Chapter 10
The drive from Cameron to Manteo was just over 90 minutes in. Matt was driving, rather erratically. Adam was messing with the SatNav with Jeff and Christian were in the back seat, reading Emma's diary. The occasional gasp of horror coming from the backseat.
May 24 1895
The headmistress was quite compassionate regarding my situation. She offered to pack my belongings, but I couldn't let her. She has already done so much, gone far beyond what her duties dictate.
Charles did not react in such a manner. I informed that I must leave, that my father is ill and my family requires my presence. He is greatly upset, he nearly went into a tirade. He made an attempt to flatter me, I believe with the explanation that his new home would be named in my honour! I must wonder if he is attempting to secure my return to England, to him and his home?
I must prepare my departure and cannot think of such things right now.
June 11895
I am feeling unwell and retired shortly after dinner this evening. I am certain that my malaise is the product of sad goodbyes and the stress of leaving England so abruptly. It's probably apprehension regarding my father's condition.
June 5 1895
The ship upon which I had booked passage to New York has already departed without me. I've contracted a high fever and find it difficult to stand for even a short period of time without intense vertigo.
Concerns for my father's health has gained friend in my fear for my own well being.
Charles has graciously offered boarding and attendance within his newly completed manor until I am well enough to make the long journey home.
June 10 1895
While my malady goes undiagnosed I am left to search medical encyclopaedias for comparable symptoms. Although many have passed from yellow fever, I am thankfully not experiencing evidence to its presence.
Charles takes good care of me, but lately has become rather withdrawn. I often hear peculiar sounds from his workshop and he appears to be keeping odd hours!
My accommodations are pleasant and I spend the greater part of my day resting in hopes of regaining my strength. When possible, I enjoy exploring this wonderful stately manor. Charles has built a most beautiful, albeit cluttered home. He appears to take great pride in procuring an absolute horde of varied nonessentials!
June 14 1895
I grow weaker with each days passing and last night took a turn for the worse. I am now experiencing blackouts and find it difficult to keep my mind focused. My body seems almost incapable of regulating temperature...
The local physician arrived again this morning and ran his routine array of probing and reviewing my failing condition. I am exhausted with the endless parade of horse pills and repulsive elixirs I must ingest in hopes of restraining my symptoms.
Charles, too, has become exceedingly fatigued with the burden of my care and has suggested that we take hire of a live in nurse maid to provide assistance. I am fortunate to have such a kindly friend.
June 21 1895
Charles absence has become increasingly commonplace. Although he benevolently tends to me, he is often away from the house for extended periods of time and returns with the most unusual oddities! One such example is the ever expanding library on the floor above my quarters. He has taken up an affinity for compiling an extensive assortment of books and manuals whose subject matter would chill your very heart!
Great tomes on topics including dark magic, voodoo and witchcraft have exceeded shelf space and must be piled waist high. I was aware of Charles' penchant for the written word, yet his theme of choice is most unsettling.
Scribbled underneath this entry were the words: Don't underestimate him! He's dangerous
July 13 1895
I cannot sleep. Each time I do, something wakes me and I feel chilled. This night it was a terrible dream, a nightmare that was seemingly quite real, which made my blood pump so that I could not rest...
I was here in this room, sitting in my wheelchair. I looked down to see myself wearing a gown of white, beautifully made of lace and satin. It took a moment to realise that it was a wedding dress. I felt a paralysis throughout my body as I sat, frozen in this gown.
My soaring temperature is causing many such frightening nightmares. Also I am quite concerned that I have yet to receive further communication from home. My father's health weighs greatly on my mind.
July 14 1895
Today brought the arrival of a nurse named Rose Somerset. Charles insists on using the old term "matron", but I prefer to think that she is more of a maid who will be checking my health in addition to keeping up the house. Regardless of the titular formalities, I am pleased and excited for Rose's company!
Charles is still very distracted, although I have no idea as to what he does with his time these days, but now I can spend time with this kindly woman! She might just bring a bit of light into my life, which has been lacking as my health has dwindled, my affliction has made it difficult to move about, so I am now confined to do so with the help of a wheelchair.
August 2 1895
Rose has been an amazing blessing and for all the care she has given me, I am most thankful for the much needed companionship. She too has noticed the odd behaviour that Charles has been exhibiting.
This afternoon, Rose posed a rather unexpected question by asking if Charles had ever been previously wed. I explained he had not and made clear his intentions towards me. Curiously I questioned why she should ask and she recounted coming across a wedding gown while cleaning the wardrobe upstairs.
She brought me the gown and I felt my heart arrest when I laid eyes on it. She displayed the very same dress from my nightmare some days ago!
The words "Victor has her in this" were scrawled in a child's handwriting underneath this entry, making Jeff and Christian look at each other with a worried look on their faces. Adam noticed the worried look on their faces and mouthed "what's up" to them, not wanting to alarm Matt as Jeff passed him the diary, pointing to the child like scribble. When Adam saw the words, the same worried expression came across his face. "Um Matt, have you seen this?" Adam asked, not wanting to upset his best friend. "Have I seen what Adam?" Matt asked, pulling over as Adam showed him the scribble. All of a sudden, Matt got out of the car, slamming the door. A rage building up inside him, If he has done anything to Willow I'll never forgive myself he thought to himself, taking a deep breath before getting back into the car to some worried looks from his brother and friends. "I'm ok guys, I just wanna go see Wills" as they sped off, unaware of the dangers that lay ahead.
"Yes, that's my dress that Victor has dressed her in" Emma whispered, shocked that it was still wearable after 117 years. "But why now? Why after all these years" Rose asked as Emma shook her head and replied "I don't know. I wish I had some answers but I don't. All we can do is keep her safe until her true love can save her"