In the duke's residence, Criselle and her two friends sat in the drawing room having tea.
Just after breakfast this morning, the vampiress went to the next town, Greenridge, to visit a famous seamstress and have new dresses made for the soirees she would attend in the next few weeks.
"Will the duke attend the soiree at Viscount Fowler's mansion?" asked Heather, a young vampiress of Criselle's age with brown hair and eyes. A teacup was in her delicate hands.
"He must be," said Stella, the other vampiress in the room.
She turned to Criselle with a smile. "Rumors say that Lady Finesse is to wed the duke and she will become the duchess soon. Out of all the rumors I have heard, I think it is the most believable. As a viscount's daughter, she holds higher status than any of the ladies vying for the duke's affections. Isn't that correct, Crissie?"