Subj: Dark Shadows 1974 Resurrected
Date: 4/2/99 12:19:02 AM Central Standard Time
From: Melody

Dark Shadows 1974 Resurrected

Prologue 1796

Angelique sat on the rocking chair, holding her newborn daughter in her arms. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so content. Then she finally did remember, it was that wonderful star filled night in Barnabas' arms.

"I may have lost your father but at least I still have you, my sweet little girl." She gently touched the baby's face with her finger.

"Bridgette, that will be your name."

"And a fine name it is."

She turned to see Countess DuPrès.

"Much better thank you and happy."

"All new mothers are happy. You are bathed in the love for your daughter."

"Yes." Angelique sighed happily.

"I've come to tell you that we are to set sail for America next week. Andre and Josette will be departing a little while later."

"Yes ma'am. " Angelique was pleased she didn't have to endure the journey with the 'doll'. A term she used to refer to Josette. "I'm ready to help with the packing if you need me Countess."

"No, you rest for the today, you can help tomorrow. Enjoy basking in the love of your daughter."

Angelique smiled as the Countess left the room.

"Oh Bridgette, I have so many plans for you. I'm going to teach you everything I know and give you all the love I never had."

She closed her eyes and dozed off.

*****

Departure

Angelique smiled as she placed the cradle near her cot in the cabin that was to be hers for the duration of the journey to America.

Soon Lexie would bring Bridgette to her and then the ship would be off.

"America!"

She suddenly realized the ship was moving.

"They must be out on deck!" She rushed out of the cabin.

Outside as a light rain began to fall, she was distressed to find only the Countess and two seamen looking out at the port that they were getting further and further away from.

"Countess, we must turn back, Lexie has not arrived with Bridgette yet."

"Did you really think we would allow an unwed servant to bring her baby to America?" The Countess broke her silence. "Your indiscretion could have disgraced this family but fortunately its been dealt with and Andre and Josette have no inkling of what you have done and they NEVER will."

"WHAT DID YOU DO WITH MY BABY?" Angelique lunged for the Countess but was restrained by the seamen.

"Your baby is being sent to a distant cousin in France." Natalie told her. "She will be welcomed in love and be given everything she could ever ask for and she will be schooled in the necessary elements that will help her become a lady."

"NO!" Angelique broke free and was just about to leap overboard when the men grabbed her.

"Bridgette!" She cried out.

"Get a hold of yourself Angelique." Natalie glared at her. "You should consider yourself fortunate. If Andre had found out he would have thrown you out on your ear with only the clothes on your back. Now you still have a job and if you know what's good for you, none of this will EVER
be revealed."

"Take her to her cabin." She ordered the seamen. "She needs time to clear her mind."

****

Angelique lay on her bed motionless.

Sitting up, she reached for the bottle that the seamen had left for her and took a swig from it.

"Clear my mind." She said bitterly.

She wanted to destroy the Countess but knew that that wish was impossible. The Countess was a very superstitious woman who carried amulets to protect her. She was not aware of Angelique's "abilities" but she knew that the dark powers existed and she protected herself.

"Oh Bridgette." She sighed. "I'll never see you again."

She suddenly got up after realizing something.

"Bridgette is part of me and NOBODY can take that AWAY! We WILL be together one day. "

She grabbed the cradle and called to be let out.

She told the guard. "I wish to dispose of this."

The guard looked skeptical but relented. As she was heading to go up top, Angelique ran into the Countess.

"Angelique," Natalie noticed the cradle. "What are you…."

"I am disposing of this." She brushed past her.

Outside Angelique lit the bedding with a torch then picked up the cradle and threw it overboard.

She watched it cast an angry glow as it bobbed and weaved in the murky blackness.

The sound of thunder caused her to look the other direction. In the distance she saw that the ship was making its way towards a mass of ominous looking black clouds.

"You better get inside." A deck hand told her. "There is a storm coming."

"Yes." She said. "And it will be a storm like nobody has ever seen."

After taking one last glance at the burning cradle drifting away, she turned and headed back to her cabin.

*******

Stay Tuned For Chapter 1

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.