Chapter 9

Erik had enjoyed his journey so far, especially the short passage by boat, although he missed Christine badly. He wrote some every night, revealing to her more and more of his former life and his love for her. Words that came out easier on paper. He now rode up the grand old mansion's long driveway, stopping in front of his old cottage, his home and former prison. It was a beautiful little place, set deeply under great oak trees and thickly surrounded by many flowers and shrubs. He tied up Apollo and went to knock on the door, as it looked like someone was living there. The door opened to reveal an old friend. His music teacher. He had stayed because Erik's grandfather had wished him to, hoping they would find him. The months had stretched into years and he had stayed, mostly for pity for a broken man. He eventually was given permission to start teaching Piano lessons to the local children. It gave the Baron some comfort, on his walks to hear a young person learning what had been so important to his grandson. Claude was thrilled to see his former student.

Erik told him everything that had happened in his life so far, knowing he could trust him, and he was very proud of his first students accomplishments in music." I knew how much talent you had Erik" he said, "I had great hopes for you. Your grandfather has deeply regretted what happened. He is alive Erik but you must allow me to talk to him before you go to visit him. He is very ill, and I'm afraid the shock of your sudden appearance may harm him." Erik agreed and sat in his old kitchen that had not changed much. The memories were strong here. Presently his old teacher appeared. "Lord Barlow will see you," he said.

"Lord?"

"Yes, you must refer to him as such, it is very important to him." He noticed Erik's look of puzzlement. "You did not know this? It is an atrocity what he did to you. I cannot believe I played a part in that story, but I was young and poor, and you were so very talented. Yes he is a Baron, not that it means much in these parts any more. Your family has owned much of the land around here for hundreds of years." Erik was taken aback, but it did make more sense to him now, why he had been so hidden from the world. He went to meet his grandfather.

Sir William Barlow was shaken but also relieved. His grip on life had had much to do with the hope that some day Erik would return. He was ready to meet his grandson. Erik walked into the study where the Baron spent much of his time still. He had been prepared for Erik's surgical redemption but was not prepared for how much he resembled his mother. Erik had tanned the last few months in his journeys and also looked very much like his father. He was a handsome man.

"Sir, he said," I did not come here to cause trouble for you or to claim any…wealth, but am only seeking some knowledge about my family. I would like also to know if you might have any information that might help me find my father." He felt somewhat awkward and cold, but he did not know this man. " I have no ill feelings toward you."

"You do not hate me? How can you forgive me for all that I did?" He had been prepared for hatred, coldness, anything but this respect and calm dignity. "I did what I thought was right at the time. The people whose lands I governed were rebelling, leaving for jobs in the new factories in Paris. They were looking for anything to tarnish our family name. I couldn't allow that. I loved your mother very muchtoo much I'm afraid. He was unwilling to reveal his wicked, wretched feelings for his own daughter to this man. "It was because of my sins that she died." He turned to look out the window. "As for your father…I will tell you something only a few people have known that you deserve to know. You will then decide my fate. A servant informed me of my daughters affair with a gypsy, and that she was with child. I was enraged. I left to find this person, who she had kept completely from me. The camp was not far from here, they had settled for the summer, some even working for us. I found him almost to our house, ready to take her away... He begged my forgiveness but I was mad with rage at this gypsy who had defiled my daughter and I killed him. He offered no resistance Erik, he didn't want to hurt me, her father. It was unforgivable what I did. I'm sorry Erik. I know nothing about the tribe, only that they left quietly soon after. I did the best I knew how with the situation given after that. When she found out what I had done, she ended her life. She was always high strung, emotional. I pushed her into marriage, I was trying to… preserve our line. It was wrong of me. It was all wrong." Erik felt weak. He also had nothing else to say. He turned and left, not seeing the tears wetting the face of the old man.

Claude met him outside and grabbed his arm. "You will come stay with me tonight at least," he said grimly, knowing what kind of man the Baron could be. It had been for the best that he stayed here at the cottage these long years after all he mused.

Sir William Barlow ended his life that night after drawing out a last will, leaving all that he had, his title and a name to his grandson, Sir Erik Barlow. Erik was saddened but had not known this man who had caused so much grief. He inherited a great amount of wealth, and much of the land around the countryside there. He had given an address to Miranda as he did not know how long it would take to take care of things and soon received a letter from Christine. It was the first letter he had received of course, as he had not stayed long in any place.

"My dear Man. I am sorry to hear about your grandfather, it is indeed hard to feel any sympathy for that man from what you have written before…Raoul is doing as well as can be expected, he is so happy Erik. I have given myself fully to him, I must be honest with you. He still has so much pain and has begged for the morphine on bad days. You are in my thoughts every day, and I go to bed every night, missing your touch so badly. I have been teaching the girls voice lessons, you might be amused to know, I have found my voice again and that is my great consolation right now. Please come back as soon as you can, nothing matters as long as you are in my life, I don't care how we must hide our love. If you love me, and can forgive me, please return. I am with child Erik, our child."

Erik was stunned by this admission. In their complete abandonment he had not been thinking of this possibility. He wrote immediately back to her to tell of his return. In her letter she seemed not overly concerned about this latest development but he knew she was desperately trying to be brave. She needed him there. He ordered her to confide in Miranda, and made ready to leave that night. He left his friend in charge of the immediate properties and promised to come back to deal with the remainder of the estate. He had unlimited financial possibility now, they could run if they had to. He was leaving with a name now, a title even. He had much to think about on his journey back.