With apologies to Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley….Thanks to Nel and DD Fan, for the inspiration…This is strictly a G rated tale and in some way it may be more of a Max-Fran story….happy Halloween! By the way, Shelley's tale and Soker's tale were written about 70 years or more apart so I used my own timeline.

Halloween

by

Dee Dee
(ddn2cc@yahoo.com)

As Maxwell neared Castle Babcockula in Transylvania, he glanced up and saw a structure that seemed to have been carved out of the mountainside.

It was foreboding.

He should have paid attention to the tingling hairs on his arms, but thinking of the money to be made for his law firm, he told the carriage driver to travel on.

This night the moon was glowing brightly which made travel at nighttime possible.

It was late into the night when the carriage finally made its way to the Keep's door. Maxwell had expected to have to wake someone, but to his surprise there were lights glowing from inside. That's so unusual, thought Maxwell.

As quickly as Maxwell exited the carriage with his bags, the driver cracked the whip and the coach and driver were gone…the wheels rattling on the stony path indicating just how fast the driver wanted to get away from the place.

That too should have been a warning.

Maxwell reached for the hinged doorknocker and as he turned loose it flew back to the wooden door with a reverberating thud. As he reached for the brass handle again, the door opened with a creaking sound that made him think: those door hinges really need to be oiled.

Maxwell couldn't keep the surprise from showing on his face when the door opened.

Before him stood a man, at least he thought him a man, with a pale, pasty complexion. That was only outdone by the square and flat shape of his head. Maxwell thought, too much inbreeding in his family.

"Yes," said the square head fellow with a voice so deep and slow that it seemed to take him forever to utter that one word.

"I'm Maxwell Van Helsing Sheffield." At this point Maxwell handed the man his card with a letter of introduction. "I've come from London on behalf of Sheffield and Sheffield Solicitors, the law firm hired by the Contessa Babcockula."

"I'm Frankeniles, a loyal servant of Contessa Babcockula. I will tell her you have arrived," before Maxwell could stop him, Frankeniles was gone. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.

Maxwell wondered if it might not be too late to disturb the lady of the Keep. Perhaps introductions should have waited until the morning.

While all these thoughts were dashing about his brain, Maxwell was startled when he glanced up the magnificent stairway and there she stood…a beautiful woman with long dark hair, beautiful red lips, and dark brown eyes. When she smiled, Maxwell drew in a sharp breath. At that moment he knew he was in love.

This dark beauty descended the steps slowly, deliberately in the manner used by a woman who knows how to attract a man's attention and not turn it loose.

"Hello. I'm Francesca Finestoker."

This introduction jarred Maxwell from his trance. This was not the woman he was here to see, but he was glad he had seen her.

"Maxwell Van Helsing Sheffield at your service milady," Maxwell responded with a brilliant smile that equaled hers as he bowed low to greet her. "I'm here on business concerning the lady of the house. May I be so bold as to inquire as to how I find such a beauty here and still up at this late hour?"

When Miss Finestoker responded, he took note of her voice. She had such an unusual voice, with a strong nasal quality. It was so unique that Maxwell found it as enchanting as he found the appearance of its owner.

"You will find this household keeps late hours. I myself have only been here a few days but I already know to sleep late in the morning and be prepared to stay up most of the night. I actually arrived here by mistake. I've been hired to be a nanny for three children in a nearby home, but the wheel on my carriage broke and I'm having it repaired before traveling to my final destination. The Countessa was gracious enough to allow me to stay here for a few days, although for some reason Frankeniles first warned me to move on quickly," explained Miss Finestoker with a perplexed look on her face. It seemed that Miss Finestoker had a penchant for babbling when somewhat nervous.

It was at this point that the Contessa appeared, much in the same manner as Frankeniles had disappeared, seemingly from thin air.

Before Maxwell stood a tall blonde woman.

She had striking Nordic features for one who was from Eastern Europe. The countessa had a commanding presence and an even more demanding attitude.

"I'm Countessa Babcockula. I understand you are here to assess my assets and see what estate planning is in order. We can begin the work tomorrow, preferably after dinner if that suits you. You will find as Miss Finestoker was telling you we do keep strange hours. We are nighttime people at this place. I find the nighttime so beautiful. So full of life!" With that the countess let out a laugh that reverberated through the grand hall.

Maxwell said nothing and then in the blink of an eye the countessa was gone.

Frankeniles arrived and offered to escort him to the guest quarters, which were in the west wing of the castle. The castle was dark and damp. The stone walls seemed to be weeping with moisture.

There was none of the stateliness of an English manner.

The décor was bold and baroque.

The only wood to be found were the wooden doors, which were heavy and Maxwell suspected that had the owner had her way they would be made of stone just as she appeared so stoic.

As Maxwell unpacked for what he believed would be a two-week stay, his mind wasn't so much on Babcockula or Frankeniles. It was the lovely Finestoker who had all of his attention.

He drank the port that Frankeniles had apparently poured and left beside his bed and decided it was time for sleep.

When he finally placed his head on the pillow of the oversized bed, he fell asleep with thoughts of the dark-haired beauty that he wanted to know better. He hoped that it would be a few more days before she was off to her assignment. Such a woman should not be a nanny, thought Maxwell.

But Maxwell's sleep was not restful.

It was full of exotic images, wolves, strange sounds, and people talking in muffled tones in words he didn't understand, visions that made no sense.

Maxwell was surprised to find when he awakened from his sleep that he had slept through much of the day. It appeared that dusk was at hand.

He rose and readied himself to go downstairs.

Again there were the sounds of wolves baying at the moon. He found this very unsettling.

The sooner I get downstairs the better, Maxwell told himself.

As he opened the door to his room he found Miss Finestoker just walking down the hall. His mood improved immediately. "Just going downstairs for the evening meal? Or do we call this breakfast?"

"I believe Mr. Sheffield that we are required to dine at precisely 8 p.m. and I learned my first night here there are no exceptions made and no midnight raids of the kitchen. That Frankeniles makes a real fuss if you disturb his routine. As for the countessa, I just try to stay out of her way."
"Well Miss Finestoker, that won't be possible for me. I have specific orders to discuss her estate and her investments in London," Maxwell explained.

He couldn't help but think that he and Miss Finestoker seemed to be the only two normal people in the household. Noises and sounds of something scurrying about in the shadows seemed to keep him on edge…except when his attention was fully focused on the beautiful nanny.

Promptly at 8 p.m. Frankeniles announced dinner. He stood immediately behind his master…make that mistress. One look and Finestoker knew that Frankeniles was completely devoted to the Countessa, but the Countessa took it all in stride and seemingly treated the servant as if he were no more than an insect.

As for Maxwell Van Helsing Sheffield, Fran noticed that the Countessa definitely had a gleam in her eye for the new guest. The look said she wanted to possess the man.

Francesca thought Mr. Sheffield had better tread carefully; there was something about the Countessa that frightened Miss Finestoker. She makes my skin crawl. I don't know what it is, but I'm definitely afraid of her. It is almost as if she were evil in a flesh form.

Maxwell meanwhile was having his own struggles. The first was to control the physical reaction that started every time he made eye contact with Miss Franstoker. The other internal mental battle was over the every growing feeling that things were not right in the Babcockula household.

"I'll start looking at your books immediately after our meal," Maxwell told the Contessa.

Her response bothered him, especially when she said, "There's no hurry we may have to spend months. I suggest you write your family and tell them that your return home may be delayed by several weeks, perhaps several months. My estate is vast."

"But Contessa, I have many prior commitments…."
"No buts Mr. Sheffield. The matter is settle," said the Contessa in a commanding tone.

It was right then that Maxwell decided he needed to keep a journal to account for the entire goings on in this strange place situated in a strange part of the world.

When dinner was served he was in for an even greater shock. The meat was barely cooked. Not the kind of meal a proper Englishman would eat…even if they were known for eating kidneys.

"What's the matter?" The countessa sensed that the food was not to the Englishman's taste. "Should I have Frankeniles bring you something else? All you have to do is ask," she said with a smile that more scary than inviting.

Maxwell insisted that everything was fine as he forced himself to eat the barely cooked meat. He didn't want to know what the side dishes were and didn't ask but ate in silence hoping his stomach wouldn't rumble too much.

Miss Finestoker had made the discovery of how raw the countessa liked her meat on her first night, but thought it best not to say anything. There was a look the countessa gave her that seemed to tell her to be silent. For the most part the countessa ignored the female guest this night and this made Miss Finestoker most happy.

With any luck I will be leaving here within two days. Just two days more. I can make it, Miss Finestoker said to herself.

Meanwhile Maxwell turned his thoughts back to Miss Finestoker. I need to know more about this woman.

The looks exchanged between Sheffield and Finestoker were not unnoticed by Frankeniles and he felt a twinge of guilt over the fate he knew that awaited these seemingly innocent visitors to the countessa's home.

Frankeniles could tell that love was developing between the two guests and it was during this dinner for the first time in his life the obedient servant decided he would help the two escape the fate his mistress had planned.

I know what she plans to do to them and I won't let it happen again. It is time this place was cleansed of this stain of darkness, Frankeniles thought to himself for he was the only one who knew all of Countessa Babcockula's secrets….dark and dangerous secrets they were.

Later in the night, for it was well beyond evening, the group adjourned to a spacious sitting room where Countessa Babcockula maneuvered Maxwell into a corner where he couldn't escape her unwanted attention.

"Mr. Sheffield, please tell me about what it is you plan to do to make more profitable my holdings." The Countessa Babcockula said these words with a hiss; sounding much like Maxwell imagined a snake would talk…if a snake could talk.

Maxwell explained how the world was changing and how her estate needed to become more a part of the world in this modern time of 1796.

At one point the countessa leaned in very close, it seemed to the very reserved English man that she was being extremely forward. It was as if she were inhaling his very essence.

When he finally pushed his way out of the corner with as much decorum as he could muster, he felt as if her mouth had only been inches from his neck. There again the hairs on his arms were tingling…a sure sign of danger.

Unceremoniously he dashed to the safety of Miss Finestoker. "Oh Mr. Sheffield, I see the countessa has been getting to know you better," she said with a smile that revealed she understood his uneasiness at the scene he had just escaped.

"Ah, well, ah, yes. She can be a bit daunting, and imposing, but she really doesn't understand the concept of personal space does she?"

At this point Frankeniles walked in with a tray of drinks and Miss Finestoker commented, "The countessa can really put away the alcohol as well." They both stood their watching the regal woman, as she seemed to drink more like a man, having one shot of scotch after another.

Maxwell just raised his eyebrows.

At this point Frankeniles made his way with another tray of drinks to the couple who seemed to have something that the castle hadn't seen in a long time, a genuine attraction for each other.

As Francesca and Maxwell both reached for their drinks, Frankeniles slipped Maxwell a slip of paper. Maxwell decided he would try and slip away to read it. It was odd, but somehow he felt he could trust Frankeniles.

While initially the man's appearance had frightened him, over the last 24 hours the square headed odd-looking man seemed to have taken a genuine interest in Maxwell and this made Maxwell trust him all the more.

When Maxwell was finally able to find an oil lamp off to himself he read the note it had only one word: Flee!

Maxwell wanted to ask so many questions, but at that moment a great bat swooped down toward Maxwell.

Maxwell screamed as he never had before in his life and started running back to the rest of the group, but all he found was Miss Finestoker, standing with a horrified look.

"Oh Mr. Sheffield. You should have seen it. Suddenly the Countessa swirled around in that great dark gown she was wearing and started toward me with fangs bared. If Frankeniles hadn't stepped in I don't know what would have happened. I don't know what we're dealing with, but I know that the Countessa planned to have me for an appetizer."

Maxwell couldn't help but laugh at Francesca's food analogy.

"It's not funny Mr. Sheffield. We have got to get out of this place," she yelled, as the great bat that had been after Maxwell swooped down toward both of them.

In the back of Maxwell's mind he was recalling childhood tales of vampires and their ability to transform into a bat. It was at this moment that Maxwell knew what they were dealing with. "Miss Finestoker we have to leave now!"

With that he grabbed her hand and they made their way toward the front door of the great castle. When they swung it open they found two carriages waiting. The man who had brought Maxwell to the castle was driving one. Frankeniles had the reins of the other.

"Frankeniles do you really think we should split up?"

"Definitely sir," responded Frankeniles as he held his hand out to help Francesca. Even the evil countessa can't be in two places at once. At least someone stands a chance of surviving. If I may be so bold, it has been clear for the last two days that you are the one she prefers. I believe it best if I take Miss Finestoker to a place where she will be safe."

"Where might that be," said Maxwell.

"The village church. Countessa Babcockula won't follow us there. We'll travel an indirect route. Your driver will take the most direct route, and I pray you escape her. If you can keep your distance from her until daylight, then your escape will be complete. If not….well, let's just say it is not a scene anyone needs to see," Frankeniles said sadly with slumped shoulders.

The howls from the hounds were growing louder and suddenly there was the sound of wings flapping against the windows of the carriage. The driver ran off into the woods the moment the carriage came to a stop.

Maxwell was thankful that at least the countessa had come after him. That would give Francesca a chance to survive and with that thought his heart grew lighter.

Just when it seemed the beast of the night would penetrate the carriage, Maxwell decided to face the beast and he flung open the carriage door. "Alright countessa. Here I am," he said as he grabbed for a small tree branch that was on the ground near by. It wasn't much, but he would use as a club or stake, which ever he needed.

Then as the countessa took human form, Maxwell found himself in a trance. "You will lay down the tree limb. You will come to me," said the hissing voice of countessa Babcockula had invaded his mind. He couldn't fight it.

Then just as Babcockula was about to bite into the flesh of Maxwell's neck, the first rays of the new morning started to break through the trees.

The countessa was the one who had to flee.

Hours later Maxwell found Francesca and Frankeniles in a small inn.

Frankeniles urged the two to continue on and to get as far away as possible.

"But what about you old man," said Maxwell to Frankeniles.

"I have a mission to complete."

Maxwell understood. Frankeniles felt that it was his duty to rid the world of Countessa Babcockula.

Frankeniles explained to his two new friends, "my family has always watched out for the Babcockulas and I must be there at the end." Maxwell understood it was the way of the servant world and did nothing to try and stop him.

Meanwhile as he turned to talk with Francesca he found that she was getting into her carriage.

He thought he should try and stop her.

In reality she wished he would.

They had said so little to each other, but shared so much.

Maxwell knew that he would never see Francesca again having missed his moment to proclaim his love. He turned to have his carriage take him back towards England. They were headed in opposite directions.

But the story wasn't over for there was the fierce Countess Babcockula to contend with.

By the time Frankeniles made his way back to the castle, night was falling. When he entered the castle, there was his mistress waiting for him. Expecting him.

The anger in her eyes told Frankeniles all he needed to know.

His children would not be seeing their father again.

But Frankeniles thought, the countessa's family would not be bothered by her again, at least not in this lifetime. He came prepared to battle to the death.

The struggle was on.

She couldn't work her mind games on him, his family had years ago become immune to the power of the Babcockulas, but it was only the countessa who ever used hers for evil and tonight Frankeniles would put a stop to that, even though he loved her. He knew her time had passed…and so had his.

As the two who began the fight to the death, Frankeniles, thought, it is well that it ends this way.

The countessa couldn't understand how or why her faithful servant had defied her. "Frankeniles, what has caused this change? You at least owe me an explanation," screamed Babcockula as she swirled and stirred the mists around the castle.

"For years I have loved you, even though I knew you were evil, but when I saw you planned to destroy two people who were meant to be together, I knew I had to stop you. I still love you but this madness must now end."

"Frankeniles, you say you love me, but you intend to kill me? Don't make me laugh. You don't have the ability or the will to kill me," she hissed.

"Countessa, on that you are wrong," and with one movement as they danced around the top of a castle wall, where Frankeniles had maneuvered her during their talk, they tumbled off it toward a black abyss.

As Frankeniles brought a wooden stake toward Babcockula, before they crashed into the mountainside below, Niles uttered a curse that caused the countessa to shriek in horror.

The curse translated: Neither of the four families represented in the castle the last full day of the countessa's existence would know true happiness until a Sheffield and a Finestoker were married, as well as a Frankeniles to a Babcockula and that the marriages had to be for love, not for convenience or as a way to end the curse.

Frankeniles had left his family a letter explaining all. The Babcockulas' had always made sure their house serfs were able to read and write. Frankeniles further instructed his eldest son that the information was to be handed down from generation to generation until the curse was lifted.

Frankeniles also left instructions for his oldest son to travel to England and contact Mr. Maxwell Van Helsing Sheffield to seek employment, for Frankeniles knew that Mr. Sheffield would keep his word.

Little did Frankeniles know that the curse he uttered had already started to take effect, as Miss Finestoker and Mr. Sheffield would not find happiness together, at least not in this century.

However, both would expand on their tale of their nights at the Castle Babcockula, but in different ways.

Miss Finestoker would use a pen name to write a tale of terror in Frankenstein's Monster.

Sheffield, likewise, would try his hand at literature and create a creature of the night. He would borrow a pen name in part from the lovely lady he met during the adventure but would never see again.

He would call himself Bram Stoker. After all a proper Englishman could not be part of the literary or theater world.

…………………………

"Hi. I'm Fran Fine from Queens, is the lady of the house at home?"

Niles, as the eldest son, knows of the family tale and just looks at the woman standing with him. The story told by his grandfather and his great grandfather comes back to haunt his memories. He knows that the family curse is about to be lifted, he must ensure that this descendant of Francesca Finestoker not leave before meeting his boss, Maxwell Sheffield, Broadway producer, descendant of Maxwell Van Helsing Sheffield.

Just then CC Babcock enters. For some reason, unknown to Fran, the woman reminders her of someone, but she can't place her, but the thought gives her cold chills.

Niles is having his own case of cold chills.

Niles knows that he too has finally met his doom or fate, depending on how you want to interpret the curse, for he knows that if Maxwell has met his Finestoker mate then he has met his future. Before him stands a descendant of the infamous Countessa Babcockula only in this century the name is Babcock.

It was information that not even CC or any of her family knew, thought Niles.

Only the servant's family had been the keeper of the mystery now so long ago forgotten by three of the four families.

But Niles knew and he thought, "Miss Fine is going to shake this household up in more ways than one."

When Maxwell officially hired Miss Fine, despite his misgivings about her abilities as a Nanny the sun seemed to break from behind clouds as if it were a good omen. Maxwell too felt some connection with Miss Fine that first day they met, but couldn't explain it.

As Maxwell was telling Niles that Fran would be moving into the house with them, there was in the background a bloodcurdling scream…for Miss Babcock, unknown to Niles also knew the family legend.

She knew that her fate was sealed and that she would never escape the love she felt for Niles, just as she also knew Maxwell would be unable to resist the charming Fran Fine.

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