Chapter 22

Being a busy Monday morning it only takes a few minutes to get a carriage to stop. After I help Marie into the brougham, I hand Charles to her and go up front to give the driver his orders. When I am sure he understands my wishes I join Marie in the carriage. Sitting beside her, I remove Charles from her arms and signal for the driver to be on his way.

"I can hardly believe that today has finally arrived!" Marie says excitedly after we begin our journey to the Rue Scribe.

"And why might that be?" I ask teasingly as I wrap my arm around her and pull her to my side.

"Because I have dreamt of this day for a very long time," she says quite seriously as she smiles up at me.

"So have I," I admit softly. Unable to resist the urge to lower my lips to hers, I kiss her softly.

"Do you think Madeline would be kind enough to watch Charles tonight?" she asks after a moment.

"I am sure that she would. But, why would you want her to?" I ask as I draw my own conclusions.

"I just thought that perhaps you would like a night away from crying children," she says slyly, avoiding the real reason.

"Charles is hardly a crying child. It is seldom that he cries and when he does it is for a reason," I point out sternly, curious of how she is going to talk her way out of that comment.

"You are a truly difficult man!" she says exasperatedly. "I suppose Charles will not interfere with our wedding night even if he is home," she admits reluctantly after a moment.

"You are correct," I agree. "His timing is not perfect but I can assure you that for the most part he will not interfere with our love making," I say quite bluntly, surprised at my forwardness.

"Erik!" Marie exclaims as she blushes brightly.

"Forgive me, my dear, but is that not what you were concerned about?" I ask pointedly, smiling at her slyly and enjoying the rush of color that reassures me that she is truly well after last night.

"Yes, but I was not so forward about it!" she chides softly, adverting her eyes from my face.

"Marie," I say as I place a finger beneath her chin and force her to look at me. "I love you. We are to be wed in a matter of hours. You have tried several times to seduce me yet you are embarrassed by my words of love?" I question gently, searching her eyes for a sign of having second thoughts.

"Oh, Erik! I love you too," she says quickly, sensing my concern. "I cannot wait to be wed. It is just that speaking about our joining in such a public area as this simply is not proper."

"Forgive me, you are correct, my dear," I say, realizing that the carriage has stopped and that anyone could have easily overheard our conversation.

"Let us go home, Erik, where we can discuss such things without the worry of being overheard," Marie whispers softly in my ear before rising to exit the carriage.

"Of course," I say as I quickly open the door and step out of the brougham, helping her to the cobblestone street.

"Thank you," she says softly as I release her hand.

"You are quite welcome, my dear," I reply smoothly before going up front to tend to the driver.

"Take me home, Erik," Marie says softly as I return to her side moments later.

"As you wish," I reply, wrapping my arm about her waist and leading her to the hidden entrance to the lake. Once inside the cool darkness I light a lantern and help Marie into the boat. Getting in myself, I settle beside Marie before activating the mechanism to begin the boat on its journey across the black, glasslike lake.

"I cannot wait to get out of this filthy dress," Marie comments after a moment of studying her blood and dirt stained dress.

"We will be home soon," I say reassuringly as I wrap my arm about her and draw her near.

"I am surprised that we were even able to get a carriage looking like we do," she comments with a laugh.

"Yes, I daresay we look a bit disheveled," I admit, joining in her laughter. "It is no wonder the driver insisted on being paid up front."

Our laughter slowly fades and we become lost in our own thoughts. Marie leans her head on my shoulder and sighs softly. It is such a simple touch... one that was almost taken from me last night. I would never have forgiven myself if she had not survived. If I had simply listened to my instincts this would never have happened. I should have known that something like this would happen... why else would I have had such a nagging feeling of danger? But if he had not attacked her last night with only that imbecile as help I am sure he would have just found some other way to get to her... perhaps with more competent help. At least now she never has to worry about him trying to hurt her again.

"Thank you, Erik," Marie says softly, interrupting my thoughts.

"For what?" I ask, confused by her comment.

"For saving my life," she replies softly, looking up at me with relief showing clearly on her face.

"If I had protected you better I would not have needed to save your life," I reply, irritated with myself. "If I had not lead that incompetent fool away from the area and had taken so long to deal with him, Claude would never have found you."

"You could not have known that he would find me," she says seriously. "You left me in a safe place. If I did not call out for you to come back then he would not have known where to find me. Therefore, if anyone is to blame it is I," she finishes with a solemn expression.

"You are not to blame!" I say sternly, turning to face her. "Fear caused you to call out to me. You could not have known that he was lurking in the shadows nearby. I should not have left you alone."

"If you had stayed with me I would have been at a greater risk for there would have been two of them," she says firmly.

"I should have forgotten about that fool he hired to help him... I should have lured him away instead," I say rationally.

"How do you know he would have followed you? I am the one who could identify him. He was not interested in you, Erik... you were just there," she says adamantly, determined not to let me blame myself for what happened. "There is no use laying blame, Erik, nothing can change what has happened. I am alive and so are you. No one is to blame, Erik. Let it go."

"As you wish," I say reluctantly, realizing that she is correct... it is no use to argue about something that cannot be changed regardless of whom is to blame.

"What I wish is to not hear another word about last night," she says softly, resting her head on my shoulder once more. "I wish to forget that man ever existed. He has caused nothing but pain in my life. First he murdered my parents, then he hired those men to beat me, and when that did not work he hunted me down himself."

"Yes, but I can assure you that he will never harm you again. He is quite dead, Marie, I made sure of that," I say reassuringly, wishing I could erase all the pain that has been brought back to the surface by his appearance last night. In a little more than a month she has been through more than any human should have to endure in an entire lifetime. Yet she is strong enough to survive... to go on with her life determined to be happy regardless of the tragedies that have touched her young life. After all, she was almost killed last night yet she insists on going through with the wedding today!

With this last thought the boat gently bumps into the dock. Handing Charles to Marie to hold, I get out and secure the boat before taking Charles and helping Marie out of the boat.

"Thank you, Erik... for everything," Marie says softly as she wraps her arms about my neck and pulls my face down to hers. She kisses me softly at first but the kiss quickly becomes more passionate.

"Perhaps it would be best for you to save such kisses for after we are wed," I say softly once I am able to speak coherently.

"Perhaps you are correct," she says slyly as she brushes against me suggestively before making her way to the door.

"Must you torment me so?" I ask as I open the door and step aside, allowing her to enter first.

"I am truly sorry, Erik. I simply could not resist," she says with a sly smile before disappearing into her room.

As she closes the door, I listen closely for it to latch. She is truly trying my willpower for she has left the door open a crack once again, I think to myself wryly, making sure to avoid going near her room. I take Charles with me to my room instead, being sure to lock my door.

I lay Charles gently in my coffin, taking care not to wake the child. I then remove my hat and mask and place them on the dresser before walking to the far wall where the hidden compartment is. Activating the mechanism that slides the stone aside, I empty the contents of my cloak into the hole before removing my vows and sliding the stone back into place.

I check on Charles once more before shedding my cloak and soiled clothing, casting them into the fireplace. Clad only in my under garments I retrieve clean clothing and retreat to the bathroom to bathe.

After finishing in the bathroom I tuck my vows into my pocket and carefully pick Charles up, not wishing for him to wake just yet. Satisfied that he is still sleeping soundly, I quietly open my door and enter the hall. Without a sound I make my way to the study and am relieved to find the room empty. Hurrying to my desk, I retrieve a blank sheet of music paper and hurriedly write the notes to a song I have never put on paper before. As I look over the notes once more the song plays out in my mind confirming that I have not made any mistakes. Satisfied, I carefully fold the paper and place it in my pocket with my vows.

"Erik, where are you?" Marie calls from down the hallway. She must have just come from her room.

"I am in here," I call in reply, relieved that I have finished the song without her knowing about it.

"What have you been doing?" she asks curiously as she enters the study a few moments later. She has changed into a lovely blue dress that accents her blue eyes, making them appear even brighter.

"I was in desperate need of a bath and a change of clothes," I answer vaguely, not wishing to lie to her.

"I did not know you had a bathtub in here, Erik," she says slyly.

"I did not bathe in here," I say pointedly. "I simply came in here to wait for you to finish changing and tending to whatever you needed to. That is a very lovely dress. The shade draws attention to your beautiful eyes," I add, hoping to distract her from the previous conversation.

"Thank you, Erik. I was hoping you would like it," she replies, blushing from the compliment. "Would you like me to change Charles while you feed Pandora?" she asks, thankfully changing the subject.

"If you would like," I reply, handing the baby to her. "Where is Pandora? I have not seen her."

"She is in my room," Marie says simply, turning to leave the room.

"Would you like me to warm a bottle for Charles while I am in the kitchen?" I ask as I follow her from the room.

"Yes, if you do not mind. I believe he will be hungry when he awakes and I am quite sure that he will wake when I begin to change him," she says with a smile and a soft laugh.

"But of course," I reply simply as I stop at the kitchen. "I shall join you shortly," I add before entering the room.

"We shall be waiting," she says softly as she makes her way the short distance to her room.

I quickly put some milk on to warm while I fix a plate of food for Pandora along with a bowl of milk. Once that task is finished I test the milk to make sure it is warm enough before fixing the bottle. Taking a tray, I place the items on it and make my way to Marie's room.

When I arrive at Marie's room I find that the door is open. "Are you decent?" I ask softly, refusing to even glance into the room until I am sure that I will not be interrupting her.

"Of course I am, Erik," she replies quickly, trying not to laugh at me but not doing a very good job of it.

"I would have simply knocked but your door was open," I say dryly as I slowly enter the room.

"It was open for a reason," she replies as she continues to bathe Charles in a basin of warm water.

"And what might that have been?" I ask skeptically, placing the tray on the nightstand. Removing the plate and bowl I have fixed for Pandora, I place them in the corner near her bed.

"I have left the door open on several occasions and you never hesitated to enter before, Erik. Also, I knew that you would have your hands full and as you can see I am a bit busy myself. It would be a bit difficult for either one of us to open the door," she replies.

"I suppose you are correct," I admit reluctantly, realizing the truth to her words. It is not uncommon for her to leave the door open and for me to simply enter her room when she is expecting me.

"Did you think that I would pounce on you?" she asks candidly, laughing softly at the idea.

"The thought had crossed my mind," I admit honestly, unable to keep the image of her pouncing on me like a cat from playing across my mind and I find myself laughing with her.

"Have I tormented you that badly, Erik?" she asks seriously after a moment, removing Charles from the water and drying him off before placing him on the bed to dress him. "To cause you to think twice about simply entering my room when the door is open and I am expecting you?"

"Marie," I begin carefully. "You must realize that you have not made these past few days the easiest for me. You have put my self control and willpower to the test on more than one occasion and I will tell you quite honestly that I have come very close to crossing the line and taking your offer more times than I care to admit. I love you, Marie, and I respect you. It is that love and respect that has kept me from acting on my urges and insisting that we wait until we are wed. Your actions before we entered the house combined with the fact that you did not lock your door, let alone close it completely when you came in here to change caused me to wonder about your intentions moments ago."

"Oh, Erik, I am so sorry. I did not mean to make you think that I was determined to seduce you a few hours before we are to be wed. I was simply trying to show you how much I love you and also making a silent promise of what you can look forward to tonight," she says softly as she blushes brightly as a result of that last unladylike comment.

"My dear," I say softly as I watch her place Charles in the crib. "There is no need for you to promise such things. Our joining is inevitable. You have known that long before I ever met you and I have longed for such a thing for as many years as you have been alive," I say as I wrap my arms around her and embrace her from behind, pulling her closely to me, letting her feel how her body affects me. "This is proof enough for me to know what will happen," I whisper softly in her ear before releasing my hold on her and backing away.

Marie turns to face me. Just then Charles, with his impeccable timing, begins to cry.

"I believe the child is hungry," I observe as I retrieve his bottle from a nearby stand. "Also, we need to be on our way soon. I will go get my cloak and then I will take Charles to the study while you finish with whatever you may need to take care of yet," I say as I gently pick the baby up and offer him the bottle before making my way to the door.

"Thank you, Erik. I shall join you shortly," Marie replies with a sweet smile but I see the disappointment in her eyes caused by Charles' interruption.

"We shall be waiting," I say, using her frequent phrase as I leave the room and walk the short distance to my room.

Once inside, I shut the door and lock it before retrieving my knife, Punjab lasso, and some money from the hidden compartment in the wall. Setting these items aside I remove a fresh cloak from my armoire. Placing Charles in my coffin and setting the half empty bottle aside, I deftly put my mask in place followed by my hat and cloak. After tying my cloak, I retrieve the Punjab lasso, knife, and money and secure them within my cloak. Once satisfied that I have everything I will need, I pick Charles up and offer him the remains of his bottle before returning to the study to wait for Marie.

When I enter the study I see that Marie must still be getting ready for she has not arrived yet. I sit before the fire and watch as Charles drinks the rest of his bottle, quickly deciding to take advantage of this time alone to think. I am so relieved that Marie is alive! I could not have lived with myself had she not made it through the night. And such a miraculous recovery! Not even twelve hours ago she had been on the threshold of death's door and now she is up and about preparing herself for our wedding and anticipating our wedding night. She has a very strong will. It is so hard to believe that in only a few hours I will be married! I never thought that such a thing would really happen to me... that someone would actually be willing to wed this monster. Surely, this whole week has been nothing more than a dream... a very wonderful dream... but a dream all the same. Oh, but if this is a dream I wish to never wake from it!

"I see that you are ready," Marie says softly from the open doorway, pulling me from my thoughts. "I believe Charles has finished his bottle," she observes as she looks at the child that is now sleeping soundly in my arms.

"Yes, I do believe you are correct," I agree as I slowly rise, taking care not to wake the infant.

"We should be going soon or we will never make it back to the Giry's on time," Marie says as she takes the bottle from my hand and places a blanket in its place. "I will take this to the kitchen," she says, indicating the bottle.

"You should be resting," I scold as I move to take the bottle from her.

"I am not an invalid," she argues, attempting to avoid my grasp. "I can assure you that I am perfectly capable of taking a bottle to the kitchen to be rinsed out!" she protests as I take the bottle from her.

"I am sure that you are, but still, I wish for you to rest. You have been through so much and it is not healthy to try to rush your recovery by doing more than you need to," I say sternly. The look of hurt on her face causes me to try a more gentle approach. "Please, Marie, you must understand that I worry about you. I almost lost you last night and I will admit quite honestly that I have never been more frightened in my entire life. You may very well be fine, but still, I feel it would be best if you were to rest. I wish for you to be on your feet and able to walk down the aisle to the altar this evening... and to fulfill your promise," I add slyly before turning to leave the room.

"Erik!" she exclaims as my meaning sinks in.

"I am quite serious, my dear. If you do not rest today I will send you straight to bed as soon as we get home," I say sternly as I turn to face her once more. She smiles at me slyly. "To sleep!" I add sternly and am satisfied to see that her smile is quickly replaced by a scowl.

"Why must you be so difficult?" she asks after a moment, sinking down onto the couch, giving in reluctantly.

"Because I love you," I reply seriously, leaving the room quickly before she has a chance to reply.

After rinsing the bottle, I return to the study with Charles still sleeping soundly. "Shall we be on our way?" I ask as I pause in the doorway.

"Yes, of course," she replies as she eagerly rises from her sulking position on the couch and joins me at the door.

"Then let us be on our way," I say as I take her hand in mine and lead her down the hall to the door. I release her hand and open the door, allowing her to go first. Retrieving a nearby lantern, I follow her out and secure the door behind us before leading her to the boat and helping her to get in. Once she is safely seated I hand Charles to her carefully, not wishing to wake him. I then untie the boat and get in myself. Once I am seated beside Marie I activate the mechanism that will pull the boat quickly to the Rue Scribe entrance.

"I am sorry about my behavior earlier, Erik," Marie says after a few moments. "I am not used to being looked after. I am used to taking care of myself and doing such chores as rinsing a bottle even when I am not feeling well. My father would not have it any other way. No child of his dare show the least hint of weakness."

"You never need to pretend to be strong around me, Marie," I say softly as I wrap my arm around her. "I love you, Marie, and I promise you that I will never think less of you for turning to me when you are sick or in pain. It is not a sign of weakness to allow the man whom loves you to care for you when you are unable to do so yourself."

"Thank you for caring so, Erik," she says softly as she leans her head against my shoulder and I hear a soft sigh escape her lips.

"There is no need to thank me, Marie," I reply as I take Charles from her arms. "Please just allow me to treat you as you deserve to be treated," I whisper as I pull her closer to my side.

"And how is it you believe I should be treated?" she questions as she looks up at me lovingly.

"With love and tenderness," I answer simply.

"Why?" she asks skeptically.

"Because that is how a wife should be treated," I reply softly. "And because that is how I feel you should be treated. You have been through so much... I just wish I could erase all the pain you have been through."

"You have, Erik," she says softly as she smiles at me.

"Excuse me?" I ask, not sure I heard her correctly.

"I said," she begins. "That you have erased all the pain. You came into my life when I needed you the most. You took me in without question. You were there to comfort me when my dreams would turn to nightmares and I would awake screaming. You have accepted my love and gave your own in return. You have made my nightmares cease by merely holding me in your arms while I sleep. You have replaced the pain I felt with love and hope for the future... a happy future," she finishes softly before pressing her soft lips to mine.

"Oh, Marie," I breath softly, truly touched by her words. She is a very strong woman to be able to accept things so easily and adapt to the situations life hands her. Lowering my lips to hers, I kiss her passionately.

Just then the boat arrives at the dock and the moment is broken. We reluctantly pull away from each other and Marie takes Charles from my arms, allowing me to secure the boat before helping her out.

"Shall we be on our way?" I ask as I take her hand in mine.

"But of course," she replies sweetly, giving my hand a light squeeze.

I lead her out to the Rue Scribe and hail a brougham. Taking Charles from her arms, I offer her my hand to assist her into the carriage. Once she is settled I return Charles to her waiting arms before going up front to instruct the drive on my wishes. Satisfied, I join Marie in the brougham where I take Charles from her before I signal for the driver to be on his way.

As the carriage begins it's bumpy journey down the cobblestone streets to the Giry's, I drape my arm about Marie's shoulders and pull her close to my side, willing her to rest her head on my shoulder. "Please try to rest," I request softly against her hair.

"But I am not tired, Erik," Marie replies as she turns to face me.

"Are you certain?" I ask as I look into her eyes, hoping that she is not simply trying to be strong, as her father would have demanded.

"Yes, I am quite certain that I would know if I were in need of rest," she replies sternly, never once taking her eyes from mine.

"You are not being stubborn are you?" I ask skeptically. "I was being quite honest before when I told you that you never have to pretend to be strong around me," I remind her softly.

"I know you were, Erik," she answers gently. "And I can assure you that I am not pretending... I truly feel fine aside from a mild headache. If it makes you feel better, I promise that I will rest while Meg and Madeline are having any alterations made to their dresses."

"That would make me feel much better," I admit honestly. After what she went through last night she needs to rest to regain her strength... any other person would still be confined to a bed for a few days. Perhaps she was not as close to death as I had thought last night, I try to reason but it is no use... I have seen several people close to death and I know full well that she was much too close to death's door for me to simply brush my concerns aside.

"I will be fine, Erik... I promise that I will tell you if I have the slightest pain or discomfort besides this headache. I do not feel lightheaded or dizzy. I did not receive the severe beating I had a week ago and as you should realize from that, I heal very quickly," she points out.

"Even so," I begin sternly. "You lost a great deal of blood last night and anyone would be weak for a few days until their body is able to replace the blood that was lost. I find it hard to believe that your body is any different."

"Perhaps," she begins casually. "But, I am not the least bit weak. I am able to walk on my own two feet with no trouble and I can move about quickly without falling on my face. I have always recovered rapidly from any ailments I have had over the years."

"Will you at least humor me and relax today?" I ask after a moment of thinking over her words.

"If it means that much to you then yes, I will relax today. After all, I will need to be well rested if I am to fulfill my promise tonight," she says slyly.

"Marie!" I exclaim, casting a scolding look in her direction.

"Yes?" she asks innocently, still smiling brightly.

"I believe we decided earlier that this is not the place for such remarks," I point out, recalling her reaction to my words on our way home this morning.

"I suppose you are correct," she replies after a moment.

"That was not a very ladylike thing to say either," I add as the carriage comes to a stop in front of the Giry's.

"Forgive me. It was rather forward of me to say such a thing in a public place such as this," she says as I hand Charles to her and move to open the door.

"Think nothing of it. In a few hours you dare say anything you like to me for we will be properly married and it will no longer be considered inappropriate to speak of such things," I say as I glance over my shoulder at her before opening the door. "I shall be right back," I add as I step out of the brougham and close the door to keep the cold winter air out.