she has some time to herself, she sets the music box going. Barnabas's seeming obsssion with this Josette creeps her out a little, especially given the resemblance in their portraits, but he did give her the gift, and it'd be churlish not to listen to it.

The music box plays a gentle, tinkling memory. It brings thoughts of other times and other places. Of an island under a tropical sun, of a voyage on a sailing ship, of a cold, rocky land where a lonely house broods near a high cliff overlooking the sea. The effect is hypnotic, almost as if one could slip away into those other worlds.

Posted: **Thu Jan 07, 2021 11:17 pm**

It's not like Maggie doesn't like her life - she's got a job, good friends, and is popular around town - but it's not a secure life, for her or her father, the way they're always short of money. And it's not really glamorous. The daydreams the music gives her are pretty appealing - she gives into the tempation to listen to it some more.

Posted: **Fri Jan 08, 2021 3:58 am**

"I heard her sing London Bridge too," says Victoria. "She also acted like she already knew me, but I had never met her before."

Posted: **Fri Jan 08, 2021 9:10 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
It's not like Maggie doesn't like her life - she's got a job, good friends, and is popular around town - but it's not a secure life, for her or her father, the way they're always short of money. And it's not really glamorous. The daydreams the music gives her are pretty appealing - she gives into the tempation to listen to it some more.

One day, while Maggie is idly humming the music box's melody at work, Doctor Hoffman walks into the diner. Hearing the tune, she approaches.

"You might want to reconsider accepting such a valuable gift," she says. "Barnabas is given to extravagant gestures, particularly when his treatments are not having their desired effect. By the way, here's my card. Feel free to get in touch with me if you need any medical advice."

Julia Hoffman, MD

Specialist in psychiatry, hypnotherapy, and hematology
Director of Windcliff Sanitarium

It is common knowledge that Windcliff Sanitarium is located about one hundred miles north of Collinsport, in an isolated, rural area. Given Doctor Hoffman's current residence in the Old House, there would seem to be no easy way to contact her except by paying a visit.

Posted: **Fri Jan 08, 2021 9:21 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: "I heard her sing London Bridge too," says Victoria. "She also acted like she already knew me, but I had never met her before."

"Yeah, she's kinda weird, "David admits. "Won't tell me where she comes from or anything like that. That old guy seemed pretty upset to see her. I guess he's scared of GHOSTS," he concludes, shouting at Victoria, making a goofy face, and giggling.

Some time later, Elizabeth expresses concern for her daughter's health. Carolyn seems languid and distracted, and wears a turtleneck sweater despite the warm weather. "I'm fine," she responds to any inquiries. She hasn't gone out with Joe Haskell for quite some time, and instead prefers to go to bed early.

Posted: **Fri Jan 08, 2021 11:30 pm**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"You might want to reconsider accepting such a valuable gift," she says. "Barnabas is given to extravagant gestures, particularly when his treatments are not having their desired effect. By the way, here's my card. Feel free to get in touch with me if you need any medical advice."

Julia Hoffman, MD

Specialist in psychiatry, hypnotherapy, and hematology
Director of Windcliff Sanitarium

Maggie thinks, Isn't that last one about blood? - but too late to ask - an odd pairing with being a shrink, though.

Is Sam still drinking less than he used to?

Posted: **Sat Jan 09, 2021 3:59 am**

"Maybe I should take a look at you," Victoria suggests to Carolyn. "The symptoms sound like anemia. It can cause problems if it's not treated."

Posted: **Sat Jan 09, 2021 10:52 am**

SunlessNick wrote:Maggie thinks, Isn't that last one about blood? - but too late to ask - an odd pairing with being a shrink, though.

Still shaken by the unexplained reduction of the painting of Laura to ashes, Maggie's father is spending more time at the Blue Whale with his favorite brand of Scotch.

"I can handle my booze," he insists.

Posted: **Sat Jan 09, 2021 10:54 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Maybe I should take a look at you," Victoria suggests to Carolyn. "The symptoms sound like anemia. It can cause problems if it's not treated."

With a snide tone, Carolyn retorts "Where did you get your medical degree, Miss Know-It-All? I can take care of myself, thank you very much."

Although Carolyn can be a bit self-centered, it's not normal for her to be openly rude.

Posted: **Sat Jan 09, 2021 9:20 pm**

"All right, I was just trying to help," says Victoria. "I'm not a doctor. As a governess, I just know a little about everything. Maybe you should see a doctor though. I wonder if Dr. Hoffman would be interested."

Posted: **Sat Jan 09, 2021 10:01 pm**

"I burned the painting," Maggie says to her father in a the hopes of alleviating his reaction with an explanation. "I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have. But Laura was bad news. She tried to hurt her son, and me. We're better off without her, or it."

On a day she has off, after making sure he has a lunch ready, Maggie decides to pay a visit to Doctor Hoffman. She wants to ask, hypothetically - "I have a friend I'm worried about, but I don't want to get her in trouble" - whether the doctor can use hypnosis to cure an addiction.

Posted: **Sun Jan 10, 2021 11:07 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"All right, I was just trying to help," says Victoria. "I'm not a doctor. As a governess, I just know a little about everything. Maybe you should see a doctor though. I wonder if Dr. Hoffman would be interested."

"I couldn't care less. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to take a walk."

Elizabeth happens to be nearby, and cautions her daughter. "Be careful. It's nearly nighttime."

"Really, Mother, I'm not a child. Save your warnings for your little brat of a nephew."

With that, she grabs a scarf from the coat hanger near the front door, wraps it around her throat, and heads outside.

Posted: **Sun Jan 10, 2021 11:13 am**

SunlessNick wrote: "I burned the painting," Maggie says to her father in a the hopes of alleviating his reaction with an explanation. "I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have. But Laura was bad news. She tried to hurt her son, and me. We're better off without her, or it."

On a day she has off, after making sure he has a lunch ready, Maggie decides to pay a visit to Doctor Hoffman. She wants to ask, hypothetically - "I have a friend I'm worried about, but I don't want to get her in trouble" - whether the doctor can use hypnosis to cure an addiction.

Maggie finds Doctor Hoffman busy with lab equipment and a notebook, in an otherwise unused room in the Old House.

"It's a bit hard working without electricity," she says in a friendly manner, "but Barnabas must have his little eccentricities."

After learning the reason for her visit, Doctor Hoffman is optimistic.

"Yes, indeed. I have often had quite a bit of success in such situations." Lowering her voice, she asks "You wouldn't happen to be talking about Miss Stoddard, would you?"

Their conversation is interrupted by Willie, who rushes in with some agitation. He tells Maggie "Maybe you better head on home. It's gettin' dark out there."

Posted: **Sun Jan 10, 2021 8:45 pm**

"I'm worried about Carolyn," says Victoria. "I'd go with her, but I don't think she'd appreciate my company."

Posted: **Sun Jan 10, 2021 10:19 pm**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"Yes, indeed. I have often had quite a bit of success in such situations." Lowering her voice, she asks "You wouldn't happen to be talking about Miss Stoddard, would you?"

Maggie is sufficiently flustered by the question to make it clear the answer is no.

Their conversation is interrupted by Willie, who rushes in with some agitation. He tells Maggie "Maybe you better head on home. It's gettin' dark out there."

Relieved at the chance to get out without telling a more direct lie, she says, "Thanks, Mr Loomis. Maybe I should. Sorry Doctor. Is it ok if I come again soon?" She takes her leave and heads back toward home.

Posted: **Mon Jan 11, 2021 10:03 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"I'm worried about Carolyn," says Victoria. "I'd go with her, but I don't think she'd appreciate my company."

"She does seem out of sorts," Elizabeth replies. "I suppose she's had another one of her quarrels with Joe Haskell. It'll all blow over soon, I'm sure."

Posted: **Mon Jan 11, 2021 10:10 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"Yes, indeed. I have often had quite a bit of success in such situations." Lowering her voice, she asks "You wouldn't happen to be talking about Miss Stoddard, would you?"
Maggie is sufficiently flustered by the question to make it clear the answer is no.

"I see. Just a thought. Never mind."

Their conversation is interrupted by Willie, who rushes in with some agitation. He tells Maggie "Maybe you better head on home. It's gettin' dark out there."
Relieved at the chance to get out without telling a more direct lie, she says, "Thanks, Mr Loomis. Maybe I should. Sorry Doctor. Is it ok if I come again soon?" She takes her leave and heads back toward home.

"Certainly. My days are generally free." Her attention is drawn to a hissing sound emerging from a test tube half full of a deep red liquid. The substance hisses and foams, overflowing the tube. "Excuse me." She places the tube into a locked box and secures it. With a laugh, she explains, "Just an experiment gone awry. I'm quite a mad scientist, you see." She winks to convey a sense of self mockery.

Posted: **Mon Jan 11, 2021 8:56 pm**

"Cool!" Maggie responds to Dr Hoffman's confession. "I'll see you soon."

She dithers slightly about the route back, unsure about going to the main house and trying to get a taxi, or walking back to town. She walks partway to the house before deciding she shouldn't waste the money, and starting for town.

Posted: **Tue Jan 12, 2021 5:27 am**

"I think she should see a doctor," says Victoria. "She doesn't seem well."

Posted: **Tue Jan 12, 2021 9:33 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: "I think she should see a doctor," says Victoria. "She doesn't seem well."

"Perhaps you're right. I'll have to talk to Doctor Hoffman the next time I see her. If only Barnabas had a telephone, I could call right now! He really lives in the past, doesn't he?"

Unstated, but well known, is the fact that Elizabeth rarely leaves the mansion even to go as far as the Old House, and never leaves the Collinwood property at all.

Posted: **Tue Jan 12, 2021 9:34 am**

SunlessNick wrote: "Cool!" Maggie responds to Dr Hoffman's confession. "I'll see you soon."

She dithers slightly about the route back, unsure about going to the main house and trying to get a taxi, or walking back to town. She walks partway to the house before deciding she shouldn't waste the money, and starting for town.

Spoiler:

The long walk back home is uneventful. It's a fairly warm, but cloudy night, so it's hard to see much of anything. Fortunately, the lights of Collinsport are enough for Maggie to find her way back, even if she goes off the steep, winding road now and then.

Posted: **Tue Jan 12, 2021 9:41 am**

Some time later, Carolyn returns, in somewhat better mood. Her skin is flushed, perhaps from a good, long walk. She smiles at Victoria.

"You know," she says warmly, "a sweet, smart, and pretty girl like you really needs a boyfriend. There's nothing quite like love, is there?"

Humming a popular tune, she heads upstairs to her room.

Posted: **Tue Jan 12, 2021 10:30 pm**

It's probably time to fix dinner by the time Maggie gets home. She feels a momentary flash of resentment as she does so, even if it makes her feel guilty. She listens to the music box some more later to calm herself down.

Posted: **Wed Jan 13, 2021 3:13 am**

Victoria sighs wistfully. "There sure isn't," she says. "I'd love to find true love."

Posted: **Wed Jan 13, 2021 10:25 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
It's probably time to fix dinner by the time Maggie gets home. She feels a momentary flash of resentment as she does so, even if it makes her feel guilty. She listens to the music box some more later to calm herself down.

Sam Evans doesn't eat much of his dinner, instead nursing a glass of vodka.

"That paintin' was real good," he says, with a slurring voice. "Shouldn't of burned it. Woulda been worth somethin'." (He has apparently forgotten that he himself thought it was dangerous.)

Listening to the music box brings on dreams that night. Dreams of candlelit ballrooms, of dark, romantic men with tragic secrets, of moonlit assignations. Maggie hasn't slept so well in a long time.

Posted: **Wed Jan 13, 2021 10:27 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: Victoria sighs wistfully. "There sure isn't," she says. "I'd love to find true love."

Carolyn rises very late the next morning, and spends the entire day in a languid mood. When the sun goes down, she heads out the front door, without a word to anyone.

Posted: **Thu Jan 14, 2021 3:39 am**

"It's odd," Victoria remarks. "Carolyn seems depressed and unhealthy during the day, but she's in a better mood and condition at night."

Posted: **Thu Jan 14, 2021 5:41 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"That paintin' was real good," he says, with a slurring voice. "Shouldn't of burned it. Woulda been worth somethin'." (He has apparently forgotten that he himself thought it was dangerous.)

"I'm sorry," Maggie says, not wanting to get into an argument. "Please eat some more."

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:Listening to the music box brings on dreams that night. Dreams of candlelit ballrooms, of dark, romantic men with tragic secrets, of moonlit assignations. Maggie hasn't slept so well in a long time.

Maggie is in a better mood in the morning, and after her shift at the diner makes her way back to Dr Hoffman's, this time thinking about coming clean - and with the music box's distraction lingering in her mind, forgetting to go home first. "How does doctor's confidentiality work? she asks. "If I tell you who I'm worried about does that mean you can't tell anyone else?"

Posted: **Thu Jan 21, 2021 9:21 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: "It's odd," Victoria remarks. "Carolyn seems depressed and unhealthy during the day, but she's in a better mood and condition at night."

"Perhaps you're right," Elizabeth responds. "There's very little chance of getting her to admit that anything's wrong, however. I think I'll ask Doctor Hoffman over for tea soon, just to have her take a look at Carolyn. Strictly as a social visit, as far as Carolyn is concerned."

When Doctor Hoffman arrives, she chats away about inconsequential things, while observing her unknowing patient. When there's a chance, she takes Carolyn aside and shows her a large brooch of unusual design she always wears. Carolyn is interested in jewelry, so she studies the object closely.

"Look deep into it," Doctor Hoffman says softly. "Watch how the colors seem to change, how the light dances from corner to corner."

Spoiler:

"Yes," Carolyn says blankly.

Doctor Hoffman waves the others away, while she whispers to Carolyn out of earshot. After a while, the two join the others. Carolyn seems calm and cheerful.

As she makes her way back to the Old House, Doctor Hoffman tells Elizabeth and Victoria not to worry.

"I recommend a multiple vitamin tablet with iron as a daily supplement," she says, where Carolyn can't hear. "Other than that, I think she'll be fine."

Posted: **Thu Jan 21, 2021 9:28 am**

SunlessNick wrote:Maggie is in a better mood in the morning, and after her shift at the diner makes her way back to Dr Hoffman's, this time thinking about coming clean - and with the music box's distraction lingering in her mind, forgetting to go home first. "How does doctor's confidentiality work? she asks. "If I tell you who I'm worried about does that mean you can't tell anyone else?"

"Absolutely. I will not say anything to anyone about what we discuss, without your specific instructions to do so. Now, what's troubling you, dear?"

Posted: **Thu Jan 21, 2021 9:57 pm**

"It's... it's my... father. He... could you help him to not need to drink so much? If I could get him to come. He'd... be happier if he didn't drink so much... I'm sure of it." Maggie's face is the picture of someone who thinks she's being a Judas saying all this.

Posted: **Fri Jan 22, 2021 4:56 am**

"Then I was right, Doctor, it was anemia," says Victoria.

Posted: **Fri Jan 22, 2021 9:50 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
"It's... it's my... father. He... could you help him to not need to drink so much? If I could get him to come. He'd... be happier if he didn't drink so much... I'm sure of it." Maggie's face is the picture of someone who thinks she's being a Judas saying all this.

"Do you think you could persuade him to seek my help? If not, there are more subtle ways to proceed, without his knowledge."

Posted: **Fri Jan 22, 2021 10:08 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Then I was right, Doctor, it was anemia," says Victoria.

"I suppose you could call it that, in a sense. Without getting into technical details, let's just say that it's a minor disorder of the blood cells, one I've seen before in my practice. Time is the best cure."

These words would seem to be prophetic, as Carolyn seems more lively as the days go by. She continues to go out most nights, which isn't unusual for a popular young woman with many admirers. Speaking of which, the two she most frequently is seen with, namely Joe Haskell and Burke Devlin, come up to the mansion on separate occasions to call on her. Both wind up disappointed when they ask her out, as she claims to be busy.

David acts bored and cranky lately, claiming that Josette and Sarah haven't been around lately. ("My son's imaginary friends," Roger remarks dryly. "He's rather a ladies' man, it seems," he continues, with a mixture of exasperation and amusement.) He also remarks, rather oddly, that "the old guy is still real old, but not super-super old." He also mutters something about finding out what his "dumb cousin" is up to.

Posted: **Fri Jan 22, 2021 9:43 pm**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"Do you think you could persuade him to seek my help? If not, there are more subtle ways to proceed, without his knowledge."

"I'll try. Thankyou Dr Hoffman."

The next time she's eating together with Sam, she'll mention off hand that she's that doctor who came to town with Barnabas Collins a couple of times. "She's a psychiatrist, I think. I don't know what she's treating him for though."

A nights she keeps playing the music box and dreaming of a better life.

Posted: **Sat Jan 23, 2021 3:55 am**

"I'm wondering where Carolyn goes at night too," says Victoria to David. "She's not going out with Joe or Burke, so what exactly is she doing? And the old guy is getting younger now? Is he always alone?"

Posted: **Sat Jan 23, 2021 11:04 am**

SunlessNick wrote:I'll try. Thankyou Dr Hoffman."

The next time she's eating together with Sam, she'll mention off hand that she's that doctor who came to town with Barnabas Collins a couple of times. "She's a psychiatrist, I think. I don't know what she's treating him for though."

"Headshrinker, eh? Anybody who'd go to a psychiatrist should have his head examined." Sam guffaws at his own joke, and is obviously not impressed by Doctor Hoffman's credentials.

At nights she keeps playing the music box and dreaming of a better life.

Spoiler:

Posted: **Sat Jan 23, 2021 11:15 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"I'm wondering where Carolyn goes at night too," says Victoria to David. "She's not going out with Joe or Burke, so what exactly is she doing? And the old guy is getting younger now? Is he always alone?"

"I dunno. I just catch glimpses of him, right after the sun goes down. I'm not supposed to stay out too late, like I'm some kind of big baby. Say, if I sneak out some night and try to follow the guy, you wouldn't tell on me, would you?"

Posted: **Sat Jan 23, 2021 8:18 pm**

"That sounds awfully dangerous," says Victoria. "If anything happened to you, I'd never forgive myself. Maybe it's better if I follow Carolyn instead. I'm allowed out nights just like she is, so nobody could possibly object."

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 12:12 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"Headshrinker, eh? Anybody who'd go to a psychiatrist should have his head examined." Sam guffaws at his own joke, and is obviously not impressed by Doctor Hoffman's credentials.

"I've been thinking of going to see her. See if she can help me with my claustrophobia."

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:
Maggie,That night you have a vivid dream of walking out to Widow's Hill on a moonlit night and watching the waves crash against the rocks far below. You are dressed in clothing of a time long past; perhaps, in a part of your mind that knows you are dreaming, this seems like the cover art of a paperback romance novel. A man, dressed in an equally archaic way, approaches you. It is Barnabas, but he seems younger somehow, more vibrant. He takes your hand and leads you away from the edge of the cliff. You awaken, feeling as if the dream were as real as the modern world.

Maggie seems dreamy and out of it in the diner the next day.[spoiler-button],The dream is going back and forth in her mind. There's something scary about it - Barnabas was kind of creepy at the party - but Maggie is drawn to the thought anyway - all her and Sam's problems would be over.[/spoiler-button]

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 10:16 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"That sounds awfully dangerous," says Victoria. "If anything happened to you, I'd never forgive myself. Maybe it's better if I follow Carolyn instead. I'm allowed out nights just like she is, so nobody could possibly object."

"Aw, gee, I never have any fun." This complaint is not an uncommon one, nor is it particularly accurate. In any case, David does not press his case further.

That evening, Victoria makes some excuse for going out, intending to investigate Carolyn's nocturnal wanderings.

Spoiler:

It's easy enough to follow Carolyn, but making one's way through the trees between the mansion and the Old House -- for that is where she is bound -- is a little trickier. Victoria happens to step on a twig, producing a loud snap. Carolyn turns around, startled, and catches sight of her.

"What . . . what are you doing here?" She seems more frightened than annoyed at being followed, and wraps her scarf more securely around her neck.

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 10:30 am**

SunlessNick wrote:"I've been thinking of going to see her. See if she can help me with my claustrophobia."

Sam shrugs. "Go ahead, as long as it doesn't cost too much. Think you can afford it?"

Spoiler:

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 7:43 pm**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:Sam shrugs. "Go ahead, as long as it doesn't cost too much. Think you can afford it?"

"I'd have to find out, but I think Mr Collins pays her, so she might not charge at all. I wondered if we could go together."

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:
Maggie,I'm not sure if you intended the above to be in spoiler brackets or not. Anyway, it's impossible to put out of your mind the fact that Barnabas seems to be very wealthy indeed, judging by the quality of many of the rare antiques at the Old House. (You can tell that, even if you're not an expert on antiques; some of them are decorated with what must be real jewels.) Not that you would consider a man's riches a factor in your friendship with him! But he does seem to be generous. On the other hand, Burke Devlin isn't exactly a pauper, either, and he's not so eccentric . . .

Does Burke still come by the diner? If so Maggie will make a point of greeting him. "We haven't talked in a while. Not since the fire, really How have you been?"

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2021 11:09 pm**

"I was wondering where you go at night," says Victoria, sticking with the truth. She's not a very good liar anyway. "I was also worried about you. It's not safe to go out alone at night."

Posted: **Mon Jan 25, 2021 10:22 am**

SunlessNick wrote:]"I'd have to find out, but I think Mr Collins pays her, so she might not charge at all. I wondered if we could go together."

"Well, OK. That Old House is getting to be quite a place, they tell me. Might make a good subject for a painting. You know, sell it to a tourist. Local color stuff."

Sam seems more amenable to a visit to Doctor Hoffman, now that it seems that money might not be involved.

Does Burke still come by the diner? If so Maggie will make a point of greeting him. "We haven't talked in a while. Not since the fire, really. How have you been?"

Burke comes in for a cup of coffee.

"Not bad. Busy. Got some business to take care of in South America. Lots of long distant phone calls, you know. So, how's life treating you? Been kinda quiet down at the Blue Whale, now that Carolyn's not hanging around with her lap dog, what's-his-name, Joe. Maybe you and I should pay a visit there some time. Oh, I ran into your old man a couple of nights ago. Really hitting the sauce, isn't he? Not that I don't enjoy a good snort myself."

Posted: **Mon Jan 25, 2021 10:27 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"I was wondering where you go at night," says Victoria, sticking with the truth. She's not a very good liar anyway. "I was also worried about you. It's not safe to go out alone at night."

"Uh, I'm fine. Just fine. Don't worry about me."

Carolyn scurries towards the Old House and bangs on the front door repeatedly. Willie opens it.

"You shouldn't be comin' around here, Miss--" he begins.

Carolyn rushes inside before he can finish. She pushes the door closed behind herself.

Posted: **Tue Jan 26, 2021 12:29 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"Well, OK. That Old House is getting to be quite a place, they tell me. Might make a good subject for a painting. You know, sell it to a tourist. Local color stuff."

"That's great. Thanks, Dad."

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:Maybe you and I should pay a visit there some time. Oh, I ran into your old man a couple of nights ago. Really hitting the sauce, isn't he? Not that I don't enjoy a good snort myself."

"Yeah," Maggie replies, biting her lip. "It'd be nice to go out."

Posted: **Tue Jan 26, 2021 4:47 am**

Victoria knocks on the door.

Posted: **Tue Jan 26, 2021 9:18 am**

SunlessNick wrote:That's great. Thanks, Dad."

Without a phone in the Old House, it seems that the only way to reach Doctor Hoffman for an appointment is to wait until running into her in town, or to head up to the Old House.

Yeah," Maggie replies, biting her lip. "It'd be nice to go out."

"Great. It's a date. Meet you there at, say, seven tonight. Bring your dancing shoes." Burke pays for his coffee, leaving a big tip, and makes his exit with a wink. He doesn't wait for an acceptance.

Posted: **Tue Jan 26, 2021 9:23 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: Victoria knocks on the door.

The door opens the tiniest possible crack. One of the eyes of Willie Loomis can be seen peering through.

"There ain't nobody home. They all left on, uh, business. Come back tomorrow. Or next week, maybe."

Posted: **Wed Jan 27, 2021 1:34 am**

After her shift, Maggie makes sure there's some food for Sam, then gets dressed up to go out with Burke, eager for a night away from her thoughts.

Posted: **Wed Jan 27, 2021 4:46 am**

"I came here with Carolyn," says Victoria. "I just saw her go inside."

Posted: **Wed Jan 27, 2021 10:14 am**

SunlessNick wrote: After her shift, Maggie makes sure there's some food for Sam, then gets dressed up to go out with Burke, eager for a night away from her thoughts.

At some point during the dining, drinking, and dancing, Burke casually remarks, "You've been up to Barnabas' place, haven't you? I'm curious about that guy. I've hired a couple of investigators, and I can't get a handle on him. I know he's loaded, but they can't prove he's even got a bank account. One of my guys has seen him walk into a pawn shop just before it closed for the night, carrying something that looked like a jewel box, and then walking out, counting a pile of cash. Then there's all those so-called business trips to Boston or Bangor. I've tried to have him tailed, but my guys always lose him somehow. Maybe they're too sleepy; Barnabas leaves long before the sun comes up, but after a while they just can't follow him. I've never known somebody to shake a tail so well, and my guys are no amateurs."

He laughs dryly. "Maybe he's in the Mafia. If he's got some kind of legit business going on, I'd like to get my hands on a piece of it."

Posted: **Wed Jan 27, 2021 10:29 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"I came here with Carolyn," says Victoria. "I just saw her go inside."

"Uh, nope. She ain't here."

Before Victoria can reply to this obvious lie, she sees a hand land heavily on Willie's shoulder. The owner of the hand pulls him aside and opens the door wide. It is Barnabas.

"I am afraid you are mistaken, Willie. Please leave us. We will discuss this matter later."

"Yes sir, Mister Barnabas, yes sir. I didn't mean no harm." Willie rushes.

"Please come in, Miss Winters. I am afraid that Willie is sometimes overly zealous when it comes to protecting my privacy."

He leads Victoria into a sitting room dimly lit with candles, where Carolyn stands near the fireplace, the low, quiet flames casting dancing shadows on the walls. She stares at Victoria but does not speak. She holds a glass of wine in her hand, and is still wearing the heavy scarf, despite the warmth of the fire.

"May I offer you some sherry?" Barnabas inquires.

Carolyn quickly drains her own glass and turns to face the fire.

Posted: **Thu Jan 28, 2021 1:00 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:He laughs dryly. "Maybe he's in the Mafia. If he's got some kind of legit business going on, I'd like to get my hands on a piece of it."

"He is a weird guy,I'll say that - he talks about the past like he was there. He's pretty into me."

Posted: **Thu Jan 28, 2021 5:08 am**

"Thank you," says Victoria, "but I'll have to decline the sherry. I'm still too young to drink. Maybe in a few months."

Posted: **Thu Jan 28, 2021 10:13 am**

SunlessNick wrote: "He is a weird guy,I'll say that - he talks about the past like he was there. He's pretty into me."

Burke raises an eyebrow.

"Trying to make me jealous? That's OK; I'm not exactly a one-woman man myself. Say, if he's really interested in you, maybe you could charm him into revealing some of his secrets. Where he gets all that loot. I could make it worth your while." He smiles. "C'mon. Haven't you ever wanted to play Mati Hari?"

Posted: **Thu Jan 28, 2021 10:16 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: "Thank you," says Victoria, "but I'll have to decline the sherry. I'm still too young to drink. Maybe in a few months."

"I understand. Where I come from, even children often indulge in small amounts of wine and ale. No matter. Tell me, to what do I owe this unexpected but thoroughly charming visit?"

As this conversation proceeds, Carolyn moves away from the other two, withdrawing into a dark corner.

Posted: **Thu Jan 28, 2021 10:24 pm**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:He smiles. "C'mon. Haven't you ever wanted to play Mati Hari?"

"Mata Hari, huh? You picture picture me sneaking around in a showgirl costume?" Maggie says - she smiles, trying to avert any sense that he insulted her (and to cover her embarassment at what she just said).

Posted: **Fri Jan 29, 2021 5:34 am**

"Oh, I came with Carolyn," says Victoria. "I was worried about her walking alone at night."

Posted: **Fri Jan 29, 2021 9:37 am**

SunlessNick wrote:"Mata Hari, huh? You picture me sneaking around in a showgirl costume?" Maggie says - she smiles, trying to avert any sense that he insulted her (and to cover her embarrassment at what she just said).

"That's an interesting image, but something a little more subtle might be more effective. Just give Barnabas the Friendly Girl Next Door treatment, and I'll bet he'll spill a few beans. Golden beans, maybe."

Posted: **Fri Jan 29, 2021 9:40 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Oh, I came with Carolyn," says Victoria. "I was worried about her walking alone at night."

"As you can see, she is perfectly safe. I would never let anything happen to one of my relatives. Come, cousin," he says to Carolyn, waving her over. "Allow Miss Winters to perceive that my abode is hardly the 'haunted house' David imagines it to be."

With seeming reluctance, Carolyn joins the other two, greeting Victoria with a dull "Hello."

Posted: **Sat Jan 30, 2021 1:43 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"That's an interesting image, but something a little more subtle might be more effective. Just give Barnabas the Friendly Girl Next Door treatment, and I'll bet he'll spill a few beans. Golden beans, maybe."

"I'll do my best."

Posted: **Sat Jan 30, 2021 5:36 am**

"Hi, Carolyn", says Victoria. "Are you feeling all right?"

Posted: **Thu Feb 04, 2021 9:30 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"That's an interesting image, but something a little more subtle might be more effective. Just give Barnabas the Friendly Girl Next Door treatment, and I'll bet he'll spill a few beans. Golden beans, maybe."
"I'll do my best."

"Great! Get back to me when you find out anything."

Burke seems very pleased by Maggie's agreement, and drops hints that he might be willing to cut her in on any profitable deals he comes by, once he finds out what Barnabas has up his sleeve. The rest of the evening is spent in pleasant conversation about nothing much.

Posted: **Thu Feb 04, 2021 9:34 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Hi, Carolyn", says Victoria. "Are you feeling all right?"

The response is a dull "Yes."

At this point, Doctor Hoffman emerges from behind a heavy locked metal door. What little can be seen as she enters the room, then quickly locks the door behind herself, suggests that it leads downstairs. She seems a bit surprised to see Victoria, but responds politely.

"Miss Winters. Barnabas, I believe it's time for your treatment."

"Of course. Ladies, if you will excuse me, I bid you good night."

Carolyn nods to Barnabas and exits through the front door. Smiling, Barnabas keeps an eye on Victoria.

Posted: **Fri Feb 05, 2021 2:23 am**

Maggie is tired when she gets home, and forgoes the box. However, she resolves to go to Dr Hoffman tomorrow, whether Sam comes or not - and it is not entirely for Burke's sake that she hopes to meet Barnabas there when she does.

Posted: **Fri Feb 05, 2021 5:26 am**

"Good night, Mr. Collins," says Victoria, smiling back. "Dr. Hoffman, could you please look in on Carolyn again tomorrow. I'm still worried about her. She's not herself. Good night." She follows Carolyn outside.

Posted: **Fri Feb 05, 2021 9:44 am**

The next morning.

As requested, Doctor Hoffman pays an early morning visit. Taking Carolyn into another room, she emerges several minutes later.

"I don't think she'll have any more problems," she explains. "She's taking a nice, long nap now."

Long after Doctor Hoffman leaves, Carolyn awakes, seeming calm and cheerful. She enjoys a hearty meal, and seems to have recovered much of the color in her face. She even calls Joe Haskell, whom she has neglected for quite a while, on the phone. Judging from her side of the conversation, she manages to quell his understandable annoyance, and manipulates him into asking her out.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Spoiler:

Despite doing all she can to convince her father to pay a visit to Doctor Hoffman, Sam refuses to go to the Old House with Maggie.

"Maybe some other time," he says. "I've got work to do." This isn't just an excuse, as he is hard at work doing the preliminary sketches for a new painting.

That afternoon, after her morning shift is over, Maggie goes to the Old House. Willie answers her knock.

"Barnabas ain't here," is the first thing he says.

Posted: **Sat Feb 06, 2021 1:57 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"Barnabas ain't here," is the first thing he says.

Maggie's face betrays disappointment, but she answers, "It's Dr Hoffman I'm here to see... is she about, or is it ok if I wait?"

Posted: **Sat Feb 06, 2021 4:28 am**

"I'm glad you're feeling better, Carolyn," says Victoria. "Whatever Dr. Hoffman is doing, it seems to be working."

Posted: **Sat Feb 06, 2021 10:16 am**

SunlessNick wrote:Maggie's face betrays disappointment, but she answers, "It's Dr Hoffman I'm here to see... is she about, or is it ok if I wait?"

"Oh. Just a minute."

Instead of inviting her in, Willi shuts the door in her face and even locks it shut. There follows the sound of banging on a metal door and shouts of "Doc? Hey, Doc! Somebody to see ya."

A bit later, the front door opens again, this time by Doctor Hoffman.

"How nice to see you again. May I be of any service?"

Posted: **Sat Feb 06, 2021 10:18 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"I'm glad you're feeling better, Carolyn," says Victoria. "Whatever Dr. Hoffman is doing, it seems to be working."

"I suppose," Carolyn responds. "She seems to be a competent enough doctor. Don't you think she's a little too long in the tooth to be making goo-goo eyes at cousin Barnabas, though? He needs somebody young, vibrant, full of life."

Posted: **Sat Feb 06, 2021 9:40 pm**

"Barnabas is closer to our age than hers," says Victoria. "I don't know how he feels about her, but he was smiling at me last night. I think he also might like Maggie. Are you interested in him?"

Posted: **Sun Feb 07, 2021 1:21 am**

"My Dad wouldn't come," Maggie says. "But I was wondering if maybe you could help me instead. Can hypnotherapy do anything about being scared of things? I get claustrophobia sometimes, and a friend nearly got hurt over it," she adds, remembering the time Vix was trapped in the secret passages.

Posted: **Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:46 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Barnabas is closer to our age than hers," says Victoria. "I don't know how he feels about her, but he was smiling at me last night. I think he also might like Maggie. Are you interested in him?"

"Oh, I suppose Maggie Evans is cute enough, in her own way, if you like the downhome type. And, you, dear; I find your innocence absolutely charming. But I think Barnabas is looking for someone more sophisticated, don't you? As for me, well, we're very distant cousins, after all; hardly family, really. And don't you think older men are more interesting than the boys who hang around the Blue Whale?"

Posted: **Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:52 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
"My Dad wouldn't come," Maggie says. "But I was wondering if maybe you could help me instead. Can hypnotherapy do anything about being scared of things? I get claustrophobia sometimes, and a friend nearly got hurt over it," she adds, remembering the time Vix was trapped in the secret passages.

"I believe I can help you."

Doctor Hoffman takes Maggie aside into a small room lit by a single candle. In the dimness, she holds up the pendant she always wears around her neck.

"Concentrate on the colored glass. Look deeply into it. You can feel yourself falling into a deep, restful sleep."

The next thing she knows, Maggie hears Doctor Hoffman snap her fingers. She feels refreshed.

"I don't think enclosed spaces will bother you anymore," Doctor Hoffman says. "Feel free to come again if you need further treatment."

Posted: **Sun Feb 07, 2021 7:59 pm**

"We'll they've certainly had more time to do interesting things," says Victoria. "I'm sure the right man for me is out there somewhere. One day I'll meet him, and we'll fall in love."

Posted: **Mon Feb 08, 2021 12:34 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:
Maggie,Voluntarily undergoing hypnosis removes the phobia. Let's see if there are other effects.247263:0 You are now completely convinced that you are the reincarnation of Josette Dupres. This seems like a perfectly reasonable fact to you now. You also feel the need to keep this a secret from everyone except Willie, Barnabas, and Doctor Hoffman. In addition, you also accept as a fact that the current Barnabas Collins is the reincarnation of the ancestor who shares his name. It seems obvious that fate has brought you back together again.

Posted: **Mon Feb 08, 2021 9:26 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
Vicki OOC,Since Claustrophobia is from the Everywoman weakness, I should probably replace it with something - what about inverting In True Love, so I have a penalty to resist him (whether he tries to do something to me, or tells me to do something), or to do anything that would be against him?

SunlessNick,That sounds OK to me, although you will still possess free will to resist things that are dangerous or evil.

Vicki IC,"[color=#00BF40]Oh, my![/color]" Maggie says when she comes out of the trance. "[color=#00BF40]Did I say anything while I was...? I have the strangest... I get it now, why I look like her. It's so freaky.[/color]" She shakes her head. "[color=#00BF40]I'm sorry, I probably sound nuts. I mean Josette. When does Barnabas get home? I have to talk to him.[/color]"

Once Maggie wakes from the hypnotic trance, Doctor Hoffman escorts her into the drawing room. Willie is standing there, seeming somewhat anxious.

"I don't think you should wait until Barnabas gets back," he says. "He shows up late. After dark. You don't wanna be hangin' around after dark. It ain't safe."

"Don't be silly," Doctor Hoffman says. "After a successful session of hypnotherapy, the subject requires a good, long rest, to ensure the effect doesn't wear off. Why don't I take Miss Evans upstairs. There's a newly restored guest room. I'm sure you'll like it, dear."

"That's her room, ain't it?"

"Willie, make sure everything is secure downstairs, please."

Willie shrugs and heads toward the heavy locked metal door, mumbling to himself. Doctor Hoffman takes Maggie's hand and leads her to the stairs.

Posted: **Mon Feb 08, 2021 9:38 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Well they've certainly had more time to do interesting things," says Victoria. "I'm sure the right man for me is out there somewhere. One day I'll meet him, and we'll fall in love."

"Oh, I'm sure you will. Some nice, true-blue American boy, with a heart of gold. It takes all types, I suppose." She laughs a bit and gazes out the window.

Later that day, Joe Haskell shows up for their date. Carolyn comes downstairs from her room, dressed to the nines, hair styled elaborately, makeup perfectly applied.

"Wow," Joe says. "I mean, you look great." He glances down at his own turtleneck shirt and jeans. "I thought we we're just going to the Blue Whale to hang around a while. You'll knock 'em dead."

"Thank you," Carolyn says languidly. She allows Joe to arrange her best fur stole across her shoulders. As they prepare to leave, she looks back at Victoria.

"Joe is such a nice, true-blue American boy, don't you think?" She laughs lightly.

"Uh, thanks, I guess," Joe says, a bit embarrassed. They head out the door.

Posted: **Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:10 am**

"He sure is," says Victoria. She's relieved that Carolyn is going out with Joe and not by herself this time. She's sure Carolyn will be safe with him around to protect her.

Posted: **Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:36 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:Willie shrugs and heads toward the heavy locked metal door, mumbling to himself. Doctor Hoffman takes Maggie's hand and leads her to the stairs.

Maggie gives Willie an encouraging smile, not wanting to spurn his concern, but follows Dr Hoffman up the stairs. Once at the room, she asks, "Do a lot of your patients talk about past lives? I've heard about stuff like that."

Posted: **Tue Feb 09, 2021 9:38 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: "He sure is," says Victoria. She's relieved that Carolyn is going out with Joe and not by herself this time. She's sure Carolyn will be safe with him around to protect her.

Carolyn returns late that night. The next day, Bill Malloy, manager of the Collins Fishing Fleet and Cannery, shows up at Collinwood for one of his regular weekly meetings with Elizabeth Stoddard, the owner of the company, to discuss the business. (Roger Collins is present as well, but clearly doesn't take much interest in the ins and outs of the company.) After discussing the usual day-to-day affairs of the business, he asks about Joe Haskell.

"The lad didn't show up at the dock this morning to take out his boat. Never known him to miss a day's work. I know he's been keeping company with Miss Carolyn. You wouldn't happen to know if he's ill, would you?"

Posted: **Tue Feb 09, 2021 9:46 am**

SunlessNick wrote:Maggie gives Willie an encouraging smile, not wanting to spurn his concern, but follows Dr Hoffman up the stairs. Once at the room, she asks, "Do a lot of your patients talk about past lives? I've heard about stuff like that."

"'There are more things in Heaven and Earth than are dreamt of . . ." I wouldn't dismiss the possibility." She laughs. "Sometimes I imagine I was a Gypsy fortuneteller in a former life. Who knows?"

The room is decorated with authentic antiques, as well as an armoire full of women's clothing from nearly two centuries ago, in remarkably fine condition for its age. There is a vanity table with a full mirror, slightly warped with age, as well as hairbrushes and the like. There is also a bottle of perfume. There is an old-fashioned fourposter bed, fully supplied with linens.

"Just make yourself comfortable. Barnabas should be back soon after sunset."

Doctor Hoffman withdraws, closing the door.

Posted: **Wed Feb 10, 2021 2:05 am**

Posted: **Wed Feb 10, 2021 3:20 am**

"I saw him leave with Carolyn last night," says Victoria. "He seemed in good health at the time."

Posted: **Wed Feb 10, 2021 9:58 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
Vicki,As if in a dream, Maggie looks through the clothes, before dressing herself in one of the gowns. She sits at the vanity and brushes her hair, but does not style it the way she remembers from the portrait - she wants to appear as herself as well as Josette. She looks over the antiques, wondering how many of them were hers. If there are books, she chooses one to read - otherwise she lies down on the bed and dozes.

Posted: **Wed Feb 10, 2021 10:13 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"I saw him leave with Carolyn last night," says Victoria. "He seemed in good health at the time."

"Hmm. Never knew the boy to have more than a couple of beers down at the Blue Whale. I better go check on him, just in case."

Some hours later, a phone call comes from Malloy, letting Mrs Stoddard know that he found Joe unconscious in his bachelor apartment.

"Doc says he'll be OK in a day or two," he explains, "but he's pretty weak right now. Got him down at the clinic, resting up."

Posted: **Thu Feb 11, 2021 2:33 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:
Maggie,There is a Bible and a book of prayers, both in French, which you are unable to read. Both volumes seem to be very old, but in good condition. There is also a journal or diary of sorts, containing fine, delicate handwriting, in a mixture of French and English, describing a difficult sea voyage from the West Indies to New England. It also contains the remnants of pressed flowers; by this time, little more than dry fragments. It seems to be scented with jasmine, which helps you relax into a pleasant nap. When you awake, Barnabas is standing over you. He holds the book you have been reading. "It pleases me more than I can say to find you arrayed in such fashion. Come, let us go downstairs, and share this moment of happiness with others." He offers his hand.

Posted: **Thu Feb 11, 2021 4:50 am**

Victoria goes to the clinic to visit Joe to see how he's doing and if she can help him.

Posted: **Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:25 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
Vicki,Maggie lets him help her up, then says, "[color=#00BF40]I remember. Well, I don't, but I know. I know I was Josette once, in another life. And you were the Barnabas that she knew. And we're together again... it's amazing.[/color] She lets him lead her downstairs.

Posted: **Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:33 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: Victoria goes to the clinic to visit Joe to see how he's doing and if she can help him.

A visit from Victoria seems to perk Joe up. He looks pale and seems a little dazed, but is able to sit up on a cot and take in some nourishment.

"Thanks for coming, Vicki. Gee, I don't know what happened. Last thing I remember, I was walking Carolyn home from the Blue Whale. Next thing I knew, Bill was shaking me awake. I must have passed out, maybe hit my head and got a little amnesia. Cut myself, too, somehow." He points to a bandage on his neck. "They say I'll be OK pretty quick. Say, if you talk to Carolyn, ask her to come see me, OK? Maybe she'll feel sorry for me and think harder about my next proposal." He says this last with a wry smile.

When this message is given to Carolyn, she states that she'll go visit him that night.

Posted: **Fri Feb 12, 2021 2:41 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:
Maggie,Barnabas is highly pleased by your statement. You spend some mostly pleasant time with Barnabas, Doctor Hoffman, and Willie, although the latter seems a little startled, seeing you in Josette's clothing. After some time spent in idle chit-chat, Doctor Hoffman tells you that it's time for Barnabas to have his treatment. "If you would like to change back into your own clothing?" she suggests. "It's getting rather late." Barnabas seems to frown at this, his forehead wrinkling, but says nothing. The two of them pass through the locked metal door and downstairs. While they are gone, Willie draws close to you and whispers, "I don't know what the two of them are cookin' up, but I'd watch out if I were you. Doc's got some funny ideas. You ain't Josette, you know." He avoids saying anything else, lest the other two return.

Posted: **Fri Feb 12, 2021 4:57 am**

"Do you remember what happened last night?" Victoria asks Carolyn. "Joe was walking you home, but he doesn't remember getting there."

Posted: **Thu Feb 18, 2021 9:33 am**

The next afternoon, Sam tells Maggie that he's been to see Joe Haskell at the clinic.

"He's a good guy, did some posing for me when he was just a kid. Seems he's taken a turn for the worse. You should go see him, give him some of that famous Evans charm."

He works on a sketch of a young girl in clothing of centuries past.

Posted: **Thu Feb 18, 2021 9:37 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Do you remember what happened last night?" Victoria asks Carolyn. "Joe was walking you home, but he doesn't remember getting there."

"Oh, he must have been a little tipsy. He got away from me safely, I assure you. We just did a little . . . necking. You know." She laughs lightly.

Carolyn goes out that night to call on Joe. The next morning, when Elizabeth calls Bill to check on things, he reports that Joe is doing a little worse.

Posted: **Fri Feb 19, 2021 2:12 am**

"I'll call in on my way to my shift," Maggie says, slightly distractedly. "Who's that?" she asks pointing at the picture.

She makes a little extra breakfast, so as to take some for Joe.

Posted: **Fri Feb 19, 2021 4:54 am**

"Maybe Dr. Hoffman should look in on Joe," suggests Victoria. "She worked wonders for Carolyn."

Posted: **Fri Feb 19, 2021 10:26 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
"I'll call in on my way to my shift," Maggie says, slightly distractedly. "Who's that?" she asks pointing at the picture.

"Nobody in particular. Some old-timey kid I had a dream about. Looks kinda sad, doesn't she? Not much for the tourist trade, but I'm intrigued by her."

She makes a little extra breakfast, so as to take some for Joe.

Joe is thankful for the food, as he's been really hungry lately. He seems quite pale and tired, only able to eat slowly, a few small bites at a time.

"I'm as weak as a kitten. I sleep like a rock all night, but I can't seem to get any rest. Boy, I wish I could jump up and go see Carolyn. I'm really getting obsessed with her. Typical lovesick boyfriend, I guess." He soon closes his eyes and drifts into deep sleep.

Posted: **Fri Feb 19, 2021 10:39 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"Maybe Dr. Hoffman should look in on Joe," suggests Victoria. "She worked wonders for Carolyn."

Elizabeth takes Victoria's advice and consults Doctor Hoffman. After a private session with the patient, she suggests that he be moved to Windcliff Sanitarium, the facility for which she is the titular head, although her employment at the Old House prevents her from spending much time there. (The facility is about one hundred miles north of Collinsport.) The staff of the Collinsport Medical Clinic is adamant that the patient not be moved.

"There's not much I can do for him here," she confesses. "His case is very unusual. Perhaps regular visits from Miss Stoddard would cheer him up. He's quite taken with the young lady."

Over the next few nights, Carolyn spends time at Joe's side. He looks forward eagerly to these meetings, although he grows even more pale and loses weight.

Posted: **Sat Feb 20, 2021 3:27 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"Nobody in particular. Some old-timey kid I had a dream about. Looks kinda sad, doesn't she? Not much for the tourist trade, but I'm intrigued by her."

"Yeah..." Maggie agrees, wondering if she was someone from Josette's time.

"I'm as weak as a kitten. I sleep like a rock all night, but I can't seem to get any rest. Boy, I wish I could jump up and go see Carolyn. I'm really getting obsessed with her. Typical lovesick boyfriend, I guess." He soon closes his eyes and drifts into deep sleep.

"Girls aren't immune," Maggie smiles. "Feel better soon."

Once Joe is asleep, she'll go to the diner and do her shift. If Burke comes in she'll say she hasn't found anything.

Posted: **Sat Feb 20, 2021 4:42 am**

Victoria visits Joe again to see if there's anything she can do to help him.

Posted: **Sat Feb 20, 2021 10:21 am**

Posted: **Sat Feb 20, 2021 10:24 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: Victoria visits Joe again to see if there's anything she can do to help him.

The reception explains that Mister Haskell is not currently allowed to receive visitors. "I practically had to throw his girlfriend out," she admits. "If you'd care to put your name on the list of possible blood donors?"

Posted: **Sat Feb 20, 2021 8:27 pm**

"Oh, that's a great idea!" says Victoria, gladly adding her name to the list. "It does seem like he may have some form of anemia. Carolyn had it too, but she's been doing much better since Dr. Hoffman started treating her."

Posted: **Sun Feb 21, 2021 6:31 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:
Maggie,That night, very near the Old House, you are surprised to encounter Carolyn Stoddard in the woods. She seems flushed with excitement. Her eyes burn brightly in the moonlight. Neither one of you has a chance to speak to the other before the door bursts open. Barnabas steps out and shouts at Carolyn. "You will not harm her! Go!" She runs off making a strange sound, almost hissing like a cat. Barnabas grabs your arm -- he is surprisingly strong for such a slender man -- and takes you inside. Regaining some of his usual soft spoken manner, he says "Forgive me. There is much you do not fully understand."

Posted: **Sun Feb 21, 2021 9:33 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:"Oh, that's a great idea!" says Victoria, gladly adding her name to the list. "It does seem like he may have some form of anemia. Carolyn had it too, but she's been doing much better since Dr. Hoffman started treating her."

The receptionist takes down Victoria's information, while casually remarking "Hoffman, eh? I didn't think I'd ever hear that name again."

Spoiler:

Once the blood typing is completed, while Victoria sits patiently reading an old magazine, the receptionist returns with some bad news.

"I'm afraid you can't give blood to Mister Haskell. You're Type A, you see, and he's Type B. What makes it ironic is that you're both RH negative! That's pretty rare. If only you were type B or Type O, there wouldn't be any problem, but Mister Haskell can't receive Type A, or any RH positive blood. It's going to be tough to find RH negative donors of the correct types. Poor fellow, to have such rare blood. And that's not the only thing odd about it."

Posted: **Sun Feb 21, 2021 9:58 am**

Posted: **Mon Feb 22, 2021 1:40 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:
While they are gone,Willie appears from the kitchen, dressed in an apron, carrying a wet dish in his hands and drying it with a towel, his hands shaking a bit. "Don't trust them," he whispers. "Get away while you can." He then disappears back into the kitchen.

Posted: **Mon Feb 22, 2021 1:42 am**

"Oh?" asks Victoria. "What else was odd about it? And why didn't you think you'd hear Dr. Hoffman's name again?"

Posted: **Mon Feb 22, 2021 8:53 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
Vicki,Maggie tries to reply, but says nothing as he's gone too fast. His words do puncture her haze and remind her she has to make dinner for her and Sam. She goes in to the kitchen and tells Willie she does need to go home - though her manner suggests she's confused as to why he told her to go - and can he tell Barnabas and Julia she's sorry.

Back at home, Maggie finds Sam hard at work on the new painting. It now shows the little girl holding a hand out to a very old man. Oddly, he's he modern clothing, unlike her own. She seems to be pleading with him about something, while he seems very sad.

"Not my usual subject," he muses, "but something came over me. Maybe I'm getting into surrealism in my old age. Just call me Sam Magritte. Heh. Anyway, you think maybe one of the Collins might be interested in it? They seem like the Modern Art types."

Posted: **Mon Feb 22, 2021 8:57 am**

Mr. Handy wrote: "Oh?" asks Victoria. "What else was odd about it? And why didn't you think you'd hear Dr. Hoffman's name again?"

The receptionist shrugs. "I heard a couple of the docs talking about some substance in his blood they've never seen before. Over my head. And as far as that Hoffman goes . . ." She lowers her voice and looks around to make sure they're alone. "There was all that talk about unauthorized experiments at Windcliff Sanitarium years ago. Nothing ever got proved, and she managed to hang on to her license somehow, but I didn't think she'd dare show her face in Collinsport again. Too many people with relatives at Windcliff."

Posted: **Tue Feb 23, 2021 3:40 am**

"She tried to get Joe to go to Windcliff," says Victoria. "I never knew about any of this before. I suppose it's a good thing that he's here instead, but he keeps getting worse. There must be something we can do. Can I do anything to help out? I have some knowledge of first aid. I treated Maggie Evans's burns after the fire."

Posted: **Tue Feb 23, 2021 6:38 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:"Not my usual subject," he muses, "but something came over me. Maybe I'm getting into surrealism in my old age. Just call me Sam Magritte. Heh. Anyway, you think maybe one of the Collins might be interested in it? They seem like the Modern Art types."

"Some of them are old art types as well," Maggies replies. "I think I know just the person who would like it."

Posted: **Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:32 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
"She tried to get Joe to go to Windcliff," says Victoria. "I never knew about any of this before. I suppose it's a good thing that he's here instead, but he keeps getting worse. There must be something we can do. Can I do anything to help out? I have some knowledge of first aid. I treated Maggie Evans's burns after the fire."

"I'll talk to the docs."

After a brief conference, the physicians figure it can't do any harm for Victoria to do whatever she can to help. When she visits Joe, he perks up a bit; even a little bit of color returns to his nearly chalk-white face. Arrangements are being made to get the rare type of blood he needs from Bangor, but it's going to take time.

He even sits up for the first time in a while, but in an agitated state.

"Where's Carolyn? I need to see Carolyn. Oh, God, why isn't she here?"

He falls back down and is soon asleep.

Posted: **Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:34 am**

SunlessNick wrote: "Some of them are old art types as well," Maggies replies. "I think I know just the person who would like it."

Vicki,Its resemblance to her dream makes her wonder if it's connected with the strange turn of fate that has brought her and Barnabas back together. Maybe the girl is another soul who has been reincarnated. Or the child Josette and Barnabas might have had had she not died.

"You do?" Sam says with a grin. "Great! Send 'em my way. Or let me take it to 'em. Either way. I could use the cash."

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 2:06 am**

Next day after her shift, Maggie suggests she and Sam go up to Collinswood to see Barnabas Collins. "He's the one I was talking about, who I thought might like the picture." On the way she idly mentions that Barnabas's doctor seems to have cured her claustrophobia.

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 5:36 am**

Victoria tries to make Joe as comfortable as possible.

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 9:37 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
Next day after her shift, Maggie suggests she and Sam go up to Collinswood to see Barnabas Collins. "He's the one I was talking about, who I thought might like the picture." On the way she idly mentions that Barnabas's doctor seems to have cured her claustrophobia.

"That's my little girl! I knew you'd get over it. Come on, let's go."

Eager for a sale, Sam wraps the painting carefully and accompanies his daughter to the Old House. It's a bright, sunny afternoon, and he seems to be in good spirits. He knocks on the door of the Old House with a "shave and a haircut two bits" pattern. Willie opens it.

"Yeah?"

"Direct me to the master of this abode, my good man. I've got something for him." He pats the painting gently.

"He ain't here."

"Then I shall make myself comfortable and wait." Sam takes a chair, eyeing the place. "Nice little pad you've got here. Say, is that real Napoleon brandy I see on the shelf?"

"You don't wanna wait. He might not be here for a long time. I dunno. He's got all these deals cookin', you know."

Willie eyes Maggie nervously, uncertain how to handle the situation.

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 9:43 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
Victoria tries to make Joe as comfortable as possible.

Victoria,Using Cure Light Wounds on [b]Joe[/b].

Something about Victoria's tender loving care makes Joe look and feel better than he has in days. So much better, in fact, that, not long after the sun goes down, he actually pulls an IV line out of his arm, jumps out of bed, and runs down the hall to the exit of the clinic. The stunned staff takes a moment to react, giving him a head start as he runs at full speed through the small parking lot, clad only in pajamas. Soon he is lost to sight, as he enters the woods next to the clinic.

"Guess I better call the cops," muses the receptionist.

Posted: **Wed Feb 24, 2021 9:36 pm**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:Willie eyes Maggie nervously, uncertain how to handle the situation.

"It's ok Willie, I'm not going to do anything morbid," Maggie says. "It's just a painting of my Dad's that I think Barnabas would like. Could you get us some coffee, maybe?" She puts a hand on his arm as a sign that she's not dismissing his nervousness.

Posted: **Thu Feb 25, 2021 4:24 am**

"I wasn't expecting that," says Victoria. "I'll never catch up to him, but I think I know where he's going: to Collinswood to see Carolyn. She's all he talks about. I'll head back there to see if he shows up."

Posted: **Sat Feb 27, 2021 11:22 pm**

SunlessNick wrote: "It's ok Willie, I'm not going to do anything morbid," Maggie says. "It's just a painting of my Dad's that I think Barnabas would like. Could you get us some coffee, maybe?" She puts a hand on his arm as a sign that she's not dismissing his nervousness.

"Uh, sure, OK, I guess so." Willie takes off in a hurry, returning in a bit with an antique coffee set and all the necessary accoutrements; real silver tongs for the sugar cubes, etc. There's even a plate of little cakes.

Sam helps himself to a drop of brandy in his coffee. He sips it and sighs. "Your boss really knows how to live."

"Well, yeah, I suppose. He's pretty fussy about things." His face lights up with an idea. "Say, you bein' an artist and all, you probably wanna see a buncha pictures he's got upstairs. C'mon, I'll show ya."

A fair amount of time is spent roaming through the upstairs rooms, notably not including the one where Maggie formerly rested. The paintings are all of great age, mostly ancestral portraits. By the time the tour is over, it's well after sunset. When Willie escorts Maggie and Sam downstairs, Barnabas and Doctor Hoffman are speaking softly together in the sitting room.

"Oh," Willie says loudly, "I didn't hear you come in. You got some visitors."

"So I see," Barnabas replies, rising. "What a delightful surprise, Miss Evans, Mister Evans. To what circumstances do I owe thanks for this pleasant meeting?"

After contemplating the syntax of that sentence for a moment, Sam unwraps his canvas.

Barnabas responds by opening his eyes wide, gasping, and sinking back into his chair, his hands over his face.

Posted: **Sat Feb 27, 2021 11:23 pm**

Mr. Handy wrote: "I wasn't expecting that," says Victoria. "I'll never catch up to him, but I think I know where he's going: to Collinswood to see Carolyn. She's all he talks about. I'll head back there to see if he shows up."

Spoiler:

While rushing back to Collinwood, Victoria catches a glimpse of Joe and Carolyn, standing very close together, nearly hidden in the dark woods between the Old House and the mansion.

Posted: **Sun Feb 28, 2021 12:27 am**

Victoria approaches Joe and Carolyn quietly, not wanting to disturb them, but still concerned for Joe's health.

Posted: **Mon Mar 01, 2021 1:01 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:Barnabas responds by opening his eyes wide, gasping, and sinking back into his chair, his hands over his face.

"Barnabas? Are you ok? What's wrong?" Maggie exclaims, alarmed at his reaction. She darts forward, putting a comforting hand on his arm.

Posted: **Thu Mar 04, 2021 9:19 am**

Posted: **Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:37 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote:
Maggie,Distraught for some time, a badly shaken Barnabas does not reply. Then recovering somewhat, he says "The power of great art can be overwhelming at times, it seems. I must have this painting. The tale it tells is so moving, so tragic. Name your price, Mister Evans." Sam states an outrageous fee, expecting to have to haggle. Instead, Barnabas accepts, and has Willie fetch the amount in cash from another room. Once in his possession, Barnabas wraps the painting up again and sets it aside. He is still clearly in an emotional state. "If you will excuse me for a moment," he says, "I will step outside for some fresh air. I will not be long." He exits through the front door.

Posted: **Fri Mar 05, 2021 4:35 am**

Victoria blushes, having heard of such things but never having seen them herself. Feeling a little like she is invading their privacy, she circles around them so she can get a better look at Joe from the front.

Posted: **Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:31 am**

Victoria blushes, having heard of such things but never having seen them herself. Feeling a little like she is invading their privacy, she circles around them so she can get a better look at Joe from the front.[/quote]

Posted: **Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:39 am**

Posted: **Sat Mar 06, 2021 3:54 am**

Posted: **Sat Mar 06, 2021 10:19 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
Victoria,[b]Victoria[/b] grips the crucifix on a necklace around her neck and holds it out in front of her, knowing through popular media how to keep a vampire at bay - for such [b]Carolyn[/b] has clearly become - and she has the faith to back up her effort. [color=darkviolet]"Back off!"[/color] she screams.

Posted: **Sat Mar 06, 2021 8:20 pm**

Posted: **Sun Mar 07, 2021 12:09 am**

Posted: **Sun Mar 07, 2021 7:58 am**

Mr. Handy wrote:
Victoria,[color=darkviolet]"Boy, am I glad you're here, [b]Mr. Collins[/b],"[/color] says [b]Victoria[/b], who thinks [b]Barnabas[/b] must have been giving his command to [b]Carolyn[/b]. She had no intention of harming [b]Carolyn[/b], nor does she even have the means to do so - though it occurs to her that she could always have used a tree branch as a wooden stake.

Posted: **Sun Mar 07, 2021 8:06 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
Vicki,"[color=#00BF40]Willie, someone's in trouble. What's going on?[/color]"

Posted: **Sun Mar 07, 2021 11:36 pm**

Posted: **Mon Mar 08, 2021 1:10 am**

Posted: **Mon Mar 08, 2021 8:33 am**

As Victoria is barely able to prevent Joe's last trace of life from slipping away, Maggie rushes out of the Old House to witness a strange scene.

Joe, nearly lifeless, covered with his own blood; Victoria, kneeling next to him, preserving his life through some skill she hardly understands; Barnabas, kneeling before the spectral image of a little girl in the clothing of another century, his face buried in his hands.

While remaining by Joe's side, Victoria speaks to the child.

"Sarah Collins?" she asks the apparition of the little girl. "Maybe I can help."

The child takes notice of her.

"Miss Winters, you are indeed well met. My brother has been very wicked, but repents truly for the harm he has caused. Shall we not aid his atonement?" Taking notice of Maggie, she continues, "Mademoiselle DuPres, I had not dreamt to see you again. Have you come to claim what is yours?" Before either woman can respond, she cries "One approaches who must not know of me!" She then melts away, like mist in a breeze.

Posted: **Tue Mar 09, 2021 2:03 am**

Maggie is momentarily confused over what to do, but the sight of her friend and the dying man win out, and she rushes over to Victoria. "Vix, are you ok? I saw Carolyn covered in, oh God, it has to be Joe's blood! What's happening?" She tries to help tend him as best she can.

Posted: **Tue Mar 09, 2021 4:54 am**

"I'm okay, Maggie, but Joe almost died," says Victoria. "I think I saved his life, but we need to get him back to the hospital. Carolyn bit him in the neck. I think she's become a vampire." Once Joe is stable, she addresses Barnabas. "Mr. Collins, I know you hold yourself responsible for what happened, but I can see that you're genuinely remorseful about it. Joe will live, and it's thanks to you. Without your help, I would not have been able to get to him in time. God will forgive you."

Posted: **Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:58 am**

The two women are momentarily blinded by the headlights of an automobile, heading up the road from Collinsport to Collinwood. The rough, steep, and narrow road does not actually enter the wooded area where they stand, but comes near enough that they can hear the screeching of brakes and the opening and closing of a car door, then the sound of someone approaching through the trees.

When the apparition vanishes, Barnabas stands reaches out his arms, as if to call it back.

"Sarah . . . Sarah . . ."

When his attention is drawn by Victoria's gentle words, he turns in her direction.

"There is no hope of divine mercy for one who has been cast into perdition. Only endless darkness."

Catching sight of Maggie, his mood changes from despair to alarm.

"Jos--Miss Evans! Who is watching over Carolyn? Where is Willie? And Mister Evans; is he safe?"

By this time, the person coming through the trees proves to be Doctor Hoffman, carrying a flashlight and a medical bag. She speaks hurriedly.

"I stopped by the clinic and they told me that Mister Haskell was gone. I thought he might head this way." She glances at Joe, but passes him by to attend to Barnabas, drawing a syringe and a vial of liquid from the bag, getting ready to give him an injection.

Posted: **Wed Mar 10, 2021 1:24 am**

"Carolyn went into the basement... whatever's on the other side of that big metal door. She ignored all of us. Julia, Vix says Joe needs the hospital." Impulsively she hugs Victoria. "I'm glad you're ok. Wait... Vampire? She almost says something else, but stops herself.

Posted: **Wed Mar 10, 2021 4:36 am**

"I'm so glad you're here, Dr. Hoffman," says Victoria. "Joe's lost a lot of blood. He really needs help."

Posted: **Wed Mar 10, 2021 9:56 am**

SunlessNick wrote:
"Carolyn went into the basement... whatever's on the other side of that big metal door. She ignored all of us. Julia, Vix says Joe needs the hospital." Impulsively she hugs Victoria. "I'm glad you're ok. Wait... Vampire? She almost says something else, but stops herself.

Vicki,Obviously she was about to ask Barnabas if he's a vampire too, although from the sound of it Vix already knows and Julia must.

"Did anyone lock her inside?" Barnabas asked, desperately. "She must not be allowed to escape! I am losing my control over her."

Just as Doctor Hoffman is about to give him the injection, he pushes her away, sending the syringe crashing to the ground.

"And this is why," he cries. "I am growing weak. No more!"

"Barnabas, it's too dangerous --"

Ignoring Doctor Hoffman's protest, he runs to the Old House.

With a sigh, she says "Help me get this poor man into the car. I'll take him to the clinic. Whatever's going to happen in the Old House is beyond my ability to change."

Posted: **Thu Mar 11, 2021 2:09 am**

Ignoring Julia, Maggie turns and runs back toward the house.

Posted: **Thu Mar 11, 2021 3:37 am**

Victoria helps Dr. Hoffman get Joe into the back seat of the car, laying him across it.

Posted: **Thu Mar 18, 2021 8:17 am**

Posted: **Fri Mar 19, 2021 1:20 am**

VictoriaSilverwolf wrote: ↑Thu Mar 18, 2021 8:17 am
Maggie,Inside the Old House, you see Barnabas and Carolyn struggling. Barnabas has a tight grip on Carolyn's arms, keeping her from Sam, who slumps in a chair with his eyes closed. Catching sight of you, Carolyn says, in a voice of unusual force, "She is the one you want! You only used me! Go to her, and be damned!" Thrusting him away with great strength, Carolyn approaches Sam. Barnabas stumbles back, finally collapsing against you.

Posted: **Fri Mar 19, 2021 3:07 am**

Posted: **Fri Mar 19, 2021 10:09 am**

As Victoria enters the Old House, she witnesses a disturbing scene.

Barnabas is leaning half-collapsed against Maggie. Maggie yells at Carolyn to stop, and rushes to the side of her father, who slumps unconscious in a chair. Carolyn catches sight of Victoria's crucifix, shrieks, and runs down the stairs to the large metal door, which she pulls open. Once inside the room beyond it, she slams it shut with a loud bang the reverberates throughout the house. Meanwhile, Barnabas struggles to reach Maggie, moving slowly and awkwardly.

"Josette . . ." he says, weakly.

In response to all the noise, Willie rushes down from upstairs.

"You don't look so good, Barnabas," he says. "Where's the doc? I think it's time for your shot." Catching sight of Sam and Maggie, he adds, "I guess your old man had a little too much hooch, huh?" His trembling hands and shaky voice belie his attempt at levity.

Posted: **Sat Mar 20, 2021 2:03 am**

"Sh-she was going to kill him," Maggie stammers... "she's a m-monster." She examines her father, looking for signs of blood or injury. "Barnabas... are you like her?"

Posted: **Sat Mar 20, 2021 4:43 am**

"Dr. Hoffman took Joe to the hospital in her car," says Victoria. "I think he'll live." If Sam is hurt, she will treat him too.

Posted: **Sat Mar 20, 2021 9:04 am**

SunlessNick wrote: ↑Sat Mar 20, 2021 2:03 am
"Sh-she was going to kill him," Maggie stammers... "she's a m-monster." She examines her father, looking for signs of blood or injury. "Barnabas... are you like her?"

Sam Evans appears to be physically unharmed, although in something of a daze. He opens his eyes slowly , blinks several times, and speaks.

"Where is she? Where's that girl? I have to paint her! She's the most fascinating, compelling, extraordinary . . . Take me to her!"

Meanwhile, an almost equally Barnabas says weakly, "Josette. You know what I am. I could have given you eternity . . ."

Catching a glimpse of Victoria, he changes mood instantly, becoming filled with rage. He turns away from her and snarls "Take that thing away!"

Spoiler:

In response, Willie attempts to snatch Victoria's crucifix away from her, but she steps out of his way and he falls forward. Barnabas rises to his full height, all weakness gone, and shouts at him "You have failed me again!" His eyes glow with a dull red inner light as he picks up the wolf head cane he always has at hand and holds it threateningly over Willie's head.

Posted: **Sat Mar 20, 2021 8:27 pm**

"No, don't hurt him!" cries Victoria, holding out the crucifix to make Barnabas back away from Willie.

Posted: **Sun Mar 21, 2021 2:21 am**

"Barnabas, don't!" Maggie screams. "If you love me, please don't hurt him!"

Posted: **Sun Mar 21, 2021 9:19 am**

The compelling force of the crucifix, combined with Maggie's entreaty, causes Barnabas to back away, turning his face toward the wall, falling to his knees. Willie crawls out of the room, whimpering. Meanwhile, seemingly undisturbed by this chaos, Sam stands and walks down the short flight of stairs to the heavy metal door. It seems to open of its own accord, allowing him to enter, than slams shut behind him.

"Josette," Barnabas says in a voice full of agony. "Please. The pain is unbearable. Take the crucifix from her and destroy it! Or do what must be done, and end my miserable existence!"

Posted: **Sun Mar 21, 2021 11:17 pm**

"Please, Vix, he won't hurt us," Maggies says, holding out her hand. Then she realises what's happened... "Daddy, no, don't go down there! Vix, I need that cross or she'll kill him!"

Posted: **Mon Mar 22, 2021 1:53 am**

"Here," says Victoria, giving Maggie her crucifix.

Posted: **Mon Mar 22, 2021 8:41 am**

As Maggie accepts the crucifix, and will no doubt rush to her father's aid, Barnabas turns to face Victoria, who is doubtlessly surprised to see that he now looks like a very old man, seemingly a century or so in age. Bald, his face and hands unrecognizable due to the many deep wrinkles that cover them, the only sign of youth is the fact that his teeth are bright white, particularly the excessively long canines. In a voice that is hollow with age, but somehow still commanding, he cries "I must have sustenance." He approaches Victoria.

Meanwhile, Maggie discovers that the metal door seems to be locked, as if of its own accord.

Posted: **Tue Mar 23, 2021 1:20 am**

Maggie is focussed on pushing and rattling the door, as if she could force it open. "Daddy! Come back! She's dangerous!"

Posted: **Tue Mar 23, 2021 3:47 am**

"Not from me," says Victoria, retreating to where Maggie is, as she now has the crucifix. "What you need is for Dr. Hoffman to give you that injection when she comes back. That will keep your cravings at bay, at least for a while. Sarah told me about you. She called you her brother, and she said we should aid your atonement. I can help you. I'm sorry the crucifix caused you pain. I thought it would just frighten you and didn't know it would hurt you. But it's what the crucifix represents that can save you: Jesus Christ. He died on a cross so that we could have eternal life, but not the way you seem to have it now. He will forgive all who believe in Him and repent of their sins, and that includes you, no matter what you've done. There must be a way to end your terrible curse, and while science can suppress it temporarily, the only permanent cure is through faith. I would like to help you find it."

Posted: **Tue Mar 23, 2021 10:20 am**

Aging even more before their very eyes, Barnabas seems to become more animalistic, growling at the two women. He approaches them, but at that moment the front door bangs open, revealing Doctor Hoffman, carrying a black medical bag.

"I came back as soon as I could," she says, somewhat out of breath. "Is Carolyn--"

Before she can complete her question, Barnabas, who is nearby, lunges at her, lifting her bodily from the floor and aiming his mouth at her neck. Her mouth is open, as if to scream, but she makes no sound.

Meanwhile, from beyond the locked metal door, between the sound of Maggie's frantic banging on the outside, Sam's voice can be heard.

"So lovely. So beautiful."

Posted: **Tue Mar 23, 2021 11:54 pm**

Maggie is overwhelmed by the twin horrors of her father trapped with Carolyn and Barnabas's sudden attack on Julia. She puts her hands to her face, screaming, "NO!!" (Which has the side effect of making her drop the crucifix).

Posted: **Wed Mar 24, 2021 2:29 am**

"Let her go!" cries Victoria, snatching up the crucifix and hurrying toward Barnabas to intervene. She doesn't want to hurt him, but it's the only way to save the doctor's life. Once Barnabas is kept at bay, one of them can inject him. Then he'll be able to unlock the basement door.

Posted: **Wed Mar 24, 2021 9:17 am**

Barnabas retreats, moaning in agony. He drops Doctor Hoffman to the ground, knocking her out. Her medical bag opens, revealing several syringes as well as a number of vials filled with red liquid.

Posted: **Wed Mar 24, 2021 7:22 pm**

"This can't be happening," Maggie sobs. "Everything should be all right now we're to-" She cuts herself off, but the tears keep coming. Then her eyes light on Julia's syringes and she scrabbles over to them, picking a couple up and holding them out to Barnabas. "This is what she gives you right? It'll help you?" Her eyes keep flicking between Barnabas and the metal door.

Posted: **Thu Mar 25, 2021 12:49 am**

Barnabas is unable to reply, merely writhing upon the ground in apparent agony. The vials are not labeled, nor is there any indication of what dose would be both safe and effective. Meanwhile, the creaking of the metal door, opening slowly, is heard.

Posted: **Thu Mar 25, 2021 2:05 am**

Not wanting to take a chance on giving Barnabas the wrong dose, Victoria first tries to revive Julia Hoffman, who would know how much to give him.

Play@YSDC

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