Dracula by Tracey H. Kitts

Author:Tracey H. Kitts
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Dracula, vampires, gothic horror, horror, gothic romance, werewolves
Publisher: Tracey H. Kitts
Published: 2015-07-31T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Mina’s Journal

August 10, 1895 – early morning

I should be sleeping, but I have only just returned. I feel as if a fire has been lit in my soul, and I cannot sleep. Dawn is breaking over the gardens as I write these words. I want to record everything as accurately as possible. Someday, I know I will want to relive these moments, and I do not want to miss anything. I suppose I should begin where my last entry left off.

I was waiting for Dr. Van Helsing to tell me how Lucy and Preston were fairing. When he entered the drawing room, I put away my journal. By his stiff posture and grim expression, I could tell he had bad news to report.

He took in my appearance and smiled. “You look far too fetching in men’s clothing,” he teased.

I rose and, as he put down his doctor’s bag, I took his hand. This seemed to surprise him.

“Before you say anything more, please allow me to apologize for my behavior last night. I stole away the guest of honor, shamelessly I might add, and I’m certain I caused you embarrassment, and likely scandalized your other guests. John, I’m sorry.”

He laughed softly. “No, my dear, I am sorry. It was my suggestion that you consider a relationship with the foreign prince. When you connected so well, I was jealous.”

I could feel my face flushing at this confession.

“Through our years of friendship, and especially during Mr. Harker’s absence, I have grown very fond of you. Perhaps I care more than I should.”

I wasn’t certain how to respond. I would never purposely hurt John Van Helsing. Though I did love him, it was not the way I loved my dark prince.

“There is much we need to discuss,” he said, squeezing my hand gently. “Please, sit down.”

“Is it that bad?”

He shook his head. “It isn’t good. Before we begin with more unpleasant topics, let me assure you that my guests are quite scandalized.” His eyes sparkled with mischief. “And they loved every minute of it. Even after you left, all I could hear was how this dark, handsome prince had obviously enraptured an innocent young woman.”

I burst out laughing. “They blame him?”

“Indeed. They believe he has some sort of magical sense of persuasion and that he spirited you away last night.”

“I cannot deny his charm, but it was I who did the spiriting. As far as scandals go, do you think this one will come back to haunt me?”

“It’s not as sensational as Oscar Wilde’s arrest and charges of homosexuality a few months ago. But yes, I have no doubt your name will make the rounds. However, with the entire event happening right before the eyes of any guest who chose to look onto the balcony, I doubt your reputation will suffer.”

John laughed again and the sound comforted me.

“I believe the charge against Wilde was actually gross indecency with accusations of homosexuality,” he corrected himself. “But you understand my point.”

“So, what of Lucy? I cannot handle waiting.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.