Prologue
Paris Opera House – 1905.
Stepping out of the carriage, Elizabeth gasped silently at the theater.
"One of the most splendid structures Paris has ever seen! Constructed in 1846 and presents the most elaborate operas! Glad that you were able to attend, my dear cousin!" Mr. Collins exclaimed and Lizzy was thankful when he released her hand. Charlotte was behind but Lizzy didn't bother to glance back. Gently taking hold of her skirts, which were of the newest fashion, she walked up the stairs. Soon, she entered the main lobby and the candles met her! She was thankful she'd managed to escape Mr. Collins but she lamented for Charlotte! But instead of reflecting on that, Lizzy diverted her attention to the design of the Opera House. Lightly golden-marbled floors, a few statues of angels on a few sides, and three balconies which led inside the theater, Lizzy couldn't picture any other place where she'd enjoy an opera! After the footman took her cloak, Lizzy made her way up the stairs and she was transfixed. Paris Opera House sent the message that a soul would escape to the realm of a different world and leave what was behind out! As she made her way up the stairs, she ignored Mr. Collins' voice as he started to ramble on about "the construction" and so on and so forth. She was thankful she'd managed to escape from his presence and before long… she was on the second floor. The hallway was lit with candles but Lizzy's attention was drawn transfixed again. Somehow… she felt… someone was watching her.
Glancing over her shoulder, she noticed all the men and women: the ladies, dressed in their long feminine dresses, hair pinned up, and fans in hand and gloves, and the gentlemen in suites and fine hats.
"Perhaps the feathers are a little much." She thought recalling Mr. Collins' insistence Charlotte wear one hat with a large feather. She would promise herself a parrot could live there!
But then… that feeling she was being watched remained… ignoring Charlotte and Mr. Collins, Lizzy felt curious and soon… turning… she made her way in the direction where local rumors told her only one soul lurked: Box 5 where the famous "Opera Ghost" sat for each performance.