Chapter Thirteen
Christine sat in the carriage watching Dominic go through the entrance of the church. She'd allowed Catherine and her husband to fill the silence on the ride here but she'd not heard a word. Christine was inexplicably anxious. Unavoidably, thoughts of another wedding and another groom came to mind. She'd smiled sadly but was glad she had made her peace with Raoul.
All too soon, the cathedral had risen into view. Now, she sat with Catherine quietly hidden inside the carriage. A small group of passersby waited by the entry to get a glimpse of the bride who had ridden in such a fine carriage.
Taking a shaky breath, Christine turned her attention towards Catherine. An unspoken, womanly bond of emotion passed between them. Christine whispered, "I am so glad you are here." to which Catherine answered, "My child, you are simply luminous. He will be done for when he sees you. I have not seen a more beautiful bride in all my days."
Looking toward the door though which her future awaited, Christine thought of how very far she and Erik had traveled to get to this moment in time. Closing her eyes, she prayed that God would bless their marriage and shine His Face upon them.
Lifting her skirt, she made to exit the carriage.
The sun shone brightly through the opening, momentarily blinding the men who watched. They could hear cheers from well wishers who always gathered outside the church at a wedding.
At the signal from Father Signone, the organist began to play the Ave'.
Stepping as though from the sunshine itself, Christine's golden figure suddenly appeared in the aisle. Her anxious eyes searched for Erik and realized he stood gleaming in silver. Appreciative anew at how alike their minds worked, she thought how fitting it was he had chosen that color.
The audible gasp from the groom brought all eyes to Erik. His face had an indescribable expression of adoration. One tear slipped from his eye but Erik could not perceive any thing or any one except the vision before him. Christine had magically emerged like an angel walking from Heaven's sunshine. His Angel. He could not comprehend her resplendency.
The great door closed dimming the interior as Catherine entered. Everyone in attendance stared at the magnificent, shining bride presenting herself to her husband.
Forgetting himself, Erik moved forward as though in a trance to meet Christine halfway down the aisle. Standing before her radiance, he carefully took her hand in his own. The organist continued to play as they stood before each other in divine awe. Both of them were thinking that the other had never looked more beautiful. All nervousness and worry were erased in the thunderous beat of their hearts and the vivid love glistening in their eyes.
His Christine appeared as though carved of pure, liquid gold. Her hair was curling down her back from a halo of tiny, golden flowers and her blue eyes shown with a splendor that had nothing to do with the gorgeous gown she wore. In her hand, she held a single white rose. If it had not been for her quivering hand in his, Erik would have feared his mind had finally failed him. By no means could there have been a more striking bride. Her beauty always captivated him but, this...this was too much. That she would consent to be his wife, this glorious creature, stole his breath away.
Erik went to Christine's side and meaningfully offered her his arm. Never taking her gaze from his, she placed her hand upon him in answer. Together, stepping in perfect harmony, they made their way toward the priest.
Father Signone began to intone the ritual as Erik and Christine stood facing each other, hand in hand. He felt keenly that he was performing a mere legality as the two somehow seemed already pledged to one another. Strangely, Father Signone felt a peculiar honor to be a witness to this unique union. As they exchanged vows, he noticed for the first time how Erik had worn silver and Christine was dressed in gold.
Two precious metals that compliment each other.
Dominic and Catherine watched with a deferential respect as Erik's hands shook when he placed his ring upon Christine's finger. It was the only moment during the entire service that he had taken his eyes off of her face. Reverently, Erik covered her hand in both of his and looked up at her with an expression no one but Christine could possibly have understood.
When the holy sacrament concluded, Erik received permission to kiss his bride. Although he had not looked from Christine the entire service, he glanced toward Father Signone in solemn gratitude.
Turning to his wife, he took her face gently in both of his hands, and heedless of their witnesses, audibly breathed, "I love you." As he bent to kiss her lips, she closed her eyes with her face upturned to him. The tender, pure kiss they shared consecrated a love realized and a dream fulfilled. Absorbed in their own world, Erik and Christine Lenoire stared at each other as husband and wife. There was not a dry eye at the altar. Each person in attendance, even little Gregory, felt they had witnessed a holy, sacred union.
Giving the enraptured couple privacy, Catherine and Dominic talked quietly with Father Signone complimenting him on the lovely, simple service.
Eventually, Erik became aware that others were waiting to kiss his bride. Reluctantly releasing his wife, Erik accepted congratulations from Dominic and Father Signone. Catherine drew near to him shyly as Dominic hugged Christine exuberantly.
"I thank you for the happiness you have brought to our Christine, monsieur. She is quite dear to us." Catherine said with pride.
Observant of the evident love this woman held for his bride, Erik uncharacteristically took her hand and bent to kiss it. "I am most grateful for your kind care of her, Madame. I hope I will prove worthy to own her love."
Nothing Erik could have uttered would have satisfied her better. Any lingering doubts were expelled the moment Catherine had seen the intensity of their devotion. Impulsively, she stretched up to kiss his cheek while Erik stood surprised, but pleased. Their mutual love for Christine had fastened them in an undeclared alliance.
Christine did not think it imaginable to be so elated. She gravitated back to Erik's side as he looked down to her. Together, they slowly walked down the aisle as husband and wife, appreciating every step.
Once more inside the carriage, Christine rested easily beside her husband. Erik had not spoken nor had he taken his eyes from her. In tacit agreement, neither had broken the incredible aura as any vocal expression would be insufficient. They merely gazed at each other and intermittently, Erik would touch her gown delicately as though she would disappear any moment. Christine's face blazed with obvious happiness as she bestowed a brilliant smile upon him.
The carriage came to a stop outside their home and Christine's driver opened the door for them. Erik carefully assisted her out as though she were made of glass. Dismissing the driver, the cold morning sun shone upon them while the horse's hooves faded away.
He would never, never, -in all eternity- forget the sight of Christine standing before him bathed in sunlight which caused her gown to literally outshine the sun. Her hair blew beneath the circlet of flowers and her short, gold veil lifted in the cold winter breeze. She continued to hold the white rose in a small hand that wore his ring. For a few minutes, Erik remained mute in front of her committing the picture to memory.
Once inside, Christine looked at him. "There is still one more thing we must do to consummate our marriage."
Erik's head tilted in question as she took his hand and led him to the piano.
"Sing with me, Erik."
He gazed at her face in gratefulness. She understood that the only articulation capable of expressing his deep emotion at this time was music. Gently holding his wife, he tried to wordlessly tell her of his overwhelming love and incredulity. Perceptively, Christine lay her head on his chest and whispered, "I know, Erik. I feel the same way."
After he sat down, he paused deciding what song could be most appropriate. At a loss, Erik looked toward her and she began to sing from Faust:
"Oh, how strange! Like a spell does the evening bind me! And a deep languid charm I feel without alarm With its melody enwind me And all my heart subdue..."
Remembering it was the first song she had ever sung for the Phantom, Erik smiled beneath his mask. He began to touch the keys, all the while watching her in her brilliance. When he had gaped out of box five and lost himself to this woman, under no circumstances would he have aspired to think that this could be. Closing his eyes, Erik lost himself in the music, melting at his wife's melodious voice.
Ultimately, Erik joined her in song as they sang to each other of their undying devotion. They celebrated their love as their voices soared in perfect harmony. Continuing the duet, they drifted to each other's arms in a need to touch. No longer were did they sing as maestro and ingénue - they now sung as husband and wife. Cleaving to his bride, his Christine, Erik sang with all his heart and bound himself to her eternally. Her trembling voice betrayed the tears which slid down her face. Oh, how she loved him!
Their song ended and the notes dissolved, leaving them embraced in a tender ambiance. Erik's gaze betrayed his acute anticipation to physically make Christine his wife. Intensely dark, liquid eyes promised her the sensuous passion that she'd come to covet since he had first touched her. Knowing it was time, he lifted Christine possessively in his arms and carried her to their marriage bed.
Erik and Christine were joined emotionally, spiritually, legally and in song. Now, finally, there was only one additional means to communicate their enormous love to each other.
Christine sat in the carriage watching Dominic go through the entrance of the church. She'd allowed Catherine and her husband to fill the silence on the ride here but she'd not heard a word. Christine was inexplicably anxious. Unavoidably, thoughts of another wedding and another groom came to mind. She'd smiled sadly but was glad she had made her peace with Raoul.
All too soon, the cathedral had risen into view. Now, she sat with Catherine quietly hidden inside the carriage. A small group of passersby waited by the entry to get a glimpse of the bride who had ridden in such a fine carriage.
Taking a shaky breath, Christine turned her attention towards Catherine. An unspoken, womanly bond of emotion passed between them. Christine whispered, "I am so glad you are here." to which Catherine answered, "My child, you are simply luminous. He will be done for when he sees you. I have not seen a more beautiful bride in all my days."
Looking toward the door though which her future awaited, Christine thought of how very far she and Erik had traveled to get to this moment in time. Closing her eyes, she prayed that God would bless their marriage and shine His Face upon them.
Lifting her skirt, she made to exit the carriage.
The sun shone brightly through the opening, momentarily blinding the men who watched. They could hear cheers from well wishers who always gathered outside the church at a wedding.
At the signal from Father Signone, the organist began to play the Ave'.
Stepping as though from the sunshine itself, Christine's golden figure suddenly appeared in the aisle. Her anxious eyes searched for Erik and realized he stood gleaming in silver. Appreciative anew at how alike their minds worked, she thought how fitting it was he had chosen that color.
The audible gasp from the groom brought all eyes to Erik. His face had an indescribable expression of adoration. One tear slipped from his eye but Erik could not perceive any thing or any one except the vision before him. Christine had magically emerged like an angel walking from Heaven's sunshine. His Angel. He could not comprehend her resplendency.
The great door closed dimming the interior as Catherine entered. Everyone in attendance stared at the magnificent, shining bride presenting herself to her husband.
Forgetting himself, Erik moved forward as though in a trance to meet Christine halfway down the aisle. Standing before her radiance, he carefully took her hand in his own. The organist continued to play as they stood before each other in divine awe. Both of them were thinking that the other had never looked more beautiful. All nervousness and worry were erased in the thunderous beat of their hearts and the vivid love glistening in their eyes.
His Christine appeared as though carved of pure, liquid gold. Her hair was curling down her back from a halo of tiny, golden flowers and her blue eyes shown with a splendor that had nothing to do with the gorgeous gown she wore. In her hand, she held a single white rose. If it had not been for her quivering hand in his, Erik would have feared his mind had finally failed him. By no means could there have been a more striking bride. Her beauty always captivated him but, this...this was too much. That she would consent to be his wife, this glorious creature, stole his breath away.
Erik went to Christine's side and meaningfully offered her his arm. Never taking her gaze from his, she placed her hand upon him in answer. Together, stepping in perfect harmony, they made their way toward the priest.
Father Signone began to intone the ritual as Erik and Christine stood facing each other, hand in hand. He felt keenly that he was performing a mere legality as the two somehow seemed already pledged to one another. Strangely, Father Signone felt a peculiar honor to be a witness to this unique union. As they exchanged vows, he noticed for the first time how Erik had worn silver and Christine was dressed in gold.
Two precious metals that compliment each other.
Dominic and Catherine watched with a deferential respect as Erik's hands shook when he placed his ring upon Christine's finger. It was the only moment during the entire service that he had taken his eyes off of her face. Reverently, Erik covered her hand in both of his and looked up at her with an expression no one but Christine could possibly have understood.
When the holy sacrament concluded, Erik received permission to kiss his bride. Although he had not looked from Christine the entire service, he glanced toward Father Signone in solemn gratitude.
Turning to his wife, he took her face gently in both of his hands, and heedless of their witnesses, audibly breathed, "I love you." As he bent to kiss her lips, she closed her eyes with her face upturned to him. The tender, pure kiss they shared consecrated a love realized and a dream fulfilled. Absorbed in their own world, Erik and Christine Lenoire stared at each other as husband and wife. There was not a dry eye at the altar. Each person in attendance, even little Gregory, felt they had witnessed a holy, sacred union.
Giving the enraptured couple privacy, Catherine and Dominic talked quietly with Father Signone complimenting him on the lovely, simple service.
Eventually, Erik became aware that others were waiting to kiss his bride. Reluctantly releasing his wife, Erik accepted congratulations from Dominic and Father Signone. Catherine drew near to him shyly as Dominic hugged Christine exuberantly.
"I thank you for the happiness you have brought to our Christine, monsieur. She is quite dear to us." Catherine said with pride.
Observant of the evident love this woman held for his bride, Erik uncharacteristically took her hand and bent to kiss it. "I am most grateful for your kind care of her, Madame. I hope I will prove worthy to own her love."
Nothing Erik could have uttered would have satisfied her better. Any lingering doubts were expelled the moment Catherine had seen the intensity of their devotion. Impulsively, she stretched up to kiss his cheek while Erik stood surprised, but pleased. Their mutual love for Christine had fastened them in an undeclared alliance.
Christine did not think it imaginable to be so elated. She gravitated back to Erik's side as he looked down to her. Together, they slowly walked down the aisle as husband and wife, appreciating every step.
Once more inside the carriage, Christine rested easily beside her husband. Erik had not spoken nor had he taken his eyes from her. In tacit agreement, neither had broken the incredible aura as any vocal expression would be insufficient. They merely gazed at each other and intermittently, Erik would touch her gown delicately as though she would disappear any moment. Christine's face blazed with obvious happiness as she bestowed a brilliant smile upon him.
The carriage came to a stop outside their home and Christine's driver opened the door for them. Erik carefully assisted her out as though she were made of glass. Dismissing the driver, the cold morning sun shone upon them while the horse's hooves faded away.
He would never, never, -in all eternity- forget the sight of Christine standing before him bathed in sunlight which caused her gown to literally outshine the sun. Her hair blew beneath the circlet of flowers and her short, gold veil lifted in the cold winter breeze. She continued to hold the white rose in a small hand that wore his ring. For a few minutes, Erik remained mute in front of her committing the picture to memory.
Once inside, Christine looked at him. "There is still one more thing we must do to consummate our marriage."
Erik's head tilted in question as she took his hand and led him to the piano.
"Sing with me, Erik."
He gazed at her face in gratefulness. She understood that the only articulation capable of expressing his deep emotion at this time was music. Gently holding his wife, he tried to wordlessly tell her of his overwhelming love and incredulity. Perceptively, Christine lay her head on his chest and whispered, "I know, Erik. I feel the same way."
After he sat down, he paused deciding what song could be most appropriate. At a loss, Erik looked toward her and she began to sing from Faust:
"Oh, how strange! Like a spell does the evening bind me! And a deep languid charm I feel without alarm With its melody enwind me And all my heart subdue..."
Remembering it was the first song she had ever sung for the Phantom, Erik smiled beneath his mask. He began to touch the keys, all the while watching her in her brilliance. When he had gaped out of box five and lost himself to this woman, under no circumstances would he have aspired to think that this could be. Closing his eyes, Erik lost himself in the music, melting at his wife's melodious voice.
Ultimately, Erik joined her in song as they sang to each other of their undying devotion. They celebrated their love as their voices soared in perfect harmony. Continuing the duet, they drifted to each other's arms in a need to touch. No longer were did they sing as maestro and ingénue - they now sung as husband and wife. Cleaving to his bride, his Christine, Erik sang with all his heart and bound himself to her eternally. Her trembling voice betrayed the tears which slid down her face. Oh, how she loved him!
Their song ended and the notes dissolved, leaving them embraced in a tender ambiance. Erik's gaze betrayed his acute anticipation to physically make Christine his wife. Intensely dark, liquid eyes promised her the sensuous passion that she'd come to covet since he had first touched her. Knowing it was time, he lifted Christine possessively in his arms and carried her to their marriage bed.
Erik and Christine were joined emotionally, spiritually, legally and in song. Now, finally, there was only one additional means to communicate their enormous love to each other.