Chapter 3

“That Emily is ripe,” I said to Cecil as he tied my white bow tie. As I mentioned, the current fashion for men of my stature was modest for the most part, but I did look smart in my white tie and black tail coat. Thankful for the trend of black, white, and grey, I certainly did not miss the dandy days of yesteryear.

“Indeed, m’lord,” Cecil replied, brushing off my silk facings.

“Although Hazel would certainly be more of a challenge. She would require a long seduction. Then again, extending the seduction of Emily would be a challenge in and of itself.

She was practically begging for it in the park.”

“How interesting, m’lord,” Cecil replied dryly. He didn’t get involved in my affairs unless some cover-up proved necessary. How could he? There were far too many of which to keep track. Of course I didn’t kill most of them. Just fed from them and altered their memory. Very little cover-up was needed.

“I haven’t done a long seduction in quite a while.”

“They are infinitely more risky, m’lord.”

“Therein lays the fun, Cecil!”

“Of course, m’lord,” Cecil said, brushing off my shoulders.

Cecil stepped back allowing me to regard myself in the mirror. Vampires did have a reflection after all, but it was faint, almost like one was fading away. I had noticed that I got more transparent in the looking glass as the centuries progressed. Or perhaps it was just in my memory that I used to be clearer than my current form. Still, it was ever so convenient to have some reflection with the popularity of mirrors everywhere. One couldn’t be a part of society and completely avoid mirrors! People did like to look at themselves in all their finery. A faint reflection could be explained by a trick of the light, if necessary, but it usually wasn’t. After all, everyone was too busy looking at themselves. The vanity of others was a great advantage to one steering attention away from oneself.

“Yes,” I said to Cecil, indicating my approval. I looked quite smart, indeed. Black tails with a black on black pinstriped waistcoat made from the finest Chinese silk, as all my waistcoats were.

Its notched lapels peeked out from under my tail coat, creating striking lines down the front. The tails were fastened together with a single black silk-covered button, allowing the bottom of the waistcoat to show through. It also gave me easy access to my silver pocket watch, which was kept in one of the small waistcoat’s pockets and secured with a silver chain. Silver complemented black so much better than gold. Even the tail coat had ornate silver buttons, three on each side, that followed the lines of the silk facings. Although I was rather shorter than I appeared, risers in my shoes gave the illusion of more height. I don’t miss the heels of the last century either, however. They had made me taller, but they made everyone else taller as well.

Now, I have had Italy’s finest cobbler make my shoes. They gave the appearance of normal shoes, but along with an extra-long trouser leg, hid the fact that they made me stand a few inches taller. I only had to be careful when I sat down, but I didn’t sit much at parties, and that was all that mattered. Fortunately, women were mostly smaller than I, so they didn’t seem to care much, especially the older ones. The ones whose beauty was said to have started fading. For me, they were still young and succulent. Worked well for all concerned.

“I’m off then, Cecil. Is the carriage ready?” I asked, trotting down the stairs to the main floor.

Cecil followed closely behind.

“I have sent word to Thomas.”

“Excellent. Wish me luck.”

“Oh, m’lord. You don’t need luck,” he replied, then took my overcoat off the rack near the front door.

“That’s true,” I said as Cecil helped me into my coat. I popped on my finest top hat, complete with a black sash tied at the back. A nice pair of black leather gloves and a black scarf completed the outfit. I wore gloves whenever possible, as it masked the deathly coldness of my hands.

Outside, Thomas was waiting patiently on the stoop as Cecil opened the door for me. Thomas was a good man as well. It wasn’t easy finding such quality help, and I had certainly been through problems with staff in the past. Dozens of men over the past century alone. When I found the right man for the job, I paid him very well for his loyalty and discretion, assuring they’d be with me for life. Their life, anyway. It was quite inconvenient that they were mortal, having to start the search all over again. Thomas was no exception to such excellence. In fact, he had significantly raised my expectations for his eventual successor. He was loyal from the beginning, even during the trial period in which I fed from them and wiped their memories to test their resilience. Yes, Thomas had never been a problem. He was taller than both me and Cecil.

Lanky, too. Long nose. Long face. Long arms and legs. I believe he was especially grateful I had his clothes tailored specifically for him, as any regular sizes would have had his arms and legs sticking out the ends. Good ol’ gangly Thom. Over the years Cecil had become more relaxed with me. Sometimes I need to remind him his place, but I’ve never had that problem with Thomas. Polite and proper to the last.

“Shall we, Thomas?”

“Of course, m’lord.” Thomas stepped to the curb quickly and opened the brougham door for me. I climbed in, sitting nearer the window now that there was no fear of sunlight. The sky had cleared after the afternoon rain, and one could now see the stars and the moon. It would be a lovely evening on the dirigible. One didn’t get many firsts anymore, after having lived for so long, but a ride on an airship would certainly be one. I found myself uncommonly excited at the prospect. Well, that and the excitement of a new seduction project. Yes. Emily Bainbridge would do just fine, although Hazel Hamilton would be more of a challenge, and I did so want to make her blush. Perhaps I could manage both at once, without knowledge of the other of course. An additional challenge since they were such close friends. Oh yes. I was indeed excited about the possibilities of the evening.

Thomas pulled the carriage up behind a line of other carriages. The airship was in the large clearing to the north of The Serpentine. It was indeed massive and wondrous. I had never seen anything even remotely like it. I had, after all, seen it in the air, but at such a distance, one doesn’t gain the proper perspective. The sheer size of it was astounding. It was nearly as long as Buckingham Palace and half as high: a grand site sitting in the middle of Hyde Park.

I could feel the excitement in the air. Even for those who had been on an airship before, it was still quite the experience. I stepped out of my carriage and turned to Thomas, who sat with his mouth gaping open in disbelief as he beheld the colossal ship.

“Jealous?” I said up to him still perched on the coachman’s seat. His feet propped upon the footboard made his gangling legs bend at a comical angle. His knees seemed as high as his own shoulders.

“Not at all, m’lord. It’s unnatural, it is. To go up in that thing? Unnatural.” He let his pointy chin relax again in astonishment. No matter how ‘unnatural’ he thought it was, he couldn’t take his eyes off of the immense thing.

“Quite true, Thomas. However, I do know something about the unnatural.”

“Of course, m’lord,” Thomas replied, remembering himself.

“Return for me by 10 o’clock. We should be landing around then."

“Very good, m’lord.”

I turned toward the great vessel and started towards it. I hadn’t felt this excited since my Spring-Heeled Jack days. It was what they called me back then. I had taken delight, for a few years, showing my true form and frightening villagers in Sheffield, Liverpool, and even parts of Scotland. Some I’d kill, but some I’d leave alive to tell the tale. When a decree came down to shoot Spring-Heeled Jack on site, I had figured it was time for a change. I had started to lay low in 1872, revising my routine, as I did every few decades just to avoid death by boredom. In fact, last night’s act of luscious debauchery was the most conspicuous I’d been since then. Loved to see that the papers reported ‘vampire’ instead of some other silly explanation like a phantom monster who could leap onto high buildings and over fences, although I can. I just had gotten too excited last night, as it was quite obvious from the tooth marks I left. What other conclusion but

‘vampire’ could they make?

Yes. I definitely had to be more careful for awhile. After all, it was quite the hassle to move to another country, and I quite like this one. Perhaps I should turn to prostitutes and such for a bit. Still, the long seduction that I begin tonight will be well worth another high-profile kill. Will it be Emily or Hazel? Ah, the unknown. I should just let nature take its course and see what opportunity best presented itself.

“Good evening, sir,” a man dressed in uniform said as I approached the ramp. He had gold braids hanging from each shoulder and three golden buttons lining each cuff. He wore a baldric stretched across the front of his double-breasted brown uniform from one shoulder to the other hip. It contained all sorts of tools kept in special-made loops and pouches for easy access. Ten golden buttons down each seam fastened the smart uniform beneath his black leather baldric. He had to be part of the ship’s crew.

The area all around the ship was roped off and constables were stationed every ten yards or so to keep ruffians out.

“Yes. It is a good evening, good sir. Permission to come aboard,” I replied, smiling. After all, I had been on a ship or two in my time, even if they had been the kind that floated rather than flew.

“Of course, sir, but I must see your invitation.”

“By all means,” I said, reaching into my inner pocket and producing the gold leaf, embossed invitation.

“Thank you, sir. Once on board, please make yourself at home. There are complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres on the second deck and the views from the top deck are quite breathtaking.”

I tipped my hat to him and proceeded up the long ramp to the ship. The ship itself was golden in color, which just served to increase its majesty. Suspended above it with countless ropes was a huge balloon that seemed twice the size of the vessel. It extended slightly past the bow and stern and over either side, and it was at least three times as high as the ship to which it was tied. The ramp led up onto the hull’s lowest deck, near the front of the ship. It was made mostly of wood painted gold with brass accents around the port holes and edges. Aft of the ramp on the outside of the ship, a great propeller powered by a steam engine hung suspended from a massive wooden arm. I remembered seeing this on both sides of the ship from afar when it was airborne, along with an additional three propellers in the very back of the ship. The huge propeller in the center and two smaller ones on either side had to be how the ship was steered in the air. They all looked much more impressive and quite colossal once one got closer.

It boggled the mind!

As I stepped into the main part of the ship, my eyes were further amazed. Directly in front of me was a grand staircase, similar to that which I ascended last evening with my tasty treat. The interior was made with the finest materials and adornments. It was a wonder they allowed commoners on this boat. They must have had a dedicated crew to keep a watchful eye during those daytime tours. The room in which this staircase began was rather small, considering, and all the guests were being ushered upstairs. I ascended the steps, pleasantly reminiscent of last night, onto the next deck. This was, again, only the front half of the ship. The entire aft of the ship had to be the mechanics of the thing. This middle deck was a large ballroom. A string quartet played in the corner and couples were already swirling across the floor to the music. A buffet table full of the finest meats, cheeses, fruits, and breads lined the far wall. Formally dressed waiters wandered the room offering goodies to the wallflowers and refilling their wine glasses.

After ascending a second, less ornate staircase, I reached the uppermost deck, open to the night. The stars and moon were all obscured by the massive balloon overhead, but the view of the park from this height was already amazing. This deck was quite roomier, set aside for the use of guests, although a good third of the aft portion was reserved for what I could only assume to be the control room. More waiters dressed in black dinner jackets wove between the astonished guests offering snacks and drink.

The airship captain stood on the bow with his hands on his hips, looking the part perfectly.

His long scarf blew in the wind and his goggles were set just above his eyebrows. Around the edge of one lens, an arm protruded about an inch with three distinct separate glass discs attached at the end of additional arms. Each could rotate over the lens individually or together. It was brilliant. It acted as if one had a telescope and magnifying glass all in one device and all hands-free.

“Cap’n!” I heard a small voice from behind me call. “Cap’n! Cap’n!”

The impressive man turned around. His nose was significant, yet proportionate on his strong face. He wore friendly mutton chops down the sides that quite suited him.

“Cap’n!”

“Yes, boy. What is it?” The captain replied.

“Getting a strange reading on the pressure valve, sir.”

“Which one?”

“Behind the intake cylinder.”

“That one again? Where’s Williams? He’s the Chief Engineer after all.”

“Um,” the boy said with a sideways glance at me.

“Nevermind, I’ll have a look at it presently, lad. Call the all aboard. We’ll be lifting off presently.”

“Aye, aye, Cap’n,” the lad said with a quick salute.

“Get some coffee in Williams,” the captain added as he strode past me. He moved with assurance and confidence. Ever commanding, which was appropriate for the captain of a ship.

The boy trotted behind him, his gait revealing just the opposite.

“Aye, aye” I heard the boy reply just as they approached the control room.

“Arthur!” I heard to my left. I turned to see Hazel, Eliza, and Emily along with another woman whose back was turned to me, as she was looking over the side of the ship. She was exquisitely dressed in a deep burgundy jacket accented with golden stripes. Its tails split over a black skirt with a nice fluffy bustle. A tiny top hat was perched on the side of her jet black hair.

The other ladies were dressed in pastels, my least favorite. I preferred dark colors. Emily was in pale yellow, not ever attractive, but ultimately better than that bright lemon ensemble she had worn this afternoon. Eliza was in pink and Hazel wore a sky blue. Emily was waving her pale yellow handkerchief wildly at me, demanding that I gave her my full attention.

“Ladies,” I said bowing.

“Oh, Arthur! Isn’t it amazing?” Emily exclaimed, indicating the entire ship with a grand gesture, demonstrating that she was as impressive as the dirigible.

“It is indeed.”

The woman who had been looking over the side turned around, and I nearly fell over. It was Catherine. Everything was the same! Only instead of red hair, it was a jet black, coiffed in perfect curls. Every single detail of her face was Catherine. The small, gentle eyes. The round nose. The quaint but full lips that formed a perfect tiny “o,” barely larger than the head of a pin, in the exact center when held together. The shape of her jaw. The curve of her cheek. The alabaster skin with just the slightest hint of olive. It was my Catherine returned to me.

“Allow me to introduce my niece, Arthur,” Lady Bainbridge said, interrupting my thoughts.

“This is Avalon. Avalon, may I present Lord York.”

I must’ve taken too long to answer, just staring at Avalon in a daze for a few moments, as the other two ladies were looking crossly at me. I gathered my wits quickly.

“Forgive me, dear lady,” I said as I took Avalon’s proffered hand and kissed it. “Forgive my reaction, but one does not often see beauty such as yours.”

Avalon curtsied properly as I kissed her hand, but the expression on her face was not one of a flattered, or even an embarrassed, woman. She looked positively at peace, almost bored, as if she was used to such flattery and compliment, but she wasn’t, judging from the way Lady Bainbridge had spoken about her. I’d bet she just didn’t care about such things.

“Avalon? Beautiful? Well, my dear,” Lady Bainbridge said to her niece, snapping open her fan with annoyance, “I do believe this is a first. You must thank my maid upon our return. She did work a miracle tonight.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Lord York,” Avalon said, ignoring her aunt’s quip. She withdrew her black lace-gloved hand out of mine with polite determination, for in my awe, I had held on to it far longer than politeness allowed.

“Please, call me Arthur,” I said, bowing. I was treating this woman like a queen, for she was a queen to me. My queen.

“Yes. Please! Call him Arthur. We all do,” Emily Bainbridge said, fanning herself wildly.

“Dear Emily,” I said, turning my attention to her, for she was obviously slighted, “You are looking especially lovely yourself this evening. I, of course, was prepared for your loveliness, as I had the pleasure of making your acquaintance earlier this day.”

This seemed to pacify her for the moment, as she closed her fan before playfully batting me on the shoulder with it, and smiled sweetly at me.

“I will be the envy of tonight’s gala! I’m surrounded by the loveliest ladies in all of London,”

I announced a little loudly, arms spread wide.

Hazel Hamilton giggled at this. “Oh, sir. How you flatter.” She blushed.

“It is not flattery, dear lady. I speak only truth,” I said, tilting my head and nodding with the pretense of respect.

“Come dear,” Lady Pearson finally spoke, “we must find our husbands. Arthur, as always, it’s been a pleasure.”

“Dear Eliza, the pleasure is always mine,” I replied bowing deeper to her.

Lady Pearson and Lady Hamilton turned to leave, which left me alone with Emily Bainbridge and her stunning niece Avalon.

“Isn’t this simply amazing, Arthur?” Lady Bainbridge asked as she slipped her arm inside mine. She would be no challenge at all to seduce. Rather, the challenge would be to keep her at bay without offending her. Such thoughts entered my mind out of habit, as my interest in Emily or Hazel had abandoned ship the moment I saw Avalon. My attention turned fully to her. My Catherine.

“It is quite, wouldn’t you say so Miss Avalon?”

“Quite.” Avalon’s blatant disregard of polite conversation or high society in any form was evident. The dirigible alone held her interest.

I continued, “I had only seen these contraptions from afar, which were impressive enough, but I am quite without words to describe this experience. And we haven’t even lifted off the ground yet!”

Emily Bainbridge was certainly not without words, for she chimed right in, tightening her grip on my arm. “I was entirely taken in by the luxury of the thing. That ballroom on the lower deck was simply magnificent; as fine as any I’ve had the pleasure of dancing in. Oh, Arthur, you must save a dance for me.” She tugged on my arm playfully, trying to pry my attention away from the goddess before me.

“But of course, Lady Bainbridge,” I replied, not taking my eyes off Avalon. I hoped by using her formal title, she’d take the hint and back off a little. She did not. Instead she squeezed my arm against her breast and laid her head on my shoulder momentarily before continuing:

“How do they ever get such a ship in the air? Did you know that this is the finest airship in London? I’m quite surprised they allow commoners on it at all!”

“Many commoners, as you call them, are fine people,” Avalon interjected at last. “They are hardworking, decent people, Aunt. You would do well to remember that.”

This one had spunk.

“Indeed,” I replied. I felt Emily’s grip on my arm tighten, so I changed the subject. “Miss Avalon, do tell me about your unusual name. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone named Avalon.”

Avalon didn’t turn away from looking out over the side of the ship, far in the distance. Her hands were clasped properly in front, grasping a small, gold reticule. She behaved as I’ve often felt, just barely able to stomach such pointless small talk. She wasn’t here to socialize or flirt or boast about riches. She was different. She was here for the dirigible. She was here for the experience. She cared more about the brass cogs that powered this ship than of all the gold of the crown.

“Well, sir, isn’t it obvious? My father was obsessed with the Arthurian Legend. No, actually, obsessed would be an understatement. Nevertheless, it’s as simple as that. It is unusual, but it’s certainly better than being called Morgana or Guinevere!”

What a delightful lady!

“We have something in common, dear lady.”

She finally turned to face me, slightly intrigued.

“My father, too, was obsessed, as you say, with the Arthurian Legend. It is why he called me Arthur.” I didn’t mention that his intention had been for me to be Arthur II of England. That I alone had been meant to bring the dream of Avalon back to Britain. And here instead, Avalon came to me.

For the first time in as long as I could remember, I wanted to forget the past forever. Forget about my father. Forget about the centuries of decadence. Forget about the dream of Arthur’s Avalon and focus on the reality of my new-found Avalon. Forget all the ways of seduction I had learned, and just be with this woman. Just listen to her talk. Get lost in her thoughts. Something about this woman captivated me, and I couldn’t explain it. Some deep connection. Something more than lust, although that, too, was present. It was a feeling that I had felt before, centuries ago.

“Yes, Arthur. That, too, is obvious and not all that uncommon. Many people enjoy the tales of Arthur and his knights.”

She wasn’t going to give me an inch.