I suspect that he is a little fearful of Vlad. Even dressed in modern clothing with his hair neatly trimmed, there is still a certain quickness to his movements and a coldness in his eyes that subtly reveal his predatory nature. Wisely, Andrew has been reticent about discussing his own life in front of Vlad and always keeps the conversation geared toward Vlad’s own plans. My brother is very clever. I suppose it is a family trait.
I regret that I have not kept up with my journal. I simply have not the time. Every evening Andrew arrives at the mansion and visits until early in the morning. Sometimes Emil comes along, but mostly Andrew visits alone. Much to my relief, now that Vlad is satisfied that my brother will assist us, he has lost interest in supervising my brother’s visits. Very often he leaves us alone to reminisce.
My time alone with Andrew means so very much to me. After his initial awkwardness due to my veiled appearance and his displeasure over my new husband, Andrew has now taken up his old role of pesky, elder brother.
I adore him, yet his presence has caused me some difficulties. I have found it quite difficult to hunt efficiently. In order to hunt, I have to beg off from our visits, sending a messenger during the day to inform my brother I am not well. Of course, this only concerns him more and being as stubborn as I, he has shown up while I was hunting and insisted that he see me immediately. Unfortunately, Vlad often has to play the role of protective husband during these times and it has not helped them be fond of each other.
Sadder yet, I have not able to meet my beloved Ignatius at the appointed time. My brother and Emil stayed quite late the night I had agreed to meet my new lover and Vlad had decided to join us. I had considered sending Ignatius a message, but I cannot truly trust the servants. I fear they are totally within the thrall of Vlad’s power. I was quite morose that night, my despair threatening to overwhelm me. My brother realized my state of mind and tried to comfort me, but it only made Vlad angry.
It was most difficult explaining to Vlad that I was not in the mood for visitors, even my own brother, and that the source of my despair was simply me being moody. I fear he suspects that I am hiding much from him, and, of course, I am.
Tonight, we were especially jovial though. We took a long walk and I felt much better. I was able to hunt yesterday and the blood has refreshed me greatly. As we strolled along the banks of the river, we could not help but speak of the past.
“Do you remember when we managed to remove those old swords off the library wall and began to swing at each other,” Andrew asked me abruptly.
“Do I ever! Mother smacked my backside so hard I thought I would never be able to sit down again,” I said with a laugh.
“You very nearly decapitated me if I recall correctly,” Andrew answered with a wide grin.
“Oh, yes! And then I fell off the library table and drove that old sword straight through the back of a chair!” I laughed at the memory. I had been about ten at the time and always ready for adventure, which usually turned to mischief.
“I remember Mother’s tirade in Italian to this day,” Andrew recalled fondly. “You could always tell how angry she was by whether or not your scolding was in English or Italian. ”
“Or by how fast she spoke,” I reminded him.
“Ah, yes. You and I were an awful nuisance to Mother,” Andrew said with a laugh.
“I know I was frightful to Mother, but in the end, we were at peace,” I said with a soft, bittersweet sigh.
“I am glad for it, Glynis. I always thought you were exactly like Mother. Both of you were full of opinions, fierce and absolute towers of strength on top of being amazingly beautiful,” Andrew said lovingly.
At the thought of my last moments with my mother, I felt tears welling in my eyes and I raised a hand to wipe them away quickly. I could not risk blood seeping onto my veil.
Andrew became aware of my sniffling and immediately embraced me. “Glynis, darling, you are still beautiful to me. No matter what has happened, you are the most beautiful sister in the world. ”
I began to laugh and nearly choked on my tears. Here Andrew thought I was horribly mutilated and in truth I was far more beautiful in my Undead condition than I had ever been in life. “Oh, Andrew, you are so wonderful to me. ”
He hugged me tightly and kissed the top of my head. “I adore you, Glynis. I do not want to leave you here. ”
“I will be fine, Andrew. I promise you that. I made the same promise to Mother before she died. I am strong, Andrew, and no matter what happens in my life, I want you to know that I will be all right in the end. I will never stop loving you and Angeline and my darling little nephew. ”
“I cannot wait for you to see him, Glynis. I swear he has your personality,” Andrew said fighting back his tears.
“Oh, dear! I do believe you are in for a bit of trouble then,” I exclaimed with delight.
Andrew tapped his chin with one finger, then said, “Yes, yes, I do believe I had better start hammering down everything in the house as soon as I return to England. ”
“And remember the third floor banister. You must post a guard to watch it at all times,” I said with a bright laugh.
“We nearly broke our necks that day. How were we to know it was freshly polished that morning?”
We both dissolved into laughter.
As I sit here, writing this, I cannot help but smile. My brother’s presence restores me in a way I cannot describe. When I am with him, I nearly feel human. It is a gift that he could not possibly understand.
Yet, I am sorrowful, for soon he shall leave and I have yet to see my beloved Ignatius.
I pray, though I do not know if God hears, that I will find my way through this darkness and find my own happiness.