“The Allen's are having a ball this evening. It will be perfect for your first appearance.” Lana studied her. “Green would be an excellent color for your gown. I think I have an emerald one that will match your eyes perfectly. My aunt gave it to me as a gift last year, but it looks horrible on me.”
“I doubt that.”
Lana shook her head.
“Let's just say I don't have the bust for it, but we will deal with the dress later. Right now, we should focus on men. London is stocked with distinguished gentlemen. I'll make a list of the most eligible and worthy bachelors. Now, Victoria, I must warn you, London men are not like those nice boys out in the country. They are crude, ruthless, and will take advantage of you the first chance they get. Whatever you do, don't let your guard down.”
8
“Yes, I can’t afford a scandal. But I have been to the continent, Lana. I spent four months in various countries surrounded by strange and randy men. I think I can hold my own.”
Lana nodded her head in agreement. She had spent a little time in France and she knew how forward some of those men could be. She sat back in her chair, bringing the rim of her cup to her lips. “Let me think. Whom could we match you with?” She took a sip and then another, her eyes focused off into the distance as she thought.
“Lord Albert is a great man. He’s about forty and is quite handsome for his age. He has a bit of wealth, but he’s never been married. He’s the old bachelor type but with your looks and figure we could get him to change his mind.”
“I don’t want to force myself on anyone,” Victoria said with a light laugh.
“Lord Rogers is suitable and wealthy. He’s very polite.
There is also Sir Wendell, who is a widower with three children.
You don’t mind children right?”
“I love children. I may even like to have a few of my own some day.”
“Sir Wendell is a sweet man.” Lana continued with her list,
“Baron Fraser would make a good match for you and Sir Millings.
Oh, and Lord Shillmend and Mr. Tavis. Yes, all of them will do,”
Lana nodded, pleased with herself. “They are all very nice and pleasant to the eye.”
“That is a plus.”
“However, I think I will have Ben investigate them.”
“Don't be dragging your brother into this.”
“He can help us quite a bit. All these men seem perfect and respectable, but he could get to know their true nature. Most of the men in London like to attend Willows.”
“Willows?”
“I'm not quite sure what to call it. Men go there to drink, gamble, and talk. It's a meetinghouse of sorts, a notorious dark place that’s only open at night. Men are more likely to act like their true selves when they are in privately.”
“Does Ben go to Willows?”
“Occasionally, he is married now, you know?”
“No, you never told me, tell him congratulations.”
“Do you understand what I am saying though?” Lana said.
9
“Yes and it is a brilliant idea, I just don't want to trouble your brother.”
“It is no trouble. You are like a second sister to him. I'm sure he will be more than happy to help.”
“Thank you,” Victoria sighed, her shoulders slumped in relief.
“I'm so glad that I can help. Don't worry about a thing. I will find you the best husband there is.”
It was nice of Lana to say that she would not have to worry, but how could she not? Victoria had only a month to find a husband. Why hadn't her father pressed her to marry? Why had he given her so much freedom? In truth a woman Victoria’s age should be wed, not hunting like a lioness for unsuspecting prey.
10
Chapter Three
Dorian rubbed his temples; his head throbbed beneath his fingertips.
“Are you insane?”
“Yes, I'm insane. I have gone completely out of my mind.
I'm crazy, like Hadrian.”
Raphael gasped and jumped back. “God save us!”
Hadrian had been a great vampire ruler. After the murder of his brother he had gone insane and exiled himself to an ancient fortress high in the Carpathian Mountains. There he lives alone in silence and madness. No vampire dares journey to that ancient palace.
“It was a joke.”
“Hell's teeth, Dorian. That's not funny. The vamp truly has gone completely mad.”
“Is that not what you are accusing me of?”
“Well…yes.”
“What is it that you want from me?” Dorian said.
Raphael had not stopped hounding him since he had walked through the door.
“You deserted your clan.”
“I didn't desert them.”
“You packed up and sailed across the ocean without a word to anyone,” Raphael argued.