Episode #243 - Collinwood, even by daylight, can seem a menacing and dangerous place, for there are many unsolved mysteries here. And those who seek to solve them, to uncover the secrets of the great house, can be in grave danger. One man, unaware of the danger that exists in the shadows of the Old House, is determined to seek out the truth.
Woodard comes to the Old House wanting to examine Willie and take a sample of his blood.
Mr. Loomis can't allow that, of course, and went into wild-eyed insistences that it was impossible. Even after Dave said he and Maggie could be suffering from the same serious blood disease, Willie refuses to cooperate. Barnabas came down before Willie could get Dave out, and pretended to go along with the doctor about being checked out. It's true, points out Barnabas, that Willie does the work of three men and certainly doesn't seem sick, but Dave says that doesn't mean anything.
Barnabas tells Willie to allow the doctor to examine him, but Willie knows damn well Barnabas doesn't want that, and begs to be allowed to go to his room. Barnabas tells him fine, and although he promises Woodard he'll work on the prospective patient and try to convince him to be examined, he can't FORCE Willie to do so, can he? Diabolical Barnabas!
Jason presents Liz with violets, a gesture which makes her suspicious. She accuses Jason of putting on an act. No, he's really fond of her, he says. When Dave Woodard comes to the door, he sits down in the drawing room and they discuss Willie. Dave, citing a possible virulent illness that could turn into an epidemic, wants Jason to talk Willie into being examined,
but Jason says he doesn't have the same influence over Willie that Barnabas does--why not ask him? Jason is surprised to learn Barnabas won't order Willie to be examined; the man has more influence over Willie than anyone, these days! Liz, Dave and Jason discuss Willie's symptoms--weak during the day, stronger at night--and how they match Maggie's. Jason agrees that the entire business is very strange.
So, Jason goes to the Old House amidst the sound of howling dogs and finds Willie not at home. He does talk to Barnabas, expressing his concern for Willie's health. Barnabas says he can only suggest to Willie. Jason asks for the story of how Barnabas met Willie, and Barn, apparently clued in on the story Willie told (if he didn't even give him that story to tell) explains the flat tire story (Barnabas can't drive!) and how Willie needed a job and Barn offered him one.
Willie was fascinated by Barn's ancestors and Eagle Hill Cemetery, where many of them are buried. Barn is surprised to learn that Jason has been to that cemetery and indeed, in the mausoleum.
Jason reiterates that Barn should get Willie to the doctor, and leaves as dogs howl and Barnabas gazes silently, evilly after him.
Jason returns to Collinwood, nods at Barnabas' portrait and quizzes Liz about just how much she knows about her new-found cousin. Why didn't she even know of his existence? Why is he staying in that decaying old house? How and why did he get mixed up with Willie? Liz stands regally and says perhaps Barnabas is a gentleman, a trait which Jason can't appreciate. Besides, she doesn't want to discuss her cousin with him! Jason changes the subject, discussing the problems they have--she wants to cut off his cash supply and scandal is brewing in the town because he's still living at Collinwood. She says her only problem is HIM. So Jason comes up with a solution to all their problems:
"Let's get married."
Episode #244 - A secret from the past can exert a strong control over a woman. It can force her to do things that otherwise might be considered impossible. It can cause a woman to make the most difficult decision of her existence.
Liz assures Jason that she'd die before marrying him, and at first is sure he's kidding. He convinces her he is serious about his proposal, and even when she reminds him she detests him, is not deterred--after all, he did help her 18 years ago. . . .people are still wondering what happened to Paul, and the true story would mean prison for Liz.
Liz realizes they both equally share the blame and guilt over Paul's death. Marrying me, says Jason, would be your insurance policy. Liz accuses him of going too far this time, but he reminds her that she would have to confess to the sheriff. When she heads straight for the phone to make the call, Jason reminds her she must first tell Carolyn that she murdered her father. Cruelly, Jason tells her that her daughter won't surpport her, but most likely will hate her when she finds this out. Liz is more than willing to take the chance, and Jason heads off to bring Carolyn to the drawing room.
Jason enters the study to find Carolyn reading. He offers her some friendly advice before taking her to see her mother--be particularly understanding, he says,
because your mother is very upset about speaking to you. Carolyn doesn't understand what he's trying to impart and leaves as Jason gazes thoughtfully after her.
Carolyn goes into the drawing room, and indeed finds her mother quite upset. As Liz speaks to her, she senses that her mother is about to make a confession, and she tells Liz that she'd rather not hear it if it's that upsetting to Liz. Liz insists it's necessary for her to free herself--but first she has a few things to reveal about Paul Stoddard--he loved no one but himself.
This distresses Carolyn, who isn't sure she wants to hear more. Your father never loved or wanted you, Liz tells her daughter, who becomes terribly upset. Refusing to listen further, Carolyn runs from the room, slamming the door closed behind her.
Study - Distraught, Carolyn joins Jason and tells him Liz told her something about her father, but that she couldn't bear to hear anymore. Carolyn then asks Jason about her father--did he hold her, talk about her, love her? The SOB Irishman pours on the blarney as he tells her that Paul loved Carolyn above everyone else in the world, and even carried a bearskin rug picture of her in his wallet that he proudly showed everyone. Wanting desperately to believe his story over her mother's, Carolyn thinks it all over.
In the drawing room, Liz admits to Jason that she was unable to tell Carolyn the truth, and doesn't know what will happen now. They will plan for the future, Jason assures her. She understands that, but asks for time.
Sure, she can have time, "But not much," warns Jason.
NOTES: Such a sweetheart of a guy is Jason--not! Poor Liz, roped into this last humiliation. She knows that tying herself matrimonially to Jason will mean misery for her; she Bank of Liz will be forever open to him, and she can't do a thing about it! Too bad she didn't keep trying with Carolyn, but Jason made it impossible when he told Carolyn lies about Paul. We know that Liz' version is the truth, and Jason was doing his best to undermine their relationship. I do wonder, however, if Liz might not be a happier woman if she could succumb to Jason, at least sexually. They might finally find something in common besides crime! It's been a dry spell for Liz, and who knows?--a sailor just might be able to make her happy, in one way at least!
Love, Robin
