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Part 3. Carriages filled the driveway to Ashcroft Hall, home of the Earl Of Richmond, his wife the Lady Susan, their son William and their two daughters Vanessa and Louisa, plus over fifty servants. On a night like tonight the number of servants was supplemented by the employment of local villagers as grooms, under footman, maids and waiters. Edward sat in his carriage as the queue slowly moved forward, at last it was his turn to alight. Everyone who was anyone in London society would attend; this fact must have been the hook that had lured Raphael here. Edward smiled to himself; it was strange that this vampire's vanity may be his Achilles' heel. As he entered the hallway he handed his invitation to the barker and heard his name read out. Immediately Vanessa appeared at his side. "I am so pleased you have come," she greeted him. "Here is my dance card, please sign for at least two. I only want to dance with my favourite men tonight," she flirted happily with him. "And how many dances is Julian signed for?" Edward asked enjoying the flirtation. She leant towards him conspiratorially, "I am trying to fill it up before he sees it, although I will reserve him one. Never cut a string until you have tied the bow, as mother is always reminding me." Edward smiled at her and dutifully signed her card for two dances. "And where is Louisa? I am sure I am obliged to dance with her as well." Edward looked around, missing the look of annoyance that appeared briefly on Vanessa's face. "I think she is already dancing. Come," she took Edward's arm, "I will help you find her." They walked into Little Versailles as the ballroom was known, an earlier Earl had demanded a replica of the French court's ballroom and had been wealthy enough to ensure his wish was granted. Gilded mirrors hung on every wall, reflecting back the light of the glittering chandeliers under which elegantly attired couples glided around, the bare-shouldered ladies seemingly oblivious to the perils of the dripping hot wax from the overhead candles. Edward smiled to himself this was not the ideal habitat of a vampire. "Edward!" Louisa abandoned her dance-partner to greet her guest. "It is wonderful to see you. Vanessa promised she would ensure you were here," she exclaimed joyfully. "Thank you for inviting me," he replied, taking her hands in his and kissing them lightly. "Oh I assure you, you are one of the few people I am really pleased to see tonight. You will sign for a dance," she said producing her card. "Your next dance appears to be free," he replied glancing at her card, "Will you allow me?" "Of course, but I had better finish this dance with Lucas or he will be unbearable." She returned to her partner, who flashed Edward a warning look. Edward, in return, smiled graciously at him. Vanessa chatted amiably to him as he awaited Louisa's return. He wanted to confide his fears for her sister's safety to Vanessa but fear of alarming her prevented him. His conscience argued that Louisa's death would be a more alarming consequence, but somehow he was unable to interrupt her bird-like chatter. The music stopped, the dancers applauded and Louisa returned to them, closely followed by Lucas. "My dance I believe," smiled Edward, taking her hand and leading her to the dance floor. They turned to face one another, she placed her hand lightly on his shoulder and as the waltz began she smiled as he touched her waist and led her gracefully around the floor. "I wish I had all my dances with you. You make me feel as if I am floating," she exclaimed. He laughed, "That is because we've been dancing together since you were about four and you used to stand on my shoes." "I could never decide whether I was going to marry you or Justin," she said gaily. Edward's face lost its smile for a moment. "Oh I am so sorry. Mama says that I have a bad habit of saying the wrong thing. Please forgive me Edward," she pleaded. "It's your party. I forgive you. Anyway it is good to hear Justin's name mention with a happy memory," Edward told her tenderly. "Thank you Edward. Would you like to marry me?" she asked teasingly. He smiled, "Thank you for the offer Louisa but I believe that I am a bit too old for you." "Never Edward, never," she giggled. "I hear an old friend of Justin's is invited tonight," Edward probed whilst trying to maintain the flirtatious mood between them. "Oh! who?" questioned Louisa. "A count. I think he is called Raphael," Edward told her. He felt her stiffen slightly and wrong foot. "I was not aware Justin was acquainted with Raphael," she replied flatly. "How did you meet him?" enquired Edward. "He was introduced to us at the Berkley's," she lowered her voice, "Edward there is something about him which disturbs me but which I feel drawn too." They stopped dancing. He held her hands between his. "Louisa, I have reason to believe that he is a very dangerous man. Please stay away from him and on no account be alone with him," he instructed her, holding her gaze with his eyes in order to reinforce his concern for her. She seemed fearful, and he wondered if he had frightened her or whether there was another reason for her fear. He smiled at her and released her hands. "Look! I have a present for you," he felt in his pocket and pulled out a gold crucifix. He placed it around her neck and fastened in. Louisa put her hand to the necklace. "It is a very usual gift," she laughed, "But as it is from you I will treasure it. Come on the dance is nearly over and I want to float for a moment longer." |