Actions speak louder than words

  Meeting Barnabas first time after couple centuries was harder than Angelique was thought. He had been haunting her dreams even since she had locked him to his coffin, but now she was drown into old memories of him.

 ... Angelique knew Barnabas had long day behind, he was left early that morning to take care of his family business and it was late already. Ever since Barnabas had got more serious with his relationship with her, she had got chance to prepare proper dinner just for them two and enjoy her freedom from being just a maid. They were carefull, and often hiding behind well locked doors, but it was enough for Angelique to make her happy.
  When Barnabas finally came back home only little before midnight, he walked right away to Angeliques room and knocked couple times in case she may have fallen asleep already.
 Sleepy she was, tired from her hard work at the day as well, but she opened her door and smiled to him. "You're home. I already thought something may have happened. I got bit wor-"
Barnabas didn't need to hear more, he simply pulled her against his chest and kissed her, caressing her hips through her silky night suit that he had actually given her as a gift.
 Angelique pulled back and placed her hand on his cheek, "I'm tired, and I can see it in your eyes, so are you."
"No." Barnabas shake his head and kissed her forcefully.
She couldn't remember that Barnabas would have acted like this ever before. Getting slightly worried, she pulled away from him and catched her breath before giving him questioning look.
Barnabas looked lost and longing to get her near to him again.
"Barnabas, has something happened?" Angelique asked.
"I don't want to talk about it Angelique... "Barnabas answered and stepped closer, taking her hand in his own and pulled her into tight embrace.
"Barnabas... You're hurting me." Angelique said, placing her hands against his chest and pushed him off. "What is wrong? Talk to me Barnabas, I cannot help you if-"
"Shh.. Save me from that speech Angelique, I don't need you words. I need you."
Too amazed by his sudden hunger of romance, Angelique didn't know what to say and it gave Barnabas good time to lift her into his arms, carry her to his own room and settle down in his bed.
 "Barnabas, I'm tired... "
 Though Barnabas knew it was incredibly cruel to use Angeliques feelings for him for his own benefit, as he had never completely admit to her that he'd feel something for her, but right now he wanted to forget everything that had happened that day and he wished nothing more but have Angelique to kiss away the stress of the day and hold him through the night.
 He carefully lifted the hem of her night suit, gently caressing her body.
"Angelique... My dearest." He murmured against her skin, kissing her neck. "Please, accept my affections for you. I need your love now."
Touched by his words, Angelique was powerless to resist his gentle caressing and passionate kisses.
"Do you love me?" She asked breathlessly.
Barnabas pressed himself against her and kissed her. "It is said actions speak louder than words my dear Angelique"
"But I-" Her protest was cut off by his passionate kiss. She moaned softly and caressed his back gently, holding him close. It seemed to encourage Barnabas to be much harder on her than she could recall him to ever be before. As she cried out, he took hold of her wrists, pressing her harder against his bed.
She couldn't take it for long and freed her wrists from his grip, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her nails in his skin.
 Barnabas groaned and turned her atop of him, stroking her hair.
Angelique catched her breath and rest her head on his chest, listening his heart beat until she fell asleep.
 She woke up next morning to  Barnabas's gentle kisses.
As she opened her eyes, she saw room was filled with sunlight. It meant that morning was already gone to day.
She sit up and searched her clothes without saying anything to Barnabas.
Though he seemed to know why she was so quiet. He got up and stopped Angelique. "It's Sunday. You're free today, do you remember? I promised this day free for you." He said and pulled her into gentle embrace. "You have deserved it"
She pulled back and looked into his eyes, "Are you feeling any better now?"
"Angelique... I'm sorry my dear. I was terribly stressed when I came... "
"What about now?"
"Now I am alright." He answered and kissed her lightly. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm... Fine." Angelique smiled and relaxed into his embrace...

Many years later Angelique was still able to remember that twisted pleasure of his burning desire. And now since Barnabas was back, as a monster, she was looking forward to find his hidden passion for her again. Though Angelique must admit she had rather naughty imagination what she would do to him, she still missed his simple, gentle hugs. His warm smile and cute laughter. She found herself missing their dinners, dancing practise and moments when they just talked without any hurry to anywhere.
Oh yes, she could't deny it. Angelique Bouchard was still deeply in love with Barnabas.

Few cracks too deep to heal

  As Collins family business got more successfull, Barnabas's parents started to take short trips to other lands, trusting all responsibility for their son.
 This freedom Barnabas used well; he worked hard during the day but once he got back home, he insisted to have his dancing lessons with Angelique. Their relationship got deeper fast and Barnabas realized he didn't want her only because of her body. He was scared to notice that he was falling for her, slowly but surely. He often found himself thinking of her, her soft laughter when he did something silly durin their dancing and how cute she was when she slept deeply against his chest, breathing calmly and making soft noises when was about to wake up.
  Angelique herself was happier than she would have ever even dream about. Barnabas wasn't admitted it yet, but he had few times whispered loving words to her ear like he'd truly love her.
 Only few months after they started to see each other, Angelique got pregnant.
She tried to hide it, but Barnabas's mother noticed her acting very similar to hers when she was carrying Barnabas. So Angelique was sended to meet the doctor, so made surgery for her to take her baby away. Few days later she returned to Collinwood, but she stayed in her room couple of weeks to recower from the surgery. Naturally her host family wanted to know who was the father. Angelique didn't need to think twice, she was prepared to lie in order to protect Barnabas and Antonio was punished, that lead to his death.
 Day after Antonio's death, Barnabas came to find Angelique from her room.
Hearing knock on her door, Angelique quickly wipe her tears away and sit up on her bed, "Yes?"
Barnabas opened the door and came in, closing the door carefully behind him.
"I heard of your friend. I am sorry. You must feel terrible."
Angelique looked scared for while.
Barnabas sit down on her bed next to her and took her hand in his own. "You must know that will not happen to you." He said. "As I was told, he has been stealing and breaking rules. You are not like that angelique."
Angelique looked into his eyes, trying to blink away her tears.
Barnabas sighed and pulled her into gentle embrace. "I understand it must be great loss for you... He was friend of yours, was he not?"
Angelique nodded.
Barnabas rub her back gently, "I am sure you will get new friends when we get some new, young servants next summer."
Angelique rested against his chest and fight back of desire to tell him about the baby she had lost.
"Do you wish to be alone?" Barnabas asked after for while.
"No... No, stay with me, please."
"Very well." Barnabas smiled and lay down on her bed, holding her through the night in his arms.
   When Angelique was fully healed, she took her chance with Barnabas as his parents were in town visiting some old friends.
 She broke their kiss and looked into his eyes, "Je t'aime... Let me hear you say I love you Angelique... I want you..."
 Barnabas took hold of her hand, "Angelique, I'm sorry my dear but... You'd be hearing a lie."
 Angelique stepped back and looked hurt. Before Barnabas was able to do or say anything, she run off the room.
She run to her room and took deep breath. Her whole body was shaking with anger, hot tears fall down her cheeks and her heart beat fast.
She couldn't bear the idea that all this time Barnabas was used her. That he didn't love her.
Only to make him feel how she felt, she took her revenge on killing his parents. Before this she had never needed to use her abilities to serious reasons, with the power of her sadness and hatred, her curse got much stronger than she even realized.
 After losing his parents, Barnabas locked himself often into his room to study all kind of books, trying to find any reason to his parents death.
Angelique on the other hand, refused to be in same room alone with him. She knew that Barnabas was seeking comfort from her with his great sorrow, but she refused to spent her time with him.
Once he did try to command her to stay with him, yet it didn't make his feel any better.
 "Angelique."
"Master Barnabas." Angelique nodded shortly and turned to leave.
"Angelique, stay."
"I'm busy."
"I insist you to stay here with me for while. I need to talk to you."
"I have nothing to say." Angelique said and looked at him coldly. "You wasn't there for me when I needed comfort... Why I should be here for you now? We both know I'm not just a maid for you. Don't make this any worse."
Barnabas sighed, "I know... You may go."
Angelique nodded.
Barnabas watched as she go and left back to his room.
   Not very long after this, Barnabas met another young woman: Josette DuPres, who was pure and innocent daydreamer. Hopelessly romantic and idealistic Josette was easy for Barnabas to charm, promising his forever lasting love.
 When Angelique got to know about this, her world shattered to pieces. All her dreams, her hope, her love and her heart were broken. She made her mind to make Barnabas feel the same pain she felt, by cursing Josette to death.
Knowing he would follow Josette, she decided to make him unable to die.
 As her anger took over her, she got everyone against Barnabas. Showing people what he had become. Naturally people wanted to get rid of such a monster, and Barnabas was locked into coffin and buried to the ground.
This was when Angelique decided to leave Collinwood, and destroy everything that was left of Collins family. Time to time she may have missed Barnabas, his gentle touch and loving whispers, but then the memory of the pain when he told her he didn't love her, took over and her anger just kept growing.
 She didn't thought, even in her wildest dreams that she could have someday meet him again. But it took no less than couple centuries, until she heard news that made her stop.
  It can't be anyone else but... Barnabas Collins

Surprises

 Angelique was becoming restless. Barnabas wasn't talked to her ever since their first dancing lesson, and she highly feared he wouldn't keep his promise to meet her again. Now that she had got bit taste for that what kind of lover Barnabas would be, she had unbearable desire to get him for herself.
 No man would ever satisfy her like Barnabas could. No one would make her feel like this. Her damaged heart longed to be his, her lonely soul called his to join her. Yet he seemed to forget his promise to her.
 "Bouchard!" She heard old Johnson call her.
She sighed and came out of her small room, "Yes?"
Old man came and took tight hold of her arm. "We got new kid here." He said and pointed young blond man, "You show him the place"
"Get your dirty hands off my arm and I will." Angelique hissed.
Old man let go of her and Angelique stepped towards new man. "I'm Angelique Bouchard."
"Antonio" Young man smiled and hold out his hand.
Angelique shake his hand shortly and lead him to hallway, "What is ordered to be your responsibility?"
"I'm here to take care of horses and garden work." Antonio answered.
Angelique smiled, "Lucky you, you'll get to be out all day"
"I very much like taking care of that kind of works." Antonio nodded.
Angelique got serious and turned to look at him, "Here is some rules you must keep in mind: Servants are allowed to have one glass of water and piece of toast in morning. Next time we get something to eat, is afternoon when host family has finished their dinner. Then we can eat what's left. And before we go to sleep, we get another glass of water and piece of toast. If you take anything without permission, it leads to that you will be punished. And worse case, not allowed to eat anything for week. Do you understand?"
Antonio looked down, "Yes, I understand."
Angelique smiled to encourage him, "You'll learn soon, and when you get used to it, it's not that difficult."
Antonio smiled a bit, "I guess"
"You know your duties for the day?"
"Yes"
"Then we both better go to work, or we get punishments"
    When servants were in kitchen, having their water and toast for the night,
 they all got surprised when they heard footsteps coming towards kitchen.
All of them stand up and were ready to greet whoever was coming.
 "Angelique Bouchard!"
Angelique looked up and saw Barnabas's father standing front of them.
"Yes my lord?" She said, trying to sound brave.
"My son is in need of your help, and yours only. He insisted that only you would be sended to help him."
Angelique quickly drink down her water and left her food and left. Hurrying to Barnabas's room.
She knock couple times and waited for answer. Instead, Barnabas came behind her and wrap his arms around her waist behind.
Angelique hold back scream and turned around.
"Master Barnabas, you scared me."
"Not my attention, I swear it." He smiled and kissed her lips lighltly. "I have a surprise for you."
Angelique blinked few times. "I thought you already surprised me."
"Oh yes, but I have better surprise waiting for you." Barnabas said and took hold of her hand, leading her to one of the quest rooms and locked the door.
Angelique looked at the door bit worriedly, "Why did you lock it?"
Barnabas smiled her gently, "Just so no one bother us."
"Oh, alright." Angelique looked around the room and wrap her arms around her stomach.
Barnabas watched her for while and came to her, "Have you read the book I gave to you?"
Angelique stopped and turned to face him, "Yes."
"Do you like it?"
"Very much."
Barnabas smiled and took her hand in his own, kissed it and lead her to sit down on small couch.
He settle down tray of all kind of fruits and cream to the table. "This is for you"
Angelique looked at him eyes wide, "For me?"
"Yes my dear, for you. Hopefully you like it."
Angelique nodded, so touched of that he thought of her, she couldn't find words.
Barnabas took piece of apple and dipped it on cream before offering it to Angelique to take a bite.
Angelique bite the apple piece and licked the cream off her lips.
Barnabas smiled to her expression, "Have you enough to eat lately?"
He asked while he took another fruit and dipped it to cream, holding it for Angelique.
She nodded and allowed him to feed her.
"Good. I had long conversation with my parents about it. They got slightly suspicious why I all of sudden cared of our servants well being, but I got to remind them that good master always take care of servants health."
Angelique smiled, "You are brilliant master, Barnabas. Thank you."
"I didn't want to get you in any sort of trouble, so I waited for while until meeting you again." Barnabas said and looked bit shamed of himself. "I'm sorry I didn't sent you any message of this and only let you wait."
Angelique felt her heart start beating faster, he was sorry for not seeing her?
"I've been quite busy myself as well. Time fly when I have a lot to do."
"Then it is good time for you to get yourself little spoiled." Barnabas smiled and wipe cream from her lips, "Come."
"Where?"
Barnabas took her hand and lead her to small bathroom.
He filled bath tub with hot water that smelled slightly like flower.
Angelique looked at him questioning look in her eyes.
Barnabas smiled, "Roses my dear. Does good for your skin." He turned to face her and placed his hand to her cheek, looking deep in her eyes.
Angelique hold her breath, desperately wishing he would kiss her.
"So beautiful... " Barnabas whispered, caressing her cheek.
Angelique blinked and stayed still as he run his hand down her neck, to her shoulders and slowly opened her dress. She helped him to get her corset and rest of her clothes off.
Barnabas blinked and looked at her amazed by her beauty.
She hold her breath, afraid of that he didn't find her so desirable as she thought of him. Finally he took her hand and helped her into bath tub.
As Angelique looked into water, she saw small pieces of roses. She lean back to the bath tub and relaxed, as Barnabas knelt down next to the tub and gently rub her arms. She took hold of his hand and placed it on her chest, over her heart.
She could easily see how his eyes darkened with desire.
"Join me, Barnabas." She said, giving him seductive look with her eyes.
Powerless to resist her charms, he undressed and came into bath tub as well.
Angelique placed her hands on his shoulders, running them down his chest as he groaned and closed his eyes. She smiled to his reaction and kissed his neck, which caused him to wrap his arms around her waist and pulling her closer.
Barnabas let out restless sigh and kissed her passionately, caressing her waist. She moaned, pressing herself against him.
"Angelique... " Barnabas broke their kiss.
Angelique gave him questioning look, trying to hide her fear that he didn't want her after all.
Barnabas caressed her skin and looked into her eyes, admirig her goddess-like figure. "This was meant for you to help you relax." He said breathlessly.
"I'm spoiled."Angelique smiled and kissed him.
Barnabas smiled, kissing her lightly back. "Shall we go to somewhere more comfortable?"
Angelique catched his point and got up, wrapping towel around her. Barnabas took his towel and lead her to the large bed.
"Angelique, are you sure you-"
"Shh" Angelique placed her finger to his lips. "I love you Barnabas."
Barnabas looked at her surprised, "My dear, I-"
Angelique cut his answer off by dropping the towel and pulling him closer.
He simply couldn't resist her and pushed her gently to lay down on bed.
She wrapped her legs around his body as she run her hands down his back, caressing his skin.
Allowing her to tease him like this for while, Barnabas groaned, taking hold of her wrists and kissed her deeply. Causing Angelique whimper slightly, holding him with her legs tigter. He caressed her hips, kissing her body and admired her beauty. But for Angelique it was much more. She loved everything he said or did. He was her god, everything she needed, everything she loved.
 "I love you.." She said helplessly, needing him to show her he felt same way. As a man, she knew he won't probably be able to say it yet, but she needed even some prove he felt something for her.
 Barnabas smiled to her gently and kissed her, "Shh, my dearest, we need no words."
She answered his smile as she felt his hand wander down her body. She bite her lip for small flash of pain, but it disappeared fast and she was overwhelmed with joy and pleasure of knowing he was there with her, feeling same passion for her as she felt for him.
As he moved faster she found herself totally lost in her love for him, moaning softly and encouraging him to go on.
 When she cried out, he gave her soft kiss like apologize to her.
She caressed his cheek and smiled to him.
"Why are you crying my dear?" Barnabas asked slightly worried.
"Because I love you so much... "Angelique answered weakly. She pulled him against her again, "I've never been so happy, as I'm now."
Barnabas smiled and turned her atop of him, "I take your tears of happiness as a gift Angelique. If you take my affections in return"
 Angelique nodded and kissed him.
"rest now my dear."Barnabas kissed her lightily. "No one will bother us tomorrow until much later. You are safe here."
 "Are you going to leave me?"
"No. I could not."
Angelique smiled and rest her head against his chest, falling asleep happier than she had ever been. And for first time in her life, she didn't see nightmares.

Once upon a time...

  It was 1760 when Collins family decided to leave from Liverpool, making sure they didn't take anything with them what they wouldn't surely need.
 This meant naturally that, not all Collins family servats were allowed to come.
Young Angelique, and her mother, was one of those who were in danger to be left in Liverpool, wandering streets homeless, hoping to find new home.
 Three days before leaving, youngest of Collins family, Barnabas, was out very late. Worrying what has happened to her son, Barnabas's mother sent fer servants to look for him.
 Angelique heard of what was happened and run out to look for her youngest master. Very little she knew of the youngest member of Collins family, but she knew very well what he looked like. Running down the streets she kept looking around, hoping to find young Barnabas before others.
  For her luck, she heard familiar voice screaming help from beach near by.
She run to the beach, finding little boy who had hurt his ankle badly and Barnabas Collins himself keeping company for the boy.
 Angelique looked at Barnabas for while, stand straigh and kept her hands behind her back; "Young master Barnabas." She said in her strong French accent, trying her best to speak clearly and not mix French words in her speech.
"Yes" Barnabas asked and looked at couple years younger girl with slightly sad look in his eyes. He didn't know even her name, and he had lived in same house with her ever since she was born. Now this poor girl had to work all day when he could sit in his room reading or be out playing.
"Your mother is very worried..."Angelique said and stopped to think right words to sound proper, "You should come home now."
Barnabas nodded, "Yes, of course... but my friend Thomas-"
Angelique took hold of Barnabas's hand and looked into his eyes, "I stay and help. You must go home."
Barnabas looked at his friend and then back to Angelique, "What is your name?" He asked.
"Angelique Bouchard, young master Barnabas." Angelique answered.
"Angel..." Barnabas whispered.
Angelique looked at him, "Ce que vous avez dit ?" She asked and shake her head then, "I'm so sorry, I-"
Barnabas stoppped her by placing his hand to her shoulder, "Je l'ai dit, vous êtes l'Ange"
Angelique blushed and looked down. "Thank you. Master Barnabas."
Barnabas nodded, "As you said, I should be going home. I trust you to take good care of my friend."
"Of course. I will"
"I'm terribly busy last days here, but you can tell me everything what happened here when we get into the ship. Alright?"
Angelique looked away. "I am not leaving with you..."
Barnabas looked at her eyes wide. "Whyever not? You must come."
Angelique looked at him, "Your parents take only those they need. I'm too young to work as hard as they need me to."
Barnabas stand straight, "I will insist them to take you with us. There I will have no friends, and I most definitely need someone of my own age to practise dancing with me." He stepped closer to her and whispered: "Do you know how to dance?"
Angelique tried not to laugh, "Of course I know."
Barnabas smiled, "Perfect. Then I must have you with me in new land."
Angelique smiled back to him, "Sounds great."
Barnabas nodded his good bye and run back home as Angelique looked after him as long as she was able to see him, until turned to see the boy who was sitting in the ground.
"Do you speak French?"
Boy shake his head.
Angelique sighed, "This will be difficult."
         Couple days later Collins family took all they needed and prepared to leave Liverpool.
Barnabas was already spoke to his mother about allowing Angelique to come, and trusted her power to make his father change his mind.
 "Barnabas, come here my boy" Barnabas heard his father calling.
"Yes father?"
"After considering your suggest to take young Miss Bouchard with us, I have decided to..."
"Decided what father? Can she come?"
His father smiled, "Of course she can. You thought very wisely my boy, we didn't remember that you indeed need partner to practise proper dancing. It is very important if we think of your future. Balls are exellent way to meet fine ladies, and to charm one, you must have perfect manners, and good dancing skills."
Barnabas smiled, "Thank you father."
   As they were on their way to the ship, Barnabas saw Angelique just once. He smiled to her and kept going, hoping that he might meet her sometime during their trip, but Angelique was not allowed to join her host family's company.
 
 It took no less than 15 years, as Collins family build their home and town around it. Now 25 years old, youngest master of Collinwood, was well aware of his responsibility of making sure he found good wife. This was proven to be great challenge, and he feared that his simple curiousity would lead to unfortunate marriage, he run to his old childhood friend Angelique hoping her to help him.
    Angelique was in dinin room, cleaning the table when she heard someone coming. She quickly turned around and kept her hands behind her back, looking down. "Excuse me, I have not known the room was needed so soon. I am nearly ready." She said.
She heard footsteps coming closer and she hold her breath, she was surely in trouble now.
"Angelique? It is you..."
She looked up and saw him. Barnabas Collins. The very man who haunted her dreams.
Barnabs stand where he was, amazed by her natural beauty even she was wearing old, bit dirty dress. Though he shouldn't have been surprised, she was cute girl years ago, of course she would be lovely looking woman now.
"Master Barnabas." Angelique said breathlessly, "I did not know you was coming. I wasn't told that you need the dining room, I thought I had time to clean it and, and- "She looked down, "I'm sorry."
Barnabas placed his hand gently under her chin and made her look into his eyes, "I didn't come here because I needed this room, I came to find you."
Angelique looked at him eyes wide, "Excuse me?"
"I need your help."
"My help?"
"Yes... I don't know what to do. I have to, most regretably so, admit I have no one single idea how to please women, let alone charm them." Barnabas sighed heavily.
Angelique tried not to laugh, "Oh no worries master Barnabas, by what I have heard, you are very wanted man."
Barnabas looked at her, "How do you know such thing?"
"I go to the town every Friday to help cook to get all needed. I just happened to hear some girls talking"
"Hm" Barnabas nodded and looked at her while thinking.
"Oh no!" Angelique said and quickly keps cleaning the table, "I can't just stand here without doing anything."
Barnabas blinked in surprise and came to her, taking hold of her wrist to stop her. "I command you to leave this duty to someone else and come me with me now."
Angelique turned to look at him, "Come with you?" Her heart skipped a beat as she thought of that.
"Yes." Barnabas said and smiled, "I need practise dancing."
Angelique smiled as well and nodded, "Of course, master Barnabas."
 "Come, I shall tell my parents to sent someone else finish the work here." Barnabas said and lead Angelique to his fathers working room.
"Barnabas, come in my son." His father smiled when he heard knock from the door.
"I have freed Angeli- I mean, Miss Bouchard from her duty to clean dinin room and all other duties she has for today. I need her help to practise dancing." Barnabas said.
His father nodded, "Of course son, of course. I sent Mrs. Brown to take care of rest work."
"Thank you." Barnabas nodded and lead Angelique to his room.
Angelique looked around. Her heart beat two times faster than usually. She had dreamed of being alone with Barnabas for years now, never getting chance for it, and now when she had already nearly given up all hope, he came to find her.
 Barnabas settle down his cane and turned to look Angelique, stopping for while just to follow how this beautiful creature wandered around his room like it was most exciting wonderland to her. He smiled as Angelique stopped to see some of his books.
"Poetry."
"I'm sorry." Angelique asked and automatically step back, leaving the book where it was like she didn't even touch it.
 Barnabas came to her and take the book she had looked. "Do you like poetry?"
Angelique looked down, "I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have touch anything. I promise it won't happen again."
Now Barnabas understood, she feared to do any mistakes. Blindly believing she didn't have right to do anything, she through h was angry for her.
 He offered te book for her, "You may consider this as a gift. Keep it."
Angelique looked at him totally surprised, "E-excuse me?"
He smiled gently and took hold of her hand, placing the book in her hand, "It's my gift for you. It's yours now."
Angelique looked at the book and then back to Barnabas, blinking her eyes to fight back tears. "Thank you." She said so quietly, he hardly heard her.
He placed his hand to her cheek, "You welcome, Angelique."
She hold the book against her chest and Barnabas noticed nasty bruises she had on her wrist. He reach out to touch her hand and she step back.
"What is happened to your hands?" Barnabas asked.
Angelique settle the book down next to his cane and hold her hands behind her back."Am I suposed to help you learn dance?"
Barnabas narrowed his eyes and took hold of Angeliques arms, "Why you have so terrible bruises on your hands?"
Angelique kept her eyes tightly closed and bite her lip. Just now Barnabas noticed her whole body was shaking with fear.
He rub her arms gently, "Angelique, my dear, talk to me."
Angelique opened her teary eyes and looked into his eyes, "I was punished"
"Whyever would you be punished?"
"I took few glass of water without permission! It was terribly hot day and I wasn't allowed to eat... I thought no one noticed but Johnson saw me. Now I have three more days to wait until I'm allowed to eat again."
Barnabas listened her in shock, he had no idea that servants life was that terrible even his father always said it was good masters responsibility to make sure servants stayed healthy.
"But, you cannot survive so long without anything to eat, to drink... When have you eaten last time?"
"Couple of days ago... I get one glass of water in morning and one in evening."
"That is not right... No, you deserve more than that. What about your hands? Where those bruises came from?"
"It's part of my punishment. I had to hold out my hands so they hit me ten times to my fingers with stick... "
Barnabas shake his head, "I cannot believe this..."
Angelique quickly took his hands in her own. "Please master Barnabas, do not tell anyone I have told you, I beg you"
"Shh, don't worry my dear." Barnabas looked into her eyes. "Here is what we will do. I will take care of these bruises, we shall have some tea and something to eat, then we will practise rest of the day."
Angelique shake her head, looking totally frightened. "No, I would get in trouble, I cannot accept that."
Barnabas placed his finger to her lips, "I command you to let me take care of these bruises and I insist you to join me for tea afterwards."
Angelique looked into his eyes and smiled a little. "Of course, master Barnabas"
Barnabas leaded her to sit down on his bed and took better look of her bruises.
Angelique watched him admiring his every move, worshiping his very being, gentle touches and charming, friendly smiles.
"There, how are you feeling now?"
Angelique blinked to wake up from her dreams and smiled weakly, "I'm... I haven't been better for long time. Thank you"
Barnabas smiled and hold out his hand, "Shall we go have some tea?"
Angelique hesitated for while and gave her hand to him, "Yes, I suppose we shall."
 Barnabas had some tea and little snacks served for them. He took his tea cup and pushed the tray towards Angelique.
She took her tea cup and took a sip.
Barnabas could swear to god she has burned her mouth with the tea, and smell of food made her stomach grumble so badly he felt sorry for her even more. Still she remained totally controlled, sipping her tea lightly and look around like trying desperately find something to talk about.
"Angelique"
She turned to look at him."Yes, master Barnabas?"
"Eat. I am not hungry for one bit, I ate very well only around hour or two ago."
Angelique looked at the tray with few different kind of cookies and couple toast. She bite her lip, "I... I should not accept this. I'm not suffered my punis-"
"Stop it!"
Angelique wince and nearly dropped her tea cup. She settle it down to the table and looked down. "I'm so sorry."
Barnabas sighed and reached out his hand to take hold of her hand. "Angelique, look at me."
She looked up to his eyes again and he smiled her gently,"I'm sorry I scared you so, my dear, but you must eat. Whoever has made this silly rule that you could not eat, I now command you over this person. And I insist you to eat this food now."
"It was your mother..." She whispered helplessly.
"Then I will talk to her, but now, please my dear, eat."
Angelique was so touched by his words, and his ever gentle touches, that tears fall down her cheeks.
Barnabas placed his hand to her cheek, catching her tear. "Why are you crying?"
Angelique smiled weakly. "You're too kind to me... I'm just a slave"
"Maid." Barnabas corrected. "And good master always make sure his servants remain healthy."
Angelique nodded, "Maid... Of course."
Barnabas offered her the tray and she took toast. He didn't allow her to stop before her stomach stopped grumble so much.
 "Now, shall we dance?" He asked.
Angelique, who looked much heathier and more energic now, nodded her head, "Yes, lets dance."
Barnabas placed his hand to her waist and took gentle hold of her hand.
"Be warned my dear, I am not good dancer"
"You will be." Angelique said.
After many hours of dancing, they sit down on Barnabas's bed, both laughing.
"You must teach me soon again. Last dance surely did not go as well as I wished"
Barnabas said.
Angelique nodded, "Of course. But you are fast learner."
"I definitely learn from the best."
"I.. I think I should go... "
"Don't forget your book"
"No, I wouldn't... Thank you."
Barnabas stand up to go to the door to open it for her, but she didn't move.
"Are you alright, Angelique?"
"Yes, I am." She stand up and looked into his eyes.
For moment of studying her beautiful eyes, he suggenly placed his hands on her waist and kissed her, causing her let out soft moan and wrap her arms around him.
She run her hands down his back and pulled him closer. He groaned, gently pushing her back to his bed to lay down.
Angelique was first who break their passionate kiss to catch her breath.
"What if your parent-"
"Shh" Barnabas said and kissed her again, caressing her delicate body under his.
She whimpered slightly, pulling him tighter against her.
The sound of his mothers voice of soft singing made them stop.
They both hold their breath until none of them heard her anymore.
Angelique looked up to his eyes longingly, "What do we do?"
Barnabas kissed her quickly one last time and got up, holding his hand for her to help her up as well. "We'll meet next time in your chamber... If.. If you want, that is."
Angelique smiled. "Of course."
Barnabas smiled to her, "Until next time then."
Angelique nodded, took her book and left. She looked at the book, feeling happier than she had ever felt before. As soon as she got into her room, she read first few pages of the book.