"Freda Warrington - Dracula the Undead" - читать интересную книгу автора (Warrington Freda)

The farm, at the far end of the village, was concealed by a stand of birch trees, their
leaves and silver trunks glittering softly. Then the trees parted and we saw the
magnificent arched gateway that led to the farmyard. The moment Lord Godalming
checked the horses, a crowd came surging out to meet us; women and girls in striped
aprons, full skirts and sheepskin bodices, men in homespun trousers and tunics with
cowhide boots. Some of them took charge of our carriage, others ushered us into the
yard. Here were more hayricks, vines trailing over trellis, pigs rooting, geese and hens in
coops, with their chicks running free. The house itself is a beautiful old building of wood,
with splendid carved pillars and narrow balconies under the wide eaves. Yet the house is
almost dwarfed by the great barn with double doors that stands nearby! Behind the farm,
beyond its orchards and pastures, runs a high forested ridge which, Emil tells us, is badly
infested with wolves. The sight of that steep dark slope reminds me that we have not far
to go. A chill goes through me at the thought.
The farmer is a big man with a prodigious black moustache, his wife a rotund, merry
soul with ruddy cheeks and black hair. They welcomed us warmly and with much broken
German and sign language. Their welcome for Emil and Elena was one of overwhelming
friendliness, as if they were long-lost family! Dr Van Helsing explained that we shall
require accommodation for two nights only. I think they would be happy for us to stay all
summer, so hospitable are they! Basking in this rural life for a month or two would be
pleasant, were I not so eager to see Quincey again.
 Our hosts have seven children, almost grown to adulthood, three daughters and four
sons, all as strong, simple and superstitious as their parents. Not that I would ever mock
their superstitions! Emil seems more vivacious among them than I have observed him
with his brother or with us, but Elena - though she is always smiling and deferential -
seems ill at ease. Perhaps she prefers city life, but I sense that her father has given her no
say in the matter. I will try to win her confidence tonight.
We are in a most pleasant room, simple and clean, with a view of apple and cherry
trees and green pastures. I can hear birds singing and sheep bells tinkling. This all seems
so cosy and pleasant, such a contrast to our last journey! We are being called down to
dinner.

Later
Jonathan is asleep in bed now but I am wide awake. At last I have had a good long
talk with Elena! The family provided a lavish meal and we did it justice. Afterwards,
Emil went for a stroll to seek vantage points from which to paint, and all our men went
with him. The womenfolk were busy in the kitchen, so Elena and I were left alone by the
fireplace in a tiny parlour with carved wooden tankards hanging on the walls, and many
embroidered cushions scattered on the bench seats. She is a very handsome girl, with a
sweet oval face, a rosy, brilliant complexion, dark smooth hair and brown eyes, and very
dark, thick brows and lashes. She is slender but of no great height, so her form gives a
pleasing impression of compactness and grace.
I did my best to put her at ease. Jonathan and I both know what it is to work and serve
others, so we have no airs and graces. I remarked on her excellent English. Her cheeks
dimpled and her eyes shone as she replied, 'Madam Harker, my uncle Andre has always
insisted that I be fluent in other languages. But my father is not so eager that I speak
English. I hope you forgive my impoliteness, but that is why I have spoken to you so
little. I wanted to!'
'But why would your father not wish you to speak English?'
She lowered her deep lids, her lashes making long black crescents against her cheeks.
'Oh, he does not like me to learn or know too much. He does not think that education