Disclaimer: I do not own the Phantom of the Opera characters, only my own.
Chapter 15: Seeing Without Being Seen
Annabelle drowsily raised her head from her pillow. At some point, she must have fallen asleep. The book she had been reading was now on the floor. She had been waiting for her father to come home, but the hour had gotten late. Slowly, her eyes focused to the room. The fire was still blazing happily in the fireplace. An older gentleman was sitting in the large chair, reading a book of his own. His eyes left the pages and landed on her.
"Morning, dear. I didn't want to wake you."
His daughter sprung off her place on the couch and crushed him in a fierce hug.
"Yes, I missed you too." He managed to gasp out. Over the years, he had become accustomed to her hugging strength. He pushed her back gently and set a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Was your trip all right?"
'Yes Father' Annabelle signed. Her father had learned the sign language she was taught, but responded to her using his voice.
"That's good. Everyone treat you well?"
'Yes. I even got a tutor.'
"A tutor? Has she helped you excel in your music?"
Annabelle smiled and lifted the guitar that was propped on the side of the guitar. She laid it across her lap to keep signing. 'He has taught me very well.'
"Him.. You were alone with a male?"
'Not alone like that. But he understands me.'
Her father sighed and took the guitar from her gently. "You know I support you in everything you do. You have a strong spirit like my mother did. And I am happy that you are home for the time being. Before your mother arrives, I need to tell you the reason we were gone. Your mother is trying to find you a suitor."
Annabelle froze. 'I don't want a suitor.'
"I know, sweetheart. But you're still young. You will have enough time to continue what you love before you have to settle down."
'But that is it. I don't want to with someone I don't know.'
"I promise that we won't make any rash decisions. If you find someone that truly cares for you, your mother will have no say in the matter."
Annabelle could feel the slight tension in the room dissipate. He sat next to her on the couch and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Now, let's get some food in you. You missed the evening meal."
Annabelle nodded, gave her guitar a light touch on the strings before following her father to the main dining area.
Erik tied his horse off int he woods surrounding the manor. His breath became a white mist every time he breathed. Annabelle was close, he felt it. Covering his stallion in a few blankets. he made his way up to the building. The first rays of the sun was beginning to break through the trees. He had rode Cesear almost nonstop to the small town Annabelle resided in. It was easy enough to sneak to the house. Unlike the usual wealthy homes, there was no surrounding gate. He pressed his back against the tree, peeking out.
There was a lush garden still in its prime during the weather. He recognized the Bengal Tiger Canna and could smell the Chinese Yellow Banana wafting through the air. They stood over the rest at their usual height of five feet. Perhaps he could use that to his advantage later that evening. He heard voices and hid back into the shadows of the trees.
Annabelle was skipping ahead of an older man that she resembled, possibly her father. An older man walked along side him, commenting of what had to be done that day. Her father would nod and make a few comments, but mainly kept an eye on his daughter. She was brushing the light dusting of snow off some of the flowers. A few of her fingers were bandaged. A small bit of pride grew in his chest. Even though she was apart from him, she still continued to practice.
Her father beckoned her to the back doors. A servant was setting tea out on a patio table. She smiled and sat down on the stone bench, dumping three cubes of sugar into her tea. The voices were quieter, but he could catch snippets across the garden.
"She wants to continue studying, but we'll need to find a governess."
"A governess, sir? She has had training to be a lady. There is no need for that."
"Yes, but my wife insists."
Annabelle lowered her tea cup daintly and made a quick sign.
"Yes, what about her tutor?" Mr Jefferies asked thoughtfully.
"I don't know... I'm not sure that it is proper."
"Sir, he did help her excel. You heard her playing the new instrument this morning. This man has taught her well."
Her father sighed. "I'll discuss it with her mother. Perhaps it will keep her thoughts away from choosing a suitor so soon."
Erik couldn't help but grin. It hurt his cheek muscles since he was not used to it. But now, how to hide himself until he is sent for. Things could not have been turning for the better for him.
Author's Note: I've realized I'm making a slight personality change in Erik. I'll try to maintain the distant attitude in a future chapter.