You were wearing a ratty old white tablecloth as a cape. “We were playing dress-up in your mother’s sitting-room at the orphanage.” “You were six years old, seven perhaps,” Jonathan said softly, “and I was just a couple of years older.” My eyes caught his in the mirror, and I saw in his smile that we were sharing the same memory. “I look like a queen.” As soon as I spoke the words, I recalled the childish wish to which Jonathan had just referred. I did not yet comprehend his meaning, but I donned the ermine hat and moved before the looking glass, where I stared at my reflection. If I am right, this is something that you have been wishing for ever since you were a little girl.” “Jonathan! It is gorgeous! But it must have cost a fortune.” I instantly wrapped myself in the cloak’s sumptuous folds and ran my fingers through the soft fur collar. Lying within was a long, white, wool cloak, trimmed in speckled white ermine, with a matching ermine hat. I saw this in a shop window, and I thought of you.” He laid the box on the bed. It had been a long time since I had seen such an expression of exhilaration and eager anticipation on Jonathan’s face. The evening before we were scheduled to leave England, Jonathan burst into our room, smiling and carrying a large box which looked like it had come from an exclusive London shop. Here’s the scene from my novel, where Jonathan gives Mina this very special gift! In Mina’s case, I trimmed the cloak in ermine, because I wanted her to feel like a queen. In Dracula, My Love, Jonathan Harker gives his wife Mina a white wool cloak, inspired by the coat my husband gave me. Victorian ladies’ cloaks were often worn to the opera, and elegantly trimmed with fur and other embellishments. Since ancient times, cloaks have been handy because they’re so easy to make and because they could double as a ground sheet, blanket, or even a tent for travelers.Ĭloaks cover both sides of the torso, often come with hoods, and are specifically designed to keep the wearer warm and protect them from the elements. Why do superheroes wear capes? Because they look cool! In the Victorian era, ladies’ capes were often spectacularly trimmed with ribbons, ruffles, lace, and fringe.Ī cloak ranges from calf-length to floor-length, sometimes has openings for the arms, is more fitted and tailored than a cape, and more functional. Sometimes, they’re worn just to make a fashion statement. Capes are often more colorful than cloaks and made from a wider variety of fabrics. Capes are generally loose in front and fasten around the neck with a hook or ties. But capes and cloaks are actually different garments, the main differences being their length, style, and function.Ī cape is shorter than a cloak, reaching no lower than the hips or the top of the thighs. People often use the words cape and cloak interchangeably-after all, they are both sleeveless overgarments, and are both worn draped over the shoulders. People from every social stratum wore capes and cloaks, from commoners to ladies of fashion, wealthy aristocrats, and kings and queens. They were worn from ancient times through the early 20 th century. (Read on for an excerpt.)Ĭapes and cloaks have a long and colorful history. So, I had Jonathan give Mina a cloak-and a very special moment in my story was born. They wore cloaks and capes instead, sometimes designed to match their gowns-creating a new fashion statement. I decided to have Jonathan give Mina something similar.Įxcept, in the Victorian era at the time in which the novel is set, the puffed sleeves of women’s gowns were too big to fit into the sleeves of a coat. I’ll never forget the time he presented me with a gorgeous white wool winter coat with a fur collar and trim-I adored it. Bill enjoyed surprising me with heartfelt and often extravagant gifts. So, I took some of the wonderful qualities of my husband Bill and gave them to Jonathan. I realized that if Jonathan wasn’t worthy enough, it was my fault, and I needed to fix it. I told my son Ryan, “Dracula is way more awesome and worthy than Mina’s husband Jonathan.” Ryan replied: “And whose fault is that?” However, the story was designed to be a love triangle. I couldn’t help falling a little bit in love with Dracula myself! In the book, my heroine Mina Harker falls madly in love with Dracula, a brilliant, charismatic, devastatingly handsome being who may not be the evil monster everyone supposes. When I was writing my novel Dracula, My Love, I came to a crossroads and knew I was in trouble.
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