A Dowry of Blood

Constanta and Dracula travel to Spain. They are going to spend a few nights at the home of Magdalena, a Spanish noblewoman with a knack for politics. Dracula has been corresponding by letter with her for some time. Constanta meets the beautiful Magdalena and is jealous and suspicious of Dracula’s motives. When she accuses Dracula of “keeping another woman” (81), he insists that Magdalena is simply a friend but suggests that she could be a “gift” for Constanta.

Magdalena is charming, and Constanta is drawn to her despite herself. Magdalena hosts a ball. Dracula and Constanta dance together, and Dracula asks Constanta if she wants Magdalena; he thinks it would be good for her to have a friend or a sister. Both Constanta and Dracula are free to take other lovers, and they have done so before, though they have always killed those they have shared a bed with. Magdalena pulls Constanta into a dance and kisses her in front of everyone. She urges Constanta not to overthink or deny herself simple pleasures.

At dinner, Magdalena declares that she will never marry because she always wants to be free, which intrigues Dracula.