Subj: Angels of Our Nature -- Chapter Three
Date: 11/19/00 6:39:22 PM Central Standard Time
From: Melissa

Philip stayed on at Collin Manor for several weeks; Jessamine went with him on many trips on his boat. The trips were always in the late afternoon, because Philip had to be with her grandfather, but Jessamine didn't mind. Watching the setting sun on the boat was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen in her life, and for the first time she actually felt happy.

"Jessamine come into the study, I need to talk to you," her Aunt said one afternoon as she was getting ready to meet Philip on his boat.

"What is it Aunt Hetty?"

"I wanted to talk to you about Philip Brontė. It's not appropriate for you to be going out alone with him. The neighbors are beginning to talk."

"Why are you saying this now?" Jessamine asked.

"I think it would be best if you stayed away from him," Hetty said. "Your Grandfather thinks it is best also."

Jessamine turned and ran out of the house, she would not let them separate her from Philip. She stopped, was she actually falling in love with him? She thought of nothing but of him, she dreamt of him taking her away with him on his boat. She dreamt of him holding her like one of the heroines from one of her novels.

"I thought you weren't going to come," Philip said as he helped her into the boat, he handed her a bunch of purple orchids.

"My Aunt wants me to stay away from you," Jessamine said sitting down smelling the flowers.

"Why do you think that is?" Philip asked.

"Because you're different, and she doesn't want me to end up like my mother."

"How am I different?" he asked.

"I don't know how describe it, but your different from anyone I've ever met in my life, and if you weren't in my life I don't think I could ever be happy again."

"Are you happy now?"

"Yes, I am so deliriously happy. I never thought I could be this happy."

"Then come away with me," Philip said.

Jessamine was taken aback, she was sure she was dreaming again, she had dreamt of this so many time, and he had always asked her this way.

"Well will you come away with me my Pet?"

Jessamine looked at him there was a look of sadness in her eyes, "I want nothing more than to leave this place and be with you, but I cannot," she said sadly.

"Why?" he asked kneeling before her.

"Have you no intention of marrying me?"

"Of course, I will marry you, I want you to be with me always my Pet," he said taking her into his arms.

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They planned to leave in a fortnight, Jessamine stayed away from Philip, she spent most of the day with her Aunt. When they would pass each other they would share secret smiles and touching each other's hands so briefly that no one noticed.

On the night before they were to leave Jessamine's grandfather called her into his room.

"You wanted to see me Grandfather?"

"Yes, I want to apologize for all that I have made you suffer, my dear. I realize the mistake that I have made."

Jessamine was speechless, "Oh Grandfather," she said softly.

"I know that this is too little to late, but I hope that you can forgive an old man."

"Of course I can grandfather," Jessamine said hugging the old man.

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That night Jessamine sneaked down the stairs with one bag of clothes and belongings that she wanted to take with her. She never looked back at Collin Manor as she went to the boat that waited for her in the dark.

Philip helped her aboard and kissed her softly, "I'm so glad that I can hold you again, it's been agony not being with you."

"Let's forget about that, we're together now and nothing can separate us now."

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.