by Renee Lake
“In 300 years you haven’t lived with me full time either,” she pointed out.
“Mom has a bunch of really old spell books in a box under her desk, she doesn’t like anyone to touch them, one is even written in blood. Maybe while she is gone we can look there for something to help you get pregnant.” He stopped her from talking, putting a finger to her lips as excitement shone in her eyes, “however, you have to agree to marry me first.”
“Like now?” She squeaked.
“No, like some day.” Mihail said,
“Alright.” She smiled and Mihail claimed her mouth, using his magic to move them to her room to show her how happy that decision actually made him.
***
“I don’t understand why they think they need to hide from us,” Sabine laughed as she and Nea walked away from the open door.
Magic made life so much easier, with a simple thought Sabine and Ruxandra had answered Nea’s summons. Shortly after they had found a very intimate Mihail and Stasi.
“Something Bendis said I’m sure. I am not completely happy about it, but not angry either,” Nea said, face stern.
“Why not happy Bunica?” Ruxandra asked, confused. So what if Mihail and Stasi were in love, it didn’t seem that important?
“It could cause complications. However it’s been going on for more than three centuries so even if I wanted to there isn’t anything to be done,” Nea shrugged.
“Doesn’t it bother them that they are related?” Sabine frowned.
Nea laughed, “They are so distantly related it’s almost like they are not. If I remember my family tree…I think Mihail’s great-grandfather was the great uncle to Stasi’s great-grandfather.” The three women laughed at how ridiculous the statement sounded.
“Now like a Strega she cannot be effected by the curse, right??” Ruxandra questioned, a sobering thought.
“Something about the Strigoi process destroys the curse like it does disease.” Nea explained.
“So that’s the cure!” Ruxandra laughed, “Tell Bendis to let girl children be born again and you can turn them all into your Strigoi.” All three women chuckled at the ludicrous prospect.
“Did you know Stasi was trying to find a way to procreate?” Sabine asked when the laughter died down.
“No, that was news, but maybe she is on to something.”
“It’s not possible though, correct?” Ruxandra turned around to look at her grandmother.
“Not that I know of. Now, Sabine and I will be leaving right away. I am putting you in charge here since you are so good at it.” Nea smiled, “Renata and Marina will be meeting us in Whitby, the normal way.”
“Why are we taking them? Can’t we handle this on our own? Just hire locals,” Sabine sniffed.
“It will be easier to allow Marina and Renata to handle the household if we are going to be dealing with my husband.”
They were in the sitting room by then, getting ready to have tea, it was something the English did she quite enjoyed, tea service.
“I would be happy to deal with the household here; it’s been so long since I had one of my own,” Ruxandra said.
“I am sorry for that. Once Costica is dead, I will give you a house anywhere you would like” Nea told her, she gazed at her beautiful granddaughter and wished that the last three hundred years had been less chaotic.
“It’s nothing for you to worry about Bunica, I know.” The three of them chatted idly while they finished their tea; they spoke of normal things like the theatre, gossip and politics. Sometimes it was good to take a step back and pretend to be normal mortals. Sabine and Nea left soon after that.
They arrived in Whitby, two beautiful single women, just after a ship, the Demeter had crashed into the shore line leaving all but one passenger dead.
Sabine and Nea stood on a cliff, the sea breeze whipping around them as picturesque clouds floated over a blue sky. The town of Whitby was a small cozy village by the sea with white washed buildings and matching fences. People milled about dealing with business, children, work and school. Nea could smell the brine of the sea, fish guts, bread baking and over it all blood, a lot of fresh blood. For at the harbor was a boat and the majority of people were swarming over trying to get a look at the bodies before the police covered them and hauled them away.
“What was he thinking?” Sabine asked, “That trip takes forever, he would be starving, those people never had a chance.”
“I don’t know, but I intend to find out.” Nea turned away from the sight, disgusted. He could have travelled under his own power and brought his things by boat, there was no reason for those people to die. Nea was reminded that her husband was a vampire, practically soulless and brutal. No matter how tender he was with her.
“See there.” Sabine pointed down to where the ship was, two women stood there. One was very beautiful, with pale skin, and fair-haired hair; she was petite, thin and lovely like a porcelain doll. She was being steadied by a taller more robust woman with deep chestnut curls coming out of her high bun. Her skin had seen more sunshine and while not pretty and delicate like the other woman; she was striking to look at. They seemed to be arguing a little and the brunette began slowly helping the blonde woman away from the wreckage.
“She’s been fed on.” Nea narrowed her eyes, from their vantage point and her unnatural eye sight she could see the girl’s paleness was not just from being cooped up inside, but from the blood she lost recently. She also had an aura about her all vampire victims did, like a shadow creeping up behind them. It lasted at least twenty four hours after feeding.
“Well then, we should probably find out who they are and make friends. I for one would be very interested in the brunette,” Sabine leered.
“I can find Vlad easier than that, we don’t need to bother the locals.” Nea hedged away from the idea of making friends.
“The one girl needs protection Nea, what if you can’t convince Dracula to leave her alone?”
“I still don’t think involving them is a good idea, we can protect her from a distance.”
“Half the reason you sought out this town was to relax and enjoy life a little, yes? Those girls are probably in the middle of the social circle, parties, dinners, teas, luncheons…all sorts of fun frivolous outings, plus we can snoop a bit as well,” Sabine argued.
“I don’t think society like that stretches too far from London,” Nea told her.
“Well, not as high and fancy, but towns like this are where rich women and their friends deem to spend the summer holiday.”
“Fine, we shall seek them out first thing tomorrow, but now I want to follow Vlad’s trail and see where it leads us.” Together the women left, following the trace of darkness and blood that the vampire’s presence had left from the ship.
The town of Purfleet was a secluded village that was quite small, located on the northern side of the river Thames in Essex. It’s only claim to fame seemed to be an asylum. On the outskirts of town the trail stopped. There was about 20 acres of land surrounded by a stone wall, an iron gate, and, all but falling off the hinges, a sign that said “Carfax”, but it was barely legible.
The women entered the gate, cautiously, concerned that Vlad might have put up magical traps or have sentinels. Nea felt the first ward about five feet in.
“Stop, he has wards up, I don’t want to alert him to our presence.”
“He’ll be asleep it won’t matter.”
“Not always, he is a very old vampire.” Nea could see the estate from where they stood, abandoned, timeworn and in a state of decay it loomed out of the dense trees.
“Yuck, why does he want to live here?” Sabine said pointing towards a large black pond thinking about what horrible secrets could lurk beneath the water, “it’s gloomy, even with the sun shining.”
“Might have something to do with that.” Nea pointed to the large opposing building on one side that must have been the asylum.
“Is that a church?” Sabine squinted. Farther in the d
istance on the other side of Carfax estate sat a derelict church.
“Yes, this is perfect, between an old church and asylum this place is the local haunted house, no one will come here and people won’t find it strange that he is from Transylvania and trying to renovate this place…He’s brilliant.” Nea beamed. She knew she shouldn’t feel proud, but it was there, as well as the disgust at herself at feeling so.
“No, it’s creepy, let’s go, at least now we know where he is.” Sabine touched Nea’s arm, a little concerned. She knew her friend would never stop loving Dracula, but it seemed best to remove her from temptation. Sabine wanted to leave, the darkness of the place grated against her psyche causing all her internal warning bells to scream at her.
“Ok, we’ll find out who those girls are and send a calling card to their home at once.” Nea turned and let her friend lead her off the grounds of Carfax. So preoccupied with thoughts of her husband she didn’t notice that something else had taken an active interest in her presence.
Chapter 14
Whitby
Two months later
“Such a nice gathering, Mrs. Westenra, as usual,” Nea complimented her hostess, noting with dismay how unwell she seemed to be. Over the past few months she and Sabine had gotten to know the Westenra’s quite well. Mrs. Westenra wasn’t just in Whitby for a summer holiday; the doctors also hoped the pace and fresh air would help with her weakened heart condition. Mrs. Westenra was an older, if possible, more delicate version of her daughter, Lucy.
“Thank you Nea, it’s always a pleasure to be able to watch my daughter and her friends enjoy themselves.” The older lady was sitting by the window in a gown of cream lace, a matching lace fan in one hand.
“Sabine and I appreciate the invitation; we were so worried about not falling into the right crowd this summer,” Nea smiled coyly. Like always, she and Sabine’s youthful image and wealth had done wonders with ensuring the friendship of the only other girls their age in their social class: Lucy and Mina. Though to be honest, Mina was only present as Lucy’s best friend, she came from poorer stock and was studying to be a teacher.
“Well, of course, and now that my Lucy has chosen a suitable fiancée you and Sabine can have your pick of the rest.” Mrs. Westenra giggled like a school girl, flushing under the powder on her face.
“Well, I don’t know if Sabine and I are here to find a husband this summer, but there are good prospects.” Nea caught Sabine’s eye across the floor, she was being entertained by a Dr. John “Call me Jack” Seward and looked as if she needed rescue.
“All young ladies need a good husband,” Mrs. Westenra said. Nea agreed and took her leave, crossing the large marble floor. The house the Westenras had rented for the summer was large and airy with white walls and golden fixtures. There were white flowing curtains on each of the large windows that let in the cool sea breeze and all the furniture was brand new and in the latest style. Lucy had informed them that her mother had the whole place decorated before they had even packed their trunks.
The party tonight was in celebration of Lucy’s engagement to Arthur Holmwood, a rich boy who had inherited all his father’s money, title and property. Nea hadn’t met him yet, but Lucy raved about his appearance, money and intellect. It had been quite the courtship as two other young men had been interested in her at the same time.
Nea was wearing her dark hair in a knot on the top of her head, wisps of her hair floating down around her face. Her dress was pale azure with squared décolletage, what was called a wasp waist, and a long trained skirt. A style very in for evening dresses, most of the ladies wore similar versions, some with lace or pearls, some made of satin or with puffed sleeves. Sabine was in a pearled trimmed version in a lovely coral color.
“Sabine, you are hogging Doctor Seward,” Nea laughed, coming to stand by her friend and handing her a glass of wine.
“You read my mind,” Sabine took the glass and drank deeply, annoyed at the young doctor.
“Ah, Miss Nea, you are lovely this evening,” the young man stammered. He was short with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes, not handsome, but very kind.
“Thank you; now what were you talking about?”
“My patient, Renfield, his particular brand of psychosis is fascinating: he eats bugs, seems to think they will keep him alive,” He laughed, but there was darkness behind it.
“The human mind is a very interesting and powerful thing,” Nea agreed.
“He was also mentioning how worried he was about Lucy,” Sabine commented, and then turned to a waiter to deposit her wine glass and ask for another.
“Mina assures us she has been feeling better the past few days,” Nea’s brow creased in concern. Vlad had been feeding on the child at least twice a week since the boat wreck; it was only a matter of time before he killed her or turned her. The girl was pale, tired and listless most days, which saddened Nea because she very much enjoyed Lucy’s company.
“I examined her just a few hours ago, she seems to suffer from severe anemia, but I cannot find the cause and neither can her mother’s doctors,” Dr. Seward was quite concerned, his gaze flew to the couch where Lucy lounged, slowly drinking champagne while Mina fussed around her. The girl’s eyes were bright, but under her makeup she was much too pale.
“Well, then it is a good thing her fiancée will be arriving in Whitby soon, maybe his presence will help,” Sabine laughed. Nea didn’t think it was that funny but knew Sabine was a little twisted.
“Maybe. If you will excuse me ladies I am going to see if I can offer her my assistance.” He hurried off, pulling at his collar nervously.
“Poor sap, he’ll love her until he dies,” Sabine snorted.
“Or until she does.” Nea took a drink of her own champagne, watching the room. There were several people milling about, good food and half way decent conversation, but she didn’t have much interest in any of them.
“Have you been back to Carfax?” Sabine asked.
“Several times. I even tripped the wards, but he is never there and I can’t seem to track his location. It’s like he doesn’t want me to find him,” Nea shrugged.
“He didn’t show up the few times we have watched Lucy at night, so I would say that’s an accurate conclusion.” Sabine motioned over to where Lucy and Mina were. Mina was making her way over to them. Nea didn’t like her much; she found her overbearing and manipulative, no matter how kind she was trying to come across.
“I am so glad you both could come tonight, I don’t have to tell you how fond Lucy and I have become of you.” Mina smiled, but it was fake and there was worry behind her brown eyes.
“We wouldn’t miss it, but Mina, you seem so distracted.” Nea was better at the play acting than Sabine.
“Oh well…” Mina lowered her voice and what sounded like despair laced her words, but Nea thought some of it was forced, “my fiancée, Jonathan? He went to Transylvania on behalf of his company, to discuss some real estate purchase. At first I heard from him every week, but the letters have stopped and the last few sounded so frantic.” Tears filled her eyes, “I am afraid something horrible has happened to him.”
Nea couldn’t speak, this could not be coincidence, her fiancée must have been the solicitor Vlad hired before his trip. Realizing her best friend was too busy thinking to talk, Sabine took over.
“Oh no. I can see why you are so worried, what with Lucy ill as well. But I am sure he’s fine.” She didn’t sound as nice or convincing as Nea would have, but it worked.
“Yes, well I will feel better after I hear from him. His employer has assured me he is getting behind Jonathan’s whereabouts for me.” Mina had cooled her emotions a little, backing off emotionally.
“Well, don’t worry, if you have to leave we shall be sure to look after Lucy and her mother for you, we wouldn’t want to you have added stress,” Nea came out of her own thoughts and salvaged the conversation from Sabine.
“Oh, that’s too kind,” Mina practically cooed it. “If you don
’t mind I need to get some fresh air.”
“Bitch.” Sabine hissed as Mina walked away.
“I know, and insincere too.” Nea frowned, “she isn’t as worried about Jonathan as she seems to be, she’s more concerned Lucy and her mother will die and she will lose her ties to society.” Nea was about to freshen her drink and try and find Quincy Morris, whom she had been told had an amusing anecdote about a vampire bat, when there was a lull in the noise. The music still played but the people had stopped talking.
The butler had appeared to announce a new party guest and while normally there wouldn’t have been a pause all eyes were focused on the man standing behind him. His eyes were only on Nea.
“Count Dracula.” The butler announced and Vlad swept into the room. His black hair was shorter, the way men of the time wore it and he had shaved since she had seen him last. He wore a black suit with a long black cape; his existence alone was loud and commanding. His black eyes intense, they broke away from Nea and rested on Mrs. Westenra who had stood at his entrance.
“Mrs. Westenra, I was so pleased to receive your invitation to this party. I have had little chance to socialize since I moved to Carfax.” His voice was deep, seductive, his accent unique and alluring. Nea had long ago perfected the art of losing her accent, but she was happy to hear the sounds of her homeland in Vlad.
Dracula walked over to Mrs. Westenra, who blushed as he took her hand and kissed it. As things went back to normal the party picked up again and Nea and Sabine moved closer.
“Well, when Jack…Dr. Seward mentioned a man of your age and breeding all alone out at that estate I felt it was my duty to make you welcome. I am so glad you could come,” she said. He dropped her hand and kept smiling.
“Yes, Dr. Seward has been a very gracious neighbor; I have spent several evenings in his company.”
“I do not understand why in the world you would want that old place. I’ve seen it; it’s going to take a fortune to renovate” Mrs. Westenra said, frowning.