Chapter 6

Disclaimer: Hellsing belongs to Kohta Hirano.

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True to her word, Caroline had sent over her dressmaker. The plump woman had taken one look at Integra in her suit and practically had a heart attack. Integra believed it was all feigned and had been quite cross about the woman's hysterics; the whole ordeal had taken more time than was absolutely necessary. Besides, there was nothing wrong with her suits. Integra took great care in how she dressed and all her clothing was tailored to fit her body without being unduly restrictive or embarrassingly provacative. Thankfully Caroline had been there to mediate the ordeal with the neurotic little woman, and now Integra had to admit that she looked quite beautiful. Caroline had talked Integra into a strapless design which showed quite a bit of cleavage and bared her back and shoulders. The full skirt satisfied her modesty but would be a bitch to run in if things went badly. The only area Caroline had not been successful in was convincing Integra not to bring a gun. "Really," she had said crossly, "what do you think you'll need that for? You look simply divine, but I can assure you that everyone there will be quite civilized. There isn't any need at all, and Lady Seton's got plenty of security so its simply rude of you to bring it..." Integra pointed out that she would not visibly be wearing the weapon. The small derringer was securely and intimately strapped to the inner thigh of her left leg with additional ammo on her right. The weapon was small, but the payload-- blessed mercury-filled exploding bullets-- was adequate to finishing off human and vampire alike.

"We're here!" Caroline took in the sick expression on Integra's face and laughed. She grabbed her hand and half dragged her from the car. "Come on, it won't be half as bad as you think."

They approached the grand hall with Caroline chatting amicably about the previous parties she had attended at Lady Seton's manor. The distinguished lady apparently enjoyed her connections and took great pains to cultivate them, especially amongst the young. She had often said that being around young people made her feel more youthful, and for her fifty years of age she was still quite spry (or so the rumors amongst some of the younger gentlemen that attended her parties went).

At the entrance of the hall Caroline stopped to check in with the door man. After checking off their names he had the two great doors opened, stepped into the room and announced loudly, "Her ladyship Caroline Corinthe Islands, and Sir Integral Fairbrooks Wingates Hellsing."

Integra was aware of every (nearly every) eye in the room looking directly at them. Caroline must be pretty well known here... There were some quick whispered conversations as she and Caroline passed. Caroline ribbed her. "I really don't think you should be glaring at them like that."

"I'm not glaring."

"I think you are...Ah, Lady Seton. How are you?"

Integra tried to compose her features into a more pleasant expression as the esteemed lady, who had made straight for them the moment they entered the room, beamed at Caroline. Lady Seton gushed effusively at Caroline, feigned hurt that Caroline hadn't kept in touch, inquired into Lady Caroline's current interests, and then Integra found that the true target of her ladyship had not been Caroline-- she had just been the excuse.

"It's so good of you to come Lady Integra (its Sir, Caroline corrected her). This is a completely unexpected surprise, I really wish that Caroline had warned me you were coming ahead of time. I can't think of when I've had a more eligible bachelorette from the gentry here, and it is about time for you to be thinking about that sort of thing, isn't it? Might I add that you look stunning, simply stunning. This little soiree isn't at all worthy of the first time you decide to grace us with your presence. Why, I would have invited Ronald Erwin if I had known you were coming, and , yes, Luke, Vincent, Perry –oh actually, not him. The boy is engaged now, good for him. The boy is an absolute delight... though if you were interested in meeting him I'm sure I could arrange something." Lady Seton paused to give Integra a conspiratorial wink, and Integra found herself uncertain as to what the proper response should be to such a crass invitation.

"Thats very kind of you, but I'm really not interested in...I mean I'm just here with Caroline--"

"Ahhhhh," cut in Lady Seton knowingly. "Well, I had wondered about that. You know, one hears things when you know as many people as I do. I try not to judge a book by its cover of course, or what she wears, but I guess in your case... And you, Lady Caroline, I thought that was just a phase you were going through! But I do commend you. As always your taste is impeccable and your luck enviable. But now, go on, you two go enjoy your evening. Don't let this old lady here bore you...Ah, Gertrude Steiner, if you two will excuse me..."

And with that, the Lady Seton flounced off to speak to another of her dearest, closest friends. Integra felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. "What just happened?"

Caroline just laughed and hooked her arm firmly though Integra's, steering her towards some drinks. "It won't stick, I promise. Sometimes its just so hard to get a word in with her. Just flirt with a few guys, while I look on jealously, and you won't have a thing to worry about."

Integra delivered a particularly venemous look in Caroline's direction, but it was intercepted by a tow headed man with what she presumed was meant to be dashing stubble. He kissed Caroline's hand passionately, then did the same for Integra as Caroline made introductions. Without further ado he launched into his favorite pass time, trying to impress people (with added gusto for Integra's benefit) with his wealth and stature.

"...My house here in London, you wouldn't believe the damage. But luckily I was okay. Tahiti, you know, with a couple buddies. I came back and just could not believe my eyes. My town house, its a tad bit small for a mansion, but I really prefer staying in LA or Paris which is why I haven't purchased anything larger, was absolutely gutted. The insurance of course has been giving me quite the go, but I've got them coming around. They want to try and get you to give up, right? And they make it all difficult, but see I'm not the type that gives up easily. No, I don't just roll over like that. Incidentally, I really don't understand how London could be attacked and the British forces and intelligence could be caught completely unawares. They were caught sitting on their collective arses with their pants down being serviced, if you ask me. We should have a complete cleaning of house, fire everyone responsible is what I say. But then, I have been going on a bit haven't I? Say, I'm quite parched. Can I get a drink for either of you two ladies?"

"Some Chardonnay," said Caroline.

"Vodka. Straight."

He gave a sweeping bow and departed. Integra took this brief respite to mention to Caroline that she had found an excellent reason for bringing a gun to the festivities.

"Ah. Well, that could be a problem," said Caroline lightly. She noted the lack of humor in Integra's eyes and decided that it really wasn't the time to make any jokes. "I'm sorry Integra. I guess my memories of these parties may have been somewhat rose-colored. I just didn't remember everyone being this narcissistic and self centered. Maybe I've changed? Imagine that. But I'm truly really sorry. I thought this would be fun. We can just go ahead and leave now if you want."

Integra shook her head. If she left without seeing any of the other knights here then this would have been a complete waste of time. "No. It was just him... hopefully, just him. I don't blame you at all. Its just to think that I'm protecting these kind of people..."

"These kind of people? Integra, you're protecting England! That's queen, thats these people, and thats the common people that raise families and go to school and church and just want to live their lives, and they have so many worries already. This is one less thing in their lives to worry about, and you make it possible."

Caroline looked quite earnest as she said all this, and it did make Integra feel better.

"If they're irritating you just ask them to dance. That should shut them up for a bit. Here, I'll show you," advised Caroline. The tow headed man made his return with their drinks, which Caroline took and then handed off to Integra. She grabbed his arm and said excitedly, "Oh, I haven't heard this song in ages. You must dance with me."

She winked at Integra as the two stepped onto the dance floor. Integra was quite relieved, but now also quite alone. She drained the vodka, took a sip of Caroline's Chardonnay, and then made her way around the room. She came across Sir Norfolk who greeted her courteously. The girl hanging off his arm sized Integra up, her eyes narrowing slightly, then allowed a pleasant smile that never quite reached her eyes to slid out across her lips.

"Where do you two know each other from?"

Norfolk patted the girl's arm absently and answered that Integra had been an associate of his fathers. They stayed engaged in conversation for several more minutes, but their topics were constrained due to the of the clingy girl. The song changed and her expression lit up. She declared that she felt like dancing and proceeded to haul Norfolk away.

That went well. Integra sat down at a bench near the balcony and sipped Caroline's Chardonnay. The tow headed man was twirling Caroline across the floor, and Integra had to admit that he was an excellent dancer, for all his other faults. As she scanned the hall she caught sight of Lord Ashcroft deeply engrossed in conversation with a strangely dressed man. The man had long black hair, a beard recalling the look of Rasputin, and he wore what appeared to be a moon covered dressing gown. Maybe he thought he was coming to a costume party?

"Lady Integra Hellsing! Might I say that you look beautiful this evening."

Integra looked up at the rather inebriated Duke Geoffrey who now approached her. Without waiting for an invitation, he seated himself quite close to her on the bench and grabbed both her hands in an attempt to kiss them simultaneously. Integra twisted her head to try and keep sight of Ashcroft and the other man as they walked through the hall, but was quite suddenly distracted by a hand intimately sliding up her calf.

There was the sound of a bullet entering the chamber and the hammer pulling back. Her overly amorous suitor found himself staring down the barrel of Integra's very unconcealed derringer.