Bram Stoker's Dracula: Resurrection

Chapter Four

CHRISTINA GODALMING'S JOURNAL ENTRY

Mar 14. Purfleet – on – Thames. 1906. – It took us a day to make the necessary preparations for our lengthy voyage to meet with Celia and Dr Seward, for I have never been so enthusiastic to reunite with such darling friends! The nature of her letter still pains my heart, yet I hold fast and remain strong, to face whatever challenges lay ahead, not just for me. But alongside my dearests, Quincey and Celia as well! We had packed enough to see us through during our stay, despite our weary temperaments upon returning from Transylvania. It had been but a fortnight since, and we were fortunate enough to have received adequate time to rest and recover, that had rejuvenated our stamina in seeing our following trip, with eager anticipation!

Each time I would travel, 'twould be in the accompaniment of either father or mother, else another from our household! Our visits to Transylvania, were among the rare few times I had in spending with dear Quincey, yet 'twas always in the presence of our parents! I mean not, to ever speak ill of my beloved family! dear God, no! for I love and treasure them eternally! But, oh! how vexing 'twas indeed!

The sight of my darling, – so handsome a man is he, my Quincey, hailing a hackney coach early this morn, truly excites me so! to know I now travel alone, with the man who is, oh so ever dear to my heart! He could gauge my excitement indeed, yet did not consider questioning me about it. The tedium behind this extensive journey would have all but dampened my spirits, without his companionship. In my heart, I could sense, my dear felt the same.

We arrived on time, but an hour later to King's Cross Station nestled 'tween Pancras Rd. and York Wy. to catch our intended train for Barking Station. My sweet, Quincey was ever so the gentleman, to guide me from the carriage up to the platform with our luggage in tow, as he purchased our tickets. I count myself as the luckiest woman in the world, to have such a noble and chivalrous man by my side!

He proceeded to secure our luggage in the overhead racks as I seated myself and he took his right beside. My excitement and happiness overcame me, leaning in and planting a tender loving peck on his cheek. He appeared somewhat taken aback by my sudden bold move, as he said: – "Your behaviour has been rather strange today." He cleared his throat, trying to keep a low profile as our cabin continued to fill with other passengers. "Is everything all right. Christina?"

I fed my arm through his, taking him by the hand and resting my head on his shoulder. I could not help to stop myself in offering him naught but loving affection, when I answered him: – "'Tis our first time travelling alone together." The reality of this situation seemed to strike him like a bolt of lightning, as I shifted my head up to look him in the eye once more, "It truly fills my heart with joy, to be travelling with you! And you alone." It brought far more joy to bask in his warm smile, as I held him close.

We were on quite the voyage, just over halfway in five hours later after several stops, nearing and through Whitechapel. Alas! We shared our cabin with three others; two striking gentlemen and an elderly lady. Much to my disappointment, as I would have preferred privacy to enjoy such splendour with my love! This had not deterred me from conversing quietly with him: – "Oh! But 'tis such a romantic sight, indeed!"

The joy overflowed from my very being, when Quincey turned to lay his eyes out upon the extravagant landscape, filled with bustling of London's streets. Truly sights we were used to, yet offering a different aura, now that we travelled as a couple! I resumed: – "I would wish to share this moment with no other!" latching myself to his arm as we stared out to the vibrant, open world of endless possibilities greeting our gaze!

Reaching across, he took my slender hand into his and said: – "Neither would I, for this is one of life's few precious moments to treasure."