Becoming the Dark Prince (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #3.5)

by Kerri Maniscalco

Dreams. I would always choose dreams over nightmares. Light over darkness, and love over hate. And I would continue to make that choice forever. Each of us held the power to decide our own destiny.

I was no longer in danger of becoming the dark prince—the threat my father enjoyed taunting me with. I was Thomas Cresswell, and I was more than good enough to ask for Audrey Rose’s hand.

Dear Lord Wadsworth, I am writing to you today to formally request an audience at your earliest convenience. I wish to discuss the important matter of the possible courtship and betrothal of your daughter. It’s a bit unconventional, so I beg your forgiveness in being so bold, but I’ve already asked Audrey Rose if she’d permit my request. I realize you know as well as I do that she would tolerate no less from a potential partner. Equality is something we all ought to be given freely. Or at least I firmly believe so. I hope it pleases you—as much as it has me—that she encouraged me to send this letter to you at once. I want you to know I am wholly in love with your daughter, sir. Her admirable qualities run much deeper than beauty, though I could certainly pen a thousand sonnets to that. Her mind and soul hold me captive—and I am all too willing to stay imprisoned for the remainder of my life. I would like nothing more than to have Audrey Rose as my partner in life forever, should you offer us your blessing. Respectfully, Thomas James Dorin Cresswell, son of His Grace, Lord Richard Abbott Cresswell, Heir of Dracula PS I am enclosing two first-class tickets for you to cross the Atlantic on the next ship, should you like to speak in person, though I wish you a more enjoyable voyage than we recently experienced. We eagerly await your arrival at your mother-in-law’s home here in New York.