Subj: Never Without You Part 9
Date: 6/18/99 4:57:16 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Jody
The Courtship Of Julia
By this time Barnabas Collins had decided that he would ask Julia for the privilege of her hand in marriage, permitted that she wanted him. He wanted to let her know he loved her and when she was ready they were marry.
Barnabas frantic, wondered where Julia was. He proceeded to Collinwood to she if she was there. He entered the drawing room of the New House when he could hear a conversation from outside in the courtyard. He saw Julia and Jeffrey engaged in what looked like an intense discussion. He watched them carefully from the distance not knowing what to assess of the situation.
Actually, the sight of the two of them alone gave him a nauseated feeling. Feelings of intense rage started to consume him. His eyes watched every move of Julia's. Frankly, it appeared that Julia was giving this man quite a lot of attention. Her postulancy was warm and sensitive toward Jeffrey. She gave Jeffrey all her undivided attention and smiled at him. Barnabas saw something rare in Julia's behavior she was smiling and laughing. After a while her facial gestures became solemn with a look of compassion. Such caring for another man made Barnabas an insanely jealous man. Barnabas felt he had been deprived and violated.He wanted that part of Julia for himself.
He was resolved to interrupt this conversation and have Julia all to himself. So, Barnabas ventured outside and paid his respects to Julia and Jeffrey.
Julia strongly hinted to Barnabas to leave them alone, but Barnabas now jealous refused.
Julia turned annoyed toward Barnabas with a frown on her face, "Barnabas, please leave, Dr. Halstead and I are in the middle of a private conversation that doesn't concern you."
"No, Julia, I will not leave" replied Barnabas.
"Julia, I think it is inappropriate for the two of you to be alone out in the courtyard outside. I will not leave you alone one moment with this man, do you understand? retorted Barnabas.
Barnabas veered toward Halstead, " I thought I had your word you would not approach Dr. Hoffman on a romantic level. Apparently, I was wrong."
Halstead laughed. Neither Julia nor Barnabas were amused.
"I do not understand your behavior Barnabas," replied Julia.
"Why Julia, retorted Jeffrey, you of all people should understand. The man is jealous. Are you so oblivious to that Julia?"
Jeffrey continued, " Barnabas , it is nice to know your unresolved feelings toward Dr. Hoffman seemed to have disappeared. Barnabas, calm down, Dr. Hoffman and I are discussing issues about Wyndcliffe and your cousin Elizabeth?"
"Elizabeth, I do not understand," replied Barnabas.
Jeffrey continued, " Yes it seems I am fond of your cousin Elizabeth and wish to court her. Dr. Hoffman is trying to resolve my emotional hinderance to the situation in that regard. It is not a secret I want to marry and have a family. Seems like I can't follow my own advice. Forgive me , I am in fact human."
"Dr. Hoffman was just proceeding to give me some professional advise as a doctor to a patient. And now since both of you are angry anyway, I think it would not hurt if Dr. Hoffman reduces her hours like I to spend time with you Barnabas. Julia is mad at me for I have refused a promotion at Wyndcliffe. At this point in my life, I am concentrating not on a career but a family life."
"Since everybody is angry with me this is an opportune moment to leave. I am sure you have much to say to each other."
So Jeffrey left and Barnabas felt a sigh of relief while Julia was mad at both the men.
"It wasn't his business to say anything to you, Barnabas about the hours I keep. Frankly, this is no concern to you about the hours I keep at Wyndcliffe," said Julia.
"But Julia, you are wrong it is my business. You are my concern, my dear. That is the problem." replied Barnabas.
Shocked, Julia didn't know how to react to Barnabas.
Barnabas with a tender gentle look walked toward Julia and held her. "Julia, I want to talk to you in private about our future together if you will have me. I love you and want us to build a life together."
to be continued....