Well, Heidi began with some hesitation, I often wake up after such dreams with the feeling that someone is squeezing my chest, like I need a larger space or something, but I do not feel this any other time, save for when I have had the dreams. ?it is difficult to breathe at times after those dreams, and the voices have also told me, there is so much more for you. As for feeling stronger, once I catch my breath, I noticed that on those particular days, I get through my daily duties with much more ease, without tiring nearly so much; ?I always thought it was because of adequate rest the previous night, but again, this only seems to happen on the nights I have the dreams. Pardon my saying so, mistress, I appreciate being able to share such things with you. I could never tell these things to the master, his mind is so, logical, scientific as he puts it, he would never believe in such things, at least that is how it appears.
Mary Beth had started to ask Dr. Van Hoff what was it he was looking for, if such a question were indeed proper and if he did not mind answering, but then he proceeded to give her at least some of the answer. No offense taken at all, Doctor, strange that I had been just about to ask you the same question, what were some of the qualities for which?you were searching, but you answered at least some of that for me.
She arose, and stood at the ready as he moved the patient into a more comfortable position, just in case her assistance was required. Actually, she continued, I have always felt honored and appreciated, when you share such things with me. I have never had a man do that with me in the past.
|
?
"Thank you Marybeth. I hope she would have the
right kind of qualities most of all. High society goes all crazy after a few
celebrated beauties or those fashionable salon owners who provide lots of
entertainment to their guests at the party. ?But one look at them tells me
I could never get along with their vulgar nature. How anybody could ever carry a
true family with the likes of them, I know not.
?
I suppose though I never thought of myself of
having impossible standards, I am looking for small things in life. For somebody
as endowed with natural common sense and decency and loyalty as yourself, I beg
your pardon. I hope it offends you not, for no presumption was made on my part.
It probably did not?sound proper, and if so I apologize. I am only used
to?sharing my thoughts with you on every matter," Van Hoff stumbled, his
words spilling out almost randomly as?he approached to move his patient
into a seemingly more comfortable position.
?
?
Elizabeth pondered Heidi's words and decided that
further exploration might be in order after all.
?
"Voices, truly. But if they?encouraged you to
find true strength, well it might mean that you do possess some. Have you felt
yourself growing physically stronger after that dream, Heidi?
?
Yes, Victor and the other, I had...somewhat similar
dreams myself, fancy that. Did you feel any pain afterwards? Any...breathing
troubles or other kinds of pain," Elizabeth continued, feeling she may have been
on?the right?track, though lacking the precise details to understand
if Heidi's?dreams were only unique to her, or if there was a pattern.
?
With Victor being a part of both of their visions,
it stood to reason that the occurrence was not that random in the
least.????
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2020 9:48
AM
Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet
Dreams
Marybeth also chuckled, oh you will find the right one, Doctor,
no worries about that I¡¯m sure, she assured. She herself would not at all mind
being with the good doctor, and she wondered what it was like. ? The
excessive Hunter of whom she had told Elizabeth earlier was long gone out of
her life.
Heidi looked a mixture of pale, surprised, and rather frightened.
?her voice was soft as she stated, oh my goodness, I have heard similar
such things; in one of the dreams, it was as if life was normal, then suddenly
all was black, then, someone brings in the light, and yes a few times, it has
been Victor. He seemed as if you were trying to help me, but then at other
times, I do not recognize who it is that brings the light. ?I never
confided these things to anyone else because, One just doesn¡¯t discuss things
like this in polite society, especially when one is only a servant.
I have sometimes heard voices in the night whispering to me, you are not
all you can be, you must find your true strength. But I do not know who these
voices are. Nor do I know why they are saying such things to me.
|
Marybeth also chuckled, oh you will find the right one, Doctor, no worries about that I¡¯m sure, she assured. She herself would not at all mind being with the good doctor, and she wondered what it was like. ? The excessive Hunter of whom she had told Elizabeth earlier was long gone out of her life.
Heidi looked a mixture of pale, surprised, and rather frightened. ?her voice was soft as she stated, oh my goodness, I have heard similar such things; in one of the dreams, it was as if life was normal, then suddenly all was black, then, someone brings in the light, and yes a few times, it has been Victor. He seemed as if you were trying to help me, but then at other times, I do not recognize who it is that brings the light. ?I never confided these things to anyone else because, One just doesn¡¯t discuss things like this in polite society, especially when one is only a servant.
I have sometimes heard voices in the night whispering to me, you are not all you can be, you must find your true strength. But I do not know who these voices are. Nor do I know why they are saying such things to me.
|
?
"But Heidi," if her voice rose slightly, it was at
least in moderation, justified by the frustrating answer she has received.
Elizabeth has already been doubting that she was on the right track with the
girl but?she simply could not discount the possibility.
?
After all, the idea of pretending to be both
mentally?delayed and physically inapt was more pretense than
even?Elizabeth herself could put on. If the girl truly was feigning her
abilities, then her skills might?be truly striking.
?
"In the dark, are there voices whispering to you,
menacing you with what would befall you should you fail? Who is it that brings
the lantern to you, is it Victor, is he trying to help you?
?
And when you are doing nothing, I know it may sound
passing strange, but I have heard of something similar...when you are just
there, do you feel by chance as if you might be, somehow, dead?" Elizabeth
forged on, hoping that Keres would one day appreciate her efforts on the behalf
of the organization. Hoping fervently, that the thick arms of Captain Dance
would never?squeeze the life out of her poor throat as they possibly did in
the dream.?
?
They likely didn't, not even in the dream, she only
remembered the chase, and not the squeezing, this dullness of Heidi's must have
been getting to her to make her dull as well.
?
"True, and sometimes that seems to be the worst
crime in the eyes of a wife scorned, unjustly so, I surmise, though I am still
hopeful to meet the right one, who would earn approval, both yours, and mine,"
Van Hoff dryly chuckled, his attention?focused wholly on his
patient.???
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2020 5:48
AM
Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet
Dreams
Very well Doctor, Mary Beth acquiesced, then began preparing
the injection; the?stimulants would not immediately awaken him, but they
would slowly begin preparing his body to awaken, at least they helped.
?somehow I cannot figure him as one of those types, Marybeth replied, I
think he is merely A man too closely involved in his career.
Heidi was quite nervous, wishing her mistress would not watch her that
way.
Sometimes, I seem to have the oddest dreams, they don¡¯t really make much
sense, but they have happened several times. ?I?usually find myself
in the dark, foreboding?cave, there is no light at?all, and then, it
is as if someone brings a really bright lantern into the place. Light shines
in, bright is the noon day sun. When I am in the dark cave, I am not doing
anything, it is as if I am, simply just, there.??
|
Very well Doctor, Mary Beth acquiesced, then began preparing the injection; the?stimulants would not immediately awaken him, but they would slowly begin preparing his body to awaken, at least they helped. ?somehow I cannot figure him as one of those types, Marybeth replied, I think he is merely A man too closely involved in his career.
Heidi was quite nervous, wishing her mistress would not watch her that way.
Sometimes, I seem to have the oddest dreams, they don¡¯t really make much sense, but they have happened several times. ?I?usually find myself in the dark, foreboding?cave, there is no light at?all, and then, it is as if someone brings a really bright lantern into the place. Light shines in, bright is the noon day sun. When I am in the dark cave, I am not doing anything, it is as if I am, simply just, there.??
|
?
"You are forgiven," Elizabeth generously accepted
the girl's apology for her incompetence. She could barely restrain herself
though from making further remarks.
?
Heidi's movements were so ill coordinated to her
mind,?Elizabeth could almost suspect a physical deformity on her part only
she could not detect any as she kept on observing the servant.
?
A suspicion began sneaking into her mind. What if
Victor had experimented on Heidi before he did on Elizabeth? What if she was his
first. less accomplished of course, experiment at reviving the dead. That would
explain her difficulty to obey the orders properly.
?
Her mind might be as lacking as her body, Elizabeth
considered, shivering at the very thought. If she were another experiment, she
could have been a worthy ally, only nothing in her spoke of superhuman strength
or grace. Perhaps if she was smart, she could be hiding her enhancements behind
simplicity and dullness.
?
"Heidi dear, do you ever find yourself...forgetting
things or remembering things you shouldn't? I for one have the oddest dreams at
times.?And then I try to recall my life, and cannot always, strangely. Did
that ever happen to you," Elizabeth questioned, trying to gauge the girl's true
nature. Keres ought to be pleased if she uncovered an ally through her own
devices. The hope was minimal perhaps, but she had to try,?since no loss
would cost her anything significant.
?
?
"Indeed," Van Hoff agreed with Mary Beth's
assessment. "Some doctors would even go so far as to do worse to their patients
than that. Much worse, but that is probably only a superstitious rumor, so one
can hope," the doctor reminisced, considering if he should believe Sudow's tall
tales about grave diggers and underground sales and?worse horrors to
boot.
?
"Oh my, our patient appears to be relapsing. I believe it is time to inject
the stimulants again, Mary Beth," Van Hoff, still distracted by his dark
broodings of the Gentlemen's Club, barely raised his voice above his regular
pitch.
?
Ludwig remained behind, awaiting further orders and hoping to glean more
about the hints dropped by the burly Doctor Sudow. Sacrifices?of patients
to nocturnal forces he did not believe in, but Bethany might and then his
fortune shall rise. ??????
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2020 7:07
AM
Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet
Dreams
Ooc, thank you, it was rather fun to write.
Ic: I understand, and that is one thing I have always appreciated
?about you, Doctor, in the short time in which I have been working for
you and serving as your assistant, Mary Beth replied with a nod. ?some
doctors would indeed change their treatment, simply because they did not like
the patient¡¯s family, or the patient themselves, or, simply because the family
or patient had insufficient funds with which to render payment for the
services.
Victor remained unconscious, his breathing becoming increasingly shallow,
and labored. ?The face and hands were now cold and clammy, the skin has
become so pale, that it could well make a ghost look Rosie cheeked and
healthy.
Oh please forgive me, dear Mistress, Heidi simpered, spooning out a
generous spoonful of honey, and stirring it into Elizabeth¡¯s?tea.
?bloody rich folk, she thought to herself, they always had to have
everything just so-so, exactly Taylor to their liking. ?She thought how
pleasant it would be to switch places with the lady of the house, if only just
for one day, to?have her, Elizabeth, grow up as the orphan she had been,
with barely enough food to suffice, and not always that much luxury. ?but
it soon would not matter, not when she was so distraught from watching her
beloved Victor suffer, and gradually succumb to his demise.
Oh you¡¯re quite welcome ma¡¯am, of course I will fluff them for you, Heidi
replied, dutifully?fluffing the pillows, and making them so that they
would be comfortable. ?she couldn¡¯t help but wonder just where the
mistress had gone to affect such a change that she was seeing in her; she
still seemed kind enough, but she also seemed subtly more demanding than she
had been. No doubt, she had been to visit relatives or the like, and they had
fawned?on her, and caused her to think of her self more highly than she
should, Heidi?reasoned. ?people, it seemed, we¡¯re always doting on
the well to do, but she would play the part of the best little servant girl
anyone could ask for, no one would be able to desire any better than she, she
decided.
How she¡¯s so intensely longed?to sprinkle a few drops of that
substance into the mistresses tea, but no, the mistress had to live long
enough to suffer, through Victor. ?she, could never have him, that much
was certain; so he, would pay physically, and she, would pay emotionally.
Heidi decided that revenge would be her payment in full for all her services
rendered.
|
Ooc, thank you, it was rather fun to write.
Ic: I understand, and that is one thing I have always appreciated ?about you, Doctor, in the short time in which I have been working for you and serving as your assistant, Mary Beth replied with a nod. ?some doctors would indeed change their treatment, simply because they did not like the patient¡¯s family, or the patient themselves, or, simply because the family or patient had insufficient funds with which to render payment for the services.
Victor remained unconscious, his breathing becoming increasingly shallow, and labored. ?The face and hands were now cold and clammy, the skin has become so pale, that it could well make a ghost look Rosie cheeked and healthy.
Oh please forgive me, dear Mistress, Heidi simpered, spooning out a generous spoonful of honey, and stirring it into Elizabeth¡¯s?tea. ?bloody rich folk, she thought to herself, they always had to have everything just so-so, exactly Taylor to their liking. ?She thought how pleasant it would be to switch places with the lady of the house, if only just for one day, to?have her, Elizabeth, grow up as the orphan she had been, with barely enough food to suffice, and not always that much luxury. ?but it soon would not matter, not when she was so distraught from watching her beloved Victor suffer, and gradually succumb to his demise.
Oh you¡¯re quite welcome ma¡¯am, of course I will fluff them for you, Heidi replied, dutifully?fluffing the pillows, and making them so that they would be comfortable. ?she couldn¡¯t help but wonder just where the mistress had gone to affect such a change that she was seeing in her; she still seemed kind enough, but she also seemed subtly more demanding than she had been. No doubt, she had been to visit relatives or the like, and they had fawned?on her, and caused her to think of her self more highly than she should, Heidi?reasoned. ?people, it seemed, we¡¯re always doting on the well to do, but she would play the part of the best little servant girl anyone could ask for, no one would be able to desire any better than she, she decided.
How she¡¯s so intensely longed?to sprinkle a few drops of that substance into the mistresses tea, but no, the mistress had to live long enough to suffer, through Victor. ?she, could never have him, that much was certain; so he, would pay physically, and she, would pay emotionally. Heidi decided that revenge would be her payment in full for all her services rendered.
|
?
OOC: That was an awesome twist, a pleasure to
read.
?
IC:
?
Elizabeth did not feel truly satisfied. Playing the
Mistress was not the same thing as being one. She has been getting stir
crazy.
?
She has been craving freedom. The ability to party,
venture out, express her true feelings, display her true power. Why couldn't
something happen faster, she wondered. Why could Victor not die faster, or get
better already, so that she could finally set him up proper??
?
Things were just not fair. She needed more and soon
she would get more. "It is not quite sweet enough, but I suppose it would do.
Can you also fluff my pillows? They have not been entirely pleasant to rest on,"
Elizabeth unnecessarily commented.
?
At least, unlike other Mistresses of their houses,
she did not sound weak or peevish, or sulky, or exhibit any contemptible
expression thereof.?
?
She stated her dissatisfaction matter of factly, as
a strong person, in her mind, should. All these servants. They likely remembered
the simpering her, doting on her pitiful husband who was not a man in the truest
sense of the word. How could she be all that, she did not know.
?
It was no wonder that Victor disregarded her
feelings. She could not even blame the staff for?discounting her needs. She
could not fairly blame them, but it did not mean that she would not insist on a
change in their demeanor towards her. Improvements will be made, one way, or
another.
?
"Thank you, dear," Elizabeth concluded ever so
sweetly. Bitterness was for the weak and the wicked, satisfaction was, after
all, the purview of the strong, like herself.??
?
"You are exactly right," Dr Van Hoff absently
agreed, Ludwig's antics distracting him for a little while before his mind could
settle back into the mode of observing his patient and the said patient's
condition.
?
"I have come to the same conclusion.?Some
maladies have symptoms masking as?other symptoms, and so do poisons.
I?am not sure if the lady of the house was a little too enthusiastic in her
protection of our charge, mayhaps her passion was sincere. This would not
dictate the course of my diagnostic policy either way.
?
There is more than one patient whose family I
dislike, but that would not?make me biased or change my treatment in any
meaningful way," Van Hoff easily admitted, not worried about his steadfast
assistant spreading any rumors. It felt good to him to discard bedside
manners?if for a little while.
?
"We'll get to the bottom of it yet," the doctor
confidently reassured?Mary Beth. He spoke from experience, most cases were
rather simple and even predictable. Despite the strangeness of this one showing
up at his doorstep, there was no indication so far to it being unsolvable
either. ??
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2020 12:05
PM
Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet
Dreams
Well, Marybeth began, from what the lady of the house told us,
I did not gather that he had time for much of anything else, time with his
wife, unfortunates, or otherwise; he is apparently a man devoted to science,
and to the betterment of mankind. ?of course, I could have missed
something, but my sympathies were truly with her, she¡¯s trying to be so brave
in the face of all of this, but it cannot be much of a joy to awaken or be
awakened in the middle of the night with one¡¯s husband so ill?the way he
is.
Yes Mistress, I thought as much, but I wanted to make sure, and you are
most welcome, Heidi said to Elizabeth, as she stirred honey and cream into the
tea, making certain that it was sweet enough. ?There you are mistress,
she told the woman, will there be anything else presently?
As she awaited Elizabeth¡¯s response, Heidi considered how she would much
rather be in bed at this hour, rather than having to be up waiting on people,
but sometimes, one¡¯s job as a servant of a wealthy household dictated that one
suffered minor inconveniences, especially if one wanted to be paid. ?she
wondered to herself, was she playing her role well enough? Everyone had to
believe that she truly loved, Victor, and indeed she had loved him.
?since she had come to work for Victor, Heidi had entertain serious hopes
of one day winning her masters affection, that she, would marry him and become
the lady of the house, although fellow servants tried to tell her this was
highly impossible. ?but she had always been somewhat of a dreamer, and
indeed each day she worked for him seemed to be a step closer to realizing her
hopes to one day win?his heart. ?sure, he was very much into his
experiments, but she surmised that men, at least the great majority of them,
we¡¯re always into something, be it??science, their daily vocation,
fishing, hunting, or the like.
Of course, Victor had been completely unaware of Heidi¡®s feelings toward
him, but every day she had been gathering more and more courage, soon she had
thought to tell him of her feelings for him; but now, this interloper had
come, this new so-called mistress of the house, had come, usurping?her
position, or what she believed was to be her position one day. She had
believed Elizabeth to be dead and gone, but since she had shown up, the
Masters affections were clearly going toward her, and this caused a strong
change in Heidi¡®s emotions. ?She still loved him, but now, she planned to
use him as a weapon of revenge against Elizabeth.
Late?one night, she had gotten into victors lab, and had found one
of the bottles of his potions marked, life enhancer. ?She had thought to
herself, what a paradox it would be if this same substance that was supposed
to enhance his life, actually ended it over time. It could, if it were
combined with some other, far more toxic substance.
She had consulted an apothecary concerning this, under the guise of
wanting to become more wise, so as to keep herself safe. ?she had managed
to find someone and pay him well for concocting such a substance, a substance
which likely contained arsenic trioxide as one of its ingredients, but was not
necessarily limited to that. She had bought it, and she had diligently made
certain every night, while the house slept,?to slip a few drops into his
life enhancing potion, as well as occasionally in his tea. The poison was made
of other substances, which should mask the taste considerably, so that he
would suspect nothing. ?of course she did not know that there were others
who also did not like Victor. ?indeed it was not that she did not like
him, but rather, because of her unrequited love, which she bore toward him.
?A part of her wondered if she had not jumped prematurely to the wrong
conclusion, she had not told him of her feelings after all, but then, the
mistress had shown up. ?and hadn¡¯t?she always tried to remember just
how he liked his bed turned down, his meals fixed, how he liked his bathwater,
and other personal things? She considered herself to have done a far better
job than the other servants, and yet, all for Elizabeth, now it was
gone.
The the mistress did not realize that it was Heidi, who had sometimes
been allowed into the laboratory to clean various equipment, and generally
make sure everything was ready for the next days work. ?One might have
expected Heidi to exact her revenge against Elizabeth, but that would likely
come later; she would use Victor as a pawn, a weapon against his own beloved
wife, the good lady of the house would have the distinct honor of watching and
hearing about her husband¡®s demise over a period of time. ?she still
hated the fact that he would eventually, likely have to die, but she told
herself, it was not nearly as much about killing him, as it was using him, the
ending of his life, to make Elizabeth pay for returning, returning from
wherever luxurious trip she had gone, and spoiling her hopes of wedded bliss.
Of?course she couldn¡¯t have been dead, as Victor had believed, and had
grieved accordingly, she was probably off somewhere, cavorting with another
man, or so it seemed in Heidi¡®s mind. Otherwise, how could she have shown up,
she reasoned to herself; even Victor Frankenstein, was not God.
|
Well, Marybeth began, from what the lady of the house told us, I did not gather that he had time for much of anything else, time with his wife, unfortunates, or otherwise; he is apparently a man devoted to science, and to the betterment of mankind. ?of course, I could have missed something, but my sympathies were truly with her, she¡¯s trying to be so brave in the face of all of this, but it cannot be much of a joy to awaken or be awakened in the middle of the night with one¡¯s husband so ill?the way he is.
Yes Mistress, I thought as much, but I wanted to make sure, and you are most welcome, Heidi said to Elizabeth, as she stirred honey and cream into the tea, making certain that it was sweet enough. ?There you are mistress, she told the woman, will there be anything else presently?
As she awaited Elizabeth¡¯s response, Heidi considered how she would much rather be in bed at this hour, rather than having to be up waiting on people, but sometimes, one¡¯s job as a servant of a wealthy household dictated that one suffered minor inconveniences, especially if one wanted to be paid. ?she wondered to herself, was she playing her role well enough? Everyone had to believe that she truly loved, Victor, and indeed she had loved him. ?since she had come to work for Victor, Heidi had entertain serious hopes of one day winning her masters affection, that she, would marry him and become the lady of the house, although fellow servants tried to tell her this was highly impossible. ?but she had always been somewhat of a dreamer, and indeed each day she worked for him seemed to be a step closer to realizing her hopes to one day win?his heart. ?sure, he was very much into his experiments, but she surmised that men, at least the great majority of them, we¡¯re always into something, be it??science, their daily vocation, fishing, hunting, or the like.
Of course, Victor had been completely unaware of Heidi¡®s feelings toward him, but every day she had been gathering more and more courage, soon she had thought to tell him of her feelings for him; but now, this interloper had come, this new so-called mistress of the house, had come, usurping?her position, or what she believed was to be her position one day. She had believed Elizabeth to be dead and gone, but since she had shown up, the Masters affections were clearly going toward her, and this caused a strong change in Heidi¡®s emotions. ?She still loved him, but now, she planned to use him as a weapon of revenge against Elizabeth.
Late?one night, she had gotten into victors lab, and had found one of the bottles of his potions marked, life enhancer. ?She had thought to herself, what a paradox it would be if this same substance that was supposed to enhance his life, actually ended it over time. It could, if it were combined with some other, far more toxic substance.
She had consulted an apothecary concerning this, under the guise of wanting to become more wise, so as to keep herself safe. ?she had managed to find someone and pay him well for concocting such a substance, a substance which likely contained arsenic trioxide as one of its ingredients, but was not necessarily limited to that. She had bought it, and she had diligently made certain every night, while the house slept,?to slip a few drops into his life enhancing potion, as well as occasionally in his tea. The poison was made of other substances, which should mask the taste considerably, so that he would suspect nothing. ?of course she did not know that there were others who also did not like Victor. ?indeed it was not that she did not like him, but rather, because of her unrequited love, which she bore toward him. ?A part of her wondered if she had not jumped prematurely to the wrong conclusion, she had not told him of her feelings after all, but then, the mistress had shown up. ?and hadn¡¯t?she always tried to remember just how he liked his bed turned down, his meals fixed, how he liked his bathwater, and other personal things? She considered herself to have done a far better job than the other servants, and yet, all for Elizabeth, now it was gone.
The the mistress did not realize that it was Heidi, who had sometimes been allowed into the laboratory to clean various equipment, and generally make sure everything was ready for the next days work. ?One might have expected Heidi to exact her revenge against Elizabeth, but that would likely come later; she would use Victor as a pawn, a weapon against his own beloved wife, the good lady of the house would have the distinct honor of watching and hearing about her husband¡®s demise over a period of time. ?she still hated the fact that he would eventually, likely have to die, but she told herself, it was not nearly as much about killing him, as it was using him, the ending of his life, to make Elizabeth pay for returning, returning from wherever luxurious trip she had gone, and spoiling her hopes of wedded bliss. Of?course she couldn¡¯t have been dead, as Victor had believed, and had grieved accordingly, she was probably off somewhere, cavorting with another man, or so it seemed in Heidi¡®s mind. Otherwise, how could she have shown up, she reasoned to herself; even Victor Frankenstein, was not God.
|
?
Elizabeth's ordinary reply would have been, "oh no
don't trouble yourself, dearest Heidi, I can manage." But she knew she had to
overcome her habits. She was becoming a new woman. A strong one, independent,
capable and in charge, like her friend Keres. She was the Lady of the House and
did not need to hide her glory behind assumed mannerisms.
?
"Yes, you know what? what I like. Do both,
just make it sweet. Thank you Heidi, you are such a helpful girl," Elizabeth
drawled. She had imagined that was how Victor would have appealed to his
servants. Or other men as well.
?
As if the maid servant age did not truly matter, as
if her being in their emply?made her somehow their lesser, like a child.
Well Elizabeth could play this game too. She may not be a natural at this as
they were, but she would learn. Oh how quickly she would learn, the young woman
resolutely decided.
?
It might have been more difficult for her to
overcome her innate reservations, but Heidi did have to wish Victor a full
recovery, what an insipid girl she was.?Elizabeth had thought Abbey to be
utterly dull, but she now realized her mistake, it could always be
worse.
?
"Yes of course, may he live well. May he come back
to us, utterly unharmed, his habits improved for the better. We all?miss
him so,:" Elizabeth politely concurred and was almost honest in her wishes.
Victor could not afford to die just yet. He was needed by Keres, he did not
deserve to die so well, certainly not before she was ready to exact her revenge
on him.
?
"Yes, exactly, in this case it is. Sometimes my
colleagues use the term loosely, to describe a man frequenting
the...Unfortunates, and...indulging in their company," the doctor reluctantly
admitted, making Ludwig pay closer attention so that he could regale his girl
with some juicy details later on.
?
"I have tested the man for the early stages of
Venereal disease, but luckily this proved out to be very conclusively a
negative. Nonetheless, I have not seen any passion, other than the
aforementioned one, driving people to such levels of exhaustion.
?
His system is suffering from something akin to
Venereal, without the direct symptoms. If the body went through?the stages
overly quickly and was on the way to recovery but not quite there. I think, that
may have been one of the symptoms described in the Fabricci case as
well.."?Doctor Van Hoff recalled.?
?
Ludwig had been interested in the idea but could
not comprehend all the details. Those gents never spoke straight. The patient
either went to prostitutes or not, why could not the doctor be clearer, Ludwig
considered frowning and then,?out of caution, smoothed his facial
expression when the doctor's probing gaze seemed to have settled on him.
???
?
???
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2020 9:03
AM
Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet
Dreams
Very well mistress, 1 cup of hot, relaxing tea with condiments
coming right up, Heidi replied with a smile and a small bow, as she hurried
from the room to make the tea. ?She soon returned, not only with a cup of
tea, but with cream, sugar, and honey. Shall I sweeten and cream your tea for
you, mistress, or will you be doing this yourself? ?Heidi would await a
reply from Elizabeth before continuing, and may I say, long live the master,
and may he be fully recovered soon.
Marybeth slowly shook her head to Dr. Van Hoff¡®s question, no doctor, I
don¡¯t believe you share that story with me, but it sounds most intriguing, and
also most sinister if you pardon my saying so.
Her eyes widened with surprise when the doctor told her that it looked as
if Victor were suffering from overindulgence. His very size suggest under
nourishment, but I think I see what you mean, overindulgence in his passion
for science, and his experiments, yes?
It all makes one wonder, does it not, if there is a comma ¡° Madame
fabrichi in the house, though?of course I would accuse no one.
|
Very well mistress, 1 cup of hot, relaxing tea with condiments coming right up, Heidi replied with a smile and a small bow, as she hurried from the room to make the tea. ?She soon returned, not only with a cup of tea, but with cream, sugar, and honey. Shall I sweeten and cream your tea for you, mistress, or will you be doing this yourself? ?Heidi would await a reply from Elizabeth before continuing, and may I say, long live the master, and may he be fully recovered soon.
Marybeth slowly shook her head to Dr. Van Hoff¡®s question, no doctor, I don¡¯t believe you share that story with me, but it sounds most intriguing, and also most sinister if you pardon my saying so.
Her eyes widened with surprise when the doctor told her that it looked as if Victor were suffering from overindulgence. His very size suggest under nourishment, but I think I see what you mean, overindulgence in his passion for science, and his experiments, yes?
It all makes one wonder, does it not, if there is a comma ¡° Madame fabrichi in the house, though?of course I would accuse no one.
|
?
Elizabeth found herself startled by the approach of
another servant. She may have made light of it, but she knew, her instincts had
informed her, something was not quite right.
?
It wasn't anything Heidi did, of course, and
Elizabeth hastened to reassure her,
?
"Poor Victor. His unwavering passion, for the
sciences, finally took its toll on him. He is a little bit weary, but the good
doctor is taking care of him.?I do wish there was aught to be done myself.
Alas, Victor's health is now?at far more capable hands than our own. And in
this instance I mean the doctor, not God Almighty, Victor's situation is not too
dire yet," Elizabeth offered with a chuckle, trying to bring some levity to
lighten the mood but seeing herself failing at that.?
?
"But you know what, I would not mind some relaxing
tea myself," the young woman suggested, realizing that the ability to do
something could be as reassuring in its own right for poor Heidi as any words of
wisdom she could offer.
?
And it did not hurt for all the maids to see that
the regime in the house has been changing and?Elizabeth herself was firmly
holding the reigns of power now. It may not have been much, as far as
considerations of power?went, but she could do eventually more and would
settle for less, at least for a short while, before the great plan could
proceed.
?
?
"The poor man looks positively exhausted from
his?experiments. Strange as?his wife would have us believe, or not,
they have done something to him. He is displaying definite symptoms of...over
indulgence.?It is rather odd.?If I believed in vampires...but I don't
of course, no matter what the strange man Van Helsius writes about.
?
Perhaps, ah yes,?that was the case I have been
thinking about. Have I shared it with you, Mary Beth? The Italians graced us
with many innovations but this was of a criminal nature. The Fabricci trials,
when the spouses paid?a service fee at the Venice court,?to remove
their husbands with poison. Apparently Madame Fabricci's poisons?showed
themselves as symptoms of excessive overindulgence. How bizarre. But we will get
to the bottom of it and check for everything."
?
Ludwig, busily carrying the little man, experienced
his first distraction form thinking of his girl, and stumbled when he heard the
word 'poison.'
?
"Careful now," Dr Van Hoff absently reprimanded
him, his mind too focused on the mystery that was the young man
Frankenstein.
?
????
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2020 8:30
AM
Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet
Dreams
It was then that another
servant, Heidi, tapped lightly upon the door, then ventured inside. Pardon me
good mistress, but rumor around here has it that something is wrong with the
master, that he fell perhaps gravely ill, and has been taken away by a doctor?
Do they know yet what is wrong? She looked truly concerned as she inquired, is
there anything at all that I can do?
Once they were safely away from the house, Marybeth looked at Dr. Van
Hoff and asked, Dr., I know we have not run proper test yet, but what do you
surmise could be wrong with him, based on his appearance, and the
symptoms?
|
It was then that another servant, Heidi, tapped lightly upon the door, then ventured inside. Pardon me good mistress, but rumor around here has it that something is wrong with the master, that he fell perhaps gravely ill, and has been taken away by a doctor? Do they know yet what is wrong? She looked truly concerned as she inquired, is there anything at all that I can do?
Once they were safely away from the house, Marybeth looked at Dr. Van Hoff and asked, Dr., I know we have not run proper test yet, but what do you surmise could be wrong with him, based on his appearance, and the symptoms?
|
?
"M'lady, do you think the Master would be well
now," Abby shyly wondered and Elizabeth, skeptically regarding the party
eloquently shrugged.
?
"I wish I knew, my dear. I will still keep you, of
course," she hastily reassured the maid who gratefully accepted the reassurance
with a small smile.
?
"And I wish...well between us of course, I really
wish the doctor and his assistant were a little less sympathetic towards my
husband.
?
Not, quite naturally, because I wish him ill. I
know he hasn't done any of...what he has been accused of, but I fear his habits
would still take their toll. Somebody less encouraging, more stern, demanding,
disapproving, they could have pulled Victor out of his destructive
manners.
?
I must tell you honestly, I do not feel completely
reassured still. Perhaps it is just the concerned wife in me. Perhaps I will
change my mind later when I visit Victor and see him improving. I truly hope to
be wrong, Abigail," Elizabeth sadly declared.
?
"It's just Abbey, my Lady," the maid absently
corrected, her mind too occupied on what could her master be accused of to worry
about unintentionally offending her?Mistress.
?
She almost had an inkling to check into the
Master's laboratory and report what she?could find to that charming
reporter, Mr Newhaus, who had promised to pay her for any?hints of Victor's
doings, true or not.
?
But with what she has heard, Abbey was not quite
certain if she would dare venturing into the basement after all. It started
sounding too dire now, too dangerous for the likes of her.
?
"Definitely somebody sterner, like...Keres,"?
Elizabeth thoughtfully murmured, almost forgetting Abbey was still there, and
waving her question away dismissively.????
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, August 5, 2020 9:36
AM
Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet
Dreams
No ma¡¯am, I do not think so in the least, Marybeth had replied
to Elizabeth¡¯s question with confidence, nor do I think that he would cheat on
you, or use any of your female neighbors even in the name of science. ?of
course, I will know more, at least I should know more, once he
regains?consciousness, and we speak with him; but my guess is that he
himself is a devoted husband, despite his rather odd scientific
idiosyncrasies. ?it has been my limited experience that men, in spite of
their apparent strength, often do not learn how to spread themselves evenly
amongst their work, family, friends, and hobbies. ?there are those men,
for example, that are so controlling of their wives, even resorting to beating
them, and much of this is because they are so fearful of losing them.
?Then there are those given to excess where their occupations are
concerned, or their hobbies; I was with a man ones who was a hunter, now this
would¡¯ve been fine in and of itself. But the man practically could not stay
out of the woods, he hunted literally every time he got a chance, whether we
had enough food for the winter, or for the current meal, or not. ?So
excessive was this, that had I not known any better, I would have sworn that
at birth, his mother had actually given him the name, Hunter. It would have
certainly fit him. ?She meant for this to be a rather funny quip, if for
nothing else, to lighten the mood a bit, giving a rather short respite, before
returning to the far more serious subject at hand.
I am both relieved, and glad to hear that you will be visiting Victor
often, and I was going to say, be glad that your?Victor is not a man
given to, shall we say, excessive drink, or other substances which have their
various effects on the mind. ?yes, she gave an encouraging smile, I would
say, visit him as often as you can, if only to ease your own mind; a man
should never be allowed to forget that a woman is truly in love with him.
?Then, if he chooses to leave, the woman is certainly hurt for a time,
but the man will live with it on his conscience forever, that he left a woman
who truly cared for him, and devoted her heart to loving him.
She returned Elizabeth¡¯s?wave with one of her own, as she fell into
step with Dr. Van Hoff, and Ludwig. Fair?you well then, Mary Beth called
back to her; rest easy, and think helpful thoughts concerning your
husband.
With that, she was gone, running to keep up with the other two men, who
were carrying this poor man, apparently so well loved by his wife.?
|
No ma¡¯am, I do not think so in the least, Marybeth had replied to Elizabeth¡¯s question with confidence, nor do I think that he would cheat on you, or use any of your female neighbors even in the name of science. ?of course, I will know more, at least I should know more, once he regains?consciousness, and we speak with him; but my guess is that he himself is a devoted husband, despite his rather odd scientific idiosyncrasies. ?it has been my limited experience that men, in spite of their apparent strength, often do not learn how to spread themselves evenly amongst their work, family, friends, and hobbies. ?there are those men, for example, that are so controlling of their wives, even resorting to beating them, and much of this is because they are so fearful of losing them. ?Then there are those given to excess where their occupations are concerned, or their hobbies; I was with a man ones who was a hunter, now this would¡¯ve been fine in and of itself. But the man practically could not stay out of the woods, he hunted literally every time he got a chance, whether we had enough food for the winter, or for the current meal, or not. ?So excessive was this, that had I not known any better, I would have sworn that at birth, his mother had actually given him the name, Hunter. It would have certainly fit him. ?She meant for this to be a rather funny quip, if for nothing else, to lighten the mood a bit, giving a rather short respite, before returning to the far more serious subject at hand.
I am both relieved, and glad to hear that you will be visiting Victor often, and I was going to say, be glad that your?Victor is not a man given to, shall we say, excessive drink, or other substances which have their various effects on the mind. ?yes, she gave an encouraging smile, I would say, visit him as often as you can, if only to ease your own mind; a man should never be allowed to forget that a woman is truly in love with him. ?Then, if he chooses to leave, the woman is certainly hurt for a time, but the man will live with it on his conscience forever, that he left a woman who truly cared for him, and devoted her heart to loving him.
She returned Elizabeth¡¯s?wave with one of her own, as she fell into step with Dr. Van Hoff, and Ludwig. Fair?you well then, Mary Beth called back to her; rest easy, and think helpful thoughts concerning your husband. With that, she was gone, running to keep up with the other two men, who were carrying this poor man, apparently so well loved by his wife.?
|
?
"You don't think so either? That Victor could cheat
on me? I am so glad to hear that," Elizabeth's voice shook with a mixture of
hope and excitement.
?
It could have been how her younger self might have
felt, worried about Victor's abnormalities, possible infidelities. She could
remember all these concepts, but not relate to them any longer.
?
?
She was not even sure that she would like her
younger self any longer. The little optimistic fool who should have known
better. As if her biggest problem in life could amount to who it was that Victor
was regarding with interest.
?
Even if he was, it would likely be a different kind
of interest. The kind that a neutral scientific eye would gauge, as suitable for
an experiment, the right body type, the kind of nails he could reuse later or
not.
?
She realized she may be able to explore that later
sentiment, laying at the crux of her evolution from an insecure woman to an
independent one.
?
"So, you would not think their words meant
anything,?not even that Victor mislead them by considering them as subject
to his scientific experiments, as fodder for enhancements?
?
I knew it would all be a folly for me to entertain,
but I was so fearful. I did not wish to think anything bad about my husband. I
considered it all a lie. But you know how it is. When a lie is stated as a fact.
As so obvious that it bears no contemplation, it can become too insidious to
merely shrug it off.
?
When Victor got less well, even before this sad
state of affairs you see in front of you, I realized that a part of me, the
unworthy fearful part was struggling with so many questions about who
Victor?truly was, why he seemed so...dangerous to my female neighbors.
?
He would never hurt a fly, I always knew it.
Perhaps it was his scientific passion. It took him so far away from the
appearance of normalcy that most keen eyes registered the transformation in
their own way," Elizabeth half complained.
?
She thought she had been playing a role. But it
dawned on her that she may have been drawing on who she had been, and she did
not like that person one bit. That weak, compromising, conforming
person.
?
She did not wish to be her any more. If that mean
being?different, monstrous, she could almost thank her murderer for that.
Almost, though she could never again thank Victor for what he had done. There
was just something filthy, despicable about it, that even with the best of her
performing gifts she could not put into words.
?
As much as she wished to voice it, a sly hint here,
an insinuation there, that was one thing that no?ordinary woman, or man,
could ever hope to understand. To appreciate as valid. Her true feelings in
regards to Victor.
?
Alas, he may have turned her
into?a?monster with complicated feelings. What was worth, it was not a
part she could either downplay or overplay, only to live with. And for that, he
was not done paying yet,?Elizabeth decided.
?
"Perhaps you are right, dear Mary Beth," Elizabeth
offered?with a mysteriously thoughtful glint in her eyes.?"Victor does
need a reminder of my feelings. He should never forget, exactly how dedicated of
a wife, I am. I shall visit him frequently," Elizabeth reassured the doctor's
assistant, and this time actually meant it.
?
"Yes, good luck," Elizabeth waved Mary Beth on," no
more distractions from me," she wiped at her eyes, truly glad that she does not
need to despise herself for having been so weak in the past. The show was over.
Victor's show that was, hers was just about to start.
?
?
?"I know, dear lady, I know, Marybeth was comforting and consoling to
Elizabeth. ?you must never underestimate yourself, and the power that a
woman¡¯s feminine approach can have over a man, at least most of them, she added
with a small chuckle. ?The right woman with the right look, tone of voice,
and soft approach, can work wonders in a man¡¯s life.
Her eyes widened with shock when Elizabeth spoke of the remarks of some
women, saying that men could die of poison just as easily as dumb animals. Oh
yes, we will test for everything; and remember that even if we do, find some
thing such as that, it does not mean that he was cheating on you with anyone
else. There are some substances that can be administered slowly, bit by bit
every day, with only minor affects at first, they are often mistaken for other
things. But in the end, they can take a life just the same. ?and if this is
indeed the case, there is no telling what the result would be, if those
substances, were mixed with the ones with which he was enhancing his life or
body, or what have you. ?she would await Elizabeth¡¯s reply before moving on
to something else.
When the conversation turned to whether or not Elizabeth should accompany
them to their home, or stay at her own home, Marybeth nodded; it is up to you,
of course. But somehow I do not think you?would be a bother to him, you
would probably be wise to come and visit him from time to time, so that you can
check on him. this could be a useful way of showing him that you are truly
interested in his own good, not just trying to stop him from his scientific
endeavors.
She nodded to both Dr. Van Hoff, and to Ludwig, as she handed Elizabeth a
hand drawn map of the location of where they would be. ?rest easy, and
please be assured that we will do all we can for him, but meanwhile, if you do,
know of a priest, and any others given regularly to prayer, you might consult
them, and ask that they put Victor in their prayers, as well as yourself, those
caring for the patient, need as much prayer often as the patient
themselves.
She had quickly checked the patient, before he was taken away, his
breathing is still shallow, and now, please pardon me, ma¡¯am, but we must hurry.
?We will be in touch. She would await?any response from Elizabeth,
before hurrying away to catch up with Ludwig, and Dr. Van
Hoff"
|
I know, dear lady, I know, Marybeth was comforting and consoling to Elizabeth. ?you must never underestimate yourself, and the power that a woman¡¯s feminine approach can have over a man, at least most of them, she added with a small chuckle. ?The right woman with the right look, tone of voice, and soft approach, can work wonders in a man¡¯s life.
Her eyes widened with shock when Elizabeth spoke of the remarks of some women, saying that men could die of poison just as easily as dumb animals. Oh yes, we will test for everything; and remember that even if we do, find some thing such as that, it does not mean that he was cheating on you with anyone else. There are some substances that can be administered slowly, bit by bit every day, with only minor affects at first, they are often mistaken for other things. But in the end, they can take a life just the same. ?and if this is indeed the case, there is no telling what the result would be, if those substances, were mixed with the ones with which he was enhancing his life or body, or what have you. ?she would await Elizabeth¡¯s reply before moving on to something else.
When the conversation turned to whether or not Elizabeth should accompany them to their home, or stay at her own home, Marybeth nodded; it is up to you, of course. But somehow I do not think you?would be a bother to him, you would probably be wise to come and visit him from time to time, so that you can check on him. this could be a useful way of showing him that you are truly interested in his own good, not just trying to stop him from his scientific endeavors.
She nodded to both Dr. Van Hoff, and to Ludwig, as she handed Elizabeth a hand drawn map of the location of where they would be. ?rest easy, and please be assured that we will do all we can for him, but meanwhile, if you do, know of a priest, and any others given regularly to prayer, you might consult them, and ask that they put Victor in their prayers, as well as yourself, those caring for the patient, need as much prayer often as the patient themselves.
She had quickly checked the patient, before he was taken away, his breathing is still shallow, and now, please pardon me, ma¡¯am, but we must hurry. ?We will be in touch. She would await?any response from Elizabeth, before hurrying away to catch up with Ludwig, and Dr. Van Hoff.
|
?
"You are so wise, Mary Beth. I wish I could be more
like you. I know I look feminine enough, but all I am experiencing is a sense of
weakness. Victor no longer responds to my softer approach.
?
I had not intended to hound him as I must have. It
was all meant to be for his greater good, but I must have outdone myself in my
effort to help him. I pray it is not too late and I?haven't ruined
everything.
?
What you said about the potion makes sense. I only
wonder...you see, some women in the neighborhood mentioned Victor looking at
them strangely,?in the way he never regarded them before. It is not his
fault, I would vouch for it myself. But?in your expert opinion, can the
potion make him more...interested in the female wiles in general?
?
I know he would not do anything about it. He has
never been anything but unfailingly courteous. But if some women imagined...well
some of them made these strange remarks, that men die of poison as easily as
dumb animals.
?
I did not understand the meaning of their words
back then, and perhaps I still don't I hope I do not. At least you are going
to?test for everything, right??Good then.
?
Normally I would have gladly accompanied Victor
anywhere. But now I must wonder if I overstayed my welcome. If he sees me first
thing upon?awakening, that might not delight him in the slightest,"
Elizabeth sniffled again, making?sure to stay out?of the stern
doctor's way.
?
"I suppose I shall stay here, take care of things
and wait for new about my dear. I never want to be selfish after all. If my
presence would upset him, because he is used to my arguing against his
consumption all the time, well then, I must not be a bother. He deserves so much
better than me," Elizabeth intoned, and wondered how did those?actors in a
play managed to carry on for so long without ever getting tired.
?
"Good idea," Dr Van Hoff agreed with his assistant.
He has been prolonging the departure a little. Trying to determine, among other
things,?if the lady's prattling would amount to anything useful. Her final
words reminded him of some case he read, something that took place in Italy in
recent years but he could not remember what it may have been.
?
"Hurry on then, Ludwig," he motioned to his footman
reminding himself to look in?his extensive?library of medical
correspondences,?for the strange case he was thinking
about.??????
?
<Marybeth
again placed a gentle hand on Elizabeth¡¯s shoulder. I think that many men of
science these days are either afraid of the men in cloth, or, they are
frustrated, because religion seems to so desperately oppose science. Her voice
was gentle as she spoke.
It isn¡¯t that you are not authoritative enough, Marybeth sounded a bit
uneasy, as if expressing a concept which was difficult to explain. ?most
men feel they must keep their work separate from their home life, although they
may work at home; and most men would probably not listen to an overly
authoritative woman. You do better to use more of the¡, She paused to consider
her words carefully. ?I believe you would do better to use the more
non-threatening, feminine approach; and yes you are definitely feminine enough,
but you have to do things to make him, want to, listen to you. I would suggest
trying to keep him distracted, of course, let him work some in his lab, but see
to it that you come in frequently, bringing Coldwater, or hot tea, or whatever
it is that he enjoys. In short,?let him know that you are not trying to be
a dictator, that you truly care for this man, most men will respond to that,
though?of course I cannot speak for all men.
I¡¯m certain that the doctor will speak to him, and right now, he is very
ill, and we do not know for absolute certain that it is all his own doing. One
thing is sure though, he did not do it on purpose; likely he is using some sort
of, what they?like to call enhancement potion, and I don¡¯t know how they
make this stuff, but it¡¯s supposed to give them increased vigor and energy.
Which as you see, it seems to have worked for Victor for a while, the problem is
that, We are learning that such things can have a long-term effect on the body,
and the effect is not immediately noticed. They work in favor of the person at
first, and if done in moderation for a while, and then using them stops, there
should be no harmful effects. But, with continued use, they tend to drain the
body¡¯s?stored up energy, making it so that the person becomes tired,
fatigued, and suffers the flip side of what the so-called enhancement potion is
originally supposed to do. It is she continued, as when one goes for the
occasional drink or two. Those one or two drinks, might not affect him all that
much. But over time, if he increases the amount which he drinks, then it begins
to take its toll on the body, because the body can only take so much
modification. ?If you add improper nutrition to this, you have a recipe for
disaster, with which the normally increasing years can prove to hasten the onset
of such things.
And so, dear Elizabeth, you must not despair, you must not feel your own
self to be in adequate where Victor is concerned; we will check
him?thoroughly, and make sure there is nothing subversive involved, that no
one has tried to prematurely end his life. Then, as we work with him to cure
him, I¡¯m sure the doctor will speak with him. I will also do my best. So rest
easy, and be assured that we will be doing our best to care for your
husband.
She touched Victor¡¯s forehead, then gave a look of deep concern to the
doctor, he still burning up Doctor, we should probably get him home as soon as
we can. To Elizabeth she said, ma¡¯am, will you be following us to where we will
care for him? Or would you prefer that we simply keep you informed? ?She
touched his chest, and felt for a pulse, his breathing is shallow, she told the
doctor, pulse is very rapid. She tried to speak as softly as she could without
whispering, so as not to worry Elizabeth.>
|
Marybeth again placed a gentle hand on Elizabeth¡¯s shoulder. I think that many men of science these days are either afraid of the men in cloth, or, they are frustrated, because religion seems to so desperately oppose science. Her voice was gentle as she spoke.
It isn¡¯t that you are not authoritative enough, Marybeth sounded a bit uneasy, as if expressing a concept which was difficult to explain. ?most men feel they must keep their work separate from their home life, although they may work at home; and most men would probably not listen to an overly authoritative woman. You do better to use more of the¡, She paused to consider her words carefully. ?I believe you would do better to use the more non-threatening, feminine approach; and yes you are definitely feminine enough, but you have to do things to make him, want to, listen to you. I would suggest trying to keep him distracted, of course, let him work some in his lab, but see to it that you come in frequently, bringing Coldwater, or hot tea, or whatever it is that he enjoys. In short,?let him know that you are not trying to be a dictator, that you truly care for this man, most men will respond to that, though?of course I cannot speak for all men.
I¡¯m certain that the doctor will speak to him, and right now, he is very ill, and we do not know for absolute certain that it is all his own doing. One thing is sure though, he did not do it on purpose; likely he is using some sort of, what they?like to call enhancement potion, and I don¡¯t know how they make this stuff, but it¡¯s supposed to give them increased vigor and energy. Which as you see, it seems to have worked for Victor for a while, the problem is that, We are learning that such things can have a long-term effect on the body, and the effect is not immediately noticed. They work in favor of the person at first, and if done in moderation for a while, and then using them stops, there should be no harmful effects. But, with continued use, they tend to drain the body¡¯s?stored up energy, making it so that the person becomes tired, fatigued, and suffers the flip side of what the so-called enhancement potion is originally supposed to do. It is she continued, as when one goes for the occasional drink or two. Those one or two drinks, might not affect him all that much. But over time, if he increases the amount which he drinks, then it begins to take its toll on the body, because the body can only take so much modification. ?If you add improper nutrition to this, you have a recipe for disaster, with which the normally increasing years can prove to hasten the onset of such things.
And so, dear Elizabeth, you must not despair, you must not feel your own self to be in adequate where Victor is concerned; we will check him?thoroughly, and make sure there is nothing subversive involved, that no one has tried to prematurely end his life. Then, as we work with him to cure him, I¡¯m sure the doctor will speak with him. I will also do my best. So rest easy, and be assured that we will be doing our best to care for your husband. She touched Victor¡¯s forehead, then gave a look of deep concern to the doctor, he still burning up Doctor, we should probably get him home as soon as we can. To Elizabeth she said, ma¡¯am, will you be following us to where we will care for him? Or would you prefer that we simply keep you informed? ?She touched his chest, and felt for a pulse, his breathing is shallow, she told the doctor, pulse is very rapid. She tried to speak as softly as she could without whispering, so as not to worry Elizabeth.
|
?
Elizabeth mournfully nodded her understanding. "You
speak wisely, May Beth. Only, I feel so helpless. Helpless to help him. To
change his mind. To even make him listen.
?
A good wife is supposed to take care of her
husband, but he wouldn't listen to me. I am not authoritative enough, I suppose.
It never bothered me in the past. But now, it makes me feel like I am lacking
something vital.
?
I tried not to blame myself. But the more I saw,
the more I got concerned. You are right that people do it to themselves all the
time. Only those who puff a little smoke, whatever happens to them is not
evident.
?
They still look hale for a while longer. Alcohol
changes people's complexion, but only in the long run. Victor, he is not even
middle aged yet, and already he is weakened by whatever it was he
designed.
?
Just look at him. I am used to seeing him young,
handsome, strong, but now, it looks like he has undone himself.
?
Why must men be so stubborn? I don't mean about
ruling the house as is their due, I only mean as far as hurting themselves. He
would not listen to me. Perhaps he needs somebody else to talk some sense into
him. I am not sure that he would listen to you either, but maybe the doctor?"
Elizabeth wondered with a seemingly hopeful note in her voice.
?
"Otherwise, even if he is fully recovered, I do not
know what would stop him from going back, from making his health worse. Oh Mary
Beth, I am out of my depth here.
?
I even tried to enlist a priest to help Victor out
with spiritual guidance, but he shrank away in terror from my suggestion. Surely
a man of science like himself does not believe in the power of faith. That has
to be it. I hope. I don't know why else he would oppose spiritual
counseling.?Nor do?I have?any idea who else I can call upon for
help.
?
Are people of science nowadays afraid of
the?men in cloth? You seem to know?a lot about their ilk, so I must
wonder. Is such terror also normal and healthy as well?" Elizabeth inquired,
privately thinking that she has outdone herself.
?
Hopefully Keres and Tenebrae would be proud of her
efforts now, she knew she herself was. ????
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 7:47
AM
Subject: Re: [A-Twist-Of-Fate] Sweet
Dreams
Mary Beth looked even more sympathetic, this poor unfortunate
woman, she thought to her self. ?seeing her and believing she was wiping
tears away, Mary Beth reached to place a gentle hand on Elizabeth shoulder;
they¡¯re there now, she comforted, you must not blame yourself, for it is not
your fault. I believe you¡¯re right though, I don¡¯t believe he is harming
people. He may be trying not to experiment so much on rats, choosing instead
to experiment on what he likely believes to be the best human subject. ?I
say this, not that he believes himself to be the best as far as a matter of
pride goes, but rather, instead of using other humans and risking their lives,
he chooses to risk his own; that is my theory anyway. Many scientists of the
day, though by no means all of them, choose to do this, believing that, if
something works on them, and does not harm them, it will likely work on
others. ?I can¡¯t say for certain of course, without actually speaking to
him and getting to know him, but I believe, somewhere within him, Victor truly
cares for humankind, which is why he may be choosing to use rats and, himself.
Of course it could also be a deep underlying low self-esteem, believing he is
not quite good enough, and feeling the need to improve himself. He probably
does not realize he¡¯s being harmed most likely, by some of the things he puts
into his body. Then again, it may not be so much the substances, as how they
combine with his own body make up, and other things; for instance, does he
drink very much at all? ?Does he use tobacco, or any other substances
besides what he makes in his lab? ?I would by no means blame him for
doing this, since I believe it is out of a true desire not to risk the lives
of others.
She would await Elizabeth¡¯s answer to her questions, before continuing,
but, dear lady, think about this; how often do many?human beings put
unhealthy substances in their body? We overindulgent drink, some people use
tobacco and other things they really shouldn¡¯t use, at least not to excess.
Can we really say if your husband is doing anything else all that different
from much of humanity?
|
Ishamael Moridin