"Freda Warrington - Dracula the Undead" - читать интересную книгу автора (Warrington Freda)

Dracula. There is something significant, almost magical about the figure seven; it seems
an anniversary of great meaning, coinciding as it does with the new century. It is like the
crossing of a symbolic bridge. Quite irrational, yet very potent, so Van Helsing says. At
least, that is how he explains the sudden dwelling of our thoughts, in recent months, on
the events of seven years ago.
As I sit in my study, contemplating the garden through the tangle of pink climbing
roses that droops across the window, I cannot help reflecting upon our happiness since
Mina and I came to live in Exeter, in the house of my dear late friend Mr Hawkins, who
was as much a father and mentor as a kind employer to me. We miss him still, and it feels
wholly right that we have made his home our own. It was what he wished. Mina and I
have had every reason for contentment (excepting only the frequent illnesses of our boy).
Why, then, is it, that of late I have been plagued by memories and nightmares of Dracula?
Mina, I know, thinks that I have never been my old self since my ordeal at Castle
Dracula. I have been happy; I thought the ghosts would slumber for ever. But several
times in past months I have woken, sweating and trembling, from some oppressive dream
of a smothering darkness, of dust-laden cobwebs and malevolent scarlet eyes.
Van Helsing says that it is a natural working of the mind, to submerge bad memories
for a time, then to be ambushed by their sudden return to the surface. There is a lingering
terror that the monster is not truly gone; that time has deceived one's memory. The good
professor's solution is drastic. 'A journey back over the old ground will serve a dual
purpose,' he said. 'First, to reassure ourselves that the evil was, indeed, utterly destroyed,
to drive out sick imaginings with healthy reality. Second, to perform a Christian rite at
the spot, to bless it and thus ensure - for the sake of that country and of Dracula himself,
as much as our own - that the haunts of the monster are cleansed and his wretched soul
truly at peace. To that end, all those of our little band who survived must go; that is, Mina
and Jonathan, Lord Godalming, Dr Seward, and myself.'
I confess, I do not want to go. The thought fills me with panic. But Mina is in accord
with Van Helsing, even though it will mean her being separated from Quincey for several
weeks. If she thinks it is important enough to leave the boy, then I cannot argue.
Well, I have made my decision. We must go; I must face my fears. Yet I have the
gravest reservations. At the very thought of Transylvania, a darkness presses on my eyes
and my heart tries to lift out of my chest in cold terror. A brandy. God help me hide these
fears from Mina!
Memo: Must ask Joseph to cut away these roses from the window. They are
overblown, they obscure the view and their thorns scratch at the window. If they are not
pruned, I believe they will choke the whole house.
 LETTER, MINA HARKER TO QUINCEY HARKER
14 July, Buda-Pesth
My darling Quincey,
Did you receive our letter of yesterday? That was written on the train from
Vienna, but we are now arrived in Buda-Pesth and the city is beautiful. Cities, I
should say, since the River Danube divides the two parts. We showed you on the
map before we left, do you remember? Papa and I have been strolling around some
magnificent buildings of every imaginable style. I wish you were with us. There
are delightful fountains everywhere, which you would love. One day, when you
are older and stronger, you will travel with us, I promise.
We are staying here for two days, before travelling south and east to see the
mountains of Transylvania. Then it will be time to begin our journey home.
Pleasant as it is to travel, it will be so much more exciting to see you again!
I hope you are feeling stronger and eating well. The fresh summer air is good