In The Fog of London

The Invitation

Kathrine frowned at the sight of the folded paper. It was face down so she could not see the wax seal, which unsettled her. She picked up the letter, turning it over. She was flooded with relief upon seeing Utterson's family crest, but grew curious when she saw he'd used red wax instead of his usual green. She then opened the letter and read its contents,

Gaunt Street, London.
K. L. Hughes.

Dearest Lynnie, I must make you aware of something truly dreadful. This is no letter of invitation or expectance of my arrival, it is merely a warning for you, as I know you enjoy wandering the fog after nightfall. I have met with the most disagreeable man I have ever laid eyes upon just this past night. The man I'd spoken to you about, who had trampled the child at the street corner, as Enfield had said. I want you to be aware that he is lurking about London, likely doing the most unspeakable things, and most certainly has a look of a scoundrel about him, or worse, the look of a killer. I understand that this may worry you, as I did happen to meet him, however, I thought it wise to put a face to the name Enfield had provided to me, should another 'incident' occur. I thought I should mention this, as to help you better avoid it, but this malefactor's moniker is Edward Hyde and he is of a most insidious and disagreeable sort. If you should ever find yourself in the presence of such a man or hear those frightful words being uttered anywhere by anyone, please be sure to steer clear of these omens and notify me at once. May God bless you.

Your dear brother, always,
G. J. Utterson

Kathrine tensed and could feel herself pale to her lips, which she pressed together in an effort to stifle her panic. She slowly folded the letter back up and walked over to the counter, where she braced herself. Dear God... I've seen the face of death! I've been visited by the devil himself! She mused, bringing a hand to her mouth. She shut her eyes tight, took a deep breath, and set her mind on something that calmed her some. She would see Henry that day, before she did anything else. She didn't know why he came to mind first, but perhaps it was because she thought him the most comforting in the moment, not like the brash Lanyon, or his young daughter who wouldn't understand, or even Utterson, who, although being so close to her, had enough troubles of his own. "I must see him," she whispered aloud to herself, "I hope he isn't displeased with my sudden arrival."
Once Kathrine had eaten breakfast and drank her tea, she put on her day clothes and went out. She didn't bother calling for a carriage, as it happened to be another decent day, just a little colder than the morning previous. She walked to Leicester Square with a hasty step, tripping maybe once or twice on the occasional uneven stone of the sidewalk or street. She arrived at the steps of the grand home once again and anxiously looked to the gardenia shrubs, finding them just as she left them; blooming and smelling beautifully. Kathrine knocked and it took a little longer for Poole to open the door this time around. Once he did, he looked somewhat surprised and she curtsied to him, apologizing for her sudden appearance. "It's no trouble, miss Hughes. You wish to see the doctor?" The butler replied, letting her inside, and she nodded. "Wait just a moment, I will see if he is taking visitors." He closed the door behind her and briskly walked off down a hallway. She waited for a minute or two before Poole returned, accompanied by the doctor, who looked more obviously surprised to see her, but not in a displeased way. "Miss Kathrine, what a pleasant surprise!" He chimed, smirking slightly and sending Poole off. She instantly felt just the slightest bit happier, his joy seemingly contagious and as warm as sunshine. "Good morning, Henry. I had hoped you would grant me audience, even if it was just for a moment. I would have gone to John, but I know he's wrapped up in all manner of vexation in regard to his work, so you were the next best man I could seek comfort in." She spoke quickly, her concerned voice betraying her anxiety behind her wavering smile. The doctor took a step toward her and set a hand on her shoulder, looking a little more worried now as he led her into the drawing room they had had tea in just a few days prior. "Oh, Kathrine, you poor thing. What's troubling you, dear? What's happened?" He asked, sitting her down on a loveseat and kneeling in front of her. "I've encountered the most horrible man and I fear he won't leave me alone. He knows where I work, thus, he knows where I live. He knows things about me that I haven't told him, and Utterson just sent me a letter detailing a crime he'd committed before I'd had the displeasure of running into him on a walk. This fellow by the name of Hyde has terrorized me twice now! I've not the slightest idea what to do!" She cried, hugging herself and searching Jekyll's face. He had a grim expression and his eyes were downcast. "Hyde, you said? What has he done to you?" His voice was low as his eyes met Kathrine's once again. This look he wore startled her some, as if he already knew, but she convinced herself that was impossible before she continued. "H-he was very rude to me on the street when we'd first met. He made me uneasy, though he tried to make up for his remarks with compliments and a proper introduction. Then, last night, he came into the shop and was monstrous... He said such horrible things to me, Henry, I can't place why. He said he wanted to kill me and I fear that going to the constable wouldn't be much help, as I don't know where he goes, if Hyde is his real name, or if he'd find out and finish the job he seemed to be set out to do." Her voice was unusually steady when recalling the memories, which she found odd, but perhaps the event no longer bothered her. Come to think of it, they're rather confusing, really. I interest him? Why? What about me has this madman so fixated? "This is just as I feared," Henry sighed, causing Kathrine to give him an odd look, "I don't want you to panic or go about spreading this, although I know you will not, but young Edward Hyde is an assistant of mine. An apprentice, if you will." He explained slowly and with an eerie calmness in his voice. Kathrine shifted in her seat and furrowed her brow "Good God... How could you tolerate such a fellow?" She whispered in disbelief. Henry chuckled coolly and shook his head, "Even I can't explain it. He interests me." She shuddered at his laughter and the phrasing of the words. It stirred up the fleeting wisps of her nightmare, pulling them back into the front of her mind. "And what's worse," the doctor continued, "is that he has confessed to me that he's fixated on you." Kathrine couldn't stifle a sharp gasp after hearing such a horrifying thing. "He... Wanted me to tell you that he has a difficult time expressing himself in an... Appropriate way. He wanted to appeal to you himself, though, later tonight, and asked that I give you this." Henry removed a letter from his trouser pocket. His hand was shaking the slightest bit, and when Kathrine took the letter, he excused himself. The wax seal on the front of the folded paper was nearly black, which gave her a sick feeling, but upon closer inspection, it appeared to be black wax mixed with blue. She could see the swirls of color when she held it up to the sunlight that streamed in from a nearby window. Once she opened it, she read what was written,

Soho, London.
August, 1884.
Kathrine Lynn.

You have had a shock, I'm sure, and I have not properly addressed it. I would like to formally apologize for my behavior, though, I'm sure Henry has already tried. I've provided an address and advise you go to it this evening. Arrive at 6 o'clock and no later. Dinner will be provided. Don't worry about dressing formally, this is merely a casual affair. I certainly hope I have not driven you away with my brutish manner and I look forward to seeing you.

Most sincerely,
Edward Hyde

Kathrine's feelings were indiscernible. She couldn't tell exactly how she felt about this request, though she was aware of the faintest flock of butterflies that fluttered around in her stomach. Henry walked in dabbing his forehead with a handkerchief. "I won't ask about what is written, I just ask that you give my poor young acquaintance a chance. He's rather unfortunate in his... State. My position in this case isn't any better." The doctor slumped down next to her on the couch, stuffing the handkerchief into the breast pocket of his vest while staring up at the ceiling. Kathrine looked at him for a while and watched his chest rise and fall with each long, full breath he took. When she looked at his face, she found his eyes were on her and a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Thinking, miss Kathrine?" He asked in a soft, almost weak, voice. She looked away and felt heat creeping up her face and into her ears. "Mhm. About a lot of things." She murmured, staring down at and fidgeting with her fingers. She suddenly saw Henry's hand drift into view and it rested on her own. "Nervous?" He asked, taking one of them and pulling it closer to his face. He turned towards her and studied her fingers. "You bite your nails." He mumbled, "A bad habit, dear. Why disfigure such pretty hands?" Kathrine could feel herself breaking out into a sweat and could hear her heartbeat faintly in her ears. "I-I do it when I'm anxious. Or when I'm thinking. Or bored." She explained and looked up at his face. When she did so, he met her eyes and gave her such a disarmingly sympathetic expression that, for a moment, she felt she could tell him anything and he'd somehow understand. "Mm... Wait here a moment." He breathed, before getting up and rushing out again, leaving Kathrine with her thoughts once more. She stared into space for a while, rubbing her hands together until he returned and pulled her from her musing. In one hand was a bottle of medical glue and in the other was a roll of thin bandages and small medical scissors. Henry sat back down beside her and took her hands in his again, setting his equipment down. "This should help you. Just give them some time to heal." He hummed, tending to her small wounds. "If you need any more bandages, just let me know. And, Kathrine?" She looked at him expectantly, "If you ever need me, don't hesitate to visit. I may not always be home or available, but I'll try to make time for you, alright?" Those tender words of such pure kindness filled her ears and calmed her enough to the extent that she'd almost completely forgotten about Hyde until Henry had finished and addressed her again. "Well then, that should do it! Now, remember what I said about Edward... Just consider him. If not for him, would you do it for me?" She agreed without thinking, still charmed by the doctor's benevolence, and as he walked her out, he placed his hand at the center of her lower back, thanking her for visiting and reassuring her that all will be well. She was intoxicated by the odd feeling that was about her, like an aura that immediately dissipated as soon as she had left his home and the door had shut behind her. It bewildered her, this feeling. She was surprised at herself for getting so carried off by her emotions. Why had she been so dazed? He called me 'dear' too, but... It was probably just because he was worried. She looked at her hands, which had been so neatly and expertly bandaged up. Her mind drifted to his request for her to "consider" the man who terrorized her the night before. How could he ask something like that of me? Does he not know? Does he not understand? Kathrine felt frustrated, but it hurt her to feel that way towards a man who had just treated her with such endless patience. "I'll consider him. For Henry. Even if it is against my better judgement."