Page 145

The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright - Buda

10th of April, 1820

Oh, glorious night of nights! I have much to report.

I was quite happily arranging the flowers in the front hall when Magda approached me with the most solemn expression.

“Madam, this arrived earlier when you and the Master were sleeping,” she said.

I took the white enveloped proffered as I furrowed my brow. I admit I was positively puzzled. I could not imagine who would be sending me a formal invitation. Prying open the seal, I slipped out the card. I was surprised to see that the Count and Countess Dracula, according to the fine writing, were invited to an opera at the palace of one of the aristocratic families of Buda by the name of Dosza. I was so shocked by t

he invitation I froze where I stood, staring at Magda with open astonishment.

Vlad strode down the stairs and spotted me standing like a marble statue in the foyer. “What have you got there?”

I just let out a small sound and extended the hand clutching the invitation toward him.

Impatiently, he marched over to me, and grabbed it from my hand. “What is this?”

“An invitation! For us,” I exclaimed.

“Really? From whom, I wonder?”

As he read, a slow smile crept over Vlad’s long face. A delicate folded sheaf of paper slipped free of the envelope and fluttered to the floor. Magda quickly retrieved it and handed it to Vlad. He flipped it open and read it with an amused expression. “A Csilla, Baroness Dosza of Buda, was shocked to learn I had returned to the city without informing her. She was even more shocked to learn from Sir Stephen’s dear wife, Maria, that I had taken a wife from England. She is most anxious for us to attend her opera and is awaiting our reply. ”

I snatched the letter from him without a thought and read it myself. “I think I remember her. I believe I met her at a dinner party. But who is she? How does she know about us?”

“I move in the finer circles of this city, Glynis. I am quite a mysterious figure to them. Baroness Dosza is a very beautiful, snobbish woman who must know everything that happens to anyone she deems to be in her circle of influence. I particularly intrigue her. It was a matter of time before she found out we were living in the house. ” Vlad smiled with vague amusement. “Respond immediately. You do know how to write a decent letter of acceptance, do you not?”

“Of course,” I huffed, then realized what he meant. “You mean that we are actually going to attend?” I was utterly surprised. I could not believe what was happening. It was as if I was suddenly living a very normal aristocratic life. It felt so wonderfully familiar and lovely.

“Of course. And inform her that your brother and his friend will also be attending. The Baroness will be ecstatic. She adores foreigners. ”

“It is in five days,” I said. “I have nothing to wear!”

“We shall take care of it. Now, write the answer immediately,” Vlad said, kissed my brow, and strode off in good spirits.

I stared at Magda for a long moment then blinked my eyes rapidly. “Am I dreaming, Magda?”

“No, madam,” the servant assured me.

I gave out a light laugh and clutched the invitation to my heart. “Then God is truly smiling on me. ”

Oh, wonders of wonders, I am truly ecstatic over this bit of news. An opera! A night of revelry! I am in heaven!

The Journal of Lady Glynis Wright - Buda

15th of April, 1820

Bear with me, dear diary. I am in ecstasy! I can barely write. My hand is trembling so. So much has happened. Some of it dreadful, some of it glorious. But truly, truly, tonight was beyond all expectations.

Let me go back and explain all that happened.

Earlier -

I rushed down the stairs, a vision to behold in a confection of black and gold. True to his word, Vlad had made sure I had the finest dress to wear to the opera. Waiting at the foot of the stairs was my handsome brother and the imposing man who claims to be my husband.

As they gazed up at me, the ruddy faced redhead with the wide smile and the darkly sensual creature of the night, I could not help but notice the enormous difference between them. Andrew was alive with light and goodness while the atmosphere around Vlad was dark and menacing. But I had to admit that in their own way, they both looked very handsome in their frock coats and long trousers.