Candle7: Act of Suspicion
Day after day Erik would spend time with Madame Colville as she introduced him to Monsieur Colville's work. Erik found the magic in teaching children which were no different then him as a child. Erik sat down and they walked over to him and Erik looked at Madame Colville. She smiled and encouraged him to teach them, Erik lifted one of the young children on his lap. He looked at her and she smiled and Erik introduced himself. They each spoke and Erik laughed at the sounds of their little voices.
" You are their teach Erik, enlighten them with your knowledge," she said
Erik looked at the bright faces and nodded as they looked very eager to learn. She left him alone and tended to the old children.
Erik grew to love this job finding he no longer lived in the shadows. His joy extended outside his work. His skin became healthier and he became young at heart. Erik looked at Meg as she sat out in the gardens and he walked out. He held a rose and walked to her, then presented her the rose.
" Speak, I listen," Erik said
Meg turned and saw the red rose with the black ribbon tied to it. She smiled and took it then looked at him. He took her hands into his own, then kissed them. He kissed her as he placed a second rose in her hair.
" Erik your so different," she said
" Is there anything wrong?" Erik asked
" No, I see a major change," she replied
Erik kissed her cheek and Erik whispered sweet words in her ear.
" Marry me Little Giry," Erik whispered
Meg looked at him in a surprised manner and slightly gasped.
" You will be 18 soon, a perfect age," Erik said
Meg smiled and kissed him and said yes from her heart. Erik took her into his arms with a joyous smile..
" We will marry in Paris," Erik said, " Where we met….where it all began."
Meg smiled and nodded and entwined her fingers with his.
" Oh, what a day, what a month," Meg whispered
They were watched from the distances unaware of the presence that lurked beyond their gaze.
Erik and Meg made their way through the Château. Meg held Erik's hand as they walked to the parlor where Madame Colville was. They knocked on the door and she looked up.
" Erik, Meg is there anything the matter?" she asked
" Nothing is wrong, but please say you will come to Paris," Erik said
" Paris, why Paris?" She asked
" Meg and I are to be married, we wish to marry in the same church Meg's mother was married in," Erik said, " So, please say you will come."
Madame Colville looked at Erik and walked over to him. She took his and Meg's hands into hers and smiled. She kissed them both on their cheeks and nodded.
" Very well I will come," Madame Colville replied
Erik smiled and kissed her cheek and Meg did the same. She told him that she would arrange a carriage to go in a week, but she would follow after they left do to the work at the school. Erik agreed and Meg looked at Erik as he agreed.
When they were gone there was a shift in the atmosphere.
" Anne, dear Anne," the voice said
" They will leave in a carriage in a week. Erik and his bride will be off guard. You can take them then," she said
" You're very good in acting like you care for your nephew dear Anne. I'm surprise he trusted you so quickly," the voice said
" Hold your tongue Ellen. I am giving you what you desire. So, be off with you young sister. Erik and his bride will be yours, you may do as you please with them," she said
" Very well sister," the voice said
Her charms jingled as she ran off to vanish into the shadows. Madame Colville sighed and sat down.
Later, Meg washed her face and looked at Erik. Erik found himself away from the world as happiness fell upon him.
" She's hiding something Erik," Meg said
" Why do you say that?" Erik asked
" Her eyes fell away from yours," Meg said
Erik shook his head and turned around to face her. Erik walked off the balcony and took Meg into his arms then kissed her and she leaned back into his arms.
" I promise you no one will harm you," he said
She sighed and closed her eyes in his arms as he whispered soft words of comfort.
" I know," she said
Erik lifted her into his arms and she gasped slightly and he carried her. He laid her down and then leaned over her.
" Sweet beautiful Meg, your love is addictive," Erik said, " I must have more of such wonderful love."
Meg looked at him and touched his face and giggled as he kissed her down her arm.
" Your so sweet Erik," she said
Erik knelt down by her side and she looked at him. She turned to her side and stared at her fiancé, he would not let any harm come to her cause he loved her.
" I love you Meg," he whispered, " I will love you until the die I die."
" I love you too Erik, your love is perfect," she said
That night Erik and Meg slept with great comfort, there was no dreams to draw them away from each other nor hate to curse them. Erik opened his eyes just to make sure that he wasn't dreaming, that Meg laid beside him.
" Sweet Meg," he whispered, " I'll be here."
