The Companion Series

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER EIGHT

Doctor John Polidori

Villa Diodoti, Cologny

Geneva July 1816

Doctor Polidori, Darling John,

How I wish you were here with me in Montreux. Percy and Lord Byron have left me stranded once more while they proceed on their own adventures. Do you miss George as much as I miss Percy? I had initially wanted to visit Chamonix with them, to be close to that most beautiful Mont Blanc, but the thought of several hours, if not days, on donkey and then horseback over the singularly bad trails to that wonderland left me for naught. And of course I could never subject Willmouse to such a horrid journey. Instead I am in the comfort of this beautiful little gem on the easternmost reaches of the lake. But, oh, how the summer weather eludes us. I read with much horror the excerpt you sent me entitled “Vampyre.” Undeniably I shivered throughout the night after reading but a few pages. Your story is exciting indeed, however I am certain I am on the cusp of writing something comparable for our ghost story competition. While our . . . while my husband and your “patient” gadabout the wilderness, I trust we shall show them we also have some small literary talent.

If you are able, my darling John, please join me here in Montreux. The residence where I am situated has several spare rooms befitting a man of your means, and my suite is large enough to accommodate my sister Claire—if she wishes to leave the bright lights of Geneva to visit her sister and nephew. And I do expect Percy and George to return within the next month. They would be as overjoyed as I to see you here. M. Shelley