by Aubrey Brown
William could feel the question hanging in the air. He knew what the other man wanted, and the idea was mad.
“Will you watch over Rose? Go to London once in a while, and make sure she is kept safe? I would not ask if I felt you could not possibly do as I request. Beth and Rose are at stake, and you are well known. Rose has never been seen at court. It would leave my mind at ease,” Gabriel finished.
William’s stomach churned, but he would do anything asked by this man. He owed him so much. “I will do as you request, Gabriel. Rose will be kept safe.”
With a promise made, William and Gabriel materialized at their respective homes.
As William threw a flame that set the candles to burn, he contemplated Gabriel’s request. He had no real idea of how he was going to keep Rose safe. She, for all accounts, hated him now, or at the very least was embarrassed, and would not welcome his presence. It was clear to William that Rose had not spoken of their awkward encounter in the gardens, where she professed to love him and he then told her she was like a niece to him.
In a small way, William felt relief mixed with slight regret. Where the sentiment came from he was not certain, nor did he want to press his mind for the answer.
Chapter Three
In the days that followed, Rose spoke with Beth and told her of the journey she was to take to London. She seemed very upset.
“Why must you leave, Rose? And right before your birthday?”
“I am almost eighteen years of age. That’s ten and eight years old, Beth. I am to go to London to perhaps meet new people and obtain connections, and hopefully find a husband. I cannot do that here at Halverson. I love you, and I promise to write often.”
The little girl’s lip wobbled, but she nodded her head.
A new governess was employed, another kindly older woman who seemed to take to Beth immediately.
She had not seen William since the night of her folly, and she was gladdened for that small miracle. She made sure she worked all day long, so she was tired at night. Her mother came into her room and kissed her good evening as did her father.
Rose thought upon her impending journey and felt a twinge inside of her breast. She was very nervous but filled with mirth over the idea that she was going to help her family and have a new adventure doing so. The Trentons sent a missive back that ensured they would love to have Rose for the season. Their youngest daughter was just married, and having another person in the house would help mend Misses Trenton’s broken heart over having no children in the house. She also mentioned not to worry she had many dresses and finery options for Rose and that she knew a superior dressmaker. And the bill could, of course, be sent to Halverson. It would seem all was set for her journey.
The morning of her journey dawned three days later. Her parents had said good-bye to her the previous night, and Beth was in a new routine with Misses Strong. It would seem that everything was in order, even though her mother and father cried all over her evening dress. Rose had been given a family necklace, a pair of earrings, and a bracelet that matched her coloring. The set was ruby red and very daring for a young girl at court. Her mother had even given her some dresses to wear until the dressmaker could create her a new wardrobe. She was glad to receive a pendant from her brother that was beautifully created.
William was absent from the festivities, which was expected, and Rose knew she would probably see him very infrequently. The thought was not as terrible as it once was since the night she made a complete fool of herself. She would like to think that she was becoming immune to her pain.
Once her trunks were loaded and her maid, Roselyn, and her footman, Matthew, came into the coach, they left the castle. The ride was uncomfortable, for Roselyn and Matthew did not speak. It was not their place to engage in conversation with her. So with a book in her lap, she set in until they stopped at a respectable inn.
* * * *
William roamed his estate, passing servants as if they were not there. Being a vampire made him employ people that kept their mouths closed for coin and friendship. He employed a man who took care of the workers and renters on the estate during the daylight hours. He was going over the notes left for him at his desk, when a thought struck him. Rose was on her way to London, more than likely stopping for the night at an inn.
Ever since she had proclaimed her love for him, his skin felt too tight over his bones. He’d fed plenty since then, but the feeling would not go away. The situation was different. His life felt slightly unusual. He missed Rose’s laugh, he missed telling her his childhood stories. Her smile was like the namesake he had given her eight years before. Had it been eight years? She was ten years of age then. Which meant in less than a month’s time she would turn eighteen years old, so would James.
His thoughts were stopped by an invitation from his friend the Baron of Chestlake. He was to be having a ball in a week’s time. It was always the event at the start of the season. Later in the season, he would give a masked ball that was reserved for lecherous men and women of ill-repute.
He knew the Trentons. They would not allow for Rose to attend such a soiree. He felt a heel for not saying good-bye to Rose. However, he was to travel to London shortly after her, to visit her on the pretense of welcoming her to London for the season and to mark her birthday.
This reminded him that he needed a present for her. He missed her private birthday party at the castle. He would send his secretary to find a suitable present for a young girl.
He had a plan, and he must stay the course. He owed it to Gabriel and Emma.
* * * *
Rose traveled for most of the next day and arrived at the Windbornes’ town home, in the middle of fashionable London, a block away from Whites, on 4 Chesterfield Street, right before the sunset. With such attractions as the Theatre Royal, on Drury Lane, and the National Gallery, she doubted she would ever sleep.
Rose had never been away from Halverson Castle, and could not believe the movement of people on the streets so close to dusk. She looked out the window and saw many shops that she could purchase ribbons, shawls, and jewelry from. Dressmakers and tailors lined the streets, along with sweet shops and fresh foods. It was an amazing feeling, to be in a city that she had never been to, or if her parents brought her here in her youth, she could not recall it.
They traveled through to a town home that was charming and looked nothing like anything she had ever seen before. The coach came to an abrupt halt, and was handed down by an older man with balding hair and stern eyes.
“Good evening, Miss Drake. My name is Jeffries. Come with me please, I will show you into the parlor and ring for tea.”
The man was blunt. However, Rose was used to curtness. Misses Greenleaf was the same. With a small smile in place, she followed the old man into a fashionable parlor, which seemed to be newly painted, and decorated.
The settee and the chairs seemed to scream the latest style. Her footman, Matthew, and Roselyn seemed to be putting away her belongings. This made Rose much more nervous. She was to meet Lady Windborne, to be more specific Lady Christina Maria Trenton, Countess of Windborne.
It was a terrifying situation. She had at no time mixed with strangers of the ton. To be sure, she had the best tutors around. However, she had never had a conversation outside of William, and that thought alone straightened her spine and firmed her resolve.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, my dear. We were finishing dinner, and I have just ordered a plate for you with some hot tea,” Misses Trenton announced.
Rose stood and curtsied. “Thank you, my lady. I would not want to put you to any trouble…”
“Oh, pish, my dear, I have been looking forward to your visit since I received your mother’s letter. I have been at loose ends since my Anuria married her husband. He is a Baron, you know.”
And there it was. Her mother had warned her that noblewomen lived for status and gossip. It was now her job to respond.
“Did she indeed, my lady? What a wonderful match your lovely daughter has made. You
and his lordship must be so pleased.”
“Please call me Christina and I shall call you Rose. And you must certainly refer to the Viscount as Hugh. We are close friends, even family now. So you must think of me as your mother while you are here. I am to show you a season, and I intend to do so, as if you are my daughter. Which brings me to my next thought. We need to dress you for every occasion. You do have some appropriate clothing. However, if we are to find you a suitable husband, we must show you off to your greatest advantage. Stand please.” She motioned for Rose to stand as she walked around her.
It felt as if she were a piece of meat waiting for approval from a cook. Rose turned as Christina moved her with her arms. As she spoke, Jeffries brought in a tray of fruits, vegetables, without sauce, and with very little meat. It seemed meager fare to Rose, but she dug into the offerings.
“You have a fine figure, high bust line, curved hips, and long limbs. We will have to add sauce to your food to put some weight on you. You are slightly too thin, dear. Your face is oval, and your skin is of perfect complexion. If we were to put you in a dress of low cut and smooth flow, in deep colors, you would stand out from every girl from the ton. I know most girls will be wearing pastels, but my brand-new dressmaker tells me that a new fashion of large sleeves, somewhat strict corseting of the natural waist, full skirts, and visual emphasis on wide sloping shoulders and darker dramatic colors will be in fashion. We will have to cut your hair and perhaps add some lemon for lightening. You will have to sit in the sun for that treatment, with a cloth over your face to prevent freckles,” she stated excitedly, while ticking off mental notes.
Rose had no idea she needed so much work to become marriageable. With her resolve firmly in place, she smiled and stated, “I will do anything you bid me to, Christina. I want to make a perfect match this season.”
“Of course you do, my dear. Now let me send a note to my dressmaker to send over a seamstress to claim your measurements and tell her of your coloring, so she can start right away. We will be having a ball in two-week’s time to mark your birthday. That will be your official coming-out soiree.”
And so it went. Christina continued to speak of her coming out as Rose ate her food. Plans seemed to be made within the older woman’s mind, and by the end of her meal, the lady of the house excused herself to make the arrangements.
Rose felt tired just speaking with the countess. Later, Rose was shown to her room. A kindly older gentleman with a mustache met her in the hall way.
“You must be Rose, and I am Viscount Windborne. You may call me Hugh. I am sorry I did not meet with you in the parlor, but I had some business to finish, and I knew my wife wanted to plan your season.”
The man had a kind smile and a warm handshake.
“Indeed, my lord. I mean, Hugh. She seems to have all well in hand, and I am looking forward to the upcoming season.”
The Viscount laughed. “I am sure in a few days you will feel as if you haven’t slept in your lifetime. However, my dear wife is the most assured woman in London that can and will find you a suitable match.”
Rose laughed in return. “Of that, I have no doubt.”
Concern entered his eyes. “You must feel exhaustion upon you. Please retire to bed, and we shall speak more over breakfast.”
As he bowed, she curtsied, Rose then followed a house maid to her new room.
It was a cheerful space that must have been their daughter’s room before she married. It was painted in pastels with a four-poster bed that looked divine. Her maid had a room right next to hers that was smaller, but functional. A night-rail was laid out for her rest.
Every necessity was at her disposal, and she noticed new dresses hanging in her closet that were of the latest fashions. Her dressing table seemed to have hair accessories and jewelry, with a toilette on the other table for washings. Perfumes and creams lined a shelf near the end table.
She had much to learn about being a grown woman. She had been taught by the best tutors and instructors, but, applying such teachings made practice perfect.
Feeling her spine stiffen in resolve, she made her choice. She was here to help Beth as an adult. She would start to act like one, which brought her mind back to the problem at hand. She needed to seek out a solicitor and find a way to help her parents. With William put firmly out of her mind, she let her maid undo the line of fine buttons at her back and began the arduous task of undressing herself.
* * * *
A lord’s house within London
The young man sat across from his father’s desk as the old imbecile dithered on about his health and why he needed to marry. His thoughts drifted slowly to the lowly footman serving his father a drink. He saw the sparkle in the footman’s eye as he placed the port in front of his father.
The young man and the servant had sex the prior evening, and his cock began to stand at attention when the footman named Walter straightened, licked his lips, and then left the room. The son of the lord sat in silent remembrance of his previous evening’s orgasm.
The young footman had been eager to submit to his request of sucking his cock into his warm mouth and bringing him to a shattering orgasm.
His musings were brought to a halt with his father’s next words, “…if you do not marry this season, I will leave your inheritance to your cousin.”
“You lie, sir. You cannot possibly leave your title to that foundling,” he stated with relish.
The old man gave his son a sneer for a smile. “I may not be able to pass my title onto him. However, I can leave you with no funds to run the estate.”
Shocked into silence, the younger man shook with repressed rage. He did not want to marry a chit. He wanted to live his life as he saw fit.
“You have one of two decisions to make, boy. You may marry this season and produce an heir, or you do not marry and live the rest of your miserable life as a waif. You decide.”
Seeing no alternative. “I will marry, you doddering old fool!”
And with that said he quit the room to seek out his lover and find a moment of pleasure in his arms.
* * * *
His grace Edington’s estate
William awoke as he always did when the sun finally set and the moon rose in the heavens. His very first thought was of Rose. He imagined she would be in London by now. She was probably sleeping after such a long journey. He would smile at the thought of her, if he didn’t feel so terrible. He could not rid the image of her sad eyes and broken appearance after he told her that he did indeed love her, but as a niece. He doubted he could ever look upon her as a woman of desire. He had no desire to marry anyone, least of all his little Rose. She was but a young woman, still fresh eyed and un-world wary.
He had been alive for over two hundred years, and most of his days were spent in lust and love with a woman who had used him to create heartache and havoc. He thought upon his time with Josephine and winced. Even a century after her death, he still angered that he was blind to her. He doubted he knew what real love was. His father, a knight in the Queen’s army, was always at practice or in battle, and his mother was too busy rearing his many siblings, whom he lost after Josephine had crossed him.
The blood and the killings of his time with her raced through his head. The destruction and the seduction were clear enough to make his cold blood heat in anger. He had been a fool for her, and many had paid a high price for his foolery.
He had a mind to pass his dukedom on to a befitting youngster of his choosing. He had no means to create a life to leave his title to. So when the time came for him to disappear before rumors started to circulate, he would. Perhaps he would buy a castle near Gabriel. By then Rose would be safely married to another man, and the awkwardness between them would be as if it never was. She would realize someday that her love was of a childish nature and not that of a woman.
With his thoughts firmly placed, he made his way through the house and down to his study to review the daily reports. As always, his glass of blood was placed upon t
he side of the desk. He took a fortifying sip and read over the pen marks. It would seem everything was in order and the tenants in good stead.
He finished his drink with a sigh and leaned back in his chair. He looked toward the fireplace and brought forth a flame to warm the room. He was impervious to the cold or heat, but he did like to watch and listen to the crackling, dancing colors.
His thoughts turned to Rose’s upcoming birthday. He asked his secretary to secure him a present befitting her. William would travel to London and mark her birthday with a gift and see how she was faring. It would draw little suspicion. He was a friend of the family, and the season was ongoing. It was expected of him to attend some parties, and he would, with the mind to watch Rose.
He grimaced at the thought of her welcoming of him. He was sure she would be upset, and he had no patience for a young girl’s temper tantrum. He would simply bring her around with a bauble and hope she found a husband soon. However, first she must seek a solicitor, and he would have to help her with that endeavor.
He rang his bell for the Butler to come in. After a moment, Holden appeared.
“Holden, I will be traveling to London within a week, and I need for the London townhome to be readied. Make the arrangements, and tell a footman. I will need to pack for the season. Furthermore, send a missive to the Trenton household and tell the viscount I have a mind to visit Rose. Explain I am an old friend of the family.”
“Indeed, your Grace, all will be accomplished. Is there anything else you’re in need of?” he asked.
“Nay, I am staying in this evening to prepare tomorrow’s report,” William replied. “Very good, sir, I bid you a good evening.”
With that said, Holden quit the room, leaving William to his thoughts.
Chapter Four
Rose’s head was in a whirl. It had only been a few days, but she felt a new person. She had been to a seamstress and had a whole fresh wardrobe ordered. She was to receive dressings for breaking her fast, a few riding habits, day dresses, afternoon wear, and lastly ball gowns and party frivolity. She had no idea one changed clothes so many times throughout the day. And hats, she had more hats and matching shoes than she ever thought possible.
