Return to Collinsport (Trask/Forbes/DuPres)

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

After a brisk walk through the chill air, Reverend Trask and Nathan Forbes make their way to Collinsport. No doubt both gentlemen are relieved to see that nothing much has changed. Oh, there may be different, and notably fewer, ships in the harbor; there are patches of ice and snow where one might not have expected them; but the place is otherwise familiar. A few acquaintances seem surprised by their arrival, making comments suggesting that they have not met them in quite some time, and inquiring as to their whereabouts during that period. They may ponder as to their reception at Collinwood. Jeremiah Collins, brought back to this time through the will of the other two men, having little of his own, retreats to his chambers, brooding.

While the two men have been away, several months have passed. It is now early winter. I shall leave it to you as to whether you remain at Collinwood, or have chosen to accept the hand of Amos Stewart in Holy Matrimony, and go off to attempt to survive as a pioneer wife in the Northwest Territories. (Perhaps you are temporarily in Collinsport to obtain supplies, and to visit friends and relations; wither way, you are surprised to see Trask and Forbes after such a long time.)

By the way, now that we have split into two threads, you are free to play a character in the other one that would be appropriate to the time, if you wish. If not, that's fine, too.

[Mr. Handy]

"We have been on quite a journey," says Reverend Trask. "We went searching for Jeremiah, and we found him in the interior of the country and brought him back." It is clear that he has learned from Miss Winters how to tell the truth, but not so much of it as to appear mad.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

This statement being accepted as Gospel (if one may excused for wordplay that may strike the observer as frivolously blasphemous), seeing that it comes from the Reverend Trask, it excites the curiosity of those who hear it.

"The interior of the country? How extraordinary! Have you, then, ventured into the wilderness of the Northwest Territories? Were there not many wild beasts and savages with which to contend? Indeed, you must relate all of your adventures."

Conversation reveals that Amos Stewart, among other bold souls, has chosen to make a new life for himself in that wild country south of the Great Lakes.

[SunlessNick]

Josette accepts Amos's proposal with joy in her heart, sure that she can face any of the hardships of which he warned her so long as they are together.

Who is around in Collinswoord in the time Victoria Winters has arrived?

"Miss Winters also wished to return to her home, so we took the opportunity to escort her," adds Nathan. "She requested we convey her apologies for her desertion." (Nathan is reasonably sure that Miss Winters would have said such a thing had circumstances not been so fraught with other matters).



Millicent is overjoyed at everyone's return, welcoming the morose Jeremiah with solicitude, and rewarding both Nathan with a kiss on the cheek for his part in saving him - she is grateful to the Reverend too, naturally, but such a gesture would be inappropriate for him, and she curtseys instead.

[Mr. Handy]

"Thank you, Miss Collins," says Reverend Trask. "Miss Winters sends her regrets, but she feels her home is where she belongs. I'm not entirely sure where we went, as we did not have a map, but we managed to retrace Jeremiah's path. The first stop on our journey was New York. The big city was a sight to be seen, to be sure. It puts me in mind of the descriptions of Nineveh, only more grand."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Josette accepts Amos's proposal with joy in her heart, sure that she can face any of the hardships of which he warned her so long as they are together.

Who is around in Collinswood in the time Victoria Winters has arrived?

THE COLLINS/STODDARD FAMILY

Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, 50-ish, widow, head of the family, relations noted below

Roger Collins, 40-ish, brother, separated from wife

Carolyn Stoddard, 20-ish, daughter

David Collins, 10-ish, nephew (son of Roger)

Barnabas Collins, 30-ish, distant cousin

OTHERS

Victoria Winters, 20-ish, governess for David (character taken)

Burke Devlin, 30-ish, businessman

Matthew Morgan, 50-ish, servant to the Collins

Sarah Johnson, 50-ish, servant to the Collins

Sam Evans, 50-ish, painter

Maggie Evans, 20-ish, waitress (daughter of Sam) (as you well know)

Doctor Julia Hoffman, 40-ish, physician

Jason McGuire, 30-ish, drifter

Willie Loomis, 20-ish, drifter

Professor Timothy Stokes, 50-ish, scholar

Joe Haskell, 30-ish, fisherman

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Being herself from that great city on the Hudson, no doubt Millicent will make inquiry as to any of her friends and relations that the venturing pair may have encountered.

By paying close attention to casual conversation, the prodigals, if one may term them that, have returned just a few days before the New Year of 1796 is to be celebrated, some few months being lost during the transition, in some unknown manner. There is to be a grand ball at Collinwood upon the eve. The new arrivals, of course, are invited to be honored guests. There is also a strong possibility that Mr. and Mrs. Amos Stewart, newlyweds, may be able to make the long and difficult journey from their rustic home in the Northwest Territories. The latter, it will be noted, is the former Mademoiselle Jeanette DuPres, whose relations remain resident in Collinwood.

[Mr. Handy]

"I am sorry, Miss Collins, but I did not encounter any of your friends or relations in New York. We were not there long. We just passed through long enough to pick up Jeremiah's trail."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The eve of the New Year arrives, as does the inevitable chill weather of a New England winter. Guests arrive wrapped in heavy furs, which are laid aside once the roaring fireplaces warm their bones, as will the expected dancing (not to mention such heated beverages as buttered toddies, flip, and negus.) It having been some time since the unfortunate events which brought much distress to the inhabitants of Collinsport, and New Englanders famed for their ability to withstand crises and recover from disaster, the mood is festive. Countess DuPres, arrayed in her finest French gowns (somewhat out of style) and jewelry, is amusing the guests by telling their fortunes with her ever-present deck of Tarot cards, although few take this seriously.

[Mr. Handy]

Reverend Trask avoids the Tarot cards, as he frowns on such things.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Notable amongst the guests is Barnabas Collins, who addresses all present in courteous, if reserved fashion, not participating in the dancing, and observing all with a countenance indicating great thought. At times, he appears to pace anxiously, peering now and again through a window.

[SunlessNick]

THE COLLINS/STODDARD FAMILY

Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, 50-ish, widow, head of the family, relations noted below

Roger Collins, 40-ish, brother, separated from wife

Carolyn Stoddard, 20-ish, daughter

David Collins, 10-ish, nephew (son of Roger)

Barnabas Collins, 30-ish, distant cousin

OTHERS

Victoria Winters, 20-ish, governess for David (character taken)

Burke Devlin, 30-ish, businessman

Matthew Morgan, 50-ish, servant to the Collins

Sarah Johnson, 50-ish, servant to the Collins

Sam Evans, 50-ish, painter

Maggie Evans, 20-ish, waitress (daughter of Sam) (as you well know)

Doctor Julia Hoffman, 40-ish, physician

Jason McGuire, 30-ish, drifter

Willie Loomis, 20-ish, drifter

Professor Timothy Stokes, 50-ish, scholar

Joe Haskell, 30-ish, fisherman

Jason or Joe, whichever you think is most likely to hang with Victoria.

[SunlessNick]

"An irony that might amuse or disgust you," says Nathan - in a tone that draws little distinction between the two - to the Reverend as they observe the tarot readings. "I learned from an Occitanian sailor of my acquaintance that the tarot was designed for games, just as ordinary playing cards."

Otherwise, he shows no little solicitude to Miss Millicent Collins, professing a lightened heart at seeing her again after so many months of travel.



Millicent is receptive to this, and the two are often seen in each other's company at the festivities.



It is known to all that Josette is soon to become Mrs Amos Stewart, a match that is far below her station - it is left to the reader as to whether allowances should be made for his having saved her life on the night of Daniel's abduction - however, no observer can doubt the love in her heart, as she shines upon the gathering like the Star of Bethlehem itself.

[Mr. Handy]

"It is true that playing cards are related to the Tarot deck," says Reverend Trask. "It is also true that playing cards are often used for gambling, which is sinful as well. It is much better to earn money through hard work than to try to win it in games of chance. If one loses, one can impoverish himself and render himself indebted. Even if one wins, one is likely to continue gambling until one loses. If one has enough wisdom to quit while ahead, the unearned money tends to slip through his fingers anyway."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

THE COLLINS/STODDARD FAMILY

Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, 50-ish, widow, head of the family, relations noted below

Roger Collins, 40-ish, brother, separated from wife

Carolyn Stoddard, 20-ish, daughter

David Collins, 10-ish, nephew (son of Roger)

Barnabas Collins, 30-ish, distant cousin

OTHERS

Victoria Winters, 20-ish, governess for David (character taken)

Burke Devlin, 30-ish, businessman

Matthew Morgan, 50-ish, servant to the Collins

Sarah Johnson, 50-ish, servant to the Collins

Sam Evans, 50-ish, painter

Maggie Evans, 20-ish, waitress (daughter of Sam) (as you well know)

Doctor Julia Hoffman, 40-ish, physician

Jason McGuire, 30-ish, drifter

Willie Loomis, 20-ish, drifter

Professor Timothy Stokes, 50-ish, scholar

Joe Haskell, 30-ish, fisherman

Jason or Joe, whichever you think is most likely to hang with Victoria.

Jason is a con artist/small time criminal, out to blackmail Elizabeth Stoddard. Joe is Carolyn's on-again, off-again boyfriend. I suppose either one might be interested in Victoria, the former with bad intent, the latter on the rebound.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Having apparently arrived at some degree of philosophical resignation, Barnabas is cordial to Josette and Amos, if understandably cool. Her father and aunt are, of course, delighted at her presence and, if truth be told, relieved to no longer carry the burden of an unmarriageable relation. Even if the bridegroom is of lower station than desired, he appears to be an honest, good-natured fellow. Those present who are of a reasonably bold nature express a desire to witness the home that the Stewarts plan to make in the wilderness.

[Mr. Handy]

"Congratulations," says Reverend Trask to the happy couple. "Do you have someone in mind to officiate at the wedding? I would be honored to do the job if you are still in need of someone."

[SunlessNick]

Jason is a con artist/small time criminal, out to blackmail Elizabeth Stoddard. Joe is Carolyn's on-again, off-again boyfriend. I suppose either one might be interested in Victoria, the former with bad intent, the latter on the rebound.

I didn't mean interested in, necessarily, just likely to interact with her a lot. I think I'd prefer Joe in that case - you might have noticed I find it hard to go the whole hog when playing villainous characters.

"Congratulations," says Reverend Trask to the happy couple. "Do you have someone in mind to officiate at the wedding? I would be honored to do the job if you are still in need of someone."

"That would be wonderful!" exclaims Josette.

It is also true that playing cards are often used for gambling, which is sinful as well. It is much better to earn money through hard work than to try to win it in games of chance. If one loses, one can impoverish himself and render himself indebted. Even if one wins, one is likely to continue gambling until one loses.

"Men must gamble with far more than money in this life," says Nathan in an unusually philosophical turn. "Games of chance prepare us to take the greater risks when called upon."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Go ahead and jump into the other thread whenever you like. Joe Haskell would be an Everyman, characteristics all 9 but whatever you want to bump up by one for background, profession (fisherman, planning to run own boat.)
As said, up and down again relationship with Carolyn Stoddard. Would marry her, but she's won't say yes or no.

These various conversations, pleasant or philosophical as they may be, are interrupted by a sudden wordless cry from without, that of a woman, followed by a crashing sound.

[Mr. Handy]

Reverend Trask hurries toward the sound of the cry, thinking that the woman probably needs help.