The Vampyre by Kate Kimbrell

Author:Kate Kimbrell [Kimbrell, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-11T16:00:00+00:00

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Dinner with Horris and Clementine was a pleasure. He had his staff prepare fresh fish, stuffing, roasted vegetables, and yeast rolls all adorned with a delightful sauce. I had been queasy from much of the food on the train, but having skipped a meal earlier in the day, I was utterly famished. I noted most curiously that although Clementine devoured her meal happily, the gentlemen did not eat. Instead, they enjoyed two bottles of German Riesling. It was becoming more apparent that whatever William was, so, too was Horris.

Watching William with Horris was a treat in itself. He roared with laughter, spoke of old times in New York and London, and relaxed in his chair, rolling up his sleeves and undoing the top buttons of his shirt. All rules of decorum seemed to fly out the window in the presence of his friend, his brother as he often referred to Horris. I looked upon him with intrigue and love, seeing this playful and authentic William was a gift to me.

The following morning we ate fresh cream and berries from the local farm for breakfast, rather, Clementine and I ate. The staff had made a delightful sourdough bread to accompany it, and in my state, I was ravenous. William and Horris talked of business in the south, and I learned they had been partners for many years, but, Horris said, always brothers first.

Horris leaned across the table toward me, “He might not look it, but Will really is older than I am,” he chuckled, giving a wink. His gray eyebrows bounced up and down in mischief causing Clementine to giggle, her hand coming to rest affectionately on his shoulder.

“I suppose one could say some of us age better than others, Horris,” William’s shoulder rose and fell, “I could practically be a father to you.” His tone was light, teasing and yet there was a certain undercurrent to it. I cut my eyes at him, adding this to my growing list of suspicions while Horris roared with laughter.

“It is true, shall I call you Pa from now on?”

“I expect to be addressed as such accordingly!”

After breakfast had been cleared away, and entirely too much wine had been consumed between the two of them already, William sauntered into the foyer where he collected his hat and walking cane.

“Where are we off to?” I inquired, from my peripheral I watched Horris whisper something in Clementine’s ear.

“Not ‘we’, my love. Horris and I are heading to the docks. My shipment is arriving early, we won’t be long.” He gently pecked my lips. “Clementine will keep you company, perhaps you can go for a stroll together?”

“Oh, that sounds lovely! We can also enjoy the gardens out back, Mrs. Blackwell, it is your choice.” Clementine hooked her arm through mine. Horris bowed at the waist and rushed out the door with William on his tail. I stood immobile, anger filling every cell in my body.

“I’ll have them put the kettle on for some tea,” Clementine said after a moment, moseying into the kitchen.

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