64 The undead society

"I have seen a portrait where the four members of the lord's family were painted." Belle revealed this to her aunt as they sat together having dinner. She frowned at her thought, "But no one spoke anything of her," until now.

A welcome party. She pondered.

"It may have been some sort of punishment to the vampiress." Philippa answered in an uncertain tone, and Belle nodded in agreement.

"Did you buy any shoes?"

"Oh yes." She had almost forgotten about the shoes she had bought. When she was done with her meal, Belle went to bring the shoes.

Seeing the shoes on her niece's hand, Philippa nodded in appreciation for her choice.

Belle retired to her room, feeling more exhausted than she felt on her last work day. All she wanted to do now was fall into bed and take a deep sleep, but she did not.