A Place In My Heart

Chapter Four

She explained everything to him. The three of them had grown up together, and it had always been obvious that Thomas had adored Christine. But she had never felt the same way for him, had always known that she would marry Raoul.

When Raoul had proposed marriage to her, they agreed to keep it a secret for a short time, just so they could prepare themselves for it. At a party, held by Raoul's parents, Christine and Raoul had announced their engagement. Everyone had been happy for them, had known that it would be so and celebrated the fact. Everyone except Thomas.

At the party, he had taken her aside and begged her to reconsider, begged her to marry him instead. But Christine had remained true to Raoul.

"I'm sorry, Thomas. I love Raoul." She had told him firmly.

He hadn't taken it well. He had fought with Raoul at the party, in front of everyone.

"She was all I ever wanted, and you stole her from me!" he had shouted at Raoul. Both Christine and Raoul had tried to comfort him, but he had stormed from the party and they hadn't seen him for several weeks.

And then they had been travelling to Paris, to see some family of Raoul's when their carriage had been taken by Thomas' men. Thomas had begged her one last time to reconsider. When she refused he had killed Raoul in front of her.

"He left us and went to his estate, so he couldn't be blamed for Raoul's death. They were going to take me back to Nice and Thomas would have married me. If I'd told anyone what had happened he would have simply told them that I was distraught and hysterical about Raoul's death." Christine said bitterly.

Erik stared at her. This young woman, who had suffered so much in her short life.

"And then? How did you end up in the woods?"

"We'd stopped for the night. The roads here aren't good, and the men didn't want to risk travelling in the dark, in case one of the carriages broke. Whilst the men were occupied I ran into the woods. One of them saw me running and called out to the others. I ran through the woods and found my way here. And the rest you know."

She fell silent. He watched her closely.

"If he finds you?"

"If he finds me… he will take me back to his estate. He will marry me and keep me locked up. That much I know. I'll never be free again."

"Have you ever been truly free?" Erik asked. Christine shrugged.

"I suppose not. But the closest I have ever come to it is when I am here."

"You may stay here for as long as you wish." Erik assured her. She smiled slightly and looked up at him.

"How about forever? Is forever alright?"

"Forever would be perfect." Erik said quietly.

Christine felt the blood rise in her face and looked away quickly. Erik rose, embarrassed and worried at her reaction.

"I'll let you dress. Would you prefer breakfast up here or…?"

"No, I'll come downstairs." Christine said quietly. Erik nodded and opened the door. Christine licked her lips.

"Monsieur Dumas?" he looked back at her and she smiled weakly.

"Thank you."

He nodded mutely and left the room. Marie was standing outside and he said,

"She's going to dress and come down for breakfast. I shall be down shortly, I wish to change my clothes." Erik told her sharply. Marie nodded and went to help Christine.

When Christine arrived in the breakfast room, the others were already seated. She sat down in the empty chair on Erik's left hand side and Marie passed her a cup of tea.

"Thank you Marie." Christine said quietly.

"You are welcome. Toast?"

"Please." Christine said, taking the offered bread. She spread some butter on it and then caught Meg looking at her. She smiled.

"Don't look so worried. I'm fine."

"You scared me half to death last night!" Meg said sternly. Christine laughed slightly.

"I'm sorry. I acted rather rashly."

"I'll say. You could have caught your death in that downpour." Marie said crossly. Nadir smiled.

"Don't fuss, Marie. She's a strong girl."

"What happened in the woods?" Meg asked curiously. Christine put her knife down and glanced at Erik. He started to say,

"Not now, Little Giry."

"It's alright. I was attacked, Meg. But Monsieur Dumas reached me in time and stopped him before anything happened." She said, choosing her words carefully.

Nadir grinned at Erik.

"You always did have good timing."

"Enough, Nadir." Erik said, sipping his coffee. Christine bit into her toast. Neither of them spoke a word for the rest of the meal.

After breakfast, Meg and Marie went to wash up. Nadir and Erik went to Erik's study and Christine took Chima out into the garden.

"No running off today. Do you hear me?" She told the dog in a mock-stern tone. Chima trotted off, wagging his tail happily. Christine smiled and settled onto her usual bench.

From the study window, Erik watched her in despair. Nadir sighed.

"Frankly, you could have handled things better."

"It's not like I meant for her to go running off." Erik pointed out. Nadir smirked.

"Didn't turn out so bad. I saw you this morning."

"For god's sake, man. She was almost raped." Erik spat. Nadir lifted his eyebrows.

"Be that as it may, she asked you to stay, didn't she?"

"Well… yes, but…"

He looked down at her and groaned.

"I can't stand this, Nadir. I can't see her everyday and know that she's not mine. It's driving me to insanity."

"You and everyone else in the house." Nadir commented.

"I don't know what to do. She doesn't want me. But I can't send her away."

"Has she said that she doesn't want you?"

"She didn't need to. She saw under the mask." Erik said bitterly.

Nadir stared at his friend.

"What?"

"She knocked it off last night. She was trying to get the door open and she knocked it off to make me let the door go."

"And she still asked you to stay with her last night?" Nadir asked. Erik nodded and Nadir snorted.

"You're a fool, Erik. She doesn't hate you."

"Doesn't she?"

"You may be a genius in music, but you're the village idiot in all other aspects." Nadir said, leaving the study. Erik didn't move. He kept his eyes on Christine as she watched Chima play.

Nadir went into the sunlit garden and looked up at the window. Erik had moved out of sight and Nadir sighed, shaking his head. He joined Christine on the bench.

"No watery adventures today?"

"I don't think so. I think yesterday was more than enough!" Christine laughed. Nadir chortled and said,

"You are alright, after last night?"

"I'm fine, really. Just… I'm just glad Monsieur Dumas was there." She said quietly, bowing her head. Nadir couldn't help giving a little smile at her shyness.

"I hear you knocked off his mask."

She didn't speak. Nadir sighed.

"He thinks you hate him."

"What? No! I'll admit it… it frightened me. That's the only reason that I ran. But I could never hate him!" Christine cried, looking at Nadir. He saw the strength and honesty in her eyes and smiled.

"I believe it, Christine. It's him that needs convincing." He nodded towards the window. Christine looked up and saw Erik standing in the shadows of the window. He met her gaze and then turned away abruptly, as though embarrassed to have been caught looking.

Nadir watched Christine closely. She kept her gaze on the window, as though hoping he would reappear. When he didn't she glanced over at Chima, trying to look as though she didn't care that much. Nadir smiled and got to his feet.

"I'll give you some peace." He said.

Marie and Meg waited in the kitchen for him.

"Well?" Marie asked. Nadir nodded.

"She's smitten."

"Thank goodness for that." Marie said, relieved. Meg smiled delightedly.

"Isn't this wonderful?"

"It will be if they can get their act together and own up to the fact that they love each other." Nadir said dryly. Meg waved an impatient hand.

"They will. They just need a little… persuasion."

Erik paced his study, muttering to himself. This was insanity, and he knew it. She was perfect, in every aspect. How could she possibly love him? How could he even believe that there was the slightest hope that his love could be returned?

Christine stood outside the door to the study, her hand lifted, ready to knock. But she hesitated, chewing her lip.

Watching from behind a door, Nadir, Meg and Marie waited impatiently for her to knock.

"What is she waiting for, the four horsemen of the apocalypse?" Nadir hissed.

Christine took a deep breath, lifted her fist again and moved forward. Nadir, Meg and Marie all sucked in their breath. And then Christine turned sharply away from the door, shaking her head and running her hands through her hair in anxiety.

The three spies all groaned and Meg said,

"They're useless!"

"Both as foolish as each other." Marie agreed. Nadir smiled.

"Never fear. They simply need a little intervention."

The intervention came the next day. Marie had never known that her daughter could be so devious, when she had first suggested the plan.

Christine was at the top of the stairs, walking down. Just as Erik was leaving his study, walking across to the library. Meg had loosened the carpet slightly, so when Christine stepped down, the carpet slid from beneath her and she was sent tumbling down the steps with a cry. The idea was that Erik would catch her.

What happened was that Christine tripped over the carpet, fell down the stairs and landed on top of Erik, knocking him over. They lay on the floor at the bottom of the stairs, both winded. Christine suddenly realised that she was lying across Erik and rolled off him quickly.

"I'm so sorry, Monsieur Dumas! The carpet was loose and I slipped!" she cried, humiliated. Erik got gingerly to his feet and held out a hand to help her.

"I'm sorry." She said again. He shook his head and smiled slightly, rubbing his side. She eyed it.

"Did I hurt you?"

"Just a bruise."

"Oh… can I get you anything? A cold cloth, or something?" she asked. Erik shook his head.

"It's fine. Are you alright?"

"I'm alright. You broke my fall." Christine pointed out.

Erik smiled slightly again and said,

"Then the bruise was clearly worth it." Christine flushed slightly, smiling. Erik coughed and said,

"If you see Marie, tell her I'd like some tea."

"Oh, I can fetch it."

"If you don't mind. White with-"

"One sugar, stirred well." Christine finished. Erik smiled.

"How do you know that?"

"I've seen Marie doing it. I'll be ten minutes."

"Very well. In the library." Erik said, moving towards the door.

Christine went down into the kitchen. Meg, Marie and Nadir were playing cards. As Christine put the kettle on she said,

"The carpet on the stairs has come loose. I fell down the stairs."

"Really? Are you alright?" Meg asked.

"I'm fine. I landed on top of Monsieur Dumas. Oh, it was so embarrassing!" Christine cried, covering her face with her hands. Marie and Nadir exchanged a glance.

"What did he say?"

"Oh, he was so polite about it. It just made things worse. I said I'd make him tea. Why am I so stupid?" She cried, getting cups out of the cupboard.

Meg laughed and patted her shoulder.

"It's not your fault that you slipped. I'll go and secure the carpet now." She and Marie left the kitchen. Christine carried on preparing tea and Nadir said,

"Have you spoken to him at all, since we had our little conversation?"

"No. Why would I?" Christine said, fetching milk. Nadir rolled his eyes behind her back.

"I thought you were worried that he thought you hated him."

"And what exactly am I supposed to say? Hello Monsieur Dumas, no I don't hate you, let's be the best of friends despite the fact I've done nothing except cause you problems since I got here!"

"Maybe not the best way to start." Nadir commented.

Christine sighed and sat down, waiting for the kettle to boil.

"I have caused nothing but trouble since I got here. Perhaps it would have been better if I had never come."

"Don't say that. Erik likes having you here, so do Marie and Meg. Don't put yourself down." Nadir said comfortingly. Christine smiled slightly.

"Thank you for saying it."

"I only do because it's true." He considered her for a moment and said, "Christine, when you've taken Erik his tea, go to the music room. I'll meet you there."

"What?"

"Just be there."

He got up and left. Christine stared after him and then massaged her forehead. These people gave her the worst headaches.

After she had delivered the tea, Christine went to the music room. She hadn't been in before, but she knew where it was. Nadir was sat at the piano. He couldn't play with the beauty that Erik did, but he was still rather good. He smiled as she entered.

"Now, Christine, I've heard that you can sing."

"Sing? Well, a little, I suppose…" she said, surprised.

"You know how to do scales?"

"Yes."

He started to play and Christine sang, a little bemused. Nadir smiled as he heard her. She was good. No wonder Erik was so transfixed.

"Do you know Think of Me? It's quite a popular song." He asked. She nodded.

"I know it."

He started to play and Christine listened, waiting for her cue. As she began to sing, she felt herself fixing into a state of pure joy, something she hadn't felt for a long time. A smile crossed her face and she closed her eyes as she sang.

Think of me

Think of me fondly

When we've said goodbye

Remember me

Once in a while please

Promise me you'll try

When you find

That once again you long

To take your heart back and be free

If you ever find a moment

Spare a thought for me

He stopped playing. Christine opened her eyes. He was looking at something behind her. She turned slowly and jumped.

Erik Dumas was stood in the doorway, watching her.

Christine flushed red and bowed her head.

"I'm sorry. Excuse me." She headed for the door but Erik held out a hand to stop her.

"Why are you sorry?"

"I shouldn't have… I mean…"

"Sing the next part." He said quietly.

Christine blinked and took a deep breath, trembling slightly.

We never said

Our love was evergreen

Or as unchanging as the sea

But if you can still remember

Stop and think of me

Erik stepped forward and looked at Nadir.

"Leave us." Nadir did so without a word. Christine stepped away from Erik, nervous.

"What…?" Erik turned her around so she had her back to him and placed his hands on her waist.

"Sing again."

"But-"

"Sing it!"

Christine started to sing, her voice wavering slightly.

Think of me

Think of me waking

Silent and resigned

Imagine me

Trying too hard

To put you from my mind

"Stop. Breathe from here." He said, moving his hand to just under his ribcage. He sensed her tenseness and whispered in her ear, "I won't hurt you."

Christine licked her lips and moved her head slightly, so she could meet his eye.

"I know you won't." She breathed.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, singing again. Erik's cheek was pressed against the side of her face as he held her, his left hand on her waist, the right on her ribs. She didn't sing Think of Me. Instead she allowed the sound to flow from her without words, just simple, flight-taking song.

Erik could feel his heart pounding painfully as he listened to the incredible sound of her voice. The smoothness of her skin under his cheek was intoxicating as her song, the sensation of holding her in his arms as amazing as the notes she reached.

And then she fell silent, slightly breathless in his hold. Neither of them moved. Neither of them wanted to. Erik couldn't bear the thought of releasing her. Christine stood still and then hesitantly lifted her hand and covered Erik's hand, the one on her ribs, as if to stop him from letting her go.

Erik pulled her closer to him, pressing his face to her hair. He breathed gently,

"An Angel of Music…" Christine tilted her head back slightly, pressing her face to his, not wanting to break the spell they were under.

And then the sound of Chima's barking from another room seemed to shatter the intensity between them. Christine blinked and turned to face him. Erik's hand fells from her body and she found she couldn't meet his eye. Erik stared down at her and was about to speak when she whispered,

"I should… I have chores…" She lifted her face to meet his. Erik swallowed hard and reached out with a hand, cupping her face. She instinctively moved her head to lean into his hand.

"Christine…" He whispered hoarsely, bowing his head to kiss her. She lifted her face to meet his.

For the briefest moment, their lips touched and then the sound of a door slamming made them spring apart. Someone had gone through the front door and the wind had blown it shut. Christine stared wide-eyed at the floor, unable to meet his eyes. Erik watched her, fearfully. After an agonisingly long period of time Christine took a deep breath and lifted her head.

"I'll… I'll go and finish my chores now."

And then she was gone. Erik sank onto the piano stool, holding his head in his hands, in wonder and fear.

Christine went out into the garden, dazed at what had happened. As she went into the sunlight, she met Meg, who had been fetching herbs from the garden.

"Are you alright, Christine? You look a little… I don't know, dazed." Meg commented. Christine blinked and looked at her.

"I'm fine. Fine…"

She wandered past and Meg watched her, one eyebrow raised. Love really did make people insane.

At dinner that night, neither Christine nor Erik spoke a word. Meg and Nadir kept up enough conversation to stop silence settling over the table, but Marie noticed the awkwardness between the two. She didn't comment of course. It wasn't the way she did things.

"Monsieur, I will be travelling to the town in a few days, for supplies. Is there anything would like me to get whilst I am there?" she asked Erik. He shook his head.

"No. I have everything I need."

"And you, Christine?"

Christine jumped as her name was said. She blinked, flushing slightly.

"I'm sorry?"

"Do you need anything from the town?" Marie asked again. Christine hesitated.

"I didn't know that there was a town nearby."

"Yes. I shall be setting out early, it is several hours away. Would you like anything?"

"Oh, no. I'm fine, thank you." Christine replied. And then she reconsidered.

"Actually, Madame Giry, there might be something… I don't know if it will be available but there is a book. I used to own a copy, but I left it in Nice."

"What is it called?" Nadir asked curiously. Christine smiled,

"The Angel of Music. It's quite an old story, and I don't know the name of the author."

"There is a bookshop in the town. I will see if it is there." Marie promised. Christine smiled.

"Thank you."

"What is so special about this book?" Meg asked. Christine laughed slightly,

"It was a book I read when I was growing up. It holds a great deal of sentimental value for me."

Erik smirked suddenly as he remembered the story she had told him the garden. He began to recite.

"Little Lotte let her mind wander. Little Lotte thought-"

"Am I fonder of dolls, or of goblins or shoes?" Christine finished, smiling. Nadir looked at Erik in surprise.

"You know it?"

"A little. I'm not quite sure of the rest. Would you?" He gestured at Christine and she laughed.

"Stop teasing, you do know it!"

"Indulge me then." Erik said, arching his fingers and resting his chin on them. Christine rolled her eyes.

"Oh, fine. 'No, what I like best' Lotte said, 'is when I'm asleep in my bed.'"

She fell silent and Erik gestured for her to continue. Christine laughed again and sang quietly,

"And the Angel of Music sings songs in my head, the Angel of Music sings songs in my head…" she glanced at Erik.

"Happy now?"

"Perfectly." He said airily, sipping his wine. Meg giggled.

"That's so strange! You remember the whole story?"

"There's a little more in there, but that's the important part of it. And I only remember it because we used to read it all the time." Christine said casually, reaching for her drink. Meg lifted her eyebrows.

"We? Who else used to read it?"

Erik placed his glass on the table a little harder than was necessary. Christine picked up her drink and said calmly,

"I used to read it with… with Raoul. When we were children. But I always kept it with me and I would love to have it again. Even if it does belong to the past."

She didn't look at Erik as she spoke but when she finished her eyes flickered over him, if only for a second. Marie nodded.

"I shall certainly see if it is there."

"Thank you." Christine said calmly.

A/N: Well, here you go! Glad you're enjoying it. Although I'm still not sure about it, at least some of you are! Yes, I'm going to South France, to La Rochelle if we're being precise. Two weeks in a tent. What fun. As for the length of this story, it's around twelve chapters. I haven't divided the end up yet and I'm doing a little reaaranging - mostly to provide you with more cliffhangers! Because I know you love those. Mwahaha!

A few people have asked about the name 'Dumas'. I stole it. Hee hee. There's a book in my spare room written by someone called Dumas, I think it's the person who wrote 'The Three Musketeers' or something like that. Anyway, it sounded French so I borrowed it! And, no, it's not pronounced Dumbass. Doo-mois.

Well, that's all until tomorrow, my friends. Please remember to put a donation in the little blue box below!

Love

Katie