Chapter twelve: A new way of life
A week later,
Parisa drew Raoul's coat around her as he led her inside a spectacular dress shop. She gaped and stared at all the dresses, unsure of which one to pick. "Wow." She breathed.
"I know, I told you the clothes were spectacular." Raoul laughed and hugged her. "You may pick whatever you want."
"Why Raoul de Chagney!" A woman, whom she assumed was the owner. "I've heard you were in Istanbul."
"Persia actually."
"And you're here to get something for Christine Daae? Oh, she was just in here an hour ago. A shame you missed her." then, she saw Parisa and her eyes narrowed. "What are you doing in here?"
Raoul placed his hand protectively around her waist. "This is my wife," she smiled as she heard the possessive way Raoul said wife. "Parisa, who I met and married while in Persia." The woman's face dropped as Raoul casually kissed Parisa's cheek. "Now, as she has no attire that's suitable for Paris, I thought of stopping off here to get her something so people don't gawk at her."
The woman nodded and seemed to get her mouth working again. "I see. What… shall I get for her?"
Raoul shrugged. "Oh, you're going to love this business order. Five day dresses, five evening dresses, one set of undergarments per dress, matching hats and shoes."
The woman's mouth fell open. "Raoul de Chagney!"
He laughed at Parisa's shock. "I can afford it. However, I would like to add that azure blue dress in the window to the purchases. I'd like to see her in it right now as a matter of fact."
"Raoul." She shook her head. "This is…too much."
"Oh, don't worry about it." He kissed her on the mouth. "Now, I shall wait out here until I see you. Take care of her Yvonne, she's very precious to me."
"Right, but…what about jewelry?" she asked. "Are you requiring that as well?"
Parisa shook her head. "I have my own jewelry."
"All right. Follow me." Yvonne said as she motioned to a salesgirl to get the bright blue dress. "Pardon me for being rude, but it was quite a shock."
She nodded. "I understand."
Parisa drew the coat off and the woman stared at her clothes. However, she shook herself out of it. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't stare."
"I understand. I'm not in Persia any longer. But, I do wish to keep my clothes though."
"I see." The woman handed her a set of underclothes. "I can assist you if you'd like."
Parisa nodded. "I'd appreciated it. I haven't been back in Paris since I was twelve."
Yvonne's eyes widened with curiosity. "You're French?"
"I was. My father moved to Persia and he died about two years ago. I was sold to the shah of Persia and I worked there until I met Raoul."
"I was surprised that he'd married." The woman said as she drew the chemise over Parisa's head. "He's been courting Christine Daae for almost a year."
She nodded. "I know. He told me."
"If you don't mind my asking, why did he marry you?"
She shook her head as she stepped into the magnificent blue dress. "I asked myself that a million times, but, he married me because he loves me."
"Well, when Raoul makes up his mind about something, he's typically right."
"Do you know him well?"
"Sure! He's been coming here since he was a child. He'd get money from his father to buy his mother a new hat or something like that. In addition, he still does, he always buys her something from my shop on her birthday, mother's day and Christmas. He never forgets."
"That's good to know." Parisa surveyed her appearance. "This dress, is beautiful. Is it expensive?"
Yvonne laughed. "Don't worry about it. I'll give Raoul a discount since he's an old friend of the family. Speaking of family, how are his family taking this?"
She winced. "I don't know. We're going to tell them today."
Yvonne nodded sympathetically. "I wish you well. I mean, Raoul's marriage to Christine was practically waiting to be announced."
"Did," she cleared her throat. "he love her?"
Yvonne hesitated. "I used to think so. But now that I think about it," she smiled. "he never looked at Christine the way that he looks at you."
Parisa gasped and fell forward out of the carriage. Raoul caught her with a laugh. "Now darling, I know I'm hard to resist, but please!" he said dramatically. "Do not throw yourself into my arms!"
"You idiot!" she said as she pulled away and adjusted her hat. "Do I look all right?"
"You have to be the most beautiful, lovely, picturesque, delightful, charming," Parisa fought to keep from smiling as Raoul's pretty little speech seemed as if it would never end. "gorgeous, stunning, wonderful, magnificent, striking, exquisite and pleasing woman I've ever seen in my life."
"Raoul, you are….perfect."
He laughed. "Only when you look at me." he led her up the stairs and pushed the door open. "Hello?"
"Raoul?"
He leaned forward. "That would be my brother Phillipe."
She nodded as Phillipe rounded the corner. Phillipe looked almost like Raoul except his hair was jet black and his eyes were brown. Phillipe laughed and hugged Raoul. "It's good to have you back."
"It's good to be back, Phillipe."
Phillipe was so excited to see his brother that she was certain that he didn't even notice that she was standing behind Raoul. "Come into the drawing room. Mother and father are having tea with Christine Daae."
Raoul stopped. "Phillipe, I need to tell you something."
"What? Was the journey not a success?"
"It was." Raoul took her by the arm and said. "This is my wife, Parisa."
Phillipe stared at him for a moment before chuckling. "Funny Raoul."
Raoul reached into his pocket and handed Phillipe the marriage certificate. Parisa held up her hand revealing her wedding band. "I'm serious."
Phillipe almost dropped the paper in shock. "Raoul….you…you're serious?"
He nodded. "I am."
Phillipe shook his head. "I-I don't know what to say." He shrugged. "Oh well, welcome to the family Parisa."
"thank you."
Phillipe laughed uneasily. "Excuse me, this is quite a shock."
She nodded. "I understand. Raoul and I have been shocking everyone today. The officials on the boat, Yvonne the dress maker and almost everyone else around knows."
Phillipe chuckled. "Well, Raoul I wish you two luck." He winced a little. "I don't know how mother, father and Christine are going to take this."
"Not very well."
Phillipe nodded. "I think I shall send for some wine. Father and I shall need it."
"Will you ring a glass for me too?" she asked. "I should like some as well."
Phillipe looked at Raoul who nodded. "Why not? She wants one, she shall have one."
"But mother will-"
Raoul interrupts him. "Have to understand that in the shah's palace, everyone drinks wine including the women."
Phillipe nodded dumbly. "And…may I ask…how are you going to tell them? Just walk in and blurt, 'I'm married'!?"
"No, but…I will do it with a bit more decorum than you're showing at this moment."
Phillipe laughed tightly before stepping aside with his hand outstretched towards the parlor. "They're all yours brother."
