Dance into the Night

Following the performances, some of the audience adjourned to the reception hall where the gala ball was to be held. The orchestra was playing a series of beautiful waltzes. Erik had come into the ballroom with Christine at his arm. The guests applauded Christine as she entered. Erik smiled as she gave a small curtsey. Surprisingly for Erik, no one noticed that he was even wearing a mask, as his 'human mask' was more than convincing to pass off as an average face. Rahim had approached them and gave Christine's hand a kiss. "You were sublime as always, Madame Christine."

"Thank you, Rahim. How good of you to attend," she said.

"And, if I may, I would like to extend my congratulations on your daughter's performance. She was remarkable! You must be very proud of her. I'm sure it must have come as no surprise to you, considering who her parents are,' said Rahim.

"Well it did come as quite as surprise as a matter of fact. As a child, she never displayed any interest in singing. But one day, I mistook her voice for Christine's and realized her hidden talent. It seems she had it in her all this time," said Erik.

Then, Marigold and Frans entered the ballroom and were met with a great reception. She wore an amber gown with her hair styled up, looking happily as she held Frans' arm. They made their way over to her parents, where Christine warmly embraced her.

"What a triumph you gave tonight, darling! I don't think there was anyone in the audience who wasn't on their feet applauding. You've made your father proud."

Marigold looked nervously at Erik. "Have I, Papa? Truly?"

Erik placed his hands around her shoulders and gave her a kiss on her forehead. "You were radiant, sweetling. Truly radiant. You continue to surprise me."

Marigold smiled and happily embraced him. Just as the orchestra began playing a waltz, Frans bowed to Marigold and extended his hand. "Mademoiselle, may I have the honor?"

Marigold looked at Erik for permission, who nodded his head in consent. "I hope I may have a dance with you later?" he asked.

"Always, Papa," she replied and walked off with Frans to dance.

Off to the side, Erik took two champagne glasses and offered one to Christine. "And as to your performance, my dearest wife, you never cease to amaze me. You still make the very angels in Heaven weep."

Christine smiled. "Thank you. And I'm glad you weren't too disappointed that I didn't sing the aria. I truly felt that Marigold was meant to sing it. And by doing so, it has made her night even more glorious."

"When I ponder over it, you're absolutely right. I'm only sorry that I didn't recognize that sooner. But I am sorry that I didn't listen to you in the beginning. You were right about Marigold. She sang it wonderfully."

As they happily watched their daughter dancing with Frans, they were met even greater surprise as they saw Frans lead Marigold to the side window and give her a gentle kiss. Erik, despite his mask hiding any obvious sign of surprise, looked quite shocked. Christine, however, looked contentedly at them. "Oh my…" she sighed.

"She…Did he just…But they…I don't understand," stammered Erik.

"What is there to understand, Erik? You had the same look as Frans had when you first kissed me.," said Christine.

"But I thought they felt more like friends or siblings. After all, they grew up together. We helped raise Frans."

"But they're not related. Love can grow from friendship. And Marigold is quite grown up now. Our little girl is finally becoming a young woman."

Erik sadly sighed. "I never felt ready for that day to come. All I can still see when I look at her is my little girl. Why can't they stay young forever?"

"Why, indeed," agreed Christine. "But I think it's clear how much love they have for each other. Frans is a fine young man and has a sound future ahead of him. And who knows? After this night, perhaps Marigold will become the next prima donna of this theatre."

Erik smiled as he watched Marigold looking lovingly at Frans. He felt a small hint of sadness as he thought of how grown up his daughter looked. How he missed the little girl she once was but at the same time marveled at the beautiful woman she had become. When he heard another waltz play, he walked over to Marigold and Frans. "May a father have the pleasure of a dance with his daughter?"

"Of course, Papa," said Marigold. As he led her to the floor and danced, he looked down at her. "You seem to be full of surprises tonight, my dear girl. When I saw you in that yellow gown, I thought I was looking at your mother."

Marigold looked a little nervous. "Are you angry at me, Papa?"

"Why ever would you think me angry at you?"

"For singing the aria you wrote for Mother and wearing her dress? For essentially deceiving you?"

"Well, I admit it was quite a surprise. But your mother explained everything to me and she was right."

"She was?"

"Yes. You really were meant to sing that aria. I realize that now. I was only afraid to put too much pressure on you for your first debut, but I can see that you were more than ready to shine like the star you are. You looked as beautiful in that gown as your mother and you sang so radiantly. I'm proud of you, my Mari. God, how I'm proud of you."

Marigold smiled. They continued to dance happily when they looked over at Frans who was dancing with Christine.

"I think Frans enjoyed your performance as well."

Marigold looked towards him lovingly. "Yes."

"Perhaps you have something else you want to share with me?" he said, looking at her with fatherly intrigue. Suddenly, her cheeks turned red when she looked up at him nervously.

"Well, I…I…" she stammered. Erik just looked at her, waiting for an answer. "Well, yes, Papa. Frans and I have grown very close as of late. As we have known each other for a long time and he's been my dearest friend since we were children, I've grown to care for him in another way."

"Indeed?" muttered Erik, curiously.

"Yes. He's so kind and caring. And…he loves me."

"I see. And how do you feel about him?"

"I love him too. I realize that we're still fairly young but he wants to ask you formally to…pay court to me. Do you approve, Papa?"

"I suppose I knew this day would come. It just seems as though it came too soon. But you are indeed a young woman now. Well, I know well enough that he is a responsible and honorable young man. He now has a respectable occupation and his own house. I can honestly say that I do approve. Of course, he was bound to love you when he heard you sing. I just ask that you don't try to hasten so quickly. I want you to be quite sure that he is the one for you."

"I understand, Papa. But did you know it was love when you saw Mother?"

"It was a little different, my sweetling. I never dreamed any woman could ever love me. When I saw your mother, I wanted so much for her to love me and save me from my solitude. By a great miracle, your mother did learn to love me. I always knew she was the one for me."

"And I'm quite sure Frans is the one for me as well. He makes me happy, Papa."

"Then I am happy for you," he said, proudly kissing her forehead.

After their dance, he led Marigold back to Frans and gave a nod of approval toward him before he returned to Christine for the next dance. Frans held her close to him as they watched her parents dance.

"Father gave his approval…of us." Marigold said softly.

"He did?" asked Frans.

She nodded. "He only wants for me to be happy and I told him I've never been more certain in my life."

"As am I, my lovely girl. I want you to know that all I wish is for us to be together. You're the most precious woman in my life now, and I hope to prove just how much you mean to me one day."

Marigold smiled lovingly up at him. "I love you, Frans," she whispered before he gave her a gentle kiss.

"And I love you."