Chapter IX

Courting Cassandra

"You can recognize the dilettantes by their gauche compliments. The experienced seducer dares to criticise."

Catherine Deneuve

(transl. by Roux)

The sun held its promise. Fashioning fantastic patterns out of light and shadow it doused the meadow where the charity bazaar was held into a mix of swirling colours and hot summer air. The soft breeze coming from the sea was able to create only a bit of relief for the people gathering around and had it not been for the great invention of cooling bags and fans the pralines and cakes would have melted faster than they could have been sold.

In the progress of making her way between stalls and persons who were either selling or eating sweets, was Cassandra. For two hours now had she helped out where help was needed, had given instructions, greeted familiar and unfamiliar faces and was at the moment stepping around a group of loudly discussing men to have a short break. Her destination was a few chairs situated under a big beech tree that provided the women employed at this market with a chance to rest a bit secluded from the throng of people.

But only after she had directed an elderly man to the stall with the beverages was she able to sit down on a sturdy oak chair with a green cushion on its' seat, at long last getting a chance to have a good look at the bazaar. Striking her less like a market but more like a big picnic place the meadow was flowing over with laughing people, the air filled with their merry laughter and cheerful mood despite the heat.

"Good Lord, I never thought it would be so full today." A woman about her own age joined her at the seating area carrying a small infant in her arms. Cassandra's eyes lit up. She had known Anna Taylor for years now. Coming from a similar background, the two of them often had met during society gatherings and were good acquaintances. Two years ago Anna had celebrated her wedding with the son of one of the other well-off families residing on Long Island. Seven months later the newly married wife had been pregnant and after the appropriate time little Melanie had been born. The child that now sat on its mothers lap gazed at its surroundings with big brown eyes interested in everything and anything while the two grown-ups chatted.

"I'm just glad we decided to bake more than last year. If we only had produced half of it as we first wanted…it doesn't bear contemplating." Looking down fondly at the petite girl that now played with her own feet, Cassandra changed the topic.

"How old is she now?"

"Eight months and three days."

Anna caressed her daughters' dark curls that were still residing close to Melanie's head.

"And she is already sitting up?"
Now the young mothers' features changed into a proud smile.

"Yes she is. I suspect she will walk before she is a year old. Comes from my side of the family we were all very fast in our developments." She wanted to continue to speak about her offspring when her name was called.

"And away again." Regretfully she stood up and gathered the child to her right hip. "I hate to drag her out in the sun once more. But the buggy is still in the car and Sebastian has the keys. I have no idea where he is." She shielded her eyes letting them sweep over the people hoping in vain to sight her husband.

"I could take her till you come back. I intended to stay here for a bit longer anyways, if you want I can baby-sit."

Anna sighed in relief.

"Oh thank you Cassandra. If you need anything, her bag is just behind you at the trunk I left it there when we arrived. I promise I'll hurry" Together with a small doll she brought out of her trouser pocket she handed the infant over and vanished into the crowd.

At first the small girl didn't seem to know what to make out of the situation. Here she was on the lap of an unfamiliar person who had situated her so they faced each other. Her baby-face warped into a grimace that told of her uncertainty. However it was soon replaced by a friendly expression again when that strange woman began to coo at her.

"It's alright sweetheart your mommy will be back soon and while she is away the two of us will become nice friends. What an intelligent little darling you are. Already sitting up. Ah now there's a smile." While she was fussing over Melly she did not notice the footsteps approaching from her right.

"The similarities are astounding Miss Graham. May I enquire about the father's identity?"

--O--

Dracula had watched her for quite some time now. Staying out of her way and using his powers to not be noticed by anybody who would draw attention to his presence, he had followed Theresa's advice and observed Cassandra quite thoroughly.

She was a vision of summery elegance wearing a sleeveless chiffon blouse in light purple and a white circle-skirt that flowed around her, covering her knees. A wide brimmed hat and ballerina shoes of the same colour complimented the outfit and added a touch of the fifties. The blonde hair was held back in a thick knot at the back of her neck so it couldn't disturb her while she was taking care of the charity bazaar.

When she had sat down under the beech he had wanted to move towards her but another young woman with a child had been faster. So he had waited not letting the females out of his view and after some minutes the unknown woman had stood up, left the infant with Miss Graham and went back to the bazaar.

It was an adorable picture, her and the baby and when she doted on it he remembered something else that Tess had told him the day before.

"Oh and Count: Be careful when you go out with Cass and there are children near. You might be run over. My sister draws them on like flies."

Well as far as he could see the older kids on the meadow where more interested in playing with each other than in the object of his thoughts but the little being on Cassandra's lap appeared to be more comfortable with her baby-sitter by each passing second and it was obvious that the woman herself loved children.

Taking the chance he advanced on her just as she looked down to the infant on her knees and addressed her.

The Counts amused voice startled Cassandra and she raised her head in confusion. As she recognized him the beaming smile that had been reserved for the baby turned softer, welcoming and a bit embarrassed.

"Good day to you Sir. That's a surprise I didn't knew you where back in the area. And I'm sorry to disappoint you but this little darling is just borrowed for a while."

He stepped next to her chair.

"Good day Miss Graham. It's a pleasure to see you."

Smirk firmly in place his azure eyes dancing with his next words he motioned to Melly.

"Not yours? I almost thought you kept something back when I visited in June. However I can't say I'm disappointed by the information that you only baby-sit."

Ah, there it was. The delightful blush that he already had the pleasure to see more than once at Graham Manor and that had been his intended goal. It crept over her cheeks, a traitorous sign that he still knew how to make her flush and that his verbal skills had not left him yet.

As she did not know what to say he continued.

"Might I have the honour of being introduced to the…young lady is it?" Apparently that was the right thing to state as she turned towards the child again and the mortification that had emanated her left once more.

"Yes of course. Melly this is Count Dragulia. Sir may I introduce you to Miss Melanie Taylor?" The little girl regarded him with a curious expression as if she knew what had just happened. Then her interest was aroused by the silver chain around Cassandra's neck that swung in her range since the woman had bowed down to speak with her. Babbling happily she made attempts to grasp the jewellery.

Shiny.

"No my precious this is not for playing. When you are older you can have something like that." Carefully Cassie removed the fumbling little hands from the chain and tucked it into her blouse. The infants face screwed up and a soft wail could be heard, steadily getting louder because the toy had been taken away.

"Aw my sweet don't cry. Look isn't this much better?" She offered the little doll that Anna had left with her. But Melly was not mollified. Angry tears threatened to roll down her cheeks.

"Here. What do you think about this?" Drawing a pocket watch on a chain out of the vest of his suit Dracula squatted down to get nearer to Melanie. Slowly he began to dangle it and suddenly the child went still watching the new shiny plaything with growing interest. Finally she tried to grab it but he was faster and got the golden watch out of her reach yet not so far away that her interest would vane again. Under the astonished eyes of Cassandra he played with little Miss Taylor who by now was grinning again.

Continuing to leisurely swing his pocket watch he gazed up at the woman.

"You look surprised Miss Graham. Is it so unusual that I might know how to appease a child? I do like children."

Cassandra smiled that soft smile of hers.

"Well I know very few men who can calm an infant down as fast as you presently did your Excellency. You seem to have experience in the matter." And in reference to his greeting she added bit mischievously, "Maybe it's you who held something back?"

His answering laughter grabbed the attention of more than one of the people at the stalls who were studying the picture the three presented with fascination. The woman, the man and the child did not know they resembled a perfect little family.

"Ah Miss Graham are we getting brave?" His brow wandered up and the corner of his mouth twisted.

"But no, I don't have children. It's better that way."

Dismissing his first comment she could not help to inquire about his last words.

"But why milord? You just said you like children."

"Maybe it's because I know myself too well. A son would have a hard time with me. I'd be too demanding so he'll become a man. And a daughter…." here he chuckled "well, a daughter would become much too arrogant because I'd spoil her rotten."

Cassandra laughed lightly and the Count thoughtfully eyed Melly who still had not given up on her attempts to get the watch.

"Females need to be spoilt. Spoilt and protected so they stay gentle and kind. Everything else is a loss of beauty."

With a placid expression on her face she watched him, silence reigning between them, yet not uncomfortable. They understood each other.

Some minutes later Dracula could make out the approaching mother of Melanie in the distance and he straightened. He did not want to be involved in mindless chatter that would interfere with the short moments he just spent in Cassandra's company.

Pocketing his watch he affectionately ruffled the child's hair.

"I have to say goodbye for now Miss Graham. An appointment I'm afraid."

She nodded.

"Certainly Sir, don't let me keep you. I hope we will see more of you now that you are back. You are, of course, always welcome to visit us. My parents will be delighted to greet you at our home."

He itched to ask her if she would be delighted, too, but that would have been plump. And plumpness wasn't his style. But twisting her words was not above him.

"Thank you. It will be my pleasure to call on you. Be assured that we will definitely see each other again in the near future."

After a bow he left, sensing her gaze on his back. Smirking slightly to himself he just felt better as if he'd won the war against the Turks all over again.

Cassandra was still staring at his retreating back when Anna arrived. She, too, looked into the direction the man had gone.

"Wasn't that the Romanian Count that stayed at your house some time ago?"

Shaking herself out of her thoughts, Cassie answered.

"He was a guest of my parents during the last week of June."

"A guest of your parents, indeed. If I remember correctly you danced a rather remarkable waltz with him at the party."

The other woman grinned down at her.

"And now he seemed quite interested in speaking alone to you. He left before I came here."

"He had an appointment he said." Cassandra refused to interpret anything else into the Counts actions than the normal behaviour between two acquaintances.

Anna rolled her eyes and bent down to pick up her squirming daughter who had recognized her mother and did not want to stay on her baby-sitter's lap anymore.

"An excuse if I ever heard one. But I see you are still unconvinced that he might be attracted by you." She winked at the other woman. "However if you'll find yourself in his arms some day don't say I did not warn you."

--O--

Blazing light surrounded the home of the Hughes' family telling even the ignorant that this evening was a special one. The turning area at the front of the residence was bursting with people and into those masses the three oldest Graham sisters were spilled by their limousine. They were terribly late by Cassie's standard but it could not have been helped. A seam had burst on Raphaela's dress and they had only been able to leave after Amelia had stitched it up again.

Ascending the steps up to the front door with a group of other solemnly dressed men and women they entered the house.

"I'm just glad you are not needed at the press conference Cass. It would have been a disaster." Nefer and Raphie relinquished their faux fur wraps to a waiting servant.

"Indeed. I hope everything went well, I have to ask Carolyn after they are finished." Another servant approached Cassandra to take her wrap too when he was interrupted by his own employer. Robert Hughes approached the Grahams with flying jacket being just that short from unfashionable running.

"Cassandra thank God you are here. We have a problem!"

Not holding himself back with asking for her permission he took her arm and steered her fast paced into the direction he had come from. Cassie could see her sisters trailing them with baffled faces and looked up at the man in confusion.

"Robert whatever is wrong?"

"Carolyn was in an automobile accident; her chauffer overlooked a traffic sign." Carolyn Henderson was next to her as one of three heads of the charity group and responsible for representing them. She was also a friend of the oldest Graham daughter, who was shocked by the news.

"What? But how, I mean, is she alright?"

The man sighed in irritation and they turned another corner.

"Yes, yes, as far as I know she is. Our greater concern is that she couldn't be here in time and we had to start the press statement without her. Because you were not here, too, Harry took her place on the stage." Harold Martin was the third leader.

Yet she could not help to still be puzzled.

"So what is the problem exactly? If Harry tells them what they need to know I can't see any crisis."

Robert's impatience grew and with this the length of his stride. The women struggled to keep up with him.

"You know Harry. You know how befuddled he sometimes is, worse than a professor. He somehow got the numbers wrong and told the press that the organization received only 2 million dollars, 1.7 million less than what was released as final sum this morning. They of course demanded to know what happened with the outstanding money. There has been talk of corruption and Harry is not able to calm them down. If we don't do something it will be all over tomorrow's papers that our organization can't be trusted."

"Oh my God!" Other words escaped Cassie's mind, the thoughts about an upcoming scandal being too much for any further articulations.

Finally they seemed to have arrived at the intended destination because he opened a door and guided her in, Raphaela and Amelia following in after them.

The small walk-through room they entered was already occupied by two other men, Jonathan Woods and to her surprise Count Dragulia who bowed softly in greeting.

When the lock clicked behind them Jon rounded on their host.

"Robert I told you she can't do that."

Then he nodded to his best friend's sisters, "Hello Cassandra. Amelia. Raphaela.",before addressing Hughes again.

"This plan of yours is utter madness. I won't allow her to be fed to those vultures."

"She has to. It's the only way to avoid the outrage of the donators."

He turned to the blonde woman at has side.

"The press insists to speak with the other leaders. I tried to talk to them but they won't listen they only want to speak to a head. They demand you Cassandra. I know you don't like this but you need to go on the stage and calm them down and explain. Otherwise we can clam up."

Within an instant she went pale and took a small step back as if to hide behind her younger siblings. Her grey eyes gazed at him in panic and when she answered him her voice was so hoarse it was hard to understand her.

"I can't. Robert, I can't."

Nefer and Raphaela exchanged a look then Amelia stepped in front of her oldest sister facing their host while Raphie moved to the door on the opposite wall. It led to the chamber where the press conference was held and the humming of raised voices talking at the same time could be heard even through the hick wood.

She silently opened it to peer into the room, the noise growing louder immediately.

"You have your reply. She said no so you have to think of something else. I won't let her go out there and to be verbally ripped to pieces."

Amelia showered Hughes with angry words and Raphaela closed the door again.

"Greenwood is out there."

If possible the colour of Cassandra's skin turned even more ashen. She looked close to fainting and Jon went to take a place next to Nefer confronting Robert.

"Now it's clear why they only want to speak to her, that asshole talked them into it. Hughes you knew that bastard was with them and still tried convince her to go out there? Are you out of your mind?" He did not apologize for the uncouth phrases used in the presence of women.

Dracula stood there studying the entire scene calmly. Raphaela had joined the group of three and now the other men and two younger females were discussing the whole topic in angry tones. The subject of their conversation stood a bit offside watching the four with terror etched into her features. It was the first time that he saw her scared like this, her small hands clamped together at her chest, buried in the fur of her wrap as if to protect herself from this entire ruckus.

Cassandra's thoughts ran rampant. However among those thoughts, she understood the need for someone who'd appease the press she wasn't the person to do that. She couldn't. Not when Greenwood was present, the terrible man who'd had written those hideous things about her in the past. With distress she listened to the four peoples rising voices when suddenly another one spoke up addressing her directly, the well-known Romanian accent caressing her ears.

"Miss Graham, Hughes is right."

Within the second the room returned to utter stillness. Everyone was looking at the Count, four of them in astonishment, one with regret.

"Sir you don't understand…"

He never gave her a chance to complete her sentence.

"Miss Graham I have seen you dealing with five arguing teenagers, your unpunctual brother not to mention your paternal grandmother. You are a grown woman who successfully manages a household full of people with different interests and strong characters every day. Do you really want to tell me that you are afraid of a bunch of cretins?"

Cassie lowered her eyes. How could she ever explain to him why she was not able to do this?

"Why don't you just tell her to grow a back-bone? That's about the same what you just said only shorter." Raphie's hands wandered to her hips.

"Please Miss Raphaela there's no need to be crude."

Dracula smirked and Jonathan went to the defence of the damsel in distress.

"With all due respect, Sir, you don't know the entire story behind this." He turned to Cassandra. "You don't need to do it. We'll find another way."

When she looked up at again the query displayed in two grey pupils was clear.

'What if they weren't able to come up with something?'Jon was not able to answer this unspoken question and Dracula was just that short from snorting. All great words and nothing behind them. Didn't they see that the woman needed more to be reminded of her responsibilities as a head of the organization than to be hidden away from the big bad world?

It was his next comment that should seal the deal.

"Miss Graham it's your duty."

Woods began to splutter, her sisters faces contorted into scowls and Hughes tried ineffectively to hide his pleased expression.

Cassandra's attention however was solely focused on the Count. He had taken a step in her direction those unforgiving blue eyes piercing her, his regal stance underlying the meaning of his words. He stood there similar to a king who was unsatisfied with the behaviour of a noble and somehow she could read some disappointment about her into his features.

I thought better of you.

A deep breath later her decision was made.

Carefully she opened the pin that held her wrap together, slid the fur off her shoulders and handed it to Raphaela. Her nervous hands smoothed down the black satin of her dress while she moved to the opposite door and suddenly she was uncomfortably aware of the heavy diamonds resting on the naked skin of her décolleté.

Nefer had preceded her to the door and grasped the handle to open it for her oldest sister.

"Are you sure you want to do this? They are going to eat you alive."

Old guidelines told by a person long gone rang in Cassandra's head.

Raise your head! Straighten your spine and your shoulders! Lift your chin up! Small steps, a perfect posture and a kind expression are the manner to represent your station! You are a lady and it's the mob that has to clear outwards for a lady. Never vice versa! Never!

Unconsciously acting on the principles that had been stamped into her mind since childhood her whole stance tightened. In a few short seconds the transformation between timid woman and proud queen was finished and a small smile grazed her lips when she answered Amelia.

"Then it's my obligation to tell them I taste better with some mustard."

--O--

"Mister Woods." Jon spun around just to come face to face with his malicious looking costumer and he painfully noted that although they stood in a ballroom filled with people no one paid attention to them.

"Count. Nice party isn't it?"

If possible the Romanians attitude became even more wicked.

"Indeed. Mister Woods let me give you a piece of advice. Never again assume that I am uninformed. It might be the last thing you do in your career. And we wouldn't want that, would we?"

The dumbfounded nod of the young man was enough for Dracula and content that his message had been understood he left again in search of a particular young woman.

--O--

The party would only go about forty-five minutes longer and those could not be over fast enough for Cassandra. Moving out on a small balcony she relished the cool night air that stroked her heated skin and she could not help but be glad that after this evening she would have more time for herself again. It was selfish, yes, and she scolded herself for these thoughts.

But she had to admit the preparations for two big festivities held within a month had worn her out and today's chaos had certainly put a top on all the stress that had enveloped her in the last weeks. Shuddering delicately she remembered how she had stepped into the room of the press conference some hours ago. How the click of her heels had alerted them to her person when she had walked through the aisle towards the small stage and a relieved Harry. How she had apologized for her lateness. And how she had finally been able give the right numbers calculating loudly so they would hear she had no intent to deceive them. Eventually they had been conciliated and the conference had ended with satisfaction on both sides. Greenwood who had been remarkably quiet while his colleagues bombarded her with questions had spoken up just before she had wanted to rescind the meeting enquiring about the reason of her tardiness.

"Why Mister Greenwood I have heard it to be a prerogative of women to be late and thought to try it out. Of course I apologize for the inconvenient timing. However there is no mystery behind my delay and I ask you not to make an emotional breakdown out of it. I know that it isn't exactly your style to recount events as they happened but maybe you could make an exception this time? For me?"

That had put him into his place. While the rest of the audience had shaken with laughter she had closed the discussion stepping majestically down from the podium. Her grandmother would have been proud of her. Noblesse obliges and even if she had not been born into aristocracy she definitely had the proper upbringing. There was no place for petty trepidations in her life as much as she would want to hide behind them.

Flattening her hands over the marble banister Cassie let her gaze wander over the dark garden below her. Apart of the murmuring of a fountain that could be heard in the distance the park lay in deep silence as a contrast to the roaring festivity behind her. Only half an hour more. The sound of wing tips on tiles came nearer and somehow she suspected who it would be as he had a talent of finding her alone. She knew she had been right when a tall masculine figure stepped next to her.

"Might I join you Miss Graham? The air in the ballroom is ready to be cut and I don't want to be present when that happens."

Cassandra looked up to smile at her father's client.

"Please Sir, stay. I fled the air myself but without company it can get quite lonely here. And then…" she hesitated.

Dracula raised a curious eyebrow.

"And then? Do go on Miss Graham, I'm all ears."

Cass fought the urge to blush. He always made her go red in the face with minimal gestures and she decided that this had to end here and now.

"Well we have not seen much of each other tonight. So it's even more a pleasure to be able to talk to you at this moment."

His blue pupils seemed to glow in the dark, the amused smirk she had so often seen on him played around his mouth and it was hard for her not to let her eyes linger on his fine lips.

"Why, Miss Graham, one would think you missed me?"

The teasing words made her lose her fight and she lowered her head so he would not notice the colour rising high on her cheeks.

"Sir I…"

Two long fingers gently tipped up her chin, interrupting the beginning of her defence-speech. When he spoke his voice was laced with regret.

"I'm sorry Miss Graham. This was rude. It is ill manners to embarrass a lady and I apologize. I forgot myself." The fingers left again but he was standing so close that she could smell his cologne. It was the one he had also worn at the party and it produced the same pictures in her head as it had done while they had danced.

"But alas, it is not the only thing I have to apologize for. I wanted to ask your forgiveness for my harsh words from earlier. It wasn't my place."

Carefully he watched her reaction to make out if his phrase caught. Apologies had never been his favourite activity but when they were closely linked with the goal of seducing Cassandra he would make an exception. Dracula knew that he would only able to conquer this woman if she trusted him. She would not give herself to him if she doubted his intentions.

"Sir there's no need. If anything you have encouraged me. It was silly to be frightened of….what did you call them? A bunch of cretins?"

She bestowed on him a smile that was both reassuring and charming and that showed him that he had been right to plead a bit with her.

"That description was nothing but the truth. You will soon discern Miss Graham that I don't lie. I don't insult and I don't flatter."

His tone dropped to a murmur and he itched to grasp her waist and draw her into him. Yet he had to be patient so he settled for softly taking her right hand into his toying tenderly with her fingers

"I only mention facts." That he sometimes bent the truth a bit to match his words wasn't something he'd give away.

"So when I tell you now that you did very well in front of this 'bunch of cretins' it's nothing but my honest opinion."

It was. He and the others had been watching her from the walk-through room having listened to everything she said. When she had responded to Greenwoods question a bell had rung in his memory. Under the article that Mikhail had found for him the initials of the author had been typed, together with the press sign. LGw. He'd bet that Greenwoods first name started with L. Cassandra had held herself better than he had thought after having seen her terrified behaviour in the antechamber and her final conduct in front of the press had surprised him a bit.

"Thank you Sir."

Slowly he lowered his head brushing a delicate kiss on the back of her hand his eyes never leaving hers, which widened slightly. It was the first time he had allowed himself to touch the white skin with his lips and if he had any say in the matter it wouldn't be the last time, not to mention that it wasn't solely the back of her hand he wanted to taste.

"Nothing but the truth Miss Graham." He perked up when the technically enhanced voice of his host reached out to them, announcing the end of the party.

"It seems we are required inside."

Taking his offered arm she let herself be guided into the ballroom where some of the other guests had already begun to make their way to the foyer. Trailing the masses the couple escaped the notice of most of them only two or three detecting the man and the woman who had come in from a secluded balcony. When they entered the foyer however more people become aware of them, whispering softly to their neighbours that the oldest Graham daughter was escorted by a gentleman and almost everyone watched more or less obvious as the Count took Cassandra's wrap from a servant and laid it around her shoulders himself.

An angry pair of mud brown eyes observed the whole display. Jealousy eating away at his heart Jonathan stood hidden in the throng of people.

"Are you going to help me with my fur or are you still occupied with staring holes into my sister?"

Raphaela had appeared at the young man's side holding out her wrap.

"Of course Raph." He took it from her and the moment he draped it over her shoulders she bent back to whisper in his ear.

"Let me give you an advice. Cass is content with him, don't destroy it for her. She won't love you any more than now if you put him off of her. You'll just become a laughing stock."

Closing the clasp of the fur she turned to look at him with raised brows. Jonathan gritted his teeth.

"Why don't you leave it to your sister to choose between two men? She is, as Dragulia mentioned this evening, a grown up woman."

"Oh Jonathan. Cassandra doesn't even know there are options."

With that she left to join her siblings.

Ladies and Gentlemen I present: the next chapter. As promised I uploaded it early…I won't tell you now that I was very impatient to have this up. So the moment Saturday turned into Sunday I put this thingy online.

As always thank you's go to those who reviewed and to Nienna who betaed the chap.

ForeverACharmedOne: You wouldn't be the only one who recorded this conversation. Btw: I had work today….eight hours of ideas running through my head. Where is the time to write when I need it?

Twilightalcoholic92: Thank you for that review. I hope you like the new chapter!

The One And Only Charcoal: Ahhhh it's always nice if others listen to my advices. I feel so proud of myself, hehe. So now, I hope this chapter did not confuzzle (I'm still grinning when I read that word) you soooo much.

Kairis-twin: Soon enough? Grin. Like chapter 9? I'd love to hear your opinion.

Remember: Daaaaarling! Daylight saving time….as in: TOMORROW!!!! We can talk longer on Monday…bc then it will REALLY be noon your time when I'm home. Never mind that I have work on 5.30 a.m. the next morning and never mind that after work I have university till 8.00p.m. on Tuesday. We are able to talk….that's all that counts! HUGGLES!!! (Do I need to tell you that your review has brought me to a sniffling mess…? Love you!!!! So much!)

CherryBlossomKitty x: I'm sooooo sorry. I still haven't answered your PM. I'm such a slacker. But I looooove those long reviews you are writing. My heart is jumping around joyfully when I read them and I really admire the effort you put inot your reviews. Do go on with those long reviews and you'll have a veeeery happy authoress on your hands.

Again a BIG thank you to the reviewers.

Is it noticeable that I just finished my second bottle of Coca Cola?....Yes I'm being random here…sugar, caffeine, 8 hours of work and English (!!!!!!) homework do that to me.

Btw: the quote at the beginning of the chapter has been translated by me. Myself. Moi…you get the idea. Fact is I only found the thing in German and to have it understood by my avid (hehe) readers I translated it.

About the next chapter: the idea is there, the outline is there I only need the time to write it. I actually wanted to do this the day before yesterday bc we had a holiday here in Germany…well guess what I did: NADA! I had been buried with homework. I hope I can write it down soon and then get it to Nienna who hopefully will find some minutes in her busy schedule to beta it.

However I can tell you: I love that chapter even now although I have not written a word. Remember loves it too…or at least she loves what I have told her about the chap…and the people in it…especially the men…tee hee…

In case you wondered: I'm getting a bit away from the original story that has already been written and where I "only" needed to revise the chapters. The next chapter is a new one inspired by some music and the start of my new study course (don't ask). I'll get back to the original written chapters soon, the next one is just an addition. One that fits quite well...

Anyways something I wanted to ask you about: Would you like to get a short teaser/sneak preview at the end of each chapter/authors note for the next chapter? Tell me about it. I'll just do one this time so you know what to expect. If you tell me you want a preview every time I'll do it. It's up to you.

I'll see you at the next chapter!

-Roux

Preview chapter 10:

"What is this I hear about a certain Count and you?"

"I don't know…what did you hear?"

"I think you know what I'm talking about. The grapevine is buzzing with excitement!"

"Ah. Weren't you the one that told me once upon a time that gossip is nothing for grown men?"

"I see you are still the headstrong little thing you always have been."

"Maybe it's you who has changed then?"

"Me? HAH! Give me five minutes and I'll have you purring."