1157 - Jim, asks a disbelieving Quentin--why am I accused of murder?--on what grounds? That will all come out at the trial, the constable assures him (don't you have to explain exactly why you're arresting someone)? What reasons would I have for killing that man? asks Quentin--can you tell me that?--a man has to have a motive for a murder! From what I've heard here tonight, says the constable, it appears you might have a motive. Of course I might have, says Quentin, putting down his glass, but I don't--can't you see what they're trying to do?--someone is trying to destroy me? It will be better for all of us, says the constable, if you just come along with me quietly. Quentin looks at him--all right, he says, but I'd like to see my son first. Of course, says Jim, but try to make it brief, Mr. Collins. Tad, come into the drawing room, calls Quentin. Yes, Father, says Tad, who politely greets the constable--is something wrong? I'll wait outside for you, Mr. Collins, says Jim. He closes the doors, allowing father and son privacy. Why is the constable here? asks Tad--is it about Uncle Randall?--have they found the man who...? No, says Quentin, they haven't found the man--a few people think they have, but they haven't--Mr. Ward is just doing what he must at the present time--I love you very much, you know that, don't you?--you know there isn't anything I wouldn't do to make sure you don't get hurt by anyone or anything--sometimes, under certain circumstances, the world seems very cruel at times, we have to be very strong and make it all good again. (sniff!) They're not going to take YOU away, are they? asks Tad. Not for long, promises Quentin. They don't think you did it? asks Tad. No, says Quentin, holding his son's arms, but I do have to go away with Mr. Ward for a little while--I didn't do anything wrong, no matter what you might hear or see, I want you to believe nothing bad about me. I know you didn't do anything, says Tad desperately, they can't take you away--you wouldn't do something like that. He looks at his father with a wounded face and runs into his arms to give and get a hug. Listen, boy, says Quentin, I'm going to be back here before you even know I'm gone--besides, between you and me, they don't have much of a case--while I'm away, I want you to cooperate with Miss Harridge, because she is very fond of you--can you do that for me? Yes sir, answers Tad solemnly. Good night, says Quentin, hugging his son again. Tad says good night in return and opens the double doors, giving Ward a look before going upstairs.
Are you ready? asks the constable. In a minute, says Quentin, I'd like to talk to my son's governess. I'm sorry, says Jim, but I can't allow that. You've got kids of your own, Quentin reminds him, I just want to make sure he's taken care of. I guess a few more minutes won't do any harm, admits the constable, but I must go along with you to find Daphne. The two men head out of the drawing room.
Tad goes to Daniel--please don't let them take him away, he begs--you can't! Calm down, urges Daniel, I don't understand what you're talking about--take who away? My father! says Tad--they think he murdered Uncle Randall--they're taking him off to jail--now. Horrified, Daniel mutters, oh, no, Quentin, dear God don't let it be true!
Quentin and Jim emerge from the kitchen area. They haven't found Daphne; Quentin has no idea where she might have gone. We can't wait any longer, insists the constable. I've got to leave her a note, says Quentin. They return to the drawing room.
Gerard looks out the window in his room. Charles Dawson knocks and enters. I just heard--why did you do it? asks Dawson. Gerard, puzzled, says, if you tell me what you're talking about, I might be able to explain. Why did you kill Randall Drew? demands Dawson. Did I? asks Gerard (why so coy?) I just heard from Trask, says Dawson. That I murdered him? asks Gerard. No, that he is dead! says Dawson. And you first assumed that I was responsible, says Gerard. What did he know--what did he discover? queries Charles. The fact is, says Gerard, Randall Drew discovered a little too much--he found the mask, broke open the lock on the box where I had it. Then you had good reason to do away with him, agrees Dawson. Yes, says Gerard--but I didn't murder him--difficult to believe, isn't it, especially after what I've done to Desmond and Lorna Bell, and of course poor old Mordecai's cows?--no, my friend, I did not murder Randall Drew. But the devil's mark was on Randall, points out Dawson--and Mordecai, whoever followed him in the woods left it there. I know that, says Gerard--it seems as though we have a friend--someone wanted Randall dead, whatever his reasons were doesn't really matter, because they happen to coincide with our cause. One of the Collins, do you think? asks Dawson. No, I'm sure it's someone quite on the outside of our little group, someone who wanted to hurt Quentin as we did, says Gerard--isn't it amazing timing?--soon Quentin Collins will have no head at all--and I will be master of Collinwood. You forget Daniel, says Dawson. No, my friend, not at all, says Gerard. How do you plan to deal with him? asks Dawson. Don't you really know? asks Gerard--you come to Collinwood with me and I'll show you what I plan to do to Daniel Collins.
Collinwood drawing room - I want to talk to you alone, Quentin, demands Daniel, who turns to bark at the protesting constable, "You, get out--he's my son, this is my house and you're not welcome in it--out!" The Constable Ward leaves the room. Quentin sits, shamefaced, but stands to face his father, who says, I said it over and over again--don't let it be true--how could it not be true?--I warned you against your strange fascination for the occult, your need to know things beyond what our finite minds are capable of comprehending, but you wouldn't be stopped. You've been very ill, Father, says Quentin, please don't upset yourself. Do you know that I went to the top of your stairs, where I saw you killing Lorna Bell?--does that mean nothing to you? I only know someone has been filling your mind with evil distortions, says Quentin, pouring a drink, while you have not been well. Who has been filling my mind?--who and why? asks Daniel. If I knew the answer to that, says Quentin, everything would be all right. I think not, says Daniel, there are too many unanswerable questions--what about Desmond?--is it not true you were fighting with him before he was stricken? I simply had a disagreement with a friend, says Quentin. And Mordecai's cattle--you've always hated him, continues Daniel. I don't hate him, insists Quentin--he's an unpleasant man, but I didn't have anything to do with the death of his cattle. How I long to believe you, sighs Daniel, but how can I?--everything points to your guilt, everything--and now this dreadful scandal--now that you have violated our family's honor! Father, for the last time, I am innocent, please believe that! says Quentin. That I should have lived to know such pain, such sorrow, laments Daniel, sounding as if he's having trouble breathing.
He grabs his chest and collapses in Quentin's arms. Quentin kneels beside him.
Gerard and Dawson enter Collinwood. Is anyone here? calls Gerard. Come in, Gerard! yells Quentin. He and the Constable are helping Daniel to his feet, Daniel protesting, I don't want a doctor, Quentin insisting, you must have one! Gerard helps them raise Daniel to his feet. Help my father to his room, asks Quentin. The Constable and Dawson escort the old man, who is muttering, "Oh, my son, please come back to me, please come back to me," slowly away. Now what am I going to do, I wonder? Quentin asks Gerard. You aren't alone in this, Gerard assures him--believe me, I will do everything in my power to make sure you get out of it. You're very kind, says Quentin--look after Daphne (fox in henhouse)--I know she'll be needing your help. I'll be more than happy, says Gerard. Thank you, says Quentin. The constable enters--Mr. Dawson is making your father comfortable, says Ward--Mr. Stiles, Mr. Collins would like to see you. Thank you, says Gerard--Quentin don't worry about anything--try to forget it. I'm afraid we've got to go now, sir, says the constable. Everything seems so peaceful here, remarks Quentin, standing in the middle of the drawing room--I wish it was--let's go. They leave.
Daniel's room - Daniel lies in bed, Dawson by his side. Gerard enters--the Constable told me you wished to see me, he says. Yes, says Daniel, thank you, Mr. Dawson. Charles leaves. Gerard sits beside Daniel. You're a fine young man, says Daniel. Gerard grins modestly. I only wish that my sons, my SON could have turned out as well, says Daniel--I'm not a man who could cry out for help, but now I have no choice--I trust you, Gerard--I need your help. I'm honored, sir, says Gerard, and if course I will do everything in my power to help you. I knew you would, thank you, says Daniel--I've always disliked morbidity, but at the same time, I have a respect for practicality--I'm dying, Gerard. You must not say that, Gerard insists--you'll be up and about in no time. I know that I will not live to see my son's trial, says Daniel--I will die before I know what they have decided about him, but my greatest sorrow is that deep down in my heart, I know I cannot feel he is innocent, so other people must be considered--I feel I must change my will--it will break my heart, but Quentin must be cut away. Gerard smiles slightly, triumphantly. However, before I do this, says Daniel, it is necessary for me to know the truth--not what Quentin or the courts say, but the truth--there must be a way to establish the truth!--he grabs at Gerard's lapel, pulling on it, begging, say you will help me! You know I will do anything to help you, promises Gerard--and to find the truth, we will--believe me, we will.
Police station - Quentin and the constable arrive. Is that you, Jim? calls Mrs. Ward--where have you been?--you said you were coming right back--all the juice has gone out of the stew. Mrs. Constable Ward, joins them, gasping when she sees Quentin (Mildred Ward is played by Elizabeth Eis). What is HE doing here? she demands--why did you bring him here? He'll be staying with us for a few days, says Ward. What did he do? she asks. We don't know that he's done anything, says the constable--will you open the cell, please? I certainly will open the cell, she says, and the faster, the better--don't take your eyes off him, hold onto him until we get him into the cell. She unlocks the cell door and opens it. Quentin enters. She closes and locks it, then turns to her husband and says, in a loud whisper, "Don't you know what he is?--he's a witch and you know it, he's a witch!" Mildred, we don't know that, he chastises. You know what he did to my father's cattle (Mordecai's daughter!)--isn't that enough? This has nothing to do with Mordecai's cattle, insists the constable. But isn't that enough? she asks--it's enough for me to know he's the one behind all the awful things happening around here!--I know one thing--I'm going to get an extra lock to put on that cell. Oh, don't worry, Mrs. Ward, says Quentin ironically, peering at her through the bars, I'm not going to try and escape. She spots the ring on his hand. Jim, that ring--it's the devil's mark, she says, he's wearing the devil's mark
--he's the one!--murderer!--murderer! Quentin's face remains passive, but one can only imagine what's churning in his mind.
Collinwood - Gerard comes downstairs and enters the drawing room--Charles, he burbles, everything is splendid--how would you like to play a ghost?--we're going to have a little seance, and you will enact the part of Randall Drew--Daniel Collins wants proof of Quentin's innocence or guilt, and we're going to give it to him--of course, it will be fake, but he won't really know the difference. But his condition, says Dawson, isn't the seance dangerous? Yes, says Gerard, but you must not worry about that--you will be well prepared in every detail and movement--and every word.
Collinwood drawing room, seance table - Gerard, I'm not sure if I want to go through with this, says Daniel--you know my reservations on this sort of thing--I've always considered it evil--I'm frightened now, I know I agreed to it, but think I want to change my mind. Believe me, everything will be all right, Gerard assures him--relax, there is no danger involved, everything is quite harmless, and I am sure that when it's all over, you will be very pleased at the final results. I know you're right, says Daniel--what do you want me to do? They place their hands together in the unbroken circle--which must not be broken under any circumstances, says Gerard--relax your mind and concentrate very deeply on Randall Drew--we seek the spirit that died but yesterday--we mortals though we are, seek the spirit of one Randall Drew!--if you can hear me, respond!--can you hear me?--can you hear me! Charles gasps. That's all right, Gerard assures Daniel--the spirit is entering the body. Spirit, can you hear me? asks Gerard. Dawson says, "I can hear you!" What is your name? asks Gerard. "Randall Drew!" answers Dawson. There is a man here who seeks your guidance, says Gerard, a man you have known and loved for many years!--his name is Daniel Collins. Daniel, Daniel! calls Dawson. Will you help this good man? asks Gerard. I will, says Dawson. Tell us the name of the man... No, Gerard, cries Daniel, his face screwed up in misery, I don't want to know! Mr. Collins, he's just about to tell, please! says Gerard--spirit, will you tell us the name of the man who murdered you? I will, says Dawson. Please, Gerard, please! moans Daniel. The name! The name! demands Gerard. Quentin Collins! says Dawson. Daniel closes his eyes and screams NO!, then bows his head and begins to sob.
Gerard rises and goes to his side, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. Daniel raises his head and softly says, I'm sorry I did that just now, I'm all right--I've always known the truth, it's the certainty that makes it so unbearable--I'm all right now, thank you. I'm so sorry, says Gerard, I was expecting someone else. We must live with it--as difficult as it is, says Daniel--I know now what I must do. What is that? asks Gerard. I must change my will, says Daniel, and choose a new heir. Gerard smiles.
NOTES: Loved Eis as the frightened Constable's wife. She is such a hoot. Do you think she'll give Quentin some of her dried out stew?
I remember feeling angry and helpless watching this storyline the first time around as Gerard manipulates Daniel to his own ends. I still feel the same. It's very frustrating to watch this warlock frame Quentin so easily, making the townspeople and his family turn against him. Daniel doesn't seem to like Gabriel enough to make him the heir, so who will it be?
The Constable was very kind to Quentin, letting him stay far longer than most cops would, but you sense everyone in Collinsport has known each other for years--Quentin does call him by his first name.
Sad scene between Tad and Quentin, who really loves the boy, whether he is biologically his or not.
Quentin is incarcerated, and now will be tried for witchcraft. Will he be beheaded, as Gerard plans?
1158 - 8:10 - Gerard enters the drawing room--Gabriel, he says, you seem a little troubled.--what's the matter? Who says anything is the matter? asks Gabriel. It was your account of things which led to Randall's murder and brought Quentin to jail, says Gerard--it's beginning to bother you a little now, isn't it?--what happens if he's proven innocent--what will your punishment be?--will he cut you off without a penny?--he grins--these are very disturbing questions for you, aren't they?--but as it happens, they are only academic. What are you talking about? asks Gabriel. I was just upstairs with your father, says Gerard, composing a new will--he has made a new heir--Gerard grins--and I know who it is. Gabriel gazes at him, amazed.
Who is the new heir? demands Gabriel. I'm afraid I can't tell you--you see, I kept my word to Daniel. We both know your word is completely meaningless, says Gabriel, who is it to be?--it isn't Samantha, is it? I'm honor bound not to tell, says Gerard. Why would Father put you in his confidence? asks Gabriel--you aren't even a member of the family. Your father confided in me because he trusts me, says Gerard, and he didn't want any of the family around while he was making his decision. Gabriel grabs his coat sleeve--just tell me if it's me or not, that's all I want to know! demands Gabriel. I thought our animosity towards each other would disappear, says Gerard--we've made a few mistakes, my friend, just a few--I thought we could learn from them, and help one another. I don't believe any of this, chuckles Gabriel happily--I'm the new heir--you're trying to ingratiate yourself to me, because I'm the new heir!--because you can't afford me as an enemy. I never considered you an enemy, Gerard assures him, holding onto his wheelchair and speaking earnestly to him--but I intend to keep my word to Daniel--but I don't suppose I'd be breaking my word if I merely quoted him--he would sometimes look up at me and say, Quentin Collins is no longer my heir, but I have another son.
He leaves Gabriel grinning triumphantly.
Valerie paces the gazebo. Laszlo appears. What took you so long? she asks, peeved. As he's about to explain--I only got your message an hour ago--she smacks him across the face--you liar! she says--you didn't come here because you didn't have any excuse for having failed me!--Roxanne has been destroyed, and Julia still lives to threaten me--all because of you!--you tell me what happened! I went to the Old House to look for you, he explains, nursing his sore cheek--Barnabas Collins was there, he forced me to tell him where Julia was. Barnabas had no way to know you knew that, says Valerie. He's a very clever, dangerous man when he's angry, says the gypsy. Barnabas had no reason to suspect you knew where Julia was, points out Valerie--how did he find out?--answer me! I'm sorry, I had no way to know he'd see the ring, says Laszlo. What ring? asks Valerie. When I thought Julia was dying, I saw this ring she was wearing and I... So you stole it! accuses Valerie, put it on your own finger where Barnabas would be sure to notice it--and understand everything! I'm sorry, says Laszlo, I didn't know that Barnabas would find me--I'll make it up to you--tell me what you want done with Julia. Strangely enough, says Valerie, Julia doesn't bother me now--something else has happened, something far more terrifying. I've never known you to be frightened of anything, he says. I have a good reason to be this time, she says--Judah Zachary has returned. Who is that? asks Laszlo. I'll tell you all about him, promises Valerie, and you listen and listen very carefully--because when one deals with Judah Zachary, there is no margin for error.
Collinwood - Daphne returns. Gabriel greets her, "Well, well, the governess has returned--and where have you been, Miss Harridge?" I went to do some errands in the village, she says. You've picked a most inconvenient time to do them, says Gabriel--my brother has been most upset because he couldn't find you. I see, she says, where is he now?--I'll let him know I'm back. I'm afraid he's gone, he says--he was arrested about an hour ago--for the murder of Randall Drew. (And he SO relishes giving her that news!)
Daphne, shocked, says, that's impossible--Quentin would never kill anyone! So now it's Quentin, is it? he taunts--it's so fascinating to see your feelings out in the open. I'm going to see him, she cries. It's too late! cries Gabriel, for you and my brother!
Gazebo - Shortly after the trial of Judah Zachary in 1692, Valerie explains, I was given safe passage out of the country--and Judah was beheaded. So you became what you are because of Zachary, says Laszlo. Yes, she says--his powers are awesome, and I'm certain his spirit has lived all this time
--and now it has taken possession of some living person--and he's in complete control of that person. Do you have any idea who that might be? asks Laszlo. Yes I do, she says--I believe it is Gerard Stiles--because he is the one who called me by the name Judah knew me as--Miranda--and the very next time I saw him was the night I had the vision of Amadeus Collins--the judge who convicted Judah Zachary--a direct relation to the Collins family--that's why I'm sure Judah has come back--revenge!--he swore on the stand that he would return and destroy everyone responsible for his murder--that means everyone in the Collins family--and it also means me, she adds desperately. You're convinced this vision of Amadeus was induced by Judah! says Laszlo Yes, through Gerard Stiles, says Valerie--I'm not sure, I need some proof that he's the one. How can you do that? he asks. I can perform a simple ceremony, she says, but I must have some personal possession of Gerard's--his watch fob, yes, the one he wears all the time. How are you going to get something like that? asks the gypsy. I'm not, she says annoyed that he's missed the obvious--you are. Laszlo starts to plead with her--I don't even know the man, or what he looks like, how can I be close enough to steal his watch fob? You will meet Gerard before the night is over, she promises--and gives him her most severe look.
We see Quentin's shadow on the jailhouse wall. He sits, then stands, sighs, coughs. Mrs. Ward brings him a letter--someone left it, she says. He snatches it from her hand--where did you get this? he demands. I don't know, she says. This letter didn't just materialize out of thin air, shouts Quentin, you've got to know where you got it--he grabs her by the shoulders and orders the horrified, open-mouthed woman, tell me who brought the letter! I don't know who brought it or if anyone did! blathers Mildred He shakes her. Maybe it just appeared, she says, wresting herself from his grasp, yelling, "Witches know all kind of tricks!" She stands back--don't think I won't tell my husband what you did to me just now. All right! says Quentin, just get out, I want to be left alone. Daphne enters. WHO ARE YOU? demands Mildred. She has come here to see me, says Quentin--I would like to see her alone. If you had any sense, says Mildred, you'd have nothing to do with him!--she leaves. Daphne takes Quentin's hands in hers. They kiss through the bars. I came as soon as I heard! she says. I know, he says--listen to me, it isn't true--I didn't kill Randall. God, I know you didn't, she says, you didn't even have to say that!--what happened just now with that woman--why is she so frightened of you? She brought me this, says Quentin, handing her the note. She takes it--another note from Joanna, says Daphne, who reads: "This crisis shall pass, as all others have--and I shall love you as I always have." She crumples it up--how is this possible? she asks. I don't know, says Quentin, I don't know! I'm frightened, she says--the people in the village are hysterical, talking of witchcraft, and saying it all started at Collinwood. Trask started it all, says Quentin--he's very good at stirring up this type of thing. They were talking of dispensing with an ordinary trial and setting up a special witchcraft tribunal, says Daphne. He caresses her hair--it's all talk, he assures her--understand?--they outlawed such tribunals over a century ago--don't worry about it. There's only one way all this can come out, says Daphne confidently --I know you're innocent, and a jury will know it, too. You've only known me a short time, he says, you really believe it's impossible for me to kill someone? I know it is! she says firmly--and one day soon, everyone else will know it, too. They kiss.
Collinwood - Gerard answers the door to Laszlo, who comes in and cheerily bids him good evening, announcing, "Laszlo Ferrari at your service." On your way, gypsy, orders Gerard. I come seeking a friend who lives here, says Laszlo. I'm afraid gypsies don't have friends, says Gerard. He does have a friend--me, says Gabriel, heartily welcoming the gypsy into the drawing room. Valerie stands behind his wheelchair. Gabriel introduces her to Laszlo--and this gentleman is Mr. Gerard Stiles. Would you like me to look at your palm? Laszlo asks Gabriel. By all means, says the latter, holding out his hand. I see a change for the better in your future, says Laszlo--the signs are unmistakable--I see a major event in the offing. Am I going to be pleased or displeased by this event? asks Gabriel. I should say extremely pleased, says Laszlo. The two men laugh together happily. I'd like to give you a little something extra, says Gabriel--I'd like you to read Mr. Stiles' palm. I'm not interested, insists Gerard. I'm always most anxious to convert skeptics, says Laszlo--I'd be delighted to read your palm--for nothing. Please, says Valerie, let him--I find it so fascinating. I could never refuse a lady, says Gerard, grinning--gypsy, get it over with. You have a most intriguing history, says Laszlo. Good start, praises Gabriel. Emotionally speaking, you're a man who has scaled the heights of happiness, but has also known the depths of sorrow, says Laszlo--there are clouded areas, I can't see them too clearly, perhaps another angle--yes, yes, that's much better--he moves in such a way that he's holding Gerard's hand but blocking Gerard's view of it--now, you've led a life of some conflict, Mr. Stiles--nothing has ever come very easily to you--there's no reason that should change in the near future. Laszlo carefully reaches for Gerard's watch fob as he continues his fortune; Valerie watches him do it. How long is this going to take? demands Gerard, suddenly scratching himself in the area where Laszlo was reaching for his watch fob--I have better things to do. Only another moment, sir, says the gypsy, reaching again--you're an ambitious man, accustomed to getting what he wants--you've made your share of enemies, but you can instill fear in their hearts--he reaches again for the fob while a nervous Valerie touches her face in fear--Laszlo continues talking--you have no need to fear them in the immediate future--I see no sign of a setback in the immediate or distant future--you seem quite secure in your present phase of life (I don't see how Gerard isn't seeing/feeling Laszlo's hand reaching for the fob, but he finally snags it.) Allow me to congratulate you, sir, says Laszlo. Valerie smiles. Laszlo has the fob securely in his hand.
Daphne sleeps, and dreams, tossing her had back and forth on the pillow. Where's Daphne? Quentin asks Mildred. She must have found out it's true, she accuses, pointing a finger at him--like the rest of us have known all along--she's right to stay away, so she stays untainted by the likes of YOU! No, she told me she'd come here, says Quentin--the execution's got to be put off until she gets here! The execution is going on as scheduled, says Mildred, you can't keep everybody out there waiting. (Her exaggerated gestures and eye movements are really funny.) Daphne! calls Quentin--where are you?--you promised me you'd come here--why can't I see you one more time before I die, why?--Daphne?--Daphne!
-Daphne is in Gerard's arms, kissing him. It's too late, says Gerard--besides, she doesn't care what happens from now on--there is no longer you and Quentin--from now on, it is you and me--you and me, Daphne--it doesn't matter whether he loses or not--isn't that right, Daphne? She wakes up, breathing heavily--what did I dream, what was it? she asks...why can't I ever remember?
Gazebo - Valerie joins Laszlo, who is waiting there for her. I'm glad it's over and I got through it alive! he exclaims. Delighted, Valerie says, you didn't disappoint me--you performed like the professional thief you are--give me the watch fob. He's going to find it missing, warns Laszlo, and he's going to suspect me--you heard his opinion of gypsies. I'll tell him I found it on the drawing room floor, she assures him. In the meantime? he says. I'll wait until dark, then I'll perform my ceremony, she says, holding up the fob--before this night is over, I will know whether or not Gerard Stiles is Judah Zachary.
Collinwood drawing room - Daphne, I thought you had retired for the evening, says Gerard I did go to bed, but couldn't sleep, she says.
-Another bad dream? he asks. Must have been, she says, I can't remember it, though. It probably wasn't the dream that frightened you, he says, merely the apprehension of Quentin's fate--there's nothing we can do about that now--what will be, will be--if there's anything I can do for Quentin, I'm afraid the powers have already decided his destiny. I can't understand you, she says, sometimes I think you really are Quentin's friend, and then there are other times I think you're the most untrustworthy of men. Getting very close, he says, one of these days, you'll have to make up your mind about me. One of these days, I certainly will, she agrees. I already know what the outcome will be, he assures her, so I will leave it to you for a pleasant surprise--good night, Daphne. He leaves the drawing room.
10:45 - Valerie sits by the fire, watch fob in hand. Prince of Darkness, she says, I need your help now as I have never needed it in the past--I beseech you to allow the flames to show me an image--I hold in my hand an object--if this object belongs to the man who is truly my enemy, I beg you to show me his face--so I may know who he is--show to me Judah Zachary in the guise in which he now walks on this earth--reveal him to me, and I shall be forever in your debt! Quentin's face comes out of the flames, stunning Valerie.
-Unknown to her, Gerard stands at the drawing room doors, grinning wickedly, producing the vision she sees.
NOTES: Once again, we have hopes that Valerie might be able to help Quentin; if she learns who is posing as Judah, she can warn everyone else. It's unfortunate that she chose to do her spell with the doors open, so Judah/Gerard could overhear and make sure she saw what HE wanted her to see. Another frustration for the viewer. And frankly, the way Laszlo was so sloppily going for that fob, I'm shocked he wasn't caught. Didn't it almost seem as if Gabriel was in on the caper? When did he and Laszlo become such great buddies? His encouragement to Gerard to let the gypsy read his palm seemed to fit in too well with Valerie's plans.
Something is scaring Angelique/Valerie. It's interesting to see her feeling so vulnerable. She seems more woman than witch now.
Elizabeth Eis continues to be wonderful, both in Daphne's dream, with her ridiculously exaggerated gestures and speech, to her fear of Quentin even though he's locked in a cell. Quentin was unwise to grab her that way, because it only shows how violent he can become, and that's not good if you're accused of murder.
Isn't Gerard having fun baiting Gabriel with the new will? Gabriel is certain he is the new heir, but he could be in for a rude shock.
Love, Robin
