Author's Note: So I lied, two in one night. I figure I've been gone for so long I may as well. You may or may not have noticed some allusions to a certain disney character in the last chapter. If you did, kudos! Like many young women I was influenced by a handful of heroines who exemplify what I now aspire to be. Of course Jane Eyre is one of them; however the most prominent one (and yes I will risk being even more cliche) is Disney's Belle from Beauty and the Beast. So yes another lesson of beauty being within and not judging a book by it's cover. But! What I always loved and admired about her was how she was unapologetically herself. Not to mention she loved to read which was something I found (growing up) to be very rare in female role models for children. So you may find that my Christine will have hints of several characters from here and there. Among them you may find Julie Jordan, Princess Anne (Roman Holiday), Leia, Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing) and others but I'll leave it to you to decide who my Christine reminds you of.
You may have also noticed I've begun to stray a bit more from the Jane Eyre plot to create my own, which of course is still heavily influenced by the story. I want it to be influenced but not be nearly scene for scene. Of course there are a few pivotal moments that I will either change dialogue for or alter slightly because they are just to gorgeous, or entertaining to write off. I also realized I did not respond to those of you who have commented recently so here we go:
Masked Man 2: How very apt indeed! And might I add, boy do I enjoy a good pseudonym. That is honestly exactly what I'm going for with how Erik's appearance affects his actions, thoughts, etc. Aside from it being a widely under discussed topic, body issues are very real and I think it's something to really address. Within my story I mean. Helping everyone overcome their body issues would take far longer although I do hope anyone reading my writings understands that you are your harshest critic and you are beautiful no matter what. Getting Erik to understand that... well that's a task I intend to complete. And thank you! I hope you grow to admire her even more in the coming chapters as she grows.
MyraValhallah: Thank you! As cliche and overly written about the turn of the century is, I can't help but love it. There is so much romance in the culture, architecture, style, and literature of the time. It just makes for a perfect storm.
Everyonedeserveslove: Hope I haven't kept you waiting too long. Enjoy!
Sorry for the longer intro but I'm just getting back on the horse and boy do I love to discuss the decisions I make in my writing. As per usual, if you notice anything; have any questions, concerns, or suggestions; or just want to comment on something, please let me know. But without further ado, voila!
The night passed with ease, and indeed Christine found herself almost comforted by the summer rain and muggy morning. Whether or not her joy had anything to do with the return of one Mr. Destler, she would not acknowledge. Although as nice as it was to converse with Meg, Mrs. Giry, and the children, she found herself wanting conversation that would challenge her intellect. Something she had found, would only be fulfilled in the company of her employer.
Before his departure, he had asked her to join him on a walk around the grounds,and unusual request given the nature of their previous meetings. She had not thought them to be pleasant but nonetheless found him to be a man of culture and intellect. Though by no means would she reveal as much to him, certain that in would entertain his already large ego. Assuredly what he lacked in looks he made up for in wit. Having thought it over, he was by no means a typically handsome man. He was rugged looking but that also didn't mean he was hideous. Not as far as she could tell… of course half of the truth isn't really the truth at all and she could only see half of his features. And try as she might she couldn't help but imagine what he hid under the guise of a mask. Despite always being taught not to judge a book by its cover, that beauty is on the inside, she did enjoy the appeal of a pretty label.
Hopping down the stairs, Christine practically ran over a well dressed man who was unwittingly standing in her path.
"Oh forgive me! I hadn't realized anyone was there!" She reached over to examine the man, making sure no injury was to be added to her embarrassment.
To his credit the man merely smiled and responded calmly, "Oh please don't worry about me after all I wa-" he paused mid phrase, a shocked look coming over his features.
Christine herself widened her eyes thinking she had forgotten a vital piece of dress.
"Christine? I-is that you?" This time it was Christine's turn to appear shocked.
She stumbled over her words, "I- sir. I apologize bu-but I can't say we've met." She furrowed her brow and readjusted her skirts in an orderly fashion. She took the time to examine the man in front of her from head to toe. He was clearly wealthy, that much was obvious from his person alone. His hair was perfectly styled and arranged around his shoulders, smooth and honey coloured. He had the face of a man who had been pampered all his life, no signs of age and not a scratch in site, he was by all accounts handsome. And some odd feeling within Christine told her she was wrong and they had indeed met before. Of course the only people she knew of out here were-
"Philippe!" She nearly shrieked his name and she saw him nod eagerly.
He bowed slightly, "At your service Miss Daae," he glanced up and smirked as he saw her grin grow.
She hugged him tightly, "Oh, Philippe what are you doing here of all places?"
He grinned back and opened his mouth to respond but it wasn't his voice that filled the foyer.
"Am I not entitled to the company of others Miss Daae?" In truth Christine jumped a bit, having not heard his voice for a few days. "Or must I simply surround myself with the likes of you," he asked peering down at her with yellow eyes.
However before she could insert a witty and possibly snide remark, Philippe came to her aide. "Oh don't mind him Lotte, he simply doesn't know a good time when he sees one," he barked out with a laugh. She grimaced at the thought of anyone wishing to be true friends with this man, a fact he undoubtedly noticed before narrowing his eyes at her.
Erik turned back to Philippe, rolling his eyes, "Yes well we can't all have the charm of a man raised to be the Comte de Chagny can we… And- I'm sorry did you say Lotte?" Christine visibly blushed. Oh no.
"It- it's," she huffed in annoyance at her own embarrassment, "If you must know it's a little old childhood nickname."
"Oh Christine you down play how very much you enjoyed it! Little Lotte," Philippe turned to Erik, "she refused to go by anything else for an entire summer."
"Yes, well at least I'm not the one who fell out of a tree that summer." The man had the good sense to blush at that. How very ruthless this woman was.
For his part, Erik merely stood by and watched with mild curiosity. It wasn't everyday he saw people interact in such a… familiar way. It seemed comfortable.
Christine shook her head, much of her half-up hair moving with it.
"But in truth Christine I am only here for a short while then I'm off on another business venture." He heard Erik scoff next to him.
"A business venture he calls it. Since when did sleeping around become a business venture," Erik mumbled mostly to himself although all those present could clearly hear his remarks. He earned a good kick in the shin for that. For two men who considered themselves friends or something like it, Christine was confused by their level of banter.
"It's been that since I said so," Philippe commented through gritted teeth.
Erik cleared his throat and placed his hands behind his back. "Yes well, you 'business venture should be here any moment. And do take care to be more quiet this time." He smiled darkly. " If Mrs. Giry asks I won't hide where all the noise is coming from."
"Oh!" Both men whipped around to Christine having almost forgotten she were there. "So you're the Philippe Meg is always going on about! Well good luck, she certainly has it in for you today." For a grown man, Philippe De Chagny was undoubtedly shy about making public his personal affairs. Odd, considering how many other men in his position could go on for days about their numerous mistresses.
"Hm, yes well Miss Daae, if you don't mind. I do believe I promised you a tour of the grounds." Mr. Destler turned his direct attention back at her before abruptly heading for the door.
Christine turned to Philippe one last time before following her employer out the door, "Well, Philippe it really was very good to see you. Give my best to Raoul!"