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Look! Bonus chapter! Why? Well you have cheeky little Roseilea to thank for this one. She made me laugh!
But there will be a change in my posting schedule this coming week - see my notes at the end for the new times.
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Guest Reviews:
Guest: Maybe I am thinking of a totally different movie called "The Gift" Still not seeing any resemblance, ha ha. I enjoyed your musings over your theories on the mysteries! Yes, Amir's drinking is suspicious hu? What is HIS issue? I agree...it IS good that Christine is getting to use her emotions! But I am not sure Erik will enjoy HOW she uses them on him, ha ha.
Guest: (could be the same as the guest above, but without a way to identify each one, I don't know) Christine is MAD and she has every right to be! And yes, she can't just head out the front door...she needs to be smart about her departure! Wow, your guess about Cedric and Max is spot on. While I do have something funny planned for 'Raoul'...he will not be bashed (much, hee hee). I like Raoul, so he is safe with me.
PhantomChristine: you just hold on to those random ideas...all will be made perfectly clear very soon!
Musicalis: Emily IS sweet...when she is not screaming and crying that is. Yes, Erik might use that against her...but come on, he totally lied MORE than she did! She deserves to know the truth!
Roseilea: Oh yes, we LOVE angsty/angry/possessive Erik! I should make a few calls and see if we can get HIM to make an appearance, ha ha. And as for that weekend bonus chapter... 'ask and ye shall receive' ha ha.
Guest: I really like drama and angst...but I do not like things to drag on too long. Mysteries are fun, but when there is anger issues or misunderstandings...I am with you, lets get them resolved before the damage a marriage! Right?
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So let's go see what Christine has planned now for her great escape!
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Chapter 29
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The next two days were a literal hell for Christine. She was trapped in a constant state between wanting to scream in anger or cry buckets of tears. Early that first morning after her discovery of Erik's mistress, she formulated a plan to escape Summercrest and the torturous existence she now found herself in. After thinking long and hard, she decided her only friend, and option, was Clair Kingsford. She realized she had not known the woman long but she hoped that if she were to petition her for asylum, explaining the circumstances of her objectionable marriage, the woman would take pity on her and render her aid. Perhaps Clair could help her get back to the abbey where the sisters might be willing to hide her for a time. For even if Erik did not come looking for her, Christine was certain her enraged uncle would. Yet there were many rooms in the abbey where men were simply not allowed and if she remained there until things died down, she was guaranteed a measure of safety. What would become of her after that, she did not know. Yet one thing was certain, she had to leave…and soon! She would simply have to take it one step at a time.
Unfortunately, it was those first steps that concerned her the most. Since Christine did not know how to ride a horse and there was no way she could hitch up the carriage by herself, her only option was to walk the many miles to the Kingsford Estate. Her ankle was slowly improving but even she knew it would be impossible for her to make it such a distance before it was completely healed. Even then, she would need to sneak out late at night and practically run the entire way in hopes of not being discovered and caught the next morning on the road.
She would need a small amount of provisions, easily pilfered from the kitchen but she couldn't see taking many things with her, for they would just slow her down. Her treasure box for sure would come along and even though she had given Erik her beloved father's cravat pin, she found she could not leave it behind. She would somehow have to sneak it away from him before she left, unwilling to leave the memento in the hands of a liar…no matter how much she still cared for him.
She would also take a dress or two, seeing as they were given to her but she refused to take anything else, especially the emerald necklace. While it too had been a gift, it was far too personal and only brought tears of regret to her eyes when she saw it now. She had been so blissfully happy the evening he had presented it to her. Christine recalled her emotions running high in anticipation of giving her heart - and her body - to the man she had married. But all that had changed in the blink of an eye and now she was left with a shattered heart and an empty life.
And never did the blade of grief cut so close to her heart than when she spent time with Robert and Amy, often having to excuse herself from their presence so they would not see her tears. She would miss them terribly; she knew this to be true, for she had come to love them so dearly in such a short time.
Yet if she thought it was difficult to spend time with them, it was twice as hard to be around Erik. For though she would mourn over the loss of the children, she knew the one she would miss the most was Erik. Despite his lies and infidelity, she had come to have such deep feelings for him, she was afraid they could never be dug out of her heart. That love had easily taken root there, like a sturdy oak and was completely unwilling to yield to her aching plea to vacate.
Thankfully her fabricated excuse of her monthly cycle had offered a measure of protection against Erik's displays of affections - his touches and kisses. But he still insisted on spending practically every waking moment with her, wishing to assist her or offering to do anything she bid. This made the days even more agonizing, since his persistent kindness was wearing her down bit by bit and she feared if she remained too long, she might succumb to his wicked charms.
However the days were nothing compared to the nights, for lying there alone in the dark, knowing that he was only a few inches away was pure misery. She would stay awake just to hear his breathing, yet all the while wondering if it was her he was thinking of…or Emily. She only prayed that her ankle would be strong enough to carry her to the Kingsford's soon, for she was not sure how much longer her heart could stand this.
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Erik was at a loss. He had heard horror stories from other husbands over the years of how different their wives would become during that delicate time of the month but he had never dreamed they were true! Yet literally, overnight, his affectionate, dulcet little flower had become a prickly thorn bush, never allowing him to come anywhere near her. She would shy away from him, flinch if he so much as touched her hand and whenever possible she would leave the room if he entered. He wracked his brain to think of what he might have done to offend her and yet he could come up with nothing. He had been attentive, mild, accommodating and more pleasant than he recalled being in years… and yet it never seemed to be enough. He missed holding her at night, pulling her close to him as he buried his face in her silken hair, lulled to sleep by the gentle beat of her precious heart. He missed her!
Two days in, he found himself wondering just how long this torment would continue. Would she become her normal self again once this affliction passed? And even if she did, would he be subjected to this again the next time it came around? Perhaps this was why most men kept their wives continuously pregnant? He made a mental note to revisit this idea once he had more information.
That information came right after breakfast, one that if it had not been for the talkative nature of the twins, would have been eaten in complete silence. For no matter how hard he tried, he could not get Christine to even look at him, let alone speak. Oh she spoke to the children, laughed at things they said, but not once did she attempt to engage him in conversation. So when Robert and Amy raced off to get their coats for the outing Christine had suggested, he took the opportunity to try and speak with her.
"Christine," he began, reaching out as he lightly took her hand, halting her from her hasty exit. "Please tell me what I have done," he all but begged. He was a prideful man, but even he had his limits and was not above a bit of groveling when the need arose. And if there was ever a need, it was now! "It is obvious you are upset, if you will only tell me what is bothering you, I will do everything I can to make it right. You have to trust me, my little daisy."
Christine had been doing her utmost to hold it together, to remain calm and not let her emotions show. But when Erik spoke of trust and wanting her to tell him things, when he himself was unwilling to reciprocate, she could stand it no longer.
Pulling her hand out of his, she rounded on him like an angry tiger.
"Trust you?" she spat, causing him to pull back at her ire. "I have shown you nothing but trust since the day I was brought here! Never once have I insisted you reveal to me what it is you hide behind your mask. When I learned about your children, I trusted that you hid them from me for a good reason. Trust is all I have shown you, and yet you will not spare me a moment's peace, even when all I ask is to simply be left alone and given some time for myself?"
Her fiery temper shocked him, once more throwing him into confusion as he tried to decide if he should be angered by her outburst…or excited by it. His little wife was sure full of surprises.
"Christine, I will give you all the time you need," he promised, taking a step forward, for the heat that he felt between them seemed to draw him closer to her. "I only wish to speak with you, spend time with you, and perhaps hold you once more at night. I miss you." He reached out, his fingers aching to touch the delicate skin of her face, but she stepped back, turning her head so that his hand only found air.
"I…I think we should consider sleeping in separate rooms," she suddenly insisted, unsure if she could successfully fend him off should he attempt to reinstate their former positions in bed. In truth, she was beginning to wonder if she didn't want him to do just that…and that frightened her.
"You…what?" he asked, unwilling, or unable to comprehend her suggestion. If Erik had been confused about how he felt before, he was quite sure now. Anger blazed in his eyes and he reached out and took her by the arms, pulling her to him none too gently. "Christine, I have been as patient and understanding as I can, and as a gentleman, I would never dream of imposing myself upon you during this time. I have been, and will remain, your chaste and respectful husband in all matters of intimacy… but I will not forsake our marriage bed. You are my wife and you will remain in our room and share my bed until the day that death parts us! Is that clear?!"
This was simply too much for Christine to take. His anger, contrasted by his promise of chastity for her sake, coupled with his close proximity, was sending her emotions into a whirlwind. She had no words, no retort, and absolutely no defense, so she did the only thing she could – she burst into tears and ran from the room. Throwing open the first door she came to, Christine ran inside, slamming it shut behind her as she collapsed into the closest chair, and once more cried till her eyes were red and swollen.
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Back out in the entryway, Erik stood there in shock. He had meant to comfort her, to find out what was bothering her but instead he had only made things worse. Of course he didn't want her to sleep in another room! She was his wife and there was no way they could ever grow closer together if they kept separate sleeping quarters. But his foul temper had caused his words to come out all wrong, instead of being reassuring, he grabbed her and shouted in her face. Not at all the actions of a sane and loving husband…but instead those of a monster.
"And what may I ask was that all about?" Antoinette's accusing voice asked from behind him, obviously having seen much of what just transpired.
"I…I only meant to ask her what it was I had done to make her so upset," he began, still completely baffled by the whole situation.
"From where I stood, it appeared that you were doing far more than asking her a simple question," she disputed. "If that was all you had done, she would not be sobbing in the library and you would not be standing here like a dog with his tail between his legs."
Erik turned and looked the elderly woman in the face, opening and closing his mouth several times as he worked up the nerve to voice his humiliating question. But in the end, a need to understand his wife won out over his embarrassment.
"Antoinette…" he began, stopping to clear his throat several times. "Do girls…I mean, are all women…this volatile when they have…their cycle?" There, he had said it, and from the change in expression on his housekeeper's face, he could tell she had gone from angry to sympathetic.
"So that is the problem," she muttered, shaking her head sadly. She had noticed the tension between them over the last two days and had wondered what had caused the sudden change.
"I have been trying to be understanding and gentle with her, but I am at a loss." He raked his hand through his hair, just wishing he could make sense of it all. "What does she want from me? What can I do?"
Antoinette stepped forward and reaching up she placed her hands on his shoulders in a kindly fashion.
"A woman's emotions are often out of control at this time," she explained, doing her best to be informative without going into any details that Erik would likely not appreciate. "The most you can do is be patient with her. Do not allow your temper to rise no matter what she might say or do. Yet I fear the worst of it is not over."
"It has only been two days, and she just informed me she no longer wishes to share a bed with me," Erik lamented. "How much worse could it possibly get?"
"No matter how bad it becomes, how you choose to deal with it speaks of your character, as well as your feelings for her," Antoinette told him sternly. Then her face softened and once more a smile touched her lips. "The simple fact that you wish to help, and not just ignore her during all this, shows me that you do love her. And I could not be more proud of you if you were my own son. Show endurance, and in just a few days, she will be back to her normal, congenial self, and all this will be forgotten."
"I pray that you are right," he said with a sigh. "I do not enjoy feeling helpless in this matter."
"Men never do," she nodded. "My poor Gerome swore that at those times I magically turned into my own mother, whom he feared quite extensively."
This story made Erik laugh, a welcome change from the mental frustration that had been oppressing him of late. He just hoped that Antoinette knew what she was talking about, for he was certain he could not endure this much longer.
"Christine had promised to take the children for a walk in the gardens and play with the kitten," he told her. "After changing my clothes, I plan on going for a ride on Phantom before working with the new horses for a bit. Could you see that Joseph has my horse saddled and ready for me when I arrive?"
"Joseph had some business to attend to in town and asked for the day off," Antoinette informed him as she followed him to the bottom of the stairs. "But I will send someone to inform Peter of your intentions."
"Very good," Erik nodded, as he began his weary climb. Perhaps a good hard ride would put his mind and body at ease. He certainly needed something to take his mind off of his troubles.
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It had been a perfect day for a ride. The sun was shining, there was a gentle breeze and even though there was still a bit of spring nip in the air, it only seemed to invigorate. The exuberant ride on Phantom had been just what Erik had needed, working off much of his anger and frustration and leaving him calm and level headed once more as he began his training session with Angel.
Erik had been slowly working with the mare and decided that today was the day he would attempt to ride her. She had taken to the blanket and the saddle fairly well, and didn't even balk when he had placed a heavy sack of potatoes across her back and led her around. Perhaps she would accept his weight just as easily and soon she would be ready to safely bear Christine. The idea that this news might brighten his wife's mood only spurred him on and soon he was ready to mount.
Peter stood at Angel's head, holding her steady as Erik placed a foot in the stirrup and slowly swung himself into the saddle. The Arabian danced around a bit, trying to decide if this was something she needed to be frightened of, but Erik spoke to her in a calm and soothing voice, stroking her neck and doing all he could to ease her fears. Gradually she simmered down, standing still as she seemed to accept his weight.
It was then that he saw Christine and the children approaching the corral, little Bandit clutched in Amy's arms as they poked their heads through the fence boards to watch him. Ever since Erik had decided to parallel his trust exercises with both his wife and Angel, he had looked forward to this day. For he felt if he could succeed with the horse…perhaps he could do so with Christine as well. And while she had no idea the significance of him achieving his goal, to him it was a personal victory that gave him a glimmer of hope that things might improve between them. It might not be much, but right now, Erik could use all the encouragement he could get.
Christine stood there with the twins and watched as her husband attempted to ride the mare, knowing full well that to him this was the last item on his list to gain the horse's trust. If his plan was still in progress, this would have been a turning point in his mind for their relationship as well. And had he not lied to her and kept a mistress locked away in the very same house he shared with her, he might have been right. Christine chided herself for the millionth time for almost succumbing to his boyish charms and winsome ways, having been ready and willing to offer herself to him in every way a wife possibly could. At the time, the circumstances that had postponed that idea had frustrated her, yet now she saw them as a blessing.
Erik sat tall in the saddle and instructed Peter to release the mare's head and step away, so that only he and the bond they had forged would now control how she reacted. At first Angel did nothing, simply stood there, adjusting to the foreign weight on her back, deciding if she would accept it or not. She turned her head and looked back at Erik, her eyes full of indecision before she took a few tentative steps. He never stopped speaking to the horse in low, soothing tones, allowing her to set the pace and take him wherever she wished to go. He would not prod her or insist upon his way, simply let her choose her direction and ask to come along for the ride. It occurred to him that this was precisely what Madam Giry had advised him earlier and he shook his head in amazement at how truly similar earning a horse's trust had become to winning that of his wife. Maybe he had stumbled onto something that could be helpful to all men where women were concerned? This thought made him smile, thinking himself a genius…and that was when it all went to hell.
Angel had been taking her time deciding if she liked the idea of some burden being placed on her back this way. She had given it a lot of thought and had suddenly come to the conclusion that Erik had to go! So without any warning, she lowered her head, leaped forward and began to buck, kicking her hind legs in the air as she did her best to expel Erik from her back. She was amazingly successful, taking him completely by surprise and even though he was a seasoned rider, he found himself sailing over her right shoulder and landing on his side in a most unceremonious fashion. Angel, still kicking and bucking, raced around the paddock, with Peter chasing after her in an attempt to calm her down and regain control.
Erik rolled over and sat there for a moment, a bit stunned, but the only thing truly injured was his pride. When he had managed to collect his thoughts, he turned and looked over at where Christine and the children stood. He could see that both Robert and Amy had looks of horror and sympathy on their faces, feeling sorry for their father who had failed in his attempt to ride the spirited mare. Christine on the other hand, was now looking back at him with what could only be described as a satisfied smirk. Was his failure and sore backside truly amusing to her? Before he could analyze her reaction further, she broke eye contact with him and ushering the children away from the fence, she led them off towards the house. Not once did she look back.
Rising to his feet and dusting himself off, Erik came to the conclusion that if this was any sort of clue, he would not be winning back his wife's affection any time soon. And that thought truly made him sad.
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After his unsuccessful ride he spent the rest of the session just stroking and talking with Angel, doing all he could to repair the breach of trust that had come from attempting to ride her too soon. He needed to show more patience and not rush ahead when he knew she was not ready. He needed to give her time…just like he must give Christine. For anything worth having was worth waiting for - and he knew he would wait for all eternity if it meant earning her love.
"Master Erik!" the voice of Mr. Bower broke him from his thoughts as he turned to see the elderly butler coming towards the corral at a hurried pace.
"What is it Bower?" he questioned, handing Angel off to Peter as he rushed forward. The Butler hardly ever left the confines of the mansion, so his presence at the stables could only mean trouble.
"You have guests, sir," he said, doing his best to catch his breath as he stated his news.
"Guests…who is it?" And though he needed to hear it from the older man's own lips, he had a sinking feeling he knew exactly who it was.
"It is your father, Lord Cedric," he revealed. "And he has brought Mr. Daae with him. He has demanded to have an audience with you…and Lady Christine."
Damn! Erik swore to himself. He had hoped he would have more time to settle things with Christine before those two bastards had chosen to return, but there was nothing he could do about it now. Removing his riding gloves and throwing them to the ground in disgust he leaped over the fence in one bound and stormed towards the house, the elderly butler racing to keep up.
When he stepped inside he removed his jacket and did his best to brush off some more of the dust he had accumulated during his ill-fated ride before he smoothed down his hair, trying to calm his anger.
"Where are they now?" he asked, his irritation quite evident.
"I put them in the back sitting room overlooking the gardens," he informed him, holding up a clean jacket for Erik to slip into so that he could greet his guests properly.
"Where is Lady Christine, does she know of their arrival?" This had the potential of setting things between them back even further and he was not sure he could take that at the moment.
"No, sir," he said with a shake of his head. "They just arrived and I thought it best to alert you first. Do you wish for me to locate her and send her in?"
"Yes, and make sure Rose keeps the children sequestered in their rooms until that devil of a man leaves," Erik ordered, fixing his collar and taking a deep breath before he headed for the sitting room door.
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Uh OH, Daddy-Dearest is back! And he brought Max with him. What new horrors will they have to share?
Poor Erik, not only is he strking out with christine, he got thrown off the horse as well. Seems like no one likes him right now. Poor baby.
So did everyone like Christine's little blow up? M. Giry's words of wisdom?
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Hey! does everyone know that Bensara91513 is posting an alternate ending to her masterpiece "The Secret Door"? One where Erik and Jenna get to be together...I hope. It is called, "The Secret Door 2". Go check it out!
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Now for my new posting schedule this coming week. Since the next FIVE chapters are all about HUGE reveals...I will be posting one a day. Yes, I said ONE EACH DAY. Now...you must all promise to review for EACH chapter - no skipping, OK? If your responses drastically drop during this mass posting, I will be very reluctant to do it again. So get ready for things to start hopping on MONDAY!
