Subj: Winds of Change Part 5
Date: 6/26/99 12:21:15 PM Central Daylight Time
From: Mysterious Millicent

Winds of Change Part 5

Abigail walked with a brisk step along the path that led to the Collinsport Gaol. This was not going to be an easy meeting. She knew that Victoria Winters had grown to hate her because of her unwarranted accusations, and her nasty tongue. She knew now that it was that acid tongue that had kept her from many a suitor. And she also was beginning to realize, through the exchange of blood with her nephew that what she saw as the devil and evil in others, was simply her own frustration in not being able to have what others had. Someone to truly love her. Perhaps there was still time to change.

She walked into the gaol and walked up to Mr. Bradford who was not at all pleased to see her. "What do you want, Miss Collins? Mr Trask is not here."

Abigail lowered her eyes and said, "If you please Mr. Bradford, I wish to see Miss Winters."

"Why? Do you want to torment her further with more of your accusations against her?"

Abigail knew that she deserved that and she felt the pangs of guilt ride up into her throat, almost constricting it, preventing her from speaking at all. "I am not forbidden from seeing the prisoner am I Mr. Bradford?" the voice in almost a hushed whisper.

Peter looked at Abigail with a puzzled look on his face. Not once, since he had met this irritating woman had she ever lowered her eyes to anyone! And not once since he had met her had she ever spoke in an almost whisper unless she was plotting something with Trask. He was not sure what she was up to, but he was determined to find out. So he decided to allow this woman the opportunity to see Miss Winters. "Very well, Miss Collins, Follow me. But I must be present when you talk with Miss Winters."

"I understand Mr. Bradford." Abigail responded, which also confused Peter. He was used to the arrogant response of "I am a Collins how dare you tell me what I can and can't do, etc."

Peter opened the door that led back to the jail cells and walking up to the one which housed Vicki, he opened the door. Vicki looked at Abigail with fear and anger. "What are you doing here Miss Collins?"

Slowly, Abigail walked into the cell and then turning away from Vicki she said in a soft voice. "I am here to tell you that I apologize for calling you a witch. I know now that you are not the one responsible for all the chaos happening in my family."

Peter stared at this woman and said, "What kind of trickery is this? Have you come to harass my client?"

Abigail turned around and looked at Peter and said, "No. I have found out who the real witch is and I know now that Victoria Winters had no motive for the strange occurances that have happened. I do not understand some of the mysterious events that led to her arrival at our house, but I do know that she is not the witch I thought she was."

Vicki looked at Abigail with puzzlement and then she realized that something had happened to this woman. Perhaps she had been confronted with some evidence that made no sense. But she also felt, strange as it may seem, that this woman was telling the truth and she was being sincere.

Vicki spoke quietly, "If you now believe me, Miss Collins, then what is the cause of the strange events that took place?"

Abigail looked up and into Vicki's eyes. "There was a witch at Collinwood, Miss Winters. But it was not you. It was, Angelique, my son's wife."

Vicki gasped and then looked at Peter. Bradford scoffed and said, "Why would you say something like that Miss Collins. What motive would this Angelique have?"

Vicki grabbed Peter's sleeve and said, "Wait a minute, Peter. She's right! I am sure of it."

"Vicki, are you crazy? What proof do you have?"

"I remember something that happened at Collinwood. At the time I thought it was rather odd, but then I just dismissed it."

"What is that?"

"I remember going into Angelique's room to tell her the Countess wanted to see her and I found one of Barnabas' toy soldiers and a hankerchief that belonged to him in her room. Now, why would Angelique want with those?"

"Indeed! Why?" Peter said

"I can tell you why." Abigail spoke up. "And I can give you motive, Mr. Bradford. Angelique was in love with my nephew. She wanted him all to herself and was determined to have him at all costs. And when my nephew married her all was well."

"But, Miss Collins! Barnabas is dead. And the strange occurances have continued to plague the town. How do you explain that?" Peter asked.

Abigail took a deep breath. She had to be careful what she said, so as not to bring Barnabas into any of this. And she did not want to drag her family any more into question. "Barnabas found out what Angelique was and he shot her, but before she died she put a spell on him and shortly after that he died. Even though Angelique died she was still able to do her witchcraft spells from beyond the grave." Abigail looked at Peter and Vicki who looked at her with unbelief. "I know this sounds crazy, but it is true. I have found proof of her witchcraft. And I intend to go to Reverand Trask and tell him I am going to the judges tomorrow and ask that the case be dismissed."

Vicki was not sure what had caused this sudden abrupt change of heart from this spinster, but she was very glad it had happened. She even felt sorry for her. "Miss Collins, I want to thank you for what you are doing. For if it were not for you right now, I would probably be hung as a witch by the end of the week."

Abigail looked at Vicki with tears in her eyes, the first she had shed in many a year. And she found it very difficult to say but managed to get out, "It is...........my fault that you are here in the first place. I only hope.... that you can....... forgive me."

Vicki walked over to Abigail and gave her a hug. "I forgive you, Miss Collins. And thank you."

This feeling was so overwhelming that Abigail found herself sobbing uncontrollably. Finding the feeling uncomfortable she broke away from Vicki and said, "Mr. Bradford, I.......wish to leave."

Peter nodded and opened the door for Abigail. Walking through the door she turned and looked back at Vicki who had her arm around Peter. She smiled and said, "I promise you that I will get you out of here, Miss Winters, and I.......hope you and Mr. Bradford have a chance for happiness." Then she disappeared out the door.

Peter watched Abigail leave with a look of concern. "Why would she change her opinion that quickly? I don't trust her. It seems just like one of her tactics."

"Peter! Shame on you! Couldn't you see how hard it was for her to admit that she was wrong?" Vicki reprimanded Peter. "I believe her, and I also believe her about Angelique. I can't explain it, but I am sure she is right!"

Peter held Vicki in his arms and said, "I hope we are not being set up Vicki and this is not one of Trask's tricks."

Vicki smiled at Peter and said, "We have to believe it will happen, Peter. We just have to!"

(to be continued.......)