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“My husband is always planning ahead. Even years, decades in advance,” I agreed, snatching upon her comment with relief. Impulsively, I plunged onward. “We have even discussed Vienna. ”

Sir Stephan grew still, but his cup trembled upon its saucer. His hand quavering, he set it down quickly.

“Ah, Vienna. The center of all power in the empire,” the Baroness remarked dismissively.

They were unsettled and I realized I had once again made a mistake.

“He does so love a challenge,” I insisted.

“Quite true,” Sir Stephan agreed daring to raise his eyes to regard me.

Laura took another small bite of her cake and watched her father curiously.

“As do I!” The Baroness stood and flung out her hands dramatically. “I shall throw a grand party to welcome the Countess to Buda once more. It shall be fabulous! And it will give our dear little Laura the opportunity to catch the eye of a dashing eligible man. ”

“I really would rather not,” Laura said softly.

“Oh, but there are so many! Buda is bursting with young men from all over the empire. ” The Baroness’ eyes shone with gleeful anticipation. I was rather impressed with her. Either she was a great performer or a person who did not dwell on the uncomfortable aspects of life.

This comment did not appear to impress Laura in any way whatsoever. She set down her tea cup and stared at it morosely.

I took her hand. “You can keep me company at the party. We shall have a grand time. ”

Laura graced me with a relieved smile. “I would like that. ”

Maria touched her husband’s hand. “It is late now. We should depart. I’m certain you are both weary after your travels. ”

It was quite evident that the thought of her daughter befriending me disquieted Maria.

The Baroness and I were soon left alone in the parlor. Silence filled the room.

I set my teacup and saucer on the tray and fastened my gaze to the Baroness’ form. Her gaiety vanished and she pursed her lips slightly.

“Has he truly forgiven us?” she asked at last.

“Of course. You know how he can be. Temperamental. Mercurial. ” I shrugged slightly.

“And you?”

I slowly dragged my fingers along the arm of the couch as I considered my words before speaking. “I am still devastated by the deaths of my family, but I am now graced with immortality and power. ”

A small smile wavered upon her red lips. “A painful balance of the scales. ”

“Yes,” I agreed. “It is a curse and a blessing. ”

“He does love you,” the Baroness said passionately. “He is enraptured with you completely. ”

“I know you’re his mistress,” I said, deliberately unsettling her.

Her chin trembled with fear as she sat back, her eyes riveted to her hands folded upon her lap. “Before your marriage. ”

“And after. I am not a simple girl. At the castle there are other women, you know. The Brides of Dracula. ”

“You have his title,” she pointed out, “and his love. He is a worldly man of earthly desires. He will have other women, but you

are Countess Dracula. I can only hope to one day be your sister Bride. ”

“Why do you think me special?” I asked her, curious.