Subj: PASSION ATE DARK SHADOWS Part Six
Date: 4/13/00 7:00:40 PM Central Daylight Time
From: N.E. Collins

"I want that woman out of this house now!" Joshua Collins spoke angrily as he poured himself a brandy. He was in the parlor of the Old House where he was joined by his faithful wife, Naomi.

"Joshua, my husband, forgive me, but how can you say this after the sudden improvement in the Countess' attitude? It's almost too good to be true!"

"Exactly! It is much too good. And if it were a man doing it out of, say financial necessity, then I would never question his motive. But this is a WOMAN we are talking about, and women are without good reason for their actions." Joshua sipped his aperitif with a quick abandon as he set about to prepare another.

Natalie duPres came into the room with a bunch of wildflowers clutched in her right hand. She presented them to Naomi as she exclaimed, "What a magnificently beautiful morning it is! I was out on the property, and I happened upon these early spring flowers. I couldn't resist bringing them to help cheer up the household."

Naomi graciously accepted the small offering while Joshua was noticeably disturbed by the Countess' behaviour. He started to excuse himself and leave the parlor, but Natalie begged him not to leave on her account. "I can see when a husband and wife want to be alone. I can well remember my late husband and the oh, so, precious times we spent as one." She gently laid her hands on Naomi's shoulders as she continued with her past reveries.

Naomi listened relaxedly to her tales of past love. While Joshua just stood there counting to ten under his breath. At a moment when he thought he can stand it no longer he happened to notice that Natalie was talking about the past, but with only eyes for him it seemed! No, it must have been a mistake on his part.

Natalie yearns for Joshua Collins as an animal hungers for meat. She MUST have him in any and every way possible. But how? And when? Oh, it must be soon! It must be! Or she will surely die!

**********************************

Later that same evening Angelique was attending to her mistress, Josette. Her first attempt to throw the innocent Jerimiah and Josette together had failed, but she was determined to succeed in her deception. She was in the process of applying "rose water" on a mark that resembled a pitchfork that was currently on Josette's hand. Earlier she had concocted a potion that she had instructed Ben to put in Jerimiah's evening toddy. Josette was in slight anguish.

"When Mrs. Collins saw this mark the very color drained out of her complexion." She rubbed the mark with great agitation, but Angelique calmly applied the lotion and waited patiently for the desired result.

Almost upon application the new spell took effect. Josette became dazed as if drugged and began to wander aimlessly about her own room. There was a sudden loud knock upon the door. Josette turned slowly to gaze upon the door which appeared a distance away. The knock repeated. She turned for Angelique's assistance, but she was alone! The handle of the door opened and there was Jerimiah Collins with a hunted look on his haggard face! And then they were standing close together and he was showing her the devil's mark on his own hand! She began to apply the lotion to his bruise, but as soon as she did he grabbed her up in his arms in a passionate deep kiss and embrace!