I am touched once more by all the support, reviews, and to those of you who recently elected to follow this story. I can't tell you what a joy I get every time I read one of your reviews. It means more than you will know. I'm thrilled you like our Suzanna. There will be some foreshadowing for our super couple as we learn more about Cassie, Thomas and Suzanna in future chapters.
I took a liberty with Joan of Arc, but since she lived in the 15 Century, there had to be a few books written on her by the 19th century. LOL. Again, sorry for the long chapter but I had to get Erik in this update.
Antoinette spent the next three day in her room. She cancelled practice and told the managers she was too ill to attend her studies. Despite the fact that she and Erik were nowhere near getting back to how they once were, she could not shake the guilt that kept resurfacing in her for leaving Christine with the likes of Vincent Valerius. She had sensed from the moment she met him that something wasn't right.
This is the second time I had a chance to put a stop to this wrong and I did nothing. Why? Maybe Erik was overreacting? God knows he has a tendency to build everything up into drama. He is also completely biased and one-sided when it comes to Christine. I should have read the letter to prove him wrong and talk reason into him. She closed her eyes in dread. I should have read the letter to find out for myself.
Standing up from the bed she walked over to her window and looked out onto the hustle and bustle that came with the start of a busy day. "I'm being too hard on myself. Even if there was something wrong, what could I have done? I have no authority with the courts. What was Erik hoping I would do? Grant him permission to go and kidnap Christine and bring her back?" She laughed. "As if he needed my permission to do anything…" She stopped, as realization came over her face. "No! He wouldn't…Dear God, he would! Erik!" She threw on her robe and hurried down to try and stop Erik before he took matters into his own hands.
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The next time the light hit Antoinette's face she knew she had been too late. He had already gone. She could only pray the ride to the Valerius' estate would allow him to realize he would only be making matters worse. Defeated, she shook her head. As if he needed another reason to distance himself from me, now he will think I cared nothing to what happened to his… his…I'm not even sure he knows what she is to him, how then can I know what she is?
Lost in thought she did not have time to notice her new suitor, Randolph de Chagny. He saw her climb up from whatever hidden stage door and eyed her with keen interest.
"Be still my beating heart, for an angel has graced my path."
His voice caused her insides to recoil in disgust. She came to an abrupt halt when she realized what she was wearing. What if he tells Firmin I was up and about in the hallways?
"Mademoiselle Giry, I am speaking to only you." He tilted his head and placed his hands over one another on top of his walking stick. He then placed the stick over his shoulder as he approached her. "Firmin told me you were sick, so naturally I was dismayed we couldn't see one another. You can only imagine my utter joy seeing you before me and looking….." He locked eyes with her and purposely looked her up and down, meeting her glance with a grin. "Perfect."
"I was looking for something I needed for class. I can't cancel it again and I am still very sick, so if you would excuse me."
He took his walking stick and trapped her from getting passed him, by placing it directly in front of her. "Not so fast. You have been avoiding me and I won't let you get away without knowing the reason."
"I don't need a reason. I am not your property. I never agreed to see you socially. Nor do we have a relationship where you can even see me in such a state. I am sick and request to be left alone to recuperate. Now will you please let me pass?"
"First answer the question." He moved the walking stick closer to the side of her stomach and she jumped.
"What question is that, monsieur?"
"Did you like the roses?"
She rolled her eyes. "Don't waste your money on things that will do nothing to serve your purpose."
"And what is my purpose, good lady?"
"Comte de….."
"Call me Randolph." He put the walking stick down but made it a point to touch her face as she visibly cringed.
"Do not touch me!" She stood firm and pushed his hand away.
He laughed. "I knew you would be my most worthy challenge yet. When I saw you dance during the Opera House's production of the Magic Flute, I knew you were no one's toy. You were so graceful, so soulful and beyond question, a complete beauty. I had to meet you."
"So you made it a point to ensure I would be obligated as some sort of possession for you?"
"Mademoiselle, you really underestimate all this relationship can do for you."
"Oh really? And how can you raise my reputation, Comte."
"Randolph, please. You are a superior woman who deserves to be treated as such. Being on my arm, would make you very powerful indeed. Not to mention having a man who shares your passion for…" He took a sudden breath as his eyes went to the small opening of the top of her nightgown to gain partial view of her chest. "Your desire."
"Comte, do you think you can speak such brazen overtures and expect me to fall prey to it like the others?"
He shook his head. "On the contrary, I expect to work hard for it and have the reward be just as grand."
"I have nothing to gain by such a relationship and only my dignity, soul and reputation to lose."
"Did you not hear what I said?"
"Yes, I know you can have me sacked, but…."
"No, my dear. I love seeing you dance. Your dismissal would be a detirment to me, much more so than you. I told you our friendship can lead to many wondrous things for you. Prestige, power and anything you want to help fund the arts for this establishment. Yes, I would be your benefactor but so would the Opera House."
She found the courage to stomachic his revolting breath and face him dangerously close to where she could feel his body tense up. "Tell me my dear Comte, has your family situation changed?"
The thought of his marriage caused the mood to change instantly. "That has nothing to do with this. This is all in pursuit of the arts and our mutual love for such beauty. We wish to preserve it and keep it alive." He let his fingers go up and down her back, and she stiffened at his touch. "I am as married as I ever was. My wife and sons reside outside this great city of ours. One should not interfere with the other."
Antoinette knew she had to play her cards just right. Maybe she could continue to spar with him and at least be granted access to leave today on her own power. She knew it was borrowed time but every day she could avoid his advances, was one less day of having to disgrace herself. If only she had told Erik. Maybe he would have taken me with him as he went and rescued Christine?
"I'm afraid I am not going to compromise my principles over mutual passions, Comte."
"Don't make your terms too hard and fast, mademoiselle."
"What is that supposed to mean? You said you wouldn't have me dismissed."
"I meant it. If you lose your situation it will be no fault of mine, I assure you. Yes, I am the Comte de Chagny and therefore very influential. Yet it can be used for good and not only bad, my dear. I can provide options and solutions to things others would struggle with. One day, you may need my help and wouldn't it be grand to have a friend, a real friend who you can count on?"
"Friend?" The word was foreign to her as of late and she certainly didn't expect to hear it from his lips.
He brought his lips to her ear and to her shock and revulsion; she did not move away. "Very close, personal friends, my dear Antoinette."
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Cassie knocked on Christine's door waiting for her to answer. She had her new dress for the party and was anxious to see it on her. Ever since she became upset over Vincent's idea to change her last name, she had noticed Christine seemed to be spending more time with her. She was overjoyed when she asked to go shopping for a new dress for the party. Yes, Christine seemed be making an effort and yet something wasn't quite right. True she was very receptive to Cassie's suggestions and seemed to be having a good time but whenever Cassie would catch her off guard, she would see sadness in her eyes and a longing to be somewhere else.
"Who is there?"
"Christine, sweetheart, it's Cassie. I brought up your new dress."
She heard her click the lock and open the door. She found it puzzling she would lock her door but reasoned it had to be from years of living in a public dormitory at the Opera House.
"I can't wait to see it on you, dear. I just hope you will like it as much as you did when we tried it on at the store."
"I'm sure it will be lovely, Cassie. Thank you again for such a beautiful dress." She smiled and then walked over to the vanity mirror.
"Christine? What are you doing?" Cassie fought back a laugh. Make-up? Oh no, she is much too young.
"I thought I should try some. Some of the older girls at the Opera House started when they were 14. I know it's a week away, but they never had a big party to go to before. I thought I would try it out."
"I see."She smiled and pulled up another chair to sit by her. "Well, it is a rite of passage. You know I remember begging my mother to let me try on her make-up, and then when she did….."
"What happened?"
"I remember thinking I couldn't get the stuff off fast enough. It was awfully messy." She laughed and it caused Christine to laugh too. "I then realized that less is more. I could help you…." She noticed the left side of her cheek was caked in with a very heavy, darker foundation than what her color should have been. "Sweetheart, I think you need to smooth that out a bit." She was about to reach over and help her when Christine got up and moved away quickly.
"No!" She saw she had startled Cassie but couldn't take the chance of her finding out the real reason she was insisting on wearing the make-up. Vincent's slap from the argument had found its way to leave a very distinguished bruise on her cheek.
"I'm sorry, dear. I wasn't going to…"
"It's alright. I just want to do it on my own,"
She nodded. There was an awkward silence between them and Cassie knew of only one way to bridge the gap. "Tell me, have you heard from you maestro?"
At the mere mention of Erik's name, she smiled but then remembered she hadn't. She longed to hear back from him and hoped he would offer a solution to her latest dilemma. She also wanted to see him more than she could say.
"Not yet, Cassie."
She only nodded. "I'm sure you will hear from him soon. You did ask about the lessons, did you not?"
Christine's eyes met Cassie's and she realized she had been so distraught, she had completely forgotten to mention the request. Oh! How could I have been so stupid? Now it will take even longer for me to know if Erik would agree. "I….."
"Christine, is there something wrong? Are you happy here?"
"What do you mean?"
She sighed. "Please come here."
She reached out her arm to motion for her to come and sit by her again. Christine didn't think twice as she sat next to the woman. Cassie took a few of her curls and gently played with her hair.
"Christine, I love having you with us. You have been such a joy and comfort to me. I know it has only been a short time but I have grown so attached to you. I am so happy you came to live with us. " She smiled loving at the young girl. "That being said I want you to be happy most of all." She took a deep breath and found the courage to say what she feared the most. "If you wish to leave us and returned to the Opera House, you can."
"W….What did you say?"
She nodded. "Your happiness, matters most of all. If you wish to go back or would rather be somewhere else, than all you have to do is tell me."
Christine couldn't believe what Cassie was telling her. "You mean you would allow me to return there and not be mad?"
She hugged the child and smiled. "No, sweetheart. I would not be mad. I would be sad, but…."
Christine lifted her head to look up at Cassie. "Sad? Really?"
"Why of course I would be. I love you…" She stroked her cheek and for the first time she saw the distorted color. A mixture of dark ivory foundation and black and blue markings. She moved her thumb over the make-up and saw the black and blue shading appear more visibly.
Christine looked at Cassie and only nodded to the unasked question about her cheek. She then took her dress from the bed and turned to change inside the bathroom. "Cassie would it be alright if I go outside after I change and read before the party starts?"
Cassie could only nod. Once she heard the bathroom door close, she walked slowly out of the room and went to find her husband.
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"Vincent! Vincent? Oh!" She found him in the den pouring himself a drink. In disbelief she looked at the clock and saw it wasn't even 1pm yet. "I've been looking for you."
He sighed, as he placed the topper on the bottle. "Well, you found me." Ever since his colossal blunder about changing Christine's last name, things had been distant and tense between them. This feeling had only happened once before, years ago and he had found a way to stop that from going further. Now it seemed that since Christine entered their lives, things started going wrong all over again.
"What are you doing drinking so early? The guest haven't even arrived yet."
"It's a party, Cassie. Lighten up." He took a sip and then noticed she tensed up. "What's the matter now? Or should I just say I'm sorry and get it over with?"
"Don't you dare stand there and pretend you don't know what's wrong. How did you think I wouldn't find out? Moreover, what possessed you to even fathom striking that poor child?"
His eyes widened. "What are you talking about? I…" He then remembered the slap. "It got her to behave didn't it? She's no longer being so guarded, is she? She agreed to go out with you and spend more time with you, right? I thought that was what you wanted?"
"I wanted her to do those things because she wanted to, not out of fear. We agreed to never punish the children like that!"
"We agreed not to punish our children like that. We have no children. We adopted a stranger."
"She's not a stranger to me. She's just as much my own child as if I had given birth to her. My God, Vincent, what is happening to you? You're becoming unrecognizable to me."
"Is that a fact? Well, my dear, I can say the same for you. When did you stop being on my side?"
"I didn't know there was another side, Vincent. Only ours."
He looked at her perplexed and took another sip of his drink.
"Please, Vincent, don't drink anymore. Just…"
"Just what? Once again it's my fault. If I just didn't do this or if I just do that, then we'd be happy? Come off it, Cassie. I never had to change before."
"I only meant…."
He slammed his drink down and pulled her by the arm, when the door opened.
"Excuse me, Madame and Monsieur Valerius but some of your guests have arrived.
Vincent huffed and let go of Cassie's arm. She in turn responded. "Thank you. We'll be right out." She steadied her breathing. "Will you come with me?"
He hesitated before going out the other door. "Sorry, my dear but you are right. I am not much for company in my current state. I'll leave it for you to handle." He walked away and didn't look back.
Cassie held back her tears and went out to greet the guests. When she saw Thomas McCarthy and his granddaughter. Suzanna meet her with a smile, her heart melted. "My goodness, is this Suzanna? My, you're all grown up. No, Thomas, this can't be the little girl I used to help watch."
Suzanna blushed. "Hi Cassie. It's really nice seeing you again."
Cassie hugged the girl tightly, while Thomas looked on without saying a word. "I have missed you." She then looked up at Thomas. "Both of you."
"Cassie, I told Suzanna that Christine was turning 14 next week. So she took it upon herself to get her a little gift."
"That is so very thoughtful. You know she's right outside, sitting by the…."
Suzanna finished Cassie's sentence. "By the Magnolia tree."
"Yes, how did you know?"
Suzanna smiled. "It was my favorite place when I would come over. I can find my way." She winked at her grandfather and proceeded to walk outside.
Once Suzanna left the room, Thomas touched Cassie shoulder. "Cassie, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. I'm just ill prepared for the party. There is still so much to do and now I'm too late and…"
He touched her arm to steady her. "What did that bastard do now?"
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Christine sat under the Magnolia tree reading Joan of Arc in English and the cover immediately caught Suzanna's eye.
"You're reading Joan of Arc? I always thought she was a cross between a rebel and a martyr."
Christine smiled. "So did I." She was a little surprised to see this girl approach her as if she had graced the grounds for years. She was even more impressed that someone knew what she was reading and was able to assess the same characteristics of the heroine that she did.
Suzanna's smile beamed. "Can't you just imagine it?" She pretended the ground before her was a stage and she moved to the center. "See the sun?"
Christine nodded in a cross between amusement and bewilderment. She was larger than life and Christine could not look way. "Go on."
"Imagine it's a great big stage light shining on me as I fight for my people, transforming from a peasant girl into a true warrior." She smiled and took a little bow. "Well, that's just how I would play her."
"Play her? You like to act?" Christine closed the book and watched Suzanna intently.
"Like to act? Oh no. I live to act. That's going to be me, Christine. I'm going to travel to America and make my way on the great American stage as soon as I tune 21. Hey, you don't even know my name. I'm sorry; I can sure be rude at times. "I'm Suzanna. Suzanna McCarthy. My mother was French and my father was American. They died and I have been living here in France with my grandfather for as long as I can remember."
"I'm Christine Daae. I only recently started living with the Valerius family."
Suzanna nodded. "Cassie is really nice. I used to spend time with her when I was younger." She left Vincent's name out on purpose. "You lived in the Opera House, right? That sounds fascinating. Did you see a lot of performances?"
"Yes, and I danced."
Suzanna could not believe all she was hearing. "You…..You're a dancer?"
"Oh no! Really, I'm more of a singer; at least I want to be."
"You can't be serious. I think I just found my long lost sister!" She sat next to Christine. "Well, I couldn't carry a tune if it had a handle bar on it, but acting and dancing, that I know. Must be in the blood."
"In the blood?"
"My mother used to dance in a café. That's how she met my father. In the blood, is an expression. My grandfather told me Americans are all about expressions." She laughed. "Wait a minute, you were reading that book in English. How many languages do you know?"
Christine blushed. "A few. My maestro taught me."
Suzanna stared at her for a moment. "Oh from the Opera House! That's incredible. I thought I was going to be bored to tears here."
"Oh, I'm sorry…."
"No, no. I should apologize. My American half says what she means and always means what she says. It's a blessing and a curse."
"I rather think it's refreshing. Most people don't understand me, I'm afraid."
"Me too! This is crazy." She then looked at the present she had been holding. "I'm not sure if you will like this or not but I'm a bit of writer too. This is my latest story. Happy Birthday!"
Christine took the present and smiled. No one had ever given anything except her angel. She wondered what Erik would think of her new little friend. She was nothing like the girls from the Opera House, Christine was sure about that.
Suzanna was about to ask another question when she heard Phillip de Chagny call her name.
"Hello Suzanna."
"Phillip." She said his name with as little inflection as possible, keeping her back to him. "Can't you see I'm talking to our guest of honor? For a Comte in training, how rude can you be?"
"I…. brought you some punch." He said weakly. He was failing miserably and he knew it.
She turned around at once. "Punch only for me? What about my friend? Phillip, you never exclude one's girlfriend."
Christine interjected, "I didn't want any…"
"That's besides the point. One offers." She glared back at Phillip.
"I'll just sit this by you then." He then looked at Christine. "Hello. Happy Birthday."
"Thank you but it's not my birthday until next week."
Phillip nodded, dreading the insufferable silence and insecurity he always felt whenever Suzanna was near. "So….."
"Phillip, we were having a girl conversation. Can't you go and find your brother and talk about whatever boys talk about?"
"Raoul is not here. Father sent him on a training expedition. I'm not sure where."
Suzanna rolled her eyes. "Christine Daae, this is Phillip de Chagny. His younger brother, Raoul is not here to make your acquaintance. Fortunately for us all."
"Say now, Suzanna that is unfair for you to make comments at Raoul's expense when he is not here to defend himself."
Suzanna laughed. "I don't need him to be away. I can mop the floor with him any day. Especially with his long hair. Good God, his hair is longer than most girls I know."
Christine laughed at this, and Phillip couldn't help but smirk. "Okay, his hair is a bit of a problem. But…."
That caused Suzanna to laugh. "I was about to tell Christine that I entered my story into that contest I was telling you about."
"Did you?! That's great, Suzanna. Do you think I could read it?"
She smiled slightly. "I may have left it inside our Oak tree…"
He smiled back. "Then I may just have to read it."
Suzanna was about to reply, when Miriam de Chagny, Phillip's mother called for him. Phillip looked visibly shaken.
"I…. better go. Nice to have met you, Christine. Suzanna… I got to go."
Suzanna stood up and let out a deep breath. "Can you believe that? She thinks he's slumming, so she calls him back to her clutches."
Christine looked confused. "I'm not sure I understand. Are you two sweethearts?"
"We're something alright, but I don't know if I would call it sweet. More like tart." She laughed. "Any way it doesn't matter."She was eager to change the subject. "My grandfather tells me you ride. Care to meet me tomorrow half way between your place and mine? We can ride out together and I can show you some terrific pastures."
"I'd like that."
"Great, so 2pm?"
Christine nodded. Just then Christine moved out of the shade and Suzanna was able to see her left cheek. "Christine, who did your make up?"
Suddenly feeling very defensive, she brought her hand to her cheek. "Oh, I was just trying to see what it would be like. I know it needs to be blended in more."
Suzanna walked up to her to get a closer view and when she saw the marks, it caused her to gasp and placed her hand over her mouth.
Christine knew she had to get out of there. "I have to go now, Suzanna. Thank you for the story. I'll see you tomorrow." She then ran all the way to the stables before Suzanna could stop her.
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Erik noticed the carriages and resting horses at the Valerius estate and thought it best to ease into the background. He felt his face to ensure his flesh mask was still securely on. He saw the stables and decided shade and rest would suit Cesar well. He could use the time to wait until a few of the guest left before finding Christine.
He dismounted and carefully escorted Cesar inside. He made a mental note that for a stable as large as this, not having someone on guard was just asking for intruders. He saw the other horses come to attention the moment they saw the white stallion. Erik grinned.
"Show off." He then tied him up to an empty stall and began to give his animal the pieces of the apple he had promised him after their long journey.
"Good boy. Now you eat and rest up. We need to find Christine."
The stable door flung open and Erik's eyes softened at the sight before him. For there she was standing before him; his angel, his best friend. He was about to shout out her name in delight when she saw him and screamed, running the opposite way.
"No….No! Christine! Wait. Wait!" Why would she….. My mask. She's never seen my face without the white mask. She wouldn't know me like this. He ran after her calling her name.
"Angel! Christine! Stop, it's Erik!"
The moment she heard his name, she turned around and looked at the impeccably dressed man once more. She then remembered the white stallion and whispered, "My Erik."
Erik could feel his heart start to beat again when she stopped running away from him. The mere image was like a dagger to his heart. He kneeled before her. Christine, it's Erik, your angel. Come to your Angel of Music."
She ran to him with her arms opened, instantly wrapping herself around him and feeling she was finally home.
