“No particular reason, Father. I was merely curious. It is not like you to not voice your suspicions, especially when you know they are correct,” I said.
“It is time for your bleeding, Claudia, and then rest.”
With that, my questioning about what he did or did not know about Miss Lucy’s condition was complete. I know he is certain of her condition. I cannot understand why he did not tell Dr. Seward what has besieged her, unless he desires for the good Doctor to discern it himself. He must know that whatever it is that causes her illness, it presents no danger to her or he would have alerted Dr. Seward immediately.
Chapter Fifteen
Vladimir Dracul’s Journal
8 August 1893
London
I arrived today in London. How strange and wondrous this new land is to me, nothing like my homeland. Carfax Abbey is nestled in the center of the city towards the older part of London, not far from the wharf in the more historic district. When I left my home, I placed Jonathan in the care of my brides, who, no doubt, will be dutiful wives to him.
Today, I will send my faithful servant Orislov to the shopping district in search of a tailor, so that I might blend into my surroundings with greater ease and be un-noticed. I am sure London will be much to my liking.
Many years I have remained in hiding, secure in the promise made with Matthias that I would not reveal myself, and would remain cloistered behind the ruins of my old home, the home I once shared with my beloved. Yet how can I ignore what has been placed before me when she has returned?
I can sense Ahbrim’s presence when walking through the halls of the Abbey. I know it will not be long before he once again enters my life, and the battle between us will resume once more. How it pained me to hide the truth from him. He was so consumed with saving my soul, yet I fear there is little left for him to save. If only Ahbrim could understand. If only I could have shown him how it was from my perspective. Alas, my life has been filled with many questions. It is the life I chose. No one chose it for me.
The letters Mr. Harker received from his beloved Mina gave me great insight into her life and daily aspirations. She resides with a friend while her fiancé cares for my affairs of state, a Miss Lucy Westerna. I have considered how I might weave my way into her life, the many scenarios that I could use to approach her. I find the most sensible would be to bring Lucy into my charge, for if she were like me, she then could easily influence Mina to dine with me at the Abbey. I will not force my life upon her. This choice she must make on her own, for I cannot condemn her to the life I have chosen. When I gazed upon her photograph I knew in my heart it was my Elisabeta come back to me by some strange force unseen, and I, her Prince, have waited centuries to find her once again. I pray fate is not cruel and this is not some dutiful lesson that I am to learn, for in my life I have suffered an ocean of heartbreak. I ask, is it not enough?
Carfax Abbey I find to be a wondrous estate, nearly mirroring the gothic structures once popular in the Old World. It eases the longing in my heart for my home. I did not know how deeply I would long for her once she was gone from my sight. I found the Abbey completely furnished at my rise this morning. Gaslight has not yet come to the Abbey, a formality that will have to be dealt with at a later date. I do not mind existing in candlelight in the interim. It is a kinder, more romantic way to view that which surrounds me.
I fear I will have to bring into my employment a large staff to maintain the Abbey as well as the other estates I purchased here in London. The Abbey, long empty and uncared for, is in need of a loving touch. I am certain many treasures lay buried beneath the dust that abounds. I hope to tour the other grounds, which I must make arrangements to do in the coming days. I am anxious to see if they compare to the splendor by which I am currently surrounded. If so, I must pen a letter to Peter Hawkins and thank him for the fine work of Mr. Renfield and Mr. Harker in their assistance and assessing my needs.
14 August 1893
Ahbrim’s presence is strong and yet, in a strange twist of emotions, I find solace in knowing he is here in this new country that I now call my home. I had hoped to begin my life anew without his interference, a folly on my behalf for believing I could exist without him, for each time I have sought a new life elsewhere, he has always been my silent shadow. His dedication and loyalty to me I find perplexing, even though they are traits I hold in highest regard. His pledge to me I long ago released in the hopes he would seek his own happiness without being bound to me. His vows to the Order he has kept in his own way and not as they had intended. My anger toward Ahbrim still lingers, but has softened somewhat throughout the centuries. Forgiveness I cannot offer. It is a trait I do not possess.
I have viewed the other properties here in London, and despite their unique beauty, they pale in comparison to the Gothic structure of the Abbey. She will make a comfortable home, one which Mina will come to love. I find the longer the desire burns to be in her company, the more she is in my thoughts.
I am not one to fall prey to the modern follies and beliefs of things such as reincarnation as the free thinkers of this age are so quick to accept. I cannot deny what I have seen and the memories she holds. How could it be that my beloved would return to me? In my heart, there is no doubt, for not only does she bear an exact likeness to my beloved, but her mannerisms mirror my Elisabeta. In her thoughts, I see details she remembers that even I had long forgotten. Our first encounter left me speechless.
This day we spent many hours sitting next to the Thames discussing world affairs and her desires. She is an accomplished teacher whose students adore her. Her dedication to the children in her classes is evident as she speaks about them. I see so much of Elisabeta within Mina that my sensibility and reason is fleeting in her presence. Love is not reasonable, a sad fact I learned long ago. It causes men to behave irrationally, to do, and act in ways not true to their nature. For what reasonable man would curse God and accept the fate I did were it not for love?
I watch Lucy from a distance to gage her transformation. She is surrounded now at all times by at least three companions. Mina comes now each day to visit her dear friend, enabling me to learn a great deal about those who surround Mina from Lucy.
Ahbrim comes with his young associate, a Dr. Seward, in pursuit of a cure for the poor, dear, Miss Lucy. I have no doubt he has assembled the pieces and knows exactly what plagues Lucy Westerna.
Abraham Van Helsing’s Journal
London
14 August 1893
Miss Westerna’s condition worsens greatly with each day that passes. In the years I have had to witness those unfortunate enough to fall into his hands, never have I had the privilege of witnessing the affliction from start to finish.
Her perception has increased greatly, nearly ten- fold. She hears that which no one else can hear, senses what no one else can sense. Dr. Seward and I have agreed keeping her heavily sedated at this point is in Lucy’s best interest. I admit it does little. She is not coherent and makes little sense when she is awake. It is not safe to increase the dosage or administer the laudanum at a more frequent occurrence. The rate at which her blood is dying has increased. She has full development of canines that are now ever present.
I considered at length if a transfusion from Claudia could benefit Miss Westerna, however, she has bonded with the infection at rate unprecedented. I have taken samples of both Claudia’s blood and Miss Westerna’s to conduct further experiments at Dr. Seward’s laboratory. If God is willing, a cure could be discovered for one of them.
11:30 in the evening
For hours I have toiled introducing Lucy’s blood to Claudia’s. My daughter’s blood is not strong enough to reverse the effects. Remarkably, Lucy’s blood, even though it is not in the final stages of vampirism, has slowed the process at which Claudia’s blood is replicating. Could Vladimir’s blood be that which holds the promise of a cure for those afflicted with the same blood abnormalities as my beloved Claudia?
I know he is here in
London. No other vampire I have encountered produces the infection at the rate of him. I last saw him in Paris nearly ten years ago. Our meeting was not a pleasant one. He harbors old feelings and hatred. How can I reach the man I once knew and implore to his sense of decency given what he has become? Would he consider such a proposition based solely on the bond we once shared?
Lucy’s companions cannot accept her fate. Quincy and Arthur make ready to guard her in shifts. I was forced to profess what I knew afflicted Lucy to Dr. Seward. The nature of his being is now known to her associates and the implication, the possibilities he possesses shall fall to the wayside, lost forever to the world and the halls of medicine. How I wish those words could be taken back, for now I must find Vladimir before it is too late. I must find a way to save him for the sake of my beloved daughter Claudia before death comes to claim her.
Correspondence to Amelia VanDuresburg
12 August 1893
My dearest Amelia,
I hope this letter finds you well. How I wish you were here with me in London. You would so love the museums and science tours I have taken thus far. This afternoon Father is to take me to see the cinematograph, a type of moving picture; they say it is a wonder to see. I am so looking forward to it.
London is so cultured and advanced compared to our Amsterdam. The fashions of the women here are astounding. They have such colorful patterns and prints to their dresses. Father says I may have a dress made for you as well which I shall have sent by courier as soon as it is completed, as an early present for your birthday.
I met Father’s former understudy only a few days ago at dinner. He is a nervous sort who fidgets continuously but is quite pleasant. It was one of his associates who accompanied me to the Natural History Museum only this morning. I must tell you, Amelia, the things I saw there!
They have a large exhibit on mummies from Egypt. How strange it was to see them so closely and how well preserved they were. It seems they have little idea how it was they did the actual embalming part, but they believe they used the harsh climate of the desert to dry the bodies and then coated them with some type of sap before wrapping them in yards and yards of linen. I found the entire process very fascinating. Can you imagine being so important that they took that kind of care in your burial? I can only hope to be so fortunate to have twenty in attendance at my funeral when the time comes. I know you are angry when I speak of such things, but I must be realistic as Father has not yet found a cure and time is becoming my enemy.
I am hopeful, though, that now we are in the company of Dr. Seward that he might be able to unlock the mystery behind this strange form of hemophilia that I possess. He knows many scholars at Cambridge whom he promised to introduce me to and to share my case. It does give me hope.
The case Father is working on is also a unique one akin to my own, but I fear her blood is not replicating as it should be and is consuming itself. How it is that there should be someone else in the world who would be my exact opposite is a mystery.
I leave in only a few hours to begin the fitting for my dresses and for yours. I shall give her your measurements and have the dress dispatched as soon as completed. I will write as soon as I am able to keep you apprised of all our undertakings.
With love,
Claudia
Claudia Van Helsing’s Journal
15 August 1893
London
I have not received a letter from Amelia, but I am certain one shall arrive any day, as she promised she would write every day that father and I were in London. Mrs. Billingsley’s seamstress was every bit what she told me she would be. I can hardly wait for the final fitting later today. I selected three fabrics for the dress I wish to present to Amelia. It will have a harlequin print bustle in rose and burgundy with the outer shell in peach crafted for her. She will be so radiant I can scarcely wait till our return to see her wear it.
I, too, chose similar patterns for my dresses with short wasted jackets in cream, moss green, and forest for the first; the second in peach, rose, and wine; and the third in rose, lavender, and purple. Father will say they are far too extravagant for the daughter of a physician, I am certain. But I have never owned dresses such as these, so a little indulgence he can afford just this once.
This evening he says we will have a guest who is visiting from abroad. Father says he has known him for many years, but that I am not to mention him to Dr. Seward or any of his associates, which I found to be an odd request. Who knows his reasoning? I find it is often better if I do not question him in matters such as these. He either becomes angered and dispatches me to my room or just refuses to answer.
I do wonder if he is an associate with whom he will be collaborating to discuss poor Miss Lucy’s illness. It seems the only reasonable explanation as I do not believe Father is acquainted with anyone in London other than Dr. Seward, at least that I am aware. I am anxious to meet another associate of my father. Perhaps, he too, is a specialist as Dr. Seward and my father. It gives me a sense of hope I have not had in many months.
Late evening
Father’s guest arrived quite late. He immediately sent me to my room. I waited until I knew they sat in the parlor before I crept from my room, careful not to wake Mrs. Billingsley or the other tenants. Father seemed very comfortable in the company of the man who sat across from him. I do wish I could have caught a better glimpse of him. He appeared to be taller than Father by the way he sat with his legs casually crossed. His hands rested on the arms of the chair where he tapped his fingers impatiently. I could scarcely hear their conversation; they spoke so softly, I assume to keep from waking the others. There was no laughter between them. The conversation appeared quite serious at times with my father leaning forward appearing at times agitated. After nearly an hour, he left without the formalities usually given before leaving. I was barely able to reach my room without being discovered.
16 August 1893
This morning I awoke to my room filled with braided stands of garlic and handfuls of wolfbane, my room garnished as though it were a dinner dish. When I questioned father as to why he had done this, his reply was only that Dr. Seward said they provided antiseptic qualities for the blood. I find it rather unlikely that an established man such as Dr. Seward would take to fanciful faith healing remedies in my situation. My father’s behavior becomes stranger and stranger by the day.
Today I return for the final fitting with the seamstress. I hope to wear one of them to the opera. I heard one of the other tenants discussing the theatre last night at dinner. I do so hope to convince father to allow me to attend. I have never been to the opera. Perhaps he would allow Dr. Seward or one of his associates at Cambridge to escort me.
Correspondence from Amelia Van Duresburg
16 August 1893
Dearest Claudia,
How delighted I was today to receive your letters. My life without you is such a bore. Planning for my sister’s wedding leaves me the constant feeling I shall never find a husband. I do wish that you were here to share in the festivities. You would bring light to the gloom I must suffer through daily.
Yesterday Miss Elise Stroup came to finish the fittings for our bride’s maids gowns which are the most horrid shade of mustard I have ever seen. I feel as though I will appear like a faded pumpkin of all things. Mother says I should not say such things and should be supportive as I will hurt Janessa’s feelings. Perhaps I am too brash.
London sounds splendid. How I wish I could have accompanied you. What majesties you must have seen at the mummy exhibit. Were you able to see their faces? Is it true that people believe that powdered mummy remains are a remedy for ailments? Did they have the royal sarcophagi on display with the jewels? I have heard tales they wore gold jewelry that was exquisite. I wish I could have been at your side.
Your gift of the dress is far too extravagant, and I would argue against it, however, I know it would do me no good. Therefore, I will extend my gratitude and thanks knowing that whatever you have chosen it will
be lovely. Perhaps when you return, should you be feeling well enough, we could host an afternoon of tea.
Later today, we are to meet with Father Geneonovo to finalize the last details of Janessa’s wedding. I admit I am not looking forward to attending. He is so stern and serious.
Your letter made my heart soar when I did so need it. I do miss you Claudia. Please write as soon as you are able and keep me apprised of Dr. Seward’s research and his associates at Cambridge. I will pray for their success.
I should also mention before closing that Geoffrey inquired about you and when it would be that you would be returning. It appears he is smitten with you. I promised him I would write you of his inquiry. Perhaps if the fancy strikes you, you may want to correspond with Geoffrey as well.
He would not be a bad match, Claudia. His family is affluent and well respected. I know you fear marrying and the possible complications of childbirth given what happened to your beloved mother, but Claudia, do not allow love to slip through your fingers. Perhaps some strange twist of fate unseen would allow this to be what cures you. I know it sounds fanciful and maybe it is but a dream, but I do so want you to be happy. Promise me when you return you will at least entertain the idea of having Geoffrey for tea.
It is getting late. I must make ready for church and Janessa’s final preparations. Write as soon as you can. I love you and miss you.
Your dearest friend,
Amelia.
18 August 1893
Memoirs of an Immortal Life Page 8
