Subj: PASSION ATE DARK SHADOWS Part Nine
Date: 4/20/00 8:16:55 AM Central Daylight Time
From: N.E. Collins

"We resign the body of our brother, Jerimiah Collins, back to the ground from whence he came! Ashes to ashes! Dust to dust!"

The preacher intoned the words of the last rites as the gravediggers threw the hard cold ground upon the lowered casket. The crowd of black clad mourners were gathered in solemn silence on the hilly meadow which housed Eagle Hill Cemetary. It had been originally intended for Jerimiah to lay to rest in the family crypt, but it was flooded with water, and could not be used.

No one spoke a word save for the weeping of Josette Collins who was physically supported by her father, Andre duPres, and her personal maid, Angelique. Their thoughts were their own. As were Natalie's, but they were not of the moment. Natalie gazed longingly towards Joshua Collins. She could not help herself! Even in this tragic situation all she wanted was to be possessed by the man! Her eyes moved over Naomi Collins and jealously touched her heart!

Noami was in a private hell of her own making. Her constant drinking had placed her in a permenant fog. She could only quietly wonder where her son Barnabas was and why he wasn't here at his uncle's funeral. She hiccuped abruptly!

This attracted the attention of all gathered, but most especially, Joshua. He glared but did not look directly upon his wife! His thoughts were not of the moment either. He was most concerned as to what would be done with the governess. So far, he had scared her into a silence, but he knew that would not suffice. Sooner or later, she would tell someone of what she witnessed. He gave her a look that could have killed were it a weapon!

Phyliss Wicke stood bravely with Sarah Collins her charge. She bore up well under the hard steely inspection from Joshua Collins. She knew that a girl in her position had very little position at all, and that it would be in her best interest not to say anything to anyone! But she was also a decent sort of girl and she didn't know how long she could abide such wickedness! She was torn!

Cousin Millicent Collins was thinking of Lt. Forbes who was thinking of her money! This unlikely couple were working their way down their own tragic road's end. The seeds of love and dupicity planted at graveside.

Trask and Abigail shared thoughts unknown to each other. 'There is a witch and she must be destroyed!' Abigail also harbored lustful feelings toward the Reverand, but never having had them before she would never admit to them now.

Barnabas Collins came walking up to the group of mourners. He had not had the courage to come sooner, but he had felt it was his duty to make an appearance. When Josette spied him she lost all sense of restraint and proper etiquette! "YOU MURDERER! HOW DARE YOU SHOW YOUR FACE HERE!" She fell upon him, wildly thrashing her arms, as she rained blow after blow on his head and shoulders. He did not fight back as she was lifted off by her father and Lt. Forbes.

Everyone was devestated. Everyone but one. Angelique smiled unobserved.