#sorry mr. hawkins that was a very sweet and glowing recommendation

[vickyvicarious]

I handed to him the sealed letter which Mr. Hawkins had entrusted to me. He opened it and read it gravely; then, with a charming smile, he handed it to me to read. One passage of it, at least, gave me a thrill of pleasure.

"I must regret that an attack of gout, from which malady I am a constant sufferer, forbids absolutely any travelling on my part for some time to come; but I am happy to say I can send a sufficient substitute, one in whom I have every possible confidence. He is a young man, full of energy and talent in his own way, and of a very faithful disposition. He is discreet and silent, and has grown into manhood in my service. He shall be ready to attend on you when you will during his stay, and shall take your instructions in all matters."

Inspired by this post looking through Dracula's earlier letter to Jonathan, let's see what the Count might take from this section of Mr. Hawkins' letter.

Red = Jonathan is young, has only worked for Mr. Hawkins so far. He's only recently grown into manhood. He's likely to be a little bit naive and inexperienced, easier to toy with.

Orange = Jonathan may not look it at first glance, but he has great drive and he is smart. Not only will he be able to competently answer Dracula's questions and assist him with the work he's officially here for, but this means he's more likely able to endure a good deal of torment before breaking down completely. He'll be entertaining for a while to come.

Green = He will try his best to complete this job, even if just out of loyalty. He won't speak up for himself. How much pushing will it take to break his silence?

Blue = He's going to do what Dracula wants. Whatever he wants. He's obedient. How far can that be pushed? What kinds of unexplained orders will he follow?

Like... Dracula was expecting Mr. Hawkins. He would probably still have fun/use him as a resource as planned, but an old, experienced lawyer who is no longer in the prime of his life wouldn't be nearly as interesting for him, or for nearly as long. We see what his tastes run towards later... and Jonathan fits them all perfectly. No wonder he smiled so charmingly after reading this.

From Dracula's perspective, this description of Jonathan is more and more exciting. It absolutely gives him an idea of the kind of guest he has even beyond what he's already learned/confirming some things he's seen (Jonathan didn't speak up in the ride to the castle even when it was obviously not a straight trip there. He tried to save the driver from the wolves.), and it's all the sort of information that will make Dracula eager to test Jonathan. To see how far he can push him, to draw this out as slow as possible.

I don't think Jonathan was the only one here who felt " a thrill of pleasure" reading Mr. Hawkins' letter.