The Vampyre, page 5
“Yes...” I drew out the word carefully, “What about when you got me out of my carriage? I did not see a horse anywhere. How do you explain that?” I sipped my tea, watching his face intently. His features shifted, becoming grave.
“I am actually very displeased, as I am sure you can imagine, but it seems when I jumped off my horse, it became spooked and ran away before I could place you on him.”
“Do you mean to tell me that you were without your horse the entire time you carried me to my house?” Suspicious, I raised my eyebrow.
“Yes,”
“I am certain, Mr. Blackwell, that we were more than five miles from my home. How did you manage to carry me five miles in mere moments?”
“We were but a few paces from the estate, Miss Abbott, don’t be absurd.” William furrowed his brow, pouring into my eyes.
“I'd like you to leave me, Mr. Blackwell.” I straightened my spine, setting my tea on the tray of the nightstand.
“What? And why is that?” He was shocked, his lips parted in disappointment. Those lips, how would they feel against my skin…
“You obviously are not going to tell me the truth, you must think me a stupid girl. I assure you, Mr. Blackwell, I am not. I know how far away Samuel and I were from the estate and something more is going on here. So, please—if you continue to lie—you may leave.” I motioned toward the door, hoping my own confidence did not falter.
“I am not lying, Rose.”
I glared, surprise filtering into irritation, only my parents and Ursula called me ‘Rose.’
“You were very close to your home, and I am hurt by the fact that you do not trust me. Good evening.” He rose and walked nimbly to the door.
God damn me!
“William,” I whispered, panic rising at the thought of him leaving. Had I grossly overstepped? He pivoted to face me, his hands in his pockets once more.
“Yes?”
I changed my mind and asked a different question, “Do they know what happened to Sam?”
William rushed beside me, leaning on the floor next to the bed, his face level with mine; so close again, my eyes drifted to his lips.
“Your father has not told you?”
I shook my head, sorry that my nose was stuffed up because I knew he smelled so delicious. He looked down and laughed humorlessly.
“Tell me,” I murmured, my hand gently nudging his chin up so he could meet my eyes. His were guarded again, his lips taunt. I wasn’t sure if the fluttering of my heart was from touching him, or whatever my father was keeping from me.
“It was confirmed this morning, someone killed Samuel and your horse.”
I drew in a sharp breath, shivering as the realization sunk into my bones. My hands grew clammy, slick with dread. Samuel… our dear driver. Our horse…
I had come so close to being murdered.
“Do they know who got them? Mr. McCloude?” I asked quietly, my chest constricting itself. Tears pooled in the corners of my eyes.
“Darling, why would it have been Mr. McCloude?”
“He threatened me, that morning when I interrupted your tea with Greta.” Fear clenched deep in my belly, I would have never thought he would go to such a level as this. Had he hoped to kill me?
“I–I had no idea, Rose. I’m so terribly sorry. No, there was no mention of him. They believe it was some sort of animal, though what animal can take down both a horse and a grown man in such a way, I struggle to decipher.”
“You saved my life,” I whispered. William disagreed instantly.
“No, I did not. I was merely lucky enough to find you before whatever, or whomever, came back.”
“Yes! Exactly!” I placed my hands on either side of his face, coming to my knees. His skin cool to the touch, the feel of it nearly overwhelming.
“Say it was McCloude, say it was and you came to my aid, then surely we can say you saved my life. Were you not there—with Sam and the horse lost—I would have been, too. Thank you,” I pressed my forehead against his, running my hands into his silken hair, brazen with emotion. “Thank you,”
“I did no such thing, Miss Abbott. I am afraid you are ill.” He tried to detach himself from my grip, but I pressed my mouth to his.
He didn't move for a moment. Then, he leaned in, kissing me back.
His lips so unyielding beneath mine, were as cold as his skin. I wondered how long he’d spent in the frigid winter air for him to be so cold. There was the strangest sensation of lightning between us, a charge that fed me more and rooted itself throughout my entire body. It went to my fingers and toes as I gripped his hair.
William wrapped his arms around me, pulling us together. My breasts pressed into his hard chest pulling a whimper from my throat. Our lips moved so easily with one another other, I could no longer contain myself and opened my mouth slightly, sliding my tongue across his bottom lip. He groaned quietly and before I knew it, he successfully pulled himself away from me.
“How ungentlemanly of me, I apologize.” William cleared his throat, righting himself.
“Oh, don't play that with me. I’m the one who kissed you, you did nothing ungentlemanly,” I crossed my arms over my heavy breasts, flopping back into my pillows. William chuckled and leaned over me.
“Goodnight, dear Rose.” With a peck on my forehead, he left my room. Leaving me tormented by my dreams, an ache in my core.
For the next several days, William came before breakfast and after supper. Sometimes he would stay for just a moment to wish me well, and others he would stay for several hours. He read to me, sang to me, other times he simply talked. Not once did we mention the kiss or the night he brought me home. I found myself ever more enamored with him, with this accomplished man whose heart seemed a depthless pool.
On the morning I was finally well enough to leave my room, I dressed myself in the prettiest gown I owned, a sapphire blue velvet with sleeves adorned in white lace. I hoped he would visit again, hope the blue would add some much needed life to my features, as I knew just how dreadful I’d looked every other visit.
As soon as I closed my bedroom door, headed to the library where I hoped William would find me if he came, hushed voices rose from the foyer downstairs. Terse, final.
I quietly tiptoed over the hardwood to the stairwell, my hand gripping the smooth wood of the railing as I leaned over, Mother standing below with a hand raised. The skirts of another woman were visible by the door.
“Come now, Edith. This is getting out of control. He was courting Greta and we have had enough of her impish pestering! We have not been able to get him to call since Rosemary fell ill and I will not be lied to! I know he’s been here!” Mrs. McCloude nearly shouted in anger. I gasped, leaning back, the room spinning at the realization.
Mother, however, only laughed.
“Leave, Gertrude. Be done with it.”
“Is he here now? I’d say he likely is! Rumors are going around that she took him to bed to get him to leave Greta alone and—” A sharp slap, skin to skin, followed by utter silence. I leaned forward once more to Mother mere inches from Mrs. McCloude.
“Watch your mouth when you speak about my family. Rosemary has done no such thing and nor is William Blackwell here in this house. Were I you, I would be gathering every ounce of my dignity to give my daughter the best opportunity of finding a man half as decent as Mr. Blackwell. Now, again, I say to you, leave.”
Mrs. McCloude hesitated for a moment, turning toward the door. Heart thumping in my ears, I watched as she slowly opened it and began her retreat before my mother called after her again.
“Oh, and Gertrude, please note that despite the fact authorities believe it was an animal who killed Samuel, we will not rule him out.”
The door slammed shut, reverberating throughout the house. Mother audibly exhaled, running her hands over her skirts and disappearing toward the parlor. I gripped onto the banister tightly, my thoughts rushing through my mind. What would she have done if William had been here? It soured my stomach to think they would be so distraught they’d not only commit murder, but threaten us in our home. What was I even doing?
I rushed into the library, heading toward one of the windows to open the frosted pane. The air that rushed in had a brutal bite to it, but it was so clear and fresh I could not help but breathe it all into my lungs, wishing for clarity. The land was completely covered in white, glistening snow as if there were piles of diamonds scattered over the earth.
I stared at the sky, watching gray clouds envelope the sun before inevitably breaking apart. There were few animals out, a squirrel looking for food, a bird flying home to stay warm, but still in the slumber of Mother Nature there was life. I listened to the quiet, not ready to retreat into another novel and leaned over the sill to stare down at the dead rose bushes coated in rich, white powder against the house.
“Good morning, Rose,” a deep, smooth voice startled me from behind. I jumped and turned as he closed the door behind him.
“Oh!” I cried, blushing as sharp, painful contact met my head. I’d hit it on the window. William quickly and gracefully strode across the room and placed his hands on either side of my face.
“Did I startle you, darling?” he asked. I gazed up at him, the tenderness at which he addressed me sedated me.
“I'll be fine in a moment,” I murmured rubbing the top of my head which throbbed with every wild heartbeat.
“I'm glad, because I plan on taking you for a ride today.” He smiled and shut the window. Utter shock rippled through me, an outing? Together? Was he courting me then, instead of Greta?
“And what does my father say about this, Mr. Blackwell?” I placed my hands on my hips.
“Oh, your father was more than happy to oblige me. After all, he owes me a favor for saving the life of his only daughter.” William took my hand in his strong fingers and gently pulled me out of the library and into the hallway. “We leave this moment, I'll tell Mary to fetch your cold weather things and get the carriage ready.” With that, he took off down the stairs, skipping two at a time.
I seemed to be floating, gripping the banister once more, begging for balance and clarity. Mary arrived a short time later to dress me appropriately and sent me to the coach house.
The snow was deep, above the ankle in most places but a horse and sleigh would have no trouble traveling. The bitter air was cut just enough by the shimmering sun above. Ice crunched beneath my boots, a comforting sound I looked forward to every year.
As I approached the coach house, I beheld William’s beautiful black horse hooked up to an elaborate white sleigh with golden bells, filigree trim, and red ribbons. I stopped in my tracks, it left me breathless.
“It's beautiful!” I cried. William cheerfully came around to assist me climbing into the seat, pride exuding from his features. The cushions were red velvet and amply stuffed, and yet they were nothing compared to the beauty of the man before me, who gently patted his horse while he prepared it for the journey.
“Are you ready?” he asked, wrapping his blue scarf around his neck after he’d so gracefully climbed into the driver’s seat.
“I suppose. Don’t you think it looks awfully odd to have the two of us riding together without anyone else around?” I peeked behind us into the coach house where Samuel's widow sat in her mourning clothes.
“Not in the slightest. What troubles you about it? Your father is regarded as being a rather severe man, to have you riding with me must show something of good character and merit.” The horse trotted along slowly at first through our estate, until we reached the road. William flicked the reins, causing him to pick up a steady speed.
William’s dancing eyes found me, and he smiled widely. I shivered closer, pressing myself into his side. It wasn't much warmer, but I didn't care.
“Yes, indeed that could be argued in your favor,”
“Now, Rose, having you lean into me as you are now would show something completely different,” he teased lightly. I glared and sat straight in my seat. He faced me for a moment and corrected himself, “That wasn't to say I didn't wish for you to. I actually am quite fond of your touch.”
“I believe reputation is more important than your desire for my touch,” I spat sourly.
“Oh, come now, Rose! We've five days until Christmas and here you are being a scornful party goer! What do you say? Why not supply me with a wee bit of Christmas spirit, aye?” William’s arm wound around my waist, pulling me into his side.
“Mr. Blackwell!” I protested, grabbing his gloved hand and removing it.
“But a moment ago you were just cuddling into me,” William purred, leaning his face into my own. I bit my lip, remembering the way his mouth felt. My head spun, thighs rubbing together for any sort of friction.
“Mrs. McCloude stopped by before you arrived,” I blurted, afraid if I were too loud, he’d pull away from me. His brow furrowed; concern etched on across his features.
“I saw her on the road as I was headed toward your estate, though I did not know where she’d come from.”
“She thought you were with me. Apparently, there are rumors I’ve bed you to steal you from Greta.” The pain of their words sunk in and I couldn’t meet his stare any longer. Ahead a black sleigh encroached. I scooched to the edge of the seat and we sat silently until we came on the sleigh that insisted we stop. The door opened to a face I knew well.
“Is that my dear Rose?” the small feminine voice called.
“Yes, Ursula, it is me!” I leaned forward to see her shock of blonde hair under a pink cap. She beamed, studying William for a moment before she spoke.
“Dear, what are you doing out in this weather so quickly after being ill? Shouldn’t you be reading in front of a fire?”
“If I may speak, Miss Williams, Miss Abbott has decided to join me on this lovely winter morning for a quick ride, as the doctor suggested a bit of fresh air may do her chest some good,” William replied easily. Ursula was stunned, blinking rapidly, eyes darting between the two of us. I grew more nervous with each glance.
“You two do look a might bit cozy. Apologies, but I cannot stay any longer and continue our lovely chat, my mother has sent me out, and I must be hurrying along. Do be mindful of those rumors, Rose.” Ursula blew me a quick kiss and retired into her warm cab, her driver taking off as quickly as we did. I had hardly gotten to speak a word to her, and of course she brought the rumors up.
The blasted rumors.
“I’m not sure where you get the gall to speak for me, Mr. Blackwell,” I remarked after a few moments of silence.
“I apologize, Rosemary, and promise to have it happen not once more.” His posture relaxed.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked impatiently.
“You will see.”
We continued on the road for some time until William swerved off to the side into the deep snow and trees. Once he stopped the horse, he hopped down and came around my side. I stared at him in disbelief.
“We’re going into the woods?” I asked, unease filtering in.
“Out, Rose! It's just right through there.” He lifted me from my seat without any trouble, despite zero cooperation. William refused to set me down, carrying me much in the same fashion as he’d done that fateful night in the rain.
I looped my arms around his neck, watching as he carefully trekked through the snow as if I didn’t weigh more than his cane.
“I can walk,” I muttered, resting my head against his shoulder. He chuckled, the sound vibrating through me.
“Yes, I know, but the snow is rather deep here, and I assume you’d prefer not to wrestle with your skirts the whole way,”
“How very thoughtful,” I mused, soaking in the features of his profile. He didn’t even huff a breath of exertion.
We passed through many bare trees until a clearing appeared with a quaint frozen pond. The stunning blue ice took up most of the space, but there at its edge was an old wooden bench. It had been worn and weathered, lichen clinging to the iron legs.
“What is this?” I asked, being set on my feet.
“It is a natural ice rink. Mother Nature placed it here and freezes it for the likes of people who know it exists every year. Come, let us sit.” He took my hand and I marveled at how perfectly our fingers intertwined. He led me to the old bench, where we sat for a moment in comfortable silence.
Two bunnies hopped out of the thick brush, their tiny noses working and ears turning to and fro. What a stark difference it was to be here, with him, as opposed to my isolation, tormented by my own thoughts in my room.
“Rose, I feel as though I must be honest with you,” William held my hand in his.
“What is it?” I asked quietly, taking in the way his fingers wrapped around mine.
“I have done you some grave disservice since I have met you–.”
“Come now,”
“Truly, at the Thanksgiving gathering, when you’d first come into the room with your mother and father, I was struck. I thought you the most beautiful woman I had ever seen and everyone had spoken so highly of you, as if they all equally admired you.”
My brows plunged but he continued, “And there I was, watching as you played this game with Greta, taken already with your charm and wit. And… I was wholly unaware of what her parents’ intentions really were–I don’t know if that says more about me than it does you for figuring it out as quickly as you did, but you must understand, my business has almost entirely been my priority until as of late. Now, knowing that this town has created such blasphemous rumors about you, I feel entirely responsible. I apologize. I did not want them in any way to assume that I was courting you or courting anyone for that matter.”
“William,” I touched his cheek.
“Please, you must understand that is the last thing I wanted, for people to talk. Where I come from, if I had given the time to you as I have been these past how many days, they would assume nothing else but that we were to marry within the month. So, though I plan to continue to treat you with the kindness, esteem, and admiration you deserve, I will not allow anyone to speak of you as they are now. I'm sorry. I did not intend to set this town into a flurry as I have.”
