Welcome, misspelled tombstone of Jerimiah Collins! We learn that he was born in 1763.
It falls to poor Naomi to tell Joshua that Barnabas is getting married--to Angelique. He calls it a devil's bargin, little suspecting how right he is. We get a wonderful scene between father and son (LE and JF always did these so well), where poor Barnabas is forced to defend his upcoming marriage.
Joshua is convinced that Collinwood is cursed and orders Naomi to start the move to the New House. Very astutely she wonders if they'll leave their troubles behind when they move.
Josette visits Jeremiah's grave. Somehow her widow's weeds only enhance her delicate beauty. Barnabas arrives, and a tender, bittersweet scene follows. Combining his father's volatility and his mother's sweetness, Barnabas blames himself for what happened. He starts to tell Josette about his marriage, but Josette cuts him off, thinking (if only!) she knows what he is about to say. Just when he's about to insist, Angelique arrives. My lady's carriage is waiting, she says in her role as lady’s maid. There is room for M’sieur Barnabas, too. Barnabas turns her down. When Josette goes on ahead, Angelique says, M’sieur Barnabas can come along with us. I thought I might be interrupting something. Barnabas answers No, nothing at all. Angelique fixes him with a look and warns, I hope not. She goes, leaving Barnabas standing at Jeremiah's grave--no doubt pondering this preview of his married life, so different from his joyous prospects only days--and a lifetime--ago.
Next, Joshua and Naomi speak with Angelique. Joshua wants Angelique to remain standing as a servant should, but Naomi insists that he allow her to sit. Joshua is furious when Angelique refuses to be bought out. She stands her ground even when Joshua threatens to disinherit Barnabas. Naomi is sympathetic and warns Joshua that if he earns the couple’s enmity now he will be sorry later. Joshua wants them to wait till after the mourning period for Jeremiah. You only want to buy time, Angelique replies. We understand each other perfectly, Joshua comments with grim pleasure. But Naomi tells her, Please wait! If you do, I promise to be your friend for your entire married life. Angelique is nearly overcome by Naomi’s kindness. She must give in, but secretly vows that Joshua will do nothing to prevent the marriage even though it must be postponed. She leaves to pack Josette's clothes for the move to the New House.
An otherwise wonderful episode full of dramatic scenes comes to a bleh conclusion as Angelique resurrects Jeremiah to torment Josette. Oh well.
