“Forgive me,” she said, stepping out of the way. “This is Van Helsing.”
“Yes, we’ve met before,” Jonathan said, reaching out to shake his hand. “Good to see you again.”
Van Helsing moved forward, shutting the door behind him as he met Jonathan’s hand with his own.
“Right,” she said, recalling what he’d told her some days prior of his work with Dr. Seward. Their care of Lucy.
Mina’s heart thrummed as she looked to the staircase. She’d been so eager to arrive, to see Lucy and ensure she was alright, but now that she was here, she was filled with fear. What if shewas not alright? Mina wasn’t sure she could handle it after all that had occurred.
“Come,” Jonathan said, “Lucy will be so happy to see you.”
Mina followed him up the wooden staircase, her heart thumping in her chest as Lucy’s bedroom door came into view. Jonathan opened it, and at first, all Mina could see was Mrs. Westenra by the bed, a look of worry on her face, until she saw Mina.
“You came,” the woman said, standing and opening her arms to Mina. They embraced, and as Mina’s eyes looked to the bed beyond, she saw Lucy—or rather, the ghost of Lucy. Her skin was pale, her cheeks and lips holding little more color than the white sheets she lay on. She opened her eyes slowly, the usual vibrant blue now dull.
“Mina,” Lucy said weakly. “Is this real or am I dreaming?” A soft smile brushed her lips. Tears pricked behind Mina’s eyes and she inhaled sharply, desperate to push the emotion away. Now was not the time for hysterics—Lucy needed her to be strong.
Mina walked over to the bed, sitting on the edge next to Lucy and taking her dearest friend’s cold hand within hers. “It’s real,” Mina whispered. “I am here.”
“I was so worried,” Lucy said slowly, her voice scratchy. “You never answered my letters.”
Mina reached out, brushing a strand of blonde hair from Lucy’s face, feeling as though she were looking at a muchyounger version of her. Mina considered telling Lucy her suspicions about the letters, but it was clear her friend could take no distress in her state.
“I’ll explain it all to you soon,” Mina said. “How have you been? How is Arthur?” She didn’t particularly care about how Arthur was, but she knew it would bring Lucy joy to discuss.
As expected, her eyes lit up through the haze of them. “Arthur is wonderful. We’re engaged.” Lucy lifted her other arm from where it had been flat at her side, showing off a sparkling diamond ring.
“Oh, Lucy, that’s wonderful,” Mina said, her eyes suddenly brimming with tears. “You must tell me all about it.”
Lucy smiled weakly. “Yes. It was all so . . . joyous.” Lucy blinked slowly, and it was clear that she was growing fatigued even from this conversation.
“We have time,” Mina said softly, unsure of whether the words were true. “Rest now.”
“You won’t leave, will you?” Lucy asked, worry in her blue eyes.
“I won’t,” Mina said. “I’ll let you rest, but I’ll be just downstairs.”
Lucy nodded softly, sleep seeming to draw her back in. Guilt pooled in Mina’s stomach as she slowly moved from Lucy’s bedside, leaving her to rest while her mother watched over her, a basket of knitting on the floor next to her.
As Mina stepped out into the hallway with Jonathan, she found that Van Helsing had already returned downstairs, perhaps giving them a moment alone.
“How long has she been like this?” Mina whispered as they walked down the creaky steps.
“Some weeks,” Jonathan said. Then, lowering his voice even further, “Her condition has been worsening.”
Mina fell quiet, thinking back to what Van Helsing had told her prior—his theory of the connection between Lucy and the Count returning to England. As she reached the first floor and turned right into the small living room, she found both Van Helsing and Dr. Seward there, their voices hushed and their postures tense.
“Dr. Seward,” Mina said with her best attempt at a smile. “Lovely to see you.”
He returned her smile when his eyes landed upon her. “Miss Murray, I am pleased to see you are well. I wish it were under better circumstances that we should meet again.”
Mina swallowed. “Dr. Seward, I need you to be honest with me about Lucy’s condition.” She flicked a glance to Van Helsing, whose gaze was on her. “Van Helsing has shared his beliefs about the origin of Lucy’s ailment. Are you in agreement?”
Dr. Seward was silent at first, looking at Van Helsing, then at Jonathan. He took a step toward Mina, his voice soft as he said, “Miss Murray, I assure you, we are doing everything in our power to ensure Lucy’s health returns fully.”
“Might I speak with you a moment, Miss Murray?” Van Helsing said, agitation clear in his eyes.
“You may speak with me right here,” she said. “Anything you say to me can be shared with Dr. Seward and Jonathan.” She turned then, looking at the doctor. “As I hope all will be shared with me.”
