Rain A Friendly Storm

It was only two days after Raoul's departure from Paris that Meg received an unexpected visitor. Lissette Marseille had, in her usual girlish way, rushed up the stairs to Meg's room. "Meg! Meg! There is a gentleman here to call on you."

Meg's heart began to beat wildly. "Le Vicomte?" Raoul had only just left Paris, she could not imagine he would have returned so soon.

Lissette shook her head, a wide grinning splitting her face. "No. But this one's just as handsome. He said he's come to talk to you about the Opera. Monsieur Ranier, I think he said."

The girl blushed madly. "But I was too busy looking at him to catch every word."

"Monsieur Ranier?" Meg instantly recognized the name. The new owner of the Opera Populaire. Come to see her? How strange? And how forward of him? But, as always, Meg's curiosity overrode her propriety, and she made her way down to the parlor.

The first thing she noticed when she entered the room was the impressive figure of Monsieur Ranier. He was easily taller than Raoul, and his back was wide and strong and covered with an impeccable tailored coat. Almost as though he sensed her entry, he turned--and Meg couldn't help but pause at the sight of him.

Lissette certainly had not been exaggerating. Monsieur Ranier was incredibly handsome. His hair was jet black and cut in a short style,but the cut didn't quite tame the waves that curled about his brow in a very pleasing way. His eyes were perhaps the most vibrant shade of green that Meg had ever seen--like emeralds. And they were set in an angular face of sculpted lines and perfect symmetry.

He smiled rakishly, full sensuous lips curving invitingly. "Mademoiselle Giry." His voice was deep and melodic. "You are even more beautiful up close than you are upon the stage."

Meg forced herself to stop staring at him and returned his smile. "I'm afraid that you have me at a disadvantage, Monsieur."

His smile turned a little guilty. "Forgive me, Mademoiselle. My name is Jean Ranier. I realize my calling upon you in this way is a little forward, but I assure you my intentions are pure. I have recently had the good fortune to acquire the Opera Populaire."

Meg nodded. "Yes, I have heard you are renovating the building."

"So then my presence here cannot be entirely unexpected, Mademoiselle."

"I assure you it is, sir. But as you are here now, might I inquire as to how the work is progressing?"

Monsieur Ranier laughed a little. "Slowly, I'm afraid. But I expect the stage to be ready in a few months. All I am in need of now is a cast to fill it."

Ah, and there it was. The possibility of returning to the Opera was one Meg had been both coveting and dreading. "So you have come to offer me a job?"

He nodded. "I have seen you perform several times at le Soliel, and you are quite a remarkable dancer. And I have been told you are a fine actress and can sing a little as well."

Meg laughed at that. "A very little, indeed."

His smile was slow, and his eyes let with an pure male appreciation. "Even so, I would be honored to have you."

Something about the inflection of his voice over the double entendre caused a shiver to pass over Meg. "I…am quite happy at the le Soliel, Monsieur."

He looked set to argue, but then he shook his head and smiled. "Mmm. I understand. I hope you will at least consider this initial offer, Mademoiselle. And I assure you it will not be my final offer."

"Of course I will consider it, Monsieur."

He smiled and took her hand, placing a lingering kiss there. "Please, I would like very much if you were to call me Jean. Especially if we are to have dinner tomorrow evening."

Meg stiffened in shock. My, but he was forward, wasn't he? "I do not recall agreeing to dinner, Monsieur."

He laughed. "Will you? I would very much like to discuss my plans…for your career."

Meg did not miss the telling pause in his words. She was slightly annoyed at his blatant flirtation, but still strangely flattered by it. And curious. She couldn't help but be interested in returning to the Opera--the opportunity was too good to simply reject outright. And Jean Ranier was certainly an attractive, enigmatic man. Perhaps she should…

No! She could not do such a thing to Raoul! But as soon as the thought entered her mind, she gently admonished herself for it. Her confusing feelings for Raoul were entirely unrequited. She was strictly his friend. But this man…

Before she even realized what she was saying, she heard herself agreeing to dinner. "I would like that…Jean."

He grinned again, pressing another kiss to the hand he still held in his own. "Then I will call on you tomorrow evening, Mademoiselle. Good day."

His powerful form disappeared with a nod and a grin, and Meg was left wondering what in heaven's name had just come over her.

xXx

Meg closed the front door of the Marseille House with a quiet click. Her evening with Jean had ended later than she had anticipated, their conversation at the restaurant lasting hours. She had entirely lost track of time as he had spoken of his plans for the Opera, his knowledge of music, art, literature, and the childhood experiences that had first peaked his interest in all things dramatic.

It had become quickly apparent that Jean Ranier was every bit as bold as he had appearedat their first meeting. He was obviously used to success, and unaccustomed to anyone saying no to him. But he imposed his will in such a charming way that one could hardly mind his persistence. And, oh, the way he had looked at her! Meg was almost certain she was on his list of objects to be acquired, and it made her nervous. And excited. And…guilty.

She couldn't help thinking of Raoul, and wishing that he would look at her in such a way. Meg sighed, turning towards the stairs with the intention of sneaking to her room, but before she had the chance, the foyer filled with light and her mother stood scowling at the base of the stairwell.

"Marguerite Amelia Giry! Do you know the hour?"

Meg sighed and slumped against the door. "Yes, Maman. I did not mean to worry you. Monsieur Ranier and I were delayed at the restaurant."

"Delayed? And just what delayed you child? If Monsieur Ranier has acted in any way improper…"

"He has not, Maman. He was a perfect gentleman."

Antoinette shook her head and lowered her voice. "Meg, that man is far too bold to be a true gentleman. And you are far too trusting."

"I am not a child, Maman. Though you seem to constantly see me as one. Other women have suitors…why should I not have one as well?"

"One, perhaps, Meg. But certainly not two! That can bring only trouble, as you well know."

Meg felt her color rise. "Well then, you will be glad to know that I have none! Only one prospective employer who likely charms every pretty girl he sees, and one…friend…who it seems would rather be anywhere but near me now!"

The tears that Meg had been holding back since Raoul had left Paris fell freely now, and Antoinette embraced her daughter. "Oh, my child. I feared thatyou would fall in love with le vicomte."

Meg shook her head and sniffled. "I…am…not…in…l-love. We are…only…f-friends."

Antoinette laughed a little. "Of course you are. Hush now. We will talk some more in the morning."

Meg allowed herself to be led by her mother back to her room, and tucked into bed as if she were a little child again. She took comfort in it, wishing she could go back. Knowing she could not.

And as the darkness of sleep claimed Meg, her last thoughts were ones of regret. That she could never be Christine.

A/N: Alright,the first little plot bunnyhopped onto the scene. My humble thanks to those of you continuing to read...

Poor Meg... What's a ballet rat to do?