I helped her with the groceries.I helped her with the groceries. "Count -- you do not have to help me," the young girl said. I heard fear tinge her voice. She was surprised at my kindness and humanity. I spoke lightly with her as we worked, and that seemed to calm her down. She refused the money I offered her. "That is not necessary, master. The mer- chants do not wish to offend you, so they gave me the food. If only to keep me and the curse out of their store." We finished putting the food away. "I am sorry that I am no longer welcome in town, but perhaps you will favor me on occasion, master." I was confused because she kept referring to me as "master." During the day, I had no power over her. "Agnes -- I'm not really Count Dracula. My name is David, and I'm an American. I am the Countess' husband, but I'm not nobility. I'm not your master, and it makes me uncomfortable to hear you say that," I said, as the two of us started preparations for the cook's arrival. "No. I am yours. You have marked me without --," she indicated the bite marks on her neck. Her voice got softer, and her eyes fluttered. "You have also marked me within..." Agnes parted her lips slightly. I could hear her hoarse breathing, and her cheeks turned a faint pink. Agnes' eyes drooped, and she leaned slightly towards me. Oh shit, I thought. Now I've got a 15- year old girl with a crush on me. I backed away slowly, hoping that she would understand. Her face filled with disappointment as she opened her eyes. "As you wish, master," she whispered, bowing her head. I left the kitchen feeling like a complete heel. I went back to the drawing room to resume my vigil over Victoria. About an hour before sundown, she opened her eyes sleepily. She rubbed her eyes and shook her head as if to clear the fog. "Good evening, my love," Victoria said, kissing me very deeply. She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tightly. She _felt_ better. |