THE INTERVENTION OF ELIZABETH COLLINS STODDARD

"You wanted your precious Josette so bad, then you shall have her..."

Barnabas did not let voices from the distant past linger, as he stood by Josette's bed watching Maggie sleep. She looked so innocent; so peaceful, he did not want to disturb her yet, so he lay down beside her, taking her into his arms, and just for a little while longer pretended that this woman who looked so much like his long lost love, was indeed Josette.

Going over the events of the evening with a clearer mind, he knew that it must not happen again. Willie could have been killed, if he had not obeyed instantly. Dr. Hoffman was making some progress; albeit slow, he could tell the craving for blood was less than it was two to three weeks ago. It was hard to explain how he let the bloodlust overtake him with Maggie. It must have been the surprise of her appearance in the coffin. He was just guessing, and he knew it, and he didn't like it one bit.

Hoffman was another one he would deal with later. Right now he would just enjoy this incredibly beautiful woman was his last thought as he began to drowse off lightly.

Dr. Julia Hoffman was baffled! Willie had sent her away when she had arrived at the Old House for Maggie's therapy. When she had tried to question Willie, he cut her off with a brief statement that the evening was canceled, and closed the door abruptly, leaving her standing there totally baffled.

On the walk back to Collinwood, going over in her mind Willie's agitation, and wondering where Maggie was, she decided she would call the Evans' Cottage when she arrived at Collinwood. As far as Barnabas was concerned, she would go back to the Old House later that evening and administer his treatment.

Arriving at Collinwood, Julia was greeted with an angry and upset Sam Evans and Joe Haskell. Maggie was missing, and she was supposed to be at Collinwood visiting with Victoria Winters, and apparently had never shown up. Not only was Sam angry, he was getting upset, and was about ready to call Sheriff Patterson, but Joe had got him to hold off. He reasoned with Sam that if Maggie was visiting with another friend, she would be upset and angry also. They should wait.

Julia didn't say anything, she just stood in the foyer listening. When Sam asked her about the therapy at the Old House, Julia said: "I've been there. That's where I just came from, and Maggie wasn't there. Barnabas wasn't there, which, of course, wouldn't be unusual, he's usually out at this time of the evening."

As Julia was speaking, Elizabeth Collins Stoddard chose this moment to descend the magnificent staircase leading to the foyer. Noting the elegantly clad, raven-haired mistress of Collinwood, the clamoring stopped immediately, and it was very quiet in the foyer. Surprised at what was going on, she looked askingly at Victoria, who remained silent.

Sam Evans spoke up, and asked point blank, "Have you seen Maggie this afternoon? She was on her way out here earlier to visit with Vicky, and never returned."

Victoria spoke up and said, "I never saw her. I wasn't aware that she was supposed to come out here and visit."

Elizabeth, taking in the small group's distress, and noticing that Ms. Hoffman was standing by the double doors, still in light coat, asked: "Miss Hoffman, did you just come back from the Old House?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I did," replied Julia.

"I'm surprised you didn't see Miss Evans with my Cousin Barnabas," Elizabeth said evenly.

At that statement, you could have heard a pin drop in the room, because no one would have ever thought of Maggie spending an afternoon with Barnabas Collins. Everyone just stared at Elizabeth as if all of a sudden they had lost their ability to speak.

The double doors of Collinwood opened and Barnabas entered with a very happy Maggie Evans. To an outsider the two looked like they had had an afternoon tryst that was unplanned, but yet unforgettable. Of course, no one, maybe with the exception of one, ever gave that a thought.

"Pop! Joe? What are you doing here?" Maggie asked surprised to see her father and Joe Haskell in the foyer of Collinwood.

"Maggie, honey, we were worried," said Joe, walking towards Maggie.

Maggie seeing that Joe was moving toward her, subconsciously backed closer into Barnabas.

"Joe, there was no reason to be worried. I told Pop I was coming out here this afternoon," Maggie said in a piqued voice.

"Where's the car?" Sam asked in a even tone of voice.

"I left it by the cliffs," Maggie answered becoming clearly agitated.

Julia noticed, but could not say or do anything about it, because Mrs. Stoddard was present, and still thought of her as a historian.

The cultured toned voice of Barnabas Collins interjected, "Might I interrupt? Ms. Evans was driving to Collinwood, and saw me walking along the cliffs this afternoon, and stopped to see if I needed a ride home or to Collinwood. When informing her that I was just out pleasure walking, since it was so rare that I would have a chance to enjoy the view of the sea and surrounding forests and cliffs, I preferred to walk. Asking her to join me, she parked her car, and time got away from us, I'm afraid," Barnabas said in an apologetic voice. "Believe me, Mr. Evans, it certainly was not my intent to upset you in this manner. I can't apologize enough." Barnabas, barely glancing at Joe Haskell, "or you, Haskell."

Well aware of his cousin's presence, knowing that her expression had not changed since he had taken over the explanation of why he and Maggie were together, he did not know that Elizabeth had already informed everyone just before he and Maggie had arrived.

Sam Evans apologized to Elizabeth for disturbing her evening, Sam was getting ready to take Maggie and go home when the car that Maggie had left parked on the cliffs, Elizabeth interrupted and said she would have someone drive it to the Evans' Cottage. "Just be sure to leave the keys with the gatekeeper on your way out. Good night, Mr. Evans," Elizabeth said graciously.

Maggie had not said one more word, but seemed to be staring intently at Dr. Hoffman, while Sam was telling her it was time to go, shaking her out of her trance.

"Yes, of course," Maggie said in a voice so low Sam could barely hear her.

"Barnabas, thank you for a wonderful afternoon and evening," Maggie said

"It was my pleasure, Ms. Evans," replied Barnabas taking her hand and kissing it lightly.

Julia Hoffman noticed the intimacy that passed between the pair. It was not lost on Elizabeth Stoddard either.

With only the four of them left in the foyer, Vicki said, "Poor Mr. Evans, he was so upset.

"Well, I imagine he will be for sometime to come. Victoria, Ms. Hoffman, if you will excuse us, I need to speak with Barnabas on a private family matter. That is, of course, if you're agreeable, Barnabas" asked Elizabeth in a tone that Barnabas was not going to refuse.

Barnabas bade good evening to Vicki and Julia Hoffman, and followed his cousin toward the drawing room.

Barnabas usually enjoyed talking with Elizabeth. She reminded him so much of his mother. Remembering the first time he had laid eyes on Elizabeth, the shock was barely disguisable. He felt like he had taken a walk back in time, and his mother was greeting him. That's how strong the resemblance between the two women were. Theirs was a timeless beauty that tragedy seemed to enhance. If his cold heart was capable of love, he loved Elizabeth, and he loved David.

"Barnabas, would you like a drink?' his cousin asked while she was pouring herself one.

Maggie sat very quietly in the back seat of Joe's Chevy sedan. She could hear the drone of her father and Joe's voices, but was paying scant, if any, attention to what they were saying. Lost in her own thoughts, they might as well have been on the other side of the world.

"Maggie! Maggie!" Her father was trying to get her attention.

Finally Maggie responded, "yes, Pop, what is it?"

"I've been talking to you for the last two or three minutes. Haven't you heard a word I've said?" Her father asked, the irritation showing clearly on his face.

"I'm sorry, Pop. I guess I'm tired," Maggie said. "What did you say?" Maggie asked, now all attention.

"You were starting to worry me. Your behavior there for a minute reminded me of the way you were acting before you were kidnapped," Sam's voice was full of concern.

"You are being awfully quiet. And I agree with Sam, you seem distant, almost like you were before," the handsome Joe Haskell said, looking at Maggie in his rearview mirror, continuing to drive to the Cottage.

"You two can just stop it right now!" Maggie exclaimed. With the hint of a smile on her face, she continued on to say "if you'd feed a girl once and awhile, she'd have the strength to handle you both at the same time."

"We were going to let you eat as soon as you prepared it," Joe quipped back laughing.

The tension now leaving the car, keeping the banter going until they arrived at the Cottage, all seemed well. Entering the Cottage, you couldn't help but notice that an artist resided here. It was dominated by canvas, paintbrushes, and most importantly a big window along the wall facing the sea.

"You know, Maggie, maybe you should go out more often, you look positively radiant," her father said walking toward the kitchen.

"I agree with your father," Joe chimed in.

"Must be walking in the ocean air, instead of cooped up here most of the time with the Royal guard" Maggie chuckled.

"It was probably spending the afternoon and evening at the Old House with Willie," Joe said laughing and ducking the flying pillow at the same time.

"Joe, better be careful. You don't want to get Maggie mad," her father yelled from the kitchen.

"Yeah, you're right, Sam," Joe yelled back.

"Honey, you know I'm just kidding, don't you?" Joe asked Maggie as he embraced her.

"Of course, I do, silly," Maggie said jovially

"Okay, you two, I had a wonderful time with Barnabas. I never knew how interesting he was . He's done so many things. He is one of the most fascinating and interesting people I know. The stories he was telling me about England, growing up, the history of around one of the places he had stayed, the New Forest, something to do with Rufus the Red. He was a king, William the"

"Okay. Okay. Maggie. I think we've got the hint," Joe said. "I didn't know you were interested in all that old stuff such as English History, and the monarchy?" Joe said quietly.

"Neither did I," said Maggie.

"You mean until you spent the afternoon and evening with Barnabas Collins, don't you?" her father said as he was putting the coffee tray down on the small table in the sitting area.

"Well" -- Maggie started.

"I've fixed you some of your favorite coffee rolls, honey, why don't you eat something," Sam offered Maggie. "Coffee? Sam offered Maggie and Joe.

"Thanks, Pop."

"Pop, when you were painting Barnabas' portrait, did Barnabas ever show you Josette's Room, after it was restored? Maggie's voice was low and serious as she asked her father this question.

"Yes, he did," Sam replied. "Did -- " Interrupting Maggie, Sam said, "It was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful rooms I've ever seen.

"Maggie, why are you asking about that room?" Joe asked. Receiving no answer Joe pressed on. "Did Barnabas show you Josette's room, Maggie?" Joe asked almost as if he were holding his breath afraid of the answer.

"Yes, Joe, he did," Maggie said evenly.

"Maggie, were you and Barnabas Collins alone in the house?" Joe asked.

"Yes, were, Joe," Maggie answered. "Is something wrong, Joe?" Maggie continued.

"No, no. It's just, I don't think it looks right, you up there at that big Old House, just you and him for the entire afternoon and most of the evening," Joe said, his voice rising.

"Joe, are you jealous of Barnabas?" asked Maggie laughing.

"No," Joe said in a very serious voice.

"Yes, you are!' Maggie said.

"No, no, I'm not, Maggie."

"Joe, I'm sorry. I didn't know you would be upset, or I would have never gone to the Old House with Barnabas. You, silly," the teasing tone had returned to Maggie's voice -- " you know you have no reason to be jealous of Barnabas or anyone else. You're the only guy for me," Maggie said putting her arms around Joe's waist.

"Okay. I'm convinced. Maybe I was getting a little carried away. Maybe I was just a little jealous of Barnabas Collins. You spend an afternoon with him, and come back looking radiant and happy, plus he's rich, handsome, a Collins, and all you girls seem to do anything for him," Joe's voice had a laugh in it now.

"He's also a very nice fellow. Now, that's enough about Barnabas Collins. Maggie's going to bed. She's done enough today," Sam said.

After everyone had said their goodnights, Maggie was finally alone. Barnabas had warned her about her behavior in front of her father and friends. Protesting, he told her they would have her under a 24-hour watch if she started to behave as she did before she was kidnapped. Very sternly, he had gripped her by the shoulders, while they were laying in Josette's bed, and told her he was very serious! It was a command, not a suggestion. Doing as he asked all evening with Joe and her father, had not been easy. Especially with Joe. She couldn't stand his hands on her. It was very difficult for her to play like they were a couple when all she thought about was Barnabas.

A smile appeared on her face as she thought about their walk back to Collinwood. Barnabas, suggesting they take the route by the cliffs overhanging the ocean, instead of the more popular route through the woods. He had insisted they go to Collinwood and call her father, as it was getting rather late, and they were bound to be worried.

Walking back, Barnabas again admonished her never to do what she had done today. Sensing the protest rising in her, Barnabas stopped and put her arms around her, drawing her close to him, kissing her softly on the lips as though to reassure her they would be together again. But such drastic measures as she had sought today were not necessary. Releasing her, and taking her hand once again, they strolled along the cliffs, listening to the pounding ocean below. Maggie was happier than she could ever remember. She was euphoric. Barnabas sensing her mood as they came to Widow's Hill, stopped, turning Maggie to face him, her hair blowing wildly from the wind off the ocean, Barnabas stared at her.

Barnabas stood, staring at Maggie, not taking notice of the jagged rocks below, and the raging water pounding over and over, Maggie looked at him, and in a sensual whisper asked him "What do you want, Barnabas?"

"I want to feel you in my arms and hear you cry out to me. I want to have you in my possession. I want to see your face contorted with voluptuous pleasures. I want you to beg me to make love to you until the end of time. Darling, I can tell you want me to take you right here and now. Your nipples are hard, and you are excited, and that's how I know you always want me. When I enter a room, your nipples get hard, and if I were to take you right then and there no protest would fall from your beautiful lips." He then pulled her to him roughly, she clung to him as he kissed her over and over again, until she was crying with a delicious pain. She could feel his fangs descending as he kissed her, saw his eyes turn gold. He stroked her breasts hard, teasing her through her clothing.

Laying his cape down, he lifted her skirt and removed her undergarments, then released his engorged manhood, and lay Maggie to the ground, entering her roughly. Clinging to him, overcome with passion, she was scratching his back, she couldn't help herself, waves of pleasure descending on her, declining, building again to a crescendo. She felt Barnabas moving her to the cliff's edge until he was holding her wrists out over the cliff, and her head was over the edge of the cliff, with her shoulders almost off the edge. Letting go of one wrist, he cradled her head in his powerful hand, stroking her cheek with his thumb, he asked her huskily, "Do you trust me, Maggie?"

"Yes," Maggie whimpered, but not from fear, but from inflamed desire.

Barnabas then pulled her away from the cliff's edge, and with one final thrust, he sank his fangs into Maggie, tasting her trust, love, and desire she had for him. Barnabas climaxed as did Maggie. Maggie had climaxed almost immediately after he had entered her, and immediately after moving her from cliff's edge, and asking her if she trusted him.

Barnabas had then cleaned the blood from between her legs that came from the intensity of his lovemaking. It was the most intimate sensual act she had ever had anyone do to her. Granted her experience was not great, but instinctively she knew this was special. The intimacy and the knowledge of the act had caused her to climax again. Barnabas had put his hand on her stomach to keep her from hurting herself at the strength and intensity of her orgasm, brought on by what he was doing. She had wanted him again, inside her, but he refused, saying they must get to Collinwood. Then he pulled her inside his cape close to him, and folded it around her, and kept her that way until they saw the lights of Collinwood.

Desire was beginning to rise again in Maggie as she continued to think about Barnabas and her together at the Old House, and on the cliff walk. Maggie tried to stop dwelling on it or she would never go to sleep. He promised she would see him again the next night. With that thought in mind, she dropped off peacefully to sleep.

Back at the Old House, Barnabas knew it wouldn't be long until the expected knock on the door would sound. Hearing the knock he answered the door, "Good evening, Doctor."

"Good evening, Mr. Collins," Julia Hoffman replied in a purely professional tone.

Barnabas looked Julia in the eyes and held her gaze, "Call me, Barnabas, Dr. Hoffman," Barnabas said in a soft commanding hypnotic tone. Satisfied that the deed was done, Barnabas released the gaze.

"Barnabas, I don't know what happened tonight between you and Maggie Evans --"

"No, you don't, Doctor Hoffman. And, perhaps, since it doesn't concern you, you never will know." Barnabas' expression and tone revealed nothing.

Covering the hurt look in her eyes and on her face, Julia finished what she was going to say. -- "But I do know something happened. And you must never be alone with Maggie Evans again. You will jeopardize everything, Barnabas. Do you understand?" Julia's voice was rising to a pitch by now. "Barnabas, I mean what I say," Julia continued on.

"Really," Barnabas said in the same tone that was reserved for the upper class and aristocratic, to reveal nothing, or show nothing.


Beverly Collins-LaCroix
Cousin/GSSS/DP
"Death hath no dominion"