Quentin stood at the window looking down at the couryard below. He had been in the Old House many times, but it was interesting to see what it looked like when it was in much better shape. Although Barnabas had done quite a bit to restore it to its original beauty.

He was totally exhausted. The trip back to the past, meeting Victoria, and then the Collins Family of 1790's had really been tiring. He also knew he must keep alert at all costs. He must watch what he said, and to whom.

His first encounter with Joshua Collins went very well. He had been able to persuade Mr. Collins of his expertise in business easily and he was able to persuade the elder Collins with his manner and ease with which he conducted himself. But then, Mr. Wainwright, his father's closest, personal friend and associate who also worked at the shipyard when he was younger was a man much like this Joshua. Stiff, unyielding, caring only about the business, and very critical of anyone who showed the least bit of laziness. So Quentin found it very easy to use his charm in the right direction to get Joshua to accept him.

He then had no problem with Joshua's wife Naomi. He had seen so many pictures of the beautiful woman, but was taken back by her kindness, and also her intelligence. She was no ignorant female, and some of her questions were hard for him to answer. But he managed and with his amazing talent for charm had won over Mrs. Collins.

Andre duPres' was quite easy to deal with, for in many respects he was exactly like himself. Proud, arrogant, a ladies man at heart and one who did not follow the status quo.

Then, there was the Countess. Having known Minerva Trask, he found his dealing with the Countess quite simple. Afterall, if you just agree and listen closely and nod your head your subject will soon succomb to you. And Quentin found this very easy.

Ah, Josette duPres'! What a beauty! A sweet smile, a kind heart, a very humble attitude, and a contagious laugh. No wonder Barnabas loved her so. He found it very easy to talk to her and in truth he was very envious of Barnabas. Something he was somewhat angry with himself for even thinking.

Barnabas of this time was quite different, and yet the same as the man he had come to know and love as a brother. It was too bad that this Barnabas had no idea who he was. There were so many things he could tell Barnabas and knew that they would be able to be great allies against whatever problems might befall the family. But, alas, this Barnabas had no idea who he was. Pity. So much that now had to be earned, not just given.

Now Abigail was another Big problem. But he managed to get around her as well. All women want to be noticed and to be told of their virtues. And even if this woman HAD no virtues, he found a way to "make some up". Such as her great intelligence! Oh, how that had really almost choked him. And he listened intently to what she said, agreeing at every turn and soon she was on his side as well.

Daniel was a clever boy and reminded him so much of Jamison. To think that this young boy would eventually become senile and kill his own wife was a shock to Quentin. He seemed very stable, caring and inquizzative about everything. What a shame for the outcome to this boy.

Millicent was a real pretty woman, petite, nice figure and a blonde. And just as the saying goes in the 60's she was a dumb blonde. No, that wasn't really right either. She was a very naive young lady. But she too was very friendly and Quentin felt a sort of brotherly affection for her already as if he really wanted to protect her. For he knew that she too would be cared for the rest of her life by the family and known as the family's nutcase. Poor child.

Nathan Forbes had come by that evening with information on the current fleet and Quentin had also met him. Being a lieutenant in the navy Quentin found him to be courteous, proud, arrogant, and just like him. He could tell by the actions of the young man that he too loved the ladies. But his approach lacked the flair and finesse that Quentin possessed. Quentin smiled at that one! He would certainly have to have a talk with Nathan. They were so much alike in so many respects!

But the one person who had totally unnerved him was the appearance of Angelique! He had no idea she had lived back during this time and he also was shocked to find her a servant, working for the duPres' family. He had always thought that Angelique had been able to be in a position of wealth and prestige. What was she doing in a remote little island like Martinique anyway? His first encounter with her was strange to say the least. Angelique could sense that Quentin knew more than he was telling and she watched him intently as he spoke to her mistress. Quentin knew that she was observing him and wondered if she remembered him. But he got the impression from talking to all the family members that *no one* here knew of Angelique's true identity! And he also knew for his safety he must remember not to show that he knew this as well!

Moving back from the window Quentin decided that the best thing for him to do was to go to sleep! He truly was exhausted and had no idea what tomorrow would bring.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Quentin walked to the door and opened it to be shocked again. There in the doorway stood Angelique. She curtesied politely and said, "Monsieur Collins, my mistress the Countess wishes to speak with you."

Quentin nodded his head and said, "Alright, I'll come."

But Angelique didn't leave but stood there staring at Quentin. He became uneasy. "Was there something else, Angelique?"

The beautiful blonde woman replied, "I'm not sure. Do you know me?"

{Oh God, what a question! If you only knew how well!} "No, I just met you tonight. Why do you ask?" He managed to reply as smooth as he could.

Angelique continued to look at him. Those large blue eyes seemed to penetrate his skin as if looking into his very soul. She did not smile and she did not take her eyes off him. "I certainly hope not, for your sake, Monsieur!"