Page 12 of The Highwayman's Bite

Chapter Five

Rhys stood on a largerocky outcrop overlooking Thornton Manor. Even with his preternatural vision, he had to squint to see the forms of Vivian and her companion practicing with their rapiers. This time, there were no skirts to encumber them, for both wore fencing uniforms of white breeches and jackets with protective padding. With the meshed masks that covered their faces, only Vivian’s slim form made her identifiable.

She moved with such grace and precision that Rhys’s chest tightened with awe at her beauty. The outdoor lanterns placed around the lawn made hers and her companion’s shadows dance like mythical beings, further emphasizing the perfection of the scene.

Rhys caressed the hilt of his own blade at his hip, wishing to spar with her again. He hadn’t felt so alive, so... stimulated, in decades. And if he were being completely honest, he would very much enjoy kissing her again.

Alas, that could not be. Not with the plan he had in mind.

Forcing the memory of Vivian’s soft lips from his mind, he returned his attention back to her deft movements. If Rhys was still human, she may have posed a challenge to him.

Her teacher had trained her well, and for an aging man—woman, this Madame Renarde was impressive in her prowess. Renarde wasn’t the first male Rhys had encountered that preferred to live as woman. It was an odd proclivity that Rhys would never understand, but he wasn’t one to judge how others chose to lead their lives.

Rhys was only curious as to how Vivian’s father had come to hire such an eccentric person to be her lady’s companion. Or did her father know that the companion was more than she seemed? Somehow, he didn’t think so. When not fencing, Renarde’s appearance and movements gave the appearance of a genteel matron.

Yet Vivian’s uncle knew and must not have any qualms. From all Rhys had heard, the Lord Vampire of Blackpool was a stern and implacable ruler over his small territory and even smaller populace. Only twenty vampires lived in this small borough. Which made it easier for Rhys to avoid them. From the week he’d been watching the manor, he already knew when Blackpool’s second in command would come ’round to patrol the Thornton estate and when Blackpool himself did his own inspection of the perimeter.

As long as Rhys stayed away during those times, he was able to remain undetected and spy on Lord Thornton and his niece.

In the last few nights, he learned much. Unlike many other mortal descendants who came to stay with the Lord of Blackpool from time to time, Lord Thornton seemed to genuinely adore Vivian. Aside from accepting Vivian’s unorthodox companion and not telling her father, Lord Thornton also permitted her to fence. Through the windows, Rhys observed them often talking together in the study, reading together in the library, or playing chess in the game room. Rhys had even seen the cold and stringent Lord Vampire embrace her. That meant that Blackpool now had a weakness to exploit.

And exploit it Rhys would.

Vivian and Renarde saluted each other with their rapiers and removed their masks. Rhys sighed in appreciation as Vivian shook out the rich, dark tumbles of her hair. He still remembered how soft those tresses felt between his fingers.

With heavy regret, Rhys watched them walk back towards the manor. He could have watched Vivian for hours. When they instead sat on a wrought iron bench on the rear terrace, he smiled in relief.

Their voices carried on the wind, but Rhys moved closer to hear better. This was what he was supposed to be skulking around for. Information.

Madame Renarde regarded Vivian with a concerned frown. “You seem out of sorts tonight, Cherie. Is something amiss?”

Vivian’s despondent sigh made Rhys move forward, as if he could comfort her. “I confess that I am not at all looking forward to the Galveston ball.”

“Why not?” Madame Renard placed her hand over Vivian’s. “You love dancing.”

“I know I do, but...” Vivian trailed off with a shrug. “For one thing, I have been enjoying the peaceful quiet in the country far more than I’d anticipated. For another, I’d assumed that Father sent me here to keep me hidden away until the scandal is forgotten.”

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