“Do you mean to say that you have no real choice in who will be in charge of your city for the next fifty years?” Angelica asked, outraged.
Ian chuckled. “In the literal sense, no, I do not. The Elders always want to ensure there is no corruption, bias, or blackmail involved in a lord’s choice of a successor. But most of the time, they approve his or her candidate.”
“And how do they decide if a vampire is qualified?” She leaned forward, lips parted in fascination. Succession was based on logical reasoning rather than blood-born heirs. Perhaps the vampires’ government was superior to England’s.
“Usually the Elders base their decision on the candidate’s age and power.” Ian explained. “Though, sometimes I suspect one could bribe their way into the running.”
Angelica chuckled and shook her head. “So there is corruption in the politics of vampires as well.”
“Of course.” Ian grinned. “We still maintain many aspects of our humanity, after all.” He stood. “Well, I had better begin packing, as well as inform Rafe of our journey.”
“Where are you going?” She fought to keep the panic from her voice at the thought of him leaving her.
Her husband gave her a reassuring smile. “We are to meet at the Elders’ motherhouse in Amsterdam so I can give them my report on the state of the city, as well as an updated list of my vampires and where they place in the hierarchy.”
She pouted, dreading the thought of him leaving her. “Amsterdam? I wish I could come, too. How long will you be gone?”
“I shall be back in a few days. I, too, would love your company, but this business is for Lord Vampires only. I suggest you use this time to enjoy the company of your family and friends. It will still take a few months of preparation for our journey, but you will be surprised how quickly the time passes.” Ian tilted her chin up to meet his intent gaze. “And please, savor as many sunrises as you can. You never realize how much you miss natural light until it is gone.”
Angelica wrapped her arms around him, looking up at him mischievously. “You can pack later, husband. First I want to give you something to be sure you hurry home to me.” Her tongue darted out to lick her lips as she slowly sank down on her knees.
***
Angelica spent her time wisely, savoring cheerful days shopping with her mother and evenings dining with both her parents. Even though the Winthrops were now very wealthy, since Margaret’s father had restored her allowance and granted her two estates, Jacob Winthrop remained at his job at the bank, declaring that they couldn’t manage without him.
The only regret Angelica had was that she would miss her family, but she was consoled by the fact that her parents seemed to have grown closer since her marriage to Ian.
Her evenings were spent in her literary circle. She would also miss these brilliant women and the new friendships she’d formed.
Rafe’s words came back to her suddenly: “…joining the ranks of the immortals means that you will have to separate yourself from all of this.” He was right, she realized, and her heart froze. Soon she would have to abandon her family. Would it be worth it?
Angelica took a few moments to imagine life without Ian… A cheerless life as the broodmare and arm decoration for a boor of a man who spent her dowry on his own pleasure. Her mother constantly nagging at her to conform to society’s will. Yes, abandoning her life here would be worth the sacrifice of her humanity.
Angelica couldn’t repress her excitement about what was to come. Soon, she would become a vampire like Ian. She would drink blood and be young forever, traveling the world and experiencing the unknown. A measure of revulsion remained at the thought of ingesting blood, but she fought it off. She stood upon the precipice of a great adventure, made all the more wonderful because her true love would be by her side. A change in her diet was a paltry thing in comparison.
She withdrew a packet of vellum invitations from her desk drawer, as well as a piece of paper. She smiled as she dipped her quill in a fresh bottle of ink. While Ian was absent, she had managed to track down Dr. John Polidori’s address. She would invite him to one of her writers’ soirees and perhaps get the answers that Ian sought. Hopefully, her husband wouldn’t be too upset with her for taking matters into her own hands. However, remembering the way Polidori had fled from Ian, Angelica could not imagine Polidori being receptive to meeting with him.
***
“Rosetta, would you look at this letter?” John called, a worried frown creasing his brow. “It seems that the Duchess of Burnrath had invited me to a gathering of writers that she hosted at Burnrath House yesterday. Is she not the wife of that vampire who is hunting for me?”
Rosetta’s pulse jumped to her throat. “Let me see that!” She snatched the vellum invitation from his grasp.