DISCLAIMER: Please refer to Chapter Two
Cecilia awoke the following morning with unsettling dreams. She did not know whether or not to worry about the party tonight or the fact that she was now getting married to a man that loves another woman. She tortured herself with the notion the entire night, until she decided not to pursue it any longer.
Her clock struck the hour of five when she reached the bottom of her staircase. She clutched her robe tightly against her from the cold of the house. She walked over to the storage area where the wood was usually kept. Empty. She tried at least three other rooms and came to the notion that she would just have to put on some warm clothes and run out to the barn where another supply was. She sighed deep as her teeth chattered.
She just could not win this week. She turned to walk back up the stairs when she heard the back door open and close. She wondered if it was Erik. She had allowed him back in the house after their agreement last night. She has even ensured that Navienne and Darlene change and wash his bedding and hang some of his tapestries that were in the basement.
She held more tightly to her rope as she heard footsteps coming toward her. Then, through the darkness of the room, she saw a shadowy figure. His tall and lanky form was easily recognizable. His hair had been uncharacteristically disheveled and his mask seemed ajar.
"I am surprised to see you up this early, darling," the man said in a smooth, silky rasp.
"And vice versa. Is your room not comfortable?" she replied.
"My fire went out. I went looking for more wood, but I noticed you were fresh out. So, I went out to the barn, but Gaston did not finish cutting it down. I have been out there for an hour."
She walked over to him and felt the good side of his face. His skin was cold, and he had non-emotional tears in his eyes from the wind outside.
"Sit down, Erik. I will be right back."
Erik made a fire in the sitting room and removed his cloak. Then, as Cecilia was returning to the room, he settled in the large arm chair which he had moved in front of the fireplace.
Cecilia was carrying a cup and a large wholly blanket. She set the sweet smelling concoction on the table beside Erik's left elbow and fetched a nearby ottoman.
"Remove your shoes please Erik, and your pants."
Erik looked up at her. She appeared to be quite serious in the light of the fireplace. She held the blanket out in front of her as if she was a matador. Erik grew more puzzled.
"Your pants are soaking wet. You will catch a cold if they remain on you. Besides, there is no one else in the house, and I am, after all, your betrothed. Fine, I won't look," Cecilia finished as she turned and faced the fireplace.
Her hand holding the heavy blanket moved toward her rear. Erik felt a bit uncomfortable about this whole situation, but nonetheless, he knew better than to argue with Cecilia especially when she seemed to have his well-being in mind.
After removing his shoes, pants, and jacket, Erik remained only in his white shirt which was also completely soaking wet. Realizing this notion, he figured he may as well remove it as well. He gathered the large wholly blanket, sat back in his chair, and wrapped it around his now trembling body.
"Thank you," he said once he was sitting and comfortable.
She turned back around to her chair next to his and sat down.
"You are welcome," she replied with a smile.
She looked at him in silence for a few moments. He seemed to be a little uncomfortable in her presence. She noticed that his mask had been properly replaced as well.
"Erik," she began, "you know that you needn't wear your mask in my presence."
Erik looked down at the blanket at her words. He was speechless, yet a bit agitated by her statement. Didn't she know that he was a monster? Isn't she afraid of his face like all of the others?
As if she had heard his thoughts, she said, "I have seen you without it before. You know that you will never be deformed to me, Erik. I am not afraid or remotely repulsed by you."
She leaned over toward his chair and placed her hand on his exposed cheek. Her other hand moved to his mask and gently touched it. He flinched from her grasp, but seemed to warm to her touch. She softly removed the porcelain article and cast it beside on the adjoining table. Her graceful fingers gently caressed his marred skin as she held his head to her breast. Her free hand stroked his disheveled black hair as she held him tightly.
She could not help but be filled with emotion. She was fragile as she held the man she loved. She wanted so much just to tell him how she felt. Tell him that they could put Christine behind them and start their life together fresh and new. She quickly awoke herself from the moment, and realized that the servants would be there soon. She needed to dress and was sure that Erik had wanted to refresh as well.
"Erik," she whispered, "Navienne and Pierre will be here soon. I will take your clothes to the laundry room. You can go upstairs if you like."
She sat up and handed him back his mask. As he held the porcelain thing in his hands, she leaned over and kissed his marred cheek with his clothing in her arms. She walked out of the room while Erik reflected upon her kiss. No one had ever looked at his flesh without repulsion. Yet, here he was standing in the sitting room of a woman who accepted him.
Erik returned downstairs to find Cecilia decorating a large Christmas tree which had been moved into the back of the ballroom by Gaston and Jacques the day before. Cecilia, surrounded in boxes of ornaments, garlands, and candles, was alone in her endeavor. Erik heard Navienne in the kitchen making breakfast, Pierre was most likely seeing to finishing touches on the outside Christmas decorations with Jacques, Darlene and the other maids were busy cleaning the house for the party tonight, and Gaston was most likely finding more firewood.
Erik's gaze fell back on Cecilia. She was radiant in his eyes. He watched as she would carefully remove a round metallic ornament, search for an appropriate spot on the tree, and gently place it on the branch. Erik watched her do this routine a few times before she turned to him.
"Do you really think I did not see you?" she asked with light-hearted fervor, "why don't you get your handsome self over here and help me trim this tree."
Erik did not hesitate for a second. He knew what this party meant to her. The opera managers would be here as would all of the opera staff hoping to beg for their jobs back. He knew that tonight was not only a night of celebration, but also a night of business dealings. Even more, he knew that Christine would be here tonight.
"Matthieu, please stay for the party. The guests will be arriving any moment. Besides, who will I instruct them to come to if so many of the young ladies adore my gown?" Cecilia insisted as an already well dressed Matthieu attempted to leave.
"Madamoiselle, it would be an honor. However, I do plea, allow me to return to my home not far from here and I shall return in more suitable attire."
"Of course. I will see you soon then," Cecilia finished as Matthieu took one last bow and disappeared into the night.
She had not seen Erik since they finished the Christmas tree. Even as she was wrapping her Christmas presents for her guests and servants, he was no where to be found. It was almost seven.
Pierre walked up to her as she stood in the hallway and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"Madamoiselle, everything will be fine. The food is ready, warm, and prepped. The tree is marvelous. The musicians have arrived and are tuning their instruments. The house is clean, and you look positively radiant. I will take care of everything. Please, try to enjoy yourself," he finished as he walked into the ballroom.
As she took in a deep breath, she heard the sounds of many carriages pulling up to the house. She peered out of the window as she saw Jacques and Gaston helping the guests out of them and directing the coachman to the stables and parking areas. Cecilia had even arranged for food and mild entertainment for the coachman because she knew that the crème de la crème of society would be positively enchanted with someone who catered entirely to all of their needs. Cecilia was undoubtedly an intelligent business woman and quite the noble woman of society.
She called to Pierre informing him that the guests were arriving. She scurried into the ballroom to check on the musicians one last time and prepared herself for her guests. One by one the members of high society and those who were involved in the opera arrived each dressed impeccably. Cecilia curtsied and kissed the cheeks of every person who walked through her door.
As she was greeting Monsieur and Madame de la Rouge, the opera managers Andre and Firmin walked over to where she was standing.
"Madamoiselle Deveraux! May we say that your home is absolutely enchanting. We do hope that we will be able to discuss some matters with you before the night is out. Specifically, when you marriage is and when we should begin auditions," Andre said as he kissed her hand.
"Monsieurs. I implore you. I shall address you questions tonight, but until then, it is Christmas! Please indulge yourself in some foie gras and dance with a few of the many young and single ladies."
The Monsieurs looked at her gratefully and quickly left her presence to fulfill her requests. All the while, through her greetings and introductions, there was still no sign of Erik. She had wondered if he had last minute nerves which compelled him to seek refuge or even leave the manor completely. She happened to spy Navienne placing a new tray of éclairs on the serving table. She quickly went over to her housekeeper and inquired about Erik.
"No, Madamoiselle. I have not seen him since lunch today. Would you like me to search the house?" she replied to Cecilia with a worried look.
"No, that will not be necessary, Navienne. I am sure if he wanted to be here, he would be."
Cecilia walked off with a heavy heart as she noticed the Vicomte and Vicomtess walk into the ballroom. Cecilia, being the dutiful hostess she was, kindly strolled over to the happy couple.
"My dear Vicomte and Vicomtess. Thank you so much for coming!" she greeted Raoul and Christine.
Raoul had an extremely large package in his arms. Cecilia quickly signaled Pierre to fetch it from him and place it under the Christmas tree.
"Joyeux Noel, Cecilia," Raoul began with a smile, "you have met my wife, Christine."
Cecilia nodded as she embraced the two of them, placing kisses on each of their cheeks.
"It is so good to see you, my dear," Raoul said, "it has been so long since you have had one of these parties. I do hope it becomes an annual event like it was in the past. My sisters are on their way. They will be so happy to see you."
"How wonderful! I have not seen them in ages. I missed them at your wedding. I do hope they are doing well," Cecilia replied.
Cecilia noticed that Christine appeared to be quite jealous and uncomfortable. She did not know if it was because of the informalities in which Cecilia shared with Raoul or merely that Cecilia got along with his sisters so well. Cecilia believed it was the latter of the two.
"May I be first, Cecilia, to congratulate you with not only your upcoming marriage, but also your new opera house? Monsieurs Firmin and Andre informed me of your purchase just this morning. I trust that you will restore it to its former glory. You know how they say, "all you need is a woman's touch." Have you yet chosen a diva?" Raoul inquired.
"I have not as of yet. I have been focusing mainly on the restoration. However, the Monsieurs inform me that they wish me to begin the selection process of the entire staff," Cecilia replied.
"Well, then. I am sure that you are no stranger to the fact that my dear wife is quite the songstress herself. She informs me that she is quite anxious to begin singing again. Do you mind if I leave you two beautiful ladies to talk it over? I think I will ensure that Pierre has placed your present under your magnificent tree."
"Oh, Raoul. You needn't bother . . ." Christine said just before Cecilia interrupted her.
"No, Madame. It would be my pleasure. I find that I have much to speak with you about."
"It is settled. My dear wife, I shall see you momentarily," Raoul finished as he made his way across the room.
Christine and Cecilia were left standing at the entrance to the ballroom in silence.
"Well, Madame. Please do come with me," Cecilia began as she signaled for Pierre, "Pierre, please find me in the library should anyone need me or should anyone rather important arrive."
"Yes, Madamoiselle," Pierre said as he obeyed his mistress.
Cecilia gathered Christine's hand into her own and led her to the library. She did have many things that she needed to speak to Christine about, and she preferred to do it in private.