by Rhys Rowlyn
Shadowed Beginning
Daughters of the Vieux Carré Prequel
Rhys Rowlyn
Copyright © 2021 by Rhys Rowlyn
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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Contents
Prologue
1. Giselle
2. Phillipe
3. Phillipe
4. Phillipe
5. Giselle
6. Giselle
7. Phillipe
8. Giselle
9. Giselle
10. Giselle
Also by Rhys Rowlyn
About the Author
In 1728, a group of women were commissioned by the king of France to immigrate to the new French colony of New Orleans. They were known as filles a’ la cassette or, as they are called today, “The Casket Girls.” Many of these women were orphans or penniless, and the New World offered hope for a future. They were to be educated by the Ursuline order of nuns and married to eligible men in the colony.
Myths have spread throughout history about the girls. Some say they were taken from French prisons and many were prostitutes and undesirables. Some say they were orphans or from poor families and were tested to ensure they were desirable virgins for marriage. All agreed they were the mothers of New Orleans and that if not for them the colony would most likely not have survived.
With all the stories spread, probably the most fascinating is that they are responsible for bringing the vampires to New Orleans. This tale alone has captured the fascination of many, including my own. Only the ghosts of the past know the truth. We are left to our own imagination.
New Orleans is a city of magic, mystery, and intrigue. Listen to the tales and decide for yourself which story you want to believe.
Giselle
Taking a deep breath, I try to calm myself down as I hide. “Mon Dieu, please don’t let him find me. I have to get away.” I crouch behind some barrels in an alley as I pray the man who stole me from the orphanage, Louis, goes the opposite direction.
The mean bastard took me several nights ago and has kept me locked in a dank basement, threatening to sell me to the local brothel. The night he stole me, he hit me so hard across the cheek, I was bruised severely, and my skin still has a slight green tinge. The bruise is the only thing that has saved me; he said the madam wouldn’t take me if I was damaged in any way.
I only escaped by pure chance. He had tied me to a hook in the wall but didn’t check the area well. I found a sharp piece of iron and sawed until the ropes finally gave way and I was free. I waited until he opened the door to bring me food and pushed him into the room, then ran out. I made it out onto the street before he was after me. I lost him a couple of blocks back and am now hiding.
I’m in a part of town I rarely visit; it’s one of the more affluent neighborhoods, and they don’t tolerate someone who looks as raggedy as myself. I must stay hidden, or one of the local residents may reveal where I am or, worse, hand me over to Louis. I can’t allow that to happen.
I turned eighteen last month and knew my time at the nunnery was up. The nuns at the orphanage were encouraging some of us girls to go to the New World and start a new life. This was my way out of the miserable future I faced. I can read, write, and work well with numbers. I also am a reasonable cook and seamstress, and I speak English. The nuns felt it was important for us to be educated, and if we showed aptitude to learning we were given opportunities that I’m sure most orphans weren’t. They thought I would make a good match, and I was on the list until Louis. I have to get back to the nuns and convince them to allow me to still make the journey.
Peeping through a small crack between two of the barrels I’m hiding behind, I see Louis at the entrance of the alley, his back facing me as he searches the street. I pray he can’t hear my heart pounding. I wrap my arms around my legs, trying to make myself as small as possible.
“Merde, where is the little whore?” He turns to come my way when a man steps in front of him.
“You look as if you’re lost. May I be of assistance?” I can only see the other man’s back, but he is dressed in fine clothing. He probably lives in this neighborhood.
I hope he doesn’t know I’m hiding here, or he’ll surely hand me over to Louis. I doubt my luck will hold out for a second escape. Tears come to my eyes at the thought of having to return to the dark room or, worse, being handed over to a madam and forced to become a whore. I have lived a rather sheltered life, even if I’ve had to work hard. The nuns believed idle hands were the devil’s tools. We were constantly either in class, doing chores, or in prayer, but I never feared for my safety until Louis came into my life. I was in the barn, milking one of the goats, when he snatched me, and I’ve been in a constant state of fear since. I have been taught forgiveness my entire life, but I hope ill befalls that man and he rots in hell.
“Oh, monsieur, I’m sorry if I disturbed you. I’m looking for my daughter.” Louis plants a concerned look on his face, and I almost scoff at his insincerity. “We were separated, and I fear she may have gotten lost.”
“I haven’t seen her.” The man tilts his head slightly and points down the street. “Maybe she went toward the church.”
“Oui, maybe so. I will check.” Louis wrings his hands and bows. “Thank you, sir. I’ll be on my way.”
The strange gentleman stands at the entrance to the alley, watching my abductor leave. After a few moments, he turns in my direction. “You can come out now. He’s gone.”
I jump at the sound of his voice and fall back on my arse. Slowly, I stand and step out from behind the barrels, not knowing what will become of me now. I clasp my hands behind my back to hide their trembling as fear skates down my spine.
The man motions for me to step forward. “Come, child, you are safe now. I promise to not harm you, nor will I allow that horrid man to harm you.”
He wrinkles his nose as I step into the light, and I know I look and smell awful. My hair is filthy and knotted, my face is dirty, and my clothes are torn, covered in grime. Thank heavens I was wearing my sturdy boots when I was taken. They are the only piece of clothing I have left in half-decent shape.
“Aren’t you a mess? Come, let’s see if we can get you somewhere safe, and you can tell me what’s going on.” He smiles, holding out his hand for me to take.
I am frozen in place, my gaze darting from his hand to his face. He looks like an angel with white-blond hair, a clean-shaven face, high cheekbones, and a strong jaw. He is tall, at least a foot taller than I am, and he’s dressed in clean, well-made clothing. He talks with a strange accent that is British-sounding, but I can’t place it.
He continues to hold out his hand and smile. I smile back, hoping I can trust this man. Suddenly I feel warmth come over me and know he will keep me safe. It’s strange because I have learned since my father died not to trust men, but I know in my soul I can trust this one. A deep sense of well-being comes over me, and I also know everything is going to be made right.
I take his hand and he leads me out of the alley, and I know my life is about to change. Everything is going to be different. For the first time in a long time, I feel hope.
We walk a few blocks and enter a large house. A butler greets us, bowing and showing no surprise at his master showing up with a street urchin. “Sir.”
“Hopkins, I am in need of your wife’s assistance. This girl n
eeds clothing, a bath, and food, not necessarily in that order. She will also need provisions for the journey.” The man takes my elbow and leads me into a small parlor.
My mouth falls open as I gaze at the beauty around me. The house is gorgeous with a large staircase leading up to the next level and gold trim everywhere. The walls in the hall are covered in green satin wallpaper, and in this room the walls are a dark-red satin. The furniture is dainty for such a large man, and I wonder if he has a wife. It is white with gold upholstery. Beautiful paintings of country scenery grace the walls.
“Now, Mademoiselle…” He lifts an eyebrow, looking at me expectantly.
“G-Giselle, Giselle Vernier,” I stutter, my cheeks burning.
“Mademoiselle Vernier, it is nice to meet you. I am Gabriel Courtney.” He bows slightly, winking at me.
I narrow my eyes, not knowing what to think. The warm feeling from earlier is gone, and I’m filled with fear again. People aren’t nice to others without wanting something in return. “Why are you helping me?”
“Because you need help. Has no one ever been kind to you?” His lips form a straight, harsh line and he holds his hand over his heart.
I shake my head, looking at the floor. “In another life maybe, but not lately.” The nuns took care of my needs, and I guess some were kind, but most only saw the orphans in their care as a duty.
He lifts my chin gently until my gaze meets his. “First we’ll take care of getting you fed and clean with decent clothing and then we’ll discuss what the future holds.”
“No, I can’t allow myself to be beholden to you. I don’t know you.” I take a step back, glaring at him. I knew he would expect something from me. No one is this generous.
“Young lady, I promise you will owe me nothing for the meal and clothing.” He holds his hands up in a sign of surrender. “Allow Mrs. Hopkins to care for you and then you can join me once she is done. If you decide you don’t want the offer I make, then you will be free to leave, no strings attached.”
Mrs. Hopkins appears at the doorway and curtsies to Gabriel. “Sir, you have someone who requires my attention?”
“Yes, I helped her make a narrow escape from a very bad man, and she is in need of food, clothing, and a bath.” He grips my shoulders and turns me toward the housekeeper, pushing me in her direction. “I’m sure we have something upstairs that will fit her.”
“Oh yes, sir, I will take care of the wee little thing.” She looks me up and down, and I duck my chin, too embarrassed to meet her steady gaze. “Do you speak English? My French is not very good.”
“Oui, madame, I do.” I give her a quick nod, glad the nuns saw fit to teach us the language.
Mrs. Hopkins loops her arm through mine and pulls me out of the door. “Come along then, dearie. We’ll have you right as rain in two shakes.”
I glance at Gabriel over my shoulder before I’m led out of the room and up the stairs. I still don’t know what he’ll expect of me, but if it’s too much, then I’ll just have to make another daring escape.
Phillipe
“Phillipe, are you sure this is the right thing to do? We have always traveled on land. Spending that much time on a boat could be dangerous.” André leans in close, keeping his voice low so the others don’t hear his concerns.
“Gabriel has made a bargain with twelve women who are going to help us make the journey in exchange for us securing them passage and helping them start their new lives.” I shrug, trying to make light of his concerns, but it’s difficult to keep a neutral expression on my face. I don’t want to alarm the younger man, and I do trust Gabriel knows what he’s doing.
Bram pulls a chair up, joining our conversation. That’s the bad thing about trying to have a private conversation with a bunch of vampires around; it’s impossible. “Do you trust these women?”
“No, not in the least.” Leaning back in my chair, I shake my head. “I have met a couple, and to say they are snakes is a disparagement against snakes.”
“He found the final one last night, said the girl was in trouble and needed help. Seems she was stolen from the orphanage and narrowly escaped a man who had plans to sell her to a brothel.” Bram clenches his fists resting on the table in front of him. He hates it when women are mistreated. He’s a big Viking but has a soft spot when it comes to the female gender.
This surprises me. I didn’t know he had found another woman. Hopefully she’ll be an improvement to the others. “Where is Gabriel now?”
“He is taking the girl to get provisions for the trip. It seems she was already set to go to the New World through the orphanage she was living at when she was snatched. The nuns will not approve of her now that she is possibly compromised.” Bram crosses his arms over his chest.
“Gabriel seems to have taken a special interest in her. Have you met her?” I’m surprised he’s overseeing the new girl so closely. He gave the others coin and told them to be ready for the journey tonight without giving them much more thought. I happened to be present for the meetings with all of them but this last one.
“No, but we are to meet all the women tonight. They will be given their instructions and then we will board in two days prior to sunrise. This should give us time to find other women if some of these back out.” Bram shrugs, rubbing his chin with his hand.
“Do you think that will happen?” I raise my brows; I hadn’t considered they may actually change their minds.
Bram shakes his head, frowning. “No, Gabriel has screened them well. They are all desperate to leave France.”
“I’m a bit uncertain about this plan of Gabriel’s. I hate leaving Europe.” Tristan wipes his mouth after feeding from a young barmaid, and she smiles sleepily at him. He pats her arse but stares intently into her eyes. I know he’s using compulsion. “Off with you, love. Why don’t ya go get something to eat?”
The woman makes her way to the kitchen.
“Aye, but think of it as a new adventure.” Bram’s face lights with excitement and he waggles his brows at Tristan. “I will say I’m getting a bit bored with the way things are around here.”
“You’re older than dirt, so I would imagine most things bore you.” Tristan laughs, dodging out of Bram’s reach as he tries to push Tristan from his chair.
Bram shakes his head at Tristan’s antics, grinning. “True, but I’ve never seen this new land, and I haven’t been on a boat in centuries.”
Gabriel enters the room and, with a cough, gains everyone’s attention. “Men, I have the women assembled upstairs in the dining room.”
All my brothers stand and exit the room, but I hang back to speak with Gabriel. “Did you get the girl taken care of?”
“Yes, we retrieved what few belongings she had at the orphanage.” Gabriel furrows his brow. “The nuns acted as though they were shocked to see her, and it appeared they hadn’t bothered looking for her.”
“Do you think something was amiss?” I dip my chin, narrowing my eyes and meeting his gaze.
“Yes, and I shared my concerns with the archbishop, who plans to check into it. Also, Alastair has promised to follow up on things.” Gabriel motions for us to exit the room, and I move toward the stairs leading to the dining room.
“Are the Hopkinses satisfied with their retirement?” I ask over my shoulder, continuing up the stairs.
“Yes, they were most thankful and will be leaving next month when they close up the house. They are looking forward to returning to England and their quaint village.” Gabriel smiles at the mention of our long-term servants.
The Hopkinses know our secret but are loyal to a fault. We have taken care of them most of their adult lives. I am sad at the thought of leaving them behind, but they refused the offer to travel to the New World, claiming they were too old for such an adventure.
We make our way up the stairs, and I can hear the chatter and laughter of women. One is especially loud, and I narrow my eyes at Gabriel.
He frowns, shaking his head. “Simone. She’s made herself
the leader of the group. Watch your back with her. I’ve decided to take her on as the one who will be partnering with me. I wouldn’t put her off on anyone else, except maybe Bram.”
Chuckling, I stoop down to keep from hitting my head on the door frame and freeze when I see a young woman off to herself at the back of the room. She is absolutely lovely, with long black hair the color of a raven and bright blue eyes. Her skin looks like fresh cream, with ruby lips and a touch of pink in her cheeks. She notices me staring and her cheeks darken.
Gabriel walks to the girl and takes her hand.
I growl, “Mine.”
He freezes and stares at me with wide eyes, then drops her hand. I take a deep breath to calm myself and wonder what is going on. I don’t know why this girl is mine, but I do know she is and no one can be near her.
I move in between Gabriel and her and take her hand, and a strange tingling sensation goes up my arm. I feel the need to change her and for the first time understand the compulsion to create a new vampire. Her hand trembles in mine, and she is looking up at me with wide, innocent eyes, her face having gone pale. I sense her fear and know I need to calm down.
Keeping her hand in mine, I smile and bow before her. “I apologize. My name is Phillipe Dubois, and I will be your protector from now on.”
“What do you mean, monsieur?” Her gaze narrows and she tenses, straightening her spine. “Monsieur Gabriel has offered to help me travel to the New World to start a new life as a wife, not some man’s mistress.”
“Oh no, that’s not what I meant. No, you will be my wife.” I know I’ve erred when her mouth drops and she shakes her head. “I’m sorry, I’m messing this up. I only meant I want to take care of you and make sure you are never harmed.”
