Episode 80: Slideshow
Philip: "Beneath the roof of Desmond Hall two forces are
engaged in battle for the power over the man from Maljardin, Jean Paul Desmond.
One power would rescue him from the curse that haunts him. The other calls upon
witchcraft plotting his death. The battle has been joined and even the
Great
Mansion seems to whisper a
dark warning of things to come."
Laslo and Irene are in the Drawing Room. Laslo pours her a drink.
Irene is sitting in a chair. "My dear Irene, for you." "I don't want it." Irene tells him. "It won't poison you. In fact it's one
of your concoctions. However this one is to revive people not to do away with
them." "You bore me Laslo. I'm not
in the mood for your morbid humor.' Irene says angrily. "I should think not. Being discovered
unconscious on the floor of Holly's bedroom. I would
be very solemn too. What a pity."
"I did nothing wrong. The girl was under my spell, then... Don't make me
a fool." Irene glances at Laslo.
"You're not a fool. I'm suggesting one more stupid failure like this will
destroy us both. We will be discovered." Laslo walks behind Irene and puts his
hands around her throat. "Dear Mrs. Hatter do not force me to call a gathering
of the coven and discipline you myself." He says
tightening his hands on her neck.
"Laslo I swear it wasn't my fault!" Irene say. Laslo releases her. Irene puts her hands
to her throat. "There was a force in the room. I was consumed by flames. I could
feel them searing my soul like the fires from hell. As my spirit expired in
torment I believed I sensed who it is we must seek out and destroy. I heard the
voice of Philip Desmond." Laslo
looks at Irene. "Philip? Philip has no power over us, not anymore." "Laslo I heard him speak. I heard him
threaten to destroy me and then I was smothered by a
wall of flames." "It must have been
your conscious Irene predicting your ultimate end." "No!" Irene turns and looks at
Laslo. "And you were
frightened." "Of Philip Desmond?
Hardly. I am angry yes. Determined, determined that no Desmond shall ever
threaten me again." "Then we must
find other ways my dear Irene. Perhaps you would like some sherry rather than
your potion." Laslo says opening the sherry decanter. "To mock me is to deny." Irene says
walking towards Laslo. "I do not
deny. But your powers are limited. Oh powerful one." Laslo holds his glass up in the air. "We must find other
means." "Holly is under my command.
Weak and ready to obey." Irene tells Laslo. "Holly has failed as you have failed."
Laslo walks across the room. "Roses. Amulets and roses.. Petty feminine trickery
that gets no results. Now I think I will deal with Miss Holly myself." Laslo
says then takes a sip from his
glass.
In her bedroom Holly is asleep. "Holly. Holly you've
rested long enough. My girl it's well past noon and even us spirits are up and
about. Holly sweet Holly." Philip calls out to her kneeling next to the
bed. "Did someone call me?" Holly
asks starting to wake up. "I did."
Philip tells her. Holly opens her
eyes and looks at Philip. "And
about time." Philip says to her.
"Philip I didn't dream you."
"No. Whatever I am I am no dream. Do you see me?" Holly smiles. "Yes. I see you." "Then you better beware of my wrath
young girl." "I don't believe with
you I have to beware of anything.' Holly says smiling at him. "You don't know me very well." Philip
stands. "For I have powers that can freeze the heart and devour the body in
flames." Philip says walking across the bedroom. He turns and looks back at
Holly. Holly climbs out of the bed.
"I don't know you very well but I don't believe you." "Do you find me likable Holly?" Holly stands "Yes." "Then help me. This is no game we're
playing. Jean Paul is in deadly danger and you're being used to destroy
him." Holly turns away from
Philip." "Holly you know what I'm
saying is true! And you know who is using you, Irene." "No!" Holly covers her face with her
hands. "I don't know anything. Please why don't all of you leave me alone." "You're the only one I can reach in
Desmond Hall. You must help me."
Holly covers her ears. "No! I just want to be left alone! I want my life
as it was before you, before Erica, before..." "Before Irene? Irene is a witch Holly.
She is in league with the darkest demons of earth and beyond." Holly turns and looks at Philip. "What
are you? Who are you in league with? I don't know!" Holly shouts walking around
the room upset. "I don't know who to believe. I just want to be left
alone." "Holly you must find Jean
Paul and tell him. Please for my sake and for his own. Tell him what I told
you." Philip says walking over to Holly
Holly looks at Philip and shakes her head. "Leave me alone!" "Holly you must listen, for through you
I can reach Jean Paul. I need you Holly. You can save me. Without you I will
remain in the world of shadow. You must help me." Holly shakes her head no. "No, I can't
help you." She turns and lowers her head covering her face with her hands. "I'm
so tired of it all. I'm confuses, I just don't know!" "Holly lift up your head. If you refuse
I'll have to do it for you." Holly
keeps her head down. Philip raises
and opens his hand. "Lift up your head."
Holly's hands lower as she raises her head reluctantly looking at
Philip. "Holly you are a sweet and
charming girl and it has been my pleasure to meet and talk with you." He lowers
his hand. Holly's head jerks. She
raises her hand under her chin and angrily turns away from Philip. "But you are the only way to reach my
brother and if you refuse to cooperate then I have no choice but to use force.
And believe me I will use force although I may dislike the method." "Out! Get out!" Holly shouts throwing a
book at Philip. Philip disappears. Holly is looking around when there is a knock
at her door. "Holly, Holly are you
alright?" Jean Paul asks from the other side of the door. "Yes. I just dropped something." Holly
answers. "It's Jean Paul? May I
come in?" "No I don't want to see
anybody." Holly says holding the pendant in her hand. The necklace is around her
neck. "I just want to be left alone."
"Are you sure nothing's wrong?"
"No. Nothing's wrong." Holly holds the chain above the pendant and swings
it in front of her face. "Nothing is wrong at all Jean Paul. Nothing is
wrong."
In the Drawing Room Irene stands in front of the
fireplace. "Then you are in charge? Is that our decision?" Irene asks. Laslo sits in a chair holding his drink.
"That is my decision." "Very well
but I shall have to speak to the others. I'm sure they will be more than a
little concerned." Laslo looks at
her. "Tell them they needn't be concerned on my account. Handling a young girl
like Holly is not an unpleasant task."
"Do you know what binds me to you Laslo? Hate, I hate you." Irene says
walking to the doors. "A very
profitable discussion Mrs. Hatter. Thank you for giving me your time." Laslo
says standing and looking at Irene.
Irene stops and looks back at Laslo, she turns and walks into the
foyer. "Irene?" Jean Paul calls
out. He's walking down the staircase.
"Oh hello Jean Paul." Irene stops and looks at him. Jean Paul walks over to her. "You seem
distraught." "Just a rather trying
session with Laslo, that's all."
"Laslo can be trying." Jean Paul says to Irene. "Well I must be on my way." Irene says
turning towards the door. "Irene?
Raxl told me that you talked a great deal with Holly today." "Well I did and?" Irene asks. "Well how is she? I knocked on her door
just a short time ago and she didn't want to see anybody." Irene looks at Jean Paul. "The poor
child is emotionally upset. It's this house." Irene says then walks away from
Jean Paul then glances back. "Oh if you would only let her stay with me for a
time as I asked." "No I've been
neglecting her too much lately. I've been preoccupied." "Jean Paul there is a feeling in this
house, an atmosphere that is destructive. I know it. I hesitate to visit Desmond
Hall these days." "But business
matters with Laslo draws you in?" Jean Paul says to her. "No. Concern for all of you." Irene
tells him. "Irene?" Jean Paul
crosses his arms staring at Irene. "You're an old friend are you not?" "Yes of course. A good friend to all the
Desmonds." "Then why haven't you
been telling me the truth?" "The
truth about what?" Irene says looking away from Jean Paul. "About my brother." "I know nothing about Philip." "I don't think you're telling the truth
Irene. He was not at your cottage the night before he left. And he did not tell
you that he planned to visit Maljardin." Jean Paul says to Irene. "I am hurt more than I am angered. I do
not tell lies Jean Paul. I may be the local gossip but I speak the truth." "I don't believe you Irene, not about
Philip." "Then I better go. I see I
am no longer welcome here." Irene walks to the doors. "Irene I'm asking for your help." Jean
Paul says following her to the doors.
Irene turns towards him. "Perhaps you're asking for too much. Do you know
that the very fact that I come to visit this house causes me trouble in town."
Irene says walking away from Jean Paul. She walks through the foyer, turns and
looks at him. "People are talking about the fact they believe that you are
harboring an insane killer in Desmond Hall." Irene walks towards Jean Paul. "Two
young girls have been killed, or one at least. Her body was found in the river.
The other one is missing. People will connect this murder with your with your
return to Desmond Hall." "Do they?"
Jean Paul asks angrily. "Where is
Quito?" "I don't know." Jean Paul says stepping
away from Irene. "He ran off and we've looked everywhere for him." He says with
his back towards Irene. Irene walks
over to him. "There are others looking for him too. For his sake I hope you find
him first." Jean Paul angrily turns
to Irene. "Quito
has done nothing." "Believe me Jean
Paul I'd do anything in my power to defend anyone everyone at Desmond hall with
my life. I feel my future is involved with all of you. But then you don't trust
me. Goodbye Jean Paul." She walks to the door. "Ah Mrs. Hatter, Jean Paul. Your
portfolio is in very good condition." Laslo says walking into the foyer caring a
folder. "I have interesting plans, very profitable plans." "Perhaps we better discuss this the next
time at my cottage." Irene says to Laslo.
"As you wish." Laslo says.
Jean Paul looks at Irene. "Irene this isn't necessary. Holly would miss
you very much." "Then send her to
me. Goodbye." Irene says then walks out the door. "Goodbye Mrs. Hatter." Laslo says. "An
amazing woman isn't she?" he says to Jean Paul. "Yes amazing. And bewildering." Jean
Paul says as he grabs his coat. "I would also like to know what those plans are
you have in store for her."
"Financial matters. I have only one plan. I intend to make her a very
rich woman." Jean Paul puts on his
coat. "I see. Where is Cort? I would like him to help me search for Quito." "My stepson does not help anyone.
Although I have spent much time teaching him we are all our brother's keepers.
Isn't that right? Well good luck with the hunt." Laslo says turning away. "But
please don't worry about the bewildering Mrs. Hatter. Her heart bleeds for all
the Desmond family and she will have her reward." Laslo says turning and looking
at Jean Paul. Jean Paul nods his
head. "You will have your reward too." Jean Paul puts his gloves on and leaves
the house. Laslo watches as Jean
Paul leaves. "Yes I will. As they say, over your dead body dear Jean Paul. I
must remember I am your brothers
keeper."
In her bedroom Holly stands in front of her dressing table
mirror. She picks up the necklace Irene gave her. It is laying on the top of the
dresser. "Put it down." Philip's
voice tells her. "No, it's
mine." Philip's image appears in
the mirror. "Remember who gave it to you."
"Irene gave it to me."
"Why?" Philip asks. "Because
she likes me and it's pretty."
"And?" "And it keeps me warm
and safe." "I could make you feel
cold and alone Holly if you don't obey me." "Leave me alone please!" Holly says to
him. "Observe. The sun is dimming.
The room becomes as dank as a tomb. You're in a cave alone. And from above your
head rancid mosses drip their icy waste."
The room darkens until there is no light. Holly stands in total darkness.
"Philip please. I can't stand it!" Holly grips her hands together in fear. "And at your feet river rats stir, their
greasy bodies ready to pounce." Philip tells her. Holly looks down. "No! Leave me alone!
Please!" Holly glances up. "Where am I? In a cave, sealed in alone. And the
rats, the rats are." She looks down and screams. "Now will you obey me?" "Yes. Please let me out! Anything!"
Holly says sobbing. "Leave the
amulet here with me and go to Jean Paul and tell him he must send you
away." Holly shakes her head
no. "He must send you away or he
will die." "No! I can't!" Holly
says to Philip. Philip is silent. "Yes anything! Only get me out of here!" Holly
cries out in the darkness. "Please get me out of here!" she begs. Philip nods. "Go, now go." Holly is back in her room. She lays the
necklace on the dressing table. Backing towards the door she quickly
leaves. After she leaves Philip
says. "Holly I'm sorry I must do this. The only thing I can say is behold,
behold a spirit who is falling in love." Philip fades
away.
Holly runs down the staircase. "Jean Paul! Jean Paul!" She
knocks on the Drawing Room door.
Laslo opens the door. "Good day my dear." "Is Jean Paul here? I must see him."
Holly says. "I assure you he's not
in the Drawing Room. He's out searching for Quito."
"I have to talk to him." Holly turns away. "Holly can't you tell me?" Laslo asks
following her. "No. I must see Jean
Paul right away." Holly reaches for her scarf and coat. "You're much to upset to be wondering
about. What's upsetting you? Jean Paul, Irene?" Holly looks at Laslo. "Irene? No why
would you ask me about Irene?" "I'm
only searching for a reason. Now then you come with me." He takes her coat and
hangs it up. Holly walks away from
him. "I don't want to come with you."
Laslo walks up to her. "Nonsense, a girl like you has no reason to be
disturbed. But you are disturbed aren't you Holly?" "Yes, yes I am." "Of course." Laslo picks up Holly's
hand. "Your hand is as cold as ice. Now you come with me and I'll have Ada fix you a nice warm
cup of broth. And then we can talk." He leads her away from the door. "We have
hardly had a chance to get acquainted at all you and I since you arrived." "Do you know where Jean Paul will be
back?" "I have no idea but the
moment he does you will see him. In the meantime I think I have the secret to
help you feel stronger and warm." Laslo says holding Holly's hand and leading
her through the foyer. He stops and looks at her, holding her hand between both
of his. "Desmond Hall is not the chilly tomb it might seem. You are welcome here
Holly. There is a home here for you if you will except accept it. So come with
me Holly." He releases her hand. Holly walks in front of
him.
Emily is working at the table when Jean Paul enters. "Jean
Paul?" "I've searched everywhere
for him. I can't find him." Jean Paul says taking his gloves off and laying them
on the table Emily is sitting at. "Every foot of the property. Every building on
the grounds of Desmond Hall." Jean Paul says unbuttoning his coat. "I've been thinking about Quito." Emily says. "If any of the townspeople happen to get
to him first I shudder to think what will happen to him." "Have you, have you tried the caves?"
Emily asks standing up. Jean Paul
turns to her. "The caves?" "Under
the cliffs along the river." "Oh
no. Those caves have been sealed up a long time ago. My father had them sealed
up. They were torturous and dangerous. No my father had the workmen seal them up
because they came to no end. They were all over the place." "But he didn't seal every one." Emily
says to Jean Paul. "What do you
mean?" "Jean Paul you've kept me at
a distance and you've refused my help until now. But I think we have become
friends haven't we?" Jean Paul
nods. "Yes friends."
"Well since I've come to Desmond Hall I've had many
experiences that I can't explain . I don't know but I feel that somehow Philip
Desmond is trying to contact you."
Jean Paul looks away. "You talk as if my brother is dead. He's not dead
and I refuse to believe that. He's not some sort of ghost reaching out from the
grave." "Jean Paul not necessarily
a ghost. I don't know but there have been signs. Books that have opened before
me. Notes, pictures, information that someone wants me to see and read." Jean Paul walks to the fireplace with
his back to Emily. "And the latest
was about the river caves." Emily looks at Jean Paul. Jean Paul turns with his hands on his
hips. "The river caves?" "Yes it
was a book. I don't have it now, Raxl took it from me." She walks over to Jean
Paul. "But I read of an entrance to the caves from Desmond Hall. In this house
it described a doorway and a passage leading down to the deepest caves. Now will
you listen to me? Will you let me try and help you?" "Help, to do what?" Jean Paul asks. "To find that
door."
Holly rushes down the staircase. Laslo follows her. "His
coat isn't there. It's almost dark and Jean Paul isn't back yet." Holly
says. "You mustn't fret Holly. I've
asked you to have dinner with Ada and I in our quarters. We can talk some
more you and I." "I don't
understand you when you talk. When you talk about the Desmonds it's, I sense
something." "What do you
sense?" "That you dislike
them." "Have I spoken anything but
praise?" "It's not the words you
say. It's how you say them. You frighten me Mr. Thaxton. You frighten me." Holly
turns and grabs her coat. "Holly
where are you going?" "To find Jean
Paul." she says putting her coat on.
"Do as you choose, but you are placing yourself in danger. If you pardon
the use of my words, mortal danger." Laslo says then walks away from Holly
heading up the staircase. Holly has
her scarf and coat on when Philip calls to her. "Holly. Holly." Holly walks through the foyer. "Holly I'm here." Holly is standing near the staircase
when a panel on the bottom opens. "Come to me Holly. Enter through the opening
and descend to me." Philip calls to her.
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Summaries written by Debby
Graham . The slide
presentation is the work of Ron Janick.
~Ron/Bella~
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