by Aubrey Brown
With that said, James and Beth quit the room, walking arm in arm. It would seem that James was learning to accept Beth into the family.
Gabriel turned to Emma. “We will call for Rose, but we will have her travel by mortal means. We do not want to upset Beth further, and I believe James may not understand why we have kept our undead state from him. If she comes here too quickly, there will be questions. And Rose could do with the travel to come to grips with her governess’s death.”
“Aye, love, I agree.” And with that, Emma broke down into terrible wracking sobs that brought a curse to Gabriel’s mouth.
He took his wife within his own arms and cooed words of sentiment into her ear. After a while, her trembling form ceased its torment and Gabriel could bring her chin up and look into her eyes.
As always, his heart melted for her.
“It will be all right, love. Everything will come together, and time will heal this wound,” he said.
“I love you, Gabriel. I love you more than I could have ever imagined loving another person.”
“Thank you, for giving me a family. Thank you for giving me an eternity.” She ended her sentiment with a sweet kiss that brought tears to the earl’s eyes.
When the kiss ended, they walked from the room and found James sitting atop Beth’s sheets while she was under them, and reading her a tale of old. It was a wonderful sight to Emma and Gabriel.
They then made their way to the office and closed the door.
* * * *
The Duke of Edington’s townhome
William felt his call before he actually heard him.
“William. Misses Greenleaf has just passed. We need you to bring Rose home. The burial will not take place for a few days. As to not create suspicions, please travel by carriage, and we need for Rose to be calm for Beth’s sake. A few days’ ride to the castle will do her well.”
Shuddering, he replied, Aye, Gabriel. I shall visit Rose now and tell her of Misses Greenleaf. When we arrive at the castle, I have much to tell you. We shall see you soon.
Feeling their minds disconnect, William ran his hand through his hair and dreaded the conversation he was about to have with Rose.
* * * *
The Trenton town home
William found himself in front of the viscount’s home and immediately felt his chest tighten. He could see his future wife clearly smiling gaily at the countess and viscount. They were playing cards, and it was clear their daughter, Anuria, was not in residence. He could not sense her presence.
Garnering a large breath of courage, he went to face what he knew was to be one of the most emotional scenes he had yet to experience in his two hundred years of existence.
* * * *
The swift game was moving quickly as Rose felt her life was at its best. Anuria was asked to leave the home and go back to her estate to work out her problems with her elusive husband. All was well for Rose since she was now engaged to the man she truly loved. The marquis was no longer sending her flowers and cards, which brought her great inner peace.
“You seem in high spirits this evening, Rose,” the viscount remarked.
“Aye, I am. I just love a fast-paced game of cards and chance.”
“Nay, it is something else. What has your eyes in such a sparkle? Has the marquis declared himself?”
Before Rose could answer, Christina said, “Nay, of course not. He is a gentleman, he would not presume to declare himself without coming to see the viscount first.”
Sighing, she placed a smile onto her face. “I am simply in good spirits this evening.”
Which was truth in part, but William was supposed to come to her this night, and that thought alone set her heart to flutter.
A knock came to the door then, and the butler handed a card to the viscount.
“It would seem his grace Edington is here to see Rose. Please show him in,” the viscount stated. William was here now? Rose assumed he would come to her window and whisk her away to his home. She placed a passive smile upon her lips as William was shown into the room with a grave look upon his face that sent her heart to shutter, and her imagination whirling.
“What is the matter, your grace?” Rose asked.
He looked to the couple seated on the settee and decided to sit in the chair to Rose’s right. He immediately grabbed her hand and breathed in deeply.
“Rose, I hate to bring you this news, but Misses Greenleaf has passed away. Your parents contacted me, and they wish you to come home in haste. The burial is to be in a few days. Your father has asked me to escort you and to have your trunks sent with your maid and footman later. I know it seems sudden. However, Beth is beside herself with grief and has asked for you to return to Halverson castle as soon as you are able. We are to pack a few essentials and leave immediately.”
Rose moved her hand to gasp and then dry her eyes from the flowing tears. Cursing, he brought her into his chest, uncaring that the other couple in the room was watching.
“I am sorry, sunshine. I am so remorseful. However, we must try to control our grief. Your sister needs your strength. I will try to help you overcome your pain as we travel. Nevertheless, we should leave as soon as you’re able.”
“You are indeed right, your grace,” the viscount stated.
“It is late this night. You shall leave at first light,” the countess chimed in.
“I agree, but we should leave before dawn’s light. We would hate to forgo Misses Greenleaf’s burial, and her sister is in deep despair. She has asked Rose to return swiftly,” William inserted.
“Aye, we will send for her maid and have a footman gather her essentials, and then they can pack the rest of her worldly possessions on the morrow. They should only travel two days behind you, and since you are her surrogate family, I doubt anyone would find it irregular,” said the ever-worried countess.
Rose had remained silent, and William was becoming increasingly worried for her. “Rose, are you all right?”
In a daze, she looked to William and cried silent tears that broke his heart into two separate jagged pieces. It was substantial torment to see her thus. He wanted to bring a smile back to her face.
“She is overcome. Perhaps she should retire back to her room, and be given some port for sleep,” William suggested.
Rose was about to speak when he looked into her eyes and assured her he had other plans.
“I agree, dear, please go on up to your room, and we will have your maid bring you a tonic for sleep,” the countess stated.
William stood and bid her a restful evening. As he walked to the door to exit the home, he turned and watched his sweeting as she began to climb the stairs. Her shoulders were slumped, and her head was shaking. He would come to her window this night, and bring her peace.
* * * *
Rose opened the door to her room with eyes that felt puffy and itchy with excessive crying. Her second mother, her governess, had passed away. She was gone, and her earlier happiness had left with her.
Her maid helped her undress, and feeling suddenly tired, she blew out all of her candles and crawled beneath her cool sheets. She tried to keep her eyes open, but fatigue claimed her.
Later in the night, she felt chilled air hit her legs, and slither up her back. Stiffening and then relaxing. She realized that the cold air was her William, lying against her back in a spoon fashion. His arms came around to hold her chest.
“Shhh, I am here, Rose. I came to bring you comfort. I will not leave you this night. Just lie within my arms and sleep, sweeting.”
“I don’t know that I can, William,” she replied. “Aye, you can. Find sleep, Rose.”
And as he said the words, calm overcame her soul, her eyes felt heavy, and her breathing became even.
Her last thought was of William. He was lying next to her, holding her, cooing words of sentiment. He may have said he could not give her the love she sought, but he was giving the emotion to her now. He may not understand his feelings, but Rose did, for she fel
t the same way. Given the proper amount of time, she knew he would come to the realization someday that he was indeed in love with her. She just had to give him time and be patient.
Placing her arms around his, she sighed and felt oblivion claim her as a gentle kiss was placed on her neck.
Chapter Sixteen
William left her side long enough to will himself into the approaching carriage. He was loath to leave his Rose’s warm beckoning body, but he had to exit the carriage to meet the viscount and countess.
Just before he left her side, he kissed her into wakefulness and said, “Wake my, sweeting. Our carriage approaches and we need to leave before the sun rises.”
It was exactly two hours before sunrise, and they were to only travel until nightfall once again. He would need to feed, and it was expected of them. It had been a long while since he had traveled by mortal means, and he realized it held a certain amount of charm. He would be able to talk with Rose, spend some time with her. He wanted to comfort her, and know for certain she was safe.
Just as he left the room, he noted her eyelids fluttering open.
* * * *
Rose’s eyes opened just as she felt William leave her room. He said the carriage approached. Just as she smiled at the prospect of traveling with William, her enthusiasm diminished as she realized why they were traveling. Her heart broke once more for Misses Greenleaf and then for her family.
George must be beside himself with grief. James would try to be brave in the face of sorrow. Her parents would be holding a strong front for the other children. However, her mother would be in pieces, and her father beside himself with helplessness, and then there would be Beth The tiny grandchild of their beloved Misses Greenleaf, newly adopted by the Earl of Halverson, she would be the most affected of them all. William was indeed right. She needed to put herself to rights before she arrived home.
She also did not want to worry William, for she knew he was attuned to all of her emotional quirks and strife. And she did not want to upset him anymore than he was. For he had a terrible task ahead of him, they both did in fact. They had to tell her parents that they were to be wed. She knew her father had had history with her fiancé, a horrible crazed history that may still be festering beneath the surface.
Jumping from her bed, her head felt like it had seen the backside hooves of a wild beast. She knew William bade her to sleep last evening. However, the aftereffects were terrible. Plus, William had taken her blood on more than one occasion, and she had not replaced her fluids as she should have.
She, with the help of Roselyn, dressed quickly in a simple yet exquisitely made day dress, a cheerful yellow, which matched her coloring beautifully. She had just finished combing the locks within her hair when a knock came to her door.
“Come in,” Rose called out.
“Rose, dear, his grace is here. We must leave swiftly, for he is worried about the weather. We may be getting an early fall storm,” the countess said.
“Aye, I am coming now.”
Standing and looking into her mirror, she saw that she was dressed well, but her hair was left to fall down her shoulders, with a caressing hand. It looked as if someone had made love to her good and proper last evening.
Shrugging at her appearance, she walked through her door and into the hallway. There were no servants about. The hour was early yet, so she used the servant’s stairs to garner herself an extra few minutes.
She walked through the kitchen and took an apple from the bowl to break her fast, then made her way to the front door were the viscount and the countess were still in their woolly wrappers and yawning at the very early hour.
When she reached them, she hugged both in turn and said, “Thank you, my lord and lady, for your hospitality and friendship. I appreciate your warm welcome and encouragement this season. I hope our paths cross once again soon.”
“You are welcome here at any time, my dear,” the viscount replied.
“Indeed, dear, please come and visit us as soon as you find yourself once again in London or at our home in the country. Please give your parents our best in the time of grief,” the countess added.
Smiling kindly, she opened the door and saw William standing next to a carriage that was massive and frightening. It was a sight for her eyes, since she had never seen another vehicle like it in her young life.
Rose walked across the graveled path and was handed up into the monstrous carriage and settled into a seat that seemed to be made of silks and clouds.
She watched as William paid salutations to her chaperons, and then made his way to the carriage. As the door closed, she put her hand up to the wood to open the window. That was the moment she knew they carriage was one solid piece of lumber. Save for the door that seemed to slide open and close not outward. Curious, the door overlapped the inner wall of the vehicle. There were no seams that let light in or out. It was like a tomb.
She looked to William for explanation, and tricked her eyebrow up in his direction.
He smiled in return. “I had this carriage commissioned from an artist who stated he could carve a whole carriage from a massive tree. I paid him handsomely for his artistry, and he in return forged a vehicle, which could keep all manner of light out of the confines.”
Understanding struck her mind as she smiled in return. “You are clever, your grace.”
“I have no notion that it was cleverness that made me pay the young man handsomely for this carriage, perhaps it was thirst for the future and all the interesting contraptions it may hold. It is the one and most important prospect of living for an eternity. I shall see medical science advance. Art will change, and all manners of everyday life will move forward.”
“I had never thought of it that way. Now we shall share the changes together for an eternity.”
William’s smile slipped slightly at her announcement. Feeling her breast pinch, she stared directly into his eyes and firmly asked, “Have you changed your mind, your grace?”
Seeming to snap out of his thoughts, he replied, “Nay, of course not. I have never brought a mortal across. I have at no time wanted to. I have taken blood from many a passing stranger, but I have never made a fledgling. The idea is foreign to me. Do you understand?”
Softening to his worries, Rose slid to his side of the carriage and said, “You have nothing to worry over. I am willing to cross to immortality. I want to live an eternity with you and with my parents, for we will be a family, William. Never fear, my love for you will bring us through any eventuality.”
Seeing his eyes mist over, she placed her lips to his and moaned at the flavor of him. She tried to keep her kiss light and soft. However, as ever it flamed quickly within her arms. His taste and balmy kiss were as addictive as any sweet. She felt consumed by him. She wanted to lose herself in his arms, where governesses, parental discord, and worry were left by the wayside as their mutual need for each other escalated.
He moved his lips from hers long enough to say, “I need you, Rose. More than money, titles, or even my life’s force, blood.”
With his declaration flowing through the carriage, she undid his cravat, and then reached for his starched linen shirt. She undid the buttons and found his cool flesh. As her curious fingers explored his strapping chest, he moaned into her mouth. Clearly, her touch was having a profound effect upon his male form.
“Rose, you drive me mad with desire. I promised myself I would be here to comfort you, not to ravish you inside a moving carriage.”
“Oh, William, ravish me, please. I need your balmy touch as if it were nutrition and water to my soul. Please, come to me, and slide your cock within my pussy. Fill me up with your seed, as I bathe your penis with cum.”
He must have heard her words for what they were, a desperate plea for his lovemaking. She needed to feel the comfort that only he could provide her. She wanted to lose herself within his arms, and forget about the morrow, and the next.
She felt his fingers trip along her thigh, moving her skirts upwar
ds to reveal a good deal of her creamy flesh. Shivering at the sudden cold, he moaned and laid her down on the floor of the carriage.
He finished lifting her skirts and looked at his work. She was bared to his gaze from the waist down. Her wet thatch of curls guarding her pussy was quivering. He then parted her slit to reveal what she was sure to be a swollen pink clitoris. She shook as he pressed his thumb to her clitoris and began to massage her gently.
Moaning and bucking her hips, she sought his mouth, when he would not give it to her, she protested, “William, I seek to kiss your lips. Please come to me, so I can quench my thirst.”
“In a moment. I want to bring you to an orgasm so fierce, you will have to sleep the rest of the day just to recover. I want to hear you scream each climax as if it is your last. I want to place my lips upon your cunt, and drink your cum, as you stream your orgasm upon my tongue. May I, Rose?”
Charged by his words, she could only nod her acceptance, and watch helplessly as he slid down to place her knees upon his shoulder and then succumb to his ministrations.
The feeling of his teeth and his tongue upon her clitoris and within her twat was incredible. Her knees shook upon his shoulders. She tried to clamp her legs closed for the feeling was entirely too much for her. However, William was considerably larger than she, and easily manipulated her much smaller form. He doubled his efforts when she began to quake within his arms.
“Come for me, sweeting. Let me taste you. I hunger for cum within my mouth. Please, come for me now!”
His plea brought her an agonizing orgasm that was beyond compare. She shook as he licked every last drop from her. When he moved up and reached her eyes again, his mouth was covered in her repletion.
Smiling softly at her, he set his mouth to that of her own and let her taste her completion. It was the most erotic and heart-melting experience of her life. As he kissed her, the fires began to flame once again within her belly and loins, for he placed his hands on her linen-covered breasts, and began to pluck her nipples through the muslin.