Shadows of Society (19th century vampire romance)

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The next day, Lucy resolved to visit Louise, hoping this time her friend might be more forthcoming with the information she held.

Upon arriving at the Rosalind mansion, Lucy couldn't help but draw comparisons. The mansion lacked the grandeur and warmth of the Helsing estate. It was triste, dark, and cold, with an oppressive atmosphere that seemed to weigh on the very air. The exterior was a stark, austere façade, with ivy clinging to its stone walls, adding to its somber demeanor. The windows, narrow and few, allowed little light to penetrate the dim interior, which only heightened the sense of gloom. Lucy attributed this starkness to Lord Rosalind's influence, imagining him as a man who found solace in such desolation.

Thankfully, she managed to avoid Lord Rosalind's presence, finding Louise in the gardens, engrossed in painting the delicate blooms. The contrast between the house and the gardens was startling, almost jarring.

"Oh, Lucy! What a delightful surprise! I seldom receive visitors. Come, come, sit! I shall have a servant bring you a chair," Louise exclaimed, her face lighting up with genuine pleasure.

A servant quickly brought a chair, and Lucy settled into it, taking a moment to absorb her surroundings. The gardens were a revelation, a stark contrast to the bleak mansion. They were a paradise of color and life, a sanctuary from the mansion's oppressive gloom. Flowers of every hue and variety bloomed in abundance, their petals kissed by the morning dew. Bees and butterflies flitted from blossom to blossom, adding a sense of movement and vibrancy to the scene. Sculptures, artfully placed, peeked from behind carefully trimmed hedges and trees, each one telling its own story. There was even a meticulously maintained hedge maze, its pathways inviting and mysterious, promising adventures of its own.

"Your gardens are truly magnificent, Louise. They are a striking contrast to the house," Lucy observed, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Yes, they are my sanctuary," Louise replied with a smile, her brush pausing in mid-air. "I spend most of my time out here, painting and finding solace among the flowers. It is the only place that feels alive in this dreary estate."

Lucy nodded, understanding completely. "It is as if the gardens belong to a different world entirely."

Louise sighed softly. "Indeed. My stepfather cares little for beauty or light. But out here, I can forget about the mansion's shadows."

Lucy began to list the flowers she recognized, her voice tinged with admiration. "I see you have a fine collection of roses—Alba, Gallica, and Damask. And over there, those are delphiniums, aren't they? Such a striking shade of blue. Oh, and those peonies, with their lush, ruffled petals. I even spot some foxgloves and lavender near the maze entrance. And those lilies—are they Stargazers? Their fragrance is so intoxicating."

Louise beamed with pride. "You have a keen eye, Lucy. Yes, I have cultivated this garden with great care. Each flower has its place, its story."

Lucy nodded, taking in the vibrant colors and heady scents. "It's a botanical wonderland. I can see why you spend so much time here. It must be a labor of love."

"Indeed it is," Louise agreed, her eyes softening. "Out here, amidst the blooms, I can breathe, I can dream."

They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, the gentle rustle of leaves and the hum of bees providing a soothing background.

"I have something I must confide in you."

Lucy took a deep breath, aware of the curious glance Louise gave her. "I overheard a conversation at the Helsing mansion yesterday, and I believe you know more about this matter than you let on."

Lucy was being thoughtfully honest with Louise. She knew that, to be a true friend, she had to be direct with her at times.

"They spoke of Lady Arden and mentioned an attribute of hers referred to as 'sanguivorous.' Although I am not entirely sure what they mean by that, I wondered if you might be familiar with the term?"