A/N: Sorry to Lover of Roses Red for keeping you waiting so long! Lol. It's a busy time, getting ready to move back in to school and all that good stuff. But here's the update!

An ornately elegant, almost ostentatious carriage slowed to a stop in front of the de Chagny estate. The driver opened the door and a gloved hand reached for his. Nicole's delicate feet glided across the ground as she made her way to the large double doors. She tapped her foot impatiently as her servant stepped down from the carriage and rushed forward to announce her.

Henriette answered the door, her contempt for the woman who stood there not well masked. "I will make your presence known to Master Raoul," she said, leaving the door open behind her.

Raoul stood at the top of the stairs, hidden behind a column that stood atop the banister. He gently hit his head against the wood. Nicole had always been forward, within the bounds of social acceptance. But it seemed that this habit had escalated with her age and Raoul was tiring of it. He stood up straight and descended the stairs, determined to be a gracious host, nothing more.

"Nicole, a pleasure as always," he said, taking her hand and placing a light kiss on her knuckles.

She giggled flirtatiously as her fingers slipped from his. "You always were so charming." She glanced sideways at her servant who stood meekly in the entranceway. "You can wait in the carriage, Brigitte," she said coldly.

"I can have Henriette bring out some tea if you would care to join me in the kitchen," Raoul said as Nicole turned to face him, once again smiling.

"Actually I was hoping that we could go out on the horses, have a little chat while we ride," she stepped forward towards Raoul.

"Of course. If you follow me out to the stables, I can have Emile prepare a horse for you."

"The stables? Surely you must be joking Raoul!" she laughed.

Raoul was somewhat surprised by her reaction. He was unaccustomed to a woman who wished to be pampered. Christine never hesitated to follow Raoul into the stables. He had always loved that she was unconcerned with pretenses.

"I can bring your horse around if you wish to wait in the garden," he suggested.

"That would be simply lovely," she replied, her breath hot on his neck.

Once she was out of sight, Raoul threw up his hands in exasperation. How long would he have to suffer this woman's presence? He stormed off to the stables, dispelling some of his anger into every step. He had Emile prepare his black mare as well as a light honey colored horse for Nicole. He mounted his horse, holding the reins of the other as he rode to the garden. He couldn't suppress a laugh as he saw Nicole shrinking away from Christophe's reach. Raoul leapt from the horse and held his arms out for his son.

"Nicole," he said as he lifted the boy in the air, "This is our son, Christophe."

Henriette strode toward them from the terrace. "I'm very sorry, Monsieur. He just got away from me," she apologized, though not convincingly. Nicole shot her an angry glare.

"No need for apologies Henriette," Raoul chuckled softly, kissing Christophe's forehead before handing him into her arms.

"He is…adorable," Nicole stammered, regaining her composure.

"Thank you. He is the joy of our life," he replied weakly.

"Oh yes, your wife. You must tell me all about her," Nicole said as she stepped beside her horse. She looked towards Raoul and cleared her throat. Raoul looked back at her with bewilderment. She nodded toward her horse and he understood; she wanted him to help her mount it. She placed a foot in the stirrup as Raoul's hands clasped around her waist and lifted her up. She carefully adjusted her dress before taking hold of the reins. In one liquid movement, Raoul was atop his horse and prepared to ride.

"Have you heard from Christine recently?" Nicole asked as their horses trotted out to the grounds some distance from the manor.

"I received a letter a few days ago. I'm sorry to report that her friend is not recovering as well as hoped. She is still unsure of when she will be able to return," he lied. "But we needn't speak of that right now. How have you been? You are married, I trust."

"Sadly, no," she said reflectively. "I haven't been able to find a man to spend my life with. There have been many suitors, that is certain. But none of them ever seemed to be the right man."

"No need to worry. I'm sure the man for you is out there somewhere." He smiled politely.

"Maybe closer than I think," she said suggestively.

Raoul quickened his horse's pace, eager to bring their ride to an end. Nicole's words were beginning to make him uncomfortable. The only woman he had ever truly felt at ease with was Christine. Not to say that he couldn't be quite charming when occasion called for it, but his heart was never in it. He was a naïve boy who knew nothing of love and desire until Christine had appeared before him at the Opera Populaire. Even if he was forced to carry on without her, another woman could never claim her place.

Nicole carried on with the conversation, relating the tiresome details of her life since she and Raoul had last seen each other. She spoke of the many suitors who had pursued her, her travels abroad, and parties hosted by people that he cared nothing for. Raoul spoke hardly a word for it seemed that Nicole enjoyed talking. He nodded his head and spoke a word of approval every so often. When she had finished recounting her own story, she once again set about drawing information from Raoul. It seemed to him like an interrogation more than a conversation. Most of her questions involved his marriage and his wife in one way or another. How long had they been together? What sort of hobbies did they enjoy? How did he feel about being shunned from society for her sake?

The ride graciously ended before he was forced to answer, for Raoul was unsure whether he could continue to be polite while she asked such questions. The horses' hooves clomped on the cobblestone pathway that led up to the garden. Nicole pulled back on the reins and waited for Raoul to help her dismount. From her side-saddle position, she looked to Raoul like a snake poised to strike. She placed her hands on his shoulders as he lowered her to the ground. When her feet fell upon the dirt beneath her, she slid her hands up and lightly rubbed the nape of his neck.

He ran his hands up her arms and removed her grip. He was frowning slightly, his tone serious but gentle. "Nicole…"

She let out a sigh and smiled as her arms fell to her sides. "I've never been skilled with subtlety. I have always fancied you, Raoul. Perhaps that is the reason that I never married; no other man could measure up to you. And the fact that you're married…well to be honest, it makes you even more alluring. You know I was always up for a challenge."

Raoul was somewhat taken aback. "Nicole, I am flattered, but-"

She silenced him with a finger to his lips. "Just consider what I have said. I will return tomorrow evening for your answer."