Thank you for reading my story! In this chapter Lady Daciana and Sabra aka Mother Miranda come face to face. Hope you guys enjoy!
Chapter: 7
Cars pulled up to the circular drive. The butlers opened the doors to let the guests out. All gathered in the dancing hall where a full orchestra was playing on the stage. The volume of voices talking and laughing was almost deafening.
"I am going on ahead," Lord Quentin said, his butler making a few final adjustments on his fine black suit.
"I will join you shortly," Lady Daciana said, putting red lipstick on. "I am going to say goodnight to Alcina before I go."
"Very well," he said, leaving the room.
"That should do," Lady Daciana said, looking herself over. She was wearing a dark purple dress. Her hair she kept partially up in a bun. She slipped on her black gloves that matched the color of her heels and made her way down the hall to Alcina's room.
Thankfully the sound from the party did not reach the room. How quiet it was. Phoebe, seated in the room and reading her a story, stopped upon sight of Lady Daciana.
"My lady, you look beautiful," she said.
"Thank you, my friend," Lady Daciana said, walking straight over to Alcina who could barely keep her eyes open. "Sleep, my love."
"I want to listen to the story," she yawned.
"You will not know what is going on if you fall asleep."
"Then I will have P-Phoebe reread it," Alcina said.
"Oh Alcina," Lady Daciana placed a kiss on her cheek. "I will see you in the morning."
"See you in the morning," Alcina yawned again.
Lady Daciana nodded to Phoebe in thanks once more as she closed the door behind herself and walked to the dance hall. She felt a strange tightness in her belly as she drew closer. Oh how she hoped /he/ would arrive. How long it had been since she had seen him. What a treat it would be to speak with him again. Her old, dearest friend the Baron.
When Lady Daciana arrived in the room, she could feel the heat of the people hit her. She would have to have the servants open the windows in fear people would pass out. It had happened before.
"Lady Daciana."
She turned to find Dame Stanislav approaching her. She was a foot shorter than herself. Wearing a pretty pink Gabrielle Chanel evening dress. She kept her reddish brown hair exactly trimmed to her jawline, and her makeup a bit too light compared to her tan complexion.
"My dear, how are you?'' She placed a kiss on both Lady Daciana's cheeks.
"I am doing well, and yourself? I hear both your boys have now entered Hoffschwin Academy."
"They have indeed," Dame Stanislav said, practically glowing with pride. Bursting to brag to all within earshot of her son's achievements. "Roderick has been most successful. He is at the top of his class. Fredric will catch up to his brother eventually, though he is not as quick when it comes to his academics, he will excel in the area of sports."
"I am sure he will do very well," Lady Daciana said.
"And what of Alcina? Will she attend school?" Dame Stanislav said.
"Oh yes, but not right now. She is only six."
"I sent Roderick when he turned seven," Dame Stanislav said haughtily. "Though he is quite exceptional compared to most children."
Lady Daciana smiled.
"Alcina is most exceptional as well. Her tutors are most pleased with her."
"Well, that is most pleasing to hear," she said. "I have been thinking of potential suitors for my sons, Roderick in particular. Perhaps we could have tea and discuss this topic further."
Lady Daciana's smile faltered at her words. Never would she dream for Alcina to have suitors. Not yet anyway, but to have this wench so arrogantly think she would ever choose a mate for Alcina…
Dame Stanislav did not appear to notice her change in demeanor. On and on she continued to talk of Roderick and then herself.
"Lady Daciana."
How thankful she was to hear someone say her name. A voice she recognized immediately.
"Countess Bogdan, how lovely to see you," Lady Daciana said. "Excuse me, Dame Stanislav."
She was not listening, already speaking to two women.
"You appeared to be in need of saving," the Countess tittered, interlocking her arm around Lady Daciana's and sweeping her to the other side of the room.
"Did I look so distressed?"
"You did," she laughed.
"Well, thank you for being my knight in shining armor," Lady Daciana said sincerely. "That woman can be quite overwhelming."
"Normally I speak to her with a few drinks in my system."
Lady Daciana laughed.
"How is your Alcina?"
"She is doing very well," she said, the two taking a seat near the window. "She begged to join the party."
"That sounds like my Beatrice."
"How is she doing? She has turned eight if my math is correct?"
"Nine," the Countess answered. "You will be happy to know she was accepted into the private school you yourself attended."
"That is wonderful!" Lady Daciana said.
"I am worried she may still be too young, but she is quite a little adventurist. She does not shy away from exploring new places and meeting new people."
"I hope to have Alcina attend there once she is at least ten. I would like for her to make friends," Lady Daciana said. "She gets very lonely here."
"My Beatrice gets lonely, too. I would like for her to make friends at the institution, but she is rather picky. That being said, I think she would get along well with Alcina. They share a lot in common."
"Would it be possible to arrange a playdate when she returns home for the holidays?"
"Of course!" the Countess said with a smile.
"Thank you, Countess," Lady Daciana said.
"Please call me Dorothy."
The two continued to speak for a little while longer. Lady Daciana finding her worldviews much similar to her own, only to be interrupted by one of the servants approaching them. He gave them both a bow before he handed Lady Daciana a folded piece of paper.
Confused, she opened the folded paper and read a single name.
"Countess, forgive me I…"
"No explanation needed," she said, smiling as if she had been in on this little conspiracy.
"Thank you," she said. "I hope you enjoy the party."
She gave Lady Daciana a bow of her head, remaining where she was and watching her go with a broadening smile.
{…}
Lady Daciana searched around frantically. Trying not to push and bump into people as she made her way through the crowd. Finally she was spit out of the mass and found herself standing in front of two doors leading out to the large balcony. Outside she spied the figure, leaning against the balcony and staring up at the clear night sky.
She opened the door and approached the figure. Her body was shaking with anticipation.
"Magnus?"
He stood straight up and turned to face her. His thick, wavy blonde hair appeared to glow in the moonlight. How tall he had gotten. His boyish features more refined and mature.
"Lady Daciana."
She approached him until they were only a few inches apart. She did not move for a second before embracing him in a firm hug. Smiling at the feel of him wrapping his arms around her.
"I am sorry it has taken so long."
"No need to apologize," she whispered, kissing his cheek. "You have grown up."
"So have you," he said, releasing his hold on her. "I hear Alcina has turned six now?"
"She has," Lady Daciana said, tears visible in her eyes.
"It feels like only yesterday I was holding her," Magnus said.
"She is growing into a little terror."
"Just like you were, right?"
Lady Daciana slapped him lightly on the shoulder.
"I was not that bad."
He laughed.
"I remember things differently, especially when we were in the academy together. You would always find some sort of mischief."
Lady Daciana could not stop smiling, walking with him over to the balcony where he had two tall champagne glasses. They clinked the glasses together before taking a sip, both their eyes locked onto one another.
"Did I ever tell you of when I was suspended for an entire month?"
"No," he said. "How did that happen?"
"Do you remember Madeline Von Berug? Blonde hair and blue eyes?"
"I do," he said.
"I punched her," she closed her hands into a fist and gently touched his chin. "Right there. I knocked her for quite a loop. My mother, furious with me, had exiled me to our attic for that entire month until I was finally permitted back."
"Why did you hit her?"
Lady Daciana took a sip of her drink before she answered.
"Because she kept talking about you and scheming to go on a date. She spoke of it like a game. Everyone with half a brain could see she was just fooling around. The bitch had it coming to her…"
"I see," he replied. "You know, I did go on one date with her as a gentleman does."
"And?" Lady Daciana stared at him intently.
"Nothing came of it. I did not fancy her."
Lady Daciana could not help but chuckle at that.
"I am glad to hear that."
"My heart was not there at all, but elsewhere," he said.
"Follow your heart as they say," Lady Daciana said.
"I should have listened closer to it…" the Baron said, drawing a bit closer to her and she to him.
"Magnus…" she stood up on her tiptoes, wanting to kiss him. How long she had dreamed of doing that. How much she had yearned for it.
"Daciana."
The moment was broken, the two drawing quickly away from each other and turning to the door.
"Quentin," she smiled at him, trotting over to him and placing a quick peck to his lips. "You remember Baron Kerg?"
"Lord Quentin," the Baron bowed to him respectfully.
"Good evening Baron Kerg, it has been quite a while since we have seen you," Lord Quentin said. "Where have you been these past couple of years?"
"In Norway," he said, walking closer to the two. "My mother had fallen ill and I returned home to be of some service to my father."
"Baron, I am so sorry to hear that," Lady Daciana said, truly sorrowful to hear the Countess was unwell. "How is she now?"
"She has regained her strength, but the illness has taken its toll on her. I hope she will remain with us for another ten years," the Baron said, his face twisted to hide the emotion that was clearly still very raw for him.
"I will send her some flowers," Lady Daciana said. "Just so she knows the Dimitrescus are thinking of her."
"That would make her very happy," the Baron said.
Lady Daciana continued to watch him with a heavy heart. The sound of the orchestra picking up as it began to play a new song in the room.
"Baron, would you care to join me inside to dance?" Lady Daciana then looked to Quentin. "If you do not mind, darling?"
"Not at all," he said, continuing to stare at the Baron with an unreadable countenance.
"I shall dance with you after," Lady Daciana said, kissing his cheek and then leading them inside. "Come along…, Magnus." She took his hand and led him out to an open spot.
"This is quite a speedy song."
"Too fast for you?"
"Not at all," the Baron said. "I have had time to improve my dancing skills at home with my sisters."
"Show them to me, then," Lady Daciana said, curtsying to him.
"With pleasure," he said, bowing to her before taking one hand into his and placing the other on her waist.
Lady Daciana nearly lost her balance as the Baron sent them into a fast waltz. Spinning around and around the other dancers who seemed to be moving in slow motion.
"Magnus!" she giggled like a delirious young girl, her laughter drowned out by the violins shrieking out a new tune.
"I told you, did I not?" he laughed.
"You are most impressive," she said, unable to take her eyes off of him like before. His beautiful blonde hair bouncing around his face. His light brown eyes so full of love and kindness. They had not changed since their youth. Unlike her Quentin who had seen so much during the war. The damn, cursed war… time seemed to have faded in that moment. The noise dimming until there was only a single violin playing a gentle tune. A bright spotlight directed onto them. The other dancers having vanished. They were alone. His dancing slowed now. His face so very close to her own. She leaned up once again and this time she felt his warm lips against her own. Such lights erupted through her. She felt both giddy and dizzy from the power of it.
A dream. A fanciful dream. The clapping of the audience woke her like a hard slap to the face.
"Daciana?" he said.
"Magnus," she released him. "Thank you for the dance."
"Thank you," he said, kissing the top of her hand before stepping back to allow Lord Quentin his turn.
She attempted a smile, but felt her heart break as she watched him be approached by three other young women to dance next.
"What is wrong?"
Lady Daciana turned her attention to Quentin.
"Nothing," she said.
{…}
The party had ended. The guests all leaving drunk and exhausted from the festivities. Lady Daciana sat in her chamber, feeling as if the entire thing had been a dream. She managed to catch Magnus before he left.
"Can we plan to meet for lunch here this Thursday?" she asked him.
"What time?"
"One o' clock," she said.
"I will see you then."
She wiped away the remainder of her makeup, observing Quentin exiting the bathroom and approaching her. She turned and was surprised to receive a firm kiss from him, and then what was even more unexpected was when he picked her up and tossed her onto the bed.
Lady Daciana moaned in pleasure. Forgetting Magnus for the moment and giving in to Quentin's lust. The bed creaked loudly as he vigorously pumped into her. And even when Daciana reached her climax, he continued to pound into her with a wildness she had only ever seen in him twice. The first time was when she had seen Magnus. His unexpected arrival three years prior had been a joyous one. She had spent the entire night by his side, which Quentin had clearly found a little threatening, and once more she was receiving the same treatment.
Despite the possessiveness that other women would find uncomfortable, Lady Daciana positively loved it. She could not help herself. For in her heart she would always love Quentin and Magnus equally.
Quentin finally exhausted collapsed beside her. Sweat dripped off his body from the exertion. She crawled closer to him, resting her hand upon his chest and her head against his broad shoulder. Eventually his breathing returned to normal and he was fast asleep, Lady Daciana remaining where she lay her body still tingling from his love making.
"Goodnight, my knight," she kissed his shoulder and then closed her eyes.
The next few days' went by quickly. Lady Daciana spending her time with Alcina trying not to think too much about Magnus. Instead she showed Alcina the vineyard. In her mind it was never too early to start teaching Alcina the ropes of the most important part of the business.
Of course it would take much work to keep Alcina focused on that.
"That child has a long way to go…" she muttered to herself as she returned inside the manor. Alcina somewhere outside playing, Lady Daciana had just begun to ascend the stairs when she observed the new kitchen maid Quentin had hired. She had briefly spotted her amongst the faces, but never did she get a chance to speak with her. "You."
Sabra stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening to the size of saucers to see the lady.
"Lady Dimitrescu," she bowed her head. "My apologizes, my lady."
"For what?" Lady Daciana said, resting her hand upon her hip.
"I-I am not meant to be out in this part of the house I was told unless given permission."
"That is correct," Lady Daciana said. "So why are you?"
"It is rather embarrassing, but I needed to use the lavatory. The one in the staff department is being used at the moment."
"Come," Lady Daciana said, gracefully walking back down the steps. "I will take you to the second bathroom the servants are permitted to use."
"Thank you, my lady," Sabra said gratefully, following behind her.
"How are you enjoying the manor so far?" Lady Daciana asked her.
"It is beautiful."
"Tell me, where did you work before? My husband neglected to tell me," Lady Daciana continued to probe her.
"Bentley Abby, my lady," she said. "Sadly they had to cut staff due to money issues and I was let go."
"The reason?"
"I was one of the last ones brought in. They kept the experienced hands, you see."
"I see," Lady Daciana said, leading her down a narrow hallway and then stopping. "This is the second bathroom you may use if you find yourself in a pinch."
"Thank you, my lady," she bowed her head starting to walk inside when Lady Daciana said her name. She looked up at her, unable to read her poker face as to what she was going to say next. It was then did a little smile break out across her lips.
"Welcome to Dimitrescu Manor…" she twirled around, her heels click-clacking further and further away until the sound was gone completely.
"Thank you, Lady Dimitrescu," Sabra said with a wicked smile, her eyes flashing an inhuman yellow before she entered the bathroom.
When Lady Daciana finally got to her room, she took a seat behind her desk. Some of the parcels piled on top from the mail carrier. She looked through them until she got to the last one.
"What is that?" she said with some alarm, ripping open the letter and reading through it. Her eyes zipping left and right. The paper crinkling in her grasp. "Damn it. Damn it all!" She slammed her fist down on her desk, causing a few papers to go flying off. She got up from her chair and flung the door open. Storming down the hallway and to Quentin's study. She knocked loudly and then opened the door. Not caring about the glare she received from him. "Quentin, my apologies, but we have an issue with the shipment."
He remained calm as he took the letter and read it over in silence. Meanwhile, Lady Daciana had her arms crossed and was beating her fingers frantically against her opposite arm.
"I may have to go back and fix this mess myself. I would not be surprised to learn that a rival paid someone off to make a mess of this."
"I do not see how that could happen," Lord Quentin said.
"Our name is on the barrels, Quentin. The shipping houses hold the names of many different names all over Europe!" her voice was rising in anger.
"I understand that," he said. "But we must not jump to such extremity. I will be the one to go back and sort this out. I feel this may need a man's voice to smooth this all out."
"You would go?"
"Yes," he said. "It is important you remain here with Alcina."
"Quentin… I-I am sorry."
"This is not your mistake," he said. "I will leave first thing tomorrow."
Lady Daciana approached him and placed a firm kiss to his lips.
"Thank you," she said, almost swearing she caught a ghost of a smile on his lips. "I will leave you be."
She exited the room feeling less anxious, though she prayed the weather would hold out for him to make the journey.