Earlier at the Old House

 

For Jeremiah, he was caught up in his own thoughts when he awoke that morning.  He had gotten up before dawn and had sat before the plans for the new ‘big’ house.  It was progressing as he had envisioned it from its inception.   He had even hoped that future generations would say, “When Jeremiah built Collinwood, he had no idea if his legacy would live on. He had dreamed of this from his bright, inspired mind.  He had dreams, he had desires, and he had his life at Collinwood.”   

 

 At least a small part of his ego had hope that is what would be said. Sitting at the desk in his room he rolled up the house plans and slid them into the tube.  He smiled, pleased that things were progressing so well. He had pictured the entire great house filled with joy, laughter, and children. Lots of Collins children was what he wanted to fill the house in his dreams.   He would hope to someday find a wife and perpetuate the name and reputation of being a Collins.  

 

With a light step and a good feeling in his chest, Jeremiah walked to the stables carrying the plans, his mind filled with plans within plans.   He would see to the bottom floor of the main wing, as the west wing was nearly complete.   He was particularly proud of how the ballroom had formed and thought even Naomi would approve, recalling how they loved to have balls and how beautiful she would look under the candlelit chandeliers.   Smiling when he saw old Joe, he took the reins of his horse and mounted up.  Seating himself he placed the tube into the holder, clicked his tongue and lightly kicked Goliath’s sides and felt the movement of the horse between his legs.

 

He gave only a momentary pause to the amazing fact that horses were more than beasts of burden. Take for instance this great animal that stood seventeen hands tall and weighed easily around fourteen hundred pounds, easily able to crush a man or smaller, frailer creature.  Jeremiah loved the fact that with just a small amount of pressure from his thighs he could just as easily control and guide this huge beast. It amazed him that it only took a mere two pounds of pressure to make Goliath do his bidding and trot forward.  Nudging the horse into a gallop, Jeremiah rode the long, winding drive to the main dirt road.

 

This was another feature to the property that was a part of the Collinwood estate, which caused Jeremiah to realize how lucky he had been to be born on the right side of the sheets and a Collins.   The lane he rode now was a particular favorite of his.  It was shaded in the summer by a canopy of branches from the tall trees.   However, in the winter the trees took on another more sinister quality with its bare skeleton branches entwined together to form unimaginable horrors and make the lane more ensnaring.   At least in his youth that was how he had thought of them.    

 

However, not today, today was for his enjoyment.  So, Jeremiah shook that image from his mind while he rode under the new dawning of spring buds and the fresh smell of the ocean wafting through the limbs on the trees.  Inhaling deeply, he wanted to lock the feeling away forever. He was happier than he had been in a long time. 

 

Even now he had to ponder why he had a lighter step to his walk, with a whistle on his lips and an appreciation for a beautiful sunrise.  Then it dawned on him: because at their first meeting, she appeared in the new house’s foyer, ran into his arms and hugged him tight, calling him a most peculiar name.  What was that name? he thought and then smiled. “Burke. Yes, that was it; how peculiar.”   He was immediately drawn to the strange young woman and she felt good in his arms.  

 

Galloping his horse to the top of the hill, Jeremiah Collins reined him in and sat looking at the house against the dawning morning’s skyline.  Jeremiah paused for a moment to look upon the partially finished home he had come to call Collinwood.   He studied it, this huge house he had imagined and was now being built, not to fan his ego, but to perpetrate a legacy for future generations of the Collins family.  

 

The man’s gaze shifted over the structure and he frowned.  The lines were straight; the three-storied structure impressive even from that distance. However, a part of him felt there was something missing.  His mind questioned why it did not seem to be complete other than the sections yet to be built.  There was something not quite right about the front of the house.  He had to think about it, maybe even stew on it because this was his dream, and he needed it to be perfect.  Turning the horse, he headed to the beach.  Maybe a ride in the morning air along an unspoiled part of the estate would bring to mind what it was that niggled at his mind and appeared to be missing. 

 

Collinwood Beach

 

“Steady, Goliath, take it easy, boy.” He soothed leading the large animal down the pathway.  This only after the horse appeared to want to shy and had stumbled going down the steep incline.  Patting his neck gently he looked around to see what had distracted the horse and he spied Miss Winters. It must have been her long cloak picked up by the wind and flapping in the strong breeze. He smiled to see her alone on the beach with the hood pulled up for protection from the brisk, early morning breeze. 

 

Pushing Goliath forward, Jeremiah smile broadened when she started at the sound of hoof beats on the wet surf.   She spun around, her hood falling back to lie haphazardly on her shoulders. 

 

“Mr. Collins!”  Her face lit up, reaching her eyes to make them match the storm tossed waters behind her. 

 

Sliding out of his saddle, he dropped his reins and a part of him wanted to rush to her scoop her up, swing her around, slowly lower her to the beach and kiss her.  He had even surprised himself with that thought. Yes, he did want to kiss her to see what it would feel like to taste her lips. Of course, that was impossible; he was bred to be, and had been taught since birth, a gentleman first.  Coming up to her side, the handsome young man returned her smile, locking his gaze to hers.

 

“Miss Winters, Victoria, how does this glorious day find you?”   He fell into step next to her and began walking the beach by her side.

 

“I needed a small amount of time alone, so it seemed good opportunity to see how the progress was coming on your Collinwood.”  Jeremiah’s expression betrayed his obvious approval.  “It will be a wonderful home and such a glorious legacy to leave for future generations.” 

 

He loved how she seemed to predict the future and wondered at that vision. Shortening his stride, he slowed so as to not tax her stroll in such long skirts. 

 

“I was disappointed by one item that seems to be missing from the front of the house.” She ventured thoughtfully.

 

He stopped and turned, wondering if it was possible she had read his mind earlier. 

 

“Really, now as chance would have it, and the reason for my coming to the beach, was I felt something was missing as well.  Mayhap you could tell me what you think is missing from the front of Collinwood?  No, let me guess…”

 

Jeremiah was now walking backwards as he observed Goliath trying to decide if he wanted to follow his master or go back to the stables.   For the time being, the horse opted to just walk slowly behind the two and scope out a good place to crop some grass.  Collins half watched his noble stead but kept his attention on Victoria. 

 

“Do you think we might install an ostentatious fountain at the entrance to impress all the guests who visit?” 

 

She laughed and shook her head, sending that glorious fall of dark hair to dance around her head with her enthusiastic shake. 

 

“No, although perhaps outside the windows by the drawing room, that would be lovely, when the windows are open and you can hear the sound of the water as it cascades down to the pool.  It would be like a night time serenade to soothe the night and blend with the other evening sounds.” 

 

Vicki smiled thinking about how that aquatic melody had settled her nerves on many occasions when she had been distraught after a hard day with David.  She picked up her pace as he resumed a forward facing stride, but a moment later, it was her turn to spin and walk backwards, facing him.  He studied her with intensity as the wind whipped her hair into her eyes and pressed her dress against her slender figure.  It was an effort to clear his head of such thoughts.

 

“Well, a water fountain on the terrace we shall have then. Perhaps what is called for is a grand circle drive way which will allow carriages to drop off the family returning from a day of pleasure or a night of joy at a ball?”   He observed her furrowed brow at the suggestion.

 

“Although that might be nice, what is missing a porte cochère,” she ventured. “A portal with enough open space to allow you to see the ocean, then when the wind blows and the rain or snow comes, you would have a safe haven from the elements.” She envisioned it in her mind while she spoke, remembering how useful she had found the alcove, and how Barnabas had shown her the view.

 

Jeremiah watched her thoughtful look as she went on to describe the arches.

 

“I noticed you had not put that in your plans or if you had, it was not being placed where it needs to be, which right at the entrance to the house.”   She looked up into his astonished gaze.

 

Young Collins had previously considered a covering over the front entrance and later changed his mind.   Now, with the governess’ astute observations, he realized his error.

 

“You are in the right, it should have exactly that, a welcoming cover to protect, and preserve the front oaken doors.  To give shade, shelter and a completed finish to the front of the house and a perfect accent!” 

 

Jeremiah had turned lifted her into the air with happiness.

 

“You are a genius; how did you know?”  

 

For the moment they were caught, she with her memories of Burke Devlin and the love she had shared with him; he because he was lonely man and the girl was so beautiful and sweet and what he needed in his life.   Not thinking, his lips met hers and she instinctively put her arms around his neck and pressed into him.   Goliath nudged him and broke the embrace.  Vicki stepped away from him and turned, embarrassed.

 

“I…I am sorry.” Jeremiah watched her turn a delightful shade of red and a part of him was sorry, but another part of him was elated for being bold enough to kiss her and to hold her in his arms.  It was certain brother Joshua would not approve of his consorting with someone beneath his station, and Aunt Abigail would be horrified, given who girl was.

 

But Miss Winters shared his vision, and she knew exactly what was needed. To him she had become his muses: his Erato, Euterpe, Kaliope, Kleio, Melpomene, Ourania, Polymnia, Terpsichore, and Thaleia all rolled into Victoria, and at that moment Jeremiah was sure he knew he was in love as he watched her skip near the ocean and in the water like his own temptress or Amphitrite.  She inspired and tempted him just with a single look.  

 

With her head turned and standing at an angle, he saw her profile and in that moment he saw his legacy in her.  She was why he had built Collinwood and why he wanted it to stand forever.  Reaching for her hand, he pulled her around and tenderly tipped her chin up to peer into those storm-tossed eyes. “Victoria, please forgive my boldness.” He gently stroked her cheek with his thumb as his gaze intensely focused on the depths of her eyes.

 

“I forgive you, I want you to know if this was another time another place, I would—”

 

He heard the hesitation in her voice and he was reminded that she had spoken on another occasion of someone she had loved so long ago, someone he greatly resembled. Now he wanted to be that love and be with her and have her as his.  She curved her cheek into his hand and rubbed it against his palm, then lightly kissed his palm and looked up no longer ashamed but thoughtful. 

 

“I think this is too soon.  To much like…”  Again she hesitated to complete her thought. He did not need her to finish; he knew.

 

“Like him, this Burke you spoke of when we first met in the big house?” 

 

He did not want to be right, but it could be no other. He watched the short nod of her head and her eyes lashes fell over her eyes, blocking her thoughts and her emotions from his view.  She stepped back and turned, looking at the sea. He knew then as he knew now that nothing short of another woman or death would keep him from pursuing her to be his.  He was determined.

 

From the top of Widows’ Hill, another watched the innocent tryst between Jeremiah and Victoria. The blonde servant girl frowned and folded her arms across her chest.

 

“No, Jeremiah Collins, you cannot have the governess.  I have other plans for you and I will have what I want—and that is Barnabas. You may have the cold leftovers that is Josette, and Miss Winters, sweet innocent Miss Winters, will have the hangman’s noose for company.”

 

She grinned and then chuckled softly thinking of Vicki hanging on the end of a rope.    Yes, she would soon take care of the governess, and then Jeremiah and Josette and Barnabas would be all hers. 

 

With those thoughts in mind, she left the two to their meeting for now.  She had deeds to do, and nothing was going to stop her, even the death of someone; if it came to that, so be it.  That was how she felt and damn the rest to…she lifted that chin and laughed an evil laugh that filtered over the hill and to the two would-be lovers on the beach, sending chills through them both. 

 

Vicki raised her head and looked around to see who would be laughing with such malice. Her gaze traveled instinctively to the top of the hill and there she saw the solitary figure of a—banshee?  No, not a banshee, it was most probably Abigail watching them; the governess could almost feel those beady eyes ripping through her and pinning her to the spot where she stood. 

 

Swallowing hard, she turned to walk with a quicker step to the abutment of rocks that hid her from view but gave her the perfect spot to watch the hateful crone on the tip of Widows’ Hill.   At that moment Victoria did not realize how the two spying women would impact her life or death.

 

Porte cochère

 

The dogs were getting closer and she knew she had to get up and find a way into the house and hide, which is what she had to do.  She felt it as a subtle change in pressure against her back.  The door was opening slowly.   Glancing around at a place which had become her refuge from the elements and now from a mad woman and a fanatical reverend who wanted her to die.

 

Pushing up on all fours she crawled into the house and slammed the door shut, reaching up to lock the door and rest.  Feeling safe at last, she gave out a long sigh of relief. She was home and was still sitting on the floor. Get up Victoria Winters, get up and move!   Her thoughts were pushing her on and up into a standing position.  Walking on soft-soled shoes into the foyer, she was once again surrounded by a sense of security. Folding her arms around her, she gave into the emotions of the moment and began to cry. 

 

Collinwood 1967

 

Vicki sat up with a startled cry and felt her cheeks were wet with tears.  Pressing fingertips to face, she said over and over, “It was only a dream, it was only a dream, it was only a dream.”   Sniffing lightly, she reached over to turn on the light, then rolled to her side, the girl heard something make a clunking sound as it fell from her bed. 

 

Sshe looked curiously at the weathered tube lying on the floor. That was what she must have knocked off her bed.  Vicki stooped to pick it up and heard movement inside as something shifted.  Walking to her desk, she laid the tube on the desk and pried the cover from the end.  Upending the tube, the dried, aged papers slid out.

 

Vicki unrolled them onto the desk as her eyes widened—before her were the original plans to Collinwood.   The last smaller section was a design for a porte cochère with a footnote in a spidery script.

 

For Victoria, who inspired me as the muse she is and will always be. This is for your thoughts and words; which were to shade, to protect, and to offer safety to those that seek shelter from the elements. May your dream live on for future Collins family members.   

 

Running a loving fingertip over the note, she saw the page blur again, as tears filled her gaze.  

 

She smiled and whispered lifting the page to kiss it gently. “Thank you, Jeremiah, your legacy does still live on.”