The Vampire's Court

Chapter 14- The Arrival

As the carriage door opened, Seraphine's heart skipped a beat. Withers, stood before her, his warm smile a stark contrast to the stern expression she remembered from their first meeting. He bowed deeply, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Lady Seraphine, welcome, officially, to Everwood Manor."

Seraphine's hand instinctively went to her hair, smoothing out any wrinkles, as she accepted Withers' offered arm. "I was thinking we could enjoy a nice cup of afternoon tea," Withers offered. The staff swarmed around them, efficiently unloading her belongings from the carriage. She felt a sense of detachment, as if she was observing the scene from afar, her mind still reeling from the journey.

"Thank you, Withers," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Afternoon tea sounds lovely." She allowed him to lead her up the steps and into the manor, the grandeur of the entrance hall taking her breath away.

As they walked, the soft rustle of her skirts echoed through the hallway, punctuated by the muted chatter of the staff. Seraphine's eyes darted around, taking in the opulent furnishings, the sparkling chandeliers, and the intricate artwork adorning the walls. Everwood Manor was a world away from her humble estate, a testament to Dimitri's vast wealth and power.

Withers guided her into the tea room, a cozy space filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft crackle of fire. Seraphine's heart raced, anticipating Dimitri's arrival, wondering what the rest of the day held.

"Will... Dimitri be joining us?" Seraphine asked, her voice trembling slightly as she set her cup down on the delicate china saucer.

Withers and Ms. Effie exchanged a weighted glance, their eyes locking in a silent understanding. Seraphine couldn't quite decipher the unspoken words, but she sensed a hint of unease beneath their polished demeanor.

"His grace is... indisposed at the moment," Withers replied, his tone measured and diplomatic. "He will be joining you for dinner, however, later tonight."

Seraphine's heart sank, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. She shook her head, nervously sipping her tea, the delicate porcelain cup rattling slightly in her hand.

Ms. Effie's face clouded with concern, her brow furrowing as she turned to Withers. "Withers, dear, may I have a word with you outside for a moment?" she asked, her voice low and urgent.

Seraphine's eyes darted between them, sensing a hidden conversation unfolding before her eyes. Ms. Effie's gaze flicked to her, a reassuring smile pasted on her face. "Manor business, deary, we wouldn't want to bore you. You wait right here, and we'll be back in a jiff!"

Withers nodded, his expression unreadable, as he followed Ms. Effie out of the room. They disappeared down the long hallway, their footsteps echoing off the high ceilings, leaving Seraphine alone with her thoughts.

The tea room, once a cozy haven, now felt oppressive, the silence thick with unspoken secrets. Seraphine's mind whirled, conjuring up images of Dimitri's "indisposition." Was he ill? Or was it something more sinister? She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the delicate patterns on her cup, her heart heavy with foreboding.

"You're pulling my leg, Withers! Right now? He had to feed at this precise moment? What if Seraphine lays eyes on him? She'll take flight, just like all the others!" Effie exclaimed in a harsh whisper, her voice trembling with a mix of frustration and concern.

"I simply didn't wish to risk anything, Ms. Effie," Withers replied, his tone measured and calm. "He's been... unpredictable the last couple of days."

Effie's chest heaved with indignation, her voice rising. "I'll tell you why he's unpredictable! The young master couldn't comprehend his emotions if they bit him on the backside!"