Chapter Nine
Temporarily appeased, Erik and Christine lay relaxed in the darkness. Night had fallen while they had loved. Lying slightly apart from each other, their hands entwined between them.
Propping himself on his elbow, Erik's hands gracefully caressed her soft, damp skin. "Christine, I do not know how I shall find the strength to leave."
Fearful, she sat up and said, "Whatever do you mean?"
"I must away before daybreak. I will not have your servants find you in bed with a man - even if he is your betrothed." Erik declared.
"My betrothed...." repeated Christine, tingling deliciously with the notion.
"Yes, my love." Erik bent and kissed her palm.
"I am not concerned in the slightest what anyone may think of us. I'll not have us separated for another week until the house is empty once more." She announced firmly.
Erik voiced the idea he had been thinking of for some time, "Come home with me." His alluring murmur hypnotized Christine with its promise.
"I will go with you anywhere you wish, Erik." she answered meaningfully.
Reluctantly, they left the warm bed and began to dress. After lighting her lamp, she sat before her mirror brushing the tangles out of her long, dark hair. Erik suddenly appeared behind her completely dressed and wearing his mask. "Allow me." he requested. She handed her hairbrush to him and Erik very capably brushed her curls into order. "I have always wanted to comb your ravishing hair." he confided to her.
"Whenever you wish, my darling." she promised.
Christine hurriedly packed a bag. She was impatient to see his home. Writing her servants a note explaining she must visit a relative and would be away several days, she departed with Erik.
The night seemed under a enchanted spell as they walked hand in hand towards the stables. Stars twinkled brilliantly and their breath puffed into little clouds. Snow covered the world in sparkling white and Christine imagined them the only two people on the earth.
Erik first easily lifted Christine onto his horse's back and mounted elegantly behind her. The cold was exhilarating even though it penetrated her cloak. Seeing her shiver, Erik merely adjusted his own cloak so that it enclosed the both of them.
Snuggled warmly against Erik, Christine closed her eyes aware of his every movement. He kept one arm around her waist firmly and she rested completely secure in his embrace. Neither of them spoke but the silence was comfortable and fitting in the enchanting moonlight. Eventually, Erik drew the mare to a halt. Squeezing her lightly, Erik whispered softly, "Christine, we're home."
She did not realize she had fallen asleep in his arms. The sound of the horse's hooves crunching in the snow and Erik's comfortable warmth had lulled her to sleep. Yawning, she looked around drowsily. Hazily aware of the cottage in front of them, she leaned once more into Erik's closeness.
"Come, my Sleeping Beauty. You are quite exhausted." Erik easily swung off the horse's back and gathered Christine into his arms. Entering the door, he pushed it shut with his boot. She was almost dozing again when he laid her upon his bed. Knowing he must see to his horse, he covered her with care and left briefly.
Coming back inside and shaking off the cold, Erik built the fire up in the hearth in addition to removing his cloak. Going back into his room, he beheld Christine fast asleep in the light of a single candle. Christine was truly here, willingly in his bed, and she had consented to be his bride. It was too much to comprehend. Positive that he would awaken soon, Erik determined to enjoy the dream while it lasted. Gingerly, he lifted the coverlet and moved next to her. Even in sleep, she nestled close to him.
Erik fell asleep with a smile on his face and holding his Christine.
While touring Erik's home the next day, Christine found that he had appointed his home elegantly. It was large enough to be comfortable and his selection of furniture was impeccable. Returning to his bedroom, Christine was surprised to find that the furniture in Erik's room was the same she had used below the Opera. Shrugging, Erik told her it had made the pieces that much more precious to him. He had kept every item that had been hers, including several dresses which she recognized in the armoire. Touched that he had thought of her so fondly after all that had occurred between them, her heart softened with devotion.
Over the next few days, they rediscovered the joy of each other's company. Talking for hours at a time along with taking walks for as long as they could stand the cold, the two settled into an easy intimacy.
Erik and Christine both made a valiant effort to pursue other activities besides lovemaking but invariably found themselves in bed most afternoons. Erik, so new to the joys of love, could not get enough of Christine. Several times during the day, as he taught her chess or they read in front of the hearth, a rigid, meaningful silence would descend upon them. The moment they made eye contact at such times, it was as if they were drawn physically to each other by an outside force. Christine was amazed at Erik's tireless stamina along with his endless desire for her. If anything, his need for her seemed to be increasing instead of waning. Erik made love to her with the intensity and frequency of a much younger man than his years. She adored gratifying him cognizant that each union cemented their attachment. The potency of his touch ignited a hot fire throughout her. She had never known such intense desire during her previous experience. The mesmerizing hypnotism of his voice was now executed through his sensual, inquiring hands. He would not allow her instinctive modesty to deter him. Delicately, he would pry away her uncertainty; insistent upon removing any barriers between them. Erik aroused her in such a way that her response to him shocked her. At times, she reacted as though she were crazed with need for him.
One morning, Erik came to her in the drawing room. She had her feet tucked underneath her as she sat mending one of his shirts that he had ripped carelessly. Christine looked the picture of content domesticity sitting in his chair before the fire. Although he would have heedlessly discarded the shirt, the sweetness of her wifely gesture moved him. Hearing him enter, she looked up expectantly. She smiled in greeting as he knelt before her. "My beloved, we need to leave the house today."
Interested, she replied, "Where are we going, Erik?"
Intently, he caught her gaze and announced softly, "I believe it is time to seek out a priest, my dear."
"Erik." Her face shown with joy and love for him. Kissing him soundly on the lips, she returned, "I cannot believe I will finally belong to you. You have made me so very happy, my Angel. But we won't be able to be married until the banns are posted."
He nodded, "All the more reason to leave with haste. We must also purchase a ring for you."
"Yes! Oh Erik, I do so want to wear your ring!" Christine replied eagerly.
Once in town, Christine assured Erik that the priest at St. Mary's Cathedral where she sang would consent to wed them. Erik was uneasy at the prospect of meeting with clergy but knew it was a necessity. As she had promised, Father Signone was delighted at the news of Christine's pending marriage. Taken aback somewhat by Erik's mask and aloof demeanor, he directed his questions mainly to Christine. When asked about the date of the wedding, it was decided the ceremony would take place in two weeks time.
Leaving the church, Christine perceived her Erik's palatable relief. Appreciating the discomfort he willingly endured, she asked him if there was anyone he would like to invite to their wedding. Not having considered it, Erik said he would think on it but that he did not believe so. When he inquired the same of her, she shook her head negatively. She told him that when she pledged her life to his, the only person she wanted before her was himself. Assuring her that would be a certainty, he kissed her hand. "No one in attendance would ever understand how far we've had to come to be man and wife." she asserted.
Pausing before her dressmaker's shop, Christine coyly told him she needed to look into a matter alone. Stirred with knowledge that she would be planning a dress to wear when she became his bride, he agreed.
After he left her, Erik went to several jewelers but coolly rejected different stones and bands shown to him. Checking the time and realizing he would have to collect Christine shortly, he attempted one more jeweler. It was there that he found the perfect ring for his bride; a dainty, flawless blue sapphire to match her eyes which was surrounded by brilliant, superb diamonds in a band of pure gold. Erik did not even blink when told the price; only the finest would do for his Christine. Excited by the sale, the oily, chubby jeweler praised Erik's exceptional taste and assured him that his betrothed would prize such a ring.
The jeweler's wife, matching her husband in girth, boxed the ring while looking askance at the masked gentleman before her. The glance did not insult Erik as it might have at one time. Strangely, he found he was not at all disturbed. Momentarily lost in thought, he recognized that Christine's complete acceptance of him, along with her professed love, was totally sufficient. He needed no other approval or endorsement as long as she loved him. Unconsciously, Erik did something he had never done before when met with prying looks. Thinking of Christine's tenderness, he glanced at the inquisitive woman who was rudely peeking up at him again - and he smiled at her. Hesitating for only a moment, the woman unexpectedly returned his smile and shyly handed him the parcel. Erik took it from her and turned to leave. The pleased jeweler called out his best wishes for a joyous marriage and happiness to Erik's wife.
'His wife' - the thought was inconceivable as Erik savored it. Joyously mindful of the boxed ring in his pocket, his step hastened to meet Christine. Upon seeing him, she exited the shop with a secretive but elated expression.
Of one accord, they headed toward home spurred by anticipation.
Temporarily appeased, Erik and Christine lay relaxed in the darkness. Night had fallen while they had loved. Lying slightly apart from each other, their hands entwined between them.
Propping himself on his elbow, Erik's hands gracefully caressed her soft, damp skin. "Christine, I do not know how I shall find the strength to leave."
Fearful, she sat up and said, "Whatever do you mean?"
"I must away before daybreak. I will not have your servants find you in bed with a man - even if he is your betrothed." Erik declared.
"My betrothed...." repeated Christine, tingling deliciously with the notion.
"Yes, my love." Erik bent and kissed her palm.
"I am not concerned in the slightest what anyone may think of us. I'll not have us separated for another week until the house is empty once more." She announced firmly.
Erik voiced the idea he had been thinking of for some time, "Come home with me." His alluring murmur hypnotized Christine with its promise.
"I will go with you anywhere you wish, Erik." she answered meaningfully.
Reluctantly, they left the warm bed and began to dress. After lighting her lamp, she sat before her mirror brushing the tangles out of her long, dark hair. Erik suddenly appeared behind her completely dressed and wearing his mask. "Allow me." he requested. She handed her hairbrush to him and Erik very capably brushed her curls into order. "I have always wanted to comb your ravishing hair." he confided to her.
"Whenever you wish, my darling." she promised.
Christine hurriedly packed a bag. She was impatient to see his home. Writing her servants a note explaining she must visit a relative and would be away several days, she departed with Erik.
The night seemed under a enchanted spell as they walked hand in hand towards the stables. Stars twinkled brilliantly and their breath puffed into little clouds. Snow covered the world in sparkling white and Christine imagined them the only two people on the earth.
Erik first easily lifted Christine onto his horse's back and mounted elegantly behind her. The cold was exhilarating even though it penetrated her cloak. Seeing her shiver, Erik merely adjusted his own cloak so that it enclosed the both of them.
Snuggled warmly against Erik, Christine closed her eyes aware of his every movement. He kept one arm around her waist firmly and she rested completely secure in his embrace. Neither of them spoke but the silence was comfortable and fitting in the enchanting moonlight. Eventually, Erik drew the mare to a halt. Squeezing her lightly, Erik whispered softly, "Christine, we're home."
She did not realize she had fallen asleep in his arms. The sound of the horse's hooves crunching in the snow and Erik's comfortable warmth had lulled her to sleep. Yawning, she looked around drowsily. Hazily aware of the cottage in front of them, she leaned once more into Erik's closeness.
"Come, my Sleeping Beauty. You are quite exhausted." Erik easily swung off the horse's back and gathered Christine into his arms. Entering the door, he pushed it shut with his boot. She was almost dozing again when he laid her upon his bed. Knowing he must see to his horse, he covered her with care and left briefly.
Coming back inside and shaking off the cold, Erik built the fire up in the hearth in addition to removing his cloak. Going back into his room, he beheld Christine fast asleep in the light of a single candle. Christine was truly here, willingly in his bed, and she had consented to be his bride. It was too much to comprehend. Positive that he would awaken soon, Erik determined to enjoy the dream while it lasted. Gingerly, he lifted the coverlet and moved next to her. Even in sleep, she nestled close to him.
Erik fell asleep with a smile on his face and holding his Christine.
While touring Erik's home the next day, Christine found that he had appointed his home elegantly. It was large enough to be comfortable and his selection of furniture was impeccable. Returning to his bedroom, Christine was surprised to find that the furniture in Erik's room was the same she had used below the Opera. Shrugging, Erik told her it had made the pieces that much more precious to him. He had kept every item that had been hers, including several dresses which she recognized in the armoire. Touched that he had thought of her so fondly after all that had occurred between them, her heart softened with devotion.
Over the next few days, they rediscovered the joy of each other's company. Talking for hours at a time along with taking walks for as long as they could stand the cold, the two settled into an easy intimacy.
Erik and Christine both made a valiant effort to pursue other activities besides lovemaking but invariably found themselves in bed most afternoons. Erik, so new to the joys of love, could not get enough of Christine. Several times during the day, as he taught her chess or they read in front of the hearth, a rigid, meaningful silence would descend upon them. The moment they made eye contact at such times, it was as if they were drawn physically to each other by an outside force. Christine was amazed at Erik's tireless stamina along with his endless desire for her. If anything, his need for her seemed to be increasing instead of waning. Erik made love to her with the intensity and frequency of a much younger man than his years. She adored gratifying him cognizant that each union cemented their attachment. The potency of his touch ignited a hot fire throughout her. She had never known such intense desire during her previous experience. The mesmerizing hypnotism of his voice was now executed through his sensual, inquiring hands. He would not allow her instinctive modesty to deter him. Delicately, he would pry away her uncertainty; insistent upon removing any barriers between them. Erik aroused her in such a way that her response to him shocked her. At times, she reacted as though she were crazed with need for him.
One morning, Erik came to her in the drawing room. She had her feet tucked underneath her as she sat mending one of his shirts that he had ripped carelessly. Christine looked the picture of content domesticity sitting in his chair before the fire. Although he would have heedlessly discarded the shirt, the sweetness of her wifely gesture moved him. Hearing him enter, she looked up expectantly. She smiled in greeting as he knelt before her. "My beloved, we need to leave the house today."
Interested, she replied, "Where are we going, Erik?"
Intently, he caught her gaze and announced softly, "I believe it is time to seek out a priest, my dear."
"Erik." Her face shown with joy and love for him. Kissing him soundly on the lips, she returned, "I cannot believe I will finally belong to you. You have made me so very happy, my Angel. But we won't be able to be married until the banns are posted."
He nodded, "All the more reason to leave with haste. We must also purchase a ring for you."
"Yes! Oh Erik, I do so want to wear your ring!" Christine replied eagerly.
Once in town, Christine assured Erik that the priest at St. Mary's Cathedral where she sang would consent to wed them. Erik was uneasy at the prospect of meeting with clergy but knew it was a necessity. As she had promised, Father Signone was delighted at the news of Christine's pending marriage. Taken aback somewhat by Erik's mask and aloof demeanor, he directed his questions mainly to Christine. When asked about the date of the wedding, it was decided the ceremony would take place in two weeks time.
Leaving the church, Christine perceived her Erik's palatable relief. Appreciating the discomfort he willingly endured, she asked him if there was anyone he would like to invite to their wedding. Not having considered it, Erik said he would think on it but that he did not believe so. When he inquired the same of her, she shook her head negatively. She told him that when she pledged her life to his, the only person she wanted before her was himself. Assuring her that would be a certainty, he kissed her hand. "No one in attendance would ever understand how far we've had to come to be man and wife." she asserted.
Pausing before her dressmaker's shop, Christine coyly told him she needed to look into a matter alone. Stirred with knowledge that she would be planning a dress to wear when she became his bride, he agreed.
After he left her, Erik went to several jewelers but coolly rejected different stones and bands shown to him. Checking the time and realizing he would have to collect Christine shortly, he attempted one more jeweler. It was there that he found the perfect ring for his bride; a dainty, flawless blue sapphire to match her eyes which was surrounded by brilliant, superb diamonds in a band of pure gold. Erik did not even blink when told the price; only the finest would do for his Christine. Excited by the sale, the oily, chubby jeweler praised Erik's exceptional taste and assured him that his betrothed would prize such a ring.
The jeweler's wife, matching her husband in girth, boxed the ring while looking askance at the masked gentleman before her. The glance did not insult Erik as it might have at one time. Strangely, he found he was not at all disturbed. Momentarily lost in thought, he recognized that Christine's complete acceptance of him, along with her professed love, was totally sufficient. He needed no other approval or endorsement as long as she loved him. Unconsciously, Erik did something he had never done before when met with prying looks. Thinking of Christine's tenderness, he glanced at the inquisitive woman who was rudely peeking up at him again - and he smiled at her. Hesitating for only a moment, the woman unexpectedly returned his smile and shyly handed him the parcel. Erik took it from her and turned to leave. The pleased jeweler called out his best wishes for a joyous marriage and happiness to Erik's wife.
'His wife' - the thought was inconceivable as Erik savored it. Joyously mindful of the boxed ring in his pocket, his step hastened to meet Christine. Upon seeing him, she exited the shop with a secretive but elated expression.
Of one accord, they headed toward home spurred by anticipation.