Strange Paradise:  Episode 109
Episode 109:  Slideshow
Laslo: "Desmond Hall where the view and the sunlight holds a promise of happiness to come. But when seen through a crystal ball the future of the ancient mansion is overshadowed with death and sorrow. And yet on this morning the Master of Desmond Hall arises with feelings of jubilation not knowing that his love for the beautiful Helena is already threatened with dire predictions."
 
Jean Paul opens the drapes in his bedroom allowing the sunlight to brighten the room. He stretches. "Oh what a heavenly morning." he says as Quito enters caring a tray. Jean Paul walks over to Quito. "Well Quito. What? No little gift or flowers from Miss Raleigh on the breakfast tray." He asks looking at the tray. "Is she still sleeping?"  Quito shakes his head.  "No. Well I must admit I did expect some little good thing with the breakfast. A note or a flower." Jean Paul says as he picks up a glass of juice. He takes a drink then looks at Quito. "I must admit Quito I've become a romantic again. Now Quito I won't have you acting in dull or gloomy despair." He sets the glass on the tray. "Not anymore, I'm in love Quito. I'm in love with Miss Raleigh." Jean Paul smiles as he walks across the room. "And if this love is still strong enough then we can transform Desmond Hall into a wonderful place. A place of kindness, goodness because the lady is good and kind." Jean Paul laughs as he turns towards Quito. "Pardon me Quito. I'm sounding like a young man who has never been in love before." He walks up to Quito and puts his hand on his shoulder. "Now be happy Quito. Nothing evil will ever enter here again. Nothing."
 
Irene gazes into her crystal ball as Emily stands behind her. "I see it all Emily. Your every wish granted as far as Helena Raleigh is concerned. She will crumble before our eyes without you or I lifting a finger."  "Are you sure?"  "Very sure." Irene sits the ball on the coffee table. "So dear girl all that's left for us is the destruction of Jean Paul Desmond."  Emily looks at Irene with a smile upon her face.  Jean Paul walks down the staircase with a happy look on his face.  Walking to the outside door he opens it.  "Jean Paul?" Laslo calls to him from across the foyer. "I'm glad to see you up and out. It's been a very disconcerting morning."  Jean Paul turns towards him. "Disconcerting? In what way?"  "Come these are serious matters." Laslo says as he leads the way into the Drawing Room.  Jean Paul smiles. "I find I can't be serious about anything this morning."
"To begin with Miss Raleigh."  "Yes?"  "She says you and she are to be married."
"Oh does she? Is that what she says?"  "I expected such an announcement to come from you. Is there any truth in it?"  "Well not having heard the news myself, but if that is what she says." Jean Paul tells him as he walks across the room.
"Also I found her this morning going through my books and financial records."
"Yes. I think that would be advisable if she is going to be a Desmond. I think she should be familiar with the financial situation."  "You're jesting?"  "I'm not. Now I haven't proposed as yet to Miss Raleigh but if I do and when I do I expect her answer to be yes." Jean Paul says as he walks towards Laslo.  "And you expect me to rejoice?"  "You? No I've never seen you rejoice for anything." Jean Paul laughs and walks away from Laslo. "However I don't think you should change your ways Laslo in order to make do for one engagement" He stops in front of the window and faces Laslo.  Laslo walks towards him. "I will not be made fun of."
Jean Paul laughs. "I'm sorry I did not mean to make fun of you. I just can't understand why the rest of this house isn't as happy as I am? But never mind Laslo it shall be. We all shall be." Jean Paul walks towards the doorway.  "Where are you going?"  "Oh for a walk. A beautiful morning walk."  "Just a moment. I haven't told you the rest about Miss Raleigh."  "I'll tell him Mr. Thaxton." Helena says as she walks into the Drawing Room. "Jean Paul and I have no secrets."
"Good morning darling." Jean Paul takes Helena into his arms and kisses her. Pulling back he looks at her. "Well tell me Laslo is very anxious that I know."
"Laslo shows signs of being a very considerate gentleman." Helena says as she holds Jean Paul's arm. They walk across the room.  "Thank you Miss Raleigh for having such fate in my future."  "Oh not only your future. Why this very morning this gentleman saved me from a fate worse than death. You see Mrs. Hatter was telling my fortune."  Jean Paul looks at her. "Your fortune?"  "Yes it was all very silly and I shouldn't have allowed her to do it."  "Was Irene Hatter here?"  "No I was at her cottage." Helena says as she steps away from Jean Paul.  "At her cottage? Why?"  "Well I wanted to see Emily. To make sure she was well."
"And how did you find her?" Laslo asks.  "Strange, very strange. But Mrs. Hatter believes it will pass."  "I'm sure it will." Laslo says.  "Well what is all the concern about? Why did you tell me you were worried?" Jean Paul asks.  "But not worried cousin, careful. I don't think Miss Raleigh should go and see Irene."  "But why not?"  "Well you were very upset when I brought you home."  Helena turns away. "Well needlessly I think."  Jean Paul glances at Helena then looks at Laslo. "Helena has a perfect right to visit when ever she chooses. Now if she wants to choose to be concerned about Emily that is not surprising. Were all concerned."
"Well I don't think there is any need for concern. Mrs. Hatter will take care of it. And I think the least meddling in it is best. That's my advice." Laslo says as he walks away. He looks back at Jean Paul. "Leave Emily Blair alone until she asks to see you. Let Mrs. Hatter do her work alone." Laslo walks out of the room.
Helena has her back to Jean Paul. Jean Paul walks up to her and puts his hands on her shoulders. "Darling don't be upset."  Helena turns towards him. "I can't help it."  "Well what did Emily say to you?"  "Emily's ill. She's not responsible for what she says. But Jean Paul she hates me. And I don't want anybody to hate us, not now. I want us to be happy."  "Oh darling we shall be." He holds her in his arms.  "I want us to be happy if only for a little while."  Jean Paul pulls back to look at her. "Why only for a little while? I have a question to ask you and I don't see any reason why we should deny something we both know we want. I love you Helena and I think you love me."  "I do, oh I do."  "Then marry me. Will you marry me?"  Helena turns and steps away. "I don't know. Jean Paul I don't know."
 
Irene lights the candles at her alter. "The morning offering my dear consists of prayer and petitions. Of course all of this will have more potent power when the coven gathers. And your petition will be much more acceptable once you joined the circle of fire. We're lacking two members in the coven now that Agatha Pruetts dear parents have gone away in sadness. So we do as best as we can." Irene looks at Emily. "The incantation my dear."  Emily glances down then stares ahead. "Powers of Darkness. Evil which exists for all eternities receive my worship and my prayer. Spread out your blood stained wings and include me in your embrace always."  "Very good my dear. You're on your way dear Emily. You are on your way." Irene walks behind Emily and lays her hands on Emily's shoulders.
 
Helena looks out the window. "I don't want to say no to you Jean Paul. I do love you and I do want to be with you as long as you want me."  "Helena?"  Helena turns to look at him. "But I can't let myself say yes I'll marry you."  Jean Paul walks towards her. "Why not? What is this sudden change in your thinking this morning? New words like as long as I want you. They have no meaning to me. I want you always." He takes her into his arms.  "Don't." Helena says as she pulls away and turns from him. "There are many things to consider.”  "What things? Tell me."  "The future." she says with her back towards him.  Jean Paul steps forward and holds her. He kisses her on the cheek. "You're afraid?"  "Yes a little."
"Why? You had so much hope last night. You were confident that nothing would stand in our way. Now what happened? Was it Irene?"  "Yes."  "What did she say to you?" Jean Paul turns her around to look at him. "She made some attempt in telling your fortune. Now what did she say?"  "She saw death and unhappiness and sadness at Desmond Hall. And no future for us at all."  "And you believed that? A foolish gossiping woman. Why would she want to frighten you? And why would you let her?"  "Jean Paul we can't skip happily ahead like children. Well there arte many things we have to consider." Helena says as she turns away.
"Helena? Helena listen to me."  Helena has her back towards him. "No I want to be alone for a while." Helena turns and looks at him. "Now you are not going to sweep me off my feet. And I don't think you can. I've become a very serious lady."  Jean Paul steps forward and smiles. "I'm glad. Because I appreciate a serious lady." He kisses her.  "So all our joy of last night has changed to deep and solemn thoughts. Love does strange things doesn't it?" Helena touches Jean Paul's lips with her fingertips, then turning she leaves the room. Jean Paul walks to the fireplace and picks up a poker. He sits on the arm of the couch. "Deep and solemn thought. You're right Helena we do have some serious and deep thinking to do. And in all my happiness I have ignored all the serious things. I am a man who is cursed when the Mark of Death appears on my hand." He holds his hand out with his palm up, then lowers his hand. "Such a man can not go lightly to the altar of God as a bridegroom when he is already vowed to Satan." 
 
There is a knock on Irene's cottage door. Irene opens it. Jean Paul stands on her threshold.  "Jean Paul how pleasant." she greets him.  "My mission isn't as pleasant Irene, I'm afraid."  "I'm sorry to heat that." Irene says as she closes the door after he enters the cottage. "Nevertheless you must sit down. I'll make some tea."  "Irene what happened between you and Helena this morning?"  "Why I made some tea and we chatted."  "And you told her she had no future at Desmond Hall."  "Oh that. Why a parlor game." Irene says laughing as she looks at Jean Paul. "I do it for my friends. My one claim to fame at Desmondton."  "You frightened her."  "I'm sorry Jean Paul. That certainly wasn't my intention. She misunderstood the game. She took it too seriously."  "Irene you are not to let it happen again."  "Of course not Jean Paul. I'm glad you told me. If Miss Raleigh had spoken up I would have known it immediately." Irene says as she turns away from Jean Paul. "Now the tea.  "Irene? Was it a game?" Jean Paul asks as he walks closer to her.  "Well what else could it have been?"  "I wonder about you Irene. About your influence over Holly."  "I tried to help Holly."  Jean Paul gives a nod. "Rather mysteriously it seems."  Irene turns and looks at him. "Jean Paul I don't know what you are talking about. I am a widow living alone wanting friends. I am highly respected in this town Jean Paul. Jean Paul what is happening to you? Ever since you began suspecting that your brother Philip disappeared under mysterious circumstances your behavior has become somewhat mysterious too." Irene says angrily.  "Irene I'm wondering whether or not I can trust you at all. And I do not like to have anything concealed."  "I don't like things concealed either." Emily says as she walks into the room.  "Emily! How well you look." Jean Paul says to her.  "Do I?" Emily asks as she smiles at him.  "You do. Very well. Irene you must be commended for doing such a good job for Emily."  "Well Miss Blair is very cooperative."  "Yes I am." Emily says.  "Well I'm glad you're well. I was concerned about you."  "Are you? I'm happy to hear that. I thought you had forgotten all about me."  "Oh never." Jean Paul tells her.  "Now I'll make tea." Irene tells them and leaves the room.  Emily looks at Jean Paul. "We've been through too many things together to forget haven't we Jean Paul. I remember how we slowly came to know one another and I remember when you took me in your arms and held me."  Jean Paul turns away from her. "Yes. I'm sorry."  "So am I. Not to be near you."  "Emily?" He turns towards her. "You said you didn't want anything concealed."  "Yes go on. Nothing concealed."  "I love Helena Raleigh. I've asked her to marry me." "Marry?"  "Yes."  "Then she will be Mistress of Desmond Hall." Emily backs away from him "Well let her cherish it! Keep it before the cliffs shake beneath it and it crumbles into the river below!"  "Emily!
Emily turns away from him. "Curse you Jean Paul Desmond! I conceal nothing. I want one thing I want you and your precious Helena to die! And it shall happen. It shall!" Emily rushes from the room.  "Emily!" Jean Paul calls to her as he steps forward. "Irene?" he says as Irene walks out carrying a tray.  "I heard the shouting. You mustn't take the girl seriously Jean Paul. I feel that she's getting better. Her fantasies, these curses, the hatred they are passing things. They are happening less and less." Irene sets the tea tray down on the table.  Jean Paul turns and walks to the fireplace. "I had no idea."  "And that dreadful snake thing, all her imagination of course."  Jean Paul turns and looks at her. "It wasn't her imagination."  "Now, now Jean Paul I won't listen to another word. I'm used to dealing with young ladies that dream hysterical dreams. Believe me Jean Paul I will make her better. Trust me Jean Paul trust me."  Emily stands in then next room holding a long knife. "Trust me Jean Paul to keep my word." She raises the knife. "Trust me."
 
Jean Paul enters the foyer at Desmond Hall. He hangs up his coat.  "Did you have pleasant visit?" Laslo asks as he walks into the foyer.  "Where's Helena?"
"Waiting for you in the Drawing Room. When will you learn that I am an ally that I could be trusted? Didn't I warn you not to go to Irene’s?"  Jean Paul steps towards the Drawing Room doors then looks at Laslo. "You did. Why?"  "Because I know Emily's condition. I didn't want to disturb you. She is very ill and what ever she says must be discounted. Well go on Jean Paul, Miss Raleigh is anxious for you." Laslo says as he walks up the staircase.  Jean Paul enters the Drawing Room. "Helena?"  Helena rushes to him and holds him around the waist. "Jean Paul I've been so worried."  "You mustn't worry. There is nothing to worry about." Jean Paul says looking very grim.  "What is it? What happened?"  "Nothing happened." Jean Paul says then walks away from her. "Irene is very sorry that she upset you. It was only a game she said." He tells her with his back towards her.  Helena steps up behind him. "But something happened I know it. You've changed. Oh Jean Paul don't be cold. I need you." Helena walks around him. And looks up at him. "I'm frightened, the self assured actress that came to Desmond Hall playing the Queen sometimes thoughtless and cruel. I'm not that same woman. Do you believe me?"  "Yes."  "Then hold me, reassure me. Because you're all I have. I need you."  Jean Paul looks at her. "Helena perhaps we have been like foolish children. We need to consider. We need to be sure."  "I see."  "No you don't see! You see your own agony. But you don't see mine" Jean Paul walks away from her and leaves the room.  Helena stands with tears in her eyes. "No I won't, I won't cry. This is not a scene in which crying is called for." She says as she walks across the room. "Remember Miss Raleigh you are an actress and tears are the easiest thing an actress can summon. I won't cry. I'll think. I'll think. There is no problem to which there isn't a solution." Helena walks to the window. "Oh dear God if you ever gave me any talent at all show me how to use it. Not as an actress but as a woman."
 
Irene angrily speaks to Emily. "I am displeased! Displeased with you Emily. If you want to be one of us, if you want to achieve you goals you've got to stop behaving like a child. You must learn silence. Do you understand?" Irene says as she leans over Emily who is sitting in a chair.  "Yes." Emily says quietly.  "Any more threats, any more outbursts and you will leave my house. I can't risk having a raging child about!"  "I'm sorry but Jean Paul hurt me."  "He is a person to be scorned silently. His fate is sealed Emily. Try to remember that."  "I hate him!"
"The world doesn't have to know that! Our goal is not to make headlines in the Desmondton newspaper! Oh why do I put up with you? Why do I condescend to teach you anything?" Irene says turning away from Emily.  Emily jumps up and rushes after Irene. "But I want to learn! I do.”  Irene turns and looks at her. "Then the first and most important thing for you to learn is obedience. Completely blind obedience."  Emily walks closer to her. "I will obey."  "Will you? Then obey, obey me now. Kneel."  Emily stares at her.  "I said kneel. Kneel before me." Irene points to the floor.  Emily gets to her knees, with her head bowed.  "Now repeat after me. Dear Irene."  "Dear Irene." Emily says.  "May I have permission please?"
"May I have permission please?" Emily repeats.  "To drink the chalice." Irene says as she picks up the chalice.  Emily looks up at Irene. "To drink the chalice."
"Of blood." Irene says lowering the cup to Emily.  Emily stares at it. "Of..."  "You heard."  Emily takes it." "Blood." She raises it to her mouth.
 
Jean Paul stands in his room when there is a knock at the door.  "Jean Paul I must see you." Helena calls out to him.  Jean Paul stands not moving.  Helena opens the door and walks up to Jean Paul. "Jean Paul I want to know your agonies. I do. Because if I don't there is no hope for either of us."  "I want you to know then that there is no hope at all." Jean Paul says turning to look at Helena. "Helena when you saw what was on my hand you saw a symbol. Well that symbol was the Mark of Death." He holds his hand out. "That is my curse. And when it appears. No one must know this." He looks at her after closing his hand into a fist. "This is my secret. When it appears I must kill. I must kill, perhaps even you." Jean Paul lowers his hand. Helena looks at him in shock.
 
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Summaries written by Debby Graham .  The slide presentation is the work of Ron Janick.
~Ron/Bella~
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Episode 110