By the time we had finished, the men came back from their hunt, exhilarated because they had shot a huge wild boar with fine tusks. I was ready for a cup of tea, but instead coffee and cake were offered. I’m sorry but if you’re born British there is no substitute for afternoon tea. It’s in our genes. The cake was rather rich and I began to feel sick. I suppose it was tiredness as I hadn’t really slept for two nights. I went up to my room, only to find no sign of Queenie. I was now becoming annoyed. It would soon be all over the castle if I had to go and look for her every time I wanted something. I was half tempted to yank on that bellpull and send whoever came to seek out my maid, but I decided that she was probably in the servants’ quarters wolfing down cake and it would be quicker to find her myself. So I went down stair after winding stair and then that terrifying wall-hugging flight with no banister. I tried to remember exactly where I had bumped into Queenie this morning, ducked under an arch and started down a straight flight of well-worn steps. As I turned into a dark hallway at the bottom I could hear the clank of pots and pans and the murmur of voices. Then suddenly I started as I saw a figure crouched in a dark corner. The figure looked up at me and gasped.

“Oh, Georgie. You startled me.” She put her hand up to her mouth and attempted to wipe it hastily. “Don’t mention this to anyone, please. I can’t help myself. I try, but it’s no good.” It was Matty. Her mouth was bright red and sticky and she had blood running down her chin.

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Still Bran Castle
Thursday, November 17

I couldn’t think what to say. My only thought was one of flight. I turned and went back up those stairs as quickly as possible. So it was true. She was one of them. Maybe half the castle was populated with vampires and that was why there was so much tiptoeing around at night. I was actually relieved to find my room still empty. I got into bed and pulled the covers around me. I didn’t want to be here. I wanted to be safe and at home and among people I could trust. I’d even have settled for close proximity to Fig, which shows you how low I was feeling.

Tiredness overcame me and I drifted into a deep slumber, only to be shaken awake by Queenie.

“Miss, it’s time to get ready for dinner,” she said. “I’ve run you a bath and put a towel in there.”