Kelsey put her hand to her mouth and snickered to herself. I guessed she thought it sounded silly when yanks try to sound British. But personally, I thought Lindy sounded cute and I giggled more at Kelsey’s reaction than Melinda’s faux accent.
“Nothing you want to know - trust me, Sis.” I gave her my sweet sister smile and she frowned, but dropped the subject.
Gavin poured the two of them a cup of coffee and he joined us at the table. For the next few minutes the only sound came from the stirring spoons and clanking silverware on saucers.
“Congratulations are in order!” Kelsey announced, breaking the near-silence. She leaned back in her seat looking casual and smoothed out her skirt. “When do you two leave to pick up your bundle of joy?”
Back when we first moved to Ravenswynd, Kelsey’s main attire consisted of an ugly grayish dress with a full white apron. It had taken me a while to convince her to dress more modern, but seeing her now in the tan skirt and multi-colored pastel top reminded me of how far she had come. She looked directly at Melinda as she spoke, no longer shy and withdrawn, but instead, a large grin adorned her face. I imagined that finally being treated as an equal helped her immensely.
Lindy sighed and then smiled. I wondered why she seemed so bothered by this question. She couldn’t be having a hard time with this; she’d wanted it for years. Perhaps she didn’t believe the adoption would truly work out. She glanced at Gavin with a roll of her eyes, and then turned back to Kelsey.
“Thanks, Kelsey. Actually, we’re still making arrangements, but the babies are due in a few weeks. Mr. Feldspar said he’d call when the...girl goes into labor. But I’m thinking we should leave sooner rather than later.” Melinda sounded breathlessly uneasy. “I’ve always heard multiple births come early. Isn’t that right Priscilla?”
We all turned our heads toward the kitchen door. Priscilla stood before us holding a giant platter of warm muffins. The aroma of blueberries wafted all around her and she brushed a few stray hairs from her face with the back of her pudgy hand.
“Oh, yes indeed. Multiples most always come early, tis very true. By the eighth month or so, they barely have room to move about any more.” She nodded her head as she placed the muffins in the middle of the table. Gavin reached for the small plate of butter and slathered a chunk onto his muffin. I watched as the butter melted and dripped down onto his dish. The sweet smelling muffins were fresh out of the oven and my stomach gave a lurch and growled.
“If I was you, Miss Lindy, I would definitely leave sooner. Better to be early than late. I wouldn’t want to miss a moment of their little lives.” Priscilla glanced at Kelsey and winked. “Twas one of the best days in me life; the birth of me own daughter, don’t ya know.” She wiped her hands on her apron, gave a sigh, twirled around, and flew back into the kitchen.
Melinda turned her head so fast that it sent her long hair flying, the curls at the bottom bounced about as she did. “See, I told you so Gavin! We should leave as soon as possible; the babies could be born any time now!” Apparently distraught, she strummed her fingers on the table, glaring at Gavin.
“But, Mr. Feldspar said...” Gavin tried to explain.
“I don’t care what Mr. Feldspar said!” Melinda raised her hand, interrupting him. “I’d rather be there earlier than be late!” Her voice was loud and shrill as she became even more charged up.
I made a wide-eyed face at Kelsey just as her mouth dropped open in shock. It was obvious: we both felt completely uncomfortable. Witnessing my twin and her husband while they became increasingly agitated at one another was quite awkward for the rest of us. Kelsey and I both reached for a muffin at the same time. Several more members of our family entered the room as Gavin and Melinda bickered back and forth a while longer, surprising everyone with their argument. No one said a word; we all attempted to ignore them as we ate in silence.
Priscilla returned with a platter of fresh fruit-stuffed cantaloupe. Each half was filled with oranges, apples, peaches, blueberries and strawberries and topped with her famous honey yogurt dressing. It was fantastic and one of my favorites. I hurried to place one on my plate and picked up my fork, trying to look nonchalant.
Attempting to tune their argument out, I chewed in earnest on a bite of tangy strawberry smothered with the sweet yogurt dressing. And when Emrys stepped into the dining room a quick silence followed him. No one dared make a commotion in front of the Regent. He came to my chair and as he bent down for a kiss, a soft lock of his hair fell into my face. His normal sweet, musky scent was extremely potent today and his kiss warm and tender. I gave him a smile and took another bite of fruit.
I noticed the look on Emrys’ face. It was too obvious how quiet the room had grown at his appearance, so I silently explained to him what had happened. He gave me a silent nod and took a sip of coffee.
Finally done chewing, I decided to help my sister out, and using my most persuasive voice I turned to my husband and said, “Emrys, my love.” I paused, handing him the platter of muffins and then a cantaloupe half. As he started eating I said, “I think it is imperative that we leave for the states as soon as possible. It has come to our attention, and it is most likely true, that the babies will be born much sooner than Mr. Feldspar has indicated. Apparently the due date could be as early as this week, due to the fact that it is a multiple birth. Even our cook, Priscilla has this belief. And she should know; she has been around many births herself.”
“Is that so?” he asked, looking around the unusually quiet table.
As I spoke my piece, Royal came in from the garage, unaware of the ongoing dispute and sat next to Kelsey. I could tell where he had been - the strong smell of gas emanated from him. She reminded him to remove his baseball cap when the brim jabbed her forehead as he tried to kiss her. Amrita and Larkin stood at the sideboard getting their drinks, having arrived just before Emrys.
“She is right, brother.” Amrita spoke up, turning towards the table. As customary, her dark hair was slicked back with the wet look, all her piercings were in place, her make-up and lipstick thick and dark. “Those babies won’t wait until their due date, you can count on that.” She winked at me and then raised her pierced eyebrow. Her husband, Larkin nodded as he pulled out the chair for her. She reached over and stroked his blonde hair affectionately just before they both sat down.
“I shall think about this while we eat,” Emrys said, nodding at his sister.
Priscilla came back with one of the kitchen girls. I could not remember her name, but I did recognize her face - and her delicious scent. Her human scent. I became painfully aware of it as soon as they entered the room. Her aroma was more enticing than any of the food we were currently eating happened to be - and even came across stronger than Emrys’ cologne. The girl gave me a fleeting, wary eye and scurried around the table serving scoops of scrambled eggs and ham onto each plate. As she inched closer to me I picked up my cup of coffee to avoid any direct contact with her scent. I inhaled into my cup as she placed a spoonful of egg onto my plate.
“Thank-you,” I whispered, holding my breath.
I caught Emrys frowning with squinted eyes as he peered at me. “Elizabeth, would you like Priscilla to bring you a small glass of Ambrosia?” His dark eyes usually emanated nothing but love whenever he looked at me, but this expression unnerved me right down to the bone.
I glared at him, horrified he would say that out loud.
As if I’m having a hard time controlling myself or something!
I cleared my throat and smiled cheerfully, though what I was thinking was clear enough to him. The fact that he was able to read my thoughts came in quite handy at times like this.
“I noticed you left a half a glass on the table upstairs,” he added without delay, “and I thought perhaps you might enjoy a small glass with your meal?”
“Sure, why not,” I said, reining in my anger. Realizing I hadn’t finished my glass earlier; this sudden thirst made more sense. I glanced up at Priscilla as she went about re
filling coffee and teacups for those around the table, and gave her a nod.
“Of course, my dear,” she said with a smile. “I’ll be but a moment.”
And then she was gone. The fantastic smelling human was through the door, hot on Priscilla’s trail. She did remember our fateful day in Kelsey’s garden! Thank god she never said anything to anyone. If it had not been for Kelsey’s quick intervention, I might have drained the poor girl right there in the midst of all the flowers. The memory alone was so strong; I felt the sharpness of my fangs as they began to appear behind my teeth. I turned my shamed head to Emrys. He raised an eyebrow at me but didn’t say a word. I now understood why my sense of smell was so extremely heightened. I was beyond thirsty, and was running on fumes.
In our world, we refrained from the old archaic ways, trying desperately to blend in with the humans. It usually came easy enough; as long as we made sure we kept up our strength by staying hydrated. Going past three days was very dangerous - that was when the thirst could get the better of you. Or rather, any human within range. No one had had an accident in over seventy-five years, or so I’d been told. Having live-in donors helped a lot, but I had heard a rumor once that we even had connections to a black-market which dealt directly with a few blood banks and hospitals. I had come to realize that nothing comes without a price tag. Immortality definitely had its dark side.
Priscilla returned with a glass of Ambrosia. The name we used for our donor blood was quite appropriate: Ambrosia - the food and drink of the gods. Mortals who drink of this nectar become immortal. And yes, this glass contained the blood of our awesome-scented kitchen girl. As I took my first sweet and fragrant sip her name instantly came back to me. I distinctly recalled Kelsey screaming, “Heather, go back!” after my fangs emerged the day she stood inches from me in the garden. My heart skipped a beat or two at the memory. It could have turned into an unspeakable horror for all of us. No wonder Heather seemed so frightened of me.
Priscilla finally sat down to eat while I savored the rest of my glass - trying not to think of what could have happened.
Fiona and Rufus bounded into the room. Rufus pulled out the chair for his wife and then filled her cup with coffee. His russet red hair fell forward and blended in with hers as he bent to kiss her forehead just before he sat down himself. She grinned, scrutinized the food, and reached for the platter of muffins. Apparently, even as a vampire, she managed to remain faithful to her vegetarian ideas, at least when it came to animals.
“Hey, everyone! What’s up?” Fiona looked radiant as she glanced around the room and asked, “Why is everyone so quiet?”
Melinda couldn’t hold her tongue and snickered at our longtime friend, saying, “Well, we’ve all been wondering where you two have been!”
I was still amazed how she didn’t turn three shades of red any longer. Prior to being turned, whenever anyone teased her, Fiona’s face would match her hair, and Lindy could never resist a chance to harass her. Fiona ignored my sister, searched around the table once again, and her sparkling green eyes rested on mine.
“We have been busy!” She winked at me knowingly. I laughed at her boldness. This was our new and improved Fiona. She never would have had the guts to be so open before with anything even resembling an embarrassing subject. Lindy laughed softly too, temporarily forgetting her recent conflict with Gavin.
“Hey, congratulations you two!” Fiona said to the parents to be, changing the subject. “When are you leaving for the States?” I held my breath again, hoping my friend could remember to keep my secret to herself. Sometimes she could be such a scatterbrain. And after that question, Lindy scowled all over again.
“Funny you should ask. We’ve been discussing that subject. Most of us think we should leave as soon as possible, but some of us don’t.” Melinda rolled her eyes and nodded her head toward Gavin who instantly frowned at her chilly tone.
“I never said anything of the sort, Melinda. You’re putting words into my mouth now.” Gavin absentmindedly pushed his white hair back over his shoulder.
“Well, you didn’t agree to change our date of departure. You didn’t call the hotel. It seems to me that you aren’t even worried about missing the birth of our children,” Lindy said, sounding downright hormonal - as if that were even possible. She wasn’t being reasonable at all, and it was unlike her to be so confrontational in front of Emrys. She was never one to keep quiet about her opinions and never afraid to make her wishes known, but this was new - the way she goaded her husband in public. I was completely shocked.
Gavin wiped his mouth with his napkin, and with an icy calmness, he turned to his wife. He cleared his throat and the whole room became uncomfortably quiet once again.
“I thought it would be somewhat important to discuss the dates with Emrys and Elizabeth since they willingly and lovingly agreed to accompany us on our trip,” Gavin said, keeping his voice low and steady. “You know this idea was just recently brought to my attention - the fact that multiple births frequently come earlier than the due date.” He took her hand in his, and said, “If you wish me to go and change all the dates - right this moment, I will. However, if you think your sister and her husband would like to join us for the entire trip, perhaps we could postpone this discussion until after breakfast?” It was amazing how calm his voice was.
Melinda started crying. And not just quiet tears, she wept openly. This was definitely new.
“I’m so sorry. I’ve been so beastly lately.” She picked up her napkin and dabbed her eyes. “I know there is no excuse for my attitude, and I’m surprised you didn’t just tell me to get stuffed. But I’m just so damn worried that something might go wrong.” She sniffed and said through her tears, “I’m afraid the girl will change her mind. Or something horrible could happen to the babies, or our plane will crash. I’m sorry, Gavin.” She rested her head on his shoulder and he reached up and stroked her hair.
“It’s quite alright, my dear. Not to worry. I’ve heard that new mothers can be very moody.” He chuckled, suddenly flooded with relief.
Funny as that sounded, he was right. I had never before seen my sister cry in public. She was completely unnerved by all the worries of new parenthood.
“Melinda,” I said, raising my voice. “Three - count them, I’ve had three visions.” I held up three fingers for emphasis. “One - when they are tiny babies, and two visions - when they are about three years old. The plane will not crash. I will be there in the hospital with you and Gavin. We’ll both be there, Emrys and I.” I put my hand on Emrys’ arm. “Mr. Feldspar will even be back here to visit when your children are older. I saw it and I believe it. Please trust me.”
I reached out my hand to her and held up my pinky finger. At first she hesitated, but then linked her pinky around mine. “I promise you. Everything will be alright.” I smiled and nodded. Feeling excited and almost teary myself, I added, “I already know their names, Lindy!”
She gave me a slow nod and released my finger, but then all of a sudden shook her head and covered her ears.
“Don’t tell me! I want to name them myself. We want to name them, right Gavin?” She turned back away from me and leaned against her husband.
“Yes, Dear,” Gavin said patiently. He looked completely worn out. With a pleading glance, he looked to his friend and leader hoping for an encouraging word.
“Well, by the looks of it, it appears we must make a decision quite soon,” Emrys announced. “Perhaps we should meet in my study right after breakfast?”
Gavin nodded gratefully, and sighed, “Yes, thank you!”
Everyone finally went back to eating, conversing, and enjoying the company. Priscilla wiped her mouth and beamed, “How jolly good it will be to have babies in the house again! It has been far too long!”
My mind drifted back to the last time there had been a baby in the house, long before my time. I glanced at Amrita. She would have been the last baby born here. Her sad beginnings caused her to be an orphan, and one can only imagin
e how her life might have turned out if not for her half-brother, Emrys. As it was, she was still somewhat of a mystery to me. On the outside she portrayed a Goth with multiple body piercings, many tattoos, and heavy, dark makeup. I glanced at the scorpion tattoo on her hand, and it still gave me the creeps; it looked far too real. But on the inside Amrita was a gentle, warm, and kind being, yet clearly conflicted about her self-image. I recalled the evening she came to visit me wearing absolutely no makeup. That was the same time she even let me in on some of her deepest fears. Our eyes met and she gave me a sweet smile with her dark, ruby red lips. I smiled back at my sister-in-law, wondering what it would take to see her looking more normal, more often.
* * *
After breakfast, the four of us met briefly in Emrys’ study. It was the first room off the giant foyer, opposite from the dining hall. Oddly enough, I had only been in this room once before. It was small compared to most of the other rooms in our beloved Ravenswynd estate. But Emrys liked it that way since he only used it for small business meetings which usually consisted of one or two others. It was very quaint and contained a mahogany desk and chair, a black leather sofa, and an old-fashioned secretary table.
Emrys showed Lindy and Gavin to the sofa, and had me sit on the chair behind his desk while he stood beside me.
“Is everyone comfortable?” he asked.
We all nodded to one another and looked back to Emrys.
“Is it possible that we can be ready to leave within two days’ time?” he asked looking from face to face.
Everyone nodded and agreed that we could. Emrys then looked at Gavin.
“Your job is to change the flights and hotel reservations and contact Mr. Feldspar to alert him of the new date of our arrival.” He glanced at Lindy and then me. “You two, make a list of what will be needed for the children, and get Kelsey’s help with the packing. I shall line up our donors.”
The Ravenswynd Series - Boxed Set Page 74