As the group waited, Charlie took a moment to study the other aspects of the house. Every detail was lavish but tasteful. Decor was lovely but comforting, as if it had been created to catch someone's attention with it's outer beauty but then astound you with it's inner warmth. All in all, she thought this was the most exquisite house she had ever seen.
"It's indescribable." Charlie said. "I can't even find the right words for this place."
"I can. Creepy." Angel said. "It reminds me of Amityville."
"What doesn't remind you of something horrific?" Vaggie asked.
"Pigs."
"Pigs?"
"What? I think they're cute. They're pink and chubby. What's not to like?"
Charlie smiled softly, she then caught sight of a grandfather clock that stood in the corner. Imges of angels were carved in the red wood and the gold lining shimmered in the candlelight. She ran a hand over the elaborate work. Really getting to know the clock's structure.
At the moment she was completely unaware that a shadow was watching her. A shadow that was slowly drawing near to her but in a way that was unnoticed by all including the young lady it targeted. It was captivated by her, mesmerized, wanting to look upon her face forever.
"So beautiful."
She heard a man's voice whisper into her ear. She turned around expecting to see someone stand right behind her but there was no one that close. Was it her imagination?
"Do be careful with that clock Miss, it would be most dreadful if it were to fall over and break."
She heard a man's voice again only this time it was at a normal volume and her friends heard it too. It called their attention to the very top of the stairway where a man stood. As he slowly descended downward, it allowed them to see his appearance better. He was young, he looked to be either in his late or mid-twenties, his skin was medium dark, his brown hair was rugged, and he wore an impeccably tailored suit. He was very handsome. Especially to Charlie.
"I'm awfully sorry sir." Charlie apologized. "I shouldn't have been touching it in the first place. I guess I just became too caught up in the craftsmanship."
"That's quite alright my dear." He smiled at her. "Gazing upon perfect beauty can make us forget ourselves momentarily."
She went to meet him at the end of the stairway.
"I assume you're Rosie's cousin?" She asked.
"You assume correctly."
His brooding eyes did not stray from her face for a second, taking all the time in the world to really look at each feature. His hand slowly reached to take hold of hers and gently bring it close to his lips, so he could bestow a peck-like kiss upon it.
"Alastor Nightshade, a pleasure to be meeting you my dear." He spoke with a slight accent. "Quite a pleasure."
"Charlotte." She spoke, a pink tint rising to her cheeks at the gentleman's actions. "Charlotte Morningstar."
"I know." He said. "You look even more beautiful than in your picture."
Her heart fluttered and the blush spread even further across her face. Her? Beautiful? She had never thought much on her appearance. In fact she always believed that she was just average looking. Plain, ordinary, nothing very special. But in truth Charlie was beautiful. Her cream colored skin, her set of the most enchanting blue eyes, her light blond hair, there was no denying that she was a beauty. The loveliest beauty that the young master had ever seen.
"Thank you." She said bashfully. "I would also like to thank you for allowing myself and my friends to stay in your home while we're in Davenport."
"You are most welcome and it is no trouble at all."
"Are you sure? We can go stay at a hotel."
"Nonsense." He told her. "My abode is filled countless bedrooms that have not been occupied in years. It's only natural and proper that I open them to visiting guests."
"We're very grateful for your hospitality Mr. Nightshade."
"You may call me Alastor Miss Morningstar."
"Alright and you can call me Charlie."
"Charlie?"
"Yes."
"Forgive me but if I must address you informally I would much prefer to call you by your full name. Charlotte. It's such a lovely name, I couldn't bear to part with a single syllable and I can picture no other name befitting you my dear."
Their eyes met and she felt something stir inside of herself. A tremendous attraction and a sense of familiarity that seemed to come from his eyes and his voice. Although she never liked anyone else to call her by her full name, something about the way he said it pleased her so.
"Okay. You can call me Charlotte." She said almost dazedly.
"Hey toots you're gonna introduce us or what?" Angel asked, ruining the moment.
"Oh right! Sorry!" Charlie quickly regaining herself. "These are my friends. Vaggie and Angel."
"I bid you both welcome to my home." He said offering his hand.
Angel accepted it allowing Alastor to give him a firm hand shake but when he reached for Vaggie's she pulled away.
"I apologize for offending you." Alastor said. "It is my custom to greet women that way."
"I understand that but I don't really like touching the mouth of someone I just met. I'd prefer a handshake, if you don't mind." Vaggie said.
"As you wish."
He shook her hand and turned his attention back to Charlie.
"I'm very eager to read the rest of your manuscript, Charlotte. If the other chapters are anything like the first then your story will be very entertaining."
"You're too kind." Charlie said. "I worked hard on it but it's probably no where near as great as what Rosie writes."
"Well we won't know for sure until Rosie and I have read the whole thing from start to finish. However something tells me I may have found my cousin's equal."
"Now you're just trying to flatter me." She giggled.
"Perhaps but I speak the truth. I really do admire historical themes in literature, as well as romantic themes."
"How do you feel about horror themes?" Angel asked.
"I do enjoy reading something that can send a chill down one's spine. I take it you find pleasure in that genre too?"
"Are you kidding? It's his entire obsession." Vaggie said.
"It's not an obsession." Angel argued.
"It is when it's all you ever watch, read, or listen to. I swear one of these days, that freaky shit is going to mess up your brain. If it hasn't already been messed up."
"Very funny. For your information babe, watching a scary movie often does no damage to the brain. Am I right Al?"
"Actually I don't watch the movies very much." Alastor said. "I mean they are certainly amusing but so very melodramatic and stereotypical. Especially with their portrayal of the supernatural."
"How do you mean?"
"Well they're either portrayed as hideous monsters or everlasting teenagers. I think if such creatures were real they would be much more complex than that."
"I guess. But everyone has their own tastes. Some people like complexity and some people just like gore and nudity. Doesn't matter to me though because I make money off of both."
"Pardon?"
"Angel works at a store that sells horror movies, comics, and other stuff relating to that." Charlie said.
"Which means I have access to all the information I need to know if life. If something from the horror world ever shows up, it won't get me."
"I suppose that means you believe in things like ghosts? Or maybe demons?"
"Ghosts, demons, vampires, werewolves, zombies, I believe in them all. Sort of. I believe they could be real someday so I like to be prepared just in case."
"You really need a new hobby Angel." Vaggie said. "Preferably one that doesn't cause you to mix up fiction and reality."
"So you don't believe in the occult like your friend here?" Alastor asked.
"He's not exactly my friend and no I don't. I believe in whatever logic supports and logic doesn't support the delusional mind set that is Angel."
"Stop telling people I'm delusional." Angel said.
"Then stop believing in things that couldn't possibly be real."
"You don't know for sure that all of it isn't real."
"Oh I'm sure. Believe me."
"So Miss Vaggie what are your interests? If you don't mind me asking." Alastor said.
"I'm a boxer."
"Oh." He said tonelessly.
"What?"
"Oh nothing. I just don't like the idea of women being exposed to violence or put in harm's way."
"I appreciate the concern but I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."
"Considering your career choice, I sincerely hope so. The very thought of seeing lady hurt is revolting to me."
Rosie was right. He was a perfect Southern gentleman. Polite, charming, and chivalrous. Men like him had not been common in Charlie's life, she had only read about them in books and she had longed to meet such a man in real life. Now she finally had and he was much more attractive than she expected.
"What's wrong with me?" Charlie thought. "Stay focused Charlie, you're not here to flirt. You're here to full fill your lifelong dream of being a novelist, which will probably crumble into a million pieces if you screw this up."
"I do wonder where Rosie has gone off to." Alastor said. "It isn't like her to leave guests unattended once they arrive."
"She said something about seeing over dinner." Charlie said. "She'll be back soon."
"Wonderful. When she returns I'll escort you all to your rooms."
"Shouldn't that be the butler's job?" Angel asked.
"Usually but I think it's more proper for the owner of the house to do so."
"Well I see that you have made your introduction without my assistance."
Rosie re-entered the hall, following behind her was a whiskered, dark-skinned man with a muscular build.
"Ah Rosie, my dear cousin."
Alastor and Roise shared a hug, and she planted a kiss on his cheek. It wasn't until now that the newcomers noticed that Rosie looked older than Alastor which confused them because they had been under the impression that Alastor had been Rosie's guardian. Logically speaking she should have been the younger one. Right?
"Husk please see to the luggage." She instructed the man who had come with her.
"Yes ma'am." He said.
"I shall assist you old boy." Alastor said. "Serving as escort and valet."
The footman grabbed two of the suitcases while Alastor grabbed one.
"Everyone please follow me."
Alastor then proceeded to lead the group up the front stairs.