?
"Dear Mary Beth, this is the facade they choose to
hide their true goals. And those goals are...odd at best. It is not that I am
privy to their conferences. But I have been invited once to attend to most
uncharacteristic wounds a club member was suffering from.
?
And, and there is a strange odor at all times, too
pervasive to ignore. As you know, I am well accustomed to...all manner of
sickness, but what the so called gentlemen have been doing, is best described as
a strange experiment. I am at a loss to describe precisely what I suspect, but
if I were you, I would not trust the cultured veneer of the club," Van Hoff
uncomfortably confided. ???
?
Elizabeth sadly nodded her understanding and
sympathy with Heidi's almost unexpected confession. "I feel my old friends have
the same idea of me. In truth, I feel as if Victor's antics reflect on all of
us. We have become strange by virtue of his strangeness. As if it in itself can
affect us all somehow. How passing strange it is.
?
?
Yes, I certainly hope he will. I would rather he
did not chase some fancy?inside of his own mind, choosing it over the more
practical domestic bliss, especially if, I, representing the said
bliss,?wearied his imaginative soul with my practicality. So you don't
think he is weary of me then? How intriguing. Well, I am sure there will be a
man who will give you exactly?what you deserve, Heidi.
?
I do believe there is one for each of us, and it
can be a matter of time before we meet them,?" Elizabeth?spoke,
secretly?hinting at?herself and Cylas as much as Heidi's
destiny.
?
She may not?have been able to state her wishes
directly, but the implication alone, made her feel more somehow. She had so much
more to offer. Be so much more than a mere failed experiment. There were people
out there who would appreciate her new?essential nature, even if
the?misbegotten Victor no longer
could.????
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, June 1, 2021 11:18
AM
Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet
Dreams
Mary Beth had started to turn away, but then gave
VanHoff?a sudden look of shock and surprise. Gentlemans club? Doctor,
what is this thing of which you speak? It sounds as if it is merely men trying
to learn to be more…, She chose her words carefully now, cultured, or
gentlemanly if you will. But you speak of it as if it is a menace.?What?
Heidi was not sure what to think of Elizabeth’s fluctuating moods. She
looked down when asked about female friends. Not really mistress, she
admitted, sounding rather uncomfortable with the subject. Mostly they just
think I’m strange or something.
I’m certain he will feel better, mistress, Heidi replied when she stated
that Victor would feel better and would be more able to ascertain who was
beautiful, worthy and strong. But I am certain that he quite already sees you
that way, Heidi reminded Elizabeth. She looked surprised at the mention of him
loving someone more docile. I don’t see how that could be possible mistress, I
think he loves you in as much as is??humanly possible for him, and
yet I see that love doing nought but growing as the years unfold for the two
of you. ?I could only dream of a man to love me half as much, she
continued, although, I suppose all men like to be above their women at least
some of the time. God loves you.
On
Monday, May 31, 2021, 12:56 AM, Ishamael Moridin <ishamael13@...>
wrote:
"Mary Beth," Dr Van Hoff suddenly wondered, in spite of himself. "Did
you ever per chance entered this odd house in the neighborhood, the so
called Gentlemen Club?
?
If you haven't, I strongly suggest that you steer clear of them, no
matter the reason offered to enter," the doctor suddenly concluded,
uncomfortable with his own chain of associations.
?
He didn't even know how he wondered off, from thinking of his assistant
having a witchy blood, to warning her about a vague kind of danger, based on
rumors alone. Persistent rumors, to be sure, of the goings on that the so
called gentlemen were reputedly guilty of, but he was a man of science.
It?was very odd he had to keep reminding himself of that lately, so
very recently, after the arrival of the new patient in his household. A mere
coincidence, he reminded himself, experiencing a sudden chill.
?
"I'll need to ask Bethany to make?it warmer in here," Van Hoff
muttered out loud, favoring a rational explanation of his experience, over
any other, as, he felt, any good doctor should.
?
***
"An inner strength? In me? Oh dearest Heidi, I never even knew. That
you felt that way. I never thought anybody else noticed. Victor, well the
poor dear was far too busy with more important matters," Elizabeth bitterly
hedged around the painful issue.
?
"I thought only my new friend finally understood. Oh Heidi, the joy of
having female friends. Do you have any? If not, I strongly suggest to have
them. It can be so refreshing, to be seen with an unjaundiced eye. By
somebody who understands. I have never been regarded fairly.." Elizabeth
considered broodingly.
?
"But of course, all of this will change," the young woman darkly
promised, then realizing her words had the power of a threat, mended them
with an unassuming, if unnatural sounding chuckle.
?
"I mean, because Victor will feel better, obviously. And then he would
be able to be more objective.?About who is beautiful, who is worthy.
Who is...strong," Elizabeth suggested, her unnatural chuckle subsiding into
another tone of menace. She could not have even imagined how Heidi would
take such fluctuations in?her mood.
?
But Keres was right. She no longer needed to hide herself. It was easy
to forget. Slip into habits of?self enforced mediocrity. But it was
easier overall to remain herself, and this she vowed to herself she would
be.
?
"Well, Victor...yes. It is not so much a matter of freedom,"
Elizabeth's dark mood?turned into a thoughtful one in response to a
valid concern.
?
"I just...didn't think. I suppose I thought I had no choice on the
matter. Victor's love, he has such strong feelings for many people in his
life. Some women outside of this household told me he can be very cold or
quite passionate in his dealings, as I have discovered. He loves me? Well,
he could, at that, We were not a bad couple before Victor got distracted,"
Elizabeth admitted sadly, her general estimate never tainted with
inappropriate sentimentality nonetheless.
?
"His love is odd. I feel sometimes that he only likes me because his
family...treated me as well as it did, I suppose.?He likes to be above
me. But would he not settle for somebody more, docile? Or even somebody who
knows how to get along? I know not. Sometimes I think he could even fancy
you and Abby," Elizabeth admitted non chalantly.
?
She felt mildly uncomfortable, but at times, revealing truths about
herself?could lead to her being able to ascertain more accurately where
any of her staff?stood. ????
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2021 9:50
AM
Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet
Dreams
Mary Beth nodded, very well Doctor, she looked amazed that
the doctor was indeed following her suggestions. After all, she thought to
herself, who am I to be giving such suggestions as these?
Heidi blushed at Elizabeth’s complement, also watching the cheeks of
her mistress, wondering to herself why she, was also blushing? ?she
quickly jotted down the title of the book, yes I will tell Abby right
away, as soon as I see her in fact, Heidi replied.
As for strength and all of that, she continued, I have always admired
you, mistress, for I have always seen a kind of inner strength in you. A
quiet boldness, a rather meek sort of personality, but one which has much
buried underneath it. I have always admired you for this as I have said,
and I’ve always secretly wished I could be like that. ?for instants
it has always amazed me that you let master Victor have such freedom to
do…, Well whatever it is that he does. Many women would be hanging all
over their husbands, begging for the smallest scraps and crumbs of
affection from them, but not you. Yet for all of that, he loves
you. God loves you.
On
Monday, April 26, 2021, 1:12 AM, Ishamael Moridin
<ishamael13@...> wrote:
"Excellent, I shall order some right away," Van Hoff agreed,
marveling at himself. There was in truth something odd about him needing
guidance from his own assistant, her charms utterly irrelevant to the
unusual situation.
?
If he were not a man of science, he would have considered some
witchery in her blood line, and yet, whatever was the case, he did feel
natural following her ideas that began to seem as good if not better
than his own.?
?
"A...loner. You have such uniquely gifted words to describe your
Master, Heidi," Elizabeth allowed with a small smile at her own private
thoughts.
?
Her mind easily suggested the images of a maniacal Victor to her.
In the privacy of the basement, laughing, no maybe giggling maniacally,
she had conceived of it, was a more appropriate visualization.
?
Maniacal laughter, bodies at his feet, tubes, jars and always a
mysterious force barely having space to wedge itself
between?visible and the unseen, coaxed out of its slumber through
his deviltry. Loner indeed.
?
"And yet,?you are not wrong. Victor was...is, unaccustomed to
visitors. Rest assured, I shall help you learn the new skills. We women
have the strength?and adaptability that men can only envy. Even
such singular men like Victor. You'll see, you will get the?feel
for it?shortly," Elizabeth reassured distractedly.
?
The image of the maniacal Victor, bringing more fever to her
forehead, more, bizarrely, blushing, to her cheeks. Could it be somehow
because of Cylas? Elizabeth knew not, but did not hate the
thought.
?
"Have Abby order a book with instructions for you. I recall there
was some treatise of this kind penned by a lady Jasmine Wenworth,
everything a young woman needs to know about dutiful preparations for a
popular dinner, I believe it was called," Elizabeth considered, the
precise wording of the title eluding her, but the approximation,
hopefully serving to help in this new enterprise.
?
??
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2021 8:47
AM
Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate]
Sweet Dreams
I am most certain that we would need supplements of
some sort, Doctor, Mary Beth replied. After all he is not eating
really, we are going to need some sort of vitamins or the like.
Heidi did her best not to look alarmed. Yes one of those
magazines would likely be most helpful, and we may need more staff, on
a temporary basis as you say. Regretfully I have had limited
experience in party planning, as master Victor never really was that
sort of man. He has always been more of a loner as such.
It sounded to Heidi now as if she herself, had been the one
wanting the party, and that Elizabeth was the generous benefactor,
promising her that they would make it happen. But for her own part,
Heidi really did not care much if there was a party or not. She wasn’t
that much into all that sort of thing herself, and never really
remembered the mistress of the house being so.
She nodded, with a resigned, yes mistress, to Elizabeth’s
reassurance that they would make the party happen someway.
Heidi felt as if she were being somehow pulled along,
increasingly deeper into a strange, dark morass of,?she knew not
what. And yet, she saw no way to turn back, not without losing her
job. God loves you.
On
Sunday, April 11, 2021, 12:55 AM, Ishamael Moridin
<ishamael13@...> wrote:
"Oh rest assured, Heidi, it won't be a problem in the least.
Feel free to hire experts and their services. Or Abby can. Either
way, I shall supply resources and opportunities for both of you. The
local market ought to have a great variety of cooks, as well as meal
ideas.
?
I could also...procure one of these fancy magazines. For the
Home and Heart or some such. I want to say I have seen one like it
recently at a friend's house. Somebody out there ought to know what
would make a grand party. We shall make it happen, my dear. One way,
or another," Elizabeth promised confidently.
?
"And it shall be within two weeks? Do you think you can manage?
We can hire more staff if need be. On a temporary basis, of course,"
Elizabeth generously suggested, not at all perturbed by
the?financial expenditure. For all she knew, all of Victor's
money was covered in blood anyway, and she only wanted to use as
much of it?as she needed. No more, and certainly no less.
?
"An excellent idea, Mary Beth," Dr Van Hoff ponderously nodded.
Recalling what the great Mesmer spoke of liquids. Claims he has not
yet ascertained himself until he perused the treatise by James
Esdaile. "Do you think we would need further supplements, if the
patient reaches a critical point where no liquids are helpful? You
don't have to answer right away. If you think of something, please
let Ludwig know. I shall send him to check on your needs every now
and then," Van Hoff helpfully offered.?
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2021
10:31 PM
Subject: Re:
[A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams
Ludwig nodded at Mary Beth's request, with a smile he thought
should pass for polite under most kinds of scrutiny, considering
that it would natural for his normal bearings.
?
People have come to expect some gruffness from him and he
rather enjoyed. Bethany did not mind the gruff exterior, and when
he showered her with affection, the contrast was always in his
favor, which to his mind, was the main thing he would have in his
favor.
?
A good thing Bethany was not too picky, or else it probably
would not be enough for her, but it was, by all lucky stars. Just
thinking of that, mad his smile that much broader.
?
"Should we get something for the patient, do you think?" Dr
Van Hoff wondered, half talking to himself as if entertaining a
heavy dilemma. "We have injected a few substances, but I really
did believe by this point he would try some solid food as well.
How unfortunate, that he didn't.?It is your impression
that?he would appreciate some Oriental food? We have all the
necessities here but...oh well, probably less relevant at
present," the doctor spoke with a distracted kind of regret.
?
****
Elizabeth nodded in satisfaction. "Well done. Now we just
need to get ready. So many things to have done. Sitting
arrangements, flower arrangements, not to mention a proper meal
that would not shame people of higher station.
?
I swear, so much to be done. But I suppose," the young
mistress of the house tiredly rubbed at her eyes, the motion of
her right hand getting slower.
?
"We can do some?preparations at a later stage. You may
retire now," she graciously allowed, realizing she could still
catch up on some sleep.
?
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, March 19,
2021 6:00 AM
Subject: Re:
[A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams
I suppose I am rather famished, Mary Beth
reluctantly admitted, then she turned to the footman and kindly
inquired, please bring me some of the Oriental food when you
have time? She took another look at the patient, thank the
powers, he seem to be sleeping at present, the argument at least
for the moment, subsided.
Heidi feverishly wrote, R, E, N, f...,?Soon all the
names mentioned by Elizabeth were neatly written down, row upon
row. Very well mistress, I will get these sent away to the
appropriate recipients as soon as possible; meanwhile, will
there?be anything else? God loves you.
On
Wednesday, March 17, 2021, 3:08 AM, Ishamael Moridin
<ishamael13@...> wrote:
"Well, my dear Mary Beth. After a very short time, you
already seem to know more than either Ludwig or I. I am
grateful that you have chosen to work with me, I really am. In
the mean time, would you perhaps be interested in some
fortifications?
?
Our cook had a few experiments lately, something inspired
by her encounter with Oriental men. I am sure she would be
delighted to let you try it out. And Ludwig would be only too
happy to bring it to you, just ask him for anything. Isn't it
right Ludwig?"
?
Van Hoff eagerly inquired, making the footman grunted in
acknowledgment. Ludwig supposed his time could be spent better
with Bethany, but it won't do to mention that, he?knew
better than to argue with the Master.?
?
*
"I think...it is pronounced Renfield. Yes, that sounds
right," Elizabeth mused, remembering Keres mentioning a few
names, some of them all mixed up in her head just then.
?
She distinctly remembered her new friend talking about
several people, but precisely which needed to be invited was
beyond her.?Nonetheless, Elizabeth supposed there would
be no harm done in including a few more people.?What was
a good party after all, if not for meeting many promising
people.
?
"I think, there was somebody else, but as I cannot
remember them yet, it can wait. We will start with those, dear
Heidi," Elizabeth happily suggested, all the more gracious for
her words were not called into doubt, did not seem to garner
any objections or require clarifications. She consequently
?felt pleased with Heidi, their earlier exchange
notwithstanding.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, March
10, 2021 9:48 AM
Subject: Re:
[A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams
Thank you Doctor, Mary Beth replied with a
smile. How could she resist, especially when he called her
such endearing names. He…, He appeared earlier to be having
some sort of argument, I would surmise that perhaps it is
with his wife, apparently some sort of struggle had been
going on before hand, although of course I am not sure of
the subject matter of this. That’s about all I know for now.
But I will try to listen later when he awakens, assuming of
course, that he is coherent enough for me to hear and
understand what he is??saying.
Heidi quickly took out parchment and Quill, and began
writing. Rena…, And, Henry…, Hide, from London. All right, I
have those names, she stated, wondering where the mistress
had met these people, seeing as she did not know them. Next
please?
She held the quill,?poised to write the next
names. God loves you.
On
Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 9:53 PM, Ishamael Moridin
<ishamael13@...> wrote:
"I was wondering about that, but could not glean what
he is saying. Can you, dearest Mary Beth? Rest assured, it
is no requirement. You have been indispensable to all of
us," Van Hoff sincerely complimented.
****
"Oh good," Elizabeth muttered distractedly, subsiding
more comfortably into her bed, relieved that she did not
need to explain herself further.
?
"So, the names are..." the young woman started,
paused for a second to consider and continued, as the
names flowed into her mind. Even trying to think of where
she knew them from, made her entire body shudder from head
to toe with increased fever. While not thinking about it,
allowed her body to relax instead.
?
"The names are...Rena and Henry Hyde...from...London,
no less," Elizabeth concluded, with an embarrassed
chuckle. She did not know if the girl would voice an
objection, and fervently wished she would keep such
objections to herself. As Elizabeth had no strength, nor
inclination, to argue about that.
?
?
----- Original Message
-----
Sent: Sunday, March
7, 2021 12:24 PM
Subject: Re:
[A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams
Marybeth nodded, I’ll do all I can
doctor. She turned her attention to the patient then,
placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. They’re there
now, there now, Mr. Victor, everything is going to be
all right. He struggled, but gradually began to calm
down, she turned back to VAN Hoff, he appears to be
having some sort of a mental argument with someone.
Heidi also blinked, a party, mistress? Yes sure I
know how to prepare for a party, but I will need the
names of those whom you wish to invite, so that I may
send out the proper invitations. And you have a feeling
that he’s going to be well soon? Well that is wonderful,
I am??most certain you??will be glad
to have him?back with you again. She looked
concerned however, that he might not be quite well
enough to attend a party yet.
On
Saturday, March 6, 2021, 11:09 PM, Ishamael Moridin
<ishamael13@...> wrote:
"Heidi. I know it is late a bit..." Elizabeth
passed a tired hand over her feverish feeling
forehead, right below the comfortingly loosened hair.
?
She realized with a start that perhaps her idea
might not find immediate understanding with the
occasionally obtuse girl.
?
"You see, Heidi. I know it may sound strange, but
I have a feeling...that Victor will be well soon,"
Elizabeth prevaricated, clutching onto a semblance of
something reasonable even if she did not care one bit
how Victor? felt.
?
"And he will need to be cheered up. You must
start making preparations for a party, as soon as you
can. I trust you know how," Elizabeth remembered to
inquired, blinking her eyes furiously as if in an
effort to chase away a dark mirage?from her
dreams.
?
It was trying to intrude into her conscious mind,
but she resolved to not let it show. At least as much
as possible. And with it being suprisingly shapeless,
more like a voice incessantly demanding from her to do
something,?she hoped she had a good chance at
succeeding to banish it entirely.
****
"Yes Mary Beth, I called for you. I am sorry to
have bothered you so soon, but as you can see, the
patient can find no respite and he needs to sleep
peacefully enough for full recovery.
?
Being fully sedated as he is, I am reluctant to
give him anything stronger, lest it affects
him?in unpredictable ways. I was hoping it would
be a woman's gentle touch that is necessary to put him
at ease. Yours especially, because of your soothing
presence," Van Hoff explained his decision, some
regret at?disturbing his assistant evident in his
voice.???
?
?????
----- Original Message
-----
Sent: Thursday,
February 25, 2021 1:05 PM
Subject: Re:
[A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams
As the argument in Victor’s dream
continued, Mary Beth was soon on the scene. You
called for me, Doctor? She began speaking to and
making shushing noises to Victor, trying her best to
soothe him. There?there now, it’s going to be
all right. I’m certain your dear wife will come to
see you soon, for now, you must get some much-needed
rest. Her voice proved to be quite helpful. She also
tried to hold a sponge with warm milk to his lips.
He was able to swallow some, and this also seemed to
have a soporific effect on him. Soon, he was
sleeping once more. Heidi was soon knocking softly
on Elizabeth’s door. Once inside, she bowed and
asked, you sent for me, mistress? What is your
bidding this night?
God loves you.
On
Tuesday, February 23, 2021, 11:28 PM, Ishamael
Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:
Elizabeth found her body getting restless She
had to do Something. Right now. It just seemed
imperative.
?
"Abby, Abby, where are you? I need you. You
must fetch Heidi back. We have an urgent party to
attend. Abby? No I am not asleep. I don't think,"
Elizabeth reassured with a shaky smile.
?
****
Dr Van Hoff carefully regarded the patient,
trying to move him to a better side, with the
intention to have him relaxed and go back to
sleep. It seemed to have worked for a second, but
then the argument continued.
?
"I cannot keep doing this all night," Van
Hoff muttered and though he could not swear to it,
he found himself surprised at possibly hearing
Ludwig agreeing with him.
?
"How long has Mary?Beth been asleep? I
worry that?she does not get enough, yet she
has such a nice touch.?With the patient of
course, is what I mean. Perhaps she can succeed
where I cannot.?But I fear it is imperative
for the patient's recovery that he gets good
sleep. Ludwig, can you check with Mary Beth if she
is able to resume her duties now,?with myself
akin the next shift?
?
By then I will have studied everything I was
supposed to have learned about possible solutions.
Thank you Ludwig, there is a good chap," Van Hoff
complimented not truly waiting for the man to
offer any kind of an
answer.???
----- Original
Message -----
Sent:
Monday, February 22, 2021 10:00 AM
Subject:
Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet Dreams
Victor had indeed been tossing
and turning in his sleep, or lack there of,
whichever One might choose to call it.?in
his dream, he had seen Elizabeth, laughing,
looking happy, but taunting him, even as she
ignored him. He had also heard her accusing him
of, something, ?though?he could not
figure out what. ?his argument was of
course, highly intelligible, sounding like the
moans of a very ill patient, but in the dream,
in his own mind he was saying, I was never
unfaithful to you with anyone. He was telling
her that she had basically no right to accuse
him of such ridiculous occurrences.
In his dream, he seemed to hear her
planning something, but what it was he did not
know. He could only assume it had something to
do with the ghost of a memory playing at the
edges of his mind, some sort of activity, some
sort of, party? What had?they been
planning. He wondered, the pain and chills were
coming back to him, as was the fever. It had
left for a while but was now rampant in him
again. God loves you.
On
Sunday, February 21, 2021, 1:03 AM, Ishamael
Moridin <ishamael13@...> wrote:
Dr Van Hoff has been perusing an intriguing
volume by James Esdaile, which despite
containing numerous discoveries of the mind and
the?body connections, read at times as a
fantastical novel with the protagonist who
happened to be a medical explorer of
sorts.
?
Carefully observing the peculiar table of
correspondences between a Hindu acolyte's sleep
cycle and the perceived physical injury
painstakingly described by Esdaile, Van Hoff
started wondering if he began noticing
a?pattern or if he was merely seeing one
due to his own physical fatigue.
?
At least there was something useful at any
rate about the Dark God's?priests and their
unusual healing methods, Esdaile was as right
about those as he was about the permanent ways
in which the acolytes of the Dark Goddess solved
their problems.
?
The heavy steps?in the library
instantly drew his attention away from the
fascinating treatise. The foot man?was a
bigger man than most, rumors circulating of his
one time?participation in the boxing ring
and the general interest in pugilism, which to
Van Hoff's mind was a welcome addition?to
the household and its sense of unassailable
safety.
?
Before he had to cajole the man into
speaking, as was their way, Ludwig unexpectedly
volunteered his own explanation.
?
""It's the patient, M'Lord. He is moving in
his sleep, turning, as if in pain and talking to
somebody. I could not make it out, but?me
thought he was arguing," Ludwig
added.?
?
Unsurprised by his lack of details, as well
as by his inappropriate?form of address
that Van Hoff had tried to eradicate, since he
was not Nobility, not even minor one, the doctor
motioned for the footman to lead him on.
?
He could have found the room easily
himself, but every time he ignored propriety
with Ludwig, the man was going to be worse the
next time, as Van Hoff well knew.?
?
****
Elizabeth did not sleep as soundly as she
had expected that night. Something kept nagging
at her, and though she could not remember
exactly what, when she woke up, her mind
starting planning a party of its?volition.
?
It was dark, and she did not want to think
about it, and thought Victor would not
be?in good?shape for her to plan a
party, but she was not able to stop herself.
Going over and?over the details ahead of
time, and smiling in anticipation of the
pleasant introductions to new friends that were
sure?to?follow.?????????
|
Ishamael Moridin