Confessions of a Draculaholic

Chapter 8

Rebecca helped Lucy pack her things for the trip back to London, as well as packing her own traveling case once more. She wrote a letter to her uncle, letting him know that they were returning from the summer trip, and that she would be staying with the Westenra's for the time being as Mrs. Westenra was feeling unwell as of late. She gave it to one of the maids to post it.

They arrived at the Westenra's home with all of Lucy and her mother's things, Mina's extra items that she felt were unnecessary for her trip to rejoin Jonathon in Budapest, and Rebecca's trunk.Mrs. Westenra had spent nearly the entire trip expressing her gratitude for Lucy's friends being able to accompany them. She also thanked Rebecca for her willingness to stay on and help Lucy cope with the sudden loss of her friend's companionship.

Within a day of their being back in London, they learned that Arthur and his father had returned to London for the time being, and Arthur often took Lucy out on rides through London and getting things ready for the wedding. Rebecca stayed behind to keep Mrs. Westenra company. She was looking more frail and delicate as each day passed, though she tried to hold up for Lucy's sake.

There were many quiet afternoons that Rebecca spent reading by herself in the sitting room or having quiet conversations with Mrs. Westenra.

"I do hope my poor old heart holds up until the wedding. Do not let Lucy worry about me unduly."

Rebecca listened and reassured her, but there was nothing she could do to alter Mrs. Westenra's health.

The morning of August 25th found Mrs. Westenra taken to her bed with fatigue that she could not seem to overcome. Rebecca had been on a short walk around the outside of the house after breakfast and came inside to find that Lucy was also still in bed.

Rebecca knocked before opening the door. She saw Lucy carefully setting a book on her nightstand. The paleness of Lucy's face and hands startled her.

"Lucy, are you well?" she asked in a whisper.

"I am fine, Rebecca. I have not sleepwalked in at least a week, and I do not remember having dreams, so I must have slept just fine. My only complaint is that I cannot seem to draw enough breath."

Rebecca shook her head. A bell rang somewhere in the house and Lucy sat on the edge of her bed trying to get up the energy to get ready for the day.

"Your mother is still abed. Perhaps you should be as well. I can entertain any visitors for now."

"My mother has been very strong lately, Rebecca, though she does not feel well. I can be strong as well."

A maid entered the room. "Mr. Holmwood is here, Ma'am."

"Thank you, Jane," Lucy acknowledged the information. "Would you help me dress?" She stood slowly, holding onto the poster of her bed.

Rebecca looked at Lucy contemplatively, "Lucy, I will greet him and let him know you will be down soon. I will come help you down the stairs as soon as you are dressed. You don't seem well enough to do so on your own."

Lucy slowly nodded, and Rebecca soon swept into the drawing room. Mr. Holmwood stood near the fireplace.

"Good morning, Mr. Holmwood," she said quickly with a small curtsy. "Lucy will be ready shortly."

He looked at Rebecca, but she couldn't read the emotions in his face. "Good day, Miss Bennett. How are you this quiet morning?"

"I am very well, thank you, sir. Yourself?"

"Fine, thank you. Mr. Morris gives his regards. He told me to give them to you next I saw you."

"Thank you. You are very kind." Rebecca tried to keep from blushing. Mr. Morris' greeting touched her heart, though she hadn't heard from him in several weeks, and she had been too shy to write herself.