Subj: Can We Change That Which Is? Part 2
Date: 6/14/99 7:24:05 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Mysterious Millicent

Can We Change That Which Is?

"Hello." a young child's voice broke through his thoughts.

Quentin turned around and saw a young girl of about 10 looking up at him. He had seen that face somewhere but couldn't place it. Smiling down at the child he said softly, "Hello."

"Who are you?" The little girl asked inquizzatively.

"I'm Quentin Douglas." And remembering what Jeremiah had told him he continued, "I work at the shipyard with Jeremiah Collins."

"Oh." The little girl said and she walked over to one of the new cabinets just brought into the room yesterday. Putting her hand on one of the shelves, she turned back to Quentin with a smile and said proudly, "This is where my father is going to put his big ships."

Quentin smiled and said, "I see. Well, that would be a perfect place to display minature models." And he stood there wondering who this child was. She obviously was a Collins by her mention of the word father. Then it hit him. She was the Sarah Collins that Roger, Elizabeth, and the others had held the seance trying to contact. "Are you Sarah Collins?"

The little girl beamed proudly. "Yes, of course." Walking a bit closer to the tall man she said, "Are you here to help Miss Winters?"

Quentin was taken back by this boldness and not sure quite how to answer that. If anything, he needed Miss Winters help. "Why did you ask that Sarah?"

"Because you are dressed just like she was when she first came here. In funny clothes."

Sarah's reply was somewhat disturbing for Quentin. He hoped that the fact of his clothing would not put him on the bad side of the witch hunters. For he knew there were probably some here. "Miss Winters is......"

"Sarah Collins! What are you doing here? You are supposed to be studying your history!"

Sarah turned towards the door and saw her governess standing there with an angry look on her face. "I was bored with the story of King Henry! And I wanted to play outside." the little girl said defiantly.

"This is hardly playing outside. And you know you are to ask permission before you come in here. Your father will be furious!" As Vicki spoke she looked up at the tall man standing there. She had seen this man somewhere before. But she wasn't sure where.

"Who are you?" Victoria Winters said to Quentin.

"This is Mr. Douglas and he is going to help you Miss Winters." Sarah said and ran out of the room.

"I'm sorry sir if she was bothering you. She is a very strong- willed little girl."

"That's alright, Miss Winters, I understand." And Quentin knew that now was the time to try to gain her confidence.

He walked over closer to her and said very softly, "Miss Winters, I need your help. I, like you have traveled back through time."

Vicki looked at Quentin, startled. At first she was going to yell at him for making fun of her as she had been made fun of and watched suspiciously by all the Collins family. Only now, had she somewhat been accepted. But then, she noticed his clothing. He was wearing clothes from HER time. What the hell was going on here?

Trying to pretend that she had no idea what he was referring to, Vicki said, "What are you talking about?"

Quentin put all his cards on the table. He spoke to Vicki in a whisper. "My name is Quentin Collins, but I am using the name Quentin Douglas. I live with Roger, Elizabeth, Carolyn and David, Miss Winters. And I heard about the seance that brought you back here."

Vicki stared at Quentin wide-eyed. She grabbed Quentin for support as she almost lost her balance. Quentin grabbed her and held onto her, giving her the strength she needed. Then he spoke quietly, "I'm sorry Miss Winters, I didn't mean to trigger those memories, but I had to get you to understand that I too, am here by someone else's choice and I have no idea how to get
back. We need each other."

Vicki regained her composure and said, "Yes, Mr. Douglas. We DO indeed need each other." And sitting down on the sofa she motioned for Quentin to sit down. "I think I should tell you a few things before you come to the Old House."

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Vicki and Quentin were engaged in deep conversation when Jeremiah returned. "Oh, I see you two have gotten together. I looked for you Miss Winters, then I ran into Sarah outside the house. She told me that she was talking to Mr. Douglas when you came to find her."

Vicki and Quentin got up from the sofa, "Yes, Mr. Collins. I'm sorry I didn't go back after Sarah right away but I......haven't seen Quentin for sometime. And we have a lot to talk about."

Jeremiah smiled. { So, this Mr. Douglas was indeed telling the truth. He does know Miss Winters. But now the question is, just HOW does he know her and from WHERE??} "That is alright, Miss Winters. Sarah went back into the house to study," and with those words Jeremiah began to chuckle to himself, "or so she said, and you had reason to stay here." Then turning to Quentin he said, "Do you have a place to stay the night?"

Quentin gave a shaky nod and a crooked smile crossed his lips. "No, I'm afraid I don't Mr. Collins."

"Hmmm. If we bring you to Collinwood we will have to come up with a reason for why you are here. AND we will have to do something about those clothes." Jeremiah said putting his hand up to his lips. "Let me see, " and he walked around for a few minutes. Then he turned around and said, "Quentin, have you been to Philadelphia?"

Quentin looked at Jeremiah with a puzzled look and said, "Yes, many times as a child. And I also went there to help my father negotiate business deals with..... uh with France." He started to tell him he had been with his father in Philadelphia to negotiate a treaty with Singapore, but wasn't sure if there were *any* relations with that country at this time, so he changed it to France.

Jeremiah nodded. "I do not understand where you come from," and looking at Vicki added, "either of you. But I know that you appear harmless and you are in need of help." Then looking back at Quentin he said, "Do you know anything about the shipping business?"

Quentin almost laughed because that is exactly what the "family" business had been for generations. But he said, "Yes, I know a bit. Mostly about negotiations for goods and shipping of produce."

Jeremiah raised an eyebrow. "You must indeed live near here sir. Why have I not met you before?"

Quentin went out on a limb hoping that Jeremiah would understand. "If I told you why I know these things Jeremiah, you would either think I am crazy, or lying. So perhaps we just say, I do know about shipping and merchandizing."

Jeremiah nodded. "I think I understand, in a way. But I am willing to take the chance. Because Miss Winters has shown no sign of shaking my faith in her and you apparently know each other, I will simply ignore what I don't understand and take a chance."

Quentin nodded and said, "I'm most grateful Jeremiah Collins. I won't forget your kindness."

Jeremiah smiled. "Now, I will go to the Collinwood and announce your arrival as a new Director of Sales to my father and the family. In the meantime, " and he reached into his jacket and pulled out a large wallet. Pulling out several bills he handed them to Vicki and said, "take Quentin to town and buy him suitable clothing. I will see both of you later." And Jeremiah left the room.

Quentin looked at Vicki and said, "He is a most honorable man. And I meant what I said, I won't forget his kindness."

Vicki shook her head. "He is INDEED very kind and caring. But Quentin.." and her voice took on a tone of concern, "you must be *extremely* careful when you get to the house. Watch what you say, and if you recognize any faces, don't let them know. I got into a lot of trouble by confusing the faces I saw with people of *our* time."

"Thanks Miss Winters. I'll remember." Quentin replied.

"Don't you think if we are such good friends you should call me Victoria??" Vicki laughed.

"Oh yes, of course. Victoria it is." Quentin laughed and they both left for town to buy Quentin new clothes.

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As soon as they left, there was the sound of a male's maniacal laughter heard throughout the house. And then a suave, smooth sounding voice said, "Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we attempt to deceive! You will find your path full of lots of problems, Quentin Collins. But you will serve my purpose quite well!"