Old Friends and New Ones
By KaitlynRose
Author's Notes: I just wanted to thank everyone for all the wonderful reviews. I have published almost sixty stories on FF and this one has received more reviews than any of the others by far.
Last night I had the most wonderful dream and I am very happy to say that I know EXACTLY what to write and how to finish this story. There will be lots of romance, jealousy, drama, and action. The story will definitely remain RC. There will also be an appropriate ending for Erik, I promise.
Finally, I know nothing about the proper behaviors of French Society in the 1800's, unless you count having watched Dangerous Liaisons a dozen times, but I know plenty about English Society of that same time period. I've read every single Jane Austin novel and watched those movies countless times. Plus I studied English culture big time in college. I'm guessing the rules for behavior were very similar, but if I should write a faux pas please excuse me.
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"Meg!"
"Christine!"
The two girls ran into each others arms and began to dance up and down as Raoul laughed in the back ground. Finally they parted.
"It is so good to see you," Christine gushed.
"And you. Christine you look so beautiful. Oh how I have missed you. Everything has just been so sad since the fire."
"No talk of sadness," Christine said. "Now you are here and all shall be happy. Tell me, how is your maman? I hope she is well."
"Yes, she is fine, but lately she has been so busy. I think she was quite happy for your invitation so she could be rid of me for a little while."
"Ladies," Raoul interrupted with a smile, "why don't you go into the sitting room. You two can catch up in front of a warm fire instead of in a drafty doorway." He helped Meg to remove her coat before handing it to Linus.
"I'm sorry, Raoul," Christine laughed. "I was just so excited."
"So I can see," he said.
"Come Meg," Christine said as she grabbed her hand. "Cook thought you might be hungry when you arrived so he has a light meal ready for us."
"Oh wonderful. I'm actually starving," Meg said.
"Perfect," Christine replied. "You must tell me everything. I want to know all that has happened in the past few weeks. Where has Carlotta gone? What about the other dancers?"
"And I want to know everything that has happened to you," Meg gushed.
Raoul watched as the two girls hurried down the hall towards the sitting room. It was wonderful to see Christine so happy. He was tempted to follow and partake of the conversation, but he knew the two would want a little time to themselves to gossip and catch up. His being there would interrupt that since he knew he would be the topic of much of that gossip.
He laughed to himself as he walked to the library. Life was wonderful. It hadn't taken long for Christine to recover from the scare she had had two days ago in the Opera House. He had made a point of spoiling her rotten that day at the Galleries Lafayette, and then even took her to Ambroisie for supper. It was very late by the time they left the city. They were both in a joyous mood and Christine had even been a bit tipsy from too much wine. Once in the carriage he held her close as she fell asleep in his arms for the ride the home.
Yes, life was perfect. He hoped Christine liked the next surprise he had planned. He had invited two of his oldest friends to join then tonight. In fact they were due to arrive any minute. He thought it wise to let Christine meet a few people before the ball this weekend so she wouldn't feel so overwhelmed. Plus, since both of these gentlemen were single maybe one of them would take a fancy to Meg and then Christine's dearest friend would be close by.
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"Christine this house is beautiful. You are so lucky to have won the heart of someone so wealthy," Meg said, then took a bite of her finger sandwich.
"I would love him even if he were the poorest man in all of France," Christine replied. "But I am lucky. He loves me dearly and takes such care for my welfare. I have been truly blessed."
"Oh, you asked about La Carlotta! She has gone back to Spain. She was devastated over Piangi's death. She vowed never to return to Paris ever again."
"Piangi is dead!" Christine gasped.
"You did not know?" Meg asked.
"No. After Raoul rescued me from the caverns we made our way back to my dressing room. The Opera House was ablaze. Oh Meg, it was frightening, but Raoul was so brave. He led us through the fire and to the stables. Then the horses became panicked from the smoke and our presence. At some point I fainted. It was so hard to breathe and I was so tired. The next thing I remember is waking up in a wagon. Raoul and I were on our way here. He saved my life. Except for our trip to Paris two days ago we haven't left the estate."
"Christine, what happened when the Phantom took you? Did he…did he have his way with you?" The look on her face showed worry and yet at the same time a bit of excitement.
"No, my chastity is still intact," Christine said. "As for that night, Meg, please don't ask me to describe it. It is still too fresh in my mind and the memories scare me."
"Of course, I'm sorry if I caused you pain," Meg said taking Chritine's hands in her own. "Now in your note you mentioned a ball."
"Yes," Christine said. "Comte Philip is throwing it to introduce me into society."
"How exciting! Just think Christine. You will soon be a vicomtesse. Can you even imagine?"
"No, truly I can not. Sometimes I wish Raoul wasn't part of society. Meg, those people are never going to accept me. I'm a chorus girl."
"No you are not," Meg corrected. "You are Mlle Christine Daae, lead soprano of the now infamous Opera Populaire."
"Meg, what on earth are you talking about?"
"Your name has been in all the newspapers. Christine you're famous. People are calling it the true story of the Beauty and the Beast. All of Paris has been talking about how a monster came to steal you away but that you were saved by a handsome Vicomte who risked his own life to save yours. It's actually all quite romantic. Oh what I would give to have something that exciting happen to me."
"Meg, it was far from exciting, or romantic. The Phantom almost murdered Raoul right before my eyes." She began to shake her head as the feelings of terror and helplessness surged forward once again. She stood up abruptly and walked to the window. "Meg, let us not speak of this anymore," she begged.
"You are right," Meg said. "So do you have a new dress for the ball," she asked, trying to change the topic.
"Yes, that was why Raoul and I were in Paris two days ago. I dare say he made me feel like a princess. I have so many new dresses, and many more yet to come. He bought me other things as well; shoes, bags, ribbons and flowers for my hair. I was shocked at the extravagance of it all, but he said it would be necessary. It was very sweet."
"I wish I could go to the ball," Meg said dreamily.
"Of course you shall go to the ball," Christine told her. "You are like a sister. I want you there."
"Christine I don't have a dress to wear to a fancy ball. My clothes all burned in the fire, as did the costumes we used to dress up in."
"Then you shall wear one of mine. We've been sharing clothes all our lives and there is no reason why we still can't."
"Christine, do you really mean it," Meg squealed.
"Of course."
A knock at the door caused both ladies to stand up. Raoul entered the room with two handsome gentlemen following behind.
"Christine, Meg, I want to introduce you to my two oldest friends. This is M. Jean Bourgogne and Marquis Byron de Delancy."
"How do you do," both girls said with a curtsy.
"Gentlemen, meet my fiancé, Mlle Christine Daae, and her dearest friend, Mlle Meg Giry," Raoul continued.
"It is a pleasure to meet you both," M. Bourgogne said.
"Yes it is," the Marquis added. "So this is the Beauty who tempted a Beast."
Christine didn't know what to say so she looked to Raoul for guidance.
"Fellows, let us not talk of that. I know the papers speak of nothing else, but I don't want Christine upset by romantic blather."
"My apologies," Marquis de Delancy said. He raised Christine's hand to his lips and gave it a small kiss.
"No apology needed," Christine said as she politely pulled her hand away.
"Christine, I hope you don't mind but I invited Jean and Byron to stay for supper."
"That would be lovely," Christine said. "I look forward to getting to know your friends."
"I have a splendid idea," Jean said. "The weather outside is actually quite pleasant. After such a long and cold winter I say we go for a ride. Mlle Daae, have you been to the stables here yet. Raoul's family has some of the finest horses you will ever see."
"No I have not, and please, call me Christine. A ride in the fresh air does sound fun. What about you Meg?"
"I don't know," Meg said. "I have never ridden a horse before."
"Not to worry," Raoul said. "I have several very gentle mares that are perfect mounts for ladies. What about you, Byron?"
"I'm always game for a bit of sport. Today would be good since in a day or two this warmer air will melt the hard packed snow and turn the ground to thick mud."
"Then it is settled. Ladies, go on to your rooms and I will have Odette fetch you some riding gear," Raoul said.
"Come Meg, I'll show you where your room is," Christine said.
Once the girls were gone Byron was the first to speak up. "She is very beautiful, Raoul."
"Yes she is. I never thought it possible to love anyone as I do her. I know the three of us joked about being eternal bachelors, but I couldn't imagine my life without her."
"Meg is very pretty," Jean said.
"Yes she is. She is also a very sweet girl," Raoul added.
"Still, they are opera girls," Byron said.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Raoul asked harshly.
"Nothing. Please Raoul, I meant no disrespect. Your Christine is a magnificent creature. Yet my family would disown me completely if I told them I wanted to marry an opera singer. I hope you have warned Christine of the cold shoulder she is sure to receive this weekend at the ball."
"I have done nothing of the sort, and I dare anyone to be cross with her. She may not have been born to title, but in a few months time she will be a vicomtesse, and eventually Comtesse of the de Changy estate itself."
"Raoul, calm down old friend. Don't be angry with me. I think she is charming, but just because you wish the other women to like her doesn't mean they will," Byron told him.
"Raoul, don't let Byron upset you. I'm sure the others will grow to like her in time," Jean comforted. "Sometimes I get so sick of hearing about titles and money."
"That's easy for you to say," Byron laughed. "You don't have a title or any money since it went to your older brother."
Jean visibly paled at the insult.
"Gentlemen, I wanted this to be a happy day," Raoul said, trying to break the growing tension. "Not a debate over the importance or non-importance French aristocracy and the right of birth. Now, have a brandy and put on your coats."
"That's the best thing I've heard said all day," Jean said.
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Mr. Aramis helped Meg up into her saddle. "That's the way, hook your knee around the pummel." He placed her foot into the stirrup."
"I never realized one would be so high up," Meg said. "Why can't a woman ride like a man?"
"Honestly," Mr. Aramis replied, "I have no idea. I think it's plum silly the way you ladies sit a horse." This caused Meg and Christine to giggle.
"Your turn," Raoul said. "He helped Christine on to her horse."
"What is her name?" Christine asked.
"Lady," Raoul answered. "And Meg's horse is named Nelly."
"That's a pretty name," Meg said and patted the horse fondly between its ears.
"Now, to make to horse move forward you give him a small kick to his sides. You can also shake the reins a little. To turn left or right all you have to do is tug lightly on the rein in the direction you wish to go."
"Sounds easy enough," Meg replied.
Finally the gentlemen straddled their horses and the small party headed in the direction of the woods.
Christine was glad for Meg's nervousness. The men would go slowly now. That was good since Christine herself was did not feel confident just yet. She had lessons when her papa had been alive, but that had been years ago. She was surprised, though, by how quickly her lessons were coming back to her. She had loved riding as a child. There was a sense of freedom that came from being on top of a horse. She looked over and saw Raoul riding next to her.
"Do you remember the rides we went on when we were children?" he asked.
"Oh my, yes, I do," she replied. "I had forgotten."
"You're father took us riding twice. I remember quite clearly because at the time I was embarrassed by the fact that you were a better rider than I was. I also remember when you grew bored of riding side saddle you would stand up, throw your other leg over the pony and take off flying down the path."
"Oh gosh, I remember. You chased after me and your nanny almost fainted from fright," Christine laughed. "She was yelling for you to stop the whole time."
"Your father, on the other hand, just laughed and encouraged you to make that little pony go faster," Raoul said with a smile.
Christine suddenly had an idea. She looked back to see Meg riding between M. Jean and Marquis Byron. She was perfectly safe. She knew she shouldn't but excitement got the better of her.
Raoul watched Christine and he suddenly knew what she was going to do. Sure enough, she put her other leg over the horse.
"Christine, don't."
Too late, she had already kicked her heels into the horse's sides and was off. Raoul quickly followed suit. Together they raced through the winding paths. Christine had a lead, but his horse was definitely faster and soon he was right beside her.
"Christine, this is no small pony," he called to her.
"I know," she exclaimed. "This is so much better." Her joy was contagious and soon he was grinning ear to ear. He decided to let her have her fun. Besides, Lady was an old horse and would not be able to keep up this pace for long. They continued to fly for a few more minutes and then Lady's speed dropped remarkably. Raoul tugged on his own horse's reins to keep pace with Christine.
"I should have told you that Lady was older. That's why she is perfect for a ladies mount."
"Oh dear. If I had known that I would never have raced her so." She scratched the animals mane in apology.
"I think she will be fine, but we'll have to walk her home slowly," Raoul said. "As for next time, we will have to get you a better horse."
"One that can jump!" Christine exclaimed.
"Have you ever jumped a horse before?"
"No, but I should love to try."
"I think we best hold off on the jumping for a bit. It can be very dangerous," Raoul warned.
"All right, but promise you will teach me."
"I will," Raoul laughed. "The others will be catching up to us soon. You should probably sit your horse correctly." Raoul maneuvered his horse so that he could reach her skirts and help to fix them before the others arrived.
"Meg is very taken with M. Jean. She thinks he is very handsome," Christine said.
"I think Jean is a bit smitten with Meg."
"What did he say?" Christine asked.
"Only that she is pretty," Raoul replied.
"Wouldn't it be wonderful if Meg could fall in love with M. Jean? I would love to see her as happy as I am."
"Now don't get too excited," Raoul said. "Jean does not have any money. His older brother has the family title and the estate. Even if Jean does like Meg, the chances of him marrying her are slim. He truly needs to marry a woman with money to secure a good match."
"Raoul, you speak of marriage as if it were a business," Christine pouted.
"Darling, the sad truth is, for most people that's exactly what it is. I had hoped that perhaps Byron would take a fancy to Meg. He has title and is independently wealthy, but I don't see any hope there."
"Raoul, if your brother was still alive, then he would have your title and your estate, correct?"
"Yes, he would."
"So then you would be like M. Jean."
"Yes I would," Raoul agreed.
"Would you still marry me if that were the case, or would you marry a woman of fortune?"
Raoul stopped his horse and then grabbed Lady's reins to stop her too. "Christine, I love you. The night we first arrived here my father was against our match. He threatened to disinherit me. I told him to go ahead. I looked him right in the eye and said that if I was willing to die for you then I was willing to be poor for you. Nothing, not a phantom, a title, and certainly not money, will ever keep us apart."
Christine smiled. "I love you."
"And I love you." He leaned over and captured her lips with his own.
"So that's why you two raced off," Byron called.
Raoul and Christine quickly separated. Coming up behind them was the other three riders. Christine could see Meg was blushing at having intruded.
"Really, Raoul, you must wait for the wedding to do those things," Byron teased.
"And I am sure you have never kissed a beautiful woman before," Raoul jested.
"Oh, I have kissed many," Byron replied. "But none that I have ever truly loved. No woman has captured my heart yet."
"You'll have to forgive Byron," Jean said to Christine. "He's not a fan of romance."
"How very sad for him," she said. Byron stared at her a long time before she finally averted her eyes from his scrutiny. He made her feel uncomfortable. He wasn't friendly and kind like M. Jean. The marquis was more arrogant and pompous, but he was Raoul's friend and therefore she would be polite to him.
"We should be getting back," Raoul said. "It will be dark soon. I don't think it wise to have the ladies riding after darkness falls."
"She we turn back?" Meg asked.
"No, this path makes a circle back to the stables. It will be quicker to simply press on," Raoul said.
The five riders rode back to the stables and just as the two women were helped to dismount the sun slipped behind the trees and night claimed the day.