Part Two
The Viscount William de Martinez attended the rehearsal the next day. He sat a few rows back, his ankle resting on the knee of his opposite leg, his elbow resting on the arm of the chair, the hand of the same arm supporting his chin as he watched the cast on the stage. Carlotta was making a fuss over something or the other, but William's eyes were fixed on the figure located to the far left of the stage.
Christine Daae waited patiently for the diva to finish her tantrum so they could continue the rehearsal. She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. She was clearly tired but determined to practice.
Carlotta strutted off the stage and the two owners went hurrying after her. The conductor turned to Christine.
"Miss Daae? Your main song, if you please." William's head moved slightly as he pricked his ears to hear her.
She stood in the centre-front of the stage and waited for her cue. Her voice rang clearly through the theatre, causing people to look up in wonder. She always had this effect; her voice was a thing of pure beauty. She finished the song and looked down at the conductor for a verdict.
He smiled at her. "Perfect, Miss Daae, as usual."
She smiled and thanked him before stepping lightly off the stage. Her hair had been tied back due to the heat of the theatre, but she let it free now, allowing the curls to tumble down her back as she entered the entrance hall. William was about to go and talk to her when Madame Giry entered and gave her a letter. She took it nervously and waited for Madame Giry to leave before unfolding it and reading.
William watched her face, searching for a reaction to the letter. She read it blankly at first. Then her eyebrows rose and a slight smile crossed her face. William approached her, but she did not notice; she was so absorbed in the letter.
"Miss Daae." he said politely. She looked up sharply, surprised at the interruption.
"Oh, Viscount! You startled me."
"My apologies. I hope it is good news?" He gestured towards the letter. She folded it and tucked it into her pocket.
"Yes, it is. From my tutor."
"Things are not going wrong?"
"No. We had a brief disagreement but have sorted out our differences," she said.
William smiled. "Then he won't object if I take you to dinner tonight?"
The smile faded from her face.
"I am afraid I cannot. My tutor insists that I must not be distracted. It interferes with my singing, you see."
"I am a distraction, Miss Daae?"
"I fear that you may become one," Christine replied.
William smirked. "Miss Daae, one dinner can hardly be called a distraction."
"I am very sorry, Viscount."
"As am I, Miss Daae. But one day I will take you to dinner, tutor or no tutor." He promised her. She smiled politely and nodded.
A blonde dancer ran up to Christine and stopped as she saw the Viscount. Christine turned to her.
"What is it, Meg?"
"The Phantom of the Opera! He has sent a letter to the owners! They are about to announce something!"
They followed her back into the theatre room. Firmin and André were looking incredibly uncomfortable. Carlotta was huffing by the side of the stage.
"Everyone, we have had a message from the… the Opera Ghost. He is insisting that there be some changes to the cast of the opera," Firmin said. Everyone started to talk anxiously and Carlotta was looking very peeved.
André hesitated and then said, "Miss Daae will be replaced by Elaine Chaney." A girl gasped as her name was announced. Christine's mouth fell open, and she stepped forward to protest.
"And… Madam Carlotta's part will be played by… by Miss Daae."
Carlotta and Christine both gaped at him.
Carlotta got her voice back first. "And myself? Who am I to play, according to this Opera Ghost?" she demanded shrilly. The owners looked at each other.
"He demands that you play… the peasant girl."
"THE SILENT ROLE!" Carlotta screamed. She pointed at Christine. "That… that… is to be playing my role?"
"We have only a few days until the opera opens! Why is he changing it?" Christine asked.
Firmin shrugged helplessly, "The Opera Ghost is insisting. And we would refuse had he not made… had he not made certain threats. Besides, Madam Carlotta, André and I were thinking that it's time you were able to relax. We have booked you a week in a country hotel, so you may prepare yourself for the next show."
Everyone could tell that Carlotta was torn: a week away from the opera house in leisure, or allowing Christine to take her part.
The diva's greediness won. "Fine. I will take the week off. But when I return I am taking the main part!" She strutted off the stage.
Christine looked at the two owners. "What did he threaten you with?" she asked.
André shook his head. "No, Miss Daae. It is better that you did not know. Now, you should start rehearsing your new part."
Christine leaned against the stage, running her hands through her hair in desperation. William touched her shoulder.
"Congratulations, Miss Daae. You will perform wonderfully." She didn't reply. She was staring into air, frowning slightly. Meg shook her arm gently.
"Christine? What is the matter?"
"This isn't right…" Christine muttered. She suddenly realized that everyone was looking at her and shook herself.
The conductor looked rather helpless. "Well… I suppose we should rehearse."
Christine was slightly late to her lesson that afternoon. She threw open the door at ten past ten and saw Erik waiting for her.
"What did you say to the managers? Why did you threaten them?" she demanded.
"And a good evening to you," Erik said without looking up from a score that he was reading.
Christine climbed onto the stage. "Erik, you can't just make demands like this!"
"I don't know why you are complaining. It is all for you."
"I know, and I am grateful but… but surely I should earn a part in the opera."
Erik finally looked at her. He stood over her. She folded her arms, waiting for a reply.
"Christine, you have earned your part. You should have been given the lead a long time ago. I merely cleared the path for you."
"Carlotta…"
"Exactly. Now, do your scales," he ordered.
She began to sing but he stopped her.
"Stop. You are too tense."
"Of course I'm tense. I've got three days to learn the entire score," she said, somewhat irritably.
"Then let us practice it. But first, scales."
They practiced for two hours. When they had finished Erik asked, "Did Madame Giry give you my letter?"
"Yes. And I am also sorry. We both said things we did not mean," Christine said, looking at her feet.
Erik paused and then said, "And the Viscount?"
"He asked me to dinner but I refused."
"Good."
"Erik… you won't hurt anyone will you?"
He looked up. She was watching him nervously. He straightened and looked down at her.
"Why do you ask?"
"You threatened the managers. You dropped the screen on Carlotta. And last night… you hurt me," Christine said, twisting her hands. Erik closed his eyes.
"Christine, I would never hurt you intentionally. Last night was an accident."
"What about Carlotta, and the managers?"
"For them… I make no promises," Erik told her truthfully.
Christine looked down. Erik lifted her chin with his gloved hand.
"Christine, I need you to understand."
"I don't think I can. I want to Erik, I truly do. But I just can't," she murmured. Erik stroked her cheek and she closed her eyes.
"Christine… my angel…" he whispered. His face was so close to hers, she could feel his breath on her skin.
And suddenly he pulled back. She opened her eyes and found he was gone.
She spun around, confused. "Erik?"
"Miss Daae? What are you doing here at this time?" It was the Viscount.
She blinked and then spoke, "Viscount… what are you doing here?"
"I believe I asked you first," he said, smirking.
Christine looked behind her, still searching for Erik. "I was… I was practicing."
"At midnight?" he asked.
"The best time. Everything is peaceful," Christine pointed out. "Why are you here?"
"I was in a meeting with Firmin and André. It overran slightly," he said with a smile. Christine was still looking around. William frowned.
"Who are you searching for?"
She jumped. "No one. I mean… I thought I heard someone."
"It is just us, Christine," he said, walking towards her.
"I suppose you're right," she said, frowning. Erik must have heard William coming.
William stood beside her. "What were you practicing?"
"The opera. I have only a few days to learn Carlotta's part."
"It appears that this Opera Ghost is fond of you," William said with a smile. Christine didn't reply. William pressed on. "I can understand why." His hand rested on her shoulder. "Christine, you love to sing, don't you?"
"Of course."
"As patron of the Opera Populaire, I can guarantee you parts. I can ensure you the best lifestyle there is. I can guarantee you a lifetime of pleasure and luxury," William said, standing behind her with his hands on her shoulders. He whispered in her ear, "I can give you everything you've ever dreamed of, Christine. Anything and everything that you want, I can give you in a moment."
Christine stared straight ahead. "And what would you ask in return?" she asked quietly, although she already knew.
William laughed softly. "All I ask for is you. That you be mine and no one else's. A small price to pay for eternal comfort, wouldn't you say?" His lips brushed against her shoulder.
Christine turned to face him. "I have to go. I have rehearsal in the morning and must rest."
He looked surprised but a smug smile replaced that expression almost instantly. "Indeed. Go and rest. I shall see you tomorrow."
Christine didn't reply but walked away as quickly as she could without breaking into a run. William watched with a satisfied smile.
Christine went to Carlotta's room, which was hers until the diva returned. She locked the door behind her, fearing that William would follow her. She backed away from the door, and found to her surprise that she was shaking. She sat down and took several steadying breaths. Then she glanced over at the mirror. "Erik? Are you there?"
There was no reply. Christine licked her lips. "Please, Erik. Talk to me." But Erik was not behind the glass. Christine climbed into bed, not bothering to brush away the bitter tears that fell from her eyes.
Rehearsal the next day went well. It was the first time they had had a rehearsal without Carlotta throwing a tantrum and they all performed better for it. Christine sang almost without paying attention. William was sitting with Firmin and André in the front row. William had a smug smirk on his face and Christine couldn't bear to look at him. Monsieur Reyer caught her attention.
"Miss Daae, could you try that line again?"
She obeyed and Monsieur Reyer nodded.
"Thank you. Madame Giry, I believe we are finished for now." Madame Giry nodded and dismissed the girls. Firmin, André and William went onto the stage, meeting with Monsieur Reyer and Madame Giry.
"I must say, Miss Daae, you are doing remarkably well with the time you have." André said as Christine passed.
She paused and smiled. "Thank you, monsieur. Excuse me."
William turned to watch her as she left the room alone. Madame Giry eyed him and then turned away, worry filling her face.
Christine sat in her room. One of the chorus girls had brought her a meal of soup and bread and she ate without feeling hungry or even really tasting the food. She looked up as there was a knock on the door. Meg came in with a letter.
"It's from the Viscount de Martinez," she said. Christine frowned and opened the letter.
My dearest Christine,
It has come to my attention that there is to be a masquerade ball in a fortnight's time from Saturday. I would be greatly honored if you would accompany me to this event, and if you would join me for dinner tomorrow night.
William de Martinez
"He's in the theatre, expecting an answer," Meg said. Christine sighed and took a piece of paper.
To the Viscount de Martinez,
I regret that I will not be able to attend dinner tomorrow night, as my tutor has strictly forbidden it. I shall, however, be attending the masquerade ball as my presence is required. I shall accompany you to the ball.
Christine Daae
"Give him this," Christine said. Meg nodded and then paused.
"Christine? Are you alright? You do not seem very happy."
"I am fine. I did not sleep well," Christine replied, smiling at her friend. Meg nodded, though clearly not satisfied with the answer, and left.
Christine turned back to her meal but there was another knock at the door and Madame Giry entered.
"Christine, we need to talk," she said, sitting with Christine at the table. Madame Giry looked at her closely. "Are you courting the Viscount de Martinez?" she asked frankly.
Christine stared at her, horrified. "No! Of course not!"
"He is very keen on you. Did he ask you to the ball?"
"Yes, and I accepted. But not because I wish to become involved. I am hoping that he will get bored with me."
"I know of the Viscount, Christine. He has a reputation. He likes to conquer women and will not give up," Madame Giry warned.
Christine got to her feet and paced the room. "Madame Giry, I do not want his attentions. I did not ask for them. If I tell him that I am not interested, surely he will accept that. He is a gentleman," she said.
"I am not so sure that will work. But it is your choice."
She went to the door and looked back at Christine, "But I am not so sure that the Phantom will understand. You should be prepared for that."
The opera was very well received by the opera lovers of Paris. Christine was delighted to find a single red rose tied with a black ribbon in her room after she had performed. Erik had not contacted her for nearly a week and she had missed him sorely.
She put the rose into a small glass vase and unpinned her elaborately decorated hair. The brown curls fell down, framing her face. She brushed them back out of the way and looked up as there was a knock on the door.
"Miss Daae?" The Viscount. Christine hesitated and then opened the door. He smiled, handing her a bouquet of pink roses.
"You were perfection itself, this evening."
"Thank you, Viscount."
"I am very pleased that you have agreed to accompany me to the ball next week. It will be a wonderful evening."
"Indeed, Viscount," she agreed, placing the roses into a vase next to the flower left by the Phantom.
William's eyes fell on it. "And who is this from?" he asked. Christine looked over and then turned back to filling vases to hold the many flowers she had received.
"It is from my tutor. He sends me a rose if I have pleased him," she explained.
William raised an eyebrow. "Just one rose?"
"Yes. But if I receive one, it makes me feel happy because I know that I have pleased him. That one rose from him means so much more than if he sent me a thousand," she said, putting flowers into the vases.
William looked around the room and his eyes fell on the mirror. Christine paused to watch him.
"It makes the room seem much bigger. I suppose that is why Carlotta has it," she said.
"I suppose so."
She finished arranging the flowers and turned to him.
He smiled. "Christine, I would love for you to come to supper. And you can't tell me that you have to practice tonight."
"I am sorry. I am very tired from the performance," she said. He caught her hand and tugged her slightly so she was close to him. She looked up at his handsome face. He was smiling.
"Come now, Christine. I shan't keep you long." His face was very close to hers now.
"I cannot…"
"Then we shall eat here. I shall call for food and drink," he said, his hands running over her arms and back, his lips brushing her collarbone.
"Viscount-"
"Call me William," he whispered, kissing her neck. Christine frowned, wanting to pull away. But he was holding her tightly to him.
"Please… please don't… I am tired," she muttered. He stopped and brought his head back to look her in the face.
"Very well. As you wish, Miss Daae. However, after the ball we shall take supper here. But for now, you shall sleep," he said quietly. Then he pushed his lips to hers for a moment before turning to leave the room. Christine hurried to the door and locked it to stop him coming back. Then she rested her back against the door, eyes closed.
Someone knocked on the door but Christine ignored it, sitting back down at the table. There was another knock and Meg called out, "Christine? There are more flowers here for you."
Christine didn't reply. She took the single red rose in her hands and was running the black ribbon between her fingers. Meg didn't knock again. Christine supposed that she thought she was asleep. She put the rose back in the vase and rested her head in her hands.
"I should kill him for touching you."
She didn't look up. She had heard the mirror slide and knew that Erik was standing by the glass. She did not look up or speak. Erik put a hand on her shoulder. "Christine…"
"Where have you been? Not a word in nearly a week…" Christine asked, angry with him. Erik looked down at her.
"I have been busy. I am sorry."
"You were listening tonight?"
"Of course. You were excellent. Perfection itself," he said, mocking the words that William had used.
Christine looked up sharply. "How much did you see?"
"All of it."
"Erik, I swear that I have done nothing to lead him on," she said, her voice slightly panicky.
"I am aware of that, my angel. And yet you agreed to accompany him to the masquerade ball." His voice was chilly. Christine got to her feet, pacing the length of the room, hands tangled in her hair.
"I thought that if I agreed he would grow tired of me."
"No one could grow tired of you, my dear," Erik said, watching her closely. She turned to him.
"Erik, I am tired. I want to sleep."
"Then I shall let you sleep," he said. He took her hand and kissed it tenderly. Then he traced her lips with his finger.
"Yet I regret that he was the first to claim your lips."
He went to the mirror and went through. Christine stared after him and then went to her bed. She really was tired but she had also wanted to be alone.
The day of the ball arrived. Christine had stayed in Carlotta's room, as Firmin and André had had a new one made especially for their diva.
The luxurious week's holiday had done nothing to sweeten the soprano's temper. Christine ignored the diva's tantrums. She attended her singing lessons nightly and had been avoiding the Viscount like the plague. So far she had managed, but tonight was the masquerade ball. Madame Giry had not even tried to get the ballet girls to practice. Everyone was too excited.
Whilst the higher members of the cast would be enjoying the event from the grand hall of the opera house, the lower members would be holding their own celebrations in the training rooms. No doubt it would be without the finery of the ball but Christine was sure it would be more enjoyable. Somehow everyone had found out that she would be attending with the Viscount and more than one girl had exclaimed their jealousy.
"He is so handsome!"
"You are lucky, Christine!"
She did not feel so lucky as she and Meg dressed. Meg was wearing a pretty dress of white lace and had a mask in the shape of a white and silver butterfly. She giggled, turning around to make the skirts of the dress fly about. Christine couldn't help smiling at her friend.
"You look so pretty, Meg!"
"But look at you! That dress is so beautiful." Christine looked down at her own outfit. It was beautiful. Pale pink, with roses embroidered over it. It had been a gift from the viscount. Meg had finished her by styling her hair and tucking tiny pink flowers into the dark curls.
"You look so lovely, Christine. Where is your mask?"
"On the desk," Christine said. Meg fetched it. It was a simple one, pink with the outline of silver flowers and it fitted her face from her eyebrows to her mouth.
Meg clapped her hands. "Perfect!"
Christine smiled and looked over at the desk where a red rose lay. She ran her finger over it and then placed it in the usual glass vase. Meg looked at it.
"From your tutor?"
"Yes. I wasn't expecting one today. He usually sends them when I have sung." Meg looked at the flower thoughtfully and then her face lit up.
"Maybe he will be at the ball!"
"I shouldn't think so, Meg. My tutor doesn't care for crowds," Christine said truthfully.
Christine hesitated outside the door to the ballroom. She was sorely tempted to return to her room but she was here now. Meg had gone to find her mother. Christine looked at the door and then turned away.
"Leaving already?" William's voice said. Christine turned and saw him on the stairs. He was wearing eveningwear, dark blue in color. His face was covered with a blue mask. Christine held her own mask in her hands. William took it and placed it on her face.
"Beautiful. That dress looks like it was made for you." She began to thank him but he waved it away.
"It's nothing. Come, I insist on having the first dance."
He took Christine's arm and guided her into the ballroom. She felt like a trophy, dressed up to attract attention. More than one man turned to watch her pass. Carlotta gave her a look like a dagger before turning away in disgust. Christine kept her eyes on the ground. William took her to the center of the dance floor as the music started. Christine danced without saying a word. She was looking around at the mask whirling past. She spotted Meg and one of the stagehands talking animatedly and a smile touched her lips.
William danced with her for three dances before he was claimed by Carlotta for a dance. Christine pushed her way through the crowd to the edge of the room where she sipped at a cool drink. The room was unbearably warm. She put the drink down and looked around. Everyone was either dancing or chatting. Christine longed to escape the heated room to find some silence.
The music faded and the conductor said, "Next will be the Lovers Dance." Everyone started to pair off. To her relief, Carlotta had seized a dismayed William's arm again.
She did not expect to find a partner, and yet, as she glanced up, her eyes met with someone's. He was dressed in black and red, with a black mask. He crossed the space between them and held out his gloved hand. Christine did not hesitate but took it and he led her to the dance floor. One of his hands rested gently on her waist and the other was claiming her other hand.
Christine looked up at his masked face and examined his blue-green eyes. A smile crossed her face. Erik. They started to dance.
Neither of them acknowledged anything besides each other, so neither of them heard the whispers that followed them. They did not see the stares from their fellow dancers. They did not know that William was casting them a deadly glare.
Christine kept her eyes locked on Erik's. He guided her in dance, watching her closely. She was about to speak but he shook his head slightly, a tiny smile on his lips. Christine nodded, understanding. So they danced in silence.
The dance came to an end all too soon. They had somehow ended up in the very center of the dance floor. It was customary at the end of the Lovers Dance to kiss the woman's hand. Erik took her hand and kissed it gently. Then he moved forward and kissed her mouth. Christine couldn't move, she was so surprised. Erik stepped back, bowed and then disappeared before their eyes.
Christine blinked and stared at the spot where he had been standing. Then she looked up and saw that everyone was staring at her, even the musicians. She touched her lips gently with a finger and then turned to leave the ballroom. Everyone moved out of her way as she walked, dazed from the room. As soon as the doors closed the chatter started, everyone discussing the event.
Christine leant against the banister end at the bottom of the stairs, trying to stop her mind from reeling. She closed her eyes, remembering the feel of Erik's lips against hers. She couldn't help smiling, but she jumped as the door to the ballroom opened. She spun around. William stood in the doorway, looking furious.
"Who is he?" he demanded. Christine shook her head.
"I don't-"
"Of course you know! Men don't go around kissing strange women in balls, Christine. Now who is he?"
Christine stared at him. He had pulled of his mask and it was getting crushed in his hand. He didn't seem to have noticed. She searched desperately for an explanation.
"I… it was my tutor…"
"Your tutor! This… this Erik?"
"Yes." Williams face contorted in anger.
"When I meet this Erik he will be severely punished for his actions."
Christine didn't reply. She knew it was highly unlikely that William would ever find Erik but she wasn't about to make him think that she knew where to find him. William looked down at her.
"Go to your room. I will join you presently."
Christine didn't know what to do. She started to walk slowly to her room. She let herself in and found Erik waiting for her. She hesitated and then closed the door, putting her mask onto the table.
"You have to leave. The Viscount is furious, and he'll be here any minute."
"Furious, is he?" Erik seemed quite pleased. Christine frowned.
"Erik, please. He's a dangerous man."
"So am I, Christine." He made no effort to leave. Christine looked at him as she unpinned her hair. Flowers fell to the ground as her hair fell down, curling around her face.
"Please… don't do anything. Just go. He's going to be here in a moment and if he finds you, he'll hurt you."
"Christine, he is not worthy of you. And you do not care for him. I will not allow him to act this way," Erik told her firmly.
Christine closed her eyes, breathing deeply.
"Erik, just go."
"Do you want me to?" he said, moving towards her.
She looked at him.
"Yes."
He cupped her face with his hand and she found herself pressing her cheek towards it.
"Do you want me to go?" he asked again. Christine longed to say no but she heard footsteps from the corridor and snapped her eyes open.
"Go. Now." He looked at her for a moment and then vanished through the mirror. Christine looked at the mirror and then jumped as the door opened. The Viscount entered.
"You look startled," he commented. She opened her mouth to reply but found she had nothing to say. William stepped towards her, treading on the pink flowers. Christine found herself frozen to the spot.
"Christine… you were the most beautiful woman in the room tonight," he said, brushing her hair away from her shoulder. He removed his jacket. Christine kept her eyes on the floor. She had to stop this. She didn't want…
He was kissing her now, one hand on her back, the other running through her hair. Christine squeezed her eyes shut, not letting the tears escape. His lips were everywhere, kissing her face and her neck; he was unbuttoning his shirt, unfastening her dress…
She had to stop it…
"Christine…" he moaned, pushing her towards the bed.
She had to…
"No," she gasped. He stopped and jerked his head back, looking at her. She met his eyes and he saw fear there. He stared down at her, where she lay, trembling.
"What do you mean 'no'?" he asked, dangerously. She couldn't speak. He climbed off the bed and straightened himself. He looked at her coldly. She managed to sit up but before she could get to her feet he started to talk in a dangerously quiet tone.
"Christine, are you aware of who I am? I am the Viscount de Martinez. Without my money your precious Opera Populaire would close forever. Is that what you want?"
She shook her head, not daring to speak. He continued to look down at her.
"I am a man of high standards, Christine. I know what I want, and if I want something I have it. Do you understand? I do not accept 'no'."
He reached down and seized her by the hair, pulling her up. She cried aloud as pain stung her scalp.
William pulled her face close to his and hissed, "You belong to me, Christine Daae. To me and only me. Do not forget that."
"No!" she whimpered. He struck her across the face. She fell against a wall, scraping her skin against the stone. He pulled her up again, by her arm and pulled her out into the main room, with the mirror.
"You are mine!" he shouted, striking her again. She fell to the ground and did not get up again. He seized her, pulling her up to him.
"I am going away tomorrow, to see a business colleague. When I return, in three days time, I will come to you again. And this time, let us hope you have learned some manners. If you have not, you will be taught a lesson. If you refuse me again I will destroy your precious Opera House," he spat at her. Christine had no strength left. He threw her to the ground and left the room, slamming the door behind him.
Christine lay on the floor, gasping and sobbing. Her head was spinning with the blows and there was blood trickling down her face onto the pink dress. She swallowed hard. She had to get out of here. She had to find Erik.