She studied her reflection in the large dressing room mirror with the strangely speckled glass.
Impatiently she pushed a wayward golden curl into place, sparkling blue eyes reflecting her inner excitement.
She had held out against him, refusing all intimacy, until he was ready to make the final commitment.
And now, at last, she would be safe and provided for.
The knock on the door was a mere formality, since he turned the handle before she could call, "Enter!"
His tall figure loomed in the doorway, and the glow in his eyes made her heart beat faster.
She smiled when his blond moustache tickled the back of her hand as he kissed it.
"I'm keeping my promise, here are the papers, lady of my heart."
Quickly she inspected the deeds to the house in Louveciennes, and the document that guaranteed her a monthly income for the rest of her life.
Raising her eyes to his handsome face she smiled approval and nodded assent. He moved swiftly towards her, and this first embrace left her breathless and weak at the knees.
"And now to supper. To celebrate! The carriage is waiting, my dear."
Behind the mirror Erik smiled mirthlessly. She was going now. Just as well. She was useless to him. Those sapphire eyes should have warned him. His initial interest in her had quickly faded when he discovered her weakness. This beautiful Persian cat with blue eyes was deaf. Well, not deaf in the normal sense of the word, but tone-deaf, which in his opinion was just as bad.
With a mocking bow he waved his hand in a salute to the departing couple. "Congratulations, Agnès. As la Sorelli, you will be the toast of Paris, just as your protector Monsieur le Comte de Chagny has promised."