Dear Comte Philippe,

I regret to tell you that the condition of your brother has not improved. His mood swings are violent and unpredictable and, at times, we must restrain and medicate him because we fear for his safety as well as the safety of the staff.

On his good days he roams the halls of the institution like a ghost talking to himself and reciting lines from some unknown play he claims to have written. Other days he plays the piano and the residents love to listen to his stories.

The problem is, when Erik is present, he claims the stories are real, that he truly lived his wild tales. He talks about building a maze of mirrors for the Shah of Persia and even claims the he himself was the architect of the Paris Opera House. He can throw his voice and make inanimate objects talk. When Raoul is present he has no hint of musical talent and tells no falsehoods.

He asks for you often and both sides of his personality often beg me to have your wife, the Comtesse Christine, brought here. I do not know when you are planning to visit your brother, sir, but I urge you not to bring your wife. Your brother's obsession with her is most uncalled for.

Otherwise I have no new news to report but I must congratulations on the birth of your son. May he have a long and healthy life.

Dr. Olivier Bourg


"Hurry up, we're going to be late."

The doctor looked up at his wife. "I just wanted to finished this letter so I can post it first thing in the morning."

Madeline nodded. "I understand, but you get so wrapped up in your work that you lose track of time."

"Aptly noted," Olivier said. She had no idea who the letter was for or the nature of the illness plaguing the Vicomte de Chagny, so her words were ironic. "But as you can see, I am dressed. Have you called the carriage?"

"It is outside waiting," she replied. "I'm so surprised they are still having shows at the opera house after all the trouble."

"Indeed." The doctor replied. "Do they know what actually happened?" He, of course, did know.

"No," Madeline replied. "Someone is keeping it under wraps. The talk is the managers are covering up something huge."

"You know I don't put much stock in gossip."

"I know," Madeline replied. "But you should hear what they are saying about Comte Philippe de Chagny."

"I can't believe someone would start gossip about such a respectable man."

"Isn't his brother off on some trip?" Madeline asked.

"The Vicomte is a naval officer," the doctor replied. "He has gone off on military maneuvers." He and Philippe had spoke the lie so many times that it felt like the truth.

"Well, if you believe the gossip, we are in for something new tonight at the opera."

"And what would that be?" Olivier knew better than to stop his wife. She would not be satisfied until she told her whole story.

"I heard that La Sorelli, the Prima Ballerina has quit the opera. Her secret lover has abandoned her to run off with a younger woman – can you imagine? She has retreated to her house and is drinking away her depression. Anyway, with her refusing to on they had to promote someone. Thankfully – and rather ironic if you ask me – the ballet Mistress has a daughter who has been waiting for a chance to step up and be in the limelight. Can you imagine?"

"I can," Olivier replied slowly. "More than you realize."