Chapter 6: Coda

The knock at the door was gentle, but Rosa was only half asleep and thus heard it clearly. Lazily she opened her eyes. Everyone, including the doctor, insisted that she remain in bed, however her desire was to be in Reinhardt's library and among his things.

"Come in," she answered.

It was Henry who came in through the door. Although three days had passed since he and Carrie saved her from suffocation in the Botanical Society building, Rosa could see that he was still feeling guilty. Behind the smiling veneer was someone who was hurting inside. While before he was always mindful to make Rosa safe and comfortable, now he treated as if she were made of glass.

"Is it all right to come in?"

"Yes Henry, that's what I just said." She emphasized. His normally troubled features were slightly more agitated as was also evident in his voice.

"I hate to bother you, but unfortunately he insisted."

"Who?"

"Ian Graves wants to see you."

Rosa let out a deep breath. "So he does," she said simply. Her thoughts returned to what she had read in Thatcher's journal. Graves had an ulterior motive in sending the expedition. His interest in the Venus Weed and his reaction, or lack of reaction, to something so fantastic was most curious.

"Send him in," Rosa said at last.

Graves was impeccably dressed and groomed in stark contrast to Rosa who although covered by a loose gown, was clearly bandaged around the chest, arms, and on her burnt hand. The man was smiling in his usual manner as he entered and extended his hand to Rosa. He was about to speak when Rosa cut him off.

"Call me Lady Rose and Henry will shoot you."

Graves' smile was unwavering. He glanced back at Henry who had remained in the room. Henry's hand patted the holster hanging from his belt and winked at Graves.

"Threatening to shoot me? He must be back to normal," was Graves' sly response.

"What do you want?"

"I only want to offer my thanks. I am not so dense that I do not realize that I would have perished if not for you. You have my gratitude."

"Mr. Graves, the current exchange rate on your gratitude is not in your favor. I suggest you find somewhere else to spend it."

"I see. Until next time? Perhaps under similarly interesting circumstances? So that I may return the favor."

"Graves," Rosa called out as he turned to leave. "You were surprisingly calm for a man seeing such extraordinary sights. I imagine most people would have either fainted or screamed at seeing such things. You however…"

Graves paused. "Until next time," he said repeated and then he was gone.

Henry had eyed him as he left. He did not turn to face Rosa until the man had left entirely. He then revealed that he had something in hand which he handed to her.

"A letter from Reinhardt," Henry said cheerily.

Rosa's face lit up and she eagerly grabbed a letter opener from a nearby table. The letter was postmarked from some place she had never heard of. No doubt when Reinhardt returned he would recount to her of all these far off places he has had to visit. Rosa unfolded the papers and was about to begin reading when she saw that Henry was still standing frozen on the spot.

"I'm sorry, Rosa."

"What are you talking about Henry?"

"I failed Reinhardt. I failed you and Carrie too. That thing took me over and…"

"Shh," Rosa whispered and she took his hand. "It was not your fault. You were not in control of yourself." Rosa could see that Henry was holding back tears.

"I nearly killed Carrie. I was going to shoot her. My finger would have pulled the trigger!"

"Henry, no one, not even Carrie holds you responsible for that. Alura Une's kind took control of you."

"You don't understand. I was ten years old when my father was turned into a vampire. He came after me. It didn't matter to me that he was a vampire; all I saw was my father. His face filled with a maddening thirst that he wanted to quench with my blood. I would not wish that experience on anyone, and yet…here I feel I have done the same."

"Henry, I still trust you with my life and Carrie's. We both know that you mean us no harm. Reinhardt knows that and will understand."

"Reinhardt…" he sighed. "He left you all in my care, and I nearly killed you all."

"You underestimate him. He will understand more than you think, trust me."

Henry gave no indication that he felt relieved. Rosa could still see the guilt behind his eyes. After a pause he withdrew his hand and left her alone in the room. He would need time, Rosa thought to herself, time to heal. Setting Henry to one side, Rosa turned her attention to the letter from Reinhardt. She devoured every word in minutes. As was her custom, she instantly began to prepare a response. Normally her responses to his writing came easily, but on this occasion she paused to think. She reviewed again his letter and found herself drawn to one portion in particular at the very end.

As I hunt this hell spawned creature, I want you to know that I do not think of my own safety. My thoughts are of you and you alone. I loathe leaving you behind, but this journey is one that I must make on my own. Although this beast I pursue now is not Dracula, its ferocity is unquestionable. I cannot risk your safety. I pray every night for your safety hoping that where I left you will be safer than taking you with me. I am close to my prey, and with God's grace, closer to returning to you. Be safe my dearest.

All my Love,

Reinhardt

With pen in hand, Rosa began to write.

Dearest Husband,

In regards to your concern for my safety, let me lay the issue to rest. The greatest peril that this place has to offer pales in comparison to the danger I faced on that small isle in Wallachia on which we met. Rest assured that I am safe in London and London is safe with me. Concern yourself only with returning home and into my arms. I sit here in your study among your books, among your belongings, and I ache for the moment you will once again sit at your desk toiling away at some task. Even if only to sit and watch you as you read endlessly on some obscure subject, I miss you. Come home soon.

Yours forever,

Rosa

HISTORICAL NOTES:

The Botanical Society of London: The society was originally formed in 1836 and dissolved in 1856 due to financial troubles. Its present day successor is the Botanical Society of the British Isles.

The Longham Hotel: This is a fictional hotel playing off of the real life Langham Hotel which opened in 1865 some ten years too late for our story.