Part 53 (2/2)

”I guess I fell asleep. I had one h.e.l.l of a nightmare, too. All about Judah Zachary and Roger -” His voice stilled as he saw the looks on their faces. ”It - wasn't a nightmare, was it?”

”No. It wasn't. Angelique, you'd better call Julia and find out about Roger. Tell her to meet us over at the Old House after sunrise for the full story.”

Quentin looked a little shame-faced. ”I'm not sure how you can keep from punching me out, Cousin, after everything I've done.”

”It wasn't you, Quentin. It was Judah Zachary.”

”Yes.” As if remembering something, he looked down at his hands. ”You - ?”

”Of course. I don't think it would be easy to explain your suddenly aging thirty years to the family.”

”No. It wouldn't be. Thank you.” He could sense the change in his cousin, but knew that his mind wasn't clear enough to ask the questions he wanted to ask and be able to understand the answers.

Angelique returned from the telephone, taking Barnabas' arm. ”Roger's completely recovered, and Julia will be calling the main part of the house in a few minutes to let them know. She's going to release him as soon as possible.”

”Then shall we go so we can be there to help celebrate the good news? Quentin?”

”Right behind you, Cousin.”

Elizabeth was ecstatic when Julia called. ”I'll have to call Maggie and have her bring the children home. We have to celebrate this evening. You and Angelique will be here, won't you, Barnabas?”

He looked down at his wife. ”We wouldn't miss it, Elizabeth. Now, if you will excuse us, Angelique and I have an appointment to keep.EPILOGUE.Barnabas clasped Angelique's hand tightly as the first rays of the sun became visible on the horizon. They were both silent until that golden orb bathed them in its warm glow.

Watching him, Angelique smiled. ”Happy?”

”I'm happier than I ever thought possible. Because you're here to share it with me.”

”It's a new day, Barnabas.”

”A new beginning,” he said. ”For all of us.”

THE END.

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