Chapter 24
A half hour later the brougham stops in front of the little music shop. Glancing at my pocket watch, I see that it has been exactly two hours since I left here. Perfect, I am right on schedule.
I quickly descend from the brougham and enter the music shop once more. At the same moment I enter, the man comes out of the back room carrying a decorative box.
"Is it finished?" I ask as soon as he notices me standing just inside the door.
"Yes, I have even wrapped it for you since it is to be a gift," he says as he indicates the box.
"Thank you," I say appreciatively as I retrieve more money from within my cloak and count out several more francs. The man watches me carefully as I place the money on the counter. "Is this an acceptable amount for your time and craftsmanship?" I ask as he eyes the money.
"Oh, yes, of course, Monsieur," he says hastily before picking it up. "It is a most generous amount," he adds skeptically as he counts it.
"Well, I feel that it is well worth every bit of it provided it meets my specifications. And I am sure that anyone who would pay such attention to detail and shows such love for his creations would never sacrifice the quality of his work simply to cheat someone such as I. But be warned, if I am incorrect in my assumption you will regret it," I say smoothly as I study his reaction.
"I can assure you, Monsieur, I would never cheat you... or anyone else for that matter," he says sincerely, showing no sign of guilt.
Satisfied that he is not being dishonest, I gingerly pick up the package. "Then I thank you for your speed and your honesty, Monsieur," I say before turning to leave the shop and return to the brougham.
Once back inside the brougham I signal for the driver to be on his way, having already instructed him of our next destination. A short while later the brougham comes to a stop in front of the Rue Scribe entrance to my home. I quickly get out and disappear from sight, having gone through the hidden passageway. Once inside, I make my way to where I have the boat docked and carefully hide the music box beneath the seat where I know that Marie will be unable to see it.
When I return to the brougham I stop only long enough to inform the drive of our next destination before getting in and signaling for him to be on his way, not wishing to be late because of the added stop between the two shops.
Much to my surprise everything seems to be going smoothly. Perhaps Nadir is correct that there is no longer anything to worry about. But there is one thing I am nervous about which I could not bring myself to discuss with Nadir... how am I to know what is expected of me when I take Marie home tonight as my wife? I am so afraid that I will disappoint her. It is not that I do not know how to go about the actual act for I most certainly have seen my share while in Persia. But, making love to the woman you love is not meant to be anything like the rapes I have been forced to witness. Perhaps the knowledge I have and my feelings for Marie will be enough to guide me. After all, I believe she has already dreamt of our joining, even though she may not come right out and say so. I must stop worrying about such a thing... I will simply let what ever happens happen.
"Monsieur, we are here," the driver calls, drawing me abruptly from my deeply troubled thoughts.
"I am aware of that," I say hastily, not wishing for him to know that I did not even notice the brougham had stopped. Just how long had we been sitting here?
"Of course, Monsieur," he says apologetically as I slowly descend from the brougham to the cobblestone street.
"Wait here," I instruct as I walk past him on my way to the dress shop.
"Yes, Monsieur," he says quickly before I enter the front of the little shop.
"Is that you, Erik," Marie calls out as the door closes behind me.
"Yes," I reply simply, not daring to move beyond the front room until I am sure that Marie is no longer in her wedding gown.
"You can come back here if you would like. We were just finishing up," she says happily.
"I will come back as long as you are out of your wedding gown," I reply softly. "Otherwise, I will wait here until you are."
"There is no need to worry, Erik. The dresses fit perfectly and there was no need for alterations. The seamstress was kind enough to make something for Charles to wear to the wedding," she says lightly.
"And what might that be?" I ask skeptically as I make my way to the doorway. There is something in Marie's voice that causes me to be a bit suspicious about Charles' new attire.
"You will just have to wait until the wedding to find out," she replies with a laugh as I enter the room.
"And how do you plan to keep it a secret from me when I will be the one caring for the child at the cathedral while you lovely ladies prepare for the wedding before Nadir picks you up?" I ask with a defiant smile, knowing full well that I will find out before the ceremony.
"I was not aware that Nadir would be escorting us to the cathedral, Erik," Marie says sounding surprised.
"Yes, I have just returned from making the arrangements. I do not wish to see you in your wedding gown prior to the ceremony and I am sure that the three of you will be otherwise occupied prior to his arrival to be bothered with Charles. I, on the other hand, would like the company of my adoptive son to help calm me and keep my mind free of worries while I await your arrival. Therefore, I do not see how you could possible keep me from seeing his new clothing before the ceremony," I conclude with an air of certainty.
"You truly are a difficult man!" Marie exclaims exasperatedly.
"So you have told me on more than one occasion," I say dryly.
"I suppose you aught to show him, dear," Madeline says softly. "He will be simply impossible until you do," she adds wryly.
"Oh, all right," she relents. "I shall put it on him, but, you must leave the room for a few minutes."
"As you wish," I say before leaving the room.
"You may come back in now," Marie calls softly from just inside the door a few minutes later.
When I open the door and look at Charles in Marie's arms I am completely taken aback. His new attire appears to be a miniature replica of mine... right down to the fedora. He looks rather adorable dressed in such a way.
"Well, Erik, what do you think?" Marie asks after a few moments.
"It is indeed perfect attire for a wedding," I remark with a serious look on my face, knowing that is not what Marie was hoping to hear.
Marie lets out a sigh of exasperation. "That is not what I meant, Erik," she says after a moment.
"I think that the seamstress has done a wonderful job of replicating my attire. He looks quite handsome," I say, smiling this time.
"So you approve?" Marie asks hesitantly.
"Yes, Marie. Why would I not?" I question gently.
"You did not seem very approving at first," she observes carefully.
"Forgive me. I was simply jesting with you. Why would I not approve of him dressing in such fine clothing to attend our wedding? He is my son, after all," I say seriously. "Perhaps not by blood," I add hastily as Meg and Madeline both look at me suspiciously. "But, I can assure you that I love him as if he were my own and I think it is sweet that you had this outfit made for him."
"You do?" Marie asks happily.
"Yes," I reply simply, not quite sure if she is questioning my love for the child or the fact that I believe it was sweet of her to do such a thing. Either way, the answer is truthful on either account.
"Thank you, Erik. I was afraid that you would be angry with me," she says as she kisses me softly on the cheek.
"There is no need to thank me, Marie," I say softly. "But, I do believe I had best take you back to the Giry's so everyone has plenty of time to get ready for the wedding. I have instructed Nadir to have you to the cathedral early so as to allow for any last minute details that may need to be taken care of. I will be there waiting for your arrival. However, I will not be greeting you at the door. I will instruct the priest to notify me of your arrival and to send Nadir to me when you are ready to begin the ceremony. I do not wish to press my luck by seeing you in your wedding gown prior to the ceremony," I say sternly, silently willing her to understand my worries. I am not a superstitious man but I am making an exception in this case.
"Of course, Erik," Marie says seriously and I see understanding in her eyes. "I will respect your wishes in this matter." With that she presses a lingering kiss to my lips and smiles softly at me before going on to say, "I will not promise to always be this compliant."
"I would not wish for such," I say seriously, admiring her strength and strong will. If not for this quality she has I would be dead.
"I am relieved to hear that, Erik," she says with a contented smile as I retrieve her cloak and rap it about her.
"Shall we be on our way?" I ask, returning my attention to those in the room other than Marie.
"Of course, Erik," Madeline says with a nod.
"Thank you once again for your services, Mademoiselle," I say to the seamstress as I hand her more money. "You have done a truly magnificent job."
"Thank you, Monsieur," she replies humbly as she pockets the money.
"You are most welcome," I say before turning to retrieve Marie's cloak from the nearby wall, holding it out to assist her. I then do the same for Madeline and Meg before retrieving the large stack of boxes which contain the wedding garments, taking care not to drop them as I make my way out the door and to the brougham where I place them carefully inside. I then take Charles from Marie before offering her and then Madeline and Meg a hand to assist in their assent. Once they are settled inside I climb in myself and sit beside Marie, wrapping my arm around her contentedly before I signal the driver to be on his way.
"What time shall I expect Nadir to arrive?" Madeline asks after a few moments, keeping her voice low not wishing to wake Charles who has drifted off to sleep in the crook of my arm.
"I would think that he will arrive around three. That will give you time to make any last minute adjustments that may be needed before the ceremony," I say logically.
"I will make sure the girls are ready before he arrives," she says, casting a look in Meg's direction.
"We will be, Mother," Meg says anxiously before turning to Marie.
"You are going to look so beautiful, Marie," Meg says with a broad smile as the carriage pulls to a stop in front of her house.
Marie simply smiles at Meg's comment as she rises from her seat. I quickly open the door and step out of the brougham. Turning, I help the ladies out of the carriage.
"Please, allow me to take the packages in. Meg can see to Charles. I am sure the two of you have some things you wish to discuss before the wedding this evening," Madeline says as she reaches for Charles.
"Thank you, Madeline. There are a few things I would like to say to Marie but I do not wish to stand out here. Is there somewhere private we can go?" I ask, feeling uncomfortable standing out in the open like this.
"Of course," Madeline says quickly. "You can talk in Meg's room."
"Thank you, Madeline," I say as I take Marie by the hand and lead her into the house and up to Meg's room.
"What is it you wish to discuss with me, Erik," Marie asks with a hint of concern in her voice as I close the door.
"I just wanted to make sure that you have not changed your mind about postponing the wedding," I say as I turn to face her.
"Of course not, Erik," Marie says sternly with a look of determination on her face.
"I am glad to hear that. How are you feeling?" I ask gently.
"I still have a slight headache but other than that I am feeling fine. You will also be happy to know that while the seamstress was making Charles' outfit I did rest," she adds with a smile.
"Splendid," I reply as I take a step closer to her. "I would like to check your wounds," I add after a moment.
"As you wish," she says as she tilts her face up towards mine, allowing me a better angle at which to examine her forehead.
Brushing her hair aside and placing my hand on her chin in an effort to hold her still, I study the area around the stitched gash, checking for any signs of infection. I am pleased to find that not only is there no sign of infection but the cut is already showing signs of healing.
"Will I live?" she asks teasingly as I reluctantly release my hold on her chin, resisting the urge to trace her lips with my thumb.
"Yes, I daresay you will be fine," I reply, giving her a light kiss on her forehead, taking care not to hurt her. "Is there anything you wish to discuss with me?" I ask after reluctantly easing my lips from her soft skin, taking a step back from her.
"You are not having second thoughts about marrying me are you?" she asks after a moment.
"Of course not," I reply reassuringly. "Why would you ask such a thing?"
"I just wanted to be sure. I would hate to arrive at the cathedral only to discover that you had changed your mind and fled," she admits after a few moments.
"I can assure you that I love you more than anything and that I have waited entirely too long for this day... this happiness to change my mind and sacrifice the love that I have found with you. You are my reason for living, Marie. Without you I would no longer have the will to go on merely existing as I have my entire life," I say adamantly, hoping to ease her worries.
"Do you truly mean that, Erik?" she questions softly.
"Yes, Marie, I mean that with all my heart. Why do you doubt me?" I ask, unsure as to why she is suddenly questioning my honesty.
"I do not doubt you, Erik. It is just that I had thought no one would ever care so deeply for me. You have made all my dreams come true," she says carefully.
"Why do you feel that way? You are a wonderful, caring, loving woman. I am sure that you could have your choice of men to love you," I point out, knowing that she could do much better than me but not wishing for her to do so for she may have her choice of men but I wish for no one other than her... even if I did have a choice.
"Oh, Erik, I do not wish for any other man to love me. Your love is all I wish for... all I have dreamt of my entire life," she says firmly.
"You have my love, Marie. You have me... heart and soul," I say passionately as I take a step closer once again.
"I'm sorry, Erik. I am just worried that something will happen to interfere with our wedding," she confesses softly.
"Have you had another nightmare, Marie? Have you seen something in your dreams?" I question, suddenly worried.
"No, Erik. I have had no dreams to indicate that anything bad will happen. It is just that everything has been going so well today that I feel something must go wrong to prove that I am not merely dreaming," she says with a slow smile.
"I too feel that this is merely a dream," I admit. "But, I know how to prove that it is not," I say with a sly smile.
"And how might that be?" she asks teasingly.
"A simple kiss should suffice," I say as I lower my lips to hers and wrap my arms around her, pulling her close, relishing the feel of her in my arms. After a few moments we reluctantly part.
"You were correct, Erik. There is no way that could have been a dream. It felt much too wonderful not to be real," she breathes with a smile of contentment after regaining her breath.
"Yes, I must agree," I comment softly, fighting the urge to take her in my arms once again. "Now, I believe I had better leave you to get ready. I would not want you to be late on my account," I add as I take another step away from her. "I love you, Marie."
"And I love you, Erik. I shall be counting the minutes until we are together again, walking down the aisle," she says with a wistful smile.
"As will I," I reply before leaving the room and making my way down the stairs to collect Charles and leave the ladies to get ready for the wedding.
"Thank you for everything," I say to both Madeline and Meg as I enter the parlor.
"There is no need to thank us, Erik, that is what friends are for," Madeline replies sternly. "Now, if you will excuse us, we have a wedding to prepare for."
"Of course," I reply with a bow. "I do not wish to delay you. I am sure that there is much which needs to be seen to before Nadir arrives."
"Yes, there is and knowing Meg the girls will not have a second to spare," she says with a soft laugh.
"Then I shall be on my way," I say as I remove Charles from the crib and make my way to the door. "Thank you once again for all your help," I say with a graceful bow before opening the door to leave.
After instructing the driver of my next destination I climb into the back of the brougham and signal for him to be on his way. Looking down, I see that Charles is still sleeping. He is such a pleasant child. There is such intelligence in those eyes. I wonder what he will be when he grows up. I am certain that what ever it is he chooses to do he will excel at. I will teach him all I have to offer, be it music or architecture or any of the numerous fields I have learned over the years. And what of my own children? Surely they will have some of my interests... I have had so many, after all. But what if I cannot father a child? What if Marie changes her mind about having children? What if I do father a child and that child looks like me? What kind of life will it have? One filled with loving parents and a brother to play with who will not tease... a life like that of a normal child... a life vastly different from the one I was forced to live. With that last thought the brougham comes to a stop in the alley near the Notre Dome Cathedral.
