A/N: I love the significance of Erik-Philippe's name, but since this chapter is a conversation between Erik and Erik-Philippe, it made it very awkward to write. It still feels choppy, although I have reworked it countless times. However, what is truly central to this chapter is the relationship between Erik and his eldest son. I hope I am able to get that across, despite the awkwardness of the writing in this chapter. Forgive me.
Ch. 40 – In His Father's Footsteps
After a time, Erik found himself drawn more and more to the conservatory where he felt a relentless desire to play and compose like never before. He hadn't written any music since before Christine had returned to him. He realized now that during his years with Christine, he had lived his music, rather than writing it. Now, however, in her absence, his need for it began to burn inside him once more. After a good deal of thought, he made his decision. One night after dinner he called Erik-Philippe into his study.
Erik-Philippe stepped inside toward his father's desk, and Erik studied his eldest son, standing tall and patient before him. Erik-Philippe had grown to be a remarkable man. He was honorable and good, with a strong sense of what was right and the courage to abide by it. His morals were commendable, his intelligence unquestioned. He was both a gifted musician and an accomplished architect – his success was certain. Rising to stand before his son, Erik began to explain, "Lately, my dear son, I have found that my heart is once again being drawn back to my music. While my architecture has always been a source of great satisfaction to me, I no longer find the comfort and pleasure in it that I once did."
Erik-Philippe was immediately concerned, "Father, are you all right? You aren't ill or..."
Erik raised a hand to reassure him, "No, no my son, I am as well as can be expected without your mother here with me." His voice trailed off and his face clouded momentarily, but he regained his composure and sought his son's eyes as he continued, "Erik-Philippe, I plan to retire soon. Nothing would honor me more than if you were to take over in my place. However, I leave the decision in your hands. I want only that which will make you happy."
Erik-Philippe paused for a moment, taking in his father's words, but when he lifted his face; his usually somber eyes were filled with emotion. He reached out and embraced his father, then extended his hand, which Erik took in his own. "Nothing would honor or please me more, Father. I will not fail you. I only hope I can be worthy of your reputation." He smiled a brilliant smile, his eyes shining. Christine's eyes, Erik thought sadly.
Erik placed a hand on his son's shoulder, "Nonsense. In your youth, you have already shown a talent that is destined to surpass my own. You are a good man, Erik-Philippe. Even with all your many talents aside, you could never fail me. I am proud of the man that you are, not simply of what you can do, although you have much to be proud of in that as well." Erik-Philippe's face nearly glowed at the sincere praise from his father, whose good opinion mattered more to him than that of any other man. He knew his praise was not given lightly.
Erik smiled. "I will see to the arrangements right away." Holding his son's eyes, he said quietly, "I have complete faith in you." Erik-Philippe grinned, and impulsively embraced his father once more.
As Erik turned back to the papers awaiting him on his desk, he heard his son clear his throat slightly from the doorway. Erik looked up, "Was there something else you wished to discuss?" In a manner utterly unlike him, Erik-Philippe blushed slightly and seemed suddenly uncertain. Erik raised an eyebrow, wondering what on earth could make his normally reserved son react in such a manner.
Erik-Philippe raised his dark eyes to his father's at last. He said softly, "I've met someone, Father." Erik's eyes widened in surprise. Studying his son, he could clearly see that there was a light to his face, a new softness in his eyes. He wondered now why he hadn't seen it before. He felt suddenly guilty knowing he had been too engrossed in his own pain to inquire as to the reason for his son's recent happiness.
Erik gave his son what he hoped was an encouraging smile. As he spoke, Erik-Philippe began to pace the room, made restless by the obvious intensity of his feelings. "I met her at the University. I saw her again three months ago at a gala for the unveiling of one of the firm's latest projects, and we have been spending time together ever since. She is bright and funny, always laughing – just like Mother."
He stopped his pacing and turned to face his father. "I love her, Father." Erik's face softened at the vulnerability he saw in his strong son. Erik-Philippe continued passionately, "She is not of noble birth, but she is a good woman – caring, intelligent, with a strong faith." He hesitated. "I wish to marry her, but I do not want to do anything to hurt our family or to displease you." He lifted his eyes hesitantly to his father's. "I am asking for your blessing, Father. Will you give it?"
Erik remained motionless. He knew that Erik-Philippe valued his family above all else. He had no doubt that were he to forbid the marriage, Erik-Philippe would accept his decision. Meeting his son's anxious eyes, he asked quietly, "Does this young lady return your love?"
Erik-Philippe smiled shyly. "Yes, sir, she does." He grew serious once again and his voice was gentle. "Father, after the love that I witnessed between you and Mother, do not think for a moment that I would settle for anything less." Deeply moved by his son's words, tears formed in Erik's eyes.
Erik-Philippe hastily added, "Father, if it would be to painful right now, we could wait a while..." Erik stopped him, "No, my dear son, I think a new beginning is just what this household needs. I have had my great love. Now I will take comfort in knowing that you have found yours." His eyes twinkled merrily as he stepped back. "It sounds as if we have a wedding to plan, my dear boy." Erik-Philippe's face relaxed at once and he grinned from ear to ear. Erik laughed at his boyish delight. Erik-Philippe had never appeared boyish, even when he had been but a boy himself.
Erik's smile was genuine, though a trace of sadness lingered in his eyes. He reached out his hand and Erik-Philippe clasped it firmly with both of his own. "Thank you, Father. Thank you!" He turned and hurried from the room in his haste to share his news with his beloved. Erik chuckled and called down the stairs after him, "Bring her by for supper tonight so she can meet all of us, especially your brothers. Then she will have a better idea what she is getting herself into!" Erik-Philippe laughed heartily and called back, "I will!"