An Evening To Remember-Chapter 4

When I woke, the brilliant yellow sun was already shining into every
nook and cranny of the room, hurting my eyes! I sat up, trying to
recall the events of Sunday night, but my mind was a hazy blur. My head
and body ached..I certainly hoped I wasn't coming down with the flu as
I'd taken two weeks worth of vacation and didn't want to waste them
feeling sick. A knock sounded at my door. " Miss Nancy, are you awake
yet? " CeCe seemed concerned as she entered my room without waiting for
an answer.

" I've brought you some breakfast..bacon and eggs, toast, and strong
black coffee. " The sight and smell of food made my stomach churn and
waves of nausea swept over me. I ran to the bathroom and splashed cold
water on my face, then took a deep breath. I felt somewhat better until
I saw my reflection in the gilt-edged mirror above the sink..greeting
me was an image of purple bruises and what appeared to be red bite
marks on my neck.

" Are you all right, Miss Nancy? "

" No, CeCe, my stomach's upset and I have a migraine coming on. "

She spoke in soothing tones. " Hang on for a few minutes. " She
returned shortly and handed me a cup of steaming liquid. " Mother said
this Lemon Balm tea will ease your headache and the ginger she added
will calm your stomach. "

I drank it down in one gulp, then yawned as my eyes grew heavy with
sleep. I crawled back into the comfort of my bed, remaining dead to the
world until mid-afternoon. I woke up relaxed, refreshed, and ravenous,
wanting solid food. I decided to put on fresh clothes and slip down to
the kitchen for a snack, but was dismayed to see the mark on my breast
pulsing with a vengence and black and yellow discolorations on my arms
and legs. Why me, I wondered? Valera would have her work cut out for
her I thought as I dressed, then gazed around the room. It was the
height of femininity..the antique mahogany bed shone deep rich red in
the afternoon sunlight. The sheets were satin, the color of Pink Swiss
Roses, adorned with white lace borders. The cover had delicate Swiss
Roses embroidered on an ivory background, perfectly matching the
wallpaper. I opened the door, ready to make my way downstairs.

Sher was on the other side, her hand poised to knock. " I'm glad to see
you up and about, Nancy..we've all been so worried. " She shuddered
slightly.
" Marcus would be very upset if you were ill while visiting my home.
"

" I'm much improved since this morning. " I smiled. " This is a
beautiful room, Sher. "

" Thank you, Nancy. It was my brother's idea to let you sleep in this
exact replica of his Mother's quarters. " She paused, then laid her
hand on my arm. " I hope you've been comfortable..if there's anything I
can do, don't hesitate to ask. "

" Sher, can I be totally honest with you? " She nodded yes. " I'm
embarrassed, but my memories of last night are clouded. I don't
remember anything that occurred after I drank the blackberry cordial.
"

Sher's slightly skewed grin reminded me of the Cheshire Cat. " Some
people have a negative reaction to the wine I make for special
occasions. You came downstairs, then tripped on the last step. Marcus
helped you to your feet and you seemed well enough to dance with him. "
She was convincing as she told the tale. " The music stopped and you
fainted in his arms..he carried you to the bed and I removed your dress
and put you in your pj's. " Her face reddened. " I hope you don't mind.
"

" I appreciate that, Sher. " I frowned. " Where's Marcus? " I wanted to
ask his forgiveness for ruining his party.

" He's gone for the day, but I expect him back later on this evening.
Marcus is very concerned about your health and he telephoned many times
today to see how you're feeling. " Her mood brightened considerably. "
On the lighter side, most of the female guests sported that green-eyed
monster called Jealousy as my brother played the hero to your heroine.
" Sher laughed outloud. " Envy so thick you could slice it with a
knife! " Her arm grazed my face and I jumped, then shrieked loud enough
to wake the dead! " I'm sorry if I frightened you, Nancy. " I didn't
know what to make of her actions..was I an enemy or just having a bad
case of nerves?
" Speaking of knives, would you like a snack to tide you over until
supper is served? "

After eating a small plate of gala apples and New York extra sharp
cheese,
I felt invigorated and asked Sher to show me around the castle
grounds.
" After twilight hours the paths can be quite tricky
and trecherous, so we'll go right now! " She grabbed my hand..the air
was fresh and clean as we walked through sweetsmelling pine trees to
the edge of a canyon. She xclaimed, " This is my favorite spot! " The
rim overlooked an emerald green valley, filled with oak and pine trees.
In the far off distance was the faint outline of the city. I knew deep
inside that I was being drawn into a danger zone with no hope of
return..agonizing fear rose from the depths of my soul to surface in my
terror-stricken eyes!

Sher grasped my hand. " Don't be afraid, Nancy. I won't let anything
bad happen to you. " Her touch dissipated all my apprehensions..she
guided me to the crest, a fledgling bird ready to spread her wings in
first flight!
In the middle of the valley was a sapphire blue lake, sparkling in the
afternoon sun. I was hypnotized into thinking I could actually fly and
put one foot over the brink that led to certain death. Sher caught my
arm, her attitude and voice filled with triumph. " Come, Nancy..it's
time to leave. "

I thought nothing of the past moments. " This place is so rugged and
unspoiled, I'd like it visit it again, Sher. " We arrived as the
setting sun cast bleeding tear shadows of crimson and burnt orange on
the castle walls, telling me if I ever left my home again, I'd suffer
dire consequences!

Valera met us at the door, an angry grimace on her face. " You'd best
come inside and get ready for the evening meal. Count Marcus is a
stickler for rules..being late puts his authority in question. "

I giggled..regulations, specifications and satisfaction were words that
came to mind when I thought of Marcus. " Should I dress up or down?
"

" Nothing as formal as last night, but Marcus suggested the ' surprise
' hanging in your closet. " Valera smiled.

I swiftly ran upstairs and my eyes focused on an elegant red silk dress
and I knew that Marcus really did care about me. I needed a hot shower
before I could try the dress on. Tension flowed down the drain and my
mind drifted to pleasurable thoughts of Marcus. Haunting words crashed
into my reverie, " I'm falling in love with him! " That just couldn't
be true..we'd only met two days ago and I didn't know much about him,
except what he'd told me. I twisted the hot water off and a cold stream
of water pounded my face..clear thinking became a top priority that
lasted all of two minutes. I climbed out of the tub and noticed the
mark above my heart resembled a fresh wound, while all the bruisings
and discolorations on my arms and legs had intensified into odd
designs. There was a light tapping at the door. " Who is it? " I
called.

" It's CeCe..I've come to help you get dressed for this evening. " She
handed me a huge red cotton towel, and I slipped into a satin-sheen
pair of white panties and matching French push-up bra. " Are you ready
to put on your
' surprise ' Miss Nancy? I guarantee you'll look stunning! " CeCe
bubbled with enthusiasm. I stepped into the dress and CeCe zipped up
the back, then moved to the front, letting out a gasp of delight. "
Miss Nancy, you are way glamorous! "

Looking into the mirror at my true colors of black, blue, purple, and
yellow, I wondered who on earth she was talking about? The vee neckline
plunged to my naval and I was filled with despair. " CeCe, you have to
conceal this hideous eyesore on my breast! "

" I'm sorry, Miss Nancy, but Count Marcus won't allow me to do anything
of that nature. If I went against his wishes I'd lose more than my job.
"

Valera walked into my bedroom and handed me a small glass of dark
liquid. She sounded weary. " Marcus has laid out specific instructions,
giving us thirty minutes in which to finish. I promise that we'll make
you more lovely than you were last night. " What she offered was hotter
molten lava, freezing like a solid glacier as it rushed through my
veins. In a few minutes time a ' not a care in the world ' feeling
enveloped me in it's warmth, sweeping over my body and soul. All
thoughts escaped except for wanting to be with Marcus at all costs. I
smiled at Valera and CeCe. " He'll be well pleased with your beauty. "
Valera's voice dripped honey.

Noticing myself in the mirror this time, I whispered, " You've spoken
the truth, Valera. " Marcus had impeccable taste in everything he'd
chosen for me to wear and I knew he'd tell me I was picture perfect.
The bodice above the empire waist was trimmed in shimmery pink ice
mother of pearl, shaped into tiny incandescent hearts. It fit me like a
second skin, accenting my womanly curves. The sheer puffed sleeves rode
low on the shoulders and the decolletage plunged into a deep 'V', so
Marcus's private brand showed in all its reddened glory. I breathed
deeply, then danced around the floor, watching the material swirl
gracefully at mid-calf. CeCe clasped the ruby necklace around my neck,
then put the earrings in my ears.

Marcus stood at the bottom of the steps, staring unabashedly like a man
who hasn't seen his one true love in ages. " My beautiful Desiree',
loving Queen Of The Night, we're eternally bonded together as husband
and wife. " Did my ears deceive me?

" Nancy, you're a sight to behold..an enchantress in red! " Marcus
lifted my hand, then kissed my cheek. " It's refreshing to see your
lovely face, to have you grace us with your presence. "

" Marcus, you've made me feel like a big part of your family..thank you
from the bottom of my heart for this exquisite dress and the ruby
necklace and earrings. "

He leaned over and whispered softly in my ear. " I've been in love with
you since we met at the Charity Ball. An aura of special innocence
surrounded you, reminding me of a delicate red red rose in full bloom.
" He placed my hand on his chest and held it there. " Your soul is a
fragrant perfume, managing to capture my heart as no one else has
before. "

I blushed, but couldn't help myself. " Marcus. " He put his index
finger to my lips.

" I want you to see something. " He cupped my elbow and guided me to
the far end of the room..above the mantlepiece were two oil paintings.
He pointed to the one on the right. " Take a close look at my Mother. "
I did.
" Now, look at your face and tell me what you see, " he said, handing
me a mirror.

I examined her portrait, and then stared at my face. Marcus, we could
pass for twins! " My dress was an updated version of the one she wore,
but the jewelry and my hairstyle looked the same as hers.

Next to her painting was another woman's portrait..she had black
curling hair, ruby red lips, and eyes as green as teal velveteen I was
unable to look away as she spoke in commanding tones.." I'm Marcus's
one and only wife, Desiree'! " Her spirit entered my soul, then Marcus
vanished into the far reaches of nothingness.

" Nancy? "

I gloated. " Marcus, she's gone for the night! "

He was startled for a brief moment. " Desiree', is it really you or am
I dreaming? "

" Who'd you expect, Marcus? " I wanted to scream her name, but thought
better of it. " Did you think I'ld stay locked inside my portrait
forever? " I laughed hysterically, realizing that this was the first
time I'd been allowed to interact with him since my spirit was
relegated to my portrait years ago.
He was dumbfounded. It took a moment for 'her' name to click, but as
blood pumped to her brain I knew what had taken place between her and
Marcus. " I know what you're thinking Marcus, believing Nancy's fresh
innocent blood will let you return to your former state of being, but
you're
delusional! "

He always thought quickly when faced with insurmountable odds and I
waited to see what ideas he'd spout. " Have some patience,
Desiree'. " Red rage exploded inside of Nancy's body as her mind told
me that Marcus had taken her virginity and love in my name. Her pain
added fuel to my own hate and revenge against the both of them.

Two could play this game. " Did you know that Nancy is falling in love
with you? "

" Yes, Desiree' and I intend to marry her. "

" You should've known that I'd eventually be released and just
think..you brought home the perfect specimen to house my soul in! Don't
be foolish enough to give up what we once had and can have again. You
belong to me Marcus..not to anyone else! "

" Desiree', you're entitled to your own opinion, but your judgement of
her is wrong..Nancy's special, sweet and caring. "

I stuck my finger down my throught and pretended to gag! " She's
nothing like me and that's my fault? " Once upon a time my heart and
soul had been filled with undying love for Marcus, but those feelings
were lost when he deserted me like every other man I'd known in my
life. I felt no love for him, although I knew he was the only man I'd
ever want to spend eternity with.
Marrying Nancy, marrying me..what would be the difference? I'd pull the
wool over his eyes, take full control and then do as I bloodywell
pleased!

Did I see tears forming in his eyes? " All the things each of us wants
in life will come to us when the timing is right. "

" Yes, " I thought, " guilty love can be used like a powerful tool, but
I had no worries or concerns in that department. In a few short days
I'd have everything I wanted, needed, and desired.

" Desiree', please forgive me, " he said with resignation. " You have
all my love, as you've had since the beginning. "

" Marcus, it's time to tell Valera, CeCe, Gustav and the others about
us. "