Subj: Chapter 5 Kate
Date: 4/18/00 1:01:11 AM Central Daylight Time
From: Karen

Chapter 5

Kate walked down the stairs of the great house, stopping at the mirror at the bottom. She gazed at her reflection, seeing a young woman with loosely braided hair, dressed in a red dress. The dress was modeled after a picture she had found in a history book. Kate’s grandmother Nonnie had sewn it for her. She had to admit she looked very nice indeed. The dress had an empire waist with lace at the neckline, which was not too low. The cap sleeves were trimmed with the same lace. It fit her like a glove. ‘I wonder what Roger will think about this outfit?’ Kate thought. ‘Well, I guess this is as good a time as any to find out.’ She walked in the direction of the drawing room.

As Kate got closer to the drawing room door, just in time to hear Roger say, "I hope this girl knows that we dress for dinner. I don’t want to look at those outlandish clothes she had on earlier. She looked ridiculous!"

Kate stepped into the room. A beautiful blonde woman poked Roger in the ribs. He started to sputter and then turned to where the woman was pointing. His jaw dropped. Elizabeth came over to Kate and said, "Kate, darling, you look lovely. Come and meet the rest of the family." She walked Kate over to where the blonde was standing next to Roger. "This is my daughter, Carolyn. And of course you know Roger."

Carolyn smiled at Kate and laughing, said, "Oh, Uncle Roger, you really put your foot in it this time!" Turning to Kate she said, "I am so happy to meet you, Kate. Uncle Roger has been telling us all about you. Welcome to our family. Your dress is wonderful. Where did you get it?"

"Oh, this old thing?", Kate replied, in mock modesty. "I just picked it up at some old junk store. I knew Roger would really like it!", she teased. Roger had the good sense to look embarrassed. Kate went on, " My grandmother made it for me from a picture. Isn’t it beautiful? I am never quite sure if it suits me or ..."

A deep masculine voice from the window interrupted, "It suits you very well." The man came over and bowed. "I am Barnabas Collins. How do you do?" Barnabas took Kate’s hand and kissed it, while gazing into her eyes with an almost hypnotic stare.

All Kate could think about was ‘Oh my god, Roger needs to take lessons from this guy! He is the most alive man I have ever met. So very much alive.'

As if he read her mind, Barnabas said, "I come from the English branch of the family. My ancestor Barnabas Collins went to England and settled there. I came here to visit my American cousins and haven’t left. Welcome to the family, my dear."

"I came here to visit as well," Kate replied, still a bit overwhelmed by Barnabas’ gracious manner. "I am here to do research on my family’s history as well as the Maine branch. Perhaps we could get together and compare notes."

Barnabas looked at Kate and smiled. "I would be delighted." Elizabeth came over and announced that dinner was ready. Barnabas extended his arm to Kate. She took it and they all walked into the dining room, with Kate feeling that she had just met a very interesting fellow; definitely someone she wanted to get to know and the sooner the better.

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.