Secret Hearts and Paper Admirers
by Sharon 

Author's note: I'd like to express my appreciation to Michelle (aka Luciaphil) for her kind permission to use her characters, Richard Hadley and Gertie Spence, and for her help in keeping those characters true to their literary personalities.

The story takes place in a time period that never really happened on DS.

**********

"Oh, Maggie", David complained, his face drawn in a pouty scowl. "Making paper Valentines is for girls! Besides, only little kids make Valentines. I'm too old for this sissy stuff!" He folded his arms in front of him in defiance and to punctuate the word, "sissy".

"Come on, David", chirped Amy. "It will be fun to make Valentines to give to all the people who are special to us." She was already cutting a very large heart from an even larger piece of red construction paper.

"See, Maggie? That's what I mean! Cutting out Valentine hearts is for girls!" David continued to plead his case. "Let me do something else for my art lesson, please?"

Maggie, although amused, was not to be deterred or fooled by David's now innocent and sad-eyed face.

"No, David, part of our lesson is to learn to show appreciation for those people who are important in our lives----the people who care about you, and whom you care about."

"Aw, Maggie, Aunt Liz knows I love her already, " David whined.

"And how often do you tell her this, David?", Maggie prodded.

David squirmed uncomfortably. "I don't know.....she just knows, and I don't need to glue some old glitter on some stupid paper heart to show her!" David was again assuming his pouty, defiant posture.

"I'm making my Valentines for Chris and all the wonderful people I've met since I came to live at Collinwood, " Amy announced brightly.

David gave her a resentful sidelong glance. 'Girls', he thought. Amy was more interesting when she was still possessed by Quentin. Now she was back to being all frills and lace and sickeningly grateful and cooperative!

"Well, David, I want you to make a list of the people in your life who need to be told that you appreciate them. Then you'll join Amy in making Valentines for them." Maggie smiled at David, but her never wavering gaze told David he had lost the battle for a different art project.

"Hey, Maggie," Amy exclaimed. "Maybe Mrs. Johnson could make a cake, and we could have a party and give everyone our Valentines!"

Maggie seemed pleased with Amy's suggestion and said she would have to ask Mrs. Stoddard about it. David groaned and put his head in his hands. He was trapped by sentimental girls!

**********

Two days before Valentine's Day found David still stalling Maggie and looking for plausible excuses for not making his Valentines. Amy was lagging behind schedule only because her list of objects of her affection was growing daily. Maggie found it challenging to try and convince Amy her list was long enough and to "encourage" David to add to his list of one name.

"David," Maggie pleaded. "Surely you can think of more people who would enjoy receiving a Valentine card from you than just your Aunt Elizabeth!"

"Aw, Maggie," David wailed. "I can't think of anything to say! I told you this was stupid!"

"David, you know your family loves you and would be very touched to receive a card from you. And what about people like Mrs. Johnson or Dr. Hoffman?"

A familiar rich female voice could be heard from the foyer. "What about Dr. Hoffman?," Julia smiled at them as she entered the Drawing Room.

A disgruntled David was staring down at the blank construction paper before him. "Nothing, Dr. Hoffman," he mumbled.

"Oh, look, Dr. Hoffman," squeaked Amy. "We're making Valentines for all the special people we love."

Now David came to life. "Oh, great, Amy, now you've ruined the surprise! Thanks a lot. Leave it to a girl!"

Julia chuckled at this scene of "domestic tranquility". "Well, I'll leave you two artisans to your work. It looks like you have your hands full with this project, Maggie." Julia turned to leave; giving them a friendly wave.

Julia started to climb the stairs when she was stopped by a knock at the door. She was startled to see a very long, white box decorated with a bright, red bow held by an older, teenaged boy with long, unkempt hair.

"Uh, like, uh, does Julia Hoffman live here?", the boy asked.

Still shocked, Julia stared at him and ventured, "Yes, I'm Julia Hoffman."

"Well, these, uh, are for you." He thrust the box into her hands almost before she could take it, and he held out his hand; waiting for a tip.

Julia was so flustered; she didn't realize the delivery boy expected her to give him something, too; and, in a daze, she closed the door in his face.

Muttering unflattering epithets concerning Julia's parentage, the boy stalked away.

Julia placed the box on the foyer table and excitedly tore away the ribbon. Inside the box lay 2 dozen of the most exquisite, long-stemmed roses she had ever seen. Julia gasped, and said aloud, "What on earth?" Maggie and the children hurried into the foyer to see what had happened. Maggie and Amy gasped, too, at the sight of the beautiful flowers. David's interest was sparked as well, and he excitedly asked, "Who sent you those flowers, Dr. Hoffman?"

Julia scoured through the box to find the card which would tell her the identity of the sender. It was hidden beneath the flowers. Julia tried not to act too eager as she scooped up the card to read it. She frowned a bit, though, because the card was typed, and all it said was, "From an admirer."

Amy piped in, "Yes, who is it, Dr. Hoffman? Who sent them?"

Julia continued to look puzzled and said, "I'm not sure. The card just says, 'From an admirer'."

Maggie suggested that Julia look for a card from the florist's shop for a clue. But Julia could not find any such card.

Just then Elizabeth and Carolyn entered the foyer from the hall. Seeing everyone gathered in the foyer, Liz asked, "What is going on here? What's all the excitement?"

Carolyn was already peering in the box and fingering the velvet texture of the roses. "Ooh, Julia", she purred. "These are absolutely gorgeous! Who could have sent them?", she added with a sly smile.

Julia could feel herself getting flushed, and she looked down so as not to betray her embarrassment. "The card only says, 'From an admirer'. I don't know who sent them."

"I think it's Cousin Barnabas!", squawked David.

"DAVID!", chided Liz.

"Well, he's always hanging around Dr. Hoffman," David pouted.

"David, that's quite enough!"

Julia could feel the heat rising even further in her cheeks. 'Could it be possible that Barnabas had truly sent these flowers?'. She told herself it was preposterous, but who.....?

Carolyn and Maggie smiled at each other knowingly and nodded their agreement.

"Maybe they're from that Richard Hadley, Julia", offered Carolyn, unable to hide her grin. "After all, you have been out with him a few times lately."

"CAROLYN!", Liz said sharply. "You're as bad as David! It's none of our business who sent the flowers to Dr. Hoffman. Julia, please accept my apologies for the lack of manners in David and Carolyn." Liz gave Carolyn that "you should know better" look. Carolyn and Maggie struggled to suppress the snickers of laughter which threatened to bubble over their lips.

"That's alright, Elizabeth. I wonder who sent the flowers, too. Maybe I'll never know", Julia sighed. "But they are lovely. I think I'll take them up to my room where I can enjoy them."

"If you like, I'll send Mrs. Johnson up with a large vase."

Julia smiled as she inhaled the rich fragrance of the roses. "Thank you, Elizabeth. That would be very nice."


**********

In her room Julia admired and smelled the sweet aroma of the flowers as she pondered the mystery of the day. Twisting one of the roses in her hands, she wondered, 'Could Barnabas have really sent these flowers? But, why, and why now? Valentine's Day?', Julia laughed. The thought was ludicrous, but the thought of any other men she knew was just as far-fetched. 'Elliott?', she asked herself. 'No.' And the notion of Richard Hadley-----well, 'I hope not', Julia thought. Julia laughed again as she added Willie to her mental list. 'Now that was a ridiculous thought!' She then decided to really stretch the realms of possibility. 'Roger?' Julia smiled to herself as she shook her head a definite, 'NO'. The new stylist at the hair dresser? 'Uh, no, I'm definitely not his type!' Then Julia had a frightening as well as humorous idea--'What if Nicholas Blair were back and sent these flowers? Oh, Lord, please, no!'

That last thought clouded Julia's mood, and she sighed; putting down the now drooping stem. How she wished with all her heart that Barnabas was indeed responsible for the flowers! She began to hope that he was, and then she decided to follow through on that hope. She got the phone book from her desk and, smiling at her plan, reached for the phone.

~~~*~~~

Elizabeth was enjoying some quiet time with a book in the Drawing Room when she heard a sharp rapping on the front door. Much to her surprise, she opened the door to find a huge bouquet of flowers standing before her. The bouquet had two denim-clad legs ending in snow-covered boots. A face appeared around the bouquet and cheerfully inquired, "Are you Elizabeth Stoddard?" A stunned Liz replied, "Yes, yes, I am."

"These are for you, ma'am." The delivery man brought the flowers in, and, at Liz's direction, placed them on the foyer table. Before she could respond, he had disappeared through the front door, closing it as he went.

Now it was Elizabeth's turn to be shocked. The bouquet covered half the table and consisted of red and white carnations and red roses sprinkled with baby's breath. The sweet fragrance was already filling the foyer. Elizabeth searched for the florist's card, and like Julia, all she could find was a card that said, "Happy Valentine's Day, an admirer." 'Who could have done this', Liz thought.

Mrs. Johnson came into the foyer as Elizabeth was reading the sender's card.

"Oh, Mrs. Stoddard! What a beautiful floral arrangement! Did you get this for a special centerpiece for the dining room?"

When Elizabeth did not readily respond, Mrs. Johnson became worried. "Mrs. Stoddard, are alright?"

Stirred from her musings, Elizabeth replied. "Why, Mrs. Johnson. These flowers just arrived----for me, of all things!"

Mrs. Johnson was equally intrigued. "Really, who sent them to you?"

Liz shook her head. "I don't know. And the truly odd part is that just this morning Dr. Hoffman received flowers from an anonymous person, too!"

"Really? Dr. Hoffman got flowers? Maybe Mr. Barnabas sent them to her."

"Mrs. Johnson," Liz rebuked her. "I hardly think that is any of your concern!"

"But, Mrs. Stoddard, isn't it strange that you both got flowers from some unknown person on the same day?"

Liz had to agree. "Well, yes, Mrs. Johnson, it is very strange indeed."

"Shall I have these put in the Drawing Room, Mrs. Stoddard?"

"No, I think I like your idea of putting them in the dining room. Let's put them in there, Mrs. Johnson."

*******

Julia was frustrated in her attempts to play Sam Spade. She slammed down the receiver on the phone's cradle as she hit another dead end in her calls to all the florists within 50 miles of Collinsport. No one knew anything about her flowers nor the elusive "admirer".

'Of course,' Julia thought. 'If I did something like that, wouldn't I swear the florist to secrecy? Perhaps even give the florist an extra tip to ensure that secrecy?'

A sneaky smile began to spread across Julia's face. 'Maybe Barnabas did send those roses. Even if he didn't, who cares? Maybe it's time I took a few steps toward becoming a "secret admirer", too.'

With a new plan and a new determination, Julia again reached for the phone.

******

Roger Collins sifted through the ever-growing mountain of papers that filled his "in" box. The snow had mounded over the bushes outside his window, blocking the view of the harbor. Ice crystals formed inside the window panes as steam from the radiator condensated on the glass and froze.

Roger threw down his pen and rubbed his bloodshot eyes. The work was tedious and wearisome. Roger blew out a loud sigh and rose from the desk. Just as he turned to the well-stocked bar in the corner, he was interrupted by the intercom.

"Mr. Collins, there's a delivery for you."

"Miss Higgins, you are quite aware that all deliveries are handled through the warehouse!"

"But, Mr. Collins, this is for you---something personal. Sir, it's----flowers!"

Roger put down the glass and leaned closer to the intercom. "Miss Higgins, did you say, 'Flowers'?" 

"Yes, sir--flowers," came the meek reply.

"Open the card and find out who sent them!"

"But, Mr. Collins, isn't that rather personal?"

"Oh, good....!" Roger jerked open the door to his office and quickly crossed to the receptionist's desk. He yanked the card from the flower bouquet and stared mutely as he read the typed inscription, "Happy Valentine's Day, from an admirer."

******

Julia clasped her hands on the desk in front of her in satisfaction. Her heart began to pound, too, as she realized she had just sent candy and flowers to Barnabas Collins! She began to panic as she questioned her own sanity to have done such a thing---even if anonymously. 'What will he think?', she wondered. 'Surely he will know!'

'OK, Julia, calm down,' she assured herself. 'You covered all the bases on this. You told the florist to not include their own address, you said to type the gift card, and you told them to send you the bill. Everything will be fine. He'll never really know unless you tell him!' Feeling more relaxed, Julia reached over to once again sit back and smell her roses.

*****

The Ellsworth main street florist was doing a brisk business; considering the fact Valentine's Day was the next day. Not only were customers lined up at the counter, but the phone orders were stacked several inches high. The proprietor had found it necessary to hire some temporary help, and it was one of these inexperienced clerks who was tackling the latest phone order.

"Hey, Mr. Payne. This order says to type out the gift card. How'm I supposed to do that?"

"Oh, give that one to Peggy. She'll take care of the card, and be sure to send that one a bill. That order's not gonna be cheap, and I want my money!"

With those instructions the clerk affixed the blank gift cards to the candy and the flowers and passed them onto Peggy's desk along with the invoice and a note that stated, "Send Bill."

~~~*~~~

Willie was stoking the fire in the Drawing Room for the umpteenth time that day. Willie had gone through so many cords of wood this winter trying to keep the Old House above freezing, even he was beginning to think about the cost. This was one of many times Willie wished that Barnabas would consent to some modern additions to the house. Ambience and nostalgia were one thing, but hypothermia was quite another! Willie blew on his hands and held them closer to the blazing flames in the fireplace.

Several raps at the door drew his attention. Willie knew Barnabas would be out most of the evening, and Barnabas would not knock anyway. Shrugging his shoulders, Willie walked to the front door.

There in the snow stood a large, stocky man holding a vase of red and yellow roses and what must have been a 5 pound, heart-shaped box of candy.

"Hey, mac, anybody here named 'BILL'?"

"What? What are ya talkin' about?", stuttered a stunned Willie.

"Says here, 'Send to Bill'. This the Old House; is that what they call it?"

Willie was still shocked. "Well, yeh, this is the Old House. 'Bill'? There ain't nobody here named 'Bill'!" Willie's eyes lit up, and he snapped his fingers. "Hey, wait, maybe ya mean WILL. My name's Willie!"

"Yeh, that must be it. Well, here, these are for you then." The guy thrust the gifts at Willie and stood there expectantly.

Willie started to shut the door, when the delivery man stuck his foot in the opening. Holding out his hand the man said, "Hey, mac, aren't you forgetting something?"

Realizing what the guy meant, Willie put the gifts on the floor and pulled some money from his pocket. He pressed a few dollars into the man's hand, mumbled a "Thanks" and turned his attention to the candy and flowers.

'Who coulda sent me sumthin' like this?', Willie wondered. Looking among the branches of the bouquet, Willie found a card, type-written, that simply said, "From your secret admirer."

A wide grin began to spread Willie's lips. Then he began to chuckle, and the chuckle grew to a triumphant laugh.

"Ooh, Willie, boy, maybe ya haven't lost that old spark with the ladies after all!" He rubbed his hands together with glee, and he slapped his chest with Tarzan-like pride.

'Yes, siree, Willie, somebody out there must think yore quite the charmer.'

Willie's thoughts of how virile and stunning he must be were cut short when he realized he could not think of any woman who could have sent the candy and flowers.

He actually thought of Julia, but quickly dismissed the idea. 'Naah, if she sent anybody sumthin' like this, it would be Barnabas!'

There was that new waitress down at the Blue Whale. 'Yeh,' Willie proposed. 'She seemed to take a real likin' to me. Yeh, and she was real impressed when Barnabas let me use the LTD to take her to Bangor for dinner. And she knew how to show just how much she appreciated what ole Willie did for her!' Willie smoothed a hand through his hair as he reminisced about this particular 'admirer'.

But, then, a new idea came to Willie. What if the gifts weren't from what's her name? After all, she probably only makes a couple of bucks an hour. 'Naah, I must be crazy to think she could afford to send this kind of a Valentine.' Willie paced the floor in frustratioin. This was more of a mystery than he realized!

Willie suddenly stopped pacing and slapped a fist into his hand. "Hey, wait a minute! Wait---a---min-it! It must be MAGGIE! Sure, sure. Joe's gone; Sam's gone. She ain't got nobody now. Her and me, we've been friends since she came to Collinwood."

Willie snickered to himself. 'Yeh, Willie, my boy, you've come a long way since that day ya let old B-boy out of his coffin. Well, Maggie, my dear, just wait and see---ole Willie is a man who knows how to say 'thank ya'!"

**********

Roger easily maneuvered his sporty new Mustang through the snow-covered back roads that led from the cannery to town. The cherry red of the car contrasted sharply with the glistening, white crystals of snow reflected in the sunlight. Partly because he was in a hurry, and partly because he enjoyed showing off the agility of the sports car as it carromed off the snow drifts at each curve of the road, Roger drove a bit too fast for the road conditions. As he screeched into the parking lot of the public library, more than one bystander jumped from the street to the curb and offered Roger some colorful driving advice.

Roger strode briskly to the front desk of the library and waited for Gertie Spence to notice he was standing there. He tried to look nonchalant and tried to ignore the stares and whispers of the patrons who conjectured that "Mr. Collins" was at the library to check out much more than just a book!

Gertie continued to busy herself with the card catalog file. Roger was becoming impatient and was none too pleased with the ogling of the masses, so he drew himself up and loudly cleared his throat.

Gertie turned and gave Roger a slightly surprised, but insincere smile.

"Well, to what do I owe the honor, Mr., uh, Mr.,---I'm sorry, I don't' quite remember the name." Her "smile" was becoming closer to a frown.

"Come, now, Gertie," Roger said in a hushed voice. "You know I had a very good reason for missing our--date--last week. You realize I have to be very discreet when dealing with my sister about my evenings away from Collinwood."

"SO, Roger, did Liz give her permission for you to come check out a few library books today?" Gertie was clearly not being appeased by Roger's explanations.

"Now, Gertie, don't be difficult! You know I come as often as I can."

Gertie raised an eyebrow and cocked her head at that last remark, and Roger ignored the implication and sought to continue.

"The point is, I wanted to take you for dinner and, perhaps, I could find a way to show you my appreciation for what you sent me today."

"Dinner, you say? Is there a Blue Plate special at the coffee shop tonight?", Gertie sneered.

"Gertie, REALLY!"

"And what's that you're talking about---'show your appreciation' for what? What did I send you? I didn't send you anything!"

"But, Gertie, who else would send me a bouquet of flowers for Valentine's Day, but you?" Roger was wondering now as much as Gertie was!

"I'm sure I don't know, MR. Collins!," Gertie roared above the normal library stillness. Roger put up his hands to motion to her to be quiet, but Gertie was not to be hushed at this point!

"Maybe those flowers came from whoever it is you've been "coming" to see when you didn't have time to call me the past 3 weeks! Believe me, the only flowers you'll be getting from me are the ones that I'll send to the funeral home---and I just might make the arrangements for the funeral!"

~~~*~~~

Valentine's Day arrived, and Maggie was still trying to build a fire under David to finish his Valentine's project. Amy was proudly putting some finishing touches on her stack of hearts and chattering cheerfully about how pleased she hoped everyone would be with their Valentines.

Just as David was once again beginning to protest this unmasculine art work assignment, they were all interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Flowahs fah Miss Evans; you happen tuh be huh?", the delivery man lifted his cap.

"Why, yes, I am Maggie Evans. Flowers; for me?", Maggie was surprised, but pleased to be sure.

The man handed her the huge bouquet. When Maggie's grip faltered a bit, the man offered, "Let me help you with that, Miss. That beau a yuhz spent a pretty sum on this one!"

Maggie flushed a bit and smiled shyly. "Thank you, sir. Wait, so I can get my purse."

"No need, Miss, yuh beau took care of that, too. Ayuh, he's generous, that one. Gooday, Miss."

The children gathered round to once again admire the latest arrival from the florist and to speculate on the sender. Once again no card was found to identify the florist nor sender, except a small one which read, "From an admirer."

Maggie was aghast. "Well, who could have done something like this?"

Amy piped in and suggested, "Maybe it's the same person who sent the flowers to Dr. Hoffman."

"Don't be silly, Amy", David said in a superior tone. "Cousin Barnabas wouldn't send Maggie flowers, too!"

Maggie stepped in, "David, we don't know that Barnabas sent Dr. Hoffman those flowers."

"Well, maybe Chris sent them to thank you for teaching me", Amy tried.

"No, Amy, I don't think so", said Maggie.

"That's right, Maggie. If Chris sent anybody flowers, it would be Carolyn!"

"David", Maggie reminded him. "That's not really any of our business. But, I still can't imagine who could have sent this bouquet."

Amy brightened with an idea. "Maggie, what about Joe?"

Maggie frowned a bit. "Joe? Well, Amy,...Joe is still in...well, he's still gone."

The mention of Joe's name stirred tender memories in Maggie mind; both precious and sore. Her thoughts drifted to the time when they were first dating, and Joe had scrimped to save the money for the corsage Maggie wore to the prom. She smiled at the memory, though she felt a sad pang in her heart, as well. Even if Joe had presence of mind to do so, Maggie was certain Joe was not her "admirer".

********

Julia had planned the evening down to the most minute detail. She had conveniently eavesdropped on an earlier conversation where Barnabas had agreed to allowing Willie to spend the weekend out of town. A mischievous grin spread across Julia's face, as she knew there would be no one else at the Old House for 2 days at least. Barnabas was not yet aware that Julia was inviting herself to keep him company for those 2 days.

Julia had surreptitiously placed her belongings in Josette's room. Julia had ambivalent feelings about this room. It was indeed beautifully decorated, and she could appreciate how a woman could feel particularly feminine and elegant "dans la chambre". Julia could not help, however, feeling jealous of the enigmatic bond that still glued Barnabas so tightly to the memory of this "ideal" woman. Even so, Julia also was cognizant of the ironic fact that Barnabas allowed her to occupy this room: that in itself was some type of affirmation of their close--relationship. 'No time like the present', she schemed,' for getting even--closer.'

Barnabas had retired for the night, and Julia made her preparations for the rest of the evening. She started with painting her fingernails and toenails a bright red. Julia chuckled at the name of the nail polish, "Passion flame". She felt warmer just thinking about it!

Her make up needed freshening, and Julia changed her usual coral lip color to a darker, crimson shade. She tousled her hair and spritzed some Chanel No. 5 behind her ears and on her neck and wrists. She smiled as she inhaled the fragrance, hoping it was as pleasing to the man as it was to the woman.

The next part of her "toilette" was the most difficult for her to do, but Julia was determined. She struggled to pull the sheer black stockings up her legs without snagging them. The black negligee slipped easily over her slim frame; the silk, scarlet hearts placed strategically over the outline of each breast. A larger heart was centrally located---well, a bit lower.

Taking several deep breaths and swallowing against the dry lump in her throat, Julia ventured into the darkened hall. Her black heeled slippers sank deeply into the plush rug. Just before she reached the door to Barnabas' room, Julia hesitated and placed a black and red, lace-trimmed mask over her eyes. Trying to look as sultry and seductive as possible, Julia knocked soundly upon the heavy door.....

The sound of the knocking was persistent, and Julia was shaken from her reverie by this unpleasant interruption. When Julia did not readily answer the door, Mrs. Johnson called, "Dr. Hoffman! Are you alright? I know you're in there. Dr. Hoffman?"

Thoroughly frustrated, Julia smacked the top of her desk where she had been indulging her fantasies and quickly stepped to the door; jerking it open.

"YESSS, Mrs. Johnson. What IS it?"

"I'm sorry to bother you, Dr., but Professor Stokes is downstairs and would like to see you."

*******

Elliott Stokes paced the foyer like a nervous bridegroom pacing a chapel narthex. He had never before in his life sent flowers to a woman; not even as a gesture of condolence. He was hoping to see Elizabeth Stoddard herself to gauge her reaction to his anonymous Valentine offering. Not that she would know he was the sender, but if he could ask the right questions and steer the conversation properly, then, Elliott surmised, he could pursue inviting Elizabeth to accompany him on a proper outing.

Since Elizabeth was in town for several hours, Elliott decided to seek information from Julia Hoffman. If anyone knew the goings on in this house, Elliott had learned, it would be Dr. Hoffman.

Julia descended the grand staircase, calling cheerfully to Prof. Stokes.

"Elliott. What brings you out on this beautiful 'spring' day?"

"Good day, Julia. And if this is your idea of 'spring' weather, I hesitate to wonder how you would determine what constitutes a 'winter' day!" The professor seemed somewhat irked rather than amused at Julia's humor.

"The truth is, Julia, I need to ask you something very important, because only you would know the answer."

Puzzled, Julia inclined her head and said, "It's quite a switch for you to come to me for help!" She smiled and continued. "You know I'll help anyway I can."

Elliott began pacing again and nervously clasping and unclasping his hands. "Julia, I find myself feeling very awkward about all of this, but I must know if the flowers I sent arrived."

Julia's smile quickly was swallowed up by a blank look of shock! She felt as though a rock had fallen into the pit of her stomach, and she very much wanted to run upstairs and become very ill.

"Julia, are you listening to me? Did you see the flowers? I took great pains to ensure they arrived on time for Valentine's Day."

Julia grabbed the railing for support as Elliott's words swam in her head. 'Elliott Stokes sent my roses?', she groaned inwardly. 'What a fool I was to think Barnabas sent them....Oh, dear heaven, and I sent flowers and candy to----I've got to get Elliott out of here!'

Gathering her wits, Julia sputtered, "Yes, uh, well, yes, Elliott, the flowers arrived just...just in time."

"Julia, were they as lovely as I hoped they would be? I rather thought they would be displayed here in the foyer or, perhaps, the Drawing Room."

Elliott started walking toward the Drawing Room doors, but Julia grabbed his arm and firmly pulled him back.

"Julia, my word, you act as if I will see some horror if I go into the Drawing Room!"

Smoothing her hair and trying to seem casual, Julia nervously answered, "Well, no, it's just that the flowers are upstairs, and.....um, they're really very lovely. It was so....thoughtful of you, Elliott, but if you'll excuse me, there's an urgent errand I must take care of. I'll walk you out."

Julia was pushing Elliott toward the door and snatching her coat from the rack as she went. Julia was in her car and halfway down the driveway before Elliott realized he was standing outside with no hat or coat---and not many answers.

~~~*~~~

An edgy and disgruntled Roger pulled onto the private road leading to the estate. He was nearly run off the road by a blur that closely resembled Julia's Chrysler New Yorker. Steering to avoid skidding into the snow drifts, Roger stifled an oath which would have embarrassed the sailors on the docks.

Slogging through the snow blocking the path to the door and grumbling against the inefficient hired help, Roger almost collided with Willie Loomis.

"Loomis! What are you doing here at this hour? And what the devil are hiding behind your back?"

Willie was holding his hands behind his back, and he wasn't too sure he wanted Roger to see what he was carrying.

"Roger, it's only 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Barnabas don't need me fer nuthin' right now, so I came over to say 'hello' to, uh, well, I need to see Maggie."

"Maggie?", cried Roger. "You might think you have Barnabas fooled, but I still do not trust you around this house, and particularly not where Maggie is concerned!"

Trying to calm Roger, Willie held up one hand in supplication. "Please, Roger, I just wanna talk ta Maggie fer a coupla minutes. I tell ya what---if she don't wanna see me, then I'll get back ta the Old House."

Roger gave Willie a condescending look, a haughty "harumph" and nodded for Willie to follow him in the door.

"Wait here, Loomis. I can't imagine why Maggie would agree to see you, but I will tell her you are here."

"Yeh, thanks, Roger."

A few minutes later Maggie appeared on the balcony, looking puzzled, but she greeted Willie pleasantly.

"Willie! Roger said you wanted to see me." Maggie gave Willie a warm smile, but she still looked a bit unsure.

"Hi, Maggie, it's been awhile, hasn't it? But after today, I just had to come see ya. I mean, after what ya did and all."

Maggie was even more puzzled. "What do you mean, what I did for you?"

"Aw, Maggie, it's OK. I thought it was nice of ya, sendin' those flowers and this candy." Willie pulled the huge box from behind his back. Maggie'e eyes grew wide in shock and disbelief.

"Willie, I'm very sorry, but there's been some kind of mistake. I didn't send you those things."

Willie was hurt and embarrassed, and even a bit angry. Before he could react, however, three heavy raps on the door drew his and Maggie's attention.

This time two men and a young boy stood at the door surrounded by easels full of various kinds of flowers.

The oldest man nodded and pointed to the flowers. He was the same man who brought Maggie's earlier delivery. "Got another delivery for yuh, Miss."

Maggie was incredulous. "This is all for me?"

"Well, no, Miss, but they're all comin' to Collinwood. There are some more for you, though, Miss Evans."

The men and the boy started hauling the arrangements into the foyer. THere was a heart-shaped arrangement of pink roses for Liz, two heat-shaped arrays of red carnations; one for Carolyn and one for Maggie. There was a beautiful dish garden for Mrs. Johnson, yet another box of roses for Julia, and even a bud vase of several roses for Amy!

Roger walked into the foyer from the study, saw the circus of activity and exploded. "Good Lord! This place looks like the viewing room at a funeral home. Who is responsible for this? It had better not be you, Loomis!"

Willie did not even hear Roger's threat. He was too amazed by the stream of fauna flowing through the door. Just about everyone had begun to appear from every corner of the house and began diving into their respective bouquets. There were squeals of delight and simultaneous guessing at the identities of the "secret admirers". Carolyn thought surely her bouquet had come from Chris. Mrs. Johnson was so moved, she began to cry. "No one has sent me flowers since my Howard died."

A dejected Willie was forgotten in the excitement, and he stomped out the door and back to his car.

*****

Julia's car fishtailed to a halt outside the Old House. In town she had discovered the florist had already delivered her order. Jumping from the car, she almost fell, slipping on the snowy driveway. Making an effort to check her panic, Julia chose her steps more carefully; picking her way to the massive front door.

Julia knocked several times, but received no response. She was almost glad, because, she thought, she might steal into the house and steal back her flowers and candy. Barnabas might wonder what happened, but Julia believed he would not pursue solving the mystery.

Julia tested the door and found it to be open. It was interesting, she mused, that, among other modern nice-ities, Barnabas had never installed an outside door lock. It proved most convenient for her at any rate, and especially now.

"Barnabas?....Willie?", she called. "Barnabas!" Julia furtively looked around the main level of the house. She even looked in the kitchen area. There was no sign of the flowers; not even the candy.

Feeling foolish, Julia made her way to the cellar. Lots of secrets had been kept there, she reasoned. 'Why not a "secret" Valentine?' Down in the damp basement, again, she found nothing.

Aloud she told herself, "Well, what did you expect, Julia? Did you think you'd find the flowers propped on the pedestal in place of the coffin with a trail of the candies leading to it?"

'Is it possible Barnabas put the flowers in his room?' Julia had very seldom been in Barnabas' room, and there seemed to be something almost sacrilegious about going in there; particularly behind his back.

Upstairs Julia searched every room and storage space until she came to Willie's room. There on his dresser sat a gorgeous spray of flowers! 'Why would these flowers be in Willie's room?', Julia wondered. 'Did they mean that little to Barnabas that he foisted them off on Willie?' Julia was so exasperated, she slapped at the sides of both of her legs. 'That man!' But she had another thought. 'Perhaps Willie thought they came from me, and he was saving them as a surprise for Barnabas when he gets home.'

Julia grabbed up the flowers and made her way down the hall. There would be no surprise now---except maybe for Willie to find the flowers had disappeared!

As Julia got to the top of the stairs, she heard a voice downstairs. She froze as her heart skipped a beat. She strained to hear and eased down a few of the steps. Julia heard clinking sounds and paper rustling, then a guttural sing-song voice, "She loves me, she loves me not."

Racing to the foyer, Julia almost dropped the flowers as her jaw dropped. willie was half-lying, half-sitting in Barnabas' chair, where he was alternately eating candy from a heart-shaped box and taking large gulps from a bottle of Boone's Farm. Candy wrappers were scattered all about the Drawing Room and Willie's lap. Willie drunkenly waved at Julia and took another swig from his bottle. He popped another chocolate in his mouth and chanted around his chewing, "She loves me, she loves me not." Each time he sang "Not", he turned up his bottle again.

*****

Everyone at Collinwood had gathered for Amy's Valentine party. The many flower arrangements graced every table in the foyer and the Drawing Room. Amy had passed out all her Valentines, except the ones for Barnabas and Julia. Even Mrs. Johnson's cake was only burnt on one side, but the pink and brown icing covered up the black parts.

David diverted everyone's attention from the fact he had made only one Valentine by commenting on how beautiful the flowers were.

Isn't it interesting", David proposed, "How just about everybody got Valentine flowers? And they are such big arrangements! Boy, whoever sent them must really be a special person who really cares an awful lot about the people who got the flowers. I mean, even Father received some flowers down at the cannery."

David was making such an issue of his soliloquy that Roger stopped reading his paper and cocked an eyebrow at David. All the women and Amy began to wonder what was making David so interested in "dumb old girl flowers", all of a sudden.

David began to pace the floor slowly, his hands clasped very smugly behind his back and eyed them with a knowing smile. "In fact I find it very interesting that everyone got flowers---except me!"

******

Before Julia could react, the front door opened and Barnabas stepped into the house. Julia spun around; startled, and caught holding the evidence.

"Julia! What are you doing here so early? Not that I'm not glad to see you, my dear, but I've not had adequate time to finish preparations for the evening."

Julia stood staring at Barnabas, mouth agape in shock. "Glad to see me?", she asked. "Preparations? What prep--?"

Julia's question was left unanswered as Barnabas spotted the besotted Willie slumped in Barnabas' favorite chair.

"Willie, what is the meaning of this? What is all this paper strewn all over the floor? And what are you doing here at all? Answer me, Willie!", Barnabas raged.

Julia interrupted, "Barnabas, I don't understand. You said you weren't expecting me 'so early'. I didn't know you were expecting me at all!"

Barnabas was even more upset. "Julia, didn't you receive my message?"

Julia simply shook her head, "No", still bewildered by this whole turn of events.

Turning back to Willie, Barnabas grabbed him by the collar, shaking him. "Willie, didn't I give you an envelope to take to Julia today? Why didn't you deliver it?"

Willie's only reply was a very loud, obnoxious belch!

*****

Roger had retreated to the study to open the personal Collins mail. 'It seems that all I do is paperwork---even at home!' Roger tossed the envelopes aside until he came to a suspicious looking address, "Rosey's Flower Shop, Ellsworth, Maine". 'Flower shop', Roger wondered. He hearkened back to the rash of flowers which had made their recent appearances and to David's curious ramblings about the flowers. With growing apprehension, Roger tore open the letter. His eyes grew narrow and then flew wide open as he unfolded the invoice to its full length. In his hands was a bill for seven very expensive flower arrangements totaling--$359.14!

The roar could be heard in even the sealed off corners of the West Wing---"DA----VID!!!!!"

*******

Barnabas turned back to Julia, who still held the flower vase in a death grip. Barnabas finally noticed the flowers. Puzzled he asked her, "But, Julia, why did you bring the flowers?" Smiling he took her by the shoulders. "I should have known I couldn't foo you! You always could see right through me, couldn't you?"

Julia numbly nodded her head and stared blankly. She wasn't so sure she had always known or had figured out any of what was going on.

A quizzical look crossed Barnabas' face. "But, Julia, the florist must have made a mistake. You see, I sent you long-stemmed roses!"

The flower vase crashed to the floor as Julia threw her arms around Barnabas' neck. As they embraced she whispered in his ear, "Tell me, Barnabas, do like the colors red and black?"

*****THE END*****