A Place In My Heart

Chapter Eight

Erik and Meg rode along the path and finally reached a pair of wrought iron gates. Behind them, up a long pathway stood the house of Thomas de Fenz.

"This is it." Meg said. Erik hadn't wanted her to come but hadn't been able to stop her once she'd made up her mind. He nodded.

"Now we just have to find out if she's in there."

"And figure out a way of getting her out." Meg commented, dismounting. Erik frowned.

"What are you doing, Little Giry?"

"Trust me."

She crossed to the guard and smiled brightly.

"Good afternoon."

"Good afternoon, Miss. May I help you?" The guard asked.

"I'm looking for someone, a friend of mine. Her name is Christine Daae. I was told that she was here?" Meg said, smiling sweetly.

"She is, Miss. I would let you in, but I'll have to ask the Viscount and I believe Miss Daae is ill at the current time. I don't know if she's receiving company."

"Oh no, how dreadful! I shouldn't like to bother her if she's ill. No, I'll come back another time." Meg said earnestly. The guard smiled and nodded.

"You do that, Miss. I'm sure she'd be delighted to see you."

"Thank you for your help, monsieur."

She returned to Erik, who was hidden in a nearby alley.

"She's in there. But the guard said she's ill and not receiving company."

"I see. In that case, we'll come back tonight and see just how ill she is." Erik said calmly. Meg remounted her horse and they rode away down the street.

Christine lay in her bed, sleeping fitfully. She didn't hear Thomas come in and slip between the covers of her bed. His hand reached for her, drawing her close to him. She sighed in her sleep and snuggled closer impulsively.

Thomas smiled and put his arms around her, gazing at her face in the light of the dying fire that burned in the fireplace.

"Mine. My Christine…" He whispered, kissing her hair. With one hand he stroked the soft skin of her cheek, running his hand down her arm, relishing the warmth of her body against his. She made a quiet noise of satisfaction, rolling over so her face was pressed against his shoulder. Thomas smiled again, pressing his lips to her forehead. The sudden movement woke her. She blinked in confusion and then gasped, throwing herself back from him.

"Thomas!"

"You're awake." Thomas smiled. Christine scrambled out bed, standing in her nightgown before him.

"What on earth do you think you're dong?" She demanded furiously. He sat up.

"I was watching you sleep."

Christine closed her eyes in disgust and wrapped her arms around herself in horror. She lit the lamps around the room, not wanting the dim, deceiving light anymore.

"Leave me alone, Thomas."

"Don't you think you're overreacting a little?" He commented, climbing out of the bed. He was dressed in just his underwear. Christine looked away from him in humiliation.

"No, I don't. I think I reacted very understandably to finding a half-naked man in my bed!"

"Soon you will be waking every night to find me there." Thomas told her and she shook her head fiercely.

"No. Never."

She moved over to the window and looked out, not wanting to look at him any longer. He stepped towards her in silence, brushing back the hair from her neck, placing his cheek against the top of her head.

"Oh, Christine." He sighed. "Why must you fight so hard?"

"Why can't you take no for an answer?" She shot back at him.

"Because I love you."

"And I love Erik."

The hand he had placed on her waist tensed suddenly. She winced as he squeezed her side.

"Ow!"

"I told you not to say his name again." He said in a dangerously calm voice. And then he became tender and loving again, his hand moving across her stomach. She tensed as his other hand slipped down her arm to lace his fingers through hers. Christine felt the air freeze in her lungs and a shiver shot through her as he whispered in her ear,

"My Christine. My love."

"Thomas, stop this." She said in a calm but firm tone. He ignored her, kissing her temple. She flinched way, staring out of the window at the row of trees below. And then she looked at them sharply.

Something had moved out there. Among the trees, she was sure that she had seen something. Christine leant forward to look more closely and Thomas asked,

"What's wrong?"

"I thought I saw something…" She frowned, peering at the trees. Nothing stirred. Thomas looked out too.

"I'll send a guard around."

"No. No, it's just my imagination." Christine said quietly. But inside, her heart was racing. Because she had seen something that had made the blood pound through her veins. A glimpse of a white mask in the darkness.

She looked out into the darkness once more and saw it again, very briefly. A smile crossed her lips briefly as it looked up at the window. Christine leaned forward and opened the window, allowing a cool breeze to enter the room. Then she turned and saw Thomas looking at her. She met his gaze for a moment and then lowered her eyes.

"I'm tired. I want to sleep."

"How can you possibly sleep on a night like this?" Thomas smiled. Christine lifted an eyebrow.

"A night like what?"

"A night so beautiful." He said, gesturing at the star filled sky. Christine moved past him, extinguishing the gas lamps but leaving a candle lit by the bed.

"I'll manage. So if you wouldn't mind leaving…"

There was no reply. She glanced at him. He was stood stock still, his eyes glazed over. Christine frowned.

"Thomas?" He didn't reply. She touched his arm. "Thomas, what's the matter with you?"

He blinked suddenly and looked at her, as if only just seeing her for the first time.

"Christine…" He said hoarsely. She stepped back. He had a strange expression on his face, something halfway between a frown and a smile.

"Thomas, stop. What's wrong with you?" She said nervously. But suddenly he had grabbed her, pulling her into a fierce kiss. She hit out at him and he pulled his face back.

"Let me go! What are you doing?" She demanded.

"God, Christine, you're so beautiful." He murmured, kissing her again. She jerked her face away so he ended up kissing her hair, but his grip on her arms was too strong. One hand moved up into her hair, forcing her face back to his. She tried to scream for help but his mouth covered hers.

"Thomas, get off of me!" She snarled, twisting away from him. But before she could say anything further he had pulled her back, throwing her onto the bed. She cried out for help but no one came running.

Thomas gazed down at her, brushing her hair away from her face before kissing her again, pulling her so she was sat up and pulling the nightgown over her head. Christine cried out, clutching at the thin cotton. But Thomas threw it to one side and began to pull off his own underclothes. Christine tried to roll away but he pulled her back.

"My Christine. My Christine…" He said throatily. Christine whimpered and then screamed.

"Someone help me!"

"Shh, my darling. Why do you deny me this on our wedding night?"

Christine stared at him.

"Thomas, we're not married. What are you talking about?"

"My bride." He said and bent his head to kiss her shoulder. Christine pushed him away and gasped in agony as he bit at the skin.

"Stop! Thomas, you're hurting me." She cried.

"No… no one will ever hurt you, my love." He whispered. Christine felt tears spring to her eyes and put a hand to her shoulder. It came away red. He had pierced the skin with his teeth. He was everywhere, his hands touching all of her that he could reach, running over the skin of her stomach, his breath warm against her skin. Christine screamed again and he put a hand over her mouth.

"No more screaming, Christine. No more." He said soothingly. She took his hand away gently and looked up at him.

"Please don't do this, Thomas. I'm begging you, please don't… it's not our wedding night, we're not married. Please… please don't do this to me." She begged quietly.

Thomas looked at her in confusion, spots of her blood on his lips.

"Why are you saying things like that? Why are you…?" He blinked, shaking his head. "You are my wife, Christine."

"No! No, Thomas, we never got married! Remember today? The de Chagnys came for tea and then… we never married." Christine said gently. She watched with fearful eyes, begging for him to remember, to recover his senses.

Slowly his eyes seemed the change. From ferocious and desiring, they became confused and a look of realisation shot through them. He stared down at the naked woman beneath him and let out a shuddering breath. Slowly, he climbed off her. Christine instantly reached for her nightgown, slipping it over her head. She felt much better once her body was hidden from his eyes. She looked at him. He was sat on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands. Quietly she said,

"Go to your bed, Thomas. Go to sleep."

He stood, pulling on his underwear and then went to the door without speaking. He glanced back at her as he opened the door. She watched almost fearfully, terrified he would return to her. But he simply went through the door, a confused look on his face.

Christine leant against the wall, trembling. What was wrong with him? It was almost as though there were two people inside him, each of them fighting for control. And then she remembered and crossed to the window. She looked down at the trees, but could see no sign of Erik. There was a small balcony and she stepped through the doors into the cold night air. Below here, everything was still. She looked down to peer through the darkness. Nothing.

Christine hurried indoors and went to the cupboard. This had clearly been someone else's room some time ago and there were a variety of clothes in the cupboard, as well as the ones Thomas had had sent to her. Christine selected a pair of trousers. They were too big but she tied some cord around the waist, pulling on a loose, dark shirt and some shoes before going back out to the balcony. She was on the second floor and had a vague idea of climbing down. It wouldn't be easy, but she couldn't stay here for a moment longer. She wouldn't.

She climbed over the edge of the balcony and began to climb down, clinging to the climbing parts that covered the wall. But when she was about ten metres from the ground, the plant she had taken a hold of snapped off from the wall, sending Christine plummeting to the ground. She cried out and braced herself for the landing. But she didn't land on the ground. She landed on something.

No. Someone.

She sat up and looked down at the person beneath her. Her eyes widened.

"Erik!" She cried and then gasped as a light came on in the house. Erik lifted her to her feet and dragged her behind a tree, clamping a hand over her mouth. Cautiously he peered out from behind the tree. Conversation floated through the open window, two servants talking.

"Can't sleep either?"

"No. I heard screaming."

"The Daae girl. No doubt the Viscount paid her a little visit. Lord, he needs a doctor."

"He doesn't need a doctor, he needs to be in an asylum before he hurts himself. Or her."

Their voices faded away as they moved to a different room. Erik looked down at her.

"Are you alright?" He whispered and she nodded. He looked back at the house and then pulled her hand.

"Come on. Meg's waiting with the horses." He murmured.

They ran through the dark grounds to a wall. An old, forgotten door stood partly open and Christine slipped through. Instantly she felt Meg hug her.

"Oh, Christine, thank God you're alright!" she whispered.

"Not now, Little Giry. We've got to get away." Erik said quietly. He helped Christine onto one of the horses and climbed on behind her, Meg mounting the second animal. He flicked the reins and the horse set off, Meg's by their side.

Christine soon fell asleep with the rocking motion of the horses. When she awoke they were trotting along a deserted country lane. She blinked and looked around in confusion. What? Where was she?

"Good morning." Erik murmured. Christine looked up quickly and a smile spread across her face.

"Erik! You came for me."

"Of course." He said, as though it were obvious. She closed her eyes, leaning against him, happiness coursing through her.

"I thought I was never going to see you again. Did Marie get home safely?"

"Yes. She did." Erik confirmed. Christine gave a sigh of relief.

"Thank God for that. I was so worried."

Meg smiled across at her.

"How are you feeling?" She asked Christine.

"Much better then I did last night, I can tell you that."

"What happened? Monsieur Dumas and I sneaked into the grounds and you were stood at the window with someone."

"It was Thomas." Christine said quietly. She felt Erik tense behind her and said quickly, "Nothing happened. It almost… but he didn't. There was something wrong with him, he kept changing. One moment he'd be fine and the next… it was so strange, he kept insisting that we were married."

"Was it awful?" Meg asked quietly. Christine nodded.

"Yes… I saw Raoul's family."

"What?"

"Thomas invited them for tea. He told them that I was suffering from trauma and I had lost my mind and I told them that he had killed Raoul but they didn't believe me. I kept trying to tell them that he was lying but…"

She fell silent. Erik looked down at her and then frowned.

"There's blood on your shirt." Christine looked down at her shoulder. Dark brown stained the white shirt. She lifted the cloth and saw the teeth marks. Erik touched them, holding the reins with one hand.

"Did he do this to you?"

"Yes. When he was… when he was behaving oddly." Christine said, covering the marks again. Meg looked up at the sun.

"We're not far from a town. I'll ride ahead and book us rooms at the inn. We should rest before going the rest of the way and the horses need to rest."

"Go on, Little Giry." Erik nodded. Meg spurred ahead. She knew they needed time alone to talk.

When she had gone, Erik asked,

"Did he rape you?"

"No. He almost… he tried twice. Last night and the day I got there. I managed to stop him both times."

"If I had a chance I'd kill him." Erik snarled. Christine didn't reply. She stared ahead at the road and then said,

"I think he's gone mad, Erik. He wasn't the same person I used to know. He was so… so different."

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to." He told her and she nodded. One day, she would tell him. But now it was still too fresh in her memory. And then she clutched his hand.

"Erik, what if he comes after us? He'll know where we've gone. He knows where the castle is."

"When he gets to the castle, there will be no one there."

"No one…?"

Erik smiled slightly.

"Nadir's idea. He owns a rather large house in England. A lovely place, I've been there before a couple of times. We're going to meet Marie and Nadir at the castle, collect a few things and then go to England. For a year, maybe two. When enough time has passed we can return."

Christine smiled.

"Nadir thought of everything, didn't he?"

"He did. He's even come up with some rather convincing travel papers for us. Do you mind being Madame Dumas for the journey? It will be much easier to explain." She looked at him in surprise.

"No, Erik. I don't mind a bit." She said happily, settling back in her seat, leaning against him comfortably.

Erik looked down at her and couldn't prevent a smile from crossing his face as he spurred the horse on.

Meg had taken two rooms out at the inn. She smiled as they came in and told them,

"I don't know if you two want to… or Christine come with me. Your choice. Anyway, there's food available and we should probably get something to eat before sleeping."

They moved into the eating area of the inn, sitting at a table. The barkeeper took their orders and Christine looked at Meg.

"Is Nadir alright?"

"Oh, yes. He's healing up nicely, although his rib is cracked. That'll take a while to heal. He and Mother are packing up a few essential pieces, ready to leave. How are you, though?" Meg said, concernedly. Christine smiled slightly.

"I'm fine. Really, I'm…" She fell silent. Meg patted her hand.

"It will get better, Christine. It will."

"It will now that I'm with you." Christine said, looking at the pair of them. They both smiled at her.

After that they had eaten, they instantly retired to their rooms. Christine hesitated and then followed Erik. Meg didn't say anything but smiled happily as she went to her own room. Erik turned to Christine and his eyes fell once more on the bite.

"I'll clean that before it gets infected."

He took a bowl of clean water and a small bottle of lotion, wiping the dried blood away. Christine winced and hissed as he applied the lotion. It stung terribly but she didn't complain.

"It's not too deep, fortunately." Erik murmured. Christine looked down at the swollen red marks. "Meg brought some spare clothes, we'll fetch them from her after we've slept. We leave at nightfall. We will travel more quickly in darkness."

Christine nodded and watched him silently as he disposed of the water, hung his cloak on the door and then turned back to her. He was frowning, concerned about something. She stood nervously.

"I can't believe that you came for me." She whispered. Erik frowned.

"Christine, I would never have left you in his hands. I… I love you."

Christine felt like crying again but instead she moved across to him and put her arms around his neck, clinging to him like a child.

"Don't leave me, Erik. Please, don't leave me."

"Never. Never…" Erik promised.

After a few minutes they lay down to sleep, still clinging to each other like drowning sailors to driftwood.

They set off at sunset, refreshed from their sleep and ready for the long journey. Erik said that if they rode quickly, they could reach the castle by the next morning. With the help of a few shortcuts.

They rode all night, Meg wrapped in woollen blankets, Erik and Christine sharing their body heat and Erik's cloak. Christine found herself half-dozing for most of the journey, which surprised her since she had spent most of the day sleeping.

Just after dawn, they arrived at the castle gates. Meg climbed down and opened them and they rode through. Hearing hoof beats, Nadir and Marie threw open the front door and hurried down the steps to greet them.

"Meg, Christine, Erik! Oh thank lord." Marie cried, hugging each of them. She peered at Christine. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Marie." Christine smiled. She hugged Nadir and Erik asked,

"Are we nearly ready?"

"We've got the essential things packed. Obviously the furniture will have to stay, but there's not much we can do about that."

"Leave the furniture. Christine, Little Giry, go and collect anything you need." Erik said, leading the horses to the stable. Nadir and Marie had already set up the cart, filling it with bags and cases.

A few minutes later Christine and Meg returned, each clutching a bag. Erik was looking worriedly at the time but Nadir said,

"Erik, calm down. We've got plenty of time. We're going to go to the town, pick up some food supplies and start north. We've got a long journey, at least a week." He began to hand out bundles of paper. "These are your travel papers. Don't lose them."

"Nadir! You called me Marguerite!" Meg said furiously, waving the papers at him. Nadir blinked.

"That's your name."

"Christine got a fake name, why can't I have one?"

"Oh, Meg, don't be so awkward." Marie snapped

Christine looked down at her own papers. Madame Christine Dumas was printed across them. She smiled slightly. Marie took the papers and put them in her bag.

"You'll all lose them if you keep them." She said, taking them from Erik, who looked rather affronted. "Now, come on! We're wasting the light."

Nadir and Marie sat on the driver's bench, Nadir taking the reins whilst Erik, Christine and Meg sat in the back of the cart with the bags. Chima leapt onto Christine's lap, tongue lolling happily. Meg had knelt up by the bench and was talking cheerfully with her mother and Nadir. Erik looked across at Christine, who was stroking Chima's soft fur. She caught his eye and offered a smile. He returned it, reaching over and taking her hand in his. She shifted some bags slightly and moved so she was sat next to him, her head leaning on his shoulder, He rested his cheek against the top of her head and then jumped as Chima leapt into his lap to join in. Christine giggled slightly and closed her eyes. Erik watched the passing countryside and soon became lost in his thoughts.

The journey to England was long and tiring. When they crossed the channel, Meg proved to be rather susceptible to seasickness and spent most of the journey, leaning over the edge of the boat, with Christine holding her hair back. Once they had landed in Dover they began their journey in England.

"My house isn't too far. Two days away." Nadir said cheerfully. Erik grunted and Christine mumbled something. All of them were tired of travelling by that point and only Nadir, with his constant optimistic attitude, was able to keep a smile on his face.

On the second day, in the late afternoon, Christine, who had been reading, with Meg's sleeping head in her lap looked up as Nadir gave a shout.

"Here we are!" Christine shook her friend awake and they all sat up to peer at the brick house.

It was of a considerable size, surrounded by trees and land. It was very pretty, a drastic change from the gothic nature of the castle.

"I haven't been here in many years, but I've been paying a woman to take care of it. It should be perfectly ready for our arrival."

The cart came to a stop outside the front doors. Nadir helped Marie down and then offered a hand to Meg, who jumped down. Erik also climbed down and then lifted Christine who laughed.

"I'm not helpless, Erik!"

"I am well aware that you're not." He smiled, offering his arm. She rolled her eyes with a laugh, but took it as they climbed the steps to the front door. Nadir opened the door and led them into a comfortable entrance hall.

He looked around and called out in English. Christine instantly foresaw a problem.

"Erik, I don't speak any English." She hissed. He nodded.

"I do. Little Giry?"

"Not a word. Mother can."

Christine chewed her lip anxiously and then they all turned as a plump woman, clutching a child to her, appeared. Her face broke into a smile and she began to talk happily with Nadir, who kissed her hand elegantly. Christine tugged Erik's sleeve and he said,

"From what I understand, her name is Lucinda. She's the woman who has been taking care of the house and that is one of her five children."

"Five?" Meg said in disbelief. But they got no further for Lucinda had turned to them and said in halting French,

"Good afternoon. Your journey was good?"

Erik instantly said something in smooth English and Lucinda smiled. Erik gestured at Christine and Meg and said something and Lucinda smiled at them.

"You will learn English quickly." She told them.

"You speak very good French." Meg said and Lucinda laughed.

"I learn quickly! You will too. You are hungry? I have food."

She put down her child, who was only a toddler and pushed the two girls to the dining room with Erik, Nadir and Marie. A delicious array of food was set out and the travellers sat down, Lucinda bustling around, chatting in a mixture of French and English, serving them food, pouring drinks before leaving them to eat. Nadir smiled around at them.

"She's a good woman."

"She seems it." Meg agreed, tucking into her full plate. They fell silent for some time, eating hungrily. Then Nadir said,

"There is so much to see in England. London is only two days away, we're not too far from the coast and the local towns are quite charming."

"I can't wait to learn English!" Christine said happily. Erik smiled.

"It's a complicated language."

"We have plenty of time." Christine pointed out. "Two years is quite enough time to learn a new language."

"We'll rest for the remainder of the day and tomorrow we can go and see the nearest town." Nadir suggested. "The easiest way to pick up a language is to hear it."

Christine didn't reply. She was thinking furiously.

"What if… what if Thomas comes to England?"

"Why should he?"

"He has family in London. He doesn't visit them often but…"

"The laws will protect you. You are under my roof and whilst you are here he cannot touch you. His status as a viscount will do little to help him here." Nadir promised. "And besides… according to your passport, you are already married. Perhaps it would not be such a bad idea to keep up the pretence."

Christine looked at Erik and he shrugged and smiled.

"I'm sure we will manage."

"It'll be a strain, but somehow you'll put up with it." Meg said in a cheerfully sarcastic voice. Christine smiled and nodded.

"Very well. Christine Dumas."

"It suits you." Meg laughed. Christine laughed too and smiled.

"Does it?"

"It does." Erik said quietly. Christine smiled slightly at him and he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small box.

"Here. Let's at least make it look convincing." He said, handing it to her. She opened and laughed.

"Oh, Erik!"

She slipped on the gold band and smiled. Erik smirked.

"There. Now, to the outside world, we are perfectly legitimate married couple." Christine giggled at the absurdity of it, but couldn't help feeling happy. Then she looked mischievously at Nadir and Marie.

"What about them? Shouldn't they be married as well?"

"Do be serious, Christine." Marie said. But Erik smirked.

"I think she's got a point. English society is far more strict about this sort of thing."

"Oh, does that mean I have to start calling Nadir Father?" Meg said, looking appalled. Nadir spluttered through his wine.

"Definitely not!"

"If anyone asks, we may as well say that we are married. But they're not likely to take an interest in us. Erik and Christine will be far more interesting."

"The newlyweds. How long before the children, what sort of estate have you got, do you often come to England?" Nadir said cheerfully. Erik and Christine both went rather pink.

Meg giggled.

"Oh, this is going to be so much fun!"

"Speak for yourself." Christine muttered.

When they retired to bed, everyone in separate rooms, Christine found she couldn't sleep. She was worried about Thomas, restless from worry and couldn't stop thinking about Erik. She absently twisted the ring on her left hand and wondered if he was sleeping yet.

And then there was a tapping on the door. Christine turned to see it open and Erik moved into the dark room.

"You couldn't sleep either?" He murmured and she shook her head.

"Erik, I'm frightened."

"Of him?"

She nodded, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"He won't stop. He won't give up until he's found us."

"Then we'll be ready. I'm not letting you go. Not again. No matter how many broom cupboards you push me into." He told her, ruining his hand through her hair. She smiled.

"Sorry about that."

"Don't be." He said quietly, drawing her to him. She leant against him, closing her eyes in breathing in the scent of him.

"I won't let him take you away. Not again." He promised her. She looked up at him.

"I'll never leave your side again. Not for a minute."

She reached up and pulled his mask away before kissing him. He pulled her closer, feeling the heat of her through his thin shirt, wanting her more than anything in the world. But she tensed suddenly and he frowned.

"Christine?" she looked up and he saw an expression of fear cross her face momentarily.

"I… I'm sorry, I just…"

Erik understood.

"We can wait."

"I'm sorry." She whispered, feeling a lump in her throat. Erik hugged her.

"It's alright, Christine." He told her gently. But inside, he was seething with anger at Thomas de Fenz, for what he had done to her, this sweet, beautiful girl.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" She asked quietly. Erik nodded and they lay down together. Suddenly Christine felt tired and found herself slipping into sleep.

"Goodnight Erik."

"Goodnight, my angel." He whispered. She smiled faintly, nuzzling her face against him.

A/N: Plenty of Erik this chapter! Expect a lot of updates this weekend, I go on holiday on Monday and come back on August 8th. And I FINALLY broke up from school today. It's about time, frankly. Anyway, more updates tomorrow.

Love

Katie