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Part 4. After the dance Edward managed to avoid Vanessa and return to the hallway. He took a drink from an inept waiter's silver platter and wandered through the various saloons. His search failed to unearth the mysterious count and his sister. Throughout his quest his ears were attuned to the barking voice in the hall, still announcing the arrival of a seemingly endless stream of guests. "Edward!" a male voice boomed out his name. "Julian." He turned and shook hands with the voice's rather burly owner. "It's good to see you again," Julian voice was more accustomed to the vocal renderings associated with the chasing of foxes across the county, within the confines of four walls its effect was to slightly deafen the listener. An effect that almost prevented Edward hearing the arrival of his prey announced. Edward turned in order to study the count and his sister. The count was almost effeminate in frame so that, except for their clothes, the two appeared so alike as to be interchangeable. Their black hair was pulled back, his into a ponytail, hers into a bun. Large, dark eyes dominated their faces and their skin was a luminous white. Her dress consisted of layers of black lace and she wore a spray of red flowers over her heart. Edward understood Louisa's description; the pair both drew and repelled him in equal measures. He watched them wander unawares towards the ballroom and was pleased to observe their hasty reappearance in the hallway, obviously abhorred by a room where their true identities would have been revealed to all. Vanessa went over to the couple, and Edward immediately excused himself and hurried over to her side. "I am sorry, if your sister would like to follow me," she was saying. "Is there a problem?" Edward asked. "Oh Edward. Have you meet Count Raphael and his sister Maria?" she asked. "Enchanted," said Edward, taking the ice-cold hand of Maria and brushing it with his lips. "You are so cold," he commented in a concerned manner. "Maria is feeling a little unwell," explained Vanessa, "Would you escort her to the red drawing room? I think she would find it quieter there." Edward turned to look at Vanessa who was smiling at the count. He felt uneasy. For Vanessa to dismiss him out of hand was unusual, the fact it was in the presence of this count unnerved him, he wished he had another golden crucifix in his pocket to protect Vanessa. He felt Maria's cold hand touch his arm, divide and conquer, their plan was so simple but he had to prevent it. He cleared his drying throat, "I think, my dear Vanessa, it may be a sensible precaution if we all adjoined to the red room. I am sure Maria will be comforted by her brother's presence." He smiled reassuringly at the seemingly vacuous Vanessa. "Of course Edward," she replied with little emotion, as she took the count's arm. The main saloons were airy and bright and located at the rear of the house, overlooking the lawns and magnificent fountains. This small, red drawing room was situated at the front of the house overlooking the courtyard. It derived its name from its decorative style; crimson frock wallpaper lined the walls, heavy, red, velvet drapes surrounded the window and plush, red furnishing offered comfort to its inhabitants. The gas mantles were set low and a red fire glowed in the grate. It was Lady Susan favourite room and the heavy musk perfume she always wore had permeated the furnishing, now the heat of the room released its heady fragrance. On entering the room Edward immediately considered it an unwise choice on Vanessa's part. Vanessa seated herself on a straight back chair, while the invalid reclined on the chaise longue, administered by her brother. The stifling air and the claustrophobic effect of the room were beginning to cause Edward physical discomfort; his breathing became laboured and his skin was clammy, he sought to regain control of the situation. Moving to a side table he lifted a decanter. "A little brandy may lift your sister's spirits," he suggested, pouring a glass for each of them. He handed Vanessa hers, she barely lifted her head to thank him. Maria took her glass but didn't drink it. The count threw the contents of his into the fire. The alcohol ignited, causing engorged flames to appear for a second before the fire returned to its former passive state. "I do not drink alcohol," the count informed him. Edward put his own glass down, still full, aware that the siblings' eyes were watching him carefully. "You are a man used to the attention of women Eduardo," commented the count, his accent was strangely lilting and endowed a subtle gravity to his words, "I too enjoy the attention of women. It is a gift is it not?" "A gift we have to be careful not to abuse," replied Edward. The count laughed, "We have a lot in common, Eduardo" "I doubt that," retorted Edward coldly. "We inspire love but are unable, or unwillingly, to give it," the count told him. "Perhaps we both consider that it demands a price we are unwilling to pay," the count surmised. Edward laughed uneasily, "I believe I was correct to doubt you. I feel that we have little in common." The two men appraised each other. The count, although close to the fire, remained composed. Whereas the room's cloying scents, mixed with its seemingly increasing warmth, visibly weakened Edward. Even the simple act of standing was becoming an ordeal. "We have all seen the past but my sister alone has seen the future," the count waved his hand towards the languishing Maria. "Gypsy blood," commented Edward, "I do not heed such superstitious parlour games." "I have seen our destiny," whispered Maria her voice strangely lyrical, "I have seen your destiny and they are intertwined. You can not escape your destiny." "And was my brother's destiny intertwined with yours," demanded Edward. His head was starting to ache; the heat of the room was becoming unbearable, he felt dizzy. Reluctantly he sank into a large armchair. "Your brother was very special to me," murmured Maria arising from her couch. "He was special to both of us," the count added. Edward looked across to Vanessa, who sat straight and still, too still. He had to get them both out of here. "We know who you are," murmured Maria, now standing in front of him. "And I know what you are. You are despoilers of beauty and corrupters of innocent," he replied, his thoughts turning into words before he could prevent them. "Oh the contrary," smiled the count, "We are preservers of beauty and creators of experience." Maria ice-cold hand swept across Edward's feverish brow bringing the relief his body craved. "I need to get some air," he tried to rise, "Vanessa!" "Edward?" she replied sweetly, whilst remaining seated. Edward watched the count move in front of her, she smiled at him. "Leave her be," demanded Edward, the count moved away from Vanessa with a gesture of compliance to Edward's wishes. He approached the fire, and pulling his hand out of his pocket he scattered a handful of herbs onto the embers. Flames arose and greedily consumed them. A sweet, sickly smell filled the air. "I could relieve all your pain," murmured Maria leaning over Edward. She stroked his face again, her black lace cuff brushing his skin. He grabbed her hand. "You are evil. You disgust me. You are cold like ice because you are no longer human. What are you?" the words were spat at her, never had Edward addressed a woman in such a manner and the strength of his venom shocked him. Maria laughed, a surprising soft sound, "Oh Eduardo you know exactly what I am." Slowly she lowered her head to his shoulder. He had to leave the room. He had to get out. Get help for Vanessa but get out. He pushed her aside and stumbled from the room. "You can not escape your destiny Eduardo," the count called after him. |