RadioPlay – Page 30 – Cryptic Canticles

Episode Synopsis: Lucy remembers the pain of the last several weeks as though a bad dream. She gratefully rejoices in her comfort falling asleep without the need of supervision, despite the sound of angry flapping against her window. Professor Van Helsing, having need to return to Amsterdam, sends a telegram to Dr. Seward instructing him to visit upon Lucy to keep vigil or at least check to see that she has sufficient garlic placed as necessary. However, he fails to address the telegram correctly, causing it to be delayed by twenty-two hours, and thus not received by Dr. Seward in time. Lucy writes a memorandum in the event that she is unable to give account of the horrible happenings befalling her. She is awakened by the same frightening sound of flapping that has haunted her of late. She calls for help and hears an eerie howl outside her window. The sound awakens her mother who arrives to check on Lucy and rest with her a while. To their horror, Lucy’s window is shattered by an enormous wolf. Traumatized, Lucy’s mother grasps at random, dislodging Lucy’s protective necklace of garlic before succumbing to her mounting heart condition and dying in Lucy’s arms. Lucy is momentarily dazed by her mother’s body and a sort of intoxicating force, but is brought back to herself by the sounds of her maids arriving. The maids are horrified to discover their mistress dead, and Lucy insists upon their calming their nerves with some sherry from the kitchen. When they do not return, however, Lucy discovers that all four of her maids have been drugged with laudanum. Helpless, and all alone, Lucy hides her written account of the incidents inside her bodice before succumbing to the hypnotising trance of particles that spins around her in her bedroom.

Episode Synopsis: Lucy expresses extreme gratitude for Professor Van Helsing and all those who have fixed their efforts towards her recovery. She takes comfort in the garlic, despite the oddness of the ritual, and no longer dreads sleep.

Episode Synopsis: Dr. Seward and Professor Van Helsing arrive at Lucy’s house in bright spirits to discover in horror that Lucy’s mother, with the best of intentions, had removed the protective garlic from Lucy’s bedroom. Sure enough, Lucy is weak and in need of another blood transfusion. This time, it is Professor Van Helsing who donates his blood to revive her. After instructing Mrs. Westenra not to remove anything else from Lucy’s bedroom, Van Helsing agrees to sit up with Lucy and keep watch over her throughout the night.

Episode Synopsis: Professor Van Helsing insists upon adorning Lucy’s bedroom with bundles of garlic flowers, which he also prescribes her to wear as a necklace while she sleeps. Lucy and Dr. Seward think this ritual comical, but oblige. Van Helsing feels confident that this condition will produce positive results.

Episode Synopsis: When Dr. Seward arrives to spend his second consecutive night keeping vigil, Lucy insists that he rest in the adjoining room instead of staying awake. Lucy writes in her journal how fortunate she is to be blessed with such devoted friends. Her thoughts turn to Arthur as she settles down to sleep.