Subj: Together We Stand (6)
Date: 7/10/00 1:19:56 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Julianka
The walk to the Old House wasn't exactly pleasant. Elizabeth walked calmly, back straight, her head held erect. They just have to understand. Roger can be like a petulant child sometimes, but if it's a serious situation, he could usually be counted upon. Carolyn and Maggie were trying to act normal, but Roger was glowereing and shooting her irritated glances. Barnabas answered the door with a serious look on his face. "Please come in and make yourselves comfortable," he welcomed them.
Roger stopped short when he saw who all was present. Rounding on Elizabeth, he said, "I assumed that when you said a family meeting, that might include Julia, but what are Chris and Professor Stokes doing here?"
"I said that I would explain everything, and I intend to, Roger. Now do as Barnabas said," Elizabeth ordered.
"Come on Uncle Roger, let's hear Mother out," Carolyn cajoled.
Elizabeth began when everyone was seated. "Please keep an open mind."
"If you leave your mind wide open, all kinds of nasty things can creep in," heckled Roger.
"Roger, please, this is a most serious matter. Kindly listen to all the facts before you comment," Barnabas interceded.
"Thank-you Barnabas," Elizabeth said nodding to him. "Roger, Carolyn, Maggie, do you remember when the ghosts of Beth and Quentin were haunting Collinwood? And also how after, Barnabas disappeared and the ghosts vanished and life returned to normal?" At their nods she continued, "Barnabas went into the past, to when our father, Jamison Collins was a boy."
Slowly, carefully, leaving nothing out, Elizabeth told Quentin's story. Quentin himself filled in many of the details. Barnabas and Julia spoke of the parts that they had in the story. Finally, the whole tale was told.
Carloyn spoke first, "I've gone completely loco! I can't believe my ears!"
"Kitten, maybe we can carpool to Windcliff together, for I heard the same thing you did!" Roger said.
Maggie reasoned with Carolyn, "I believe it, Carolyn. I remember the events they speak of. Only I didn't see the whole picture at the time. This answers many of the questions I've had for sometime."
"Julia, you and Barnabas kept this from us knowing who he really was?" an incredulous Roger demanded, indicating Quentin.
Barnabas answered before Julia could. "Roger, you know there was another crisis in progress at the time. It's been one dilemma after another. Perhaps we were wrong to keep the facts from you. Now I know that it was a mistake not to include you. I'm sorry, can you forgive me?" apologized Barnabas.
"As long as you promise not to let it happen again. I guess I should thank-you for saving my son when I couldn't," Roger said contritely.
"When is this seance to be?" Carolyn asked her mother.
"Tonight dear. We have a short time to prepare before this Petoffi arrives," Elizabeth answered.
"It's 2:30," Roger commented, "David and Hallie will be back soon."
"Before we return to Collinwood, I have more pleasant news to share. Carolyn, Roger," Elizabeth smiled, "Eliot and I were married yesterday. I truly love him, and I know that we will be happy. Please be happy for us," Elizabeth beseeched.
"Mother, I know how it was for me and Jeb. Don't waste a minute. Enjoy your happiness," Carolyn advised.
"Congratulations Mrs. Stoddard . . . oops! Is it Mrs. Stokes now?" Maggie asked.
"That's the first time I've heard my married name. Thank-you Maggie," smiled Elizabeth.
"Roger, we have been friends for sometime. It is my hope that we can remain friends," said Eliot.
"I don't know what to say other than congratulations, there have been too many shocks today," Roger said looking dazed.
"Well, we should be getting back to David and Hallie now," Liz suggested.
Eliot commented, "We will return this evening for the seance."
To be Continued . . .