1082 - The red-haired woman grins at Barnabas--I'm sorry, she says--do we know each other? She puts down the grocery bag. They stare at each other. Who are you? she asks--we haven't met and yet you know my name--how? He introduces himself and explains, I knew someone exactly like you in another time--her name was Roxanne Drew. But that's my last name, she says excitedly, where did you say you knew this girl? Very near here, he explains, but in another time. She grins--another time, she says--you mean many years ago--I've been here just a few weeks--Sebastian and I work together--but I can't tell you how this fascinates me--did this Roxanne have a family near here? No, she lived alone, he says. And she's gone now? Roxanne asks. Barnabas says, very sadly, yes, gone. How incredible, smiles Roxanne, Sebastian has told me about astral twins--people who are born in different parts of the country, usually at the exact same moment--their horoscopes are the same, very often they have similar names, and their lives parallel each other to every detail!--I never thought I had an astral twin. Barnabas sits down--doesn't it frighten you? he asks. No, why should it? she asks, I want to meet your Roxanne. That will not be possible, he says. You say that with such finality, she notes. Perhaps you'll make up for the fact that she's not here, he says, gazing at her eagerly. She stares back, uncomfortable under his scrutiny. She rises and turns away, asking, are you waiting to see Sebastian? I've seen him, says Barn, he is meditating. Yes, it is time for that, she says. Am I keeping you from him? asks Barnabas. No, she says. Then you don't mind if I stay a while? he asks. She shakes her head. If you work together, perhaps you can help me, suggests Barnabas--I came here to ask him to complete my cousin Carolyn's horoscope, but for some reason, he refused to do it--I was thinking perhaps you might help change his mind. I wouldn't do it, says Roxanne, Sebastian does what he wants to do. And you admire that? asks Barnabas. Yes, very much, she says. Since you work together, says Barn, perhaps you could finish it yourself. We do work together, says Roxanne, and I couldn't possibly do something that he's refused to finish. Miss Drew--Roxanne--says Barnabas, getting close to her, can we discuss this further? No, she says. But I do want to see you again, he says, I'm fascinated by the idea of astral twins--we have much to discuss-- can I see you again? Of course, she says. If you're free later this evening, we might have a late dinner, he suggests. Mr. Collins. . .she says, unsure. Please, he begs. All right, she agrees. I'll pick you up at 10, he says. No, I'll meet you there, she suggests. He kisses her hand and says, "Till 10." He gives her one last, lingering glance, and leaves.
Collinwood - Hallie comes downstairs. She finds Julia in the drawing room, going over tax records, and assures her, I'm feeling better today--you like "funny things." They're all records of real estate paid in this county in 1840, explains Julia. How did you get interested in that? asks Hallie. I'm trying to find out about Rose Cottage, says Julia. Oh, yes, says Hallie, you asked me if I'd ever heard of it, didn't you? You hadn't, says Julia. Why is it so important to find it? asks Hallie, if no one knows where it is, or even what it is. I have a theory it was once an estate around here, says Julia, abandoned here, because it doesn't exist. Who cares? asks Hallie. Barnabas and I, answers Julia sharply. Why? asks Hallie. Why are you asking so many questions? wonders Julia--we don't like mysteries, that's all, and I've always been fascinated by history--when I came here, I was writing a book, the history of the Collins family, and Rose Cottage is obviously part of that history--I'd like to know what part it was. Is that the only reason? asks Hallie. What other reason could there be? asks Julia, really suspicious now. I don't know, says Hallie. Julia returns to working. Hallie spots Daphne near the fireplace. The governess beckons Hallie to follow her. Hallie wishes Julia good luck, then runs from the room. Julia looks perturbed.
In his room, David picks up the Java Queen. Hallie comes in. I think it's the model of a real ship, says David. You know that! she says, astonished. I do not, he says. You've seen it in the harbor, she reminds him (now apparently in Carrie mode). Hallie, I have not seen it, he says. You're calling me that name again, she accuses, why do you do that, Tad? It's happened to you again, hasn't it? he asks--you're Carrie now. I'm always Carrie, silly, she says, and bursts into laughter--do you know what she's doing downstairs? Who, what are you talking about? asks David. Hallie/Carrie says, she's trying to find Rose Cottage! She laughs some more. David's forehead creases; he doesn't like this at all!
She'll never find it, laughs Carrie. Why won't she? asks David. You know, she says. I've forgotten, he says, you tell me. You've forgotten? she asks, angry now. Yes, what does Rose Cottage mean to us? he asks. Sometimes I just don't understand you, Tad! she rails. Are you going to tell me or not? he asks. I'll not play such silly games, she insists, tossing her head--I won't play your game, either...Hallie, he says. Don't call me that! she insists. You're not Carrie, he says. Why do you say that? she demands. Because you're Hallie! he says, taking her by the shoulders and shaking her, "You're Hallie!" This successfully shakes her out of it. David, she asks, why are you shaking me? You don't know? he asks--you don't remember--of course, I didn't remember either when it happened to me--oh, Hallie, you've been near the playroom again! No, she says, I haven't--I was in the drawing room with Dr. Hoffman, and then I saw Daphne, and then I went into the hall. And then? asks David. I don't know, she says--what are we going to do? We'll just have to do what Daphne tells us, says David, then maybe she'll let us be ourselves all the time. Hallie shakes her head--I'm afraid she'll do something else to me, or to you. We'll just have to do what she says, says David. I'm afraid if we don't do it, then we'll be Carrie and Tad all the time, frets Hallie.
Julia (who looks fetching in a dark blue outfit with a light blue scarf and pretty pin), picks up the ringing telephone. The woman at the other end asks, is this Collinwood? Yes, replies Julia. Is Barnabas there? the woman inquires. He isn't in at the moment, says Julia, but I'm expecting him soon--who is this, please? "This is Roxanne Drew," says the woman at the other end of the phone, smiling. Julia is stupefied.
This is Julia Hoffman, says Julia. You must have confused me with the other Roxanne, the redhead says, Mr. Collins mentioned her to me. Oh, did he? asks Julia. Could I leave a message? Roxanne asks--I won't be able to have supper with him tonight--I am sorry. Julia promises to tell him. Please do, says Roxanne, I hate the thought of him waiting there for me.(http://www.dsboards.com/epimgs/1082-1.jpg)
I understand, says Julia. Thank you very much, says Roxanne. They say goodbye. Julia, clearly shaken, hangs up and says, "Roxanne!" The front door opens. A jaunty Barnabas enters--have you had any luck with the records? He asks. No, she says, not yet--I have one more book to go through, but had to stop to take a phone call. The most incredible thing has happened, he says, "Roxanne..." I know, says Julia, I know you found her--she telephoned, she can't have supper with you tonight. Why not, asks the disappointed Barnabas--what did she say? She didn't give any reason, says Julia, and I didn't ask for one. There's a connection between her and Sebastian Shaw, says Barnabas, angry--he found out I wanted to see her and stopped her. You're presuming too much, says Julia. You haven't met her, says Barnabas, she's exactly the same! I assume she is, says Julia coolly, but she isn't the same person. From the few (one) times I've been with her, I know that's Roxanne! insists Barnabas. Tiredly, Julia says, I wonder why I always have to be the one to talk sense, to repeat what you have said to me--Barnabas, do you remember me in parallel time? Of course, says Barnabas. I am not the same person as that Julia Hoffman, she reminds him. That has nothing to do with it! insists Barnabas. It does, says Julia, you do not know this Roxanne. I haven't been wrong very often when it comes to judgment of people, he says. (oh, wow, should we make a list, with Angelique at the top of it?) I agree, says Julia. (God knows why). I KNOW this is Roxanne, says Barn, I know it!(http://www.dsboards.com/epimgs/1082-2.jpg)
Julia looks at him, and sighs, "All right, Barnabas, we'll just have to wait and find out." And they stare at each other.
David, in his room, tells Hallie, I bets if we went to the records hall, we'd find out there really was a ship called the Java Queen--who owned her and everything--you said you saw her in the harbor... Do you smell the lilacs? asks Halli--she's coming! Don't be afraid, says David, you can't be afraid, we have to find out everything we can from her. I see her, says Hallie, and indeed, Daphne is standing there. We were just discussing the Java Queen, says David--there's so much you could tell us about it, if you would. Daphne grins. About the ship and Rose Cottage, adds David. Daphne, we're trying to find out about Rose Cottage, says Hallie. We'd like to find out, too, says David, will we ever know about Rose Cottage?(http://www.dsboards.com/epimgs/1082-3.jpg)
Daphne smiles and nods.
Will you show us Rose Cottage now? asks David. Daphne shakes her head. When? demands David. She goes to his dresser and takes out some clothing, puts it on the bed, draws back the covers neatly. Hallie whispers to David, she's taking care of us as she did Tad and Carrie--it's as if we were going to become them. Don't be afraid, says David, taking her shoulders. Daphne disappears. She's gone! says David--when will we ever find out about Rose Cottage--when?
Roxanne answers Barnabas' knock. You didn't get my message, she says. I did, but decided to come anyway, he says--may I come in? She looks behind her, and Barnabas sarcastically adds, "Or will Mr. Shaw mind?" Come in, she says. I was hoping to get you to change your mind about dinner, he says. I'm sorry, she says, I won't be able to--I'd forgotten something I'd planned to do. Will you be free tomorrow night? asks Barnabas. No, says Roxanne, I'm busy tomorrow night. The next? he asks desperately--when will you be free? She doesn't respond. I see, he says, realizing she's blowing him off. No, you don't see, says Roxanne, it's just that I don't go out that much--I'm really not free to. Oh? asks Barnabas. She holds out her hand, bids him good night, tells him, "I'm sorry." Are you? he asks, taking her hand and kissing it. (she really does look regretful.) We shall see each other again, he promises, I assure you of that. He leaves.
We see a small ship in a bottle on David's windowsill. He's in bed, restlessly asleep, dreaming, swiveling his head back and forth on the pillow. You'd better come on, warns Hallie, we'll be late, and I promised we would be on time--it's very important. Where are we? asks David. Rose Cottage--we've been asked to a party! she says. Rose Cottage!--I thought we'd never see it! he says excitedly. I knew we would, she tells him. What kind of party is it? asks David. A birthday party, she says. I didn't bring a present, he says--whose party is it? She enters a room where two life-size dolls sit in chairs, one with dark hair, the other blond. Oh, look, they're waiting for us! exults Hallie--what a lovely cake! Who are they? asks David. Look and see, Hallie says. He checks a place card, which has Hallie's name; she shows him the other, which has his name. But he's not me, says David. Don't ruin the party, says Hallie, we'll sit in these chairs. But that says Carrie, David says, showing her the place card. That's for me, says Hallie. And that says Tad, points out David. For you, obviously, says Hallie. Let's get out of here, says David. We can't, insists Hallie, it's Gerard's party. Gerard? asks David, who's he? Just sit down and you'll see, Hallie assures him. David sits down and looks at the dolls. What appears to be a giant-sized Daphne looks in at them through a window, laughing cruelly, a terrifying laugh. Hallie and David look at each other as her laughter fills the room.
(http://www.dsboards.com/epimgs/1082-4.jpg)
David awakens, climbs out of bed and meets Hallie at the playroom door. It turns out they both had the same dream about Rose Cottage, about a birthday party with place cards, and Daphne's face at the window. How could we have the same dream? asks Hallie fearfully. I don't know, he says--why are we here now?--we have to go in there. I know, she says, her voice shaking. David opens the door; they enter. Sitting on a table is a doll house, and inside are two small figures seated at a table, a birthday cake between them, tiny place cards on a tiny table. "David, we were in that doll's house!" cries Hallie. David, breathing hard, realizes she's right.
NOTES: Barnabas strikes out with Roxanne, but why? Does Sebastian have some hold over her, or is there some other reason? I know, and it's a shocker. You sense Barn won't give up. Will he try to bite her and make her his, if there's no other way? Once again, Julia's crushed, knowing that while they might be partners in finding out what is going to happen to the family, he still wants to date Roxanne. How cruel is fate that she took that phone call?
The kids are getting in deeper and deeper. I know Kate Jackson wasn't allowed dialogue, but that did sound like her laughter--was it? In any case, it was a creepy dream, and I don't blame the kids for being scared.
I swear, if I were Julia, I'd pick up and go, let Barnabas unravel this mystery on his own. How amazing is it that so much has already happened and the detectives have no clue as to what's going on? I don't know where Barnabas gets the idea he's such a great judge of people, or why Julia agreed with him on that score. He is not, and so many things have gone over his head as a result. Look at 1795, for instance--he misjudged both Nathan Forbes and Angelique!
Now that we know what Rose Cottage is, just a doll's house, how does this affect the story--or does it?
1083 - The children walk toward an elaborate Colonial doll house. The chandelier is swinging in the room above the heads of the two tiny dolls. What does it all mean? Hallie asks David. I don't know, he says--this wasn't here before, how did it get here? The same way the model ship got from your room to the drawing room, says Hallie, scared. We don't even know how that happened, says David. I wish I could understand how we could have the same exact dream, she says. I don't know, he says, it's pretty scary, isn't it? Do you know what this house is? she asks. The place Dr. Hoffman and Barnabas are asking about, answers David. Rose Cottage, says Hallie. It doesn't look like a cottage, says David, it looks more like a mansion. I'm so scared, she cries--what will we do? I don't know (he says a third time)--what's frightening me is the feeling I have--the same one I had in the dream--remember when we walked toward the table with those dolls, I felt like I belonged there? I felt the same way, admits Hallie. Now I have the feeling that whatever is happening to us, he says, we will never understand, and even if we want to tell someone, or are able to...(http://www.dsboards.com/epimgs/1083-1.jpg)
I have the feeling it's too late, anyway, says Hallie, a sick look on her face (brrr).
Stokes sits in the drawing room at Collinwood, reading a book. Hallie, heading into the drawing room, calls to David and instead finds her uncle, who warmly greets his her. I'm here to see Julia, he says--come in--I want to talk to you for a moment (the birds and the bees talk, Uncle E, might already be too late!) Hallie's smile falters--what do you want to speak to me about? About your stay here at Collinwood, amongst other things, says Eliot. I don't understand, she says. Has something made you unhappy here? he asks. No, why should anything make me unhappy? she asks. I have no idea, he says. Why did you ask? Hallie wonders. I was concerned about you when you came to visit me the other day--you didn't seem yourself, says Stokes. In what way? she asks. You seemed dispirited, more reticent than usual, he says. Funny, I didn't feel different, she says, running over to play with some flowers in a vase on the piano--I wonder what made you feel that way? Stokes goes over to her--You know I'm very fond of you, right? Of course, she says. And you know you can trust me? he asks. Yes, she says. And if you had a scare, you'd tell me about it, wouldn't you? he continues. What do you mean, a scare? she asks. I mean, says Stokes, if anything were to frighten you. Nothing has happened, she says hastily, and nothing is going to! I didn't mean to upset you, Hallie, says Stokes soothingly. I don't understand why the adults in this house are acting so weird, says Hallie--you're afraid something is going to happen, but we don't know what the something is--it all started when Julia and Barnabas came back--I think they're trying to frighten us! Hallie, protests her uncle, that isn't true.(http://www.dsboards.com/epimgs/1083-2.jpg)
I tell you nothing is going to happen! she cries, Mrs. Stoddard said so--she knows everything is going to be all right from the horoscope Sebastian gave her. Yes, says Stokes thoughtfully--Sebastian--you run along now, Hallie, and try to find David. She goes, gladly, I'm sure. Stokes decides to pay a call on Mr. Sebastian Shaw.
David and Hallie enter the drawing room, where he chastises her for getting so upset with your uncle--all that did was make him more suspicious. I'm sorry, says Hallie, closing the doors, I couldn't help it. What did he ask you? David inquires. Nothing, just if anything has happened and stuff like that, replies Hallie. Does he know anything or not? asks David. I couldn't tell, she says. We don't know anything, either, laments David--maybe we should have a look at Aunt Liz' horoscope. What for? asks Hallie. I don't know, he says, maybe it will tell us what's going to happen next. He takes out the folder and sits down at the desk with it. I don't know anything about horoscopes, says Hallie. I don't, either, he admits, but I'll try. He glances through the papers. Hallie wonders--if the adults haven't seen anything they've seen, why do they think something's going to happen--if they have nothing to go on? Do they just feel something? asks David. I don't know, she says, but I do feel something is going to happen, and it will be terrible.
Sebastian Shaw sits at a table, lights off, meditating. Stokes rings his doorbell. Shaw seems to know Stokes (I gather they had an appointment) and invites him in. Shaw introduces himself and shakes Stokes' hand. I am honored, says Eliot. On the contrary, I am honored, says Shaw, I took the trouble to do some research on you, and I find your background very impressive, and your interest in the occult most fascinating. You are also interested in the occult? asks Stokes with a smile. Yes, very definitely, says Shaw, but let's discuss that at another time. They sit down. Stokes apparently told Shaw he wanted to discuss Elizabeth's horoscope. I understand you prepared Elizabeth's Stoddard's horoscope in great detail for the rest of the year 1970, says Stokes. Yes, agrees Shaw. And according to your observations, you saw nothing that would indicate a disaster of any kind at Collinwood in that time? queries Eliot. As far as Mrs. Stoddard was concerned, no, replies Shaw. You are aware, says Stokes, that there are those who disagree with you? I'm aware that Mrs. Stoddard harbored certain fears when she first came to see us, says Shaw--about the two children at Collinwood, I believe. That's correct, says Stokes, but you managed to convince her those fears were groundless--Mr. Shaw, are you absolutely certain that your projections are correct? Shaw looks uncomfortable. He stands and walks away, remarking, no one can be absolutely certain of anything--I think I made the best interpretations of the signs I could--but you must remember, Mrs. Stoddard isn't under any obligation to live her life according to my projections--she may live any way she wants. How much did you charge her for her horoscope? asks Stokes. No charge, says Shaw. Are you independently wealthy? asks Stokes. My clients are told to give me whatever they feel my services are worth, explains Shaw. And what did Mrs. Stoddard feel your services are worth? asks Stokes (I love his nosiness). I suggest you ask HER that, Professor, advises Shaw. Stokes rises from the sofa with one more question--when and how did you acquire this ability of your? Shaw smiles--I like a man who is direct--but why don't we just skip my background for the moment and get right to the point--the fact is, you think I'm a charlatan, don't you? To be quite frank, I don't know, says Stokes, but I am concerned about your influence on Mrs. Stoddard. Let me put your mind at rest, says Shaw--I'm quite honest, quite legit--as a matter of fact, I'm something more than just an astrologer. What do you mean by that? asks Stokes.(http://www.dsboards.com/epimgs/1083-3.jpg)
I'm a clairvoyant, says Shaw, I have the ability to see into the future.
Stokes, sweating heavily, tells Shaw, clairvoyance is a rare talent. I beg to disagree, says Shaw, we're all capable of it--it's just a rarely-developed talent. You've ventured into my province now, says Stokes, but I'm sure you're far too intelligent not to be able to back it up--I'd like to see a demonstration of your "gift." Nothing would give me greater pleasure than converting a skeptic, says Shaw, tell me, Professor--tell me, who, exactly, are the two children at Collinwood? The boy is David Collins, says Stokes, the girl, Hallie, is my niece. Are you prepared to believe I have never laid eyes on either one of them before in my life? asks Shaw. That statement is too easy for me to verify, agrees Stokes, so I'll take your word for it. Very well, says Shaw, and closes his eyes. I see a room, he says, at Collinwood, it's not clear, it's a drawing room--it's sometime in the future--when, I can't be sure--I see the two children, and they are... Stokes demands, "What is it--has something happened to the children?" Oh, no, says Shaw, although he looked terrified for a moment there--the two children have just been to a party and appear to be asleep--I can see the girl, her hair is long and fair, she's wearing a golden crown of curls on her head, wearing a bright pink party dress with long puffed sleeves and wide collar and wide buttons down the front--just for good measure, smiles Shaw triumphantly, both her ears are pierced, and she is wearing gold posts in each of them. Impressive, says Stokes, most impressive. But not convincing? says Shaw. I'd prefer to reserve judgment for the time being, if you don't mind, says Stokes, but it's been most interesting to meet you, Mrs. Shaw. One question, asks Shaw--is Mrs. Stoddard aware of your coming here tonight? Stokes says no, she was not. Just as I thought, grins Shaw--good night, Professor. Stokes leaves. (Oh, those tight leather pants show all now!) Shaw sits down at the table and takes a deep breath. Roxanne enters the room and slams the door; she's furious with him. You have such a good mind, Sebastian, she says, it's a shame you don't always use it well. I take it you were listening, as usual, he says.(http://www.dsboards.com/epimgs/1083-4.jpg)
I heard every word, she says, I think you revealed too much of yourself. I beg to disagree, I think you are wrong, he says. "Professor, nothing gives me greater pleasure than to convert a skeptic," she says, repeating his earlier words mockingly--it wasn't necessary to go that far--your psychic powers are too valuable to us--it's dangerous to reveal them to someone like him! I didn't see the harm, says Shaw, but Stokes just looks after Mrs. Stoddard's interests, and with you and I around, I do think her interests need looking after, don't they. (A confession--of what?) She begins to sexily massage his shoulders with one hand--Mrs. Stoddard is one of the richest women you've ever had for a client, says Roxanne--she's willing to pay very well for your services. He grabs her hand and throws it off him, hissing, I don't want to discuss it! Very well, she says, we won't discuss it--but we also won't do anything to lose Mrs. Stoddard as a client, will we, Sebastian. He rises from his chair, not responding. By the way--what did you see in your vision--was it really the children? she asks. Yes, he replies, it was the children, but they weren't asleep--they were dead. And Shaw, to his credit, looks genuinely upset about it.
The camera closes in on the little dolls in the Rose Cottage doll house. David opens the playroom door; he and Hallie enter. I don't think we should have come in here again, she says. If something terrible is going to happen, says David, I feel we have to do something to prevent it. But what? she asks. I don't know, he says. He sits on the rocking horse. She takes the rocker. Do you remember those two dolls from the dream? He asks. Yes, she says. The names in front of them were ours, says David, I think that means they were supposed to represent us. Hallie doesn't get it. David closes his eyes--I think someone is using the dolls to put a spell on us, he says--I don't know who, but I bet if we destroy the dolls, the spell will be lifted. Do you really think it will? asks Hallie. I can't think of anything else to do, he says--and we must do something. They go to the doll house. David reaches in and removes the two dolls from their chairs. They leave the playroom.
Sebastian Shaw, agitated, sits on his sofa. He grabs onto his candelabra and makes a decision. As he's about to leave, Roxanne is there, blocking his exit, when he pulls open the double doors. Going somewhere? she asks. He turns back into the room--just out for a walk, he says. You're not accustomed to taking walks at night, she reminds him, smiling--I'll tell you where you're going--your conscience has been troubling you all day about those children at Collinwood, and you decided to do something about it. Something should be done! shouts Shaw--someone should be told! "Like Mrs. Stoddard?" she suggests. Yes, he insists. Oh, you'd better think this out carefully, warns Roxanne, Mrs. Stoddard is very important to us. These children are in great danger! he reminds her. Sometime in the future, she says, maybe months from now! Or maybe tomorrow, he says. You know that's not likely, she says nastily, there would have been some sign by now--there's no reason to go hurrying off into something (she caresses his shoulder)--certainly no reason to jeopardize our position with Mrs. Stoddard. She has her arms curled possessively around his head as if for a kiss, and adds, "You do agree with me, don't you, Sebastian?" He doesn't answer, but does look very confused.
David and Hallie have taken the dolls to the drawing room, where they toss them into the fire. Do you think we've done the right thing? she asks. Gleefully, he says, "They're burning!" I know, she says. We have done the right thing, he says, I can feel it. Me, too, I feel free! agrees a relieved, smiling Hallie. Now we have to go upstairs, to the West Wing, says David, because if we have done the right thing, the spirits no longer control us--and the playroom shouldn't be there! Hallie isn't thrilled to go to the playroom again, but she does, anticipating their freedom. We again see the dolls burning in the fireplace.
Hallie and David go to the playroom. Outside the door, he begs, "Please be the closet--please!" He opens the door. It's still the playroom. I don't understand it! says David. He points to the doll house. David, the dolls, they're back! cries Hallie.
NOTES: I love Roxanne this way, seductive, bitchy, conniving, and her outfits are pretty cool, too. Seems like she and Shaw must at least be having sex--but are they having anything else? Shaw is apparently lying to Liz with money in mind--or Roxanne is forcing him to? It's a weird relationship here. How weird? Just wait and see!
The kids tried something in burning the dolls, but it didn't work, and what does that mean now? Their doll figures have reappeared in Rose Cottage. That can't be good. Will they be punished for insubordination?
Fun scene between Stokes and Shaw, one a learned professor of the occult the other claiming certain gifts. They had a nice little conversation, but I sure did wish Shaw had told Stokes what he really saw in his vision. Shaw is right to feel conscience-stricken.
Love, Robin