Cassandra Flynn went through the dresses hanging in the wardrobe of her boudoir. It seemed to be filled with black and navy dresses but today was to be different. She finally settled on a long sleeved empire dress, white with an azure ribbon beneath the bodice. She rang for her ladies maid to come help her dress. She was a beautiful young woman, 25 years of age. Her face was slender with high cheekbones separated by soft gray eyes, a crown of thick auburn hair tied in a braid lay around her shoulder. Her lithe figure concealed the fact she had already birthed three children.
It seemed a lifetime ago that she had married Henry. He was a junior solicitor in her father's law firm and had shown himself to be a rising star at the firm. After completing an especially successful contract negotiation, her father asked him to join the family for supper. It wasn't until much later she discovered he had hopes that Henry and his eldest daughter might form an attachment. The seating was arranged such that Henry and Cassandra would be seated next to each other affording them the chance to become better acquainted.
At 17 Cassandra was in her first bloom and had only just started to think of marriage though there was no one waiting in the wings. She had little experience with men outside her own family. She'd met Henry before and liked him well enough but had never thought him a potential husband. At 25 he seemed positively ancient but she was sensitive to the fact that marry she must and a man regarded highly by her father was someone she should at least become better acquainted with. During dinner she discovered him to have a wonderful sense of humour and a gift for gab; he kept her entertained throughout the meal. After supper they adjourned to the drawing room where they were partnered in a game of whist where once again he kept her, her sister and brother entertained for the entire game.
When at 18 she came out into society at a cotillion he had been there. To her great pleasure they danced three times and her father was not at all displeased. It was that night Cassandra admitted to herself she was becoming attached to Mr. Flynn. After six months of dinners, balls and long walks he offered her his hand in marriage and she accepted him. Both she and her father were equally pleased. They married in the Spring just before nineteenth birthday. The first two years were easy and her first pregnancy was without trouble and Catherine was a healthy baby. In just three years she had gone from young maiden to become a wife and a mother. Shortly after the birth of her second child, James, was born two years later their idyll would come to an end when a third pregnancy followed shortly after the second. ***************************
They lived in a three level Georgian home in Dublin Ireland’s Rutland Square. A modest home of the time, it had six bedrooms on the upper floors each having it’s own parlour, two drawing rooms on the first with a dining hall and breakfast room as well. After she'd finished dressing she'd gone downstairs where she entered the library, sat at her writing desk and began to compose a letter;
“1 January 1805,
Dearest Charlotte,
I apologize for my tardiness in writing and I hope this letter finds you well. I have finally come to the end of my mourning. The death of James broke my heart. James at three years had become a little person. We would go to the park for walks and he would speak to me in his little voice we would converse about the birds and flowers. A part of me went to the grave with my little boy. Yet life must go on.
Priscilla was not yet 4 months. While I loved her as only a mother can I was not so attached as I was to my son. Perhaps it was unwise not to hire a wet nurse. Having all three suckle at my breast brought me very near to both of them. Will I do it again when another child comes along? Most likely. Even though childhood is a risky time for the children and myself I could not love my children too much. Henry will be pleased to have his wife back. Not that Henry did not love them both, he loved them dearly but a mother becomes far more attached. It’s my shame to say I was not there to help with his grief as he was for my own.
Catherine is doing well. She is young in age yet old beyond her years. She understands my grief. She is always there to comfort me and tell me of her love for me. If anything should happen to Catherine, I don’t think I could continue. My heart would be completely broken. But enough of this sadness.
How are you Lottie? Our brother is doing well in his new situation? Father told me you looked healthy and happy on his recent visit. Are you still seeing Mr. Bentley? I wonder if we’ll soon hear news on that account?
Do you think you can come to visit next summer? Catherine would so love to see you. She dearly loves her favourite aunt. I too would love to spend time with you, too. It’s been so long since we’ve had a chance to catch up on the latest news.
I hear Henry arriving so I must say goodbye for now. Please write soon, Charlotte. Your loving sister,
Cassandra”
Henry Flynn was a Dublin solicitor; he advised the well to do of the city on business matters. He was a man of thirty and three with dark wavy hair showing just a few flecks of gray and a fair angular face; he wore a blue waist coat, matching trousers with a white shirt and cravat. He entered the drawing room and was met by Cassandra. She approached him, put her hand on his shoulder and welcomed him home with a kiss. He was startled to find his wife so gaily dressed in white as opposed to the somber attire she had chosen since the death of their son.
“My dear Henry,” she began as she lay her head over his heart, “Thank you for being so patient with me. I know I have mourned James’s death overly long but I am finished as of today. I will cherish him always but I want to be your wife again; I want to be the mother Catherine deserves.” “Welcome back Cassandra! I have missed you so.” and tenderly embraced his wife. The governess, Marianne, came to the doorway with 7 year old Catherine in hand. Her mother and father turned and smiled to her and the nanny released her hand.
“Father!”, the little girl cried as she came quickly across the room and put her arms around her father. “Don’t forget your mum,”
Cassandra bent down and turned her head so that her child could kiss her cheek. Cassandra had not ignored her daughter but in her grief had not always been there to give her the affection she needed. “Tell cook we’ll be having supper together tonight”, Cassandra said to Marianne. During her mourning she had frequently taken meals alone.
“Right away, Mum.”
When the Marianne arrived at the door of the kitchen she cried, “The misses has a white dress on; she looks happy! They will be having supper together tonight!” “Perhaps this will be a happy house once again”, the cook said smiling broadly While not quite merry, the family's supper was more lively than it had been for months. “What say you we take a turn by the square when supper has finished? I’ve not had fresh air all week”.
“Of course, my love. Catherine, would you like to join your mother and I?”
When supper had ended and the dishes were carried away all gathered in the anteroom. The warmth of spring was in the air and summer was quickly approaching. Still they donned their coats and hats to guard against any sudden chill.
Once outside the conversation became more animated as Catherine reviewed her lessons of the day. “The French is doing well Miss Taylor has told me. My needle point is coming along. A little more of that and she will show me how to make a dress for myself. Piano forte is the most difficult; reading music especially. The playing itself is coming along though longer fingers would certainly help.” Her mother laughed at this. “Your hands will grow in time my darling. Keep up, the reading of notes is necessary if you are to be lively at parties and a pleasure to those around you.”
They took several turns around the square until it began to grow cool and dark. Returning home Catherine was put in the care of Marianne who would dress her for bed.
“I feel the need to be especially kind towards dearest Catherine. Shall we go upstairs and say goodnight?”
Henry gazed upon his wife lovingly, “Of course we shall. Bring a candle and lead the way.” Catherine smiled as her mother tucked her under the covers. She read to her from The History of Little Goody Two Shoes for ten minutes then kissed her goodnight. Once Cassandra and Henry had exited to the hallway she whispered, “ I’ve begun to make amends to Catherine tonight. I would like to do the same with you.”
She inclined her face towards his and he gently kissed her full rosy lips. “You’ve nothing to atone for, my love. I have never doubted your love.” “Then come to my bed this night. Don't think of it as atonement but my need for your tender touch.” “It is only but 9:00 o’clock.” he paused to put his arms around her, “You saucy little thing! I’ll meet you in your chambers in ten minutes.”
They departed their separate ways, she to her chambers and he to his. Ten minutes later he gently rapped on her door. She bade him to enter and he backed into the room quietly closing the door behind him. He turned and to his surprise he found his wife sitting up in her bed, covers pulled to her waist. The light of a single candle illuminated the side Cassandra’s face and breast. She was a vision of loveliness, her long hair untied and spilling across her shoulders.
Henry removed his dressing gown and crawled naked onto the bed beside her. Sitting upright he took her into his arms and kissed her gently her lips. Retreating for a moment he softly said, “God, I have missed you so much.” He resumed kissing Cassandra, this time harder on the lips. The tip of his tongue traced the line of her mouth till hers met his in the centre. Henry’s hand reached for and grasped the warmth of her breast; cupping it from below, he gently took it into his grasp then kneaded the soft flesh. He moved his thumb to her nipple and rubbed the nub quickly then lightly pinched it. Cassandra moaned, took his hand in hers then pushed it down toward her waist. She felt her need arising. Together they slid beneath the covers.
His wandering hand found its way to the more intimate parts of his wife’s body. Teasing her, he tugged at her outer lips, “Open for me, Darling, let me come inside.” he whispered in her ear. Cassandra was breathing hard, “ I want you so badly!” She said, wrapping her hand around his engorged cock. She found herself staring at his muscular chest, leaned forward and took his nipple into her mouth. Henry gave a little gasp.
Perhaps it was the euphoria of the moment or maybe the letting go of her grief but she had the sudden desire to devour this man. She played with the other nipple then moving toward the centre of his chest she kissed her way down to his naval. “Where are you going, Love?” Cassandra answered with a grunt then continued her journey down his body. She soon found herself eye to eye with Henry’s manhood. She had never seen it this close up. She pulled down it’s hood and could not resist the temptation to kiss it’s soft mushroom top. She wrapped her hand around the shaft then took half of the organ into her mouth. To her delight it grew harder and larger.
Cassandra returned to Henry's side. He forcefully pushed her on her back, spread her legs and plunged into her. She put his hands on his ass and pushed him in as far as he could go. Henry fucked her hard and fast. As her body started to tense she reached down with her hand and began to rub her little jewel, faster and faster until she began to feel her love channel start to contract. She let out a cry as her body fell over the edge into a blissful orgasm.
Henry continued thrusting until Cassandra could feel every muscle in his body go taught. He let out a grunt, pulled out and shot his load all over her tummy. Cassandra was shocked. He had never done such a thing before. Hovering over her body still he whispered, "You're not ready for another child and neither am I."
Finished, they lay in each other’s arms. Cassandra spoke, “I am still young, Henry. I hope to give you more children and a son to be your heir.”
As she said it even her heart was begging that she not become pregnant from this night of love. She had taken precautions earlier but they weren't always effective.
“Worry not about such as this. I am not so old either. Let us take time to enjoy ourselves and our family such as it is. If more children come, so be it. You are not my broodmare. You're my wife, my love and a beautiful woman .”
* * * * * * * ** * * * * * * *
Life returned to its normal routine. Cassandra and Catherine were able to spend a great deal of time outdoors walking through the city. On some occasions they would join a party of friends for an excursion to the countryside. By September the temperatures had begun to decline and a group of friends formed for a final excursion to the green hills outside the confines of the city A woman Cassandra was not acquainted with joined the party on this time out, so Cassandra made the effort to make her acquaintance. Jane and her son joined them for the picnic lunch that was packed for the happy event. It was early Fall and the temperature had already begun to dip so the party had dressed more warmly, The women and girls in a heavier shawl than previously and the boys all had all donned jackets. As the women conversed Catherine and Jane’s boy Sean were speaking together as well. In the course of the festivities Sean had a bout of coughing. All the festivities came to a halt. A coughing child posed a danger to all. Jane hurried Sean away from the others. The servants were called to gather up the remains of the dinner and all headed to the carriages for the ride back to town. Three days passed without incident and Catherine resumed her studies but on the fourth day she had a bout of the cough. The following day day the cough became frequent and harder. By evening her temperature had risen and tea was served in the upstairs parlour Cassandra stayed by her and coaxed her daughter to eat something though she had little appetite. The cough grew worse, ending each time in a high pitched whine. The doctor was called to examine her. After the exam he motioned for Cassandra and Henry to join him outside the room. He had a somber look on his face when he told them that Catherine bore all the symptoms of the chin-cough, (whooping cough). “I am seeing more and more children and some adults with this ailment. I will be honest and tell you that not all survive. There is but one treatment for this malady and that is to keep her warm, comfortable and pray. A small amount of laudanum when the cough grows fierce may be of some help.”
Catherine was never left alone. Her mother stayed by her side through the night, Marianne was there in the day while Cassandra caught a few hours of much needed sleep. On the third day the girl’s condition improved. Her fever had gone down; all breathed a sigh of relief. On the following night the cough returned with a vengeance. As midnight approached the laudanum the doctor had left ran out.
Cassandra was in a panic. Someone had to go to town, wake up the chemist and procure some more. Catherine’s governess Marianne was sleeping so Cass called her ladies maid to watch over the girl whilst she went out on the errand. She trusted only herself for the task. Since they lived in the city the distance was not far. She decided she could walk it faster than waiting for a rig to be prepared.
She moved quickly through the darkened streets and was soon at the chemist’s shop. He and his family lived above the store; she climbed the stairs and began pounding on the door to the living quarters. A maid servant in a nightgown holding a candle soon answered. “I must see your master; it’s a matter of life or death”
“But madame, it’s after midnight. Surely this can wait until morning.”
“It won’t. My daughter may be dead by then."The household had been awakened by the noise and the master of the house was soon at the door in a disheveled state of dress.
“What’s all this noise about?”
“Mr. Barkley I beg you, my Catherine has the chin cough. We thought she was better but the cough returned even worse than before. I desperately need some laudanum.”
Seeing her desperation he replied, “Of course Mrs. Flynn, let me get my coat and key.” They went down the stairway and were soon in the shop. Inside, Barkley mixed the ingredients and finally the task completed. He handed the bottle to Cassandra wrapped in a handkerchief. She put the bottle in her clutch and headed for the door.
“You be careful Mrs. Flynn. The glass is thick but the road is dark. It could be tragic if you fell and broke it.”
“I can’t thank you enough Mr. Barkley and I promise to be careful.”
Cassandra exited the chemist’s and quickly made her way home. In the distance she could hear a coach and quickly moved to the right side of the road. Looking over her shoulder she saw the mail coach rapidly approach but could move no further, the buildings flush to the street. It looked as if it would pass but suddenly veered to the right. The side lamp of the coach struck Cassandra hard, tearing the back of her dress as it passed. She was thrown forward then landed hard on the cobblestone street, breaking her ribs and puncturing a lung. She attempted to rise from the street but experienced overwhelming pain. Unbeknownst to her she had collapsed a lung as well as punctured a vein. The wounds were mortal yet all she could think of was how she had failed her daughter.
Sabine was a vampire. She looked to be about 25 though in reality she was more than 200 years old. She was tall for the time, almost 5’ 8” with long slender legs and voluptuous figure. This night they were hidden beneath a dark violet, high-waisted gown with short ruffled sleeves and a satin sash around the waist. Her shoulders and arms were wrapped in a blue shawl, her long black hair piled high on her head, crowned with a jeweled tiara. Her deep blue eyes and pale white skin were offset by the blood red rouge she wore on her lips.
Sabine was on her way home when she caught the scent of blood. Her appetite was satiated but she was always interested in an easy meal. Sabine expected to find a drunk or one of the many prostitutes working the streets of Dublin and was surprised when she found a Rutland Square matron crumbled on the ground.
She heard the woman whisper; " St. Jude, friend of Jesus, please pray for me who am so miserable; make use of that particular privilege accorded thee of bringing visible and speedy help where help is despaired. Save my daughter, please!"
Help had come,though not from St. Jude. It came in the form of the vampire Sabine.
