William Cuthbert had been lonely for the two centuries he had been a blood-drinking menace. No woman, human or vampire, could fully engage him. And there had been many, many women.
His 'second life' as a vampire had given him ample time to find a soulmate. He could not even remember what happened when he was bitten, and spent most of his time learning languages, travelling with the wealth he had accumulated, and getting his heart broken. Repeatedly.
The women he had been with were now all either dead or undead. The vampires tended to only be interested in one thing, and he needed someone who loved him for who he was, rather than his talents in the bedroom.
"Ethel, you are of marriageable age now. You simply must wear your corset tighter."
Ethel grimaced. Everything she was taught to do had the purpose of attracting a suitable husband. Preferably one who had a large income, perhaps eight thousand a year. She couldn't understand why her parents wouldn't allow her to choose a husband herself either – she had to go to the right balls to meet the type of man her elders deemed suitable.
Ethel had already decided that anyone her parents classed as suitable could not attract her. They were usually older men, who enjoyed cigars, gentlemen's clubs and hunting. She hoped she could attract a man who was rich enough to be more interested in his pursuits than his wife, or perhaps a man who truly loved her.
The latter was surely impossible. At twenty years old, she needed to find a husband before the season was over. Since the law changed in 1823 to allow anyone of any age to marry, it wasn't uncommon for girls of just fourteen to be wives.
Her mother was still talking: "…and you know that tonight is the ball of Mr. Rogers, and everyone in town says it's the ball of the century! Everyone will be in attendance, and you will meet the Earl of Huntingdon, and perhaps Sir Edward, who has five thousand a year! Won't that be such a delight!"
Ethel's maid came into her chamber, holding a richly adorned evening gown. Light green muslin, with a soft, flowy finish. The maid began to dress Ethel's hair, pinning up her silky light brown curls with a pearl headband. "I'll leave you to prepare – I must get ready myself! We can't be late to such a great event!" And with that, the mother flounced out the room.
William was tired of attending events. However, Mr. Rodgers was an important family friend and he knew he had to be seen. His 'condition' caused humans, particularly the female kind, to find him extremely attractive. He might as well put those well-practised dancing skills to good use.
His servant, Robert, dressed him in a new tailcoat and pressed black trousers. His blonde hair, too short for a queue, was brushed to a perfect shine. He was every inch the fine English gentleman, and he usually caused quite a stir. He picked up his cane and added a few extra inches to his already tall frame with an elegant top hat.
"I hope the carriage is prepared, it wouldn't do to be late."