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She blushed to the roots of her dark hair and giggled. Reluctantly, she left us to do her parents bidding.

“It’s all a lot of nonsense. ” Percy sighed. The feathers of his mask waved about his face as he shook his head. I fancied it would fly off and circle the room at any moment.

“I thought you said they only want what is best for her,” I reminded him.

“Yes, I do understand their motivation in this situation, yet I cannot help but feel that their constant thrust for her to marry is only making her more resolute in her desire not to marry. I want Laura to be happy, but I fear they are closing her heart completely. ”

I grew to love Percy even more in that moment. I tucked my hand into the crook of his arm and leaned against him. “We shall do our best to make certain that her heart remains open to love. Even if it is just the love of friends. ”

“Agreed. ” He patted my hand and cast a long look in the direction of Sir Stephan as he guided Laura toward her terrible suitor. “Like lambs to the slaughter. I have to admit you and Laura have opened my eyes. I never truly thought about how young women are bartered off like goods to the highest bidder, so to speak. ”

“Certainly you had many young women pushed in your direction during your life. I cannot believe you were not seen as a suitable match. ”

“I was a pauper when I was younger. Our estate was falling down about our ears and it was my sister who married well and brought money into the family. I was actually not deemed a good catch for a long time. I come from a respectable family, but without the funds. ” He shrugged. “I became a successful businessman and later found my Abigail. It was good enough for me. And for her. ”

“I am so sorry that she is not with us. ” I rested my head on his shoulder. “It would have been lovely to know her. ”

“One day I shall be reunited with her. Until then, I shall enjoy what life I have left. I must confess my friendships with you and Laura have significantly lifted my spirits. ”

“As you have lifted mine!”

Together we wandered through the many rooms housing the party. I pretended to eat the food I plucked from the buffet and drink the wine poured into my glass. I chatted with other attendees, admiring their costumes and laughing at their jokes. There was a great amount of merriment about the festivities, as though everyone knew we would soon be locked in our homes waiting for the spring to come. I danced with a few gentlemen before Percy and I claimed our dance together. We conspired with each other and kept an eye on Laura as she was escorted about the party by Dietrich. He cast furtive looks in our direction, his discomfort clear. Laura appeared bored and disinterested in him, but he persisted on dragging her about. To my disgust, Sir Stephan and Maria appeared quite pleased with their interaction.

“Percy, my aren’t you handsome,” Csilla purred as she appeared beside us. Her eyes were sparkling dangerously from all the wine she had consumed and her daring neckline was drooping lower on the roundness of her breasts.

“I am not nearly as intriguing as you are,” Percy answered a bit glibly.

I gave him credit for not peering down at her cleavage. I had the desire to tuck her bosom back into the fabric.

Csilla laughed gaily as she pressed her hand to his chest. Leaning toward him, she whispered, “If I am so intriguing why do you evade my seductions?”

“I was taught to avoid temptation when I attended church as a boy. I adhere to that teaching even now. ” Percy sipped his wine, an amused expression on his face.

“Am I tempting?” Csilla’s gaze slid toward me. She lifted her chin to bare her throat at me. “Am I, Countess Dracula?”

Wanting to be rid of her, I said, “Always. ”

Grasping my hand, she drew close to me. “I wish to tempt you. ”

Percy’s eyes widened behind his mask. Not knowing my nature, I was certain he believed that the baroness was attempting to seduce me. “Temptation comes in many forms, my baroness. Your form, though pleasing to the eye, is not to my taste. Besides, what would my husband say?”

Tossing back her head, she laughed with delight. “He would be quite pleased, I’m sure. ” With a sultry glance at Percy, she slinked away into the party.

“She is. . . ” Percy faltered.

“Disturbing. ” I felt angered by her actions. She was dangerous with her blatant actions and double entendres.

“Very. ”

To counter our discomfort, we danced. The air was warm and thick with the fragrance of the candles, food, and humans. It was soothing and I cast away my worries as we twirled, bowed, and pranced our way across the floor. The music and chatter were a comforting sound. I was accustomed to this sort of affair and I could almost imagine I was once more in England. As always I feel nearly mortal when I am at social gatherings. It allows me to forget the terrors I have endured since the night my family arrived at Vlad Dracula’s castle.

We departed the dance laughing. Percy straightened his raven mask as we maneuvered through the throng of guests. The ornate costumes added to the festive air and created the fantastical illusion of a faerie court. There was a sense of magick in the air and I wished for a moment that Ignatius was at my side.

“Oh, Countess Dracula!”

I recognized the insipid voice at once and was determined to ignore it. To my dismay, I was routed by the worst gossip in Buda when she abruptly stepped before me, waving her hand. Borbála’s heavily made up face and jeweled mask were more gruesome than appealing, but her black gown, that was decorated to depict the constellations, was clever and quite lovely.

“Countess Dracula, I so want you to meet my distant cousin who is visiting me this winter,” she gasped out. I suspected she had rushed through the crowd in an attempt to intercept me. She drew a beautiful young woman to her side.