Subj: A Victorian Christmas Stroll
Date: 12/11/00 5:58:12 PM Central Standard Time
From: Carol H. Monterosso

The entire Collins clan had just left midnight mass at the Collinsport Church. The sermon of the Christ child filled their
hearts and thoughts with peace on earth, goodwill toward men. It was a chilly, brisk night for the walk home but everyone was game to try their stamina and be rewarded with Mrs. Johnson's juicy roast beef and plum pudding that would be served upon their arrival home.

Roger and Laura each held David's hands and skipped up the street singing "Jingle Bells". Elizabeth and Paul Stoddard entwined their arms and lovingly gazed up at the black sky dotted with millions of twinkling stars. It was good to have a long standing marriage blessed with love and respect.

Carolyn saw it and wanted it with Tony Peterson. His practice was mediocre but improving at a snail's pace. If she waited for him to ask her, she'd be an old maid. Tonight would be the night! So what if she had to live in his tiny apartment; love was all that mattered. Love was in the air!

Victoria and Burke had come to spend the Christmas holidays with the Collins family. They now lived in Cambridge, Mass. with their three year old daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Devlin. Victoria had taken to Burke's exciting lifestyle and became a social butterfly witht he International set. Jetting abroad was as common as crossing the street butshe remembered from whence she came and kept the common touch with everyone she met. Burkes was delighted with his girls and spent as much time with them as he possibly could. His Sarah was the apple of his eye but Victoria was his diamond in the rough.

Upon reaching Collinwood, a chorus of Collinsport carolers greeted them with "Ring Christmas Bells". It was a joyous feeling to hear the voices modulate on key. When the singers concluded, the Collins clan resounded with clapping and praise and tokens of money was offered.

The carolers continued their midnight stroll as the Collins entered the warmth of Collinwood. Hanging up their coats and scarves, taking off their boots and hats, they were all very cheerful and happy to be home. As they entered the drawing room, Mrs. Johnson had lit the tree for them to see and stoked the fire into a roaring blaze.

"Anyone care for a brandy?" Roger asked, his cheeks rosy and glowing.

"Of course, let me help you," offered Paul Stoddard.

Carolyn and Tony sat on the sofa with Elizabeth while Vicki and Burke watched in awe as Sarah Elizabeth stared at the massive Spruce decorated with bubble lights and glass balls. Tinsle hung delicately from each branch.

"Do you miss being home?" Laura asked Vicki and Burke.

"No. Not really. For so many years, this was my home so I've come full circle," Vicki replied.

"Yes, I know how you feel. I always wanted Roger to move away so we could have our own home and own traditions but each year we've established our own ideas here and now I wouldn't leave even if I wanted to. I love Christmas at Collinwood."

Roger and Paul made the rounds seeing that everyone had a glass of brandy for the toast.

Roger coughed a few times to get everyone's attention.

"I'd just like to say Merry Christmas to one and all. Especially my wife, Laura, and our son, David. Without them, I couldn't exist. For my sister Elizabeth and Paul who have shown me that love does go on...even in later years." There was lots of guffawing in the background. So much so that Paul grabbed Elizabeth and pulled her into a deep dive almost to the floor.

"We still got it!" Paul triumphantly announced.

"Believe me, he does!" Elizabeth choked, not the least embarassed by Paul's antics.

"To my neice Carolyn who has grown into a lovely young lady. Full of spit and vinegar," Roger continued.

"Oh, please, Uncle Roger. I have an announcment to make!" Carolyn pleaded as she got up and took the floor.

"I just want to ask one question. Will you marry me, Tony?" she asked.

Tony was stunned by the question. He looked around the room at everyone's eager faces waiting for his response.

"It's Christmas. What can I say? But, YES. I'll marry you!"

"I'm so happy. This is the best present of all!" Carolyn gushed as Tony got up and stood by her side. He gave her a long, deep kiss that promoted cat calls and whistles among the men.

"Please, we have young children present", Burke admonished but not sincerely since his wolf whistle was one of the loudest.

"And to Vicki and Burke who chose to honor us with their presence and bring their delightful little charmer."

"Thank you, Roger. That was very heartfelt," Vicki replied.

"Now let's drink up so we can stomach Mrs. Johnson's food!"

And with that, every glass was wholeheartedly downed in one swallow.

"Onto the feast!" Roger announced as he gathered near and dear to the dining room. Walking throught the foyer, they heard a faint knock at the door.

"Who could that be at this hour?" Roger asked.

"I'll take the children into the dining room," Burke offered.

"Yes, that's a good idea," Laura replied.

Roger went to the heavy oak door and pulled it open.

"Hello. I'm Barnabas Collins. Your cousin from England," the deep baritone announced. "And this is my trusty servant Hollingshead. May we come in?"

Well, it was Christmas and it was cold.

He was a relative and they had loads of room to spare.

Show no ill toward men was the sermon.

As the two men entered Collinwood, Elizabeth was delighted to meet a long lost family member; Laura shivered and Vicki was suspicious. But the men jovially greeted the strangers and warmly welcomed them into the household.

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