Thank you for the lovely reviews. Some of you wondered if the story was over. Hardly! I can't leave poor Reggie in Cambodia and poor Michelle is a mess. What is she going to do when he returns? Erik and Meg haven't overcome their obstacles yet.
Jen Lennon, are you ok?
Prying Pandora: I suspected that you were a loyal Christine supporter by your profile. I love Christine too, but the SILLY GIRL TURNED HIM DOWN! Anyway, glad that you gave our story a chance.
Charity, Misty, darkautumnchild, HPROXMYSOX, phantomlover22, Captain Oblivious and Princess Persephone, I'm so grateful for your steady reviews. Some days when I get feeling insecure, I think of you, my loyal readers, and it cheers me up considerably. :) :Group Hug:
Patiens-liberi: It's great to read your responses. You give such detail and a lot for me to think about.
Dragonheart RAB, it good to hear from you again!
taeyeon: I'm glad you finally reviewed! Good to hear from ya'!
Renee17: Thank you for your appreciation of one of my favorite lines and your loyalty.
Vagrant Candy: Thank you! and it doesn't end here.
jtbwriter; Good to hear from you and I hope you enjoy what is yet to come.
'Nee: Love that you love the story.
Katherine: Such detailed and specific reviews...How can I complain? Thank you!
It was late in the morning when Meg opened her eyes. Erik was gone, but Meg hadn't really expected him to remain past daybreak. There was still a silent barrier that kept him from expressing himself. He'd held back when she had given herself entirely to him. She knew it, though she could not describe how she knew. Not for a moment did he humiliate or use her callously. He was gentle and considerate and she loved him all the more for it, but instinctively she felt there was something missing. Trust? He still did not trust her. The revelation was not unexpected, but still nonetheless painful.
It was nothing short of a miracle that he had married her to begin with. The events of the previous evening seemed to blur into an impossible puzzle. Had she really married the man she'd referred to as 'The Phantom of the Opera'? Surely they were not one and the same.
She held the duvet to her chest as she looked around the room for her nightgown and robe. They lay in a mound of lace and silk on the floor. Taking the sheet with her as she slipped from under the cover and wrapping it around her, she created a make-shift sarong. Meg made quick work of a bath and dressed quickly.
Darcy arrived with a breakfast tray and placed it on a table near a window. "The marquis says you should hurry. He wants to leave right away."
Leave? Where is he going? Meg was suddenly angry that he did not speak to her himself. She knew nothing about him leaving. Didn't a husband speak with his wife before making decisions for her? She did not voice her opinions. It would not do to have the servants gossiping.
Eustacia was in the smaller parlor and called out to her as she walked by the door. Meg went to her and kissed her cheek.
"Good morning, Grandmére." She said.
"I am so glad to see you, dear. For a moment there, I wondered if I had dreamed it all." She said, patting Meg's hand. "You must be a lovely girl to put up with Erik. He will hardly speak to me. I think he is still angry with me. But what is an old woman to do, when her only living offspring is so stubborn? You will give Erik children, won't you, dear? I don't like to use such harsh tactics as blackmail, but truly, I feared I would die before I saw another member of my family brought into this world. I do hope that you can forgive Erik for his undisciplined ways but you know he didn't really have anyone to show him any better."
"I don't understand, Grandmére. What do you mean that you don't like to use blackmail?" Meg asked, bewildered.
"Nothing, child... 'Tis an old woman babbling." Eustacia corrected hastily. "Go now. Erik will be wondering about you."
Meg found Erik in the library moments later. He gazed at her in a way that made Meg wonder if he was seeing her or an apparition. For an instant, he seemed in awe of her presence. It so disconcerted her that she forgot to be angry with him. He had that effect on her. She could be furious with him one minute and when he looked at her as he did then, her wrath evaporated. What was it that had made her so upset? Indeed there was a vulnerability about him that made her wonder what she'd been thinking. How could she have believed that he didn't trust her. It was himself he didn't trust. Why had she not seen it before?
"We must hurry. When the papers get a hold of your abduction, there will be no peace in this house. " Erik said breaking the silence. "I don't suppose there is a chance that your mother will fail to hear of it."
There were so many questions that still needed answers. She desperately wanted to know what had transpired that made him a marquis with a grandmother and apparently more money that she'd ever imagined. Meg simple lacked the courage to insist that he tell her. What fragile communication they shared now may not survive any hard questions.
"Where are we going?" She asked meekly.
"The Chateau de Bagen, of course." He said, as though she should already know.
"Of course."
It came as an even greater surprise that she was expected to ride her own horse...sidesaddle! Lily had included a stylish riding habit of soft, lightweight blue wool in the clothes she had sent to the house. Meg had never ridden a horse in her life, the previous night being the exception and she had no idea how to guide the animal.
Erik seemed surprised that she was so ill-educated that she did not even know how to ride. What did he expect? He did manage to hide his irritation to some degree and showed her how to handle the reins. She was slow at first, but the palomino was a gentle and well trained mare. In time, Meg was able to get the hang of it and found that she rather enjoyed the experience. However, she'd only been riding for a few hours when her backside became sore.
"How long before we get there?" Meg asked shifting uncomfortably.
"At the rate were going, about four days." Erik answered.
"No!" Meg gasped.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize that you had never ridden a horse before." Erik didn't sound sorry enough.
"Why couldn't we have taken a carriage?" Meg wasn't pleased at the prospect of riding til her entire body was black and blue.
"Is it so wrong for a man to want his wife by his side so soon after he is married? Besides, this way, we are riding together instead of one inside while the other one is out in the weather." Erik watched her. Meg looked away. "I see. You don't mind me being out in the weather as much yourself!"
"I shall be sunburned and freckled before we get there." Meg was sorry for her words. She sounded petty and spoiled. In comparison to Erik's facial disfigurement, complaining about sunburn and freckles was silly. She would avoid doing it again.
"You'll get used to in a few days. It gets easier. I promise." Meg really didn't want to get used to it. She tried to be brave. It would do no good to continue whining about something that wasn't going to change. Meg endured, but the journey was longer than she'd expected. Even the scenery did nothing to alleviate her misery. They stopped on occasion to eat the food Milton had packed for them and let the horses get a drink. It seemed that Erik avoided the main highway. Perhaps that was another reason for him taking the horses without the carriage. The carriage would have required them to stay on the main road.
Meg felt bad for her protest and did not mention the carriage again. There was nothing more important to her than his safety and comfort.
It was late, well into the night when Meg and Erik arrived at the country cottage for the night. It appeared to be a modest two story structure. Three dormers emerged, evenly spaced in the steep roof. The main body of the house was built of natural stone and mortar. Tall windows were set on both sides of the centered door.
"Whose house is it?" Meg asked, wondering if they were treading on another's property.
"Mine." Erik answered, his lips twitched in amusement.
"How may houses do you have?" Meg didn't mean to sound doubtful, but it was hard to hide.
"Five houses and an ancient castle." Erik said, as he helped her dismount. She was so stiff and sore, she could barely stand and walking was a chore.
"Do I dare ask why you lived in the cellars of the Opera Populaire if you owned five houses and a castle?" She rubbed her aching muscles.
"Because my grandmother did not trust me to do my duty to the vast holdings of the title. It would seem that she's become desperate since the last accountant stole a sizable amount of money. And, since I'm the only family she has left, even my misbegotten countenance is not as bad as having the family line die out." Erik tethered the horses, then taking pity on her sore muscles, he carried her into the house.
The house was unpretentious, comfortable and tidy. The front door led into a cosy parlor. Erik took her straight to her room. There was no one else in the house.
"Did Eustacia blackmail you into getting married?" She asked him the question while he still held her.
"What did she say to you?" Erik went suddenly still.
"That she hated using blackmail, but you were so stubborn, what else could she do. Did you marry me to satisfy your grandmother so she would give you the money?" Meg hadn't intended to ask that question right now, but it was getting harder to ignore.
"Is that what you believe?" Erik put her down on the soft feather bed.
"I don't want to believe it. But, it was all so sudden." Meg said, following a groan inspired by her aching backside.
"Perhaps by your standards, it was. But, how long has it been since you first imposed yourself into my life. What do you expect from a man who has lived alone for so many years? Every time we met, it seems, you wanted something from me. I was just too dull to figure it out until you put together this engagement. Did you really intend to marry that man? If you did, then I should apologize for interfering. But, I knew you were trying to bait me. You see, I'm figuring you out. It's your way to throw out little comments that stay in a man's head." Erik smiled in spite of himself, and a mischievous twinkle lit up his eyes.
Meg looked away blushing. Erik knelt down on one knee to bring himself to her level.
"You don't even deny it. Smart girl. There was your comment about climbing up to your balcony to make love to you. How was I supposed to forget that one?" Erik spoke softly, sending a chill through Meg. It was as though he could read her mind.
"You make it sound so vulgar. I am ashamed of my own thoughts and words."
"I don't mean to. Quite the opposite, really. If you hadn't the courage to speak, I would have never believed it possible for you to see past the mask. As it is, I find it hard to fathom. If you have any more doubts of my intentions, put them away. You are no angel, but nevertheless a gift of God. You are the evidence that He hasn't given up on me, Meg." His voice was indulgent and husky. Meg reached out to him, bringing him closer so that his head rested beneath her chin. His arms went around her, almost crushing her with their strength. Meg cried out in anguish as her suffering muscles responded in torment. Erik released her instantly.
"I'll heat some water for your bath and take care of the horses. Rest here." Erik said, rising. He kissed her tenderly before leaving. Meg sank back on the soft bed, alone with her thoughts. He hadn't exactly answered her question, but his words had wrapped her in an invisible blanket of peace. Though he'd not said he loved her, no declaration of affection had ever been more profound.
There were few modern conveniences in the cottage. Erik went outside to pump the water and built a fire in the stove to heat it. They dined by candlelight on the provisions Milton sent with them while the water for Meg's bath was heating. A cursory investigation of the house revealed two bedrooms on the main floor and a kitchen. Meg didn't have the strength to walk upstairs.
She was ever so grateful for the heat that eased her aching muscles when she sank into the tub. In time, the water cooled and Meg was forced to leave the bath. She found the nightclothes Darcy packed for her on the bed. Erik must have brought them in. She was unable to bring much for her journey, but she had a few necessary items that could be carried on the horse. There was a simple blue morning dress and a pale green day dress. Her remaining items were sent by coach. At the rate they were traveling, her clothes would arrive at the chateau before she did. She put on the night gown and tidied up after herself.
Erik hadn't returned. Meg was tired and it was after midnight, but she couldn't settle down without knowing where Erik was and why he didn't come to her room. The house was quiet, but she hadn't heard him leave. She found him stretched out on the large bed asleep in the other bedroom. Meg approached silently holding the candle. He was still fully dressed with the exception of his shoes and the mask. It lay on the bedside table. Erik rested on his side, concealing his disfigurement. Meg blew out the candle, careful not to wake him.
She just barely touched the bed when Erik jumped up in a panic and exclaimed, "Who are you?" His voice was angry and threatening. In the darkness Meg screamed and started to cry, covering her mouth instinctively. "Meg?" She was so terrified, she couldn't respond. "In the name of all that's holy, don't ever do that again! I sleep alone!" He'd never used that tone of voice with her before and it wounded her as though she'd been struck.. She sobbed, hiccuping as she fought for control. Instantly, he was standing beside her pulling her into his arms. She stiffened and muffled a cry behind her hands. "Don't cry. I'm sorry. Stay here." He eased her down so that she was sitting on the bed. "I'll light the lamp." In moments the room was cast in a soft glow. The mask was in place.
Erik approached her carefully. He wasn't as shaken as she, but still, he was visibly affected. He was taking deep breaths, trying to calm his own nerves. Meg couldn't even look at him. She was embarrassed and confused. If she'd thought it out, she would have known that he was unused to being around people. While asleep, he was especially vulnerable.
"Come." He lifted her into his arms and carried her to her own room. He set her gently on the bed. She was still shaking, though less violently.
"I'm...sso...ssorry." She hiccuped. Erik handed her a handkerchief from the top drawer of the bureau.
"Don't be. I should have told you. I only intended to rest for a moment while you finished your bath, but I fell asleep sooner than I expected. It was a shock to find someone else in the room." He drew back the duvet and moved her beneath the cover. "We've both had a long day and a shock. Go to sleep."
"I c...can't." Meg stammered. She was trembling still.
Erik signed involuntarily and sat down on the other side of the bed, stretching his legs out before him. "Do you need a bedtime story or a lullaby?" He teased her gently. She looked at him without answering. She wasn't a little girl anymore, but she would rather listen to a bedtime story from Erik than be left alone in the dark at the moment.
Erik started to sing. It was a soft, sweet ballad of a maid who waited long and lonely years for her sailor lover to return from the sea. It was a sad tale with her still waiting in her old age, but as she died she looked up and called his name with undisguised love and joy. Her angel love had claimed her at last. Meg blinked the tears away, but she no longer cried for herself. She cried for the lonely old maid and her sailor lost at sea.
"I can see that didn't help much." Erik said, stroking her hair.
"It was so sad." Meg agreed.
Erik sang another song. This time, he sang in German and Meg could only a catch a few familiar phrases. Without the words to distract her, she was eventually lulled to sleep by Erik's perfect tones.
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Madame Giry gasped in horror. "This is insanity! Surely it is a mistake." She held a copy of the morning paper. "I suppose it is my own fault. I should have gone to the party. It never pays to be stubborn. I should think Madame Fairmont would have said something. But, of course, she is little more than a child herself. If Raoul and Christine hadn't shown up immediately after the party, we wouldn't even have known she was abducted until the paper came out this morning. It is too bad the Raoul had to return to London so suddenly."
"Adele, Meg is a sensible girl. We do not know if she had done as the paper says. But, even the police aren't calling it an abduction." Clair assured her gently.
"But how do we know what she had done? She isn't here to say one way or the other. For the last thirty-six hours, I have been sick with worry. How could she do this to me? I'm going to have a word with Madame Fairmont. I do believe that she was in on this little incident." Madame Giry declared.
"I know why you're upset, but you didn't really want Meg to marry Delvoix. If she indeed has eloped with a secret lover, at least she is happy and safe. It seems that you committed a similar act yourself once. You must forgive me, but I find the ordeal far more romantic than scandalous."
"I find it scandalous! Who would have done such a thing? Oh dear..." Madame Giry cried out weakly and crumpled in a chair, staring into space.
"Adele? What is it?" Clair inquired concerned.
"Surely my worst fears are realized! She is with Erik!" Madame Giry conceded with a heavy sigh.
"Who is he?"
"He is someone from the opera."
"Then it can't be as bad as all that, unless he is dangerous." Clair tried to be cheerful.
"I really don't know what he'll do. He is unpredictable."
"Would he harm her?"
"I don't think so. I'm not sure of what it is that worries me most." Madame Giry's voice trailed off in uncertainty.
"I think we should call upon Madame Fairmont and inquire of what she knows about all this."
Clair need not have even said as much for the doorbell rang that instant. It was Madame Fairmont wearing a rich navy dress of the newest fashion. Her hat was also the latest style and boasted a great plume of ostrich feathers dyed to match.
Lily burst in upon them, as soon as Hannah opened the door to parlor, smiling pleasantly and embraced Madame Giry as though she was an old friend. "Oh, Madame Giry! Isn't it wonderful?" Lily sat on the plush settee without a moment's hesitation and faced the other women, open and friendly.
"What is it that is so wonderful? My daughter has been kidnaped. I have been worried sick. Now tell me what is so wonderful." Madame Giry eyed Lily coldly.
"No! She has not been kidnaped. She is married to the Marquis de Leon. I just found out about the wedding myself this morning." Lily announced.
"No!" Madame Giry and Clair exclaimed in unison.
"The Marquis de Leon?" Madame Giry almost whimpered the name. "It is the same man who offered Michelle a position as a housekeeper at his county estate. Tell me, Madame Fairmont, does the Marquis have a first name?"
Hannah brought in tea and apricot tarts for the three women.
"Meg called him Erik. He introduced himself to me as the Marquis de Leon. We unknowingly invited him to the party!" Lily share the information with unconcealed delight. "I saw a most imposing figure of a man enter the house and I just knew he was someone special. He had such grace and presence that I fairly swooned. It was a masque, so I did not get to see his face, but I think the eyes are the most important feature. I am a witness that he has kind eyes." Lily looked heavenward and sighed. Dimples appeared on Lily's delicate cheeks and her eyes sparkled with enchantment. Clair sighed, placing her hand on her chest in almost reverent agreement.
"How do you know they are married?" Madame Giry demanded, placing her hand to her stomach. She thought she was going to be sick.
"I was told to send Meg's belongings to the Marquis' residence. He told me himself that he was taking Meg away. You see, Meg was so unhappy. She did not believe that Erik would come. She despaired of her true love. But, I told her that if it is meant to happen, love will always find a way. So, I was thrilled beyond belief when he showed up at the party. Don't you think that it is the most romantic event?" Lily's question was directed at Clair, who nodded, enthralled with the whole scenario. Madame Giry was obviously not feeling the same enthusiasm.
"I was just dying from curiosity so I paid a visit this morning to the marquis' residence. And, I met his grandmother. She is a dear. I think you would just love her. She loves Meg, you know." Lily continued. "Now that the happy couple are away, I think the old dear would love company..." Lily trailed off deliberately.
"Erik has a grandmother?" Madame Giry asked doubtfully.
"Oh yes. Her name is Eustacia. She lives right here in Paris. I must say, the house is divine! I am almost jealous of Meg. The house is so elegant and modernized!"
"I hope Delvoix won't be trying to exact some kind of revenge." Clair suggested the possibility hesitantly.
"Evidently, this isn't first time a fiancé of his has come down with a case of nerves and jilted him. He is so embarrassed, the less attention he draws to himself the better." Lily offered in way of comfort.
Lily stopped to let her news sink in for a moment, then she asked, "Did you say Michelle was offered a housekeeping position at the Marquis de Leon's country estate?"
"Yes, she left two days ago with Garrick, a young man employed by the marquis." Clair supplied.
"That was before we knew that Erik was the Marquis de Leon. If I had known, I would have never let her go, " Madame Giry said stubbornly. "As it was, she fairly jumped at the chance to go; said she needed to get away from Paris."
"Does Erik's grandmother know he abducted his bride from her engagement party?" Madame Giry inquired sternly. Lily opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again quickly, giving more thought to her response.
"I don't know if she does but she will." Lily said looking away for a guilty second. "I'm sure she reads the paper."
"I, for one, don't like having my family's affairs published for all the world to see. I don't supposed Eustacia does either. We must stop the papers from printing anymore of the story." Madame Giry said reaching for some control of the situation.
"I don't think you have to worry too much about that." Lily leaned forward conspiratorially. "I hear that Edgar Quentin is being accused of cheating his business partners out of their share of the company and that to get even, Maynard Harvey seduced Edgar's daughter, Susannah. By tomorrow, the papers will be able to print nothing else."
"Oh!" Clair gasped. Madame Giry fixed Lily with a disapproving stare. Lily sensed she'd over-stayed her welcome. She cleared her throat and smiled, her dimples brightening her look with irresistible charm.
"I must be leaving and thank you for the tea." Lily said, though a cup hadn't touched her lips. Lily left quickly though not rudely. Moments later her perfume lingered in the air and the impact of her words weighed in like a fog. Clair remained silent, absorbing the details of Lily's disclosures.
"I think Stuart had better get home from Cambodia and see to it that Lily is occupied with a couple of children, so that she can mind her own business." Madame Giry commented tightly.