Chapter 16

"You make a beautiful couple," Madame Giry says softly. I quickly look at her and see a tear caressing her cheek.

"Thank you, Madame," I say softly, touched by her sincerity.

After a few more minutes Madame Giry quietly asks, "May I ask how the two of you met?"

"Of course you may," I reply softly, not wishing to wake Marie. "After retrieving my salary and doing a bit of shopping, I stumbled upon Marie being beaten by two men in an alley not far from the Rue Scribe. I intervened but I had been too late for Marie was knocked unconscious. It was snowing very heavily and was quite cold. I knew that she could not possibly survive on a night like that so I had no choice but to take her and her brother home with me. By the time I saw to her wounds and had managed to draw her back into consciousness it was already morning. By the next morning she saw my face without the mask but was not the least bit frightened by it. We have fallen very much in love and I have never been happier in my entire life."

"I am truly happy for you, Monsieur. You of all people deserve such happiness in your life and I am glad that you have finally found someone deserving of your love," Madame Giry says softly, a pleased look on her face.

"Thank you, Madame," I say softly as I gaze at Marie's sleeping face. A comfortable silence envelops us until Meg comes bursting into the room.

"The dress will be so perfect!" Meg exclaims excitedly as she hurries to her mother's side.

"I am sure it will be, but please try to keep your voice down, Marie is sleeping," Madame Giry scolds.

"Oh, I am so sorry," Meg says quickly as she looks at Marie curled up on my lap.

"There is no need to apologize," I say softly. "You did not wake her."

"Sit down, Meg, and try to rest," Madame Giry says quietly. "If you do not get some sleep you will be in no shape to dance tomorrow," she adds as she makes her way to the open door.

"Yes, Mother," Meg says quickly as she crosses the room and sits in the chair her mother had just vacated.

After Madame Giry leaves the room to be fitted for her gown I glance in Meg's direction and see her smiling sheepishly in our direction. When she sees me looking she quickly looks away and lowers her head but not before I notice a touch of red enter her face. I suppose the sight of Marie curled up sleeping on my lap is not something Meg would have expected to witness.

"Perhaps the couch would be more comfortable," I suggest as I notice her trying to find a comfortable position in which to sleep.

"There is a couch?" Meg asks as she glances around the room.

"Yes, over in the corner," I say as I point her gaze in the right direction.

"Oh, thank you, Monsieur," she says softly as she walks over to the darkened corner and lies down on the couch. She soon drifts off to sleep.

Glancing at the clock I realize just how late it is getting... it is already almost midnight and Madame Giry has just begun to be fitted for her gown. It is going to be quite late when we return home. There is nothing to do now but wait for the seamstress to finish with Madame Giry. With this thought in mind I allow my mind to wander. Morning will soon be here and our wedding will only be a day away. I cannot believe how quickly today has gone. Will tomorrow go just as quickly or will it drag on mercilessly? In a little more than twenty-four hours I will be married to the beautiful woman sleeping in my arms. I cannot believe how smoothly everything has gone today. Will tomorrow prove the same? What if something happens? What if the dresses are not ready in time? What if she changes her mind? I must not think of such things! I will drive myself mad if I do. Nothing will happen. The seamstress has never failed me. Marie loves me and will not change her mind. I have finally found true happiness and nothing could possibly change that.

"Monsieur?" Madame Giry says softly as she enters the room, pulling me from my troubled thoughts.

"Yes, Madame?" I reply softly.

"The seamstress is finished with me and requested to speak with you privately," Madame Giry replies quietly.

"Tell her I shall be right there," I say as I think of how I am going to get up without waking Marie.

"Of course, Monsieur," she replies quickly before leaving the room once more.

Carefully moving my arm beneath her knees and positioning my other arm behind her back I cautiously shift her weight to my arms instead of my lap and slowly get to my feet taking care not to wake her in the process. Once I am standing I turn slowly and reluctantly lower her to the chair I had just occupied. Content that she is still sleeping peacefully, I leave the room to see what the seamstress wants with me.

"You wish to see me, Mademoiselle?" I ask as I enter the room. Madame Giry quickly leaves the room and closes the door softly behind her.

"Yes, Monsieur," the seamstress begins. "I would like to get your approval before I begin making the dresses."

"Of course," I say as I follow her across the room to a table that is cluttered with many sketches.

"This is what Mademoiselle Marie has chosen for her wedding gown," she begins as she produces a sketch of a beautiful white gown.

"Marie has chosen well," I say with approval as I look over the sketch. The girl has wonderful taste. The dress will have a low cut lace bodice that will accent her curves nicely but in a fashionable manner. The sleeves will be short and billowing with rose patterned lace trimming to match that of the bodice. The waistline will accent the narrowness of her waist and the shapeliness of her hips. The skirt will be long and flowing with a fairly long train.

"Yes, it is a beautiful gown," the woman says as I hand it back to her and she looks it over once more. Setting that sketch aside she picks up another for my inspection. "This is the dress that Mademoiselle Meg has decided upon," she says as I take the sketch from her.

The dress will be quite perfect for Meg's small frame. The dress will accent Meg's delicate curves. The bodice will be low cut but not overly revealing. The sleeves will be short and lace trimmed, but not billowing like that of Marie's. The skirt will come to rest at her ankles, for any shorter would not be considered ladylike. The dress itself will be a light shade of lavender. "It seems that Meg has chosen rather well. The dress will be perfect for her," I say approvingly as I hand the sketch back to the seamstress.

"Yes, it should fit her frame perfectly," the woman says as she sets the sketch aside and retrieves another one. "Madame Giry had no trouble at all choosing a design and I do believe it will suit her nicely," she says as she hands the sketch to me.

Looking it over I see what the seamstress means. The dress will have a high neck and long sleeves. From what I can see it will have only a small amount of lace trim. The dress will be a dark lavender color. The dress is one that only the most dignified of ladies would wear and I cannot help but smile as the image of Madame Giry wearing this dress appears in my mind's eye. Anything less dignified would certainly not suit her. "The dress will be perfect for Madame Giry," I say approvingly as I hand the sketch back to the woman.

"When do you need the dresses finished by?" she asks as she places the sketches back on the desk.

"The wedding is to be Monday at sundown. Would it be possible to have them finished by tomorrow night?" I ask skeptically, not wishing to wait until the last possible moment to pick them up.

"I am not sure if that will be possible, Monsieur. Would Monday morning suffice?" she asks carefully, not wishing to trigger my anger.

Realizing how much work will be needed to complete all three dresses I agree reluctantly, "Monday it is. What time would you like me to pick them up in the morning?" I ask slowly, hoping she does not make it too late. I want to be sure that if there are any alterations that need to be made before the wedding there will be enough time to see to them.

After thinking it over for a few moments she replies hopefully, "they should be ready by ten."

"I shall be here at exactly ten to pick them up. I suggest that they be ready when I arrive," I say sternly.

"I assure you, Monsieur, they will be ready on time," she says hastily.

"Very well," I say as I pull out some money. "How much will it cost?" I ask as I begin to count out the francs.

"I have not figured out the cost for the materials yet, Monsieur," the seamstress says quickly.

"Do you think one thousand francs will be enough for now?" I ask as I hold out the money to her.

"Of course, Monsieur," she says as she hurriedly removes the money from my hand and shoves it in a pocket in her dress.

"I suggest you get started on the dresses, Mademoiselle," I say as I turn to leave the room. "Monday morning will be here before you know it," I add over my shoulder as I open the door.

"Yes, Monsieur," she says quickly.

"Madame Giry," I say softly as I enter the sitting room. "Would you be so kind as to get Charles and summon the carriage to the side door? I do not wish to wake Marie or Meg," I say as I wrap my cloak about my shoulders and retrieve Meg's cloak from the wall.

"Of course, Monsieur," Madame Giry says quickly as she retrieves her cloak and hurries from the room.

Walking over to the couch I drape Meg's cloak over her sleeping body before I lean down and carefully pick her up in my arms. Satisfied that she is still sleeping I slowly leave the room and make my way to the side door. When I get outside I cautiously make my way to the carriage and carefully climb inside and place Meg on the seat next to her mother.

"Thank you, Monsieur," Madame Giry whispers before I turn to leave the carriage to get Marie.

"You are quite welcome, Madame," I reply quietly before leaving the brougham and speaking to the driver for a moment before going back inside. I then retrieve Marie's cloak from the wall and drape it over her before picking her up gently as I had done so with Meg only moments before. Once I am sure she is still sleeping soundly I carry her to the carriage and gingerly place her on the seat beside me before signally the driver to proceed.

A few minutes later the brougham comes to a stop in front of Madame Giry's quaint home.

"If you will get the door, Madame, I will put Meg to bed," I offer softly as I open the door to the carriage and quickly get out before turning to offer Madame Giry a hand getting out.

"Of course, Monsieur. If it is not too much trouble, that is," she adds softly. "I could always just wake Meg up."

"I will not hear of such a thing," I say sternly. "The child needs her sleep and there is no reason to wake her. Carrying her to her room is no trouble at all." With that said I climb back into the brougham and gently pick up the still sleeping Meg, I cannot help but wonder what she will think when she wakes in her own bed in the morning.

"Thank you, Monsieur," Madame Giry says softly after leading me to Meg's room.

"You are quite welcome, Madame," I say just as softly as I carefully place Meg in her bed.

"Allow me to show you out," Madame Giry offers as I take Charles from her arms and turn to leave the room.

"There is no need, Madame, I can find my way," I say softly. "It is late and you need your rest," I add with a gentle smile.

"Thank you, Monsieur," Madame Giry says softly as I disappear with a swirl of my black cloak.

Taking care to lock the door behind me, I leave the house and hurry to the waiting carriage. After giving the driver my last instructions for the night I quickly climb inside and signal the driver to be on his way. When the brougham comes to a stop near the Rue Scribe entrance I debate whether I should wake Marie or allow her to sleep. Remembering how awkward it had been to carry both her and her brother I decide that I have no choice but to wake her.

"Marie?" I call softly in her ear. "Time to wake up. We are almost home." She begins to stir.

"Must I wake up?" she whispers sleepily as she snuggles closer to me once again.

"Yes, my dear, you must wake up. It is late and this tired old man cannot carry you and your brother the rest of the way," I say teasingly.

"You are not an old man, Erik," Marie says softly as she begins to wake up fully. "You are the man I love," she adds with a smile.

"Even so, I am tired and do not wish to carry you any more tonight," I say softly as I smile at her.

"At least help me up," she demands softly as she extends a hand to me which I take quickly and pull her to her feet.

"There," I say with a small laugh. "Now, if it is quite alright with you, I would like to go home now."

"Home sounds like a wonderful place," she says with a smile. "Were you serious when you said that there were no more surprises planned for tonight?" she asks slyly as I help her down from the carriage.

"My dear, I can assure you that I was quite serious when I told you that earlier," I say seriously. "Now, wait here while I see to the driver." With that said I make my way to the front of the carriage and produce a generous amount of money that I hand to the driver.

"Thank you, Monsieur," the driver says before making a hasty retreat down the darkened street.

"Now, let us be on our way," I say softly as I return to Marie's side and wrap my free arm around her waist.

"That sounds wonderful, Erik," she says softly as I guide her to the hidden entrance and usher her inside. After helping her into the boat I hand Charles to her and swiftly step inside. I then trigger the hidden mechanism and take my place on the seat next to Marie as the boat begins its journey across the dark lake.

"Did you enjoy yourself tonight, Marie?" I ask softly as she leans against my side and I wrap my arm around her.

"Oh, yes, Erik, it was perfect," she replies happily as she snuggles closer to my side and sighs contentedly.

"Good," I reply simply. "What do you think of Meg?"

"I like her. She is a bit talkative but she seems to be really nice," Marie says with a smile.

"Dare I ask what the two of you were chattering about up in her room for so long tonight?" I ask curiously.

"Oh, she was just telling me of your haunting days at the opera house," Marie says as she tries to hide a smile.

"Is that all, my dear?" I ask suspiciously.

"Well, she did ask me how we came to meet. I told her the truth, of course," she says seriously. "Although, I did leave out the part about the dreams. I did not wish for her to think that I am crazy."

"I see," I say softly, nodding my head in approval. "But surely that is not what you were smiling about a moment ago," I pry.

"She asked me if we have kissed yet and I told her that we have kissed several times," Marie admits sheepishly.

"Well now, what did she think of such an admission?" I ask slowly, wondering just how much she has told Meg.

"She thought it was wonderful," Marie says truthfully.

"Did she ask if we have done anything besides sharing a few passionate kisses?" I ask curiously.

"Yes, but I told her that nothing else has happened besides a few shared kisses," Marie says honestly.

"So you did not disclose the fact that I have been sleeping in your bed for the past two nights?" I question softly.

"Of course not, Erik," Marie says seriously. "I would never tell her, or anyone else for that matter, of such a thing."

"Well, I certainly would hope not! After all, sharing your bed with a man before being joined in marriage is not considered the proper thing to do regardless of whether all you are doing is sleeping," I say sternly.

"I am quite aware of that, my dear Erik," Marie says as she tilts her head up and kisses me softly.

"I am glad to hear that, Marie," I say softly after she reluctantly removes her lips from mine.

"Today has been a truly wonderful day," Marie says reverently. "I can hardly believe that my dreams will soon be complete."

"I know exactly how you feel," I say softly as I pull her closer to my side and press my lips to her forehead.

"I love you so very much, Erik," Marie whispers softly as she gazes up at me with a look that proves her words to be true for the love I see reflected in her lovely blue eyes matches my own.

"I love you more than anything else in this world," I whisper back as the boat bumps softly against the dock. "Come, we are home," I say softly as I give Charles to her before I slowly rise and get out of the boat. After securing the boat I turn and after taking Charles once more I offer her a hand.

"Thank you," Marie says softly as I take her hand in mine before leading her to the front door.

"You are quite welcome, my dear," I say as I open the door and step aside, allowing her to enter first. "Charles will most likely wish to be fed once more before we turn in for the night. I will go warm him some milk while you get him ready for bed," I say gently as I enter behind her and hand the baby to her.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Marie says as we make our way down the hall hand in hand.

"I shall join you shortly," I say as I release her hand and enter the kitchen to put some milk on to warm.

"I will be waiting," Marie says slyly and kisses me softly before walking the short distance to her room.

While the milk is warming, I walk down the hall to my own room. After removing my cloak and hat I place my mask on the dresser and return the knife, Punjab lasso, and what money I did not spend back into the hidden compartment in the wall. Once the stone is slid back in place I enter the bathroom to prepare for bed. Wrapping my robe around myself and cinching the belt, I return to the kitchen to prepare the bottle. After making sure the milk is not too hot I hurry down the hall to Marie's room where Charles has begun to cry.

"You are just in time," Marie says with a loving smile as I walk through the open doorway and see that she has just finished dressing Charles for bed. With that said, she hands Charles to me and I carry him to the sofa where I offer him the bottle, which he accepts greedily.

"I can hardly believe that it is already two in the morning," I muse as I glance at the clock.

"Yes, it is rather late," Marie agrees as she stifles a yawn. "I believe I will prepare for bed while you feed Charles." Marie then turns and enters the bathroom, closing the door softly behind her.

"Well now, Charles, what did you think of all the surprises?" I ask softly as the baby looks up at me curiously while still sucking on the bottle. He then proceeds to wrap his tiny fingers around one of mine and I am surprised at the strength in that tiny little hand of his. I cannot help but wonder if all one month olds are this strong. Will my children have such strength at such a young age? I cannot allow myself to think of such a thing... I may never have a child of my own let alone children! Just because Marie has agreed to marry me does not mean she wishes to bear my children. I cannot even guarantee that I am even capable of producing a child! I must not allow myself to hope for such impossible things. I must be content to have a woman who loves me enough to marry me and lay with me even if a child does not result from the union. After all, I have Charles to raise as a son.

"I believe Charles is finished with the bottle," Marie says softly and I realize that I did not hear her come out of the bathroom.

"I suppose he is," I say softly as I gaze down upon his sleeping face. How long have I been sitting here lost in thought?

"Would you like me to put him in the crib?" Marie asks softly as she moves to take the sleeping child from my arms.

"No, I will see to him," I say as I slowly rise from the sofa and walk to the crib. "It is late and you need your rest. I am going to take care of the bottle and then I will join you," I say after placing Charles in the crib.

"I will be waiting for your return," Marie says softly as I leave the room and make my way to the kitchen where I quickly wash the bottle and set it aside to dry before returning to her room.

She is sitting up in bed waiting for me as I enter the room. "You cannot sleep sitting up, my dear. I believe it would be rather uncomfortable," I say teasingly as I make my way to the side of the bed.

"I told you I would be waiting for you," she replies softly as I remove my robe and place it at the foot of the bed.

"But whatever for?" I ask slyly as I turn back the covers and get into bed beside her. She is wearing that scant nightgown again.

"I wish to fall asleep in your arms," she says simply as she lies down on her side facing me.

"As you wish," I say softly as I turn to face her and wrap my arms around her warm body, pulling her against me.

"I love you, Erik," she whispers as she kisses me deeply. My tired body surprises me for I find myself responding instantly to that kiss.

"Oh, Marie, do you have any idea what you do to me?" I ask after we reluctantly end the kiss and I have regained my ability to speak coherently.

"I have a pretty good idea, Erik," she whispers slyly as she presses her hips closer to mine.

"Must you torture me so?" I ask as I suck in a sharp breath of air. "We are to be wed in two days and I am trying very hard to restrain myself until we are husband and wife. You are making this very difficult for me," I say sternly as I attempt to distance myself from her somewhat.

"I am sorry. I should not tease you so," Marie says softly as she stops squirming against me. "I have waited this long for you. Two more nights should not be that difficult."

"I hope you are correct," I say softly as she rests her head against my chest. "I do not know how much more torment I can take."

"I will try to behave myself until we are married, Erik," she says seriously as she wraps her arms around me more securely.

"Go to sleep now, my love," I whisper as I gently press my lips to her brow. She closes her eyes and within a few minutes her breathing becomes shallow and steady and I am sure that she is sleeping. It is so very hard to believe that a mere two nights from now I will be holding her in my arms as my wife and I will no longer have to resist her advances. She will be mine completely. With this thought in mind I close my eyes and allow the exhaustion from the very eventful day to take over my body as I drift off to sleep.