The Prodigy
by Atonia
Chapter 1 – Jane Cornith
We have just returned to London after two years of traveling all over Europe and the Mediterranean. William was restless and asked if Jameson and I would be interested in an extended trip to Paris. It turned out to be much more than that. I can now say that I have met a number of vampires, and always under the protection of William. Protection because neither Jameson nor I are true vampires. We are still warm blooded and shall I say half human. I know that is our attraction for William; at least it is as far as I’m concerned. Jameson is, in a way, William’s creation and he would love him no matter what form he took.
It’s a rather strange relationship that William and I share. We are by law man and wife…a misnomer for he is a vampire and far removed from a human man. However, he acknowledges that I belong to Jameson who has made me into what I am. He abandoned me a few months after we were wed otherwise I would be dead. He has a strong will and keeps himself apart from me, but I catch him from time to time looking at me and I will say here that it sends chills up my back. He’d like nothing better than to sink his teeth into me. He is what he is and cannot help himself. If it weren’t for Jameson, he’d have me.
We spent a good deal of time in Venice and he kept company with a vampire named Vivian. She was strikingly beautiful as are all vampires that I’ve met. There is a change in him that took some time for me to see after he returned to us. He no longer seeks the company of human companions either male or female. That was always something that endeared him to me. I felt he really wanted to be human again, especially when he was with me as my husband. He seems rather cold and remote now, but not with Jameson. Jameson is the sunlight in his otherwise dark world. He is mine too even though I still walk in the sunlight from time to time.
I’ve been this way now for nearly three years. Jameson and I will both reach our 28th birthday this year. Same age as William except he died over two hundred years ago. I’ve heard snippets of conversation between Jameson and William as to whether we will continue to age or…would we rather not. I know what he means. Whatever Jameson decides to do I will follow.
I quickly got past the aversion to drinking blood. I crave it like hot chocolate on a cold evening. I am, in truth, an animal like any other that preys on the weak. I hunt with Jameson and it is he that brings down our prey. I could, but he wants to do it and so I let him. It used to be strongest at the full moon, now it becomes necessary several times a week. Jameson said it would get stronger…the lust for blood.
My body changed rapidly after Jameson made me. I still eat and drink but there are times I think I could go without food altogether. My monthly menses stopped and so there is no danger of conception; not that I ever worried about it. With William it was an impossibility and I think also with Jameson. Anyway, I’m glad of it.
Jameson performed with various orchestras while we traveled. It was not a performance tour but the circles we traveled in encouraged it. William also performed with him in Venice. It was a small theater with a selected audience. The first set William played the violin making it cry and sing right along with Jameson’s piano. The second set they played back to back pianos with a small orchestra accompanying them. I was moved to tears. Jameson said William never performed and so this was a first for him. They got a standing ovation.
I doubt Jameson will perform here in London. He has become paranoid about the newspapers since New York. We do go out to the theater and to various houses for parties. William does not court the high society he once moved around in and escorted me through. For one thing there’s the unexplained paring of Jameson and I and the other is I think he’s tired of it. It doesn’t hold the fascination for him it once did in another age. Of course, I’m new to all of this but I’d rather be with real people or vampires than with the society backstabbers.
A strange visitor made his way to our door today. I opened it and there stood a lovely looking young man who was so apologetic for calling, for disturbing, for…whatever that I barely got his name.
“Robert Downing, Ma’am,” he bowed tucking his hat under his arm.
“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Downing, what can I help you with?”
“I know it’s highly irregular and probably impossible but I’ve come to ask…if…I might have the privilege of meeting and perhaps studying under Mr. Jameson Cornith. I saw him in Paris and…I was…very much moved by him.”
I lifted my chin and looked the young man over. “I’ll find out for you.” A human.
I found Jameson in the drawing room pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace. “Jameson, there’s a young man at the door who wants to meet you and perhaps study under you.”
Jameson looked at me a moment. “Impossible.”
“He says he saw you perform in Paris and was…moved.”
He frowned. “If I let every pup in the door that I moved to some emotion then there wouldn’t be room to move about.”
“You’ve never let one in before.”
He sighed, “Very well, show him in.”
I did show him into the drawing room. Jameson stood in front of the fireplace and without expression looked at the young man. He surprised me with his gentle tone of voice.
“You wanted to meet me?”
“Yes,” Robert said fingering his hat. “Thank you so much for seeing me. I realize just how annoying this must be. You have inspired me Mr. Cornith and…much more than that…I wished to meet with you and ask if you ever take on pupils?”
“Who are you?”
“Oh, sorry, Robert Downing.”
“Downing…I’ve never met you or seen you anywhere about have I?”
“No, Sir, you haven’t. I saw your performance in Paris…I was there with my Uncle. He’s my guardian since my parents died. I was…moved to tears…and felt so strongly the emotion with which you played.”
Jameson moved from the fireplace to get a better look at the young man. “You have no idea of the emotion behind what I do. Do you play at all?”
“Yes, yes, Sir I do, though badly…at least…I think so.”
Jameson moved to his piano and lightly ran his fingers over the top. “I have never taken on a pupil. I shouldn’t know what to do with one. Sit down and play something for me.” He moved away to the windows with his back toward the piano.
Robert was nervous and had no idea that Mr. Cornith would give him the time of day much less ask him to play. He sat down at the piano and flexed his fingers, hesitating above the keys.
I felt sorry for Robert. He was so obviously out of his depth. But I admired his courage. He had no idea what he’d blundered into. I couldn’t know his age but I suspected he might be around twenty. He had the height he would have as a man but his body had not come into its own. I was judging him by Jameson and William; the only two men I’d ever known.
Jameson walked around the piano slowly as Robert played. Chopin Nocturne No. 9. I recognized it because I’d heard William play it. I’d never played Chopin myself and in fact rarely played at all unless Jameson asked me to play with him.
“ Chopin… who taught you to play?” Jameson asked.
His fingers stopped on the keys. “I had a tutor…when I was at home with my parents.”
“What is it you want from me?”
“To…feel it…to…to learn.”
Jameson laughed, “Either you do or you don’t. It is beyond me to teach you to feel. It comes from within. Play something else."
He chose Liszt and I did not recognize the music. Jameson did and watched his fingers on the keys. I did recognize passion and I thought he’d done a pretty good job of it.
They talked about music for awhile and what Robert liked to play. He even tried some of Jameson’s music. I saw Jameson wince twice and he lay a hand on Robert’s shoulder to stop him. Robert looked up at Jameson and it was then that I knew why he’d come. Like so many others, he was in love with Jameson. I’d seen it before in New York and in Europe. And why not? He was a beautiful man and his talent was legendary. I thought Jameson would see it and dismiss him. He may have seen it but he did not dismiss him.
“You may come for four hours a day.” Jameson looked over at me. “Set it up…the time you think is appropriate.”
“Sir…I’m…I have little money.” Robert actually blushed and looked down at his hands.
“You think I would take money?” Jameson was astonished.
I set it up for him to come from 11 to 2pm four days a week. Later I asked Jameson what prompted him to take on a pupil?”
He smiled, “In no way, my darling, do I think myself a tutor. The young man has talent I will see what I can make of him.”
“You won’t make a meal of him will you?” I asked.
Jameson laughed and caught me to him. “No, not unless I share him with you. He needs guidance and he has the hunger for greatness.”
“He has a hunger for you,” I said.
“Then he will feed on my instructions. He will be more ready to listen.”
“Will you tell William?”
“Of course. I’m sure he’ll be amused.”
I wasn’t so sure. William guarded our privacy and with good reason. Jameson was enthused about the young man. It would give him something to do for a few hours a day. It all seemed innocent enough. The young man was in no danger from me and apparently none from Jameson…at least for now.
Chapter 2 – William Cornith
Jameson has himself a toy. I wonder how long this will last. I cannot believe his has brought a mortal into our home. But I see the light in his eyes when he speaks of him and if it makes him happy then God help the young man. Jane is not so enthused though she tries to hide her feelings from Jameson. I can read her like a book.
She does not know, or Jameson has not taught her to hide her thoughts. She is still very much Jameson’s child. She fears me and with good reason. I would not make her without Jameson’s knowledge or permission, but I do think that day will come. It will come for both of them but not until he is ready. He has changed, my child lover. Since coming into his new form and finding Jane. I must admit that it pains me to see the change in him. He no longer clings to me as he once did.
I know his love for me is still there. His lips are soft and warm on mine and I see the dark desire in his eyes when he looks at me. But he has Jane and he channels his passion into her. I cannot read his thoughts. He was always very good at veiling his mind. I do not know what plans he has for his young man. I will admit that a tasty morsel so close at hand intrigues me. It intrigues me that Jameson has brought him into our lives…for surely that was his intention.
I wonder does Jameson know of my desire for him. So brief a time we had together. I love him as I have loved no other…not even Jane, and I did love her. I do love her still but not with the intensity that I have for Jameson. He comes near me and I smell the blood in him. It is almost too much to bear at times.
“I’m going out.” I declared. They both look at me with questions in their eyes.
“You have not hunted tonight?” Jameson asks.
“I did but I feel the need to walk the streets of London.”
“Shall I go with you?”
“No, Jameson, perhaps you should have an early night. After all, you have a pupil arriving at eleven.”
I did not want him with me. Why is the desire so strong within me tonight? I would not trust myself with him alone. Is it because he has taken a young man to teach? A young man who is already in love with him. Where will it lead…or better…how long will it takes? Jane knows…she knows and I cannot look into her eyes. She too has fears for the boy and she understands my pain.
I love London at night. It’s late now and all decent people have gone home to their warm beds. The fog has softly gathered in the streets and obscured the filth. I find myself down by the River Thames and thankfully the wind is with me blowing the stench away. It’s almost beautiful. I am not alone. I’ll wait for him to come to me if he so dares.
“Why do you walk alone?”
I turn and with my vampire sight I see him there in the fog. “Stephen…what is it you want?”
“What makes you think I want?”
“Why else would you follow me?”
“He’s back isn’t he?”
“Yes, but that is no concern of yours.”
Stephen stepped from the fog and near enough to see me plainly. “How is it possible that Jameson is alive again?”
“He has a strong spirit…a strong life force and cannot be destroyed.”
“He is still yours.”
“Yes…he is mine.”
“I loved him, you know. I had him for awhile.”
“You deserted him.”
“I had to leave him. You must know why.”
I did know why.
“He has a woman now…your woman.”
“She is mine no longer.”
Stephen laughed lightly, “Strange, is it not? There are not so many of us left. I am speaking of civilized creatures of our kind. You are one of the strongest among us. I will not tread on your territory.”
“Why is it you are alone, Stephen? Have you not made a companion in all your years?”
“I did once…many years ago. He was destroyed by another. He was not as strong as me.”
I looked away over the water. A boat made its way silently down the river. Smugglers no doubt. I could smell them, salty and rank. The wind was beginning to shift and the river not so pleasant a place to linger by. Stephen moved closer to me and I looked at him. I know what he wanted. I kissed him and tasted blood in his mouth. He had fed recently. I plunged my tongue into his mouth and cleansed it of all traces of blood. His body against mine aroused me.
My lips moved to his neck and I could feel him trembling in my arms. Just a little drink. We moved away from the waterfront to a row of abandoned shacks. It’s not the first time I’ve been with him. He loves me but I do not love him. It is sad for him, I know. I have surrendered myself to him tonight and now we walk in companionable silence through the streets. I do not know where he lives for I have never been there . I do know he is very rich and appreciates the finer things this life holds. I would never have entrusted Jameson to him if I did not trust him. There is a certain beauty in him. He is a vampire and does not try to be anything else. His contact with humans is brief and deadly.
I’ve tried to be that way myself. It is better for me. Better than falling in love with a mortal. That has been my fate and it’s always too brief an encounter. It leaves me wretched for awhile…until I find another and the pattern repeats itself. I foolishly thought Jane would be the last. I actually thought I could make her my companion but I could not. I loved her as a human. All the things about her humanness I loved would leave her; body warmth, her inquisitiveness and naivety. I would have still loved her but it would not have been the same. Jameson was so right about that. He knows me too well.
She is more suited to him. There is a maturity in her now in her present state. He has done well with her and I envy them both. They lie together and experience all that I cannot with them. I well understand Jane’s fear about the young man. I have not laid eyes on him but I have seen him through Jane’s. It bears watching and if need be I shall intervene with Jameson.
“I must leave you now, William. Your…presence has renewed me.”
“Yes…renewal.” I kissed him again and he disappeared into the fog. I smiled to myself. He could not bring himself to say what he wanted to me. I know what it meant for it meant the same thing to me. I was held and loved…briefly. Yes, that is what I crave almost as much as the life giving elixir of blood. Encounters such as this are salve for a wounded heart. Vivian begged me to stay with her and perhaps I should have. She is a vampire and older than me but still she has retained a certain humanness about her. Venice is not home to me, neither is Paris. I am English and Cornagaugh is my home the pull is strong and I will always return there.
London is also a part of me and I return now to the townhouse. Morvan takes my cloak and informs me he has built up the fire in my room. I take a book from the library to see me through until dawn. As any mortal might I undress and don my dressing gown. The fire is warm and feels good after the damp coldness of the streets. I am not far into my book when the door opens quietly and reveals Jameson. His hair is loose about his shoulders and he too is wearing his dressing gown over a soft sleeping shirt.
“I heard you come in.”
“That was an hour ago, why are you not sleeping?”
“I cannot.”
He came over and sat on the floor at my feet. I put my book aside and placed my hand on his head running my fingers through his glorious hair now nearly blond. “What troubles you, Jameson?”
“No particular thing.” He looked up at me. “Many things. I do not know for what purpose I exist now. I cannot perform the way I used to. It bothers me some. The world is changing so quickly. A hundred years ago I knew my place and what I could do.”
“You can still perform your music.”
“I can, yes, and have my person exposed in the newspapers the next day. Speculation and lies.”
“Ah, but you have become a tutor now. May I ask you why?”
“William, you taught me everything I know. I had a natural ability and you nurtured it and allowed me to become what I am. I see in this young man a great talent but he has no one to feed it and prune it and help it to grow into its full potential. I can do that for him as you did for me.”
“He's in love with you.”
Jameson made a dismissive motion with his hand. “He idolizes me as do hundreds of others. It is his talent that attracts me.”
“He is mortal.”
Jameson looked up and smiled. “Yes, he smells delicious.”
I smiled back. “Are you going to feed upon him?”
“I’m going to teach him to play his heart. Hopefully I will remain well fed. I make no promises. I will not kill him or make him into a half beast. If the need arises I will give him to you.”
I touched his face, his brows and his long lashes. I moved from the chair to the floor beside of him and took him in my arms. Oh, the desire to bite him was strong but I kissed him instead. He lay in my arms as a lover and I saw the dark desire in his eyes. Yes he wanted it as he’d always wanted it before I gave him immortal life. I brushed way his hair from his neck. There were two small punctures. Jane.
“You are insatiable, an insatiable little beast.”
“I always have been. You know that. Take me.”
I did; I bit into the same wound and took my little drink. He convulsed in ecstasy in my arms. This was always his ultimate. I kissed his mouth again giving him back some of his own blood. I would not give him mine.
I licked away his salty tears tinged with blood. “I love you, Jameson.”
He came up into my arms then and pulled me into his. He kissed me deeply and would have bitten me if I had not stopped him.
“No…no, not until you are ready and you are not. You are filled with love and passion for me and that I will accept.”
He kissed the back of my hand that protected my neck and ran a hand over my body. Thankfully he had not noticed the marks on my neck.
“I may have you in other ways. Don’t think I won’t. You desire it as much as I do.”
It was true, I did. God help me I did. I am not immune to love in all its forms although I prefer to lie with a woman. Jameson was different. “Not now…not tonight…there is little time.” And did I think his sudden ardor was in a little way fueled by the young man he’d decided to teach? Yes, but I didn’t care.
Chapter 3 – Jameson Cornith
I am a week into being a tutor. Unconventional though I am; I do believe I am reaching him. I use everything including his love for me. Was my love for William not what fueled me along when I was a young man? Always wanting what I couldn’t have? Yes, it brought out the best in me and I hope to do the same for Robert.
He’s gotten over his initial shyness with me and focuses on the work I give him. He’s a good lad, a good pupil of nineteen years. I remember my nineteenth year. William brought me to London for the first time and whetted my appetite for it. I could barely wait until my twenty-first when I would be loosed on London alone. How I poured over my lessons to get to the end.
What a little fool I’d been. I hadn’t reckoned on him leaving me for three years. But it was those three years that shaped my future. I had to do it alone and I did. I gained strength and confidence in myself. I began to amass a fortune for my efforts. All these things I longed to impart to Robert, to boost his confidence but I could not. My present situation prevents it. He thinks I am a relative of the original Jameson Cornith and I can do nothing to correct that assumption. There is no one alive now who ever heard me play and so I do have certain freedom to express myself on the keyboard.
Jane brings us tea and small sandwiches. She catches my eye and questions me. I know what she fears but she should know that no one can take her place in my life. She is a part of me and I love her beyond reason. She’s what grounds me and allows me to live this crazy life. A second life, I should say for I never thought to walk upon the earth again. I was led to her and I know she is my destiny.
All that said, there is William who has the rest of me. I’ve had carnal desires for him all my life and only now has he allowed it. Now when I cannot be his completely. I wonder at that…at what reasoning is behind it. Perhaps it is because he has no one else at present and he does have desires that need to be met. I love him and need him and he knows this. There is no one like him in the whole world and never will be. I’ve had encounters with both sexes human and vampire but it is William who fires me and always will.
William thinks I am infatuated with Robert. It is not so. I could take him or leave him. Attracted…yes but it is the denial for him that is important. If I give myself too freely then the whole premise of his musical education will be lost. I know how to play him and how to pull from him that which he does not know he possesses. A look, a touch, a smile is all he needs right now. Later…well, that will be later.
Am I seducing him? Most certainly I am and without remorse. I think this is what bothers Jane. She still retains a conscience. I’m not sure I ever had one…in fact I know I have never possessed a conscience. From a conscience springs guilt and I’ve never had the desire to carry that around in my pocket as William does and to a certain extent so does Jane. Death and guilt go hand in hand if you let it. There are too many bodies behind me to even think of it.
William’s guilt is over me and I wish he’d let it go. I am what I am and if not for him I would have died a newborn infant. At least I’ve lived. I may yet live. Jane and I have talked about it and still she is skittish. I know if I submit she will also but I’d like for her to agree that it is best for us. I have no desire to reach a doddering old age with nothing but death to look forward to. I’ve been through it all before and being a vampire is not much different than what I am now except for sunlight and food. I would lose the blood warmth and die.
I performed on stage as a vampire with rouged cheeks and lips. I was beautiful then as I am now. Vain? I should hope not, I am only stating the truth. As a performer you must know you are attractive and know how to play it to the audience. Do I think all those people in the seats came for the music? Their love letters to me proved otherwise. Even in New York the letters would make a maiden blush. Jane never blushed for it was she that read them to me. It excites her to know others desire me. It would embarrass her to know that I know.
I think now how tender and hesitant was our first coming together. Neither of us knew the other physically. It soon lapsed into a hot passion that still drives us nearly mad. I cannot imagine she was ever this way with William. But then, who knows. She was his virgin bride and what tricks he taught her I would not ask. She loves me more than life…why else would she have allowed me to make her into what she is now? She is my companion and will be forever…yes…forever. It is inevitable.
And now this boy comes to me again. Freshly washed and dressed. I can smell the soap…French I think. Mingled with the blood scent it is intoxicating. How he trembles when I sit on the bench next to him. What does he think…that I will devour him? I might. It is my nearness to him that makes him tremble. I can imagine him in my arms and the things I might do to him and have him do to me. He wants all these things.
Jane brings in tea and he is not moved by her voluptuous beauty as I am. His total focus is on me. He’s never cared much for girls. He touches himself at night and thinks of me. All these things I read from him. Someday, little dove, someday your wishes will come true but not today. He lives alone with servants in a fashionable townhouse belonging to his uncle who is in America. Since starting his lessons with me he has dropped out of his set. How easy this will be.
Jane and I have come in from the hunt and being the beasts that we are we made love before bathing and dressing for the evening. She wears my marks on her neck almost daily but what of it? We are the same blood. I wear her marks too and not just on my neck. She is as bad as I am and I love her for it. Now subdued we enter the drawing room where William will soon join us.
“Will you let him perform, Jameson?”
“Robert? Yes, when he is ready I’ll put him on the stage. He needs a bit of, um, dressing up I think. I had my trademark black velvet and lace. I haven’t decided yet what will suit him.”
“Why not red for surely that is what you see when you look at him.” She’s teasing me now.
“I would put him in purple but that is reserved for royalty. Not that I esteem him quite that highly. It would suit his nature.”
“What is his nature?” She moved close to me.
“I do not know all of it…yet.”
“You mean to know it…don’t you?”
“Yes, I do mean to know him completely. Does that upset you?”
“No, no, it doesn’t. I knew it would come to that when first I saw him look at you.”
She is a beast and I smile at her knowingly. Morvan is in to see to the fire. William is dressing, which means of course that he’s been out hunting. He always bathes afterward. Splendidly clean and impeccably dressed. He is flushed with blood and his eyes sparkle when he greets us with a kiss each. He has fed well night. I marvel sometimes at how perfectly beautiful he is. A gentleman to his bones, his manners are perfect and his speech clipped. I always felt I must have a spot of something on my linen when with him.
“Good evening, William,” I press my lips to his and feel them give beneath the pressure. Only for a moment though for he is taking his position before the fire. He gave Jane the same brotherly kiss. For whose benefit I have to wonder? It’s not like we all are not intimately acquainted. This is his drawing room demeanor.
“How goes your little piano player?”
“He’s coming along splendidly. I’ve procured a placement for him with a symphony orchestra. Not on the stage but in the pit. We shall see if he shines. Do you mind terribly going to the opera tonight?”
“Not at all, I should be delighted. What are we to hear?”
“Something new by Bizet, Carmen. It’s the first opening in London and should be a sellout. We have our usual box.”
Jane was beaming. She’d heard the boy practicing all day. “I’ll just go and get my gloves and wrap.” She bounded up the stairs like a girl.
William caught my eye for a moment. I wonder does he think Jane does not know we are intimate. I moved to him and kissed him. He is uncomfortable being kissed in the drawing room. There is nothing about me that Jane does not know. Good or bad I tell her. It’s better that way.
William wears tinted glasses when he goes out in public among humans. His eyes would give him away. Mine are not so marked and neither are Jane’s, unless we’ve just hunted. His hands as are ours are clothed in gloves. He has color in his face tonight, not much but enough so that he will pass unnoticed. As I have said, he is lovely to look at.
I bumped William’s arm. “There he is now, at the piano. Robert Downing.”
William leaned forward to get a good look at my prodigy. With his keen eyes I’m sure he had the boy down to the color of his linen. He looked for quite a while and then sat back in his seat. He gave me a long look and I knew William was going to have him.
“At least let me have a go at him.” I whispered. William said nothing.
I soon forgot all and lost myself in the opera and the music of Bizet. Robert had little to do as it was mostly strings but when called upon he did not disappoint. I was quietly proud of him. This was his first public performance. It would not be his last…I had only begun to show him off. No…William would not have him…not yet.
While the cast took their bows William disappeared. He can move so quickly that his movement is not seen by human eyes. Whether he’d gone over the box or down the stairs like a good mortal I didn’t know. I only knew a cold fear around my heart that he would take Robert from me before I was finished with him.
Jane leaned over me, “William has gone for the boy, you know that.”
“Yes…I know.”
“Let’s go down and see if we can find them. Maybe it won’t be too late.”
To my surprise they were just emerging into the lobby into a throng of people heading for the doors. Robert was listening to something William was saying and smiling. My gut wrenched. I could only imagine what entreats he was promising the boy.
“There you are, Jameson. I knew you’d want to treat your pupil to dinner and so I found him before he was away.”
“Did you?” I gave him a hard look which bounced off.
“Mr. Cornith,” Robert smiled and came to me. Ah, he was still mine. “What did you think of the opera? Wasn’t it grand?”
“It was grand, Robert, certainly grand and you did very well. Were you nervous?”
“Not once I got a chance to play. It was the waiting.”
“Yes…the waiting.” I glanced at William. He was smiling looking rather too satisfied with himself.
“I introduced myself as your cousin. Why not call me William and him Jameson. Makes it much easier. Now if you’d like to go I’m sure there’s a cab out front. I’ll see Jane home unless she’d like to accompany you?”
Jane shook her head and placed a kiss on my cheek. So…I had a cab out front and…Robert.
Chapter 4 – Jane Cornith
The music of the opera was still floating through my head. I’d rather it be there floating around than the other thoughts I might have. The carriage began to move and I looked up and met William’s gaze.
“That was smoothly done wasn’t it?”
“I wanted to meet him, Robert.”
“And so you have. You didn’t get to spend much time with him, I’m surprised you didn’t go with them.”
“Well, my dear that would have spoiled the whole thing wouldn’t it. You do know Jameson is going to have him.”
“Yes, I know. Maybe not tonight…he may just give him a little more of the carrot.”
“You don’t mind it?”
“Why should I? I don’t think it would matter if I did and really…it doesn’t. I know what part of him I have. Now if he thought of leaving me for the boy…then it would matter.”
William tilted his head and looked at me with a little smile. “What would you do then?”
“I’d kill the boy,” I said looking him straight in the eye. I believe I would too. Yes and I could do it easily.
He believed me too. William blinked and looked out of the carriage window. “So would I.”
“I don’t think we have that to worry about. He’s been playing cat and mouse with him for some time now. He’s getting him ready for the stage. He won’t want to do anything to disrupt that. Besides, if he gives all tonight there won’t be any carrot left. He’s too smart for that.”
William smiled. “We know him very well don’t we?”
“Yes…we do.” I had to let him know that I knew. Why I wanted to…I don’t know. He got the clear visage in my mind. Yes, I had spied on them…out of curiosity. I had to know didn’t I?
Oh, it pained him. He couldn’t look at me. Softly I said to him, “Nothing is private anymore, William. It’s all right…we both love him.”
He moved so quickly I didn’t see it coming. He grabbed my face and kissed me hard. I could feel his teeth through my lips. He wouldn’t hurt me I know…he wouldn’t dare…but he wanted to. None of this was necessary if it was a kiss he wanted.
“Do you hate me so?” I asked.
He shuddered slightly, “No, I do not hate you at all. Quite the opposite; I love you.”
“Why do you want to hurt me? Is it because I spied on you? I only did it out of curiosity…dumb as I am I had no idea. I never knew you to go with a man before.”
He sat back on the seat now and leaned his head on the upholstery. “There’s not much I haven’t done in my lifetime. That’s not something I…it’s not to my taste.”
“Except with Jameson.”
“It needs to stop…it does neither of us any good. I love him, Jane, more than I’ve ever loved another soul.”
I took his hand in mine and rubbed it and squeezed it. I knew all to well what it meant to love Jameson. I always considered William to be our leader, if you will, our strength and now I wondered at that. It would appear Jameson had power over all of us. William turned his hand over and held mine. He continued to hold it until we reached the townhouse. He continued to hold it until we were upstairs in the hallway. One way led to his rooms and the other to mine and Jameson’s. Did I trust him?
As long as I didn’t bite him, didn’t taste his blood. I’d be all right. He wouldn’t…not without Jameson’s permission…I think he just wanted to be loved. And so I did. I knew what he liked…I knew how to love him. What did it matter…Jameson and I were the same blood and if he could love William then so could I. He’d once been my husband…oh dear God help me.
God didn’t help me. I had bite marks on my neck. He drank from me and nearly put me in a swoon. Oh, he’d like that. Then I would have to drink from him. I grabbed my clothes and staggered from the room dressing as I went. Down the steps and into my cloak. I had to feed. Was he feeling remorseful now? Probably…he didn’t mean for it to go on as long as it did. I know he didn’t. Out in the fog I stumbled and then righted myself. Use your senses, Jane. Don’t wander too far from home.
I felt a presence and tensed up. I couldn’t see but whatever it was could see me of that I was certain. Gathering up a bit of courage I said, “Show yourself, I know you are there.”
“Madam.” Oh, thank the stars. It was Morvan.
“I have to hunt.”
“Yes, Madam. Shall I help you?”
“Well…no…just be there, you know…in case I need help.” I’d never hunted on my own. I realized William must have sent him after me. Yes, he was remorseful, guilty and probably angry with himself…he should be on all accounts. I was a fool to go with him as I did. I caught scent of a human and followed it for awhile. It was a young girl probably not out of her teens yet. Surely I could handle that.
I didn’t kill her. I left her in a patch of grass near a bakery. Somebody would find her and she’d be weak for awhile but she’d live. I had what I required from her. I was totally lost in the fog and dear Morvan found me and guided me home.
I bathed and put on my night clothes. I tried waiting up for Jameson but the nights events put me down. I was so tired. I did not look for nor seek the company of William.
I awoke the next day to feel Jameson’s weight against me. What a welcome weight it was. He looks so angelic with his hair loose and relaxed in sleep. His lips formed a bow that I wanted to kiss. Instead I lay beside him and watched him sleep. I wondered if he knew of the nights events…if William would tell him. And what of his own adventures with Robert? Was there any carrot left?
I checked his neck and his wrists. There were no marks. I felt of my own neck and the wounds were closed up, probably only a light bruising now that would fade with the daylight hours. I’d learned my lesson with William and I would be wary of him from now on. I know he drinks from Jameson but only the little drink, not what he’d done to me. I began to wonder, as I eased out of the bed, exactly what he meant to do. Had he tried to drain me? Kill me? After all…I’m the only thing that stands between him and Jameson. The thought sent chills down my back.
I would not, under any circumstances, allow myself to be alone with him again and if I had to, well, I’d tell Jameson why. That’s all it would take. I know Jameson loves William but he loves me too. He wouldn’t put me in danger. I dressed and went down for breakfast. Here in the warmth of the kitchen I began to relax. Somewhere down there beneath the floor lay a crypt. It couldn’t hurt me in the daylight. I warmed the breakfast Morvan had left on the stove. Boiled eggs, bread and butter, gammon steak.
“Good morning, darling.” Jameson came into the kitchen and kissed me. I clung to him a moment.
“Morning to you? How was your dinner and your evening?”
“Interesting. Dinner was good, I’ll have to take you to the restaurant.”
“Did you let him nibble at the carrot?”
Jameson smiled and nearly broke my heart with it. “Just a little. That should last him for a while. What did you do?”
So, William hadn’t told him. “Oh, not much. I, uh,” honesty, Jane. You cannot lie to him. He does not lie to you. “I had to comfort William a little.”
“Oh, you did, well.”
“Maybe it was the music that got to him or the opera or seeing you go off with that pretty young man.”
“He should know better. You know better, don’t you?”
“Yes, my love, I do.”
“What did you think of Carmen?”
“I liked it…a bit unusual wasn’t it?”
“When it first opened in Paris it flopped. It was too unusual for an opera. Didn’t fare well at all for awhile until it reached Vienna. Things changed after that. Of course, poor Bizet was long in his grave. He didn’t live to see success from his efforts.”
I couldn’t tell him all of it. I couldn’t voice my fears about William and they may well be unfounded. Yes, I realize they may well be but the thought had come into my mind. I tried to fill my mind with other things. Jameson could read me when he wanted to.
“Will we be expecting Robert this morning?”
“I’ve given him a day off. He’ll be here for dinner.”
“Dinner…well.” That was good, actually, it was good. Another body in the house…someone else to draw William’s attention for the evening.
I went out and about with Jameson today. He secured another position for Robert with a theater group. This time he’d be appearing on stage. I do believe Jameson could talk anyone into anything. He is so charismatic when he wants to be. We stopped by the market and picked up some things for dinner. Morvan would prepare it…after he hunted, so dinner would be late. We shared a pie for a late luncheon.
Robert arrived promptly at seven. He was dressed in some new finery. Jameson had obviously found him a tailor. He was courteous to me but his attentions were for Jameson. He was pleased to have a stage to perform from. This was a step in the right direction. I didn’t know at the time that Jameson had followed along similar lines when he first began to stretch his wings. I was curious to his reaction when William appeared. He went around giving us all a kiss. I stood motionless and did not return the same to him. Whether he noticed or not I could not say. He didn’t kiss Robert but he might as well have. He was turning on the charm tonight.
Robert seemed fascinated by him. His pale countenance only added to his beauty. William told him Jameson had been his protégé. He told of concerts in Paris and other European capitals. I hoped the boy didn’t work his mathematics for he’d know such a thing could not have been possible. It would have been advertised and he would have known. I said nothing. In fact I barely said anything at all. The young are easily influenced and charmed. Let William continue on. Jameson listened to him with a look I couldn’t read. From time to time I felt his eyes on me and I’d look at him and smile. Had he sensed something wasn’t quite right ?
It seemed an achingly long time before Morvan came to tell us dinner was served. Jameson escorted me to the dining room giving me a little pat on the back before we sat down. He senses my fear and doesn’t understand it. I tried to level out my mind and concentrate on the dinner. He and I exchanged a few words and a few with Robert.
I’m always amazed at how William can sit at a table and appear to eat. He moves things around in his plate and talks and occasionally even forks something only to lay it down later. He’s very good at deception.
Chapter 5 – William Cornith
I cannot imagine what came over me last night. I love Jane. I had not been with her in years, not since Paris when I left her. I didn’t mean to drink from her. I know what I’ve done and I cannot apologize to her. She fears me now. I must keep my distance from her. There cannot be a repeat of last night. There are too many demons dancing in me. She knows.
She’s trying to hide her fears from Jameson but he’s onto her now and questions will arise later. I cannot read him but I see his eyes when he looks at her. I was a fool, crazed and reckless. Nothing good will come of it…nothing. I cannot lose him and not for the world would I hurt him. I wonder if he senses my fear. Surely he knows I would not have run on about his tour of a hundred years ago if I weren’t badly shaken.
So I will turn my attention to his young man, Robert Downing. What a lovely creature he is with his wide eyes. I wouldn’t mind taking him on as my protégé. I could do much for him for my title still opens doors. Doors Jameson could never penetrate but for me. He doesn’t want it anymore. The attention and love…no, he has Jane and is in need of little else. I wonder if he’s ready to let Robert go? I can teach him what he needs to know. I’ve done it before. I can make him into something the world will never forget…just like Jameson. I could take him to Paris, have his portrait painted…oh, my eyes burn with tears I cannot shed in front of this young man. I excused myself from the table for a moment.
I’ve wiped my eyes and yet I fear they are bloody. I find Morvan and ask him of their condition. He takes a dampened towel and wipes them for me.
“I’ve just served the last course, shall I make your apologies?”
“Yes, please, if you would. I’ll be in the drawing room…slight headache or stomach upset…whatever serves, my good man.”
Morvan, what would I do without him? I sit down at the piano and have quite recovered myself. What a lapse into sentimentality. I know those years are gone forever. We lived them and loved them…they are gone now. I will always love Jameson…always. I think what has happened between us here should never have happened. Why did I let it? I am weak when I should be strong. All those years I resisted intimacy of this kind with him. Now, when it is quite impossible, I have given into him. I should take myself away.
Unconsciously I have begun to play William’s Theme. Well, what a fitting end.
He’s here, the boy. He walks over to the piano while I play. He’s never heard this before…Jameson’s love for me. That’s what it is…what he couldn’t say at the time and then never got the chance to say it. What a dreamy look he has in his eyes. Should I make him mine, seduce him? Perhaps I already have…how fickle you are, Robert Downing. Does any pretty face turn your head? He is fascinated by me and well he should be. He’s never met a vampire before and he does not know what I am. I am your death you beautiful thing. Ah, he is well and truly seduced. Jameson has done it, not me. He would go with me now up to my room and let me do anything I want with him. What was it Jameson said have a go? He had his chance and did not take it.
“Would you like to be famous and have the world at your feet?” I spoke very softly but he heard me.
“This is beautiful…what you are playing and you, it suits you as you are beautiful too. Famous? I want only to use my talent and what I can learn from Jameson and…you.”
“I can teach you much about the world and about music. Do you read music?”
“Oh, yes. I have been tutored for many years.”
“Jameson believes you to be a prodigy. Do you want it…all that comes with it, the adoration, the noise and clutter of success?”
“I should think so…if it were possible.”
“Everything is possible, Robert, everything.”
Jameson has stayed behind in the dining room. He is talking to Jane who is now in tears.
“It would be a new life for you, totally devoid of things you experience now. But you would be famous and rich. You will play before royalty.”
She’s told him.
“You can do this for me?”
“I can do anything you want. I’d take you to Paris to make your debut. I know people there…they would love you.” He’s going to do it.
“Do you think Jameson will be upset with me?”
“No, I think he will be proud of you. He knows already what I can and will do for you.”
He’s holding her and kissing her. Nothing will ever harm her…nothing. He is right, it won’t. I won’t. No…no…I cannot…not now. The boy has said something to me…what was it…oh…when.
“Whenever you are ready, Robert. We could go tonight. I will buy you whatever you need, there is no need to pack anything. You’ve only to give me one thing…one thing I ask of you.”
“Anything, I’ll give you anything.”
I knew he would. He is mine. Jameson is in the doorway. Must I face him here in front of this boy?
“William, I would speak with you.” Yes. I rise and follow him into the library. A small room off the entrance. It doubles as an office.
“I know what you’re going to ask of me.”
“Do you? You tried to kill Jane last night. I know you did. Nothing you can say will change that fact. She knows it and she fears you. The time has come and I would not ask it or seek it from anyone else. I want it, give me the immortal life.”
“Jameson, I…I cannot.”
He steps to me. “You will, William, and you will never threaten her again for I will make her.”
“I love you, Jameson. I once made you in love and if I do so it will be the same. I cannot lose you.”
“I love you too, William. I have always loved you and will forever. I cannot live in fear for Jane.”
“No…I know this.”
“So, you will do it.”
“Yes.” I didn’t want to, I wanted him as he was but I know…yes, I know this is where we will part.
“Upstairs in your room, I think…and William, if I do not wake then you will die. Jane knows what to do.”
“Oh, but you wound me. Do you think I would…oh, Jameson.”
“I am taking no chances and yet I love you and I don’t want to think these things of you. You have been my everything…but no more. No more can I trust you.”
“What of the boy?”
“Take him, he’s ready for you. I made sure of that.”
I could hear the piano playing and lowered voices. Jane and the boy. She was teaching him to play William’s Theme. I wanted to cry and I felt my eyes burning. “Jameson.”
He took my hand and led me up the stairs. Morvan is leaving my room. He has brought in a basin of water and cloths. I know he will not be far away. Jameson closes the door and takes off his coat. He opens his shirt and bares his neck. I put my hands on his warm chest, down to his waist and around his back. Never again will I feel this warmth from him. He kisses me and oh, how I savor it. He’s unbuttoning my shirt. Yes, I will take it off. We should be bare against each other. I have never loved him more. I remove his shirt and kiss his chest. There are no words…no words. I sit on the side of the bed and hold him in my arms. One last kiss on his warm lips.
It is done. I have given him much blood and left myself weak. I let him take it from my wrist. I cannot stand. Morvan is here opening his own wrist for me. Yes, yes…
He is awake now and soon the pains will begin in his intestines, in his kidneys and his bladder. He will become nauseated. I cannot watch his pain. Yet I must endure…this I must witness for my own satisfaction…to know that he will live again. It did not take as long as I thought it might. Not quite an hour and his body has died and cleansed itself. Morvan cared for him as he would a small child, as he had when Jameson was a child. He’d been beautiful as a half vampire now he was exquisite. He glowed, his hair was lustrous and his eyes were brilliant. How I loved him.
Morvan helped him to dress for he felt the cold now. I built up the fire a little. Finally he stood before me.
“I am a true vampire now.”
“Yes…do you hate me?”
“No, I do not hate you. Why would you think I would?”
I could sense the power in him…oh, he is strong, more powerful than I. “It is enough that you do not. Do you love me still?”
“I will always love you, William.” He kissed my lips. “Take the boy to Paris and make him there. You are not strong enough now to do it. You gave too much of yourself to me.”
“We will stay with you until Jane is made.”
“Thank you. I will do it now…get it all done at once. Morvan, I will need you.”
“Yes, Sir, I am prepared for her.”
“We will both need to feed after this.”
“Yes, Sir.”
I stood back marveling at how he’d taken charge. He would be someone to be reckoned with now.
“I will leave you.”
“No…stay…stay, William. You should witness this too. I may need your assistance.”
I do not believe he will ever need my assistance but I stayed as he asked.
I will never forget the look on Jane’s face when she saw him. I honestly think she was frightened at first and then she went into his arms. He was still Jameson. He wasted no time, no conversation of any kind. He bit into her jugular while he held her.
Chapter 6- Jameson Cornith
I had to do it while I had the nerve. If I’d stopped to think about what I was doing I would never have been able to do it and it had to be done. I loved this woman more than life and indeed I had given my life for her and now I was taking hers into my body. I felt her heart slow and immediately ripped my wrist and held it to her mouth. “Drink, drink,” I cried and she did. Again I put my lips to her vein and drank from her. She lay limply in my arms for a moment before I felt her heart began to beat. I pressed my wrist to her lips again and she drank from me. It burned my veins for the suction was strong.
“Careful, Jameson…enough.” William spoke over my shoulder. It was right that he was there and a part of this.
Morvan staunched the flow from my wrist. I kissed her lips and laid her on the bed. Morvan undressed her and I looked at her pale body knowing what was to come. Well, I did not want to witness it and I took William with me out into the hallway. I kissed him again and he raked my mouth for Jane’s blood. Neither of us were completely steady on our feet. Death is weakening.
“Shall we go and eat the boy?” I asked.
William smiled weakly. “There is not enough of him. Let us retire to your room for a bit.”
“I think we should make him…together we could do it now. It is possible is it not?”
“It is, yes. Poor Morvan.”
We laughed together. I wanted it done, all of it so that I never had to think of it again.
“Did he tell you? Today is Robert’s birthday. He’s twenty.”
“Too young.”
“Too late,” I replied.
I carried Jane to our bed and lay with her until she was fully awake and functioning. She was absolutely the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen and I told her so.
“We are going to make Robert. William and I. Do you want to watch it?”
“Yes,” she replied. “I want to know everything.”
William went down to fetch him and he arrived dazed and entranced and ready. William bit and I was amazed at how I reacted to the sight of his blood. I felt Jane grab my arm and knew she felt the same. This was to be our lot now. I took him tenderly in my arms and drank his blood. Child wonder, prodigy he would be. I gave him my wrist to suck and then William gave him his. Jane wanted to help too but I told her no.
He would be a part of William and me, and hopefully the best part of us.
William took him under his wing as I knew he would. He kissed him and petted him. Jane and I left them together and went out to hunt. It was different. My eyesight was so keen I could see an ant crawling on a leaf a half a block away. I could hear voices and sounds I knew to be coming from the houses around us. I would have to learn to shut out such sounds unless I wanted to hear them. What I wanted to hear right now was a beating heart. We moved together without making a sound. How strange it all felt and yet I’d been in this form before…perhaps not. I don’t remember feeling this power…this strength.
I detected a human. It was too easy, lying in the street passed out drunk. I gave him to Jane and she drained him and then nicely disposed of the body in a graveyard. Now I needed sustenance and I found it.
Back at the townhouse we had to think of where we might sleep for dawn was approaching. Our bedroom had not yet been blacked out. I carried our mattress down to the cellar. Morvan pointed out a place where we might sleep undisturbed during the day. I knew their crypts were near but I did not go in search of them. Our resting place only needed to be devoid of sunlight and private. We could make this little niche to suit us. I still had an aversion to crypts.
William took Robert into his crypt with him. I was glad to see it. He had his companion now. Maybe not the one he’d dreamed of and who knows he may one day make another. I certainly have no intentions of ever making another vampire. There are enough of us.
I took my lady out for an evening stroll and while we were out we had a nice dinner. Now we’re bathed and dressed for the evening. We’re going to the theater to hear Robert play and later I believe he and William will leave us for Paris. Am I horrible for wanting them to go?
Robert makes a striking vampire with his golden hair and blue eyes. He will be all the rage in Paris. I wish him luck for I have been all the rage in Paris. William will have his portrait done, I’ve asked him to. It should hang with ours at Cornagaugh.
We’ve taken our seats in the theater. William leans over to say he’s dressed the boy for the night and had a talk with the stage director. I’m impressed, he’s taken his protégé seriously. His mop of blond hair appeared nearly white under the lights and he was dressed in sapphire blue which matched his eyes. He looked delicious. Behind him was what would become his trademark setting. Sheer silk curtains of blue and silver which lightly danced in the breeze. A door had been left open behind them. He’d rehearsed Chopin for his program, but when he began to play I had to smile. William reached over and took my arm. The boy had the gift. This was totally original and his own haunting music. Very different from mine but still it would go…oh, would it go. The stage director had to shush the audience from applauding before he’d finished.
“He’ll do well, William. You’ve nothing to worry about.”
“You saw the potential in him. It only needed a boost and we gave it to him…you and I.”
“He does indeed have the best of us and he reads music.” I laughed.
“He has such poise for one so young,” Jane commented. “It will be interesting to see what he becomes.”
The little prodigy came running to me and hugged me and kissed me. He was so excited over his first real success. I kissed him back. He’d been very sweet during our nibbles.
“Your music is fine. It will come to you of its own and when it does write it down and publish. You’ll establish a legacy.”
His music had an innocence about it that mine did not have. Perhaps because I’d never been innocent. It will be interesting as Jane said to see how it grows as his life becomes a lasting fact. He cannot change it now. William said he killed his own dinner so he’s launched into the dark world we share.
There was an unexpected sadness when we reached the townhouse. William and Robert would be leaving us. Robert I really would not miss so much but William, I realized, would be greatly missed. I’d forgiven him for trying to take Jane’s life. It was better this way. Now none of us had anything to fear from the other. We were equals and all part of the same thing. At last we could be at peace with each other.
Morvan loaded their luggage onto the carriage. I would miss Morvan. It was amazing what the man could accomplish and I will forever be in his debt for what he did for Jane during her transformation.
William and I embraced and kissed. “What will you do now, Jameson?”
“You know, I think we might go to Cornagaugh for awhile. I don’t like leaving the house empty for too long at a time and it’s been a long time since I was there as a man…or vampire. I guess I’m not a man anymore.”
“You are a man, Jameson, don’t ever doubt that. Nothing ever changes inside of the house. You may need to do some maintenance on the outside but here are plenty of workers to hire. I’ve had a rather strong lock put on the door. I’m sure you can open it with your new powers. Your old room is still there and boarded up. No chink of light will make its way into the room. Still you might want to make a place in the dungeons.”
“Sleep in a dungeon?” I looked at Jane and she made a little face. Not suitable. “We’ll figure it out. We’ll buy a new carriage and horses to get us home.”
“What will you do for a driver?”
“Money will buy a driver. Make sure you send some of Robert’s earnings to replenish our coffers.”
“Don’t worry, Jameson. I’ve been living on your fortune long enough.”
“You found my gold.” I wondered about that.
“It’s here in the Bank of London under my name. Tell them you’re me.” He kissed me again and then turned to Jane.
He kissed her and she responded to him. No fear of him now. She would miss him too. “Be sure and write and send us newspaper clippings.”
I told him to send the portrait.
“That I will do, Jameson.”
How quiet the house was upon their leaving. Jane and I clung to one another for awhile.
“He’s happy, isn’t he?”
“I believe he is, darling. He’s found a purpose now to go on living. He has the boy to guide and I can attest to the fact that he is a very good guide. He’ll open the world for him. He can do that, you know. He did it for me and for awhile I owned it.”
“Do you miss it at all?”
“All that happened over a hundred years ago and no I do not miss it. I’ll continue to write and play but I will play for you. You are the reason I am.”
We spent two more nights at the townhouse. Time enough for me to arrange funds from the bank and to purchase a carriage, horses and a driver. We also got a stable boy in the bargain.
I felt world weary and the sight of Cornagaugh through the trees set my heart at ease. This was home and I was arriving with Jane.