Chapter 37
As the appointed hour arrived the carriages appeared on the street before the inn and dividing themselves between the two of them, the Winchesters, the Blacks, and their supernatural companions set off for the house of the Westbrooks.
Arriving at nearly the same time as the carriage of Mrs Mills, they pulled to a stop behind the arriving ladies, in front of the house. The ladies waited on the steps for the assembly of visitors to disembark from the luxury of the equipage. Some of the arriving gentry the ladies were acquainted with and others they came to know quickly as the hasty introductions were made. Then at last, all together twelve in total, the party was escorted into the great hall of the house and those who were not known to the hosts were introduced to them as well.
"My eldest tells me much of the Blacks," Mr Cornelius Westbrook spoke to the new ladies. "And of you Mrs Mills, though we have met, I believe."
"Yes, but only briefly yesterday. On occasion a large party can be inconvenient in making new friends. I look forward to a much smaller assembly tonight," Mrs Mills spoke as she ushered her girls in. "Is this all of us?" She asked pleasantly. "For I find this to be exceedingly agreeably company."
"I agree Madame, but we are expecting Mr Shurley, who assures me that his sister has arrived in town and he brings with him one other guest. For you see, madame, he is well known abroad and has a friend visiting, nay, a king and we will be blessed to have such company among us tonight," Mr Westbrooks was boastful but there was a nervous anxiety about him in that moment.
"Vlad Tepes, I understand, is quiet the conquerer," Mrs Hascum offered politely and to make conversation.
"Yes, in his younger days, or so I am told. But I do not know much at all about this illustrious personage. I am honoured to have him visit with us," Mr Westbrook said and lead the large party into the drawing room. "But I must leave you with my dear wife and children while I await the arrival of our esteemed guests," he added and dashed away, hastily bowing out of the room once more.
"You are all very welcome," Sarah Westbrook said as she stepped forward. "I believe Anne claims an acquaintance with all of you?" She asked as Anne stepped forward as well.
"I am afraid not Madame, but allow me to make the introductions," Mr Winchester said as the look of panic appeared on the eldest daughters face.
"Yes, of course Mr Winchester, any friend of yours is very welcome and Anne did warn us that you were expecting company of your own. We are very happy that you chose to join us. You are all very welcome here," Mrs Westbrook spoke, and following her lead, all of her daughters curtsied.
"These are our very good friends Mr Nicolas Black and his sisters Miss Abigail Black and Miss Isabella Black. Mr Black is the heir to the Black fortune and very single indeed," Dean began and ended with tones of folly and teasing.
"Are you indeed, sir?" Mrs Westbrook asked. "And your parents, are they well?" She added as the newly introduced young man bowed before her.
"Indeed, I thank you, Madame," Nicolas answered. "They were very well when last we parted, but a day hence. The journey from Castle Black is not more than a day across the moorland."
"That is a very easy distance, we are practically neighbours," Mrs Westbrook observed.
"Indeed madam," Nicolas said with a nod
"And what fine sisters you have. I am pleased to introduce them into the society of my daughters. They are always in very great need of female companionship," she said and motioned to her own daughters. "I am please to finally make your acquaintance."
"It is our very great pleasure," Nicolas said as his sisters curtsied to the mistress of the house.
"And these are our very close colleagues in trade Mr Fergus MacLeod and Mr James Novak," Dean continued but was interrupted.
"We are of no relation," Miss Clare spoke as she shot a sideways glance at the angel.
"No indeed," Castiel responded shyly.
"Oh but I feel I see a family resemblance," Mrs Westbrook said.
"It is but a very singular coincidence ma'am," Clare said and excused herself to join the other ladies whom she had already been acquainted with.
"And last but not least, Mr Benjamin Lafitte," Dean jumped in once more to end the tensions. "And I believe you are well acquainted with Mrs Mills and her lady companions," he finished giving names as he went along, which garnered him looks of insult from the demon and confusion from the angel.
"And are you all very much single gentlemen of good fortune?" Anne asked playfully to add to the tension and to make conversation.
"No my lady, we are business men," Crowley answered. "Married, I'm afraid, to the business we've been tied to."
"Mr Lafitte is not married," Dean added playfully.
"And French. What brings you to this country sir?" Mrs Westbrook asked.
"The ladies, Madame," Benjamin answered slyly. "But in all honesty, I came to escape the war."
"Ah yes, it is a dreadful business," Mrs Westbrook said sympathetically.
"They come, my dear! Their carriage is arriving!" Mr Westbrook broke into the drawing room in a near panic.
"If you would excuse us for a moment," Mrs Westbrook spoke in a polite sort of whisper. "Come along children," she called to them and together the whole of the Westbrook family followed the patriarch out to greet the Vampire King.