The unexpected knock on the front door caused Joshua Collins to pause on his way into the drawing room. He glanced around, knowing the servants were never around when needed, and crossed the foyer to open the door. A startled intake of breath was his reaction when he saw who the caller was.

"... Madame. I did not expect to ever see you again."

"Nor I you, Joshua, but time and distance let me see I did not wish to part on such... antagonistic terms. May I come in?"

Collins nodded once and stood aside to allow Natalie into the house. He closed the door and studied Natalie a long moment. He was pleased to see her and had been very unhappy with the way they had parted. He would not say so aloud, but he had missed her presence in his house, in his life when he'd thought her permanently gone. She had brought a bit of color and energy into a house that was devoid of everything but sorrow. Joshua would admit only to himself that he had begun to feel comfortable with Natalie as a part of his life... had begun to regret he would never again know her passion and fire. Swallowing, then taking a deep breath, Joshua met Natalie's gaze.

"I was about to have some brandy. Would you care to join me?"

"Yes, thank you."

She followed him into the study and waited patiently until Joshua handed the drink to her. After a sip or two, Natalie took a deep breath.

"I have had a great deal of time to think the past two days. Joshua, I am more convinced than ever that our suspicions about the cause of our behavior were correct - that we have been the victims of witchcraft."

Collins was about to vehemently deny such a thing, in no uncertain terms, but thought better of it. He himself had asked Natalie if that were a possibility, and he sighed silently. Joshua met her gaze and nodded once, indicating she should continue.

"How do you know?"

"I have no proof or evidence that could be presented in court, Joshua, but I have questioned a known, unwilling accomplice of the witch."

"Stokes?"

"Stokes. I know you have doubted his word in the past, Joshua..."

"That was before... before I knew the truth of Barnabas' fate and who cursed him; before I came to accept such a heinous act could be performed in the false name of love."

Joshua spat the words out, his incredulous knowledge still difficult for him to fully understand. He shook his head and sipped his brandy in an effort to calm himself.

"I have come to realize Ben Stokes is a man... I have judged too harshly. Along with many other things, I have come to know Ben Stokes as a reliable, trustworthy and honorable man. His loyalty to this family, to my son, is unquestionable. What did he tell you?"

Natalie shook her head and slowly sat down on the sofa.

"He was unable to actually tell me anything about the witch, Joshua."

"Yes, Barnabas told me of her control over the man; her ability to strike him mute if he tried to implicate her in any way. A thoroughly cowardly thing to do, and one which should not surprise me at all."

It was clear to Natalie that Joshua was very, very angry with Angelique, and not inclined to forgive her deeds against his son, against his family. She nodded sympathetically.

"Even though Ben was verbally prevented from answering my questions, I was able to confirm our suspicions through a series of carefully worded inquiries. Ben could of course not tell me the reasons for what was forced upon us both, but it is not difficult to reach a reasonable conclusion."

"Agreed. The witch wanted revenge upon us for some act or acts she saw as a transgression against her. No doubt the fact we treated her as the servant she was is cause enough in her mind, and what better way to make us both... uncomfortable than to force us into actions we never desired and shall regret for the rest of our lives."

Joshua took another sip from his drink, unaware Natalie had not readily agreed with him. She watched him a long moment, considering her next words. She had to tell him, for he would say nothing. She had to make the first move otherwise her return to Collinwood had been for naught.

"That is not entirely true, Joshua."