CHAPTER 04

Nathan's parents arrived, but Nathan was not downstairs to greet them. His mother was furious. Lady Laura told the butler to put their bags in their usual chambers.

"I'm sorry Lady Hawksworth that chamber is no longer available." The butler told her.

"What do you mean no longer available?" She asked him confused.

"Master Nathan had the chamber transformed into a bed chamber for Lady Cassie." He told her.

"Really! Are they here?" She said surprised but happy.

"Yes, mt lady, her parents are in the west wing and lady Cassie is on her chambers with her lady in waiting having tea. He said.

"Very interesting, and where might my son be?" She asked.

"He is in his office, he has been all day," the butler told her.

"Did he great her parents and her when they arrived?" Laura asked.

"No, my lady," he said.

"Find us a decent chamber close to my son and make sure it is clean and dusted. I’m going to see my son." Laura said

"Laura, cool your temper!" Jake said to his wife. Laura ignored him. She lifted her skirts and went up into the house then to the second floor. She went past the massive library to her son's office. She threw open the door,

"Nathan!!" Laura yelled.

"Oh, hello mother, I lost track of time, how was your ride here?" He asked kissing her on the cheek. Then Laura walked past him.

"I heard you made Lady Cassie her own chambers" Laura commented.

"Yes mother, I thought it best. We really don't know each other, and I would not want to cause her any unnecessary stress." Nathan said.

"What is this about a lady in waiting," Laura asked him.

"I appointed Susan her hand maiden. Cassie was really taken with her and made Susan her personal assistant." Nathan told her.

"She is making herself right at home, isn't she." Laura said sarcastically.  Nathan looked at his mother.

"That is exactly what I want her to do this will be her home; she will be the lady of the house. I don't want her to feel this is just an arrangement life will be much easier for both of us this way. Besides this is what you wanted, me married. So now you get to deal with whatever comes with me marrying Cassie. I must say she is quite beautiful. I saw them arrive from the window." Nathan told her then went back to his map and picked up his pencil.

"Nathan the party is four hours away; I need to go and check to make sure everything will be ready. You better get yourself cleaned up and looking presentable." Laura told him sternly.

"Yes, mother no worries I will look dashing for my bride to be." Nathan said. Laura stormed out and down the stairs to the kitchen and the ballroom to check on preparations.

The butler cane out onto Cassie's terrace.

"My lady master Nathan parents have arrived. The ball starts at eight, you are to be ready to be presented at eight thirty." He told her.

"Thank you," Cassie said and rolled her eyes.

Then she looked at Susan who was trying not to laugh.

"I have no idea what dress I'm suppose to wear?" Cassie said.

"Shall we go look at what is in your trunks?" Susan suggested. They went inside and opened the huge trunk. There were all kinds of dresses inside. Where was her wedding dress mother said she was buying. Most if the dresses were old and out of date. Cassie turned from the trunk not wanting to even touch them. Susan saw the look on Cassie’s face and stated going through all the dresses. She pulled out a black silk and chiffon dress.

"Cassie look at this dress it is elegant and has matching dance slippers." Susan said.

Cassie turned and looked at the dress but said nothing.

"How would you like me to do your hair," Susan asked her.

"Just braid it down my back and put the pins in it that are in the little drawer." Cassie said turning way. Her mother was up to something. She did not want to wear that dress to meet Nathan for the first time let alone his parents or guests.

"Lady Cassie can I ask you a question?" Susan asked going to sit in the chair beside Cassie.

"Of course you can Susan." Cassie said.

"Are you not excited about marrying Master Nathan?" She asked.

"I don't even know him. My mother is marrying me off to him to secure her status. I have no say in the matter. If I refuse to marry him my mother will for sure throw me on the street with the rats, " Cassie told her.

"That is horrible," Susan said shocked. She got up and gave Cassie a reassuring hug. I will always be here for you. Also, you need not worry about me. I'm not like the others around here. I know how to keep my mouth shut. Thank you for choosing me. The other maids picked on me a lot and blamed things on me because I'm so young." Susan said.

"Where are your parents?" Cassie asked her.

"There was an accident and they died in the fire. I had no other family so master Nathan took me in as a servant. He was very close to my patents, especially my father." Susan told her.

"Well I'm glad I chose you as well then, no one will treat you badly again. Susan I do have a question for you though. " Cassie said as she sat in the chair and watched Susan fuss with her dress.

"What would that be my lady," Susan asked looking over at Cassie.

"Susan do you know what we are?" Cassie asked her. Susan smiled.

"Yes, Lady Cassie I have known master Nathan is a vampire for as long as I can remember. I automatically assumed you were as well." Susan said going back to working on the dress.

"Your not frightened of us?" Cassie asked her.

"Oh, no not at all. As I said I have know master Nathan as long as I can remember." Susan said.

"That makes me more comfortable that you know. In a lot of houses the servant don't know the heritage of the people they work for." Cassie said.

"There are some here who do not know. But like I said I know how to keep my mouth shut. I don't go around telling untruths about anyone like others in Nathan's employment do. My lady I forgot, if you are in need of a drink because you have a thirst, I was given a key to the supply room," Susan told her. Cassie was taken back by what Susan had just said. They had a supply room of blood. This she would have to see with her own, but it would have to wait a few days.  Marcella came into the room with out knocking.

"You have not started getting ready yet!" Her mother asked her.