1909 autumn
Susan, Erik
"Louis and Madeleine have already gone to Fort Appia to look at the house" Henry Proctor told Susan, as he greated her on her arrival to New York. "I lent them a key." – "So you did, did you? Just remember it's my house." – "Do you mind? I told them to stay in the basement." Susan laughed. "Of course I don't mind. When are we going?" – "I thought tomorrow. I have booked room at the inn until you get time to buy some furniture for the house."
They arrived the next day. The scenery was beautiful with the colours of autumn and the high air. "I might like to stay here" Susan thought. They entered the upper floor. The rooms were empty but she liked the plan, rooms at sides and a salon in the middle, leading to a terrace. The view showed forest and a lake nearby. "So my father built this, I can imagine that." She opened the door leading to the basement. The stairs were rather steep. They went down and entered behind the stalls with the stage in front. Henry called upon the persons standing on the stage. "Louis! Madeleine! Now we are here!" Henry went first and Susan followed. "May I present the owner of this house – Susan Leroux and my relative Louis Malcolm." Louis, darkhaired and a lot taller than Susan took her hand in a firm grip. "Welcome! But then it's not for me to say to you. I'm very happy to meet you." His smile was warm and his eyes glittered. "Thank you. I have heard a lot about you." – "Nothing but good things, I hope". "And this is Madeleine King" Henry said "Louis' companion and the primadonna of the company." Madeleine had golden eyes and her hair was a mass of brown curls. "Hello" she said. "Nice to meet you. You look exactly as I had imagined." -"How do you mean?" Susan asked. "I mean elegant, cool and composed." She studied Susan's knot of hair. Susan smiled "I have temper to, don't you think otherwise." She looked around. "Well, what do you think so far?" – "I have studied the premises" Louis said "and thought of how to change it. I had thought.." – "You had thought?" – "I had thought to suggest, that we make it look a little more like the original cave. A larger stage, an orchestra pit .."- "and a lake" Susan said. "A lake?" – "Yes there was one, long ago."
They studied the premises for some time and then went for lunch at the inn. "I have to furnish the upper floor" Susan said. "Would you like to accompany me to New York to buy some furniture, Madeleine?" – "That would be just wonderful." - "I can bring my company here to rehearse and play in a month" Louis said. "We just have to finish a play in Philadelphia first. I have an idea for a new play, which we could discuss later. I write the lyrics and you the music – if you want to."
Later on as they had returned to the villa Louis said "I would like to stage – I would like us to stage" he said after a glance from Susan "something dramatic and romantic with beautiful music. Not a melodramatic thing like the last play that was performed here. I have thought of an intrigue. My mother, who is French, although she moved to Canada when she married my father, once had a very strange experience. She attended a performance of a newly written opera, don Juan, at the Opera populaire. That particular evening the composer appeared on the stage and eloped with the primadonna, evidently just having killed the male actor. He was a known figure at the time, though all didn't believe he existed – the Phantom of the opera, they called him." Susan felt the blood leave her face. She looked at Henry, who slowly shook his head. "This would be a romantic and touching story. And the cave is a perfect stage for this." – "But if" Susan said faintly "this is something that really happened, then you have to talk to the persons involved –you can't just impersonate them." – "This would be a fiction, based on a true story, and we will change the names – but of course we will have to ask their permission. The primadonna, and the man who saved her, if they are still alive." Susan rose to her feet. "Have you talked to Henry about this?" – "No, I got the idea not long ago, it was my mother who inspired it." – "Then I must tell you something" Susan said. Henry looked at her attentively. "I know the primadonna from the opera. Then she was called Christine Daée, now she is countess Christine de Chagny. She is married to the man who saved her, Raoul, and they have a daughter, Jeanette. She is an opera singer and she will come to perform at the Metropolitan in October." –"That's perfect!" Louis said "then you could ask her if she would like to be impersonated in our play. I presume you can no longer ask the Phantom himself." – "Well" Susan said "it was long ago. She could consent. I will send her a telegram and ask her." Her thoughts went to her father. What would he think of this? "The idea is good. What will you call it?" –" Not the Phantom of the opera anyway – perhaps The Ghost?" – "And you would play the ghost?" – "Of course" -"I haven't yet heard you sing" Susan said "That will be very interesting."
In the evening Susan talked to Henry alone. "What do you think your father would say to this?" he asked. "You have to telegraph him immeditely – try to be diplomatic – say that I believe in the idea. It's been so long since it happened and by many it's only believed to be a legend. I don't think it could hurt him any more. But you must change the story a little, try to influence Louis."
The next day Susan and Madeleine went to New York to buy furniture and they also went to the telegraph office. Susan tried to express herself clearly and diplomatically. She sent one telegram to Christine and one to her father. "Who is Erik?" Madeleine asked. "My father. He is a friend of the countess', I thought he could advise her too." - "I could never imagine you know people who have had such dramatic experiences" Madeleine sighed enthusiastically "and you know the daughter as well."
Madeleine was impulsive and talkative and the young women had a good time togehter. "Will you stay in the villa alone? I still live with my parents when I'm not travelling. We do a lot of tours with the company around America and Canada as well." – "How big is the company?" – "About 15 persons including the stage staff." – "What do you usually perform?" - "Operettas, like Oklahoma and the Show boat, and sometimes operas like "die Fledermaus". We have a lot of good singers." – "But Louis plays the leading parts – and you?" – "Louis is the primus motor of it all, without him it wouldn't work. He is a good writer and also a talented singer. " –"How is he as a person?" – "Energetic, enthusiastic, clever – but also a little self-centered. He is aware of his own value."- "Is there something going on between you two?" – "Well, there was, in the beginning. I admired him of course. But nothing came out of it and now we are just friends, very good friends."
After a couple of days Susan got an answer from Christine "If Erik allows it, so will I" she wrote. And Erik said "It could be interesting. Myth could replace reality for ever. I trust you to make the best possible of the situation." The work commenced. Henry ordered a piano for Susan and she moved to the villa as soon as the furniture arrived. She composed the music and Louis wrote the lyrics and they worked very close together. She tried to steer the plot as she wanted it and while composing she felt how Erik would have liked it. The company arrived and began to rehearse. Susan listened with fascination to Louis and Madeleine singing. He had a warm and full baritone and she was a dramatic soprano. The third main character Philippe (i e Raoul) was performed by a tenor. Since Louis was in the play Susan helped directing and found it interesting. One time as she saw him on the stage, emerging from darkness, wearing a white mask, she shuddered. It was really frightening.
They looked at the stage. "We really ought to have a lake here" Susan said "if it would be possible." Madeleine tried to understand her character Charlotte, who is fascinated by the Ghost and has to choose between him and Philippe. "You write so wonderful music" she said. "I admire you for your talent and for your personality." Susan was flattered but at the same time found the praise a little exaggerated.
They worked hard and intense, sometimes it was good and sometimes they had their differences. She admitted to herself that it was stimulating working with Louis. They also managed to get a fake lake. The premier took place in October. The evening before Louis asked Susan to dinner. "I would really like to thank you for the good time we have had working together" he said. "It has exceeded all my expectations." – "Is that so? Well I can't complain either." – "You have conquered me totally. I didn't know there were women like you. I find it hard to imagine not working with you." – "Just work?" She smiled. He reached for her hand lying on he table and touched it slightly. "I dare not hope for anything more yet, do I? I admit it's hard to think of any other woman in your presence." She moved her fingers over his. "You affect me too. Madeleine says you are a man who attracts women. But it's not only that you are handsome to look at", now he blushed, " it's your talent, your devotion." – "Your'e the one to say that. You are the artist here, I don't undertstand why you waste your time on us when you could be touring giving concerts." – "Perhaps I don't want to" she said quietly.
As they rose from the table he said "If it were in former days I would do like this", lifted her hand and kissed it. "But now there are modern times." She wondered if he should kiss her on the mouth, but he didn't. "Will not Madeleine be jealous if you go out with me?" - "Not of you, anyway. Of me, in that case. Haven't you noticed how she admires you?" – "I have – but surely not in that way?"
The theater was sold out for the premier. Henry had advertised in New York and in the surroundings. Susan saw it for the first time from the auditorium. It was fascinating and screary. Louis made a very portait-like image of Erik as he could have looked at that time. The musical performances were perfect (only Madeleine overacted a little) and Susan enjoyed all the voices. Afterwards the ensemble bowed in front of the curtain. Louis called for Susan and presented her for the audience "Miss Susan Leroux from London – the composer!" Henry shook the hands of the whole ensemble, thanking them. Louis, dressed as the Ghost but without his mask, hugged Susan and gave her a quick kiss on the mouth. Her heart took an extra beat. It could not be possible – was she going to fall in love with him, forgetting Gregorij so soon? Madeleine hugged her too and pressed her cheek against Susans – it felt a little disturbing. Was it because what Louis had told her? "Let's all go home to rest and celebrate tomorrow" Henry said. The ensemble stayed at the inn or in nearby rented cottages. "Will you sleep all alone upstairs?" Louis said and Susan wondered if he had wanted to join her. "No, Henry stays here for tonight" she said. "Good night, see you all tomorrow."
The play had good reviews. The theater company was known from before and now they were praised for giving an new, different performance. After the second performance the ensemble had a celebration dinner at the inn. Then Henry Proctor returned to New York. Before he left he and Susan talked about opera. "The Met will give "Tintomara" in a couple of week, then your parents and Jeanette will be here."
They continued to play with all tickets sold. Susan felt she had to do something more and started composing again. "I will find you some libretto for a new show" Louis said. "Or perhaps I'll compose other things – like my father." They continued to meet on a daily basis, she sometimes attending the show or he coming up talking with her and sometimes they had lunch together, but there was no more romantic talk and they never touched. Susan thought it was as well, but she couldn't help thinking of it anyway. "Are you not planning going on a tour through America giving concerts?" he asked her. "No, at least not yet. I feel I have to improve." Madeleine wanted her to compose songs for her to sing. "I love your music" she said.
In the end of October Erik, Eleanor and Jeanette arrived in New York. They were to stay until after the first performances of Jeanette as "Tintomara" and then come to visit the villa and see the performace of The Ghost. Susan went there to meet them. They has some pleasant days together sightseeing in the big city, where Eleanor had never been. Jeanette was much appreciated in her role. "You can hear that she is the daughter of the known French opera singer Christine de Chagny" the critics wrote. Nobody wrote – or knew – that she was also the daughter of the composer.
"How is it going with your theatre?" Erik asked. "We had a busy time composing and setting up the play, but now when it's playing I have to find new inspiration. Perhaps you can help me?" They managed all four of them to stay in the villa, since Susan thought they had the right to. When they had arrived Erik sat down at the piano and played for the rest of the afternoon.
In the evening they went to see the performance. Susan thought it was better not to warn the ensemble. They hid in the middle of the audience and were not seen from the stage. Erik found it very strange to watch a person on the stage, impersonating himself and expressing the feelings he once had. He wondered if it was Susan who had given the Ghost his character or if it was Louis. It also felt relieving in a way, as if it all just had been a play.. He also wondered if there was someone somewhere, besides his family, who could connect him with this figure. Louis made a exceptional performance. "He is talanted, that man" Eleanor whispered. "I like your music" Eriks said. He had some difficulty though to recognise Christine in Madeleine's character. When the actors bowed to the audienec Louis spotted Susan. "It's time to say hello" she said. "I have told them about your mask, but still you could expect curious glances." As they made their way towards the stage the man responsible for the lighting accidently turned all the light off for a moment. When the light was turned on again there was a scream from the stage. "The Ghost!" Madeleine cried "he has come to take revenge on us!" She stared at Erik, who stopped. Susan went up to her. "What do you mean? This is my father. I told you he had a mask." Madeleines face turned red. "I'm so sorry, please forgive me, I was still in the play.. " she turned around and left the stage. Louis approached them, still wearing the stage clothes and the mask. He greeted Erik politely and studied his mask. "Well there aren't many other ways to make them" he said. "I am very pleased to meet Susan's parents. Let's meet again when we have changed our clothes." Madeleine returned. "I'm so ashamed" she said. "I must say hello to Susans family." She took the hand of Eleanor and Erik and then turned to Jeanette. "Imagine you are the daughter of Christine de Chagny" she said. "I so would like to hear you sing."- "You can come to New York one evening" Jeanette said.
Just as Louis was about to go backstage a voice was heard from the auditorium. "Louis, hello! Here I am. Will you not say hello to your mother?" – "My mother is here. I didn't know she would come so soon." He helped her up on the stage. She was an elegant lady, seeming slightly older than Eleanor, emanating a scent of perfume. You could see she was French. She smiled at Louis and then she looked at Erik. For a moment she frooze. They held each others gaze for a while. She couldn't help the memories coming to her mind, this man really reminded her of a long time ago.. But this was an old man. Old but not bent. Of course he had to have grown older too.. Erik looked at her without moving, though he felt chill creeping down his neck. Louis looked at his mother. "May I introduce you to mr Erik Leroux, Susan's father. Catherine Malcolm, my mother." Erik took her hand. "Don't be afraid of me, madame. This play was inspired by your story from the Paris opera, nothing else. My likeness to the character is just a coincidence." – "Is that really the truth?" Now she sounded not frightened, but amused. "Considering your daugher is also involved." – "I assure you, madame." He understood she did perhaps not believe him. "That is the official truth anyway. Then anyone is free to have their own opinon."- "I am very pleased to meet you" Catherine Malcolm said. "What are you two talking about?" Louis said. "If I had known you would come, mother, I had made arrangements. I met Susan's parents just a moment ago. I didn't know he resembled me so much in my character." – "That's perfectly fine, Louis. It's even interesting." She greeted Eleanor and Jeanette and then turned to Susan. "So you are the one who has caught Louis' interest lately? I mean professionally. I know my son is a good writer. But your music is brilliant. It helped the story at the weaker parts.." – I agree with you" Erik said. "The music is a success" – "and the musicaliy she has got from you?" – "Yes madam. I'm a composer. Have you heard any of my operas? Tintomara is playing at the Metropolitan right now with miss de Chagny in the leading role." – "Perhaps I have heard something you wrote" she said quietly and he wondered if she meant Don Juan.
Louis and Madeleine came back having changed clothes. "Let's go to the inn for supper. Do you have accommodation there, mother?" She nodded. "And the rest of you?" – "We stay at the villa with Susan."
Susan was afraid that the atmospere at the dinner table would be tense when so many of them didn't know each other, but that was not the fact. Catherine held the conversation going, interested in many thing and asking many questions. Susan and Louis were sitting side by side and he whispered "I'm glad our parents get along so well." – "Is there a mr Malcolm?" Eleanor asked. "Alas not. Louis' father died many years ago. He was a cousin of Henry Proctor's and dear Henry has been like a father to Louis."
Later on in the villa Susan and her parents discussed the evening. "I don't know if I like the story being shown to everyone after all" Erik said. "I don't think this will hurt you" Susan said "and mrs Malcolm - if she suspects something I don't think she will tell. "- "You could ask Louis to beg her to be discreet." – "Louis – then he will also understand. I don't have much influence over him." – "Perhaps he understands" Eleanor said "I saw him looking at you." – "You just speculate" Jeanette said. "It doesn't really matter."
Susan, Louis and Madeleine accompanied Eleanor, Erik and Jeanette back to New York to attend a performance of Tintomara. Before they went Jeanette had a private conversation with her sister. "I don't know how you feel" she said "but if I were you I would be utterly delighted to have a man like Louis around me all the time." – "I feel priviliged. But otherwise – I don't know – I must not rush things.."
Madeleine very much appreciated to hear Jeanette sing. "I would like to be able to sing like that" she said "but I know I can't." Susan said godbye to her parents and to Jeanette, who would return to Europe in a couple of weeks, and returned to fort Appia.
As Christmas approached Susan said " I suppose the show will take a break and the ensemble go home for the the holidays. "I would like to stay with you" Madeleine said "but I promised by parents to come home for Christmas." "I will visit my mother for a couple of days" Louis said "but then I will come back to, if you want me here."
1909 Gregorij
Gregorij returned to Moscow in August. He brought home greeting from London and Erik and his family. He told them about Susan and her plans to move to America. "She really is a go-ahead-girl" Anna said. "I hope she will have success whatever her plans are. Will you go and visit her?" – "Perhaps" he said. He knew that Susan didn't want him to. This should be the break-up between them.
When the opera season started Gregorij and Boris met again. After the gathering of the ensemble they went to Boris office. "How was Paris?" Gregorij asked. "Interesting. It would have been still better if you had accompanied me." Gregorij felt Boris looking at him. "And how was London?" – "I met my father and his family and that was fine. And her.." – "Does she belong to his family?" Gregorij didn't want to mention Susan by name. "She was there with them." – "And?" Gregorij looked his friend in the eyes. "She is going to America. She will free herself from me." Boris went for two glasses of vodka from his private bar. Gregorij emptied his. "It's as well. The further away she is, the better." Boris was quiet for a while, then he said "Have you missed me?" Gregorij looked at Boris and felt the attraction still remaining within him. "Yes" he said. Boris touched Gregorij's cheek. "Would you like to come home with me?"
Gregorij stayed the night. He realized that he would probably do so many other times to come, and he was satisfied with the idea. But it still wasn't easy. A relationship like this was as illegal as it would be with Susan, but at least Boris could take care of himself, and Gregorij didn't feel protective against him as he had done with Susan. In this relationship he felt protected – and vulnerable.
Susan spent Christmas alone at fort Appia. On Christmas Day she went to New York to look at all the decorations. A letter arrived from Gregorij. "I wish you a Happy Christmas wherever you are and whoever you are with. I had perhaps thought of coming to visit you, but I believe I'd better not. I am satisfied with life for the moment, living in a near relationship with the person we talked about in August. I am happy. My family knows about it and says nothing. I hope you have found something meaningful to do and that you find someone to care for. Love Gregorij"
So he was happy with Boris – in spite of the problems. Had she found something meaningful to do? Would she continue with the theater or giving concerts instead? The theater was, after all, Louis' concern.
On New years eve, just before lunchtime, she stood at the glass door facing the terrace looking over the snowy landscape. A faint sun spread it's reddish shine over her dark hair. She was not yet dressed but wore a white dressinggown. She was lost in thoughts and didn't hear steps coming up the stairs from the basement. He shut the door quietly. The sight of Susan at the window, dark hair and a light dress against the blue sky filled him with yearning. He went up to her and took her in his arms. Surprised she winced. "Louis?" He radiated chill and freshness. He put his hands around her face and whispered "I love you", then he kissed her. She felt thrown of her feet but did soon give in. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him too. Had she not been longing for this? Then he let her go. "Well that was a surprise" she said. "I'm sorry to be obtrusive but I couldn't control myself." He took her hands. "While staying at home with my mother as I have always done, I realized I was thinking of you all the time, wondering what you were doing. I had to come and see for myself. Susan, I love you. Will you marry me?" Susan let go of his hands. "I don't know. It's very sudden." She looked away. "I'm not so sure of my feelings yet. Of course I'm attracted to you. But to get married – I don't even know what I'm going to do, stay here or travel.." He put his hand on her cheek to make her look at him again. "You don't have to feel any pressure. Think about it. But I want to continue working with you and I don't want you to leave here. Have you thought of me? " As she didn't answer at once he said "or do you have someone else?" Now she looked at him. "I have had someone else. He just sent me a letter saying he is happy and wishes me someone to care for." – "It's alright then. You are free.." – "But - I don't want to be tied up.." She looked away. "I'm sorry if I have ruined our good relationship so far. I thought you perhaps love me too." She put her hand on his sleeve. "But I do. In a way. No pressure. Don't ask too much of me yet." She leaned against him. "Your'e so delicate" she said and touched his cheek with her lips. "Promise me not to take advantage of the situation that we are here alone together. I don't want to do anything I will regret later." – "As you wish. Let's just kiss. I still have won half a victory." They let go of one another. "What do you want to do today?" She smiled. "Let's go to New York."
The spent New years eve in New York and had champagne at the stroke of twelve in a small café. Slightly intoxicated they returned home by cab and Susan had difficulties opening the door. Louis helped her take off her coat and then took her in his arms. "I want to share the new year with you" he said "and the coming years too." It sounded very good to Susan. He kissed her fervently and she let her hands slip into his soft hair. He kissed her neck and the recognised the excitement. Suddenly she stopped. "No" she said "we shouldn't." It was not to protect her virginity, since she had already given that away, but she was reluctant to give herself up to him, to let him get the better of her, when she still wasn't certain he was the one she wanted. Deep inside she didn't want to give up her freedom, loose her identity. "You can't come to my bedroom, not now. There is a guest room, you can take that. Thank you for a wonderful evening. Good night" She closed the door right before him, leaving him a little surprised. Then she locked it, as much for her sake as his.
She woke late the next morning. She left her room and heard him playing softly at the piano. The sun shone into the room. She went up to him, put her hands on his shouldes and kissed his hair. "Good morning. I'm sorry I closed the door on you last night. Have you slept well?" He turned to her. "Excellent. You have all the right in the world to close your door. I respect you. It was perhaps for the best. Good morning my darling." He kissed her. " There are tea and sandwiches in the kitchen." They went to the kitchen were he had laid the table. "You are not only a great actor and a good musician, you are also domesticated.." – "yes and nice too. Quite a bargain, I would say." She laughed. Surely he was everything a girl could need?
"The ensemble will be back in a week and then I will go back to the inn" he said. "Or do you want me to move there now?" – "It would look the best" she said. "But unnecessary I think. If you promise to stay in the guest room at night."
"As long as the audience keep coming we will play 'The Ghost'" Louis said one of the next days. "Then perhaps later in the year you want to go on a tour again?" Susan said. "Or will you stay here?" Louis sat down on the arm of the chair where she sat. "That depends on you. Do you want a theater in your basement?" He kissed her cheek. "I don't know. And I don't know what I'm going to do either. I haven't composed much. Perhaps I should give concerts instead?" He kissed her mouth. "I want you to stay with me" he said. She was quiet for a while." I will continue trying to compose a sympony" she then said "and songs for Madeleine. And draw houses again." – "Draw houses?" – "Yes I have some education in architecture, an interest inherited from my father." – "Like the music." He rose. "My mother is convinced it was your father she saw at the opera in Paris at that time – that he is the Phantom of the opera." – "And what do you think?" – "I don't know. You have neither confirmed it or denied it." – "Do you think he would confirm it if it was true? Look upon it as a tale, that's for the best for all parties. I think your mother understands that too." – "You are so diplomatic. But, if it was true, the performance must have been like a shock to him." She shook her head. "Maybe, maybe not. He is used to it." –"You love him very much?" – "Yes, all my talents I have from him. And I feel I have to continue my heritage. I have to compose."
Susan has a good time for the rest of the week before the ensemble came back. Louis made breakfast and also made himself useful in other ways, and she felt it could be nice living with him. One afternoon the idyllic atmosphere was interrupted. Susan heard a car coming and then there was a knock at the door. She went to open. Outside stood Madeleine, her cheeks red by the cold. She hugged Susan and kissed her cheeks. She handed over a small gift. "Merry Christmas" she said. Then she saw Louis. "So you are here too? Ar you writing something together?" – "Not yet" He rose. "Was your Christmas good? Do you want something to eat?" – "Yes please, tea would be nice." She looked after him, then saw the guest room with his things lying around. "Does Louis live here – with you?" Susan smiled. "It's not like you think. It's just practical. When the ensemble returns he will move back to the inn." – "But there is something between you?" – "Perhaps. We'll see." – "I thought of you" Madeleine said "being here alone for Christmas. Evidently not as alone as I believed." –"Louis came on the New year. Do you want to hear some songs I wrote for you?" They went up to the piano. Madeleine read the texts as Susan began to play and soon she was singing. Louis looked at them from the kitchen door. Now was not the right time for tea. Madeleine sang a love poem and looked at Susan. Louis knew he had a rival for Susan's favour.
The theater continued to play The Ghost. Madeleine learned the songs Susan had composed for her and later in the spring she had a concert in one of New York's minor concert halls. She was very nervous but Susan gave her a reassuring hug. It was a great success and the audience appreciated both the singer and the songs, especially one about unhappy love.
Susan was busy composing on the upper floor and Louis and Madeleine took terms to accompany her whenever they had time. Susan was aware of Madeleine's love for her and felt it damper her own feelings for Louis. She finally made up her mind to do something different and asked Henry to schedule concerts for her for the autumn. She also contacted a music teacher to help her prepare for the concert tour. Beside this she also asked around if there was any architecture firm who was interested in someone designing small romantic houses.