Chapter XVI

I put my easel in the garden and started to paint some roses. In my visual line there was this metal bench that looked very old. I liked it and I decided to add it in the painting.
As I was painting I had another vision. This time I saw Blanche sitting on that bench alone. She was holding a pink rose in her hand.

Blanche looked so innocent and peaceful. I decided to add her to my painting and name it Solitude.

I must have spent hours working at the painting. I was only half finished when I stopped painting.

It was getting dark so I covered the painting and went inside.

Ademar was waiting for me in the living room.
"Did you talk with Adele?"
"You mean to say with my grandmother! Yes, we had a very interesting discussion!"
"She told you everything!"
"Yes, she did but not everything! I cannot believe that my parents were not my real parents. They lied to me!"
"They did it to protect you!"
"You knew, why didn't you tell me?"
"It was not my right to do so. I hope you can forgive me for keeeping the secret but Adele wanted it this way."
"I am not mad at you for not telling me. To be honest I am happy that I have a grandmother."
"I am glad to hear it!"
"Adele did not tell me who is this woman called Charlotte Darlington?"
"Forget about her! She is not important."
"Not important? My mother gave me away to protect me from her! She is the reasons I grew up far away from here! I hate her!"
"She is far away from here now. She cannot hurt you anymore. Charlotte thinks you are dead. Before your mother gave you away to Caroline, she spread the rumour that you died when you were born."
"I still hate her even though I do not know her. Because of her I never got to meet my biological mother."
"Do not be sad. I do not like it when you are sad!"
Ademar embraced me. His embrace was warm and protective. He kissed me and I returned his kiss.

Who is Charlotte Darlington? My grandmother and Ademar refused to tell me who she is to protect me. Why do I have this feeling that she is a vampire too and a very dangerous one? Also I think she had something to do with Blanche's death.

I went to my room to change and I found the blueprints of the castle on the bed. I did not have the time to look over them so I put them on the vanity.

I wanted to read from Blanche's diary. I did not even remember the last time I took it out of its hiding place.
I sat comfortably on my bed and began to read.

*Monday 27th of June 1693

Today was one of my favourite days. I am so happy that Ademar proposed to me yesterday. He gave me a vintage engagement ring with a pink diamond in the shape of a tear that has been in the family for centuries. It belonged to his mother. Now it is mine.
I cannot believe I am engaged now to the man I love! I am so lucky!
My mother already started to plan my wedding! She wants a big wedding with many guests. I want a simple and intimate wedding. I do not need all those people to come to my wedding. Most of them I do not even know. Ademar also wants a simple wedding with close friends and family attending.
I cannot wait to try on my wedding dress. My father will pay for it. The dress will be custom made for me in Paris at a famous couturier.
In a few days I will go to Paris for my first wedding dress fitting.
You only get married once in life so I want to be the most beautiful bride for Ademar.
*
How sad that Blanche never got married to Ademar.
What happened to her? Ademar told me that Blanche never really loved him but I do not believe this. Blanche loved Ademar.
Why did he think that she did not love him?

As I was reading my phone rang. Julia was calling me.
"Hello, Julia! How are you?"
"How am I? How are you? You have not called me in ages!"

Ages? Now she was exaggerating!

"I am fine! I started working on a new painting. I hope to finish it tomorrow."
"Good, I am glad to hear it. When do you think I can come to visit you? I need a vacation. I have been working like a maniac. I need a break."
"You can come to visit me next week. How long do you want to stay?"
"I do not know, a week maybe."
"I suggest you buy your plane tickets."
"Oh, I am so excited! I cannot wait to see you!"
"I cannot wait to show you the castle!"

I put back the diary in its hiding place and left my room through the secret passageway behind the mirror. I ended up in the library just like Ademar said.
Whenever I want to read something I can come to the library this way.
The last time I was here I fell asleep reading a book and Ademar found me.

The library was engulfed in darkness. The windows were covered by thick drapes to prevent sunlight from coming into the large room.
I pulled the drapes a little to let the sunlight
inside the room.
Then I heard footsteps outside the library and the door opened.

Ademar stared at me amazed. He was astonished to see me like this.
I was standing in front of the window facing him surrouded by sunlight. With my loose blonde hair and a white maxi dress on, I must have looked like an angel from Heaven.
"I was right you are an angel, mon ange."