Chapter 7
Erik lay awake with Christine sleeping at his side. He heard his horse nicker from the landing close by and knew he had to take Christine back. It was very late and they could not afford a panic. He thought of just leaving then. Leaving and taking her with him. He could do it - he knew she would go with him, but he truly did not want to cause any more pain or suffering to anyone, and he knew Raoul would be shattered in the critical phase he was in. Miranda had told him he would be at the hospital a week, but he knew it would more likely be a month at least, Raoul needing much more care than he did. This would give them time to think. There was another problem if they left, the hunt would be back on. He did not want her to live that way. All that he did know right now was that he was never going to let her go. They would find a way.
He shook her shoulder gently, then got up to heat some water for a bath. He had long ago tapped into the extensive Paris sewer systems to fashion a water closet and a bath in another area, hidden from view. Bathing was not popular at the time but it had been one of his few pleasures. He had not liked using his furnace since his return because of the smoke, but thought it safe at night. Christine woke up slowly, the alcohol still having effect. She pulled a blanket off and tread into the main area of the cave. Erik was nowhere in sight, but she could hear him. She sat down at the table. She knew she had to go back, it was very late and Miranda would be worried. She didn't know what she would say to her. Erik came into the room and told her her bath would be ready soon. Bath? She had taken showers of course at the Opera house and in her home but the communal showers had been cold and only taken when necessary, quickly. She could have servants heat water for her she knew, but this practice was frowned upon, and she rarely felt need for it. She of course would humor him.
" Are you alright Christine?" He came to where she sat and kissed her neck.
" I am worried she said, but I don't care. I'm so happy." He left to heat more water and she sat thinking about her experience of the past. He had seemed so experienced and skillful in the art of seduction then, his admission earlier had completely surprised her. She had become quite skilled (thanks to the doctors who were indeed French) in the art of pleasing her husband without giving him pain. She enjoyed this transfer of power in their relationship. He led her to the bath and she marveled at the this area she had not previously seen. The water was hot and she was surprised at how enjoyable the feeling was. Any bath she had taken before had been with lukewarm water, considered safer at the time. Erik knew better though, and had been happy to find out from the doctors how important sanitation was. They were only recently understanding this. She realized sitting in the bath that she had always really held the power in their relationship. He had only been trying to prove to her he was a man before. She was sure that if Raoul had not entered her life, the relationship may have continued platonically for years, even with him wanting more. She sighed and called him. "Erik?" He entered and she asked him to join her. Leaving was to be prolonged awhile longer.