Beauty and the Vampire (Book 1) by Demelza Brown

Author:Demelza Brown [Demelza Brown && Em Brown]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Demelza Brown
Published: 2022-02-09T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

Having forgotten to tell Miss Daliyah that, lest she still had biscuits and jam, there would be naught to serve for dessert, Addison decided to return to the kitchen before heading out in his feigned search for Mr. Phillips. As he proceeded down the corridor, he thought he heard a door close and came upon Jeremy.

“I thought you had gone to find Mr. Phillips,” the footman said.

“I am about to,” Addison replied, “but I wish to have a word with Miss Daliyah before I go.”

“We are all rather worried about Mr. Phillips, as it seems he has been gone for nearly the entire day. Perhaps I can convey your word to Miss Daliyah so that you need not tarry.”

Jeremy sounded oddly eager to be of service, a quality Addison had not suspected the young man to possess.

“Very well. I merely wish to inform her that there is nothing in the way of dessert to be served, but that I will go into town the morrow and purchase a pie or cake for dinner.”

“Is that necessary? We might be on our way before dinner.”

Addison hesitated before replying, “Quite right.”

He turned to leave but stopped when he thought he heard thudding. Turning back around, he asked Jeremy, “What is that?”

“Hm? To what do you refer, Mr. Brooke?”

Addison strained to hear. The thudding continued. “That sound.”

Jeremy returned a quizzical look.

How did he not hear? Addison wondered as he walked in the direction of the sound.

“Has some animal got into the castle, perhaps?” Jeremy inquired.

The sound grew louder as Addison neared the door that led down to the dungeon. What the devil…?

Standing before the door, there was no denying the pounding from behind it and the muffled cries of help. Grabbing onto the latch, he quickly heaved the door open. Miss Daliyah tumbled into his arms.

How did she end up there? Why was she there?

But he set aside the questions in favor of holding Miss Daliyah, who shivered against him. Despite the questionable propriety, she held onto his arms, not unlike a scared child seeking comfort and safety from an adult. Her eyes were closed, as if she were afraid of what she might see.

Addison wondered with dread if she had she seen the contents of the dungeon.

“Miss Daliyah, are you unwell?” he asked. Despite his concerns, he could not help but enjoy the feel of her in his arms. He wanted to hold her closer and wrap her in a comforting embrace.

“What were you doing down there, Daliyah?” Jeremy asked. “I thought you were in the kitchen?”

Realizing where she was, Miss Daliyah pulled away. She looked at Jeremy. Addison caught him giving her a stern look.

“I thought the stew might benefit from some wine,” she said, her voice slightly trembling.

“That door leads not to the cellar,” he informed her, picking up the candle she had dropped and handing it back to her. “Are you certain you are well? Perhaps I should stay and make the dinner?”

“No! You must go in search of Mr.

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