Red Red Blood Chapter 1

We met at the Mid-Winter Charity Ball, held to raise funds for a new
research lab to be built later in the spring. It would be used to find
cures for blood-related diseases and disorders.

He was dressed entirely in black, except for his crisp white tailored
shirt. His polished gold cufflinks reflected the light from the
overhead chandelier, almost making them glitter. His midnight black
hair was short, streaked with silver at his temples, but long enough to
be combed back from his face. His smile lit up the room as he walked
towards me and I felt like a shy teenager being greeted at the door for
her very first date. His voice was dark and smooth, reminding me of
bittersweet chocolate. " I'm Count Marcus of Fredericksburg. " He
captured my hand to kiss in greeting and I noticed the ring he wore on
the middle finger of his left hand was a square-cut black onyx with
diamonds around the outer edge and blood-red rubies in the center,
marking out the letter 'M'.
" You were the only person I noticed from across the room, an
enchanting vision dressed from head to toe in red, my favorite color. I
knew I had to meet you. "

The chill of his mouth came into contact with the back of my hand and
cold shivers ran down my spine, spreading rapidly over the rest of my
body. I tried to pull away, but he raised his head and locked his dark,
piercing eyes to mine, lifting the very thoughts from my soul.

I listened with pleasure as the band played my favorite song, 'Lady In
Red.' Marcus asked me to dance, knowing full well I wouldn't refuse.
Our bodies swayed so close I heard his heart beat in staccato blips and
recognized the intoxicating scent of his cologne. I glanced up and saw
the sad expression in his gaze. " Your smile lights up this dull
ballroom with its brightness! " His voice dripped ice so cold it sent
my temperature rising to the boiling point.
" You and your exquisite red silk gown suit this song, " he murmured
against my hair.

I'd seen this particular dress in the storefront window of an exclusive
designer shop, earlier Saturday afternoon. It screamed out my name in
red-hot chili pepper coloring and I dashed inside, impulsively telling
the clerk I had to try on that particular gown. It clung to my body
like a second skin, simple in style, but revealing enough to make me
feel sensuous and alluring. A driving force surged through me and I
bought it on the spot, not considering that it would cost me well over
a month's salary. I drove home in haste, wanting to admire it again,
but it hung in the back of my car, encased in its own heavy-duty
plastic designer bag.

I rushed to my door, unlocked it and ran up stairs, getting to my
bedroom in record time. I stripped off my clothes and tried on my dress
once more. It fit me perfectly and I purred in delight! The scooped
neckline showed off just enough cleavage to make me feel enticing and
desirable. The empire waist allowed the skirt front to billow right
above my knees, while the back dropped in swirling waves to mid-calf. I
stared at a reflection I didn't recognize, feeling like an imperial
queen.

I slipped my crimson high heels on over flesh-toned stockings and
grabbed my matching wallet purse off the nightstand. I flew downstairs
and out the door, then hopped into my '97 emerald green Mustang and
drove like a she-devil to get to the Charity Ball on time!

As we danced, I was mesmerized by his presence, floating in the clouds,
my feet never touching the ground. When the music stopped, minutes or
hours could have slipped by. Scores of conflicting emotions enveloped
me and Marcus whispered in my ear, " Would you enjoy strolling through
the Rose Garden with me, My Dear Nancy? "

I searched my memory but didn't recall telling him my name when we met.
I willingly accepted his offer and we walked leisurely into another
world, where the scent of a thousand roses filled the air. The gardens
were enclosed in a climate-controlled area, allowing them to bloom year
round. He tenderly held my hand, and I experienced what it felt like to
be a giddy teenager again. I wanted this night, above any other night
in my life, to be perfect, needing Marcus to see me as his equal in
every possible way.

We wound our way through the many paths and he told me about his early
life in Fredericksburg. " My Father was the original Count of
Fredericksburg and had untold wealth, handed down from generation to
generation. Gold, silver, jewels, and property came his way by
conquering nearby kingdoms. My Mother was named Desiree', a name that
befit her nature. She was the most beautiful and desirable woman in the
entire country. Her loveliness was breathtaking! She had black curling
hair, deep lavender eyes and a lilting voice that dripped with
honey. " Marcus looked intently at me. " Her family had riches and
power beyond measure and it was love at first sight for both of them.
My father's dark eyes and bold manner won my mother's heart and they
married one month to the day after they met. " He sighed deeply. " My
mother wasn't a strong woman and she died while giving birth to me; my
life began and hers ended. " Tears glistened in his eyes.
" My Father never recovered from that day; his heart was broken and he
grew steadily weaker as the years passed by. On my sixteenth birthday
he left this earth to be with my Mother, the love of his life. I
inherited his title, Count of Fredericksburg and all the
responsibilities that go with it. I've invested my money wisely, have
no financial worries and do as I please, traveling the world over,
contributing to a vast assortment of charitable organizations. I've
seen exotic places and met many lovely women on my journeys, but the
ultimate pleasure in my life so far has been meeting you. " He stopped
walking and turned to face me directly. " Your resemblance to my Mother
is very remarkable; she adored red and I see you do as well. " He
picked up on my apprehensions. " Please tell me about yourself. "

" I grew up in an orphanage. " My nerves made me tremble.

" Don't ever be afraid to tell me anything and everything, because I
really want to know. " His tone was gentle and set me at ease.

" When I graduated from high school, I received a full scholarship to a
prestigious all girls college and majored in marketing and accounting.
I've worked for David Winslow as his executive assistant for the past
year and in fact, I helped him plan and arrange the Charity Ball.
"

" And a splendid job you've done, My Dear. Do you have a husband or
boyfriend perhaps? "

" No family, no husband, and definitely no boyfriend. " I blushed in
embarrassment. " The last boyfriend I had dumped me for my best friend.
He told me it was because I wanted to be sure of my feelings before I
committed myself to being physically intimate with a man. Now it's my
job and me. " Had I told him too much about my life?

" To keep yourself pure until your innermost feelings are truly
discovered is to be commended. You're a very rare and delicate person,
Nancy. Would you consider being my 'Lady In Red?' " He bent his head,
his chilled lips colder than ice as he brushed my cheek, but his mouth
left a wake of burning sensations on my skin.
" There's no need to answer me now. " He spoke so quietly I almost
didn't catch his words, but their softness imprinted themselves in my
soul and I knew we'd be together for eternity and beyond.

" Yes, Marcus. All the time in the world. " Had we walked for miles and
miles or was it only a few feet? It was past midnight when we arrived
back at the Charity Ball. I was the luckiest girl in the world to have
a man like Marcus take an interest in me, causing my heart to sing a
brand new song. My greatest desire was to become his 'Lady in Red.' "
Marcus.. "

He put a finger to my lips. " I have business matters to attend to, but
I want to see you tonight, " he demanded. " I'll have Gustav, my
driver, call for you at 7 pm sharp! " He turned on his heel and as he
strode out of sight, I realized I missed him already.

I went to the ladies room to freshen up and stopped inside the door
when I heard two of my co-workers gossiping. One of them said, " I
don't know what Count Marcus sees in her. Why, she's as plain as white
bread! " They laughed in derision. " Marcus is so handsome he could
have any woman at this Ball or in the entire world. "

The other girl said, " Maybe he felt sorry for her. I'll bet Mr.
Winslow made him an offer he couldn't very well refuse, so he pretended
to take an interest in Nancy as part of a lucrative business deal.
"

As quietly as possible, I backed out of the powder room, not wanting
them to know I'd overheard their conversation. Scalding tears flowed
from my eyes, falling faster and faster down my cheeks. Sickness hit
the pit of my stomach and I ran out of the building to the East Wing
balcony. In the darkness a poem came to mind...

Speak To Me

Speak to me no more of love and romance
They only serve to bring pain and bitterness
It only goes along with love is blind
And it was for me, love was so unkind

My hurting heart now has a gaping wound
There's nothing left, no joy is found
Just my broken heart, where your love used to be
I thought your heart only belonged to me

No more can I give, no love is received
Too much in your deceitful love, I believed
Speak to me no more of love and romance
I can only feel the pain and bitterness

After a short while I calmed down, giving myself another pep
talk. " Girlfriend, get a grip on yourself and face the facts. You're
just a fool to think that Count Marcus would have any interest in a
'Plain Jane,' because that's exactly what you are. His driver will
probably be a no show as well. " The further away Marcus was, the less
influence he seemed to have. Little did I realize that this would be my
one and only chance to escape with my life still intact. It started to
rain, the drops becoming bigger and heavier, pelting my skin and making
me hurt. Thunder rumbled across the pitch-black background of the
starless night and all the streetlights in the immediate vicinity were
knocked out. Streaks of lightning illuminated the few cars left in the
parking lot below, so I turned around to go back inside and was
startled by a figure standing close behind me. My heart did flip-flops
and I almost fainted. " Mark, you certainly gave me a fright! "

Mark Patterson was my only real friend and had always been there for
me.
" What's wrong, Nancy? I saw you crying earlier, but didn't want to
intrude on your privacy. " I shivered. He pulled off his dinner jacket
and placed it around my shoulders, his warmth spreading throughout my
body. I turned to face him as tears pooled in my eyes again.

" Mark, I met a wonderful man tonight, but I get the feeling he's just
toying with my emotions, not meaning a blessed word he said. "

" What did he say that upset you? " Mark questioned.

" That I reminded him of his Mother, the beautiful Countess Desiree'.
He said that meeting me was one of the greatest pleasures of his life
and he wants to see me later on this evening. "

" What gives you the impression he doesn't like you or doesn't wish to
see you tonight? In my judgment, any man would be a fool if he didn't
want to see or be with you at any given time. I mean that from the
bottom of my heart. " I leaned into Mark's strong embrace, feeling
peaceful and safe.

" You have no idea how much your words mean to me, Mark. "
We walked through the double French doors into the darkened ballroom. I
glanced at my Indiglow watch dial; the Charity Ball had been over with
hours ago. Our footsteps echoed down the dimly lit hallway, leading us
to the front entrance.

We passed a floor length gilded mirror and I gasped at my dreadful
reflection! My hair was a wet tangled mess and my smudged mascara left
me looking like a prizefighter who'd just lost the title match to the
underdog. We both burst out laughing. " Guess what? " Mark said. "
Don't get me wrong, but you remind me of the song 'My Funny Valentine,'
red and sweet like a candy heart. " The rain had stopped and the air
smelled fresh and clean as he walked me to my car. He bent his head
close to my ear. " I never want you to be sad, only happy. "

**********

Driving home in the swirling fog, I decided not to worry about Marcus
or the ladies room incident. Turning on Foxglove Lane, I arrived at my
condo and parked inside the garage; the previous owner had died under
mysterious circumstances and since it had remained on the market for
two years, I got it at a rock-bottom price. Selma, my black Persian cat
with the yellow-green eyes met me at the kitchen door and purred loudly
as she rubbed against my legs. " Are you hungry, my sweet baby? " She
lapped up the milk in her bowl, then followed me upstairs to my
bedroom.

I stopped in front of the hallway mirror; my beautiful dress sported
white streaks where the red dye had washed away and my soggy shoes
squished, leaving wet spots on the beige carpet. I removed my dress,
glanced down and observed a red mark imprinted on my left breast shaped
in the letter 'M.' I unhooked my lacy red pushup bra and removed my
silky red panties, but saw no more traces of the dye on my body.

I turned on the hot water, adjusted the temperature and stepped into
the shower. The gushing spray relaxed me and my mind wandered off into
left field. " I need a man who can and will take full possession of my
heart and soul, being with me throughout eternity. " I rolled my eyes
and finished washing, then climbed out of the tub. I toweled dry,
gazing at the mark on my breast; I'd scrubbed and scrubbed, but the 'M'
had become more pronounced. I put some soothing lotion on it, then
crawled into bed and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the
pillow.

I woke up at 9 am with a terrible migraine, hoping a caffeine fix would
cure it. A voice inside my mind spoke from out of the blue. " Dried
willow bark tea will cure your headache and take care of the knots in
your stomach. " I didn't question the hows and whys, but found a jar of
the herbal tea in the cupboard and made myself a cup.

By the time I sat down to read my horoscope in the morning paper, I
felt a hundred times better. Sagittarius: 'You're in for a major
surprise today. Will the omens be good or bad? Only time will tell!' I
groaned and grimaced. The only surprises I ever received were of the
unpleasant variety.

Back in my bedroom I shed my nightgown, but couldn't believe my eyes.
The letter 'M' was so red it appeared as if a surgeon had removed the
outer layer of skin, leaving muscle and blood exposed. " Maybe a
reaction to the willow bark, " I thought.

I pulled on a white t-shirt, grey sweat pants, and a red jacket, then
laced my running shoes and headed to the park. The air was fresh and
clean, cool and invigorating. The fragrance of pine trees and bayberry
bushes reached my nostrils and I breathed deeply, letting their essence
soothe me. There were only a few people out on the path around the
lake. Ducks and geese flew low, creating a picture perfect setting as I
strolled along the dirt track. Alarm signals went off when a black limo
followed me on the street that parralled the path. Adrenaline surged
through my system and my heart thumped a thousand beats per second just
before the driver rolled down his window and shouted,
" Wait up there! It's me, Gustav, Count Marcus's driver. " He motioned
me over and I recognized his shock of white hair and his heavy German
accent. " The Count requests the pleasure of your company tonight and
I've been instructed to pick you up at 7 pm sharp! " He handed me a
satiny-white oblong box, tied with a huge red velvet bow. " Count
Marcus asks that you wear what's inside for this evening's festivities.
" He rushed off, dust blowing and tires screeching.

The burdens of my heart and soul were lifted and I raced home at
breakneck speed. I took the stairs two at a time and placed the box on
my bed, untied the bow, and stripped off the wrapping paper! Underneath
red opaque tissue was the most feminine ball gown I'd ever laid eyes
on. The lacy white taffeta dress had a heart-shaped bodice lined in red
velvet. The material glimmered and sheened in the light as I spun round
and round. The doorbell rang and I nearly jumped out of my skin, then
rushed downstairs to see who was calling on me.

Being wary of strangers, I peeked through the gauzy window curtain at
two ladies who'd positioned themselves on my porch. They looked
harmless enough, so I opened the door to them. They both had jet-black
hair and were stylishly dressed in current fashions. The lady with the
Ray bans spoke up.
" We were instructed to come here this afternoon and help you with your
hair and makeup, taking extra care that your new ball gown fits
perfectly. Count Marcus of Fredericksburg is having an intimate dinner
party tonight and you're to be his guest of honor. "

I glanced at my watch, amazed at how fast the morning had flown. "
Marcus is doing something this special for me? " A dazed look crossed
my face. " Do come in, Ladies. "

They walked right on past as if they were the owners, and I was just
another visitor. The woman with the sunglasses said, " My name is
Valera Jesamain. My daughter Cecelia and I've worked many years for
Count Marcus. " They appeared close enough in age to pass for sisters,
rather than mother and daughter. " I'm going to style your hair and
CeCe will polish and buff your nails. Why don't you go take a shower
and we'll set everything up for you in your bedroom. " Valera's voice
was smooth and cultured with a slight French accent.

I went to the bathroom and removed my sweaty clothes, then climbed into
the tub. The hot water washed away the dirt from my body, but the mark
glowed fiercely, pulsing in time with my heartbeat.

I finished and walked into the bedroom. Valera said, " Remove your
towel, please. "

Embarrassed, I stood before her in all my naked glory. " I've never had
anyone help me dress before. "

She handed me new silk and lace underwear; a glacier white strapless
push-up bra and matching panties. She pointed to the 'M.' " I have a
remedy for this small problem! " She reached into a bag and lifted out
three jars, then made an herb poultice and applied it to the mark. "
The dried burdock will help the swelling go down, the dried chickweed
will draw out any infection, and the dried marigold petals will tone
down the redness. Leave the preparation on for an hour and then we'll
use body make-up to cover any red that remains. "

" Can you really do that? " I asked greatfully.

" Yes; both CeCe and I are experts in this field. " They left my room
and I fell asleep to dreams of dancing with Marcus at the Charity Ball.
Valera quietly roused me from my reverie and looked pleased as punch
when she removed the poultice from my breast.

The mark was so faint I could barely see it and I sighed in relief,
then gave Valera a quick hug. " You don't know what this means to me,
Valera. "

" I think I do, Nancy. " She handed me a cup of steaming liquid after
she blended a dab of toner on the mark. " I was named after the
Valerian root that this tea is made from. Drink it to calm and compose
yourself for this evening's party. "

I sipped while CeCe buffed and filed my nails. She glanced briefly at
all the different colors of polish, then finally settled on one. " Ah,
this one will do quite nicely. " Her smile was warm, but changed into a
slightly evil grin as she applied the base coat.

" Isn't this way too bright? " I asked.

" I think not! " She laughed outloud. " I guarantee this Wicked Red
will match the sash that goes with your gown. " In the palm of her hand
was a mid-sized red jewelry box. " It'll also match this present from
the Count. "

I removed the lid and gasped! Glowing red in the afternoon sunlight was
a spectacular ruby necklace, its heart-shaped pendant encrusted with
tiny diamonds. Lying next to it on the white satin lining was a pair of
matching heart-shaped ruby earrings.

While my fingernails dried, CeCe gave me a pedicure, painting each
toenail in Wicked Red, then she showed me the pair of open-toed, white
Italian leather shoes that Marcus had given me to wear. " My two
favorite colors, " she giggled.
" White and red; virginal, but passionate. "

Valera fussed with my hair. " We'll keep it simple, pulling it back and
letting Countess Desiree's gold and ruby tiara hold your dark
curly
tresses in place. " I felt honored that Marcus wanted me to wear an
adornment that had belonged to his mother. I stepped into the
magnificent taffeta dress and CeCe tied the red velvet sash behind me.
She clasped the ruby necklace around my neck and put the earrings in my
earlobes. They glowed as red as the blood which flowed steadily in my
veins.

I walked over to the full-length mirror and the image that stared back
was a glorious sight to behold. " Oh, Miss Nancy, you could pass
for
Countess Desiree'! " CeCe fairly shouted with joy.

Valera turned me this way and that. " Yes, Count Marcus will be utterly
amazed and delighted with your lovely vision. Now for the finishing
touch; this very special lipstick imported all the way from
Fredericksburg. " As its crimson warmth came in contact with my mouth,
a strange voice whispered, " 'My Queen of the Night.' "

A hard rapping at the door startled me and CeCe took it upon herself to
rush past and answer it. Gustav stood there, hat in hand, his voice
filled with reverence and awe. " Countess Desiree', it's been an
eternity since I've been in your presence; you're more beautiful than
ever. " He immediately realized his mistake and bowed his head. " I'm
very sorry, but your appearance reminds me of the Countess before she
left. Please forgive me? "

" Of course, Gustav, " I told him kindly.

He pulled himself together rather quickly. " Miss Nancy, it's time to
go. Count Marcus won't appreciate me dropping you off any later than 8
pm. "

Being pampered like royalty was definitely to my liking and I walked
regally to the limo, knowing I ruled the world as Queen. Gustav opened
the door; I climbed in and was whisked away, like Cinderella to the
Ball. The cityscape gave way to familiar countryside for a short period
of time, but I was soon lost. Gustav turned right onto a gravel road
that twisted through dark green pine and fir trees. Traveling up the
winding hill, magic crackled in the air; the road ended on an
outcropping of rock and a massive castle came into view. " Where are
we, Gustav? "

" This is Princess Sheridan's Home. Count Marcus is visiting her
while
he's on his business trip to the States and she's been kind enough to
offer him the premises for his dinner party tonight. "

The castle was huge; greystone with rounded turrets, each individual
one having red and white flags flying in the stiff breeze. " Gustav, is
this a fairytale castle where the prince and princess live happily ever
after? "

He laughed heartily. " I failed to mention that it's an exact replica
of the Count's Castle in Fredericksburg and that Princess Sheridan and
the Count are related. "

" Related in what way? " I was puzzled and my nerves were on edge after
that comment.

" It's not what you think, Miss Nancy; they are sister and brother. " I
let out a huge sigh of relief and smiled within my heart.

It was cool and fragrant as I emerged from the limo and I pictured
Prince Charming and Cinderella living in this cloudland castle. We
walked to the front entrance and Gustav banged a circular brass knocker
on the heavy wooden door. " Good evening. " Her voice was light and
airy and she reminded me of an angel with her short blond hair and dark
brown eyes.

The foyer was small and had framed paintings on both walls. Each of the
four pictures showed a different view of the castle from the air. The
building sat like a jewel, nestled amongst the trees; grey, with
glimpses of red and white, surrounded by various shades of green.

" Gustav, I thought you said that Marcus and Sheridan were brother and
sister. They certainly don't resemble each other, " I whispered.

Sheridan overheard me. " Marcus and I are stepbrother and sister. My
mother married the Count's father soon after his first wife died. " Her
eyes saddened. " He thought Marcus needed a feminine touch, but the
poor man never got over Desiree's death. " She brightened up a bit. " I
want to welcome you to my humble home, Casa Sheridan. My friends call
me Sher and I'd be honored if you would also, Nancy. "

My frazzled nerves calmed down and I felt right at home. " Follow me to
the sitting room and I'll introduce you to everyone. " We walked down a
long hallway past the library, the music room, and several other rooms
that had been closed off. Sher said, " I help Marcus manage the winery
at Fredericksburg and I'll be going back in two weeks to oversee the
grape planting. My servants are closing the castle till my return in
mid-October. "

I hoped Marcus would be there, but saw no familiar faces in the crowd.
My heart pounded with anxiety when all eyes turned their attention in
my direction. They whispered and pointed their fingers at me. " She's
the spitting image of Countess Desiree'. If I didn't know better, I'd
swear it was her. " They all welcomed me with open arms and kisses on
the cheek.

On silent feet, Marcus appeared at my side. " My lovely Nancy, have you
been introduced to everyone here? "

" Yes, I have. " His frosty lips kissed the back of my hand and shivers
of delighted dread slid down my spine.

" Then may I have this first dance with you? " Marcus led me into the
Ballroom, gathered my hand in his, and guided me across the floor. The
musicians played the Viennese Waltz and we flowed to the sound of the
string quartet. Time stood still; our heartbeats filled the ballroom as
the music faded into the distance.

Flickering candlelight brightened the room; everyone had disappeared
except for the two of us. Marcus placed a crystal goblet of black
liquid in my hand. " Sip this cordial to cool you down. " He smiled
with no warmth, exposing his pearly white teeth. " Let me explain the
superstition behind this blackberry wine. In England, the legend goes
that there are correct times for picking blackberries. When the devil
fell from heaven, he landed on a blackberry bush, and any blackberries
picked after Michaelmas (September 29th) will have the devil's spittle
on them. " He leered at me, his voice filled with arrogance. " Guess
when the berries were picked for this wine you're drinking? "

I looked at him uncertainly. " After Michaelmas? "

" Of course, my Dear. " He snickered. " Drink up, then we'll dance the
night away. "

The wine was sweet, cooling my dry throat, but warming on the way down.
Marcus and I glided to the Viennese Waltz again, our bodies a romantic
dance of love in motion. We were two shadows, spinning and whirling
around the room, a musicale fantasy come true.

The violins and cellos dispelled the darkness as the quartet repeated
the same strains from the beginning. I glanced around and saw couples
dressed in 18th century finery. Was I hallucinating? I kept blinking my
eyes, but the scene remained the same. Everyone clapped then began
chattering as the music stopped. " Marcus? What in heaven's name is
going on? " Our minds linked and I heard his unspoken words.

Birth of Desiree'

Sipping on the delicious blackberry wine that he offered me
Made me smile in blessed relief
The taste was fruity sweet
As it cooled my parched mouth and throat

I exhaled a laugh while a velvet smooth sensation
This first privilege of feeling, a sense of elation
Euphoria surrounded me like a cloak
As the heady intoxication consumed me with bliss
My fantasies were occupied
By having his lips taste of mine with his kiss

When I had my fill, my eyes held a shine
The Count mentioned the superstition
The Legend behind the wine
" In English folklore there are correct times for berry picking,
That all good women and men would apply
When Satan himself, was kicked out of Heaven
Shivering, all the children do speak with conviction
Any berries picked after Michaelmas (September 29)
Will have the Devil's spittle on them "

His grin was shaped in Evil
His fangs glistening in the short-lived light
His voice dripping sarcasm
Freezing in its deathly chill

He said, " My Dear, this wine that you drank
Will lead you to temptation, to places dark and dank
The fermented berries were picked after Michaelmas
They were cold with frost, glazed with crystaled ice "

My thoughts flash red, with pulsing blood now are filled
There's a pricking at my neck; he claims his marriage stake
His name for me is Desiree', his heart's desire
No one left to hear my nightshade cries, burned with fire
T'is the everlasting death of me, cards of Life no longer in the
deck
Desiree's birth this day he makes