People would call it one of the greatest storms on record and marvel at how it came from nowhere.
The storm announced its arrival with an ear-shattering explosion of thunder that violently shook the window pains. Mina sat bolt upright pulling the blanket up to her neck in fear. She peered anxiously around the darkened room before a flash of lightning lit it up and then there was another huge roll of thunder. As the thunder subsided so came the rain. The intense noise made it sound more like gravel being hurled against the glass instead of water. Mina lay back grateful she was inside, warm and safe in the Westenra household.
As the storm raged on, Mina's heart suddenly raced with worry for her friend Lucy sleeping downstairs. She quickly threw on her robe to cover her Victorian nightdress, not wanting to be caught by any member of the Westenra's household or servants in such attire. But her fear for Lucy outweighed any concerns about her appearance. The wind howled and rain lashed against the windows as Mina made her way silently down the stairs, determined to reach her friend's side. Mina moved cautiously through the darkened corridors trying to be quiet and hoping she wouldn't encounter anyone. She had to get to Lucy.
As she cautiously slipped into Lucy's room the sight that greeted her made her gasp in surprise. Fearful of waking or frightening her friend she found her sitting at her dressing table. She was wearing the most lovely nightgown and bed jacket. Lucy was enthusiastically brushing her long hair. Mina biefly wondered if she might be preparing for the visit of a secret lover. That was of course ridiculous. Happily, she was not cowering in fear from the storm outside even though there did seem something odd about Lucy tonight.
Mina greeted her friend and received only a smile of indifference from her. Was it possible she was unaware of the storm raging outside? Mina slightly frustrated suggested they snuggle up in bed together as they had so often before especially on a stormy night. However, Lucy appeared not to register the suggestion returning to her hair and studying her reflection in the mirror.
Feeling slightly annoyed at being treated cooly by her friend, Mina decided to open the thick curtains that covered the doors from the garden into Lucy's room. The storm outside raged on. The strong gusts of wind and rain whipped against the windows, threatening to shatter them. As she gazed out into the gloom, Mina felt a feeling of unease creep over her. But she pushed it aside and focused on trying to engage Lucy in conversation. Maybe seeing the fierce storm would jar her friend out of her thoughts, even if it might also frighten her a bit. The two could then cuddle up in bed, sharing stories and laughter as they waited for everything to calm down. With a determined sigh, Mina pulled back the heavy curtains and peered into the darkness outside.
Mina's eyes strained to pierce through the thick darkness but it was impossible. The glass in the windows still rattled in their frames, worrying Mina that they were about to shatter under the assault of wind and rain. But she could see nothing, and Mina could only imagine the chaos happening beyond her sight. The sound of trees bending and creaking under the force of the gale filled her ears, along with a distant, haunting puff that carried on the wind. She knew it was a warning shot from a nearby lighthouse or ship, signalling danger to any sailors out at sea in this storm. Her heart went out to them, imagining the unbelievable conditions they would be battling against.
Then there was a sudden flash of lightning that illuminated the scene outside. For an instant, the light burned into the back of her retina before she was able to register what was revealed. She saw the full extent of what was happening. Trees swayed and bent. Above dark clouds raced across the sky like wild horses. In the midst of it all, stood a man! A man? Mina's heart skipped a beat as she gasped. Surely not! Had she imagined him? No, there was no mistaking his presence. He stood tall and lean, his figure unbending against the raging storm. Mina could see that he was close enough to be in the Westenra's garden, not outside of it as he should have been. Her mind raced with questions. Who was he? What was he doing out there in this terrible weather? Could he possibly be one of the Westenra's servants? But that thought seemed absurd to Mina. She remained frozen, standing there, staring, waiting for another flash of lightning to confirm what she had seen. Her mind considered what she should do if there was indeed a man standing outside on this stormy night.
But the darkness was thick and unyielding once more.
Suddenly though a man's face appeared at the window, causing Mina to let out a little cry in surprise and to step back. She turned to her friend Lucy, who had also risen from her seat. Curiously Lucy just stood calmly beside Mina making no reaction. The man outside looked to be strangely unaffected by the storm. His thick black moustache and hair seemed as dry as a bone. His piercing dark eyes seemed to hold them both in their intense gaze for a moment before he gave them a small, almost imperceptible smile that never reached his eyes. His pointed ears and sharp features gave him an almost other-worldly look, but Mina scolded herself for entertaining such silly thoughts.
The man suddenly spoke. Mina heard him clearly despite the storm and the window pane between them. He had a strange accent and was asking if he could come in out of the storm, both women hesitated, knowing it was improper to invite a stranger into their bedchamber dressed as they were and unchaperoned. But Mina felt a pull towards this mysterious man outside even though he seemed barely fazed by the raging storm. "He's out there in this horrendous weather," she said firmly to Lucy. "We must offer him shelter." And as though sensing her determination, the man seemed to relax slightly, as if aware of her thoughts.
Mina watched as her hands reached forward and slowly turned the key. Despite her concern, she still felt like her body was acting outside of her control.
"Oh Mina, should we?" Said Lucy. "I am afraid!" But Mina continued to open the door ignoring her friend's protests. Both women braced themselves for the wind and rain that would hit them as the man opened the doors but there was nothing. He simply reached down and turned the handles and pushed the doors open as Mina invited him in. The relentless storm seemed to pause as he stepped deftly inside, shutting the door and locking it again. Mina watched fascinated as the sounds of the storm seemed to dissipate outside. It seemed to be passing. The man turned to the two women. Mina suddenly felt a sense of fear and she stepped back. What have I done? She thought.
Lucy was right beside her now for she reached out and took Mina's hand. This seemed to amuse the man who bowed to them both. His voice was smooth and velvety, with a strong Eastern European accent which having lived all their lives in England sounded strange to both woman's ears.
