Page 42 of Stalk the Dark
Merry nodded. “Yes, of course…But you only just met him and…”
We waited as realization hit. It was obvious that Agatha had met this Henry guy before the fire.
“I suppose it’s been a while now, hasn’t it?” Merry said finally.
Agatha reached out to cup her shoulder, her stormy gaze filled with compassion. “Yes, several months.”
Merry fixed a bright smile on her face. “So it’s serious, then.”
Agatha’s face lit up. “He lives in New Town, and we’ve applied for a transfer for me. But you know how long those can take. But if you pay…” She shrugged. “It’s expensive, but Henry and I have been saving. We’re going to be married.” Her eyes glittered with joy. “He’s even found me a venue for my new store. Agatha’s Fashion.”
“I’m so happy for you,” Merry said.
It was impossible not to be infected by her enthusiasm. “You know what, I think I might need a pair of gloves to go with the dress, and a hat.”
“Really?” Agatha clasped her hands together under her chin.
“Yep. Show me your most expensive items.”
She let out a squeak of excitement. “I have just the things.”
The bell above the door tinkled before we could retreat into the back of the shop. The man who entered looked familiar, but it took a moment for me to place him.
Matthew. Ezekiel’s man.
“What are you doing here? Did Ezekiel send you to follow me?”
He blinked in surprise. “I…um. No. I’m…um…delivering invites.”
“Invites to what?”
“A ball.”
“The Exciatio?”
“No…um…a ball for the humans to pay homage to…um, their liege.”
I rolled my eyes. “Homage? Seriously?”
He frowned. “Yes. Seriously.”
“Why are you working for him? I mean, of all the jobs you could have taken, why be his lackey?”
His shoulders rounded. “I’m a Renfield,” he said.
A renfield was a vampire’s human puppet. I’d come across a few in the Fringe. “Yeah, I know you are. Butwhyare you his renfield?”
He blinked rapidly. “No…um…I am a Renfield. Matthew Renfield. My family is bound to the Tepes bloodline and has served him for centuries.”
Shit…wait…sothat’swhere the term had come from? Renfield was an actual bloodline?
He reached into his satchel and pulled out a crisp white envelope, which he held out to Agatha. “You are cordially invited to attend the Midnight Ball, which will be hosted at Branwood Castle.”
Agatha shook her head. “No, thank you.”
Matthew cleared his throat. “I’m afraid attendance is mandatory.”
Of course it was, and Agatha didn’t look too happy about it.
