While watching the 1795 flashback, I definitely felt that Barnabas truly loved Josette. I also got the impression that the fling he had with Angelique was before he and Josette had much interaction, before he fell in love with her (Josette).
When A confronted B in his room on her first night in America, he confessed that he had already fallen for Josette at the time of their affair but was unsure of her (Josette's) feelings toward him. A transcript containing that exchange follows. (Me type fast.
)
I don't think it was love Angelique felt for Barnabas as much as it was pure obsession and the need to possess and control. Not only that, but she also very much desired to be above her "station" and Barnabas certainly would've provided that (did, in their very brief marriage). I don't think her feelings for Barnabas were based love (not genuine love anyway). She couldn't stand getting burned. She couldn't stand the fact that he rejected her and chose Josette (someone she was already plenty envious of because of Josette's wealth and status).
I noticed that she doesn't express love toward Barn here even after he confronted her about it, and like you I wonder if her obsession with him was largely BECAUSE he was engaged to Josette. And interestingly, Angelique doesn't admit to having any expectations about taking Josette's place; on the contrary, she seems prepared to assume the role as his mistress. (Blaming him for making her love him is just lame.)
BTW, he's not nearly this cold in their subsequent scene together in HER room.
He wronged her for sure, but then again the punishment sure didn't fit the crime.
I couldn't agree more. I'll even go so far as to say that I think he's a total bastard in this scene:
BARNABAS: (knocking) Who is it?
ANGELIQUE: (playfully) A ghost from your past. Close the door. Quickly!
B: Angelique.
A. I waited for this moment all day long. (she holds out her arms, but there's no response) You do not remember?
B: I remember.
A: I waited in my room. You didn't come. So here I am. (reacting to his indifference) I'll have not your pride. I have no reason for pride. Oh, hold me. (she embraces him)
B: (without emotion) Angelique.
A: After you left our island, I would wake up at night, hearing you say my name. Did you think of me at all?
B: Yes. I-I did.
A. Tell me. (embraces him again) Hold me tighter and tell me.
B: (pained) No. (pushes her away)
A: Why, you do not think me pretty any more?
B: Yes, of course you are, but... You see, it was a mistake. (unsure of his next line) Oh, I know it was wrong to say it this way, but, well, it's my fault. I know it was my weakness to...
A: (wounded) ... love me.
B: I love Josette.
A: (angry) But you came to me.
B: I am sorry.
A: For what? For making me love you?
B: You do not love me.
A: You can tell me how I feel?
B: Oh, I'm sorry.
A: Today, when you opened the door, I thought you were glad to see me.
B: I was.
A: You are honest now?
B: Yes.
A: Then you
are glad I am in this room. (embraces him)
B: Josette is coming.
A: She's not here yet.
B: (pulls away) But she's going to be.
A: You're so different here. You're as cold as that wind outside your house.
B: I am not cold, but I want to be. I have to be.
A: Why?
B: Because, Angelique, I didn't know that we were going to be married then. To be honest, I thought I was in love with Josette but I didn't realize she was in love with me. But now that we've written, (pause) well, you and I... It's impossible.
A: Are you sad about it?
B: What good will it be to admit
that? We both have different roles to play now.
A: And what is mine? The Countess' maid? You knew me as I really am. I am no one's servant but yours.
B: No.
A: Yes. I am your servant. You are my master. That is the way it works. That is the way it is to be.
B: No, Angelique.
A: (pulls back bitterly) You will see! (flees from room)