Chapter 26
After paying the driver I return to Marie's side. "We had better hurry before dinner gets cold," I say lightly as I wrap my arm about my bride and lead her to the front door. I have never felt happier or more at ease in my entire life. Pausing at the door, I knock briskly. The door opens almost immediately.
"Please, do come in," Meg says happily as she steps aside and motions us in. "We were beginning to worry that something had happened," she adds in a sly tone.
Marie and I exchange a quick look and I cannot help but wonder just how long the carriage had been stopped outside before I had realized it.
"Good evening," Madeline says with a large smile as she appears from the kitchen, carrying a bottle for Charles.
"Good evening," Marie and I both reply which elicits a giggle from Meg.
I am puzzled when I see Madeline walk past the crib knowing that neither her nor Meg has the baby. My question is quickly answered when I see that Nadir is seated by the fire with Charles cradled in his arms. This, however, does not surprise me as I remember how gentle he had been with his own son. I watch as Madeline hands him the bottle, their hands brushing in the exchange... a rather timely exchange. As Madeline turns in our direction I see that Nadir's gaze follows her movements.
"Dinner will be ready shortly. Please, make yourselves at home," Madeline says, motioning for us to be seated.
"Thank you for your hospitality," I say as I escort Marie to the couch near the fire and wait for her to be seated before sitting myself.
"Erik, you have been so kind to us over the years that this is the least I can do," Madeline replies earnestly. "Now, if you will excuse me, I would not want dinner to be ruined," she adds with a smile as she makes her way to the kitchen, stealing a glance at Nadir before disappearing from sight.
"If you will excuse me, Erik, I would like to go freshen up a bit before dinner," Marie says as she looks to me for approval.
"But of course, my dear," I say with an indulgent smile.
"Thank you, Erik," she says as she places a soft kiss to my cheek before rising from the couch. "Meg, would you mind helping me with this dress. I would not want to fall on the stairs."
"Oh, of course, Marie. I would be glad to help you," Meg says with an overly zealous enthusiasm and I cannot help but wonder what the two of them are up to.
The two of them quickly disappear from the room, leaving only Nadir and I there. Something about the way Madeline and Nadir are behaving prompts me to question my old friend.
"Tell me, Nadir, I had no reason to worry about you finding this place earlier today did I?" I ask suspiciously.
"What are you insinuating, Erik?" he asks with a frown, avoiding my question.
"Do you think I am blind? I have seen the looks both Madeline and you have been exchanging ever since I arrived here," I reply softly, not wishing for our conversation to reach outside this room.
"I do not know what you are talking about," he says defiantly.
"I believe you do, my friend," I retort. Why is he behaving this way? We have been friends for a very long time. Does he not trust me with his feelings?
He sighs exasperatedly before replying. "No, you did not need to worry about me finding this place earlier today. I have known where Madame Giry lives for quite some time. You yourself should know that I am as well oriented with the opera staff's comings and goings as you are. Why would I not know how to find this place?"
"Then why did you not say so to begin with?" I question, knowing that he is trying to hide something from me. "There is something you are not telling me. What is it you are trying to hide? Do you not trust me?" I ask, actually hurt by this thought.
"Erik, my friend, I do trust you. I just am not sure what it is that you are asking," he says sullenly.
"Are you courting Madeline?" I ask bluntly, tired of pussyfooting around.
"No," he answers sternly.
"But you are attracted to her," I say observantly.
"Yes, I am," he admits reluctantly. "But surely she is not interested in an old fool like myself," he replies dejectedly.
"I believe that she is," I argue assertively. "And you are not an old fool," I add with a soft laugh.
"Do you truly think so?" he asks in disbelief, but I detect a note of hope in his voice as well.
"I am quite sure of it," I reply confidently.
"But how can you be so sure?" he asks skeptically.
"The same way I knew you cared for her," I answer simply.
"And how was that?" he asks curiously.
"I can see it in your behavior, Nadir. I see the veiled glances, the lingering touches," I explain.
"And you have also seen these things from her?" he asks, allowing more hope to enter his voice.
"Yes, I have," I say reassuringly.
"Alas, what good is this knowledge? I would never even know how to go about courting her," he says sadly.
"Surely you do, Nadir. You were married once," I remind him.
"Yes, I was," he says remorsefully, remembering his first wife.
"Forgive me for bringing up the past, my friend," I say regretfully. I had never known his wife for she had died long before I had met him. Although, he would sometimes tell me about her... about how wonderful she had been and how much he had loved her.
"I have dwelled on the past much too long," he admits softly. "I now realize that I must move on. I am a lonely old man but I do not wish to spend the remainder of my time on this earth alone," he confides. "If only I had the confidence to approach her..." he lets his sentence trail off wistfully.
"Do not concern yourself with such a thing, my friend," I say thoughtfully. He has done so much for me in the past... I now know how I can repay him.
"What are you talking about, Erik?" he asks suspiciously.
"I will take care of everything," I say evasively.
"Dinner is served," Madeline calls from the doorway, ceasing any further questioning from Nadir.
"It smells wonderful," I say as I rise from the couch. Following Madeline's gaze I see that Nadir has slowly risen and is carrying Charles to the crib, taking care not to wake the infant.
"Where are Meg and Marie?" she asks distractedly, realizing that I had seen her watching Nadir.
"They are upstairs," Nadir replies only after I make no attempt to do so. "I will go get them," he offers, sensing that I wish to be alone with Madeline.
Once he is gone I turn to Madeline. "May I ask you a question, Madeline?" I inquire softly.
"But of course you may, Erik," she replies sincerely.
"Do you have feelings towards Nadir?" I ask quietly.
"Erik, I... well... I..." she stammers as a slow blush creeps into her cheeks and she quickly lowers her eyes from my steady gaze. "Why do you ask such a thing?" she asks after a moment, trying to avoid answering my question.
"I need to know in order to determine whether I should continue to encourage Nadir to pursue his feelings or to have him accept his solitude," I answer honestly, not knowing how else to broach the subject of Nadir's feelings for her.
"Are you saying that Nadir cares for me?" she asks skeptically, as though finding it as hard to believe as Nadir had when I suggested the same to him.
"Yes he does and I believe that you also care for him," I state simply.
"But why would he be interested in me? Surely he is not looking for a widowed old woman with a boisterous daughter to bestow his favors upon," she says in a dejected tone.
"Why not?" I ask seriously. "He, himself, is a widow. His wife died when she gave birth to their son," I go on to say, hoping to convince her that it does not matter to him that she is a widow.
"I did not know he has a son. How old is he?" she asks curiously.
"His son died when he was seven," I say sullenly, remembering holding the child in my arms as he drew his last breath.
"He must have been devastated," she observes softly.
"He was, although it was not something that happened overnight. His son had been dying slowly for months. He had an illness which stole his sight and his strength," I explain sadly as I remember the little boy I had watched as the life had drained from his body until he was so weak he could not even sit up on his own.
"That must have been a horrible thing to live with. To know that your only child's health was deteriorating and knowing that there was nothing you could do to change that... knowing that he would one day be joining his mother," she says sadly.
"Yes, it was," I reply. "But, he is finally ready to move on with his life after all these years of morning for his lost wife and son. He just needs a bit of encouragement from you."
"What kind of encouragement?" she asks skeptically.
"You need to let him know that you are interested in him. He is afraid to ask you to dinner for fear of rejection. He does not think that he is worthy of your affections," I explain.
"Dinner smells wonderful, Mother," Meg says as she and Marie make their way down the steps and enter the parlor followed more slowly by Nadir, bringing our conversation to an abrupt halt.
"Thank you. Now, I suggest we eat before it gets cold," Madeline says as she motions for us to enter the kitchen. "Also, I am sure that Erik and Marie have more enjoyable things planned for tonight than to stand around here," she adds with a knowing look on her face.
Marie's face turns red immediately as the meaning of Madeline's words sink in and I cannot help but smile.
"Come along, Marie, Madeline is correct... I do have a few other things planned yet tonight," I say softly in Marie's ear as I guide her towards the kitchen.
As we enter the kitchen I see that Madeline has certainly gone out of her way to make this dinner as elegant as possible. The table is adorned with her finest china and a beautiful floral centerpiece. The aroma of roast duck and fresh baked biscuits fill the room.
"Everything looks so wonderful," Marie says in awe.
"Thank you," Madeline replies humbly.
"Thank you, Erik," Marie says sweetly as I pull a chair out for her to be seated. In the meantime, Meg seats herself on Marie's left side.
"You are most welcome, my dear," I reply as I take my seat on Marie's right leaving Nadir and Madeline to sit next to each other. Nadir sheepishly pulls the chair next to Meg out for Madeline to sit.
"Thank you, Nadir," Madeline says softly, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks from the gesture.
"You are quite welcome," he replies. Once she is seated, he quickly takes the remaining seat next to me, glowering at me as he does so.
"I would like to propose a toast," Madeline says as she raises her glass of wine. "To Erik and Marie... may they find eternal happiness and may they be blessed with good health, long life, and many children to fill their home with love and laughter."
The sound of clinking glasses and a round of "to Erik and Marie" and "best wishes" fill the room.
When the room becomes silent I raise my glass. "I would also like to propose a toast," I begin, allowing my eyes to rest on the face of my wife. "To my wife... may you be forever happy with the love I have to offer you. You have made me the man I have longed to be by having the ability to look beyond my face and to love me for who I am." I then turn my attention to Nadir and Madeline. "And to my friends, be they few but so very important, may you find the kind of love I have found, for you deserve to be rewarded for the kindness you have shown to me over the years. For that I will always be grateful. Thank you," I finish, hoping that they both have taken the meaning behind my words.
As the sound of clinking glasses fills the room I see that my words have not fallen on deaf ears for Nadir and Madeline are exchanging veiled glances.
"I would also like to propose a toast," Marie says as the room falls silent once more. Raising her glass, she looks towards me, smiling brightly before beginning. "To my husband whom I love so very much. May I fill your lonely home with love, happiness, and the sound of children's laughter. You have saved my life numerous times and have filled my heart with joy. I have loved you since I was a little girl and now I have finally fulfilled my dreams. You have made my life complete and for that I will always be grateful."
The sound of clinking glasses fills the room once more. As the noise dies down Madeline clears her throat. "I believe we had better eat before the roasted duck gets cold. But first," she goes on to say, "if there are no objections I would like to say grace." After a moment she begins. "Lord, please bless this meal we are about to receive and grant Erik and Marie a wonderful life filled with all the happiness they deserve. Amen."
"Amen," the rest of us echo.
The sound of silverware against fine china soon fills the room as everyone begins to eat. A dull hum follows as we chat about the wedding. As we talk idly time passes quickly and the meal is soon finished. We then relocate to the parlor once more to engage in idle conversation.
"If you will please excuse us. It is getting late and we really must be going," I say after sitting and chatting in front of the fire for a half an hour.
"But of course," Madeline says quickly as she rises to her feet. "You will be leaving Charles with us for the night, will you not?" she asks as she retrieves our cloaks.
"He is sleeping peacefully," Marie states as I glance down at her questioningly.
"I suppose we will provided it is not too much trouble," I say turning my attention back to Madeline.
"It is no trouble at all, Erik," Madeline replies quickly. "In fact, why don't you leave him here until Wednesday evening?" she suggests after a moment's thought. "Now, the two of you go have fun and don't worry about a thing... Charles will be no trouble at all and I am sure you could use some time alone without any unnecessary interruptions," she adds with a knowing smile, leaving no room for argument.
"As you wish," I say after a long moment, having realized that it will be of no use to argue with her.
"I was hoping you would agree, Erik," Marie says softly as I retrieve her cloak and place it about her shoulders.
"Is that so?" I reply in a soft yet stern voice, as I retrieve my own cloak and wrap it about myself. My suspicions are confirmed by her admission... she had planned to have Madeline keep the child with her.
"I hope you are not angry," she says timidly as she lowers her eyes. A soft blush creeps into her cheeks.
"No, I am not angry," I reply in a softer tone as I place a finger beneath her chin and gently lift her face so that she has no choice but to look at me. I find myself quickly becoming lost in the beauty of her innocent face. After a moment I remember where we are and reluctantly look away. "I suppose this is for the best... Charles does have impeccable timing," I add with a soft laugh as I wrap my arm about her and lead her towards the door.
"Thank you for everything, Madeline," I say gratefully as Madeline opens the door for us.
"As I said before... it is the least I can do," she replies sternly. "Now, have a safe journey home."
"Thank you," Marie says as Madeline ushers us outside.
"You're welcome. Now, you have wasted enough time with others on your wedding day. Go, celebrate with each other," Madeline replies with a smile before turning her back to us and closing the door behind her.
"I suppose we should do as she suggests," I say as I wrap my arm about Marie's waist and lead her to the waiting brougham. "After all, I am tired of sharing you," I add softly in her ear.
"Take me home, my husband," she replies just as softly as I help her into the waiting carriage.
"As you wish, my wife," I reply smoothly, enjoying the sound of those words as they emit from my malformed lips. I had thought that I would never utter those sweet words before this body of mine had drawn its last breath. I must say that I am rather pleased that I was incorrect in my assumption.
After instructing the driver of my wishes I quickly join Marie and signal the driver to be on his way.
Settling back on the seat, I drape my arm about her shoulders and pull her close to my side. She quickly wraps her arms about me and rests her head on my chest, above my heart.
"I love you, Erik," she breaths softly as she raises her eyes to meet mine and I can see her love reflected there within their bright blue depths.
"I love you, Marie," I whisper softly before giving into temptation and lowering my lips to hers, kissing her gently as I hold her close, relishing the knowledge that this is my wife I am holding in my arms.
The kiss soon becomes more passionate as Marie runs her fingers through my hair and I gingerly caress her back. After what seems like only a few short moments I am vaguely aware of the brougham drawing to a stop. I reluctantly ease my lips from hers as I relinquish my hold on her. She looks at me questioningly for a moment before she too realizes that we have arrived at our destination.
"I daresay we get places much more quickly when we kiss," I say softly in her ear before placing a feathery kiss to her cheek. I am rewarded with the delightful sound of her laughter.
"Yes, I do believe you are correct. We really must travel like that more often," she says still laughing softly as I open the door.
"Indeed," I reply with a broad smile as I step down and, turning, offer her my hand in assistance.
"Thank you," she says as her feet touch the cobblestone street.
"You are quite welcome, my dear," I reply as I bring her hand to my lips. "Now, if you will excuse me for one moment I will see to the driver and then we shall be on our way home."
"But of course," she replies, smiling sweetly. "I shall be waiting."
"I will not be long," I say before quickly making my way to the front of the brougham and paying the driver a rather generous amount.
"Take me home," she says softly as I join her a moment later.
"Certainly," I reply, taking her hand in mine and leading her to the Rue Scribe entrance to the lake.
Once inside I light the lantern and lead Marie to the dock where I secure the lantern and assist her into the boat. Once she is settled I untie the boat and get in myself, taking my place next to her before activating the mechanism to start us on our journey across the smooth lake.
"This has been a truly wonderful day," Marie says softly as she rests her head on my shoulder.
"For me today has been like a beautiful dream that you wish to savor yet you know that at any moment you are going to wake up and that surreal feeling will vanish," I say just as softly.
"I can assure you that today was no dream, Erik. It was a very sweet reality that will not vanish," she replies seriously.
"It is just so hard to believe that I have finally found a woman who loves me and that she is now my wife," I admit sheepishly.
"I love you, Erik, and I will love you forever," she replies softly before pressing her lips gently to my cheek.
"As I will love you for all eternity," I reply softly as I wrap my arms about her and pull her close.
Several minutes go by spent just holding each other close before I remember the music box tucked beneath the seat.
"I have a surprise for you," I say with a mischievous smile as I pull away slowly. She looks at me quizzically as I reach under the seat and pull out the delicately wrapped package.
"I am almost afraid to touch it," she comments as she carefully removes it from my hands.
I cannot help but chuckle at her childlike expression as she gingerly removes the ribbon and wrapping paper, revealing the box beneath. She slowly removes the lid and gasps with delight as she spies the music box.
"Well, do you like it?" I ask as I candidly observe her gently remove it from the box and examine it more closely in the light of the lantern.
"It is the most beautiful music box I have ever seen," she says in awe as she studies the carvings.
"Wind it up," I coax when she makes no move to do so.
She does as I say and I cannot help but smile proudly at the expression of surprise when it begins to play 'The Awakening' perfectly.
"Oh, Erik, it is perfect," she exclaims as she carefully sets it back into the box and gently places it on the floor of the boat before wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling my lips to hers.
"I was hoping you would like it," I say after reluctantly easing away from her when the need for air becomes overwhelming.
"Like it? Erik, I love it! It is so beautiful!" she exclaims before she snuggles close to me once again.
"Not as beautiful as you," I remark softly as I wrap my arms about her and rest my chin on the crown of her head.
We continue across the lake in a contented silence, simply enjoying each other's presence.
The ride across the lake seems to take forever yet also seems to end much to quickly as my mind wanders to what lies ahead and I cannot help but allow my doubts and fears to creep into this happy haze which surrounds me. What if I do something wrong? What if I hurt her? No, I will not hurt her... I will use every bit of self-control I can muster to go slowly and to be gentle with her. She has been hurt enough in her life and I simply refuse to add to her pain. What if she changes her mind about lying with me? No! I must not think like this. After all, she has tried to seduce me on more than one occasion. She has promised me children of my own. She has vowed such things in the presence of a priest at the altar. She will not break such a sacred vow... will she? Oh, if only I could be sure that this truly is real and not just a wonderful dream. Everything has gone so wonderfully today that I fear something bad must happen before the night is over. I must stop thinking like this. I must remember Nadir's words... Marie loves me and there is nothing to worry about.
The gentle thump of the boat against the dock jostles me from my thoughts. Quickly composing myself, I ease Marie from my arms and silently exit the boat, securing it to the dock before offering Marie my assistance. Having decided that I will allow what ever happens to happen I take her hand and silently lead her to the door.
"Ah, home sweet home," Marie sighs happily as I pause to unlock the door.
Her words giving me the courage I have been lacking, I push the door open and proceed to scoop her up into my arms, carrying her proudly across the threshold. I only pause long enough to push the door closed with my foot before continuing down the hall to what is now our room.
"I love you, Marie," I whisper reverently as I place her gently on the bed. Her white wedding gown standing out against the rose colored quilt seems to add to her overall happy glow.
"I love you too, Erik," she replies softly as she reaches up and tosses my hat aside before removing my mask.
"Are you certain you are feeling up to this?" I ask after she wraps her arms about my neck and pulls me down on the bed beside her.
"Yes, I have never felt better in my entire life," she answers reassuringly before placing her lips to mine.
Unable to reply, I simply succumb to her kiss.
"Meow."
The sudden sound in the otherwise silent room startles us both and we quickly pull apart.
"Who invited you, Pandora?" I ask sternly as the kitten nudges at my cheek.
"So much for no interruptions," Marie comments as I get up and remove the kitten from the bed.
"Perhaps I should move her bed to my room for the night," I suggest as the kitten nuzzles at my neck.
"I think that would be a grand idea," Marie replies with a smile.
"I will be back shortly," I say as I place Pandora in the box, which serves as her bed, and retrieve the food and milk dishes from the floor. I then proceed to relocate the box and dishes to my room.
"I will be waiting," Marie replies slyly as I leave the room.
Placing the box in an unoccupied corner of the room, I decide that if she has food and milk for the night she will hopefully remain quiet and content. With this in mind I take the empty dishes to the kitchen making sure to close the door securely behind me.
Upon my return I place the dishes near the box. Pandora utters a single meow before forgetting my presence as she begins to devour her food. I watch her eat for a moment longer before silently leaving the room, once again being sure to secure the door behind me.
I pause before Marie's door and take a deep breath in an attempt to calm the sudden feeling of nervousness about what is sure to happen when I step across the threshold.
