Hello guys, props to my reviewers as usual, you guys are awesome!
Just wanted to tell you that I have it all planned out, to the very end, although I'm not sure how many chapters it will take, the plot is well in hand. Oh and I just bolded the character names to denote change of point of view this time.
I hope you enjoy the chapter.
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Christine
The lid of the coffin slid into place with a groan, once more sealing the letters into their morbid containment. I watched with satisfaction, this time they would not be disturbed.
Blowing out one branch of candles, Erik left them, taking up the other and holding out his hand, "Come Christine."
I gladly set my fingers into his and together we left the house, walked through the passage way, and up into the light.
The gentle glow of dawn was just beginning to warm up the day, and the sounds of the city awakening met our ears.
We were content to simply walk together through the streets, there were no cabs for hire, but I do not think either of us minded. I just wanted to be with him, and I hoped he felt the same way.
Erik
As I walked up to the house with Christine, I gloried in the simple pleasure of strolling through the streets together. Yet I must admit I wondered about the future. Where did our relationship go from here? I did not know what was expected, or what this development fully meant.
I wanted to ask Christine to marry me and be done with all this uncertainty, but my ever active insecurity gnawed away at me. Any sensible analysis would deduce that there was no doubt her answer would be yes. I only wished that I could communicate that to my heart.
I glanced tenderly down at her, her countenance was calm, almost angelic in its repose, and delightfully unruly curls framed her face. She was in fact rather dirty, wandering around in long disused cellars had that effect, but she looked heavenly to me.
We stealthily mounted the stairs to the townhouse, and I withdrew a key, slowly turning the lock.
Opening the door, I peered in, all was quiet. I stepped in and was followed closely by Christine.
I was just hanging up my cloak, when I heard a lowered voice from the top of the stair.
"It's nice of you to return, Christine you are absolutely filthy."
"Antoinette, I'm so sorry I didn't leave you a note, but I . . . ahh . . . had no time. I hoped you would understand that while I was with Erik I would be fine," Christine said conciliatorily
"I am certainly not one to panic, but there was no way I could know of your state of being. Please don't do this in the future."
She descended the steps until she could see the both of us, and I almost flinched under her discerning gaze.
"Well, I see that things have improved between the two of you, come Christine you'll have to be cleaned up before you can get between any sheets."
I almost protested as I saw her lead Christine away, we had not spoken of the night's last event and I hardly knew where we stood.
I supposed it was better this way, better to talk after both of us had gotten some sleep, with a sigh I climbed the stairs, washed, undressed and climbed into my lonely bed.
Christine
I woke to the feeling of soft breath on my face and slowly opened my eyelids to behold the bright face of my daughter.
"Mama, Aunt said I could wake you now. Whatever are you doing still in bed? I've never seen anyone sleep so late!" Belle emitted in one rushed breath, her eyes wide.
"Good morning darling, or is it afternoon? I am being dreadfully lazy today, but I had a very busy night. What have you been doing today?"
Belle's nose crinkled up as she replied, "Nothing very much, I wanted to explore the attics but Aunt wouldn't let me. I wish we had a garden like the one in England."
"I know there isn't very much to do here Belle, but we aren't living here for very long. Don't worry we shall find a house with a very nice garden for you. I know! How about we go to the park this afternoon? Would you like that?"
Belle's eyes lit up giving me all the answer I needed, and she bounced a bit on the bed, "Oh yes, that would be great fun! When will we go?"
I laughed, "I will need to get up and get dressed, eat a little something, and do a few things around that house, but after that we shall go. I promise!"
"Oh good, should I go tell Father?"
I wasn't at all sure Erik would wish to go, so I responded slowly, "No, I'll talk to him about it. Have you seen your Father today?"
As I felt my tongue roll over the word 'father' and felt a little rush of pleasure, never was that closer to being true.
"Oh yes, he went down to eat breakfast, but Aunt told me not to bother him so I didn't. I peeked my head around the corner and he was eating and reading the paper." She told me in momentous accents, as if she was making a great announcement.
"Oh, reading the paper . . ." I trailed off vaguely, waiting for enlightenment.
"I like that he reads the paper! Do you know why?"
"No, do tell me," I invited.
"Because all fathers read the paper at breakfast. It's a rule! It means he is a proper father!"
"Oh really? And where do these rules come from?"
"The girls at school."
"I see, well I'm glad you approve, now off with you. I must dress."
Belle scrambled off the bed, and trailed out the room a little dejectedly. I sighed. She really did need a garden to play in. She wasn't used to being cooped up in the house like this. My mind wandered as I washed and dressed, thinking of where we would move to. Erik and I really needed to discuss that. I wondered where he wanted to live. I myself would love to find a seaside village, not too far from a large town, but far enough away to feel like the country. How Belle would love the country! And the seaside! She would never run out of things to do there.
I sighed, enjoying the delightful feeling of unfettered dreams. For so long I had not allowed myself to really think my dreams might come true.
Oh, there were still difficulties be overcome, and I knew very well that often life held unpleasant little surprises, but my heart was filled with an overwhelming feeling of wellbeing today and I would not allow anything to spoil that.
I choose a yellow day dress to suit my sunny mood and descended the stairs on light steps.
Erik
I heard Christine enter the dining room, and as I lowered my paper she greeted me in a cheerful tone of voice, "Good afternoon, I have slept the day away."
She approached me, and I felt almost surreal watching her float towards me, a smile on her lips.
I managed a, "Good afternoon," as I regarded her, fascinated. Bending towards me she laid a gentle kiss on my lips, and I let out a sigh, before watching her as she floated from the room.
I could hardly believe that we were on such terms that she would kiss me good morning. For this was a good morning kiss, despite the late hour. It was strange to think that not one, but two people, had now granted me the right to such affection. As I touched my lips wonderingly I felt a fierce surge of protectiveness, nothing and no one, I thought, was going to take this away from me.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Christine coming through the door behind me, and only the plate of food in her hands prevented me from grabbing her so I could show her my affection.
She poured herself some tea from the pot on the tea tray already set in the middle of the table, and then asked me in a very wifely manner if I would like some more tea as well.
I folded up my newspaper, "No thank you my dear, I have been drinking my Russian tea."
"Oh yes," she said wrinkling her nose, and I laughed, she looked so much like a little girl at that moment, "I suppose I should learn to make that for you."
"That's quite alright, I'm not suddenly helpless you know."
"You just don't think I would make it well. Admit it!" she accused, an adorable smile lurking at the corners of her mouth.
"I'm sure anything you make would taste wonderful my dear, I just don't see the need to put you to the extra trouble."
She regarded me with disbelieving eye, "Flatterer!"
"My dear, you wound me!" I declared, assuming a hurt look.
Christine erupted in what I could only describe as giggles, and I smiled, a warm feeling pervading my being at having made her laugh.
When she had collected herself, she buttered her toast, and applied herself to eating, pausing sometime later to say, "I promised Belle I would take her to the park this afternoon, the poor dear isn't used to being cooped up like this."
"That's a good idea. She'll enjoy that." I replied, only feeling a slight twinge of disappointment at inability to join them. I dismissed it quickly. I would only feel uncomfortable if I went, venturing out into public during the day was certainly not something I would do for pleasure.
Christine must have sensed my thoughts, because she said in a hesitant voice, "If you like . . ."
"No, don't worry yourself over me. I need to apply myself to making our arrangements."
"Well if you are sure. How will you start?"
"I believe that the best way to deal with this would be to hire a man of business. He can deal with the bank transfers, and invest your money safely, as well as searching for a house. Does that meet with your approval?"
She paused a moment, in thought, before replying, "That sounds like an excellent plan."
Then rising she picked up her plate, teacup and saucer, and bore them off to the kitchen.
Christine
After completing a few tasks, I hunted down Belle and found her in the parlor with Antoinette. She was lying on her stomach, leafing through a picture book that Erik had bought her after we arrived in Paris.
"Belle, are you ready to go to the park?"
She looked up, her brown curls tumbling over her face, her hair bow askew, "Oh yes."
"Put that up then, and come and put on your hat."
She jumped up and ran upstairs with the book, currently her most precious possession.
"Antoinette, would you like to come?" I asked, although I was sure she probably wanted a little break from Belle.
"No, you two go on," she replied calmly, returning to her sewing.
I went upstairs and both Belle and I prepared ourselves to go out, before sallying forth to greet the day. The weather seemed to fit my lighthearted mood, the sky blue, filled with little scurrying clouds, and the sun shining as brightly as it could in the city.
Belle and I chose to walk, and we traversed the streets hand in hand, Belle chattering the whole way there. When we came to the park she gave a little crow of delight, and tugged me along, eager to explore the green expanses of grass, dotted with trees, pathways, and benches.
Soon I found a well placed bench to sit on while I watched Belles explorations and antics, and settled down to enjoy the day.
I drifted off into my thoughts, my eyes wandering rather aimlessly over the scene in front of me, when I noticed a man leaning up against a tree a ways off. When I first saw him he was looking up, and I felt little shock, for he looked very much like Max. He lowered his head before I could get a better look, the brim of his hat obscuring his face, and I wondered if it could be Max. I had almost forgotten of his presence in Paris, and his strange intervention between Raoul and Erik. I frowned, I would need to mention this to Erik, hopefully it was nothing but we could not be too careful.
I felt uneasy, but determined that this would not spoil my day, and I directed my gaze back to Belle, smiling as I saw her making friends with a little dog, before it was called back to its master.
Some time later, Belle approached me panting, her hair a tangle, cheeks flushed, to announce that this part of the park was fully explored. I smiled, she was a mess, but I was glad to see some color in her face.
"Well would you like to walk a little more," I inquired indulgently.
"All right," Belle agreed, and she was off in front of me with a skip and a hop. I laughed and called to her, bringing her back to walk next to me.
The park was quite busy, and I noted with interest other little groups spread out, some most proper, and others loud and playful.
As I watched a particularly rambunctious group of young children, I felt a little sad that Belle had never had any brothers or sisters to play with. Of course now she was too old to have any siblings close to her age, having one nine years younger just wouldn't be the same. Suddenly I realized what I was thinking, and blushed self-consciously, glad that I was the only one privy to my thoughts.
I was brought out of my reflections by Belle's tugging hand, "Mama, I think that man is waving at you," she informed me loudly.
Who on earth? I looked up, and sure enough, at some distance there was Raoul, accompanied by a well dressed young lady.
I raised my hand in acknowledgement, and as we drew together I was rather dazzled by the young lady's beauty. She was dressed in an extravagant walking outfit of royal blue, lavishly trimmed with bows, feathers, and swatches of fabric, and sporting a very large bustle. The skirt drew up at the bottom just enough to reveal rather high walking shoes that charmingly showcased her ankles, while her hands were encased in frivolous net gloves. This startling outfit was crowned by a high hat, and my fascinated eye counted four or five feathers emerging from a sea of bows.
However, surprisingly the outfit seemed to suit this girl, for I began to realize that although she was not as beautiful as I had first thought, her features were striking, her best assets her full mouth and large blue eyes set off by soaring black eyebrows which matched the color of her beautifully coifed hair.
"Christine," Raoul said, "I am very glad to see you again. You look well."
"Indeed, I am very well," I replied warmly, "How are you doing?"
"I am also doing very well for myself, mostly because of this lady," he said gesturing to woman beside him, "Christine, allow me to present my betrothed to you, Miss Eustacie de Vauban."
"Nice to meet you Ms. De Vauban," I said with a smile.
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well Christine! I hope it's all right if I call you Christine?" she asked, barely waiting for my answering nod, before continuing, "And you must call me Stacy! I will not be on formal terms with such an old friend of Raoul's. He has told me so much about you!"
"Has he?" I said faintly, wondering just how much he had said to this vivacious creature.
"Yes, and I consider you a friend all ready. Now who is this young lady at your side?"
"Oh forgive me! This is my daughter, Ms. Annabelle Carpentier, but you must call her Belle," I answered, mouthing a silent 'curtsey' at Belle.
She had had little time in company, but she performed her little curtsey quite well, and I smiled my approval at her.
"Very nice to meet you Belle," said Stacy, "I see that you are enjoying a promenade with your mother. Very fashionable!"
"A promenade," said Belle, sending an enquiring glance my way, "Why, what is that?"
"Oh it is when everybody turns out in their best clothes, and walks about greeting one another and showing off. Just look at me! I am trussed up like a peacock, am I not?"
"Well," said Belle, "You are wearing a lot of feathers."
Stacy, laughed, a tinkling sound, "Yes indeed I am! I am a vain creature and I do love my frills and furbelows."
I glanced up to see Raoul watching the interaction, an amused smile lurking at his lips, and a warm look in his eyes. I could sense his affection towards this Stacy, and was very pleased to see he had found someone to love. I could hardly have imagined a girl less like me though, especially when I was so young and naive.
Stacy turned to look at Raoul, saying laughingly, "Raoul and I always try to outdo one another. Don't we darling?"
He chuckled, his voice rather deeper than it used to be, "My dear, anyone will tell you it is no contest, how could I ever live up such finery?"
"Oh don't listen to him; he is quite as fine as I am in his own way. Well I will tell you this. He is much improved since I took him in hand, he used to quite careless of his appearance."
I must have raised my brows slightly at this comment, for Stacy responded immediately, "Oh I know you are thinking of his youth, but Raoul had thrown that over long ago, he soon saw that nothing would do for him but to ape the young bucks racing their carriages and always on the hunt for a new piece of game."
"Stacy . . ." Raoul said warningly with an eye on Belle.
Her eyes twinkled mischievously, "It's alright darling, there is no need to be ashamed, I know you were never a very good hunter."
Raoul laughed good humouredly, and I joined in, but I wondered at this new information. Had Raoul really been a part of such a set, gambling, drinking, and chasing after girls? I felt a sudden twinge of guilt. Had it been because of me?
We chatted on for a few minutes, Stacy's lively conversation making the time fly by, but I kept my eye on the sun, knowing that it would soon be Belle's dinnertime.
"This has been lovely, but I really must be going," I injected in a suitable lull in the conversation, no easy task with Stacy.
"Oh really? I'm so happy to have met you! We must meet up sometime! How about tea? Would you like to come to tea at my house tomorrow, Raoul shall come too and we can chat about the old times."
I had to admit I would like to have a talk with Raoul without Belle at my side, and I had enjoyed talking to Stacy, so I accepted and we said our goodbyes.
As we made our return walk I asked Belle what she thought of the couple.
"Oh the lady was very interesting, she talked an awful lot didn't she? And I didn't want to be rude Mama, but she really did look like a peacock! But she was very nice."
"I see, well you minded your manners well today, I am proud of you. What did you think about the gentleman?"
"Oh, he was nice I suppose, he didn't say very much, but he seemed to be laughing at the lady the entire time. Is that polite do you suppose?"
"Well," I said suppressing my smile, "He wasn't laughing at her, he was laughing with her when she told jokes."
"Oh, well . . . She did look about to fall over!" Belle exclaimed, reverting back to the subject of Stacy's dress.
"I am sure she is used to walking like that," I said, barely able to swallow my laugh.
Belle looked up at me for a moment, and then said, "You think she looked funny too! I know it Mama! I can see the smile in your eyes!"
"Well . . . only a little, but overall very pretty don't you think?"
"Yes, but I think you are much prettier, and you don't wear such stuff!"
"Why thank you darling!" I said, wondering what Belle would say if she was exposed to some of my more fashionable clothing which had yet to meet her eyes.
We soon reached the house, and I sent Belle upstairs to tidy up and wash, I was just going upstairs myself when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw Erik in the parlor, looking like he had just come in.
Putting off my hat, and laying it on the hall table, I walked into the parlor.
"Hello," I said, before walking up and pressing a kiss on his lips, he folded me in his arms, deepening the kiss before pulling away regretfully.
I pulled him down onto the sofa, wrapping his arm around me and inquired after his day.
"Well I visited several firms, but I haven't decided if any of them will do yet. I'd like to find a man I can be sure to trust."
I saw that he looked rather tired, and I sighed inwardly, being about town was more tiring than Erik than for other people. I knew that the weight of the mask never left him.
I had a thought, "Perhaps I should ask Raoul for some advice on the matter . . ." I said, and knew immediately I had made a blunder.
"Raoul?" Erik questioned more than a little stiffly.
"Oh yes, we met Raoul and his betrothed today at the park. She was a charming girl, and Raoul looked thoroughly in love with her. She invited me to tea at her house tomorrow. Raoul will be there as well, so that's why I was thinking I could talk to him."
"I really don't think he is the person I would choose to trust with our affairs, but I am glad he has found a girl to love. Hopefully that should his hands off of you."
"Oh Erik, that was over long ago, you should know that. Besides it doesn't matter what Raoul thinks anyway, because I am thoroughly in love with you."
His eyes softened at my words and our lips met for another kissed. We did not return to the matter, and I must admit I indulged in the hope that I had succeeded in quelling whatever fears Erik had harbored.
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(a/n)Okay guys, you know the drill!(a/n)
