Chapter 69: 68 Fancy People Habits, Xoxo Nyx

“George, I’ll never judge a truly good person who had no more say in this than I did. All I care about is that you are safe and happy. Yes, I’m selfish and don’t want to imagine a life without you in it, but I could never live with myself if anything bad happens to you because of me.”

“That’s why you should marry Luke. He can protect you, take care of you…..” She sniffs.

“Then why don’t you marry him?” I quib. “Me and Luke?” she sniffs, stunned at the suggestion.

“Stiff as he may be, it’s obvious he loves you.” The look of disbelief she hits me with, makes me wonder if he’s ever admitted his true feelings.

“He said your wish is his command. It doesn’t get more Wesley than that. Topped with friendships make the best marriages, and you said you’ve known him forever. I mean, why else would he have made a full on Princess suite tailored to you?”

Again she just draws her brows at me, and rather than trying to explain it, I take her back to the closet. Showing her the clothes that are her style and size, the jewels that match her skin tone and shoe collection that might as well have been cobbled by magical elves to fit her narrow feet.

The more we get into the ‘true gentleman’, the more obvious that it is.

Him being ‘awkward’ or a human calculator only adds to the impressiveness. “Okay, for one thing, guys who know the right things to say have said them a thousand times.

Lucian’s clumsiness only proves his sincerity because he hasn’t made the effort for anyone but you. I mean, it may seem odd, but he’s honest. He’s also gay like you and just wants a contract marriage with a trophy wife, which, let’s face it, isn’t me. It’s you.”

“Kinsley, he’s like my Uncle,” George argues, and in one of my I know I’m right fits I track down Lucian via Xena, who’s entirely too amused by the situation.

“Dracula, do you want to have sex with George?” I demand pushing open the doors that I’m certain have bookshelves on the other side of them, making it a proper floor to ceiling library sans yet another fireplace on the far wall.

“I beg your pardon?!” I think it’s the first time since I’ve known her, George is truly speechless or soundless, considering her struggle for words in hysterics.

“Well, George thinks it’s weird that her uncle wants to marry her. I just think it’s weird that you want to marry me when it’s clear that you adore her.” I clarify without ceremony. “The entire East Wing is tailor-made for George, including the closet of princess dresses, shoes, and jewelry that could have bought a small country and has never been worn.

Not to mention the gardens that have every flower she likes, no matter how much of a pain some of them are to maintain. It’s clear that you love her, but said you were a ‘homosexual’ so if you could clarify, I’d appreciate it.” Outside looking in again, I know how I look when my mouth moves, my eyes bug, but no sound comes out as George attempts to speak.

“Thank you for the clarification Miss Murray,” Dracula clears his throat, puts down his book and stands. “No, I never have nor never will desire a carnal relationship with Georgianna. In laymen’s terms, I helped adopt and raise her along with Giovanni.” His voice is back to calm and clear and flat.

“Georgianna is the daughter I never had you see. It is my wish to ensure that she is provided for and protected. A bit before my hundredth year, I posed the idea of marriage to Giovanni, given my requirement as a royal. I had no other suitable options, and saw her struggling,” Lucian may not inflect his tone, but it is at the very least deep and calming.

It’s clear that he’s explaining to her as much as me, and the way that his shoulders unwind from their coil says that the conversation was a long time coming. “I assured Giovanni that I had no sexual intention, as I viewed Georgianna as much my own as his. It is the same contract and concept that I’m offering you. A legal convenience, and should you accept, I will see to your having a wing of your own.”

I gulp a bit at that, realizing more and more it’s not a joke and the reality setting in, when I think about every piece of the place I’ve been staying fitting George to a t. He may not be able to express himself traditionally, but the painstaking care and detail he’s put into her living space is flabbergasting.

“Daddy, never said…..” George pulls her lips under her teeth, looking between us. “You…. proposed,” she asks timidly.

“I’m not trying to upset you, and I would rather not be untoward, Georgianna, but as you know I am a very blunt man. The reason I am being so direct is because I believe in absolute clarity, and do not have the time or energy to waste,” the Count’s eyes take on a new, almost predator-like gleam as he looks between the two of us.

“I am direct, powerful and rather stringent. Most people have a difficult time approaching or interacting with me due to this. You… are entirely apart Georgianna, and while I have never had someone act so freely in my presence Miss Murray, I’m finding myself less and less opposed.

Even if I wanted to cut him off like I’m accused of doing, never knowing when it’s my turn to speak or afraid of losing a thought. I don’t have one to interrupt him. “It is not my intention to bed either of you. I may thoroughly enjoy watching intercourse, but only take male partners sexually.” It’s so matter of fact, even standoffish.

“I am a busy man, called away at all hours, and quite incapable of offering traditional affection. Still, I have long desired a wife. A life companion with impeccable character who is capable of the compassion that I am so void of.” His voice is completely flat, devoid of inflection or emotion as he continues his line of reasoning, but there is a lift in his features that says he’s hopeful. Happy even to be able to explain himself fully.

“I will require you to have at least one approved lover that is able to give you classic endearments and attention. This way, I’m capable of standing by the promise that the woman who accepts me, will want for nothing. I am mocked for my oddities, but feared enough that no one would dare question or insult my bride, in any respect,” the last part I can tell is directed at me rather than her.

“I’m more than aware of what an embarrassment I am to George. Mr. Gaines,” I snip in his direction while George takes my hand. “Don’t ask me why a street rat orphan keeps winding up in an Olympian’s sandbox because I’m still trying to figure that out for myself.” I admit licking my lips and letting the indignance play.

“I doubt I’ll ever deserve the generosity, compassion, or understanding that Georgianna has shown me. I love her like the sister I never had, and was just as against Mr. Farelli pressing me to move in with them as I had been George trying to let me live in her townhouse rent-free,” I huff, pulling to the death grip she’s squeezing me with. Still, as long as we are being honest, I’ll take the opportunity to get if off my chest.

“I hate being idle, feeling like the burden I’ve been. Not working or making my own way is against every fiber of my being. I’m also the first to admit that I never belonged in a fancy world like this, and how I keep ending up at places like this with amazing people like George…..” I smile softly at her as she pulls close to me.

“It’s a mystery wrapped in an enigma. I keep trying. Keep thinking that if I just commit or figure out some mysterious riddle that I can just be normal, and fit in. That I can have a simple, peaceful life, a second chance and contribute my part in society. We all know I’m a basket shy of a picnic,” I snort.

“You’ve both seen it for myself and have done me the courtesy of not calling me out, and still opening your homes to a madwoman, which I can’t thank you enough for. I just won’t take advantage, either.” I decide with a little stamp of my foot.

Straightening my spine and lifting my chin. I don’t want pity. I really can’t stand that anymore than being scared or sad or angry. I want to be happy and make other people happy because this world is so much more beautiful that way.”

I feel George’s squeeze on my already bruised hands and rush on to finish the strange, but endearing confession. “It’s true that what you’re saying would be considered inappropriate, if not insulting, as far as I’m concerned, but it’s also true that you are honest. Entirely candid, and have been more than transparent.” I smooth my features to what, I hope, is a respectful and encouraging smile.

“Knowing exactly what you want. Asking in no uncertain terms for what you expect….. for it…..I think that’s brave. I admire and envy the gumption it takes to be your whole self and not let anyone make you feel bad about it,” I think I’m saying this as much to him as I am to George.

Being someone who was mocked, teased, misunderstood…… No matter how ‘apart’ our bank accounts are, I do feel that association with Dracula. “What little I understand about fancy people’s habits, I am certain that I would be chewed up and spit out in five seconds flat as a Countess,” I incline my head to him, stepping back from George, who I truly hope considers it.

“I can’t thank you enough for your time and honesty Mr. Gaines, and I truly hope you and Georg…ianna,” he cringes every time I call her George, “accepts your proposal, but I’m sorry I can’t. I’ll leave you two to discuss it while I heat up some dinner for you.”