I was relieved to leave the Dosza Palace behind as the carriage wove its way down the lane toward Sir Stephan’s home. The Baroness was still sleeping when I departed, which was fortunate since I had yet to decide what sort of tale I should tell her about the destruction in my bedroom. Meanwhile, Magda set about arranging the move to another suite. I was saddened to leave my beautiful blue rooms, but Vlad’s attack had destroyed its serene aura.
Dressed in a pale pink dress with tiny red beads and thick ivory lace adorning the petticoats, I felt a bit more poised than earlier. My mother always said that a lady should dress her part despite how she was feeling. I understand her wisdom now. Once I am properly coiffed and dressed, I feel empowered to be Countess Dracula, even though the name is loathsome.
Adem traveled with me in the carriage while our guards rode behind. In the darkness, I felt safe and hidden away from spying eyes. Even now, despite Vlad’s violent intrusion into my life, I was aware of all that I had learned from Ignatius and Astir. Ilinca and Gavril could be nearby watching my journey to Sir Stephan’s home.
Upon our arrival, Adem quickly leaped out of the carriage and flipped down the steps so I could disembark. I had scarcely set my foot upon the ground, when the door to the manor opened and Sir Stephan himself appeared. His thin face revealed his distaste for me far more than it should have. He would never treat me in this manner if Vlad were about, but I would rather deal with Sir Stephan being inhospitable than have Dracula return.
“Countess Dracula, good evening,” he said in greeting, leaning down to kiss my hand.
“Thank you
for assisting me in this matter. ” I withdrew my hand quickly and entered his home. Sir Stephan followed, his breath a little ragged. I suspected he was holding back his anger.
“I do not understand why you would be in need of a fortuneteller. My wife is a desperate woman who misses her child. Certainly you are not trying to reach your family from beyond the grave?” Deep furrows formed on his brow and about his mouth as he regarded me with both contempt and fear.
“Why I need the fortuneteller is none of your concern. Must I remind you that your job is to do as my husband and I say?” I lifted my brows at him and was satisfied when his face flushed.
“You know that I am ever at your disposal,” he reluctantly responded.
“I know we pay you handsomely and you do a satisfactory job. My husband is pleased with your work. I hope you will continue in that same vein and not disappoint him. ” I was rather pleased with myself. I have grown quite adept at manipulation of late. Certainly Vlad would be proud and though the thought makes me a little bitter it is also a comfort that I am adapting to my new nature.
A maid assisted me with my coat and bonnet, her downcast eyes and pinched expression revealing much about the atmosphere in the house. I could feel the tension filling the halls and knew I was responsible.
“Has the fortuneteller arrived?” Adem loomed over Sir Stephan, his dark eyes penetrating and cold.
“Yes, yes,” the sufficiently cowed man answered. “She arrived a short while ago. Maria is speaking with her in the parlor. ” He hesitated before continuing, “I must say in my defense that I am only concerned. ”
“Your concern is the work my husband has assigned you and nothing more. Let us not play games, Sir Stephan. We are not friends. You offer a service to my husband that can easily be assigned to another solicitor. ” I let him feel the cold power of my wrath and he stepped away from me.
“Glynis! You’re here! Father said you would be visiting,” Laura called out. She hurried down the hall toward me, smiling with delight.
Turning my attention to her, I smiled an honestly happy smile and greeted her warmly. “I suppose it rather silly, but I suddenly wanted to have my fortune told. ”
Laura giggled as she clutched my hands. “I have done it myself. It is all a bit mysterious, isn’t it? She’s blind, you see. She holds your hands and strokes them. It’s quite odd, but she did tell me many interesting predictions that I certainly hope will come true. ”
“Oh, you must tell me what she said!” I forgot Sir Stephan and his disagreeable attitude as Laura hooked her arm about mine and we hurried down the hallway together.
“Well, she promised that I would find the life I am yearning for,” Laura said in hushed tones, her expression joyous.
“Oh, that is a lovely prediction!” I squeezed her arm and smiled at her affectionately.
Tonight she was clad in a pale peach concoction with tiny silk orange blossoms sewn about her collar and petticoats. Her dark hair was drawn back into a waterfall of tight curls and she wore a delicate gold necklace strung with pearls around her throat. The flush of her cheeks and the brightness of her eyes were a lovely testament to her happiness. Her mood was infectious and my fears dissipated as we neared the parlor.
“I am so very thrilled at the thought of being free of my parents constant nagging. I’m so tired of them pestering me constantly to settle on Dietrich. Father asked Percy quite directly if he was attempting to court me and Percy told him he was not. Father sent him away for wasting our time!” She bit her lip, fighting back the anger that would quash her good mood.
“It does not matter. You will see him when you visit me. ” I kissed her cheek and she blushed prettily.
The door to the parlor opened and Maria stepped into the hallway. She looked more harried than usual, her dark hair not as neat as she normally kept it, and her dress slightly rumpled.
“Countess Dracula,” she exclaimed, her worried expression disappearing beneath the false veneer she so easily slipped over her features. Teeth flashing, eyes sparkling, she suddenly appeared to be the most radiant woman in Buda. “I am so honored that you called upon me to host this little night of mystery. ”
“The fortuneteller is within the parlor I am told. ” I tried not to sound miffed, but from Laura’s look of concern I realized I had failed.
“Yes, yes. The room is ready for a séance. We merely need to enter and begin. ”
Sir Stephan advanced quietly into the conversation. “I do not feel comfortable with Laura being a part of this. ”
“Father!”