I knocked gently on Rowan’s door and she opened it to let me in, but not before she had looked at me intently, with huge suspicious eyes. I raised my eyebrows questioningly. As I moved into the room, I saw Clare at the window. She turned and looked at me amazed. ‘What on earth did you say to him? He’s just shot across the road at top speed, narrowly missing a bus. He wouldn’t have been able to run any faster if a monster was after him!’
I smiled awkwardly. I looked at Rowan, standing leaning with her back against the now closed door, her arms crossed. I could feel suspicion. ‘I simply had a quiet word with him. Man to Man so to speak – or Monster to Man if you prefer …’ I chuckled. I was pleased with myself. There was nothing I could do about that.
‘That man is a monster, Nate. Well done! You’ve no idea how much he has hurt Rowan in the past. The number of times I’ve had to come and pick up the pieces with her crying her eyes out. Let’s hope that’s done the trick.’
‘I am very happy to talk to him again, if necessary,’ I offered, not for one moment thinking it would be.
Rowan was still eyeing me suspiciously. Yet, amidst her emotions, I could feel relief; relief hopefully that Jonathan Martin had left. Hopefully not relief I had let him leave with his limbs still intact. I looked at Clare. ‘Are you sure you aren’t hurt? Should I get you a glass of water for the shock?’
Rowan rolled her eyes, but Clare beamed at me. ‘No, Nate – thank you, though.’ Clare started to smooth her hair again. ‘He just pushed me out of the way rather too hard. It’s so lucky you were here. Our gallant knight in shining armour, hey Rowan?’
An exasperated noise escaped Rowan as she hobbled back to the sofa.
Clare headed back over to the armchair. ‘You are such a gentleman. There aren’t enough gentlemen in the world today. You could give my Mark a lesson or two.’
Rowan shook her head and I smiled to myself, whilst sitting down in my former position on the sofa next to her.
‘In fact, I’d love you to meet him – and the boys, of course!’
I observed Rowan give Clare a warning look and shake her head frantically.
Clare ignored her. ‘You really don’t have to say yes – in fact, I’d perfectly understand it if you didn’t … I’m sure you’re a very busy man. But Tom’s birthday party is next Sunday. It would be wonderful if you came along. Rowan’s coming, aren’t you, love?’
Rowan grunted. I looked at her, but she was fidgeting with her packet of tablets. A vampire being invited to a human child’s birthday party? This was seriously uncharted territory.
‘He’ll be four, a great age. It’s only a couple of hours. It’s a dinosaur theme. I’m hiring a dinosaur fancy-dress costume for Mark to dress up in, not that he knows that yet. I’m going to have to choose my moment for that one! You obviously don’t have to come in fancy dress,’ she added quickly.
What the hell? It was another opportunity to be with Rowan, and I would take any that were offered me. ‘Thank you, Clare. It is most kind of you to invite me,’ and I flashed a smile that resulted in a sharp intake of breath. ‘I would be honoured to accept your invitation … but wouldn’t dream of doing so, if Rowan is not happy with my attendance.’
Rowan met my enquiring look. She really hadn’t expected me to accept the invitation and there was clear surprise and uncertainty there. What was she thinking? Her emotions were shedding no light. She was suspicious of me, no doubt. But how suspicious? How would she respond?
Suddenly she smiled. It was a wonderful, mesmerising smile. I could feel her amusement, and her eyes sparkled. She looked at me mischievously, with a triumphant look in her eyes. ‘I’m perfectly happy for Nathaniel to attend Clare, but there’s one proviso – he does come in fancy dress. I reckon the more dinosaurs the merrier!’
Dear God! How the bloody hell, could a two-hundred-and-thirty-year-old vampire, go to a human child’s birthday party – dressed as a bloody dinosaur! If James or Frederick ever got wind of this …
But I could tell from the look on her face she thought she had won this one. She thought I would make my excuses. But no, she had underestimated me. I wasn’t about to turn down any opportunity to be with her, no matter how humiliating. I did need to gulp before I spoke, but found myself uttering, ‘That presents no problem. I would be honoured to come to Tom’s birthday party … dressed as a dinosaur.’
Rowan stared at me in utter disbelief, and I couldn’t quite believe what I had just agreed to. Her mouth was open in an ‘O,’ to complete the picture. I knew she associated me with danger, probably even more so since Jonathan Martin was seen fleeing from the house after a few quiet words from me. But this would give me a chance to show her I could be safe. But … there must be easier ways.
I met Rowan’s stare with a broad smile, and a triumphant look of my own. She crossed her arms, shook her head and sighed frustratingly. She was frowning. She looked adorable.
Clare spoke delightedly, ‘Brilliant! Are you sure? It would be really wonderful! Mark will have to dress up now! Do you want me to get you a costume?’
‘No! I’m sure he can sort one out for himself,’ Rowan replied on my behalf. She was going to make this as difficult as possible.
‘Of course I can.’
I considered a quick retreat to be in order, before matters deteriorated further. Rising rapidly from the sofa, I reached into my pocket, retrieved my sunglasses and pulled out Rowan’s car keys. ‘I really should take my leave …’
‘Hold up!’ Rowan interrupted. ‘You are not going to leave the car, without my having inspected it.’
‘Rowan, that really is rude!’ Clare exclaimed, giving me an apologetic look.
Why did Rowan’s response not surprise me? ‘I can understand Rowan’s concerns. Shall we?’ I held my hand out to Rowan, in order to help her up. She shuffled around a bit to see if she could get up quickly and easily by herself, sighed, and reluctantly put her hand in mine. The heat that channelled through my body from our physical connection was pure bliss. Pulling her gently to her feet, I said my farewells to Clare and promised I would remember the address for the damned party.
As soon as the flat’s door closed behind us, I turned to Rowan. I was not going to let her struggle down the stairs, I just couldn’t do it. And I knew if she was given a choice, she would refuse my assistance. I took a deep breath. No, I took two deep breaths. ‘Rowan … I know you aren’t going to like this … and I am sorry – truly I am sorry. But it really is by far the best way for you to get down the stairs safely.’
I carefully swept her feet up from under her and, cradling her gently in my arms, took a moment to gauge her feelings: they were in turmoil, but there was, much to my surprise – and relief, as I really needed to do this – no anger or fear there. I was not at all sure what was there. But I could function! I proceeded to carry Rowan down the stairs. She was speechless, probably because her breathing was so rapid.
I spoke gently, amazed my voice remained even and didn’t betray my body’s delirium at our physical contact. ‘I have no intention of watching you struggle down the stairs, not when you do not have to, and this way is quicker, too. I think I need to get home, before you get me to agree to something else that—’
Rowan broke her silence with a giggle.
‘I am glad you find the situation amusing. You have just got me agreeing to dress up as a dinosaur! Do you have any idea how humiliating that is?’ The full extent of what I had agreed to was only just beginning to sink in.
‘I’m sorry! I really didn’t expect you to do it. It’s not very Jane Austen, is it?’
No, it wasn’t actually, but neither was that a bad thing. Was there a way of viewing this wretched dinosaur business positively? Not answering her question, I gently asked the one that was on my mind, ‘Do you really not want me to be there? If you do not, I can make my excuses.’
She paused for a moment, looked up at me, before playfully saying, ‘No – it’s fine. I really wouldn’t miss it for the world now.
’
I was going to get a complex. I was currently proving to be the object of fun for everyone.
‘You can put me down now,’ Rowan said, once we had reached the bottom of the stairs. I ignored her and effortlessly opened the front door. ‘You’re not going to walk down the road, carrying me in your arms,’ she warned.
‘Am I not?’
‘No! Please … for pity’s sake! I live here! I’m likely to know people!’
But what harm could it do? I was in control, and this way she need not hobble.
Rowan half-heartedly struggled for a few moments, but knew she had no chance. She was now trying to undertake damage limitation. I liked what that entailed. She snuggled ever closer to me, hiding her face from anyone we saw. My body was rejoicing – and God she smelt wonderful. Too wonderful, I reflected, and took the precaution of holding my breath.
Rowan’s attempts at anonymity didn’t work. The car was only one hundred yards down the road, but we encountered three different people in that short distance, all of whom knew Rowan. There was a casual, never-bat-an-eyelid, ‘Hi, Rowan,’ that continued to saunter on his way, listening to one of those musical gadget things that James has; the curious, intrigued friend, ‘Rowan? That is you, isn’t it? Um, I’ll call you tonight!’ that then walked backwards down the street, seemingly unable to remove her eyes from me, following my, ‘Good day to you,’ and the, ‘Wow! Rowan – way to go!’ that smirked and continued on his own way. To each greeting, Rowan kept her face hidden, and simply waved her arm. She was acutely embarrassed, but it appeared I could function with embarrassment.
I, on the other hand, was feeling pretty damned happy with myself. Rowan felt so good in my arms. I refused to put her down, until I had opened the car door, and could place her gently on the seat. I stayed down at her level for a moment. I knew she wasn’t happy with me, but at least she wasn’t angry; I wasn’t sure what she was. ‘Sorry – I couldn’t help myself,’ I said gently. But I was not sorry at all.
‘That was so humiliating!’ she gasped. Her face was flushed and her breathing erratic.
I continued to speak gently, ‘What is the point of hobbling, when I am around?’ Sensing a retort coming, I quickly changed the subject. ‘So – what do you think of the car?’
Rowan recovered herself and inspected it, suspiciously. She noticed the new seatbelts, steering wheel and door panels – the last two had had to be fitted to accommodate some of the countless air bags, but I indicated they might be simple replacements. But there was nothing else for her to really see. I thought I had got away with it, at least until she drove it, which wouldn’t be for a while yet.
‘See – nothing to worry about!’ I proclaimed, ensuring my relief didn’t sound in my voice, and pleased my glasses were now on, as I doubted the guilt in my eyes was fully hidden.
She was still uncertain, but failed to find anything to justify her suspicions, so she beamed at me. ‘Thank you! You know, I had this crazy idea you’d do something above and beyond with the car. Thank you for respecting my wishes – it means so much to me!’
Bugger! Bugger! Bugger! Well, I was going to stop feeling guilty. It was to keep her safe, and I had a few weeks’ grace.
‘My pleasure, Rowan.’
Chapter Nine
Movie Night
It was 9.30 a.m., Monday morning, and I was sat on the edge of my four-poster bed, psychologically preparing myself for the shopping expedition Elizabeth had scheduled for the day. The shutters were open and the sun was already casting shafts of light through the large sash windows, spotlighting pieces of gleaming mahogany antique furniture around the room.
I didn’t like shopping. I had never liked shopping – but I knew it had to be better than what I had agreed to do on Sunday. I trembled again at the thought, but reflected if the trembling stopped within eight minutes, I was improving.
My mind and body had begun to react badly to the invitation acceptance at 5 a.m. I considered I had probably either been in denial, or delayed shock, up to that point. But since then, my mind had somehow identified the ‘dinosaur crisis’ as something not at home in my head; it didn’t have anywhere remotely suitable to file it. Homeless, with nowhere to go, it kept flashing before me in crystal clarity. I kept, therefore, seeing my acceptance play before me again and again and again – and in a cruel twist, I was never able to see or hear Rowan in the playback; only myself uttering the immortal words, ‘I would be honoured to come to Tom’s birthday party … dressed as a dinosaur.’
My body had not taken kindly to the situation either. It was now breaking out into periods of uncontrollable trembling, whenever my mind involuntarily flashed the memories up. It was as if it was attempting to purge itself of such alien matter – ‘a vampire detox’ was how Elizabeth had chosen to describe it.
I still didn’t know how I had ended up committing to something so completely and utterly alien to my character-traits, as well as to my vampire alter ego. I recalled Elizabeth’s words, when I had finally let her into my head – and it had taken until we had reached the Isle of Wight. Only then had I felt confident we were far enough away from James and Frederick, to lower my guard on this one: ‘You are going to do this? You – Nathaniel Gray, Earl of Ridings, who has always been too proud and disagreeable to practise the art of small-talk – you are going to do this?’ She had then promptly fallen off the roof of Carisbrooke Castle in shock.
‘Sweetheart, are you improving?’ Elizabeth asked, now appearing at my side.
Did I detect an undertone of humour in her voice? I weighed up the evidence. After she had got over her initial shock last night, she had moved on to hysteria. She had laughed so hard and so long that she was unable to fly under her own steam and I had had to carry her all the way home. Indeed, I had had to fly at a higher altitude than usual, to prevent the eerie supernatural sound of her unrestrained laughter causing untold terror amongst the human populace below. Yes – there was definitely humour in her voice, I deduced.
I was going to reply silently as the quaking made it difficult to verbally speak, but it stopped. Yesss! I exhaled deeply. Checking my watch, I advised her dryly, ‘Down from forty-six minutes at the start, to two minutes and three seconds now. And you know this really is not remotely amusing … I have no idea what is becoming of me.’
I sensed Elizabeth’s mood change and gave her a questioning look.
She spoke quietly, ‘I do … it came to me this morning. You are in love with this girl – and will do absolutely anything to spend time with her.’
Love? Obsession yes, but … ‘Elizabeth, I will grant you obsessed. You know what we are like but there is not—’
‘You wouldn’t do what you are proposing, for anything short of love, Nate,’ she said, shaking her head. ‘I was worried about the future before …’ she looked at me with such concern. ‘But now – I’m scared stupid!’
This wouldn’t do. Any thinking about the future or the bigger picture would not do. ‘I have to take this day by day, Elizabeth.’ I tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. ‘Just know that right now, I need to see her. I need this much.’
‘I know … it’s just sometimes …’ She shook her head rapidly and attempted a smile. ‘Forgive me … I’m meant to be making this easier for you, not harder!’ With determination, she continued, ‘And if you can do this, so can I. Day by day it is.’ Teasingly, she continued, ‘But I still think it’s love!’
‘Elizabeth, I am obsessive …’
‘Obsessively in love, Nate. You’ll see. But for now, are we going shopping or what? I’m going to make the most of the here and now, too!
We were on the human escalators in Selfridges, when I sought reassurance from Elizabeth that the Rowan situation wasn’t causing problems between her and Frederick. I knew I was asking so much of her, excluding him from events.
She was swinging her bags enthusiastically. ‘No, honestly – our marriage is great! In fact, it’s spiced things up. You wouldn’t believe the thi
ngs he’ll do to try and get information out of me …’
Dear God! No! ‘Elizabeth, I really do not think …’
We stepped off the end, and I was herded towards the shoes. She grinned. ‘Okay, point taken … But I do have a great idea for protecting my thoughts from him and enhancing my marriage! I’ve bought a new book from Amazon. I’m going to read it and then simply think of it when he’s around. It’s going to drive him nuts, completely preoccupy him, and then hopefully unite us!’
A book? ‘What book have you bought? I know the library here is not up to the standards of Ridings, but there are still more than 40,000 volumes.’
‘You haven’t got this book. I checked both the town house and the inventory for Ridings. Don’t worry – I’ll be pleased to donate it to your collection once I’ve got it in my head.’ There was definitely a mischievous play to her mouth.
I was intrigued, and she knew it. Chuckling, ‘Go on then … put me out of my misery … And no! I am definitely not wearing those shoes.’ Elizabeth had held up a pair, too modern and too casual.
Pausing from the shopping for a moment, she beamed at me. ‘Ha Ha! It’s so clever – The Complete Illustrated Kama Sutra. It’s a bit tame; obviously designed with human limitations in mind, but it will get his imagination going on how a vampire might improve on the positions. Now how clever is that?’
‘Good God, Elizabeth!’ I muttered. I was beginning to wonder if it wasn’t women full stop, rather than just human women, who were unpredictable and disturbing.
‘Don’t be so prim and proper, Nate – it’s only sex – although I’m being insensitive, bearing in mind how long big brother’s been without! But don’t you think it’s a good idea?’
Once my initial shock ebbed, I could see its merits. My sister was proving to be more cunning than I had ever considered she could be. It was strange; I wasn’t seeing her two dimensionally anymore, but most definitely three. Previously she had simply been my little sister, whom I had always felt the need to protect.
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