In A Shadow

Spring 1900

With the beginning of a new century, there came many new changes. Before Erik could even comprehend it, Marigold had grown into a lovely young woman. Now sixteen, she looked even more like her mother with her dark curly hair and sweet voice, yet she still had his amber eyes. He was a little sad over how quickly she had grown up but he also felt proud of how beautiful she had become.

Frans also became a handsome young man of eighteen. Now that Frans had come of age, Erik then decided that it was time for Frans to take up more responsibility of managing the theatre. Erik realized that as time passed, he knew he wouldn't be around forever and that the time came for Frans to assume his rightful place as the next manager. And though Erik had not noticed much, Christine could see a special bond developing between Frans and Marigold. As they grew up together, Christine had assumed that they would become something like a brother and sister, but as they grew older, she could see that they were more like childhood sweethearts.

Like many living things that age and eventually pass on, so to did their beloved dog Kit, who after living to a ripe old age of fifteen, she passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. The loss was especially hard on Marigold but time and love from her family helped her heart heal.

At the beginning of the new year 1900, many preparations were being made for the upcoming debut at the Clasir Theatre. Erik and Frans had been busy preparing for the Ambre gala which was to be a celebration following Christine and Marigold's performance. Additionally, Erik had spent many evening instructing Marigold with her singing, which she continued to improve rapidly.

It wasn't until later on when the subject of arias was brought up when Erik, Christine, Marigold and Frans sat in the theatre office discussing what they were to sing.

"Well, as we are growing closer to the debut, have you both thought about what arias you wish to sing?" asked Erik.

"I think to help give Marigold some encouragement, she and I will open the performance with a duet. The Flower Duet from Lakme. As to our solos, she and I are still trying to decide," said Christine. She looked over at Marigold who nervously looked down.

"As it happens, I do have an aria I would very much like to hear you sing, Christine. Perhaps tonight, we may be able to rehearse it. And perhaps, you might help find an aria that would suit Marigold to sing?" asked Erik.

"If you wish it."

"Very well," said Erik. He then turned to Frans. "Now, Frans, I was wondering if you may be able to make all announcements at the gala. I thought perhaps since you will soon be the new manager of this theatre, you may begin by announcing Madame Christine and Marigold. Despite my improved mask, I would prefer to keep a low profile from the public."

"Of course, Monsieur Erik."

"I would also like to tell you that now that you are eighteen, you have a legal claim not only to this theatre but to your grandfather's home and estate. I have seen to it that his home has been kept in good condition and his estate and all that entails is now yours. You are free to claim his home as your own now," said Erik.

Frans looked speechless.

"But, you will always have a home with us, no matter what. You will be always be a part of our family," said Christine, smiling.

Frans smiled and kissed Christine's hand. "Madame Christine, when Grandfather died, I was afraid that I would be utterly alone in the world. But when you and Monsieur Erik gave me a home with you, I felt as though I had a family again. You all have been very good to me and I want to thank you graciously for it. I hope I can continue to be a part of your family in the future. Monsieur Erik, as I am to be the new manager, I would like to ask that you continue on as my co-manager. I still value your guidance and advice for the future."

"Thank you, Frans, and I accept." Erik stood up and shook Frans' hand. "Well, I think we ought all to be on our way back home. It's been a long day and we still have so much to prepare for." Erik held out his arm for Christine and Frans held his for Marigold as they walked out of the office. As Erik and Christine walked ahead, Frans was locking the office until Marigold whispered to him.

"Frans, I didn't want to say anything to Papa, but I haven't even chosen an aria yet."

"Why not?"

"I've tried to look through so many but they just seem so grand. Maybe too grand for my voice," she said, disheartened.

"But your father has been helping you, hasn't he? I've heard you practicing with him. You improve every day and you sing just as well as your mother."

"Yes, but when mother and I sing the Flower Duet together, I feel like my voice is so inferior compared to hers. Also, I've heard the aria that Father wants her to sing. At night, I can hear him playing it on his piano. Frans…it's one of the most beautiful arias he ever written. And when I think of how Mother will sound when she sings it. She will be wonderful. But I just know that I could never be as great as her. Though, what I would give to sing that aria!"

"Marigold," Frans said as he put his hands on her shoulders. Suddenly, in a moment, both of their eyes were fixed on each other. Marigold blushed as his deep blue eyes bore into hers. She suddenly noticed how handsome Frans had become. No longer a young boy but now a fine handsome man. "You mustn't be so critical of yourself. I think your voice is very beautiful. You…are beautiful as well," he said suddenly. "I think…you will sing wonderfully and I will be the first one to toss you a rose."

"Really?" she whispered, blushing.

"Yes. I've been wanting to tell you that for a while, I…"

"Yes, Frans?" she asked, sweetly.

"Well, you see, I-"

"Marigold. Frans. Are you coming?" Erik called from the hall.

"Yes, Papa," answered Marigold. "We shouldn't keep them waiting."

Frans nodded as he quietly escorted her down the hall.

That evening, sometime after dinner, the house was very quiet save for Erik and Christine rehearsing in the study. Frans had gone to bed but Marigold couldn't sleep. Slipping her dressing gown over her night dress, she quietly tiptoed downstairs towards Erik's study. The door was cracked open, so carefully she hid inside the linen closet across from the study as she listened to her parents' conversation. Her mother had just finished singing the aria and Erik had closed the piano lid.

"Christine, your voice was made for that aria," said Erik. He walked over to her and kissed her deeply.

"It's the most beautiful song you've ever written, Erik."

"It was written just for you. I don't think there will be an audience in all of Valence that won't be enraptured with your voice."

"You flatter me, husband," she said. "Though I'm a little surprised that you hadn't composed an aria for our daughter. Shouldn't she be singing your music as well?"

Marigold sat even stiller, waiting for his response.

"Well, I thought she might feel much more comfortable singing a more basic aria such as Voi Che Sapete from Le Nozze di Figaro or some other aria that isn't quite as complex for her," he said, looking a little sheepish.

"Complex? I thought you said she has improved greatly," said Christine, looking puzzled.

"She has. Though she is still very young, I just feel as her first time singing, she shouldn't feel too pressured with a difficult aria. How does she sound when you and her sing together?" asked Erik.

"She sings lovely, by all means. Though sometimes, I notice as I sing the alto part and she sings the soprano, she sounds a little nervous. At times, she tries to hide her voice a little behind mine. I don't want her to feel intimidated."

"Nor do I. Her voice is angelic, very much like yours. However, forgive me for saying, she is still inexperienced. You have been singing on the stage longer than she has. You are much more capable and experienced. I don't want to push her too much too soon."

Marigold sadly hung her head low. Her father's words were painfully true, despite his attempt to speak kindly of her. How can I possibly prove myself to them now?

Christine looked a little vexed. "I don't want to overshadow our daughter, Erik. This is supposed to be her debut. Her night. This is her chance to shine. I really feel that she should be the one to sing this aria, not I. Don't you have any confidence in her at all?"

"How can you ask me that, Christine? Do you think if I didn't, I wouldn't have been tutoring her these past two years? I told her I know potential when I see it and that she would be as great a singer as you are. But like you, greatness cannot be rushed," he said, very defensively. Then, he sighed. "The last thing I ever want is for her to feel sad or scared. I don't think of her voice to be inferior to yours. I'm just ensuring that she has a grand debut, but without her feeling overwhelmed."

"I'm aware of that, Erik, but I think you're trying to overprotect her again. I still think she should sing the aria, not I. How is she supposed to grow if you cannot give her the chance to thrive?"

Erik turned his face away from her. "I'm not going to argue with you on this, Christine. This is what I feel is best for her, and my mind is made up," he said firmly.

Exasperated, Christine swiftly left the study in silence. Marigold sat very still waiting until she could hear Erik slowly close himself inside the study, with a great sigh. All the while, Marigold listened intently, feeling no worse but no better than when she heard the beginning of their conversation. Sighing, she stood up, carefully came out of her hiding place and quietly walked back upstairs to her bedroom.