Avalon Revamped (11 page)

“Beautiful, mum, and perfectly subtle. If I wasn’t watching for it, I wouldn’t have even seen the changes. Still, let’s hope you have some privacy for your own sake. Best not to let onto the game too soon, lest one might get away.”

“That will most certainly not happen. No one escapes my web. Now onto the professor’s girl,” I said, testing the timbre of Charlotte’s voice. “Something a little more scandalous and stereotypical for the doctor, I think. Utterly pathetic, that man.” The deep blue of my eyes lightened to nearly white and my hair went from black through all the shades of brown into a light blonde, pulled together loosely at the back. “Meet Claire Wiseheart, Everett. What do you think?”

“A chambermaid, mum? A young one at that.”

“Barely seventeen,” I said with Claire’s new voice, which was higher and somehow a touch sweeter than Charlotte’s. Childlike. Face a little more rounded, mouth pouty and full. Breasts larger, waist tighter. Perfect. “That’ll do, indeed.”

“Cuckoo! Cuckoo!” The tiny bird dashed out, then back in his door.

“Oh my! The time. I’ll be late, I will,” I said in Claire’s sing-song voice. “Oooh! I do like this voice, govna. How perfectly delightful. But not for now.” The timbre lowered as I shifted back into Charlotte. “Now you must get my trunk downstairs and find me a hansom.” As I moved toward the door, I continued shifting until I was back to myself.

“Going out as yourself?”

“Yes. The gown must wait until I’m aboard and the gala begins anyway, and since I’m boarding alone, I shouldn’t be concerned about anyone seeing me. Even if they did, no mind. Their eyes wouldn’t stay on me for long. No one knows Constance Saggese, remember. Except for you, my dear, and my clients, of course.”

“What a pleasure it’s been, Madam.”

“For me, too, Everett.” I touched his frail hand as I passed him. Yes. I didn’t have much longer with him, and it saddened me, but he was here now. That was all that mattered. Turning to the open trunk, I recounted the contents in my mind, ensuring I didn’t forget anything. “Excellent, take that down. I must grab a little something from my room, and I’ll meet you curbside.”

“Very good, madam.”

“Thank you, Everett.” I left him to wrestle with the travel trunk while I grabbed a few peas from my chamber. I never indulged in the stuff, but the doctor certainly had the reputation as an addict, and after what I had seen at the ball, he would do just about anything for a pea, it seemed. Yes, addicted to many vices, that one. I descended the stairs and bundled up against the cold.

It was still snowing, and it made the streets quite slushy and muddy, but I didn’t mind. Snow was always welcome, as it made this ugly world a little more beautiful, for a while. Then it, as everything, didn’t last. It faded away as beauty always did.

Everett stood on the curb, my travel trunk by his side, teeth chattering against the cold. His bony arms wrapped around his weakening body.

“Get back inside, Everett. You’re shivering.”

“But your hansom, Madam.” Hollow cheeks mottled with brownish spots and white whiskers trembled in the icy wind. Not so long ago, he was strong and full of rage. Young. Fit. Now his youth and physical strength had diminished as the time had passed. His kindness grew. His sense of peace grew. He knew he would be with Agnes soon, and that pleased him. It pleased me, too, in a very sad way.

“Not to worry. Send the doorman out. He’ll hail one for me.”

“Very good, mum. Take care of yourself tonight.”

“Oh, I shall be fine. Make yourself a good cup of tea and warm up now. I’m not ready to lose you, Everett.”

“Of course, mum.” With that he was back inside. A moment later, the doorman emerged, greeted me, and then waited out by the curb to find a hansom.

In the meantime, I stood with my face turned skyward, catching snowflakes on my face, feeling them melt and leave a tiny cold spot behind. Moments like this, so few and far between, were what gave this life purpose. Fleeting moments of pure joy.

§

The driver dropped me at Hyde Park, where we were to board the great dirigible, and immense it most certainly was. No wonder we had to board in Hyde Park, as it wouldn’t fit anywhere else in London.

My heart leapt at the sight of it. Before long, I would be snuggled in my cabin, out of the cold, looking out over London as we floated toward Paris. Amazing. Long life had few benefits, indeed, but watching technology progress was certainly one of them. I often wondered what wonders the future held.

Even still. Here. Now.

1882 London was a far cry from 1369 Romania.

1882 London was a far cry from 1882 Romania, come to think of it.

The ship alone filled a city block, and with its balloon overhead, it stretched at least as tall as the buildings therein. The dirigible astounded my Old World mind. Yet, there it was. They had a hanger or two on the outskirts of the city, down the east side, but the great elite of London’s High Society would not be seen down the east side. Certainly not. It must’ve been where they had kept the colossal machine before tonight. I had never seen anything so big in all my existence, not even in the water. Although, I gathered half of a ship was below the surface, so it wouldn’t have looked as big as this did all out in the open.

A line of passengers waited to board, so I wasn’t too late after all. I paid the driver, plus a handsome tip, and he dragged my travel trunk across the road to where a porter took over with a curt nod. I presented my ticket to the porter, and he scribbled down something on a pocket pad before giving me a nod as well and loading my trunk on his wheeled cart along with the others.

The loading queue was starting to thin out as I approached the grand flying machine. I had never seen anything quite like it, certainly not from this close distance. The air held that fresh, crisp scent, like just after a cold rain or snow. Clean, pure somehow. I breathed in, allowing the frosty air to fill the entirety of my lungs, while taking in the splendor about me. Groups of people draped in fine coats and hats milled about heading toward the ramp along with me. Excited tones and a few unseemly squeals competed with the droning engines, which grew in volume as I got closer. A few familiar faces from the ball the other night caught my eye here and there, but not any of my targets yet. Perfect. I wanted to enjoy this moment free from the taint of those rogues.

A gentleman stood at the bottom of the ramp, checking tickets and saluting passengers. He saluted in the American way, I noticed, with the palm facing down. As part of the fun, no doubt, he had each group say “Permission to board, sir” before clicking his heels together and giving them a smart salute to allow them to pass. The groups giggled or made other sounds of delight, then began the long climb up the ramp to the open doors, about midship. Each time he would snap to attention and salute, the golden epaulettes jiggled in a most amusing way. Gold buttons lined the grey uniform in a double line down the front, and a gold braided belt cinched the waist.

“Good evening, Miss. Just one?”

“Yes, sir,” I said, holding out my ticket. The whispers behind me spoke in scandalous tones about the woman traveling alone, but I kept my head up and smiled politely at the retired soldier.

“Very, good, ma’am.” He handed my ticket back to me and waited patiently at parade rest.

“Permission to come aboard, sir.”

“Granted.” He snapped to attention and saluted me. Even though he had done it to every other passenger before me, it felt as though it was especially for me, like I was a proper lady, someone to be admired and respected. Which, of course, I was, but rarely did I get an outward show of it coming from anything but fear. I knew it was part of the experience, of course, but I let the glow of acceptance and honor warm my heart as I ascended to the ship.

Once on board, the comfortable atmosphere surprised me, since it had once been a war vessel. Although far from opulent like Lady Pearson’s abode, the ship displayed fine craftsmanship at every turn without the frills. After spending some months penetrating London’s sumptuous High Society, I found it quite refreshing.

As I awaited my turn to be welcomed aboard personally by Captain Blackwolf, I caught a glimpse of the chamber ahead, and it was fully decorated with all the finery one would expect from Lady Pearson. Boughs of garlands and holly draped across every doorway. A large Christmas tree, decorated with crimson and gold ribbons and hundreds of apples stood beside the staircase, which must have led to the upper decks.

Before being flooded with the light in the reception area, I took advantage of the relative darkness inside this vestibule to shift into Charlotte Sopha.

“Good evening, Captain,” I said with a polite curtsey.

“Miss Sopha! How lovely to see you again,” he said, eyes glowing. He kissed my proffered hand and smiled sweetly at me. If I didn’t know better, I would think the attentive man fancied me, and he might just. He was an honorable man, through and through, so there was no reason for me to get close to him, however. Pity, that. It was one of the detriments to my work. I would never know the love of a truly good man.

“My crew is dressed in grey uniforms, and the servants are dressed in black and white. The gentleman over there,” he explained, pointing to a man in grey by the stairway, “will hand you a map of the ship and an itinerary. He’ll also inform you as to the location of your room and assign you a valet. Do enjoy your stay, Miss Sopha. Such a pleasure to see you again.”

“Thank you, sir.” As I made my way to the porter, I heard the captain greet the next guests with just as much warmth and care. It wasn’t special for me after all. Just as well.

My cabin was small but comfy. I wondered how London’s elite would react to the size of the lodgings. I slid past the narrow opening between the bunk beds and the desk to look out a small, round window that allowed me to see outside. The sun had already set, and Hyde Park was sheathed in darkness. It would be so lovely to watch the view change as we progressed. I only wished we were traveling during the day. On the way back Christmas morning, I didn’t think I would leave the side of the ship. I’d watch the landscape change from France to The Channel to the white cliffs to farms and country towns, then finally back to the endless buildings of London. It would be my most memorable Christmas yet, no doubt.

I sat down at the small desk across from the single-width bunk beds and pulled out the itinerary. My skirt caught a rough edge of the bed’s wooden frame, which tore the delicate fabric. I couldn't imagine what it would be like for two people to live here. Especially with bustles. There was hardly enough room for basic furnishings, let alone my skirts and travel trunk, which was already in my room when I arrived.

Turning to the schedule once again, I perused the events to take place over the next two evenings. Dinner at half past six, both nights. Tonight, a string quartet and a tour of the ship by Capt. Blackwolf or stargazing led by Doctor Nesbitt from eight until nine, then dancing until midnight. Tomorrow. Day in Paris, then at night, games at eight! Splendid! I did love games, and they would be playing Charades, Oranges and Lemons, and Pass the Slipper. How delightful.

As I was daydreamed about having a bit of time to myself for merriment, for a change, someone shoved a folded piece of paper beneath my cabin door, pulling me out of my fun fantasy of games, reminding me the purpose of my presence. It was, indeed, from Willie. Eight o’clock, tomorrow. His cabin. The rest of the note just said how I should keep out of sight tonight and destroy the note.

How stealthy of him. Did he expect me to swallow it?

The note also said how much he was looking forward to our meeting.

I just bet he was.

Eight o’clock, of course, during the one thing I wanted to do on this cruise. I was truly hoping to get in a game of charades. His wife would no doubt be playing games at that time.

Willie would be playing games, too.

Then again, so would I.

ARTHUR

“I can barely move in here.”

“Then we’ll just have to be close, my love.” Avalon sidled up to me, pressing herself against my chest, trying to kiss me, but I was not in the mood for frivolity. I pushed her away, a little too roughly perhaps, as she plopped down on the bottom bunk, hitting her head on the top one.

“Bunk beds! Honestly, Avalon!”

“It used to be a military vessel, remember?” She stayed sitting, rubbing her head, but she kept a smile on her face. Good girl.

“It’s bad enough I will have to dress myself for the gala tonight, but we’ll also have to dress in here together. There’s barely enough room for the trunk, let alone your petticoats.”

“We’ll make do, my love. It’s only two nights. We can get reacquainted.” She reached out and touched me through my trousers, looking coyly up at me.

“Maybe later. I’m going for a walk.” She moved as if she wanted to join me, but I wanted to be alone. I closed the door behind me and I wasn’t but a few steps away before I heard her start crying. Glad she waited until I left. Her emotions weren’t my responsibility, and I had grown weary of her using them to manipulate me. I made my way up to the top deck and watched the ship ascend over London. It reminded me of the first and only other time I was aboard an airship. It was the night I met Avalon. She was so beautiful and fascinated by it all. The wonder in her eyes was intoxicating. But now, she was different.

Take off wasn’t as smooth as the first one had been back in the summer. Not used to having elite passengers on this vessel. Obviously.

“Catherine?” I said aloud. The woman standing down the rail from me was the spitting image. Deja vu. This was just how it happened with Avalon. She had displayed such a perfect likeness to Catherine, except for the black hair. Although, I swore the resemblance to my beloved Catherine had faded in my eyes over the months. But this beauty. Every curve of her body, up to the shape of the face and the color of the hair. Red. Beautiful coppery red, just like Catherine’s. Could she be my destiny? Could this woman succeed where so many had failed?

I moved toward her, and when I got close she turned fully to me. It was Chastity, Lady Bainbridge’s friend from the Yule Ball.

“Good evening, Lord York.”

“Miss Rosengarten. How very lovely to see you again.”

How had I not noticed the resemblance the other night? It was quite uncanny.

“Charmed, Lord York. I’m ever so looking forward to the gala tomorrow night. Did you see? They’re having games at eight and tales of adventure by Doctor Nesbitt at nine. Then dancing and more dancing into the night. How splendid! I will surely not miss the tour of the ship tonight, or will it be star gazing for me? Such decisions! Then games tomorrow night. How I do love games/ Where is your lovely lady, Lord York. Did Miss Bainbridge join you on the cruise?”

Unfortunately.

“Yes. She’s indisposed at the moment, poor girl. But no doubt she will be out later. She does enjoy games. Tomorrow night, you say? Perhaps we shall see you there.” Sooner, if I had any say in the matter.

“Perhaps. I certainly love Charades, but I was sad to see they weren’t playing ‘You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.’ That’s my personal motto anyway, but it is ever so much fun to watch the silly things people will do to try to get one to smile. Wouldn’t it be grand if people tried so hard to make others smile all the time? It would be a much more pleasant world, would it not, Lord York?”

“Indeed, dear lady. It would, indeed.” What a delightful woman. She seemed to think much like I did. Yes! No time for all this sadness and insecurity and emotional turmoil. We should all be happy, all the time. Genuinely happy. Especially women. I thought of Avalon puling in our cabin, and I grew wearier of her with each passing second in this goddess’s company.

Still, Avalon was like me now. Vampires were a lonely lot, and it had been nice to have had company of late.

“I must take my leave, Lord York. Perhaps I shall see you later tonight? Stargazing, I think. Indeed.”

“I sincerely hope so, my dove. Do save me a dance.”

“Of course, Lord York. I’ll save you two.” She flashed a knowing look with her amber eyes.

How I adored older women. So experienced and not at all shy. Chastity had at least a decade on Avalon, being closer to Lady Bainbridge’s age, and the experience to match, no doubt. Perhaps that was why I tired of Avalon. She just didn’t have the experience to keep me satisfied, and a man had needs, after all. I especially had rather refined needs.

Must find a way to get Chastity alone later tonight and satiate some of those refined desires. After I watched, quite intently, Miss Rosengarten leave my presence, I took my time and explored the ship.

Lady Pearson rather outdid herself, yet again. True, it had been a military vessel, so it lacked the finery of a passenger ship, but Lady Pearson more than made up for the commonness of the ship with her lavish decor.

Every surface held a centerpiece of evergreen with a lit candle in its center. Holly and mistletoe hung over each doorway and arch. Oh, yes. Mistletoe. Must find a way to get Chastity beneath one later tonight. Or Hazel Hamilton. I bet she would squirm. I did love it when they squirmed.

As we reached our traveling altitude, I donned the goggles everyone was required to wear to enable us to see once up in the aether. Over the side of the ship, down in the darkness below, I saw the silvery Thames snake through the center of London. Far in the distance, a small yellow circle glowed in the darkness. Big Ben. Darkness cloaked most of the city, but the gaslights along the streets provided a magical view of hundreds of points of lights below. It was as if looking at the stars above, only below. This would be a splendid journey. Yes, indeed.

I had to stay out of that blasted cabin as much as possible. Only to sleep. It would be perfect for that, as it wasn’t much larger than a coffin. Honestly, as absurd that it was for the mythos to claim we slept in coffins, I would rather, than sleep in that cramped cabin with Avalon. She was always around. A man needed his space, after all. So clingy and needy. I felt as if I was being smothered, slowly suffocating to death.

Once south of London, there wasn’t much to see but blackness, so I explored the lower decks.

The ballroom, or rather the room converted to the ballroom, was even more gloriously decorated than the rest. A tree as high as the room, which must’ve been at least thirty feet tall, stood in the center of the dance floor. Already couples were swirling around it, dressed in their day wear. They danced to their own joy, as the musicians hadn’t set up yet, and it was a lovely sight to see. I loved to watch people having fun, especially when they were in love. How had they found their perfect love, and I, after over three centuries, was still looking?

Of course, I knew the answer to that. I had had my perfect love with Catherine, and perhaps there was just no replacing her. Never replacing, but perhaps there was no matching her. Tried and tried as I might, every few decades or so, I would meet someone who was promising, but it always ended the same way. Disappointment. They were too human, too frail, too weak. I’d spit on love again and commence fucking for a while, and then another temptress would convince me, renew my hope, only to disappoint me again. Just like Avalon has done. It was always the same.

But not with Chastity. I had a feeling that it would be different with her. Finally.

Perhaps there was only one chance for true love in a lifetime. Perhaps that time had passed for me with my Catherine.

Bah! I shan’t accept that. Chastity would be the answer to my longing. She would be my perfect love.

Ascending the stairs, I slid my hand along the garland-trimmed the rail. The sensual prickly foliage of the evergreen delighted my fingers. On every fourth step, a brilliant red poinsettia adorned each end, its pot wrapped in a grand golden bow. The staircase led to the dining area where every table and chair was draped in white. Servants scampered about getting everything ready for dinner. Sprigs of evergreen and pinecones graced the center of red ribbons tied to the backs of each chair.

Finely dressed couples were already arriving and searching for their place card, so I must get dressed soon. I pulled out my pocket watch, and it had already gone six. Dinner started in thirty minutes, but if I hurried, perhaps I could have a quick romp with Avalon and a dash of blood to tide me over until I could find someone to eat later.

Upon arriving back to our cramped cabin, I was quite cross to see that Avalon was not there. Spoiling my fun again. The trunk was tucked neatly into the corner and her dressing gown was folded on the pillow of the top bunk. She had withdrawn my suit for tonight and hung it in the closet, along with my clothes for tomorrow.

Kind gestures, but what I needed right now was a quick poke. I had passed a chambermaid on my way up, perhaps her. Indeed. The help worked in a pinch, as they were quite good at keeping their mouths shut, unless I needed them open. Besides, she wouldn’t remember a thing. So a giggle and a poke it was.

“Excuse me, Miss,” I said, peeking my head out the door. The brunette woman dressed in a black and white uniform turned to me. She was plainly pretty and would do nicely. “Would you mind pressing my suit for dinner? It shan’t take too long, as it has been hanging for a while.”

“Yes, M’Lord,” she said, abandoning her cart full of linens.

“Actually, bring a few towels please?”

“Of course, M’Lord.” She grabbed three fresh towels and slid past me, keeping her head properly bowed in my presence, as she should. I shut the door behind her and shoved her against it, pinning her facing away from me. I caught one of the towels before it hit the floor and threw it over my shoulder. I’d be needing it shortly.

“Please, sir! Please! Don’t hurt me! Just let me go. I won’t tell no one, I won’t. Promise, sir. Please!”

“You won’t feel a thing,” I said in calming tones. “Well, that’s not quite true, you will feel me well enough, but you won’t remember a thing. No screams, all right? No screams and I’ll let you live. In fact, not a peep from you. Understand? I shan’t be long.”

Ah! Sweet variation.

She was quite well-behaved, as well, not a sound as I hammered into her. The scent of fresh blood sent me over the edge. She had broken skin while biting her lip to stay quiet, and I couldn’t resist anymore.

Perfection.

The blood from her neck cascaded over my tongue, filling my mouth with her life, as I filled her cunt with my death.

Although she wept as I withdrew, she still didn’t make a sound. Good girl. Except for the quiet mewling. Why must women cry so much? All for just a few moments of something that should be fun. She probably hadn’t had a good jab for weeks, if ever. Certainly not by a viscount, indeed. She should be thanking me.

“Hold this,” I said, indicating the towel I had pressed against her neck after I had enough blood. Well, at least enough without killing her. Don’t want to have to dispose of a corpse, not with everyone heading to dinner.

Shaking, she held it against her neck, eyes wide. Lips quivering.

“Wipe your face. You look awful.”

“I’m sorry, M’Lord,” she whimpered. “I’m so sorry.”

“Nonsense.” As I moved toward her, she jumped, then cried anew. “Surely that wasn’t your first time.”

“Yes, M’Lord. I was a maid.”

“You’re welcome, then. You’ll always be able to tell your friends that a viscount had you the first time. Not bad, either. Quite sweet. Still. You won’t remember anything, no details anyway. Just a pleasant romp with a guest. Lucky girl.”

“You bit me.”

“That I did, but you shan’t remember that either.” Looking into her eyes, I compelled her. “You came in to press my shirt and seduced me into a quick romp, so excited at being on an airship. I, of course, couldn’t help myself, but my sweetheart must never know. It’s our secret. Tell your friends, if you must, but best just keep it to yourself. You don’t remember which cabin it was. You don’t remember what I look like.”

Her eyes glazed over and her mouth hung open. She’d be all right in a moment, so I took the opportunity to check the bleeding. Nearly stopped. I pulled the towel away and licked the two tiny puncture wounds, sealing them, then reset her collar to cover them.

“Will that be all, M’Lord?” she said, smiling.

“Yes, my dear. Fine work on pressing my dinner wear. Look at the time,” I said. “I must get dressed.”

“Of course, M’Lord. I’ll let myself out, sir. Thank you.” She turned back to me just before she shut the door and smiled the sweetest smile I had ever seen.

Ah. It was quite lovely to be me.

§

I found Avalon already at dinner, seated with her aunt and uncle, as well as several people I didn’t know.

“Good Evening, Lord Bainbridge, Lady Bainbridge. Miss Bainbridge. How are you all this fine evening?”

“Quite well, Arthur,” Emily exclaimed, her outfit even louder than she. It did help me find them in this crowded dining room, however, so there was that. “Forgive us, we started without you. Cheers.” She held up a glass of red wine as if to toast. Instead, she drank half the glass in one gulp.