The Countess

The Beginning

1847, London, Victorian England

"Helena, you must make haste. You can not be late for your cousins wedding ceremony."

"I am almost done, mum...It is just something missing on my outfit."

"Let me see, my dear."

*Helena's mother looked at her dress. A light pink dress with a white brocade around it and a lower neckline as well as collapsed sleeves and a v-shaped bodice. The skirt of the dress was full and bouncy, just like the crinoline underneath it with several petticoats over it. Though the skirt was bouncy, the top was a bit more fitted but not restricting movement. Helena's heels were white and had a bit of a heel for making Helena a tad bit taller. Helena was smaller than the average woman for her time, standing only at 149 centimeters or, as the Americans would say, 4 feet and 10 inches. Helena wore pearl jewelry. Her mother took out a box and started to put pearls in her hair. Her hair was bound into a bun, and her hair framed her face, covering her ears. The hair pearls added a bit of intrigue to her hair. Though Helena was only 18, there were already many asking for her hand, specifically Lord Byron, who had known her since their childhood. He was 12 years old, her senior. He wasn't particularly ugly, but he wasn't very handsome either. He was average. And so was his personality. He had the most average hobby out there: Hunting. Helena hated hunting. She hated seeing animals be killed. Therefore, she adopted a meat-less diet that worried her parents, but they didn't force her to change. She didn't want an average man with a hobby that involved killing animals. Helena was deep in thought when her mother's voice rang out.*

"Perfect. I believe your look for tonight is now complete. What do you think, dearest?"

"I love it. It is simple but beautiful."

"We must hurry now. The carriage is waiting for us."

*The Carriage rode off not too long later and arrived at the St. George Cathedral shortly after. Helena, her mother, and father all went into the church, christening themselves with the holy water at the entrance of a church. The ceremony began. Though Helena was religious, she wasn't fond of long sermons as she thought she could use that time to read the Bible or paint. Nevertheless, Helena powered through, and after 2 hours at the church, the Carriage brought them to the grand house of Lord Hemming, the husband of Helena's cousin. Lord Hemming was very rich, and his family was well acquainted with the Royal family, which delighted Helena's cousin since she was very fond of royalty. Helena spent the evening trying to avoid any kind of suitor and especially Lord Byron, who kept pestering her about marriage. Helena thought she had it all under control when suddenly Lord Byron approached her with a big smile.*

"Helena Rosewater, nice seeing you here. I did not expect to see you here, not striking a conversation with me."

"Lovely seeing you too... Lord Byron. I just wanted to spend some time alone since I barely have time for myself anymore due to being the next in line to marry."

"This agony of being next in line could be solved if you accept my marriage proposal."

"As much as I appreciate the effort, I am not interested in marrying you. In fact, I'd rather be married to the dead before marrying you. Now go before I falsely accuse you of something grave."

*Lord Byron got angry. His face was red in fury, and his stance straightened, as if he was trying to assert dominance over Helena.*

"You- You will regret this Helena. I swear on it."

*Lord Byron barges out of the house, making people wonder what had happened. Helena smirked and patted herself on the shoulder for standing up to an annoying guy like Lord Byron.*

After the Party

"What do you mean Helena pissed off Lord Byron? She is a woman. How can a woman possibly have the courage to stand up to a man like Lord Byron. I thought you raised our daughter well, Mary."

"Phinellius, are you calling me a bad mother?"

"No, dear- I- I just wanted to inquire about the behavior of her behavior."

*Helena went into the living room.*

"Mum, Father. I was raised wonderfully by both of you, and my behavior tonight is my own doing. I just want to relay the message that I have no interest in Lord Byron. There are way better Lords in London than Lord Byron. Now, if you excuse me, I will go to bed now. Goodnight."

*Her parents look at her baffled as she leaves the room and heads upstairs to her room and drifts off to sleep a bit later.*

The next morning

*Helena goes down to the dining room, sitting down on her chair and eating breakfast, which consists of bread, butter, and orange juice. Her father was reading the daily newspaper pamphlets while her mother poured herself a cup of green tea.*

"How was your sleep, my dear?"

"It was lovely mum. Did not have a nightmare for once."

"That is good, my dear. I know how much these nightmares affect you."

"Thank you for your concern, mum."

"You are welcome, my dear."

"Lord Rosewater. You have mail."

*The Servant brings a tray with a letter on it. Lord Rosewater picks up the letter and reads it thoroughly.*

"Father, what does it say?"

"Well...I have been offered a diplomatic job with the current count of Transylvania, Count Nicola Dracul. The royal family wants us to negotiate for a piece of land in exchange for a lavish villa here in London for the Count."

"Does this mean you will be away for some time?"

"Yes, but here is the catch. You and your mother will join me on the journey."

"Why should we go there? Is this not a man's ordeal?"

"Well yes...but the Count requested that the estate on the piece of land be put on trial and given feedback on."

"So he wants us to live in the estate and check it out and give our opinions on it?"

"Yes. That is exactly what he wants. We should pack up as soon as possible, since it will take some time to get there and then we have to live there for a year."

"A year?! But what of my friends?!"

"Your friends can wait. Besides, you can communicate by letters."

"Ugh, fine. I will go pack now."

*Helena gets up from the chair and goes upstairs, her periwinkle dress shimmying with every movement of hers.*

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A/N's Notes: Hi! I just want to say that I am not Christian and therefore not so familiar with terms used in a Christian setting, and I hope you can forgive me for that!