More then Just a Bride

chapter 1

Heres What Dracula got up too in the months harker was recovering in Hungary.

I had never wanted to go to europe, i was happy with my life and position in england. My father was not. My constant refusal of all marriage proposals had frustrated him, i was his youngest and only daughter, and as I wasn't his heir he stressed the importance of my marring well in order to uphold the families good name.

My brothers also didn't like the idea of my accompanying my father on his business travels. they knew his intentions, he had powerful and wealthy friends abroad and he fully intended on selling my hand to the highest bidder. They argued with him the night we left, but he insisted, I was at the age where I should be married, he intended to secure my future sooner rather then later.

When we arrived in Hungary my father waisted no time in receiving visitors, he threw a party the same night, our rooms were grand and big enough to house about thirty respectable people, some acquaintances some socialites, all of which were advantages for my father to be introduced to.

I attended the affair at my fathers insistence, I thought he was hoping that some of these foreign people would persuade me to marriage better then the english suitors had. Little did he realise it wasn't the place that dissuaded me from marriage it was the idea of matrimony itself. I am no tool through which someone can climb the social ladder, or commodity that can be sold and brought to my fathers benefit.

The evening was like the many I had endured back in england, except this was in a new place with different accents. "lady Campbell" a man bowed after my father had introduced us.

"Mr Kassay here is one of my most valuable bank partners" my father informed me, i graciously bowed, "he is responsible for this gathering tonight he made all of the arrangements for us"

"the arrangements are beautiful Mr Kassay" i commented looking around the finely dressed room, it was a well rehearsed compliment, i had said it to many hosts over many years.

Mr Kassay smiled kindly at my comment "my daughter was in london last season, though you were not introduced she did have the honour of seeing you attending the opera, her account of your beauty has not been exaggerated; i hope you find the company here in budapest as stimulating as the great capital of England" he bowed, I affirmed that he should be in no doubt of that fact though I neglected to mention that it was only because I found the company in England about as stimulating as a plank of wood.

After the exchange he got to work introducing me to Budapests high and mighty. By time the reception was over and the dancing commenced i had been occupied for the first five dances. The brief break between dances I spent mingling ever aware of my fathers watchful eye, should I embarrass him tonight I would not hear the end of it.

"you do not seem to be enjoying yourself for such a elegant young lady" a stranger approached me as I departed one partner and hid myself away to drink a glass of wine by myself.

"you are mistaken sir" I put on my smile as i turn to face the stranger, I found my gaze lost for a moment as I inspected him, he was tall and handsome, there was no doubt about that. There was something in his heir, something alluring about his deep brown eyes and charismatic smile. Though he seemed to be much older then myself, he seemed to have a timeless aura of youth and vitality.

"I think you'll find I am very rarely mistaken, especially when it comes to the inner most thoughts of a lady" he bowed "count dracula, pleased to make your acquaintance" there was something knowing in his gaze, when he looked into my eyes it was as if he was in fact reading my inner most thoughts.

I snapped myself out of his gaze and put my now empty glass of wine down on a passing waiters tray "well count dracula, as learned as you might be in the inner thoughts of women, you clearly know nothing of the rules of social etiquette. It is impertinent to approach a lady to who you have not been formally introduced" his cocky smile seemed to fade somewhat which only broadened mine, "if you'll excuse me i am engaged for the next dance"