Chapter 4 - England one week later

Mina looked up from her book as Meg walked into the room holding a package. The maid curtsied. "This just came in the mail for you marm." Mina stretched out her hand and took the package from the young Irish woman.

"Thank you Meg." The maid curtsied again and walked out of the parlor.

The package was wrapped in simple brown paper and tied with twine. Pulling at the neat bow, Mina revealed a book that she had loaned to Johnathan. Resting on the cover was a letter with the words Mina Muray on the envelope. She broke the red wax seal, with a coat of arms of a dragon, and pulled out the letter.

Dear Madam Mina,

I hope that I am not to impertinent writing to you. Mr. Harker asked for me to send this book back to you, as he found it stowed in his luggage. He is extremely busy helping me arrange my new life in England, otherwise I am certain that he would be writing this letter to you himself.

We are to arrive in London in two weeks from when I hope that you receive this letter. As Mr. Harker has talked so much about you, I would like to call upon you upon our arrival. If this is not acceptable then, please, contact me by the address given.

Hoping you are well,

Count Vlad Dracula

Mina stared at the signature. The two names rang a large gong in her head. Vlad Tepes had been given the name Dracula by his people after he began fighting the Turks. To add to her speculations, the Count was from Romania. With her suspicions on hand, Mina pulled out a piece of parchment to write a letter.

666

Romania - One week later

Vlad looked up as Renfield opened the door to his study. "I thought I told you I was not to be disturbed."

The steward walked forward and extended a letter. "I thought you would make an exception, sire." Once again, the scent of roses, lily, and cinnamon hit his nose. "From Madam Mina." Renfield handed the letter to his master and quickly retreated from the room.

Vlad had to restrain himself from ripping the envelope to shreds to get to his Dragoste's letter. Once he removed the outer layer of the envelope, he took a moment to admire Mina's neat, but graceful, handwriting. The handwriting of a school teacher.

Dear Count,

Thank you for the return of my book and your letter. I would be happy to meet with you after you arrive. Over the years I have become fascinated by Romanian culture and history. As a man who has lived in the country, I would love being able to talk to you about your native culture. I hope that I am not to impertinent.

Mina Muray

Vlad smiled slightly. Not only did she want to meet him, but she had not mentioned the ferret once. Wooing her would be easier than he had thought.

Sorry for not updating sooner, life decided to get in the way for a few months. Next chapter should have them meeting for the first time. Until next time.