A Place in This World

It is so good to have MastersofNight back after a few chapter of time off. I missed you! Thank you for your kind assessment of Chapter 19. It was rather difficult to write, as I think Erik is a deeply emotional man who has never really dealt with his emotions before. He is unsure of his ability to express himself without disgusting or repulsing anyone; (to Erik) buckle up baby doll and face it; you are gorgous!

Pertie – I know, Erik is having a hard time dealing with the loss of Christine, but he is also a very intelligent man. I do not see a man of his strong character pining away for someone he cannot have. He would cut his losses and move on to greener pastures!

Ms. Cellaneous – Thank you! I get tired of the bashing. I may not care for Raoul as leading man, but he and Christine are good for each other. Erik deserves much better! I am glad you are liking my story…and here is your update.

hunting4max – It is good to have you on board with my story. I hope enjoyed the HER chapter! I am a strong believer in detail. I love a story that paints the picture in my head…I can almost see myself there! Enjoy!

And finally, to my faithful reviewers – eriksangelofvoice and OperaLover – I love you peeps!

Enjoy.

One, two, three, testing…

CHAPTER 24

The arrival of the Earl of Berwithshire was an opulent occasion. The staff received new uniforms and the castle received a cleaning, down to the tiniest stone in the floor. The gardens were trimmed and the outside decorations that dotted the landscape were freshly painted. To top off the fairy-tale scene, a red carpet was unfolded that went from the ornate front columns of the castle, down the flowered walkway, and came to rest perfectly at the door of the carriage as it came to a stop.

Erik wore his finest suit of clothes for this occasion. He wore a black suit of pants, finely tailored to his muscular thighs; a black, waist-cut outer suit coat, a black velvet cravat with a burgundy dress shirt, and a burgundy, forest green and black vest. He had no idea of how beautiful he was as he proceeded out of the carriage. He wore no hat, at his father's insistence, "I don't want that beautiful, thick hair of yours crushed to your scalp. Let it flow, waves and all."

As his elegant black booted foot came to rest on the ground of his home, every servant present bowed in unison. His father walked beside him with glowing radiance. Erik's alert, all-consuming eyes scanned the sight before him. The castle was far grander than Erik had pictured in his mind and the gardens were exquisitely kept. A large, elaborate fountain was trickling playfully in the middle of the vast, clear lake that rested to his left; the water was the bluest he had ever seen.

As his tall, lithe, very attractive masculine figure passed by, many of the female servants were just a breath away from swooning. They had long been without a young lord to cater to and admire. They only hoped he wasn't an ogre like so many of the others were. He appeared confident and proud as he passed by them. He acknowledged them with a slight incline of his head; an appreciative smile gracing his handsome face. No, he wasn't an ogre; Ogre's didn't even notice the staff, except to berate them.

Even the older women looked on with admiration in their eyes. Some of them had been with the Lauchlan family since before Erik had been born, and knew him. They all shed tears of joy at having him back. He methodically scanned for his mother, but saw no person that would match the description he had of her.

The walk up to the castle seemed to take an eternity. As they approached the columns in the front of the castle, Erik noticed the people that stood there. Each of them bore resemblance to his father and he knew right away that these were his sisters and their respective families.

As Erik made his way to them, Alastair presented them to him. He stood in front of a middle-aged woman whose only show of her age was a slight silvering at her temples. Her figure was plump and round, a prestige's sign of a noblewoman who had mothered children. She curtsied low with her hand extended. Erik embraced it and placed a light kiss atop it. She rose, and throwing legality to the wind, embraced Erik in a loving hug.

Alastair thought nothing of it as he introduced her. "This is your eldest sister, Lady Brietta McDermott and her husband Baron Clancy McDermott."

The Baron was a medium height, portly man with a kind, handsome face and gray, balding hair. His handshake was firm and strong and his hazel eyes danced with merriment. Erik knew he was going to like this man very much

Baron Clancy offered her bow and outstretched hand, "Lord Erik, it is a pleasure to finely meet the man behind the legends. You are a hero in these parts. I look forward to the telling of your life some day. We must get together."

Erik couldn't help the smile that spread over his face, he nodded his head, "Well, I am not sure about how much of an interesting life I have had, but I won't mind boring you with the details."

Lord Clancy laughed and a friendship bloomed.

Alastair took a moment to talk to Brietta, "Where is Brianna, I do not see her anywhere. I would have thought she would have greeted us at the gate." Alastair joked, but he was concerned.

Brietta smiled a slight, hesitant smile and answered his plea, "She was moving about the castle in a rather rushed manner and slipped on the stairs…" Both Alastair and Erik took sharp breaths, caused Brietta to place a comforting hand on Alastair's arm, "…she's going to be fine. The doctor said she only sprained her ankle, but he won't let her stand at all. We moved her to the garden room and she awaits you there."Both men let out the breath they had been holding and relaxed.

Alastair introduced the four lovely children that come as a result of this union. The three young ladies stood in succession. The oldest was Keira, a beautiful young woman of 22 years. She was accompanied by her fiancé, Lord Maddox Flannigan from Ireland. The next was Lorna, an equally beautiful young woman of 19.

Next, a handsome young man stood before Erik. He could be no more than 16 and a large grin covered his young, expressive face. He was introduced as Lord Torrance McDermott. He openly admired his uncle, a man he had been fascinated with as he grew up.

He could not imagine the unspeakable atrocities that Erik had endured and the images had placed Erik at the status of hero in young Torrance's mind. "It is an honor to finally meet you Uncle Erik; I would very much like to spend some time with you when you are settled in."

Erik was taken back a bit by the earnest show of love the boy hadand inclined his head as he spoke, "I would like that very much Torrance, we will see to that."

Nine-year-old Moira was hesitant to be introduced to the tall, dark man that approached her. He was so powerful looking but at the same time, a sense of gentleness was radiating from him. She gave a shy smile as he turned his eyes to her. She looked into those green orbs and forgot all about her fears. She assessed him in no time at all, as a child does and found him worthy of her affections. She forgot her upbringing and rushed toward him, wrapping her arms around his slender waist. Erik was surprised but he did not show it as he squatted down and wrapped the small girl in his strong arms. She smelled of fresh flowers and powder, all the things a little girl should smell like.

Erik could not help the happy tears that formed in his eyes. His heart melted with each moment that he held the softness that Moira offered him. How sweet she was. He knew in that moment that he had a fondness for children that he never knew he had. How he longed to hold one of his own. He brushed that thought aside and pulled away from the smiling little girl. He wiped the tears from eyes and stood up to his full height, blocking the sun from her eyes.

Moira's sweet voice spoke, "Wow Uncle Erik, you're tall; even taller the grandfather…and you smell good too!" Erik smirked and blew her a kiss. "They said I can't ask you about your mask, so I won't; but it really doesn't matter, I think you're beautiful."

Brietta tried to quiet her nosey child, but Erik gently waved her off. "What do you want to know, little Moira?"

Moira came up to him and he once again squatted down to her level. She placed her little hand upon his masked cheek"Does it hurt?"

Erik shook his head no.

"Does the mask get hot and sticky?"

Erik smiled and nodded yes.

"Do you wear it because you think we won't like you if you don't wear it?"

Erik thought of how observant that question was, then answered, "Yes Moira, I have worn it for the greater part of my life. I allowed it turn me into someone I did not like very much." Erik looked keep into her innocent brown eyes"People tend to judge me because of my ugliness, so I cover it up."

Moira laughed in a very endearing manner and hugged Erik's neck, "Don't be silly Uncle Erik, you're definitely not ugly, just different…and I love you that way!"Erik placed a gentle kiss on Moira's blond head. She waved at him as he moved on.

Alastair was amazed at how well Erik was handling himself. Things were going to be just fine. As Erik approached Kaitlyn, she put her hand to her trembling mouth as the tears filled her eyes and flowed down her beautiful face. She didn't say a word as she watched the handsome figure of her brother move to stand directly in front of her, she wrapped her arms around him and sobbed into his chest. All of her childhood memories of the brother she had pleaded with God to give her, even while he was a mere thought in his parents mind; came flooding back to her as she embraced his strong frame. She had watched him interact with Brietta and her family, and the exchange between him and little Moira was so poignant and beautiful. She held on for dear life as though he would disappear if she let go. She felt safe and sheltered in his embrace and knew that he would be there for her at every opportunity, just as he had promised on that day so long ago…

FLASHBACK (third person)

Early, one autumn day in October 1842

Three-year-old Erik was playing hide-and-go-seek with his ten-year-old sister Kaitlyn. He was winning of course, he always did. He was far more intelligent than most ten-year-olds, let alone, three-year-olds and loved playing with his older sister. She always had time for him and played all the fun games, even those games that girls weren't supposed to like. He adored her and she adored him.

He had been hiding from her for what seemed like forever. He could not hear her rustling through the leaves and he began to be concerned. He gave up his hiding spot and called for her, but there was no answer. As tall as a normal six-year-old, Erik moved through the tall grass with ease as he called for Kaitlyn.

His acute hearing allowed him to hear a tiny moan just a few feet to his right. He raced over to the area that corresponded to the sound and found his sister sprawled out on the ground. She had apparently tripped over a hidden tree root and had bumped her head on a sharp rock as she fell to the ground. She had been knocked unconscious for a spell and was just coming to when Erik heard her low moan.

He wrapped his arms around her and gently moved her to lean against the tall oak tree that stood just eight feet away. "Kaitlyn, can you hear me?"She focused her hazy eyes on the handsomeness of her brother's young face. He looked so concerned for her. "I am going to go get father, he can carry you home, I can't do it, you're too heavy for me."Erik chastised himself for being so weak.

Kaitlyn's pleading hand rested on Erik's arm, "Don't leave me Erik, I won't be able to bear it." She was crying and the amount of blood coming from her head had Erik in a slight panic.

"I have to go Kaitlyn, the garden is just a few hundred feet away, I won't be long." He didn't wait for a response as he raced toward the castle and found his father in the gardens, exactly where he knew he would be.

When they got back to Kaitlyn, she was woozy to her stomach and began retching from the nausea that seized her. Erik held her hand as Alastair quickly carried her to the castle. He placed her on the settee in the sitting room and sent his assistant for the doctor. Erik sat beside her and gently wiped the matted hair from her face.

The head maid came in with a warm cloth and began to wipe her brow. Erik requested the cloth from the woman and took over. He tenderly removed the blood and dirt that had settled on her face and was rewarded by her eyes flickering open and a smile she gave only to him.

Erik was crying and Kaitlyn lifted her weary hand to his as he assured her brokenly, "I'm sorry Kaitlyn, I should have found you sooner and you would not have suffered so much. I am sorry that I had to leave you to find father…I will never leave you again…I will always be there for you." Erik meant every word that he spoke. Kaitlyn was his best friend as well as being his sister and he never wanted anything to happen to her.

END FLASHBACK

Still reveling in Erik's intoxicating embrace, Kaitlyn ended her thoughts. She had suffered a concussion that day. A few short months later would cause a rip in her soul that would remain a part of her until this very moment. Erik had left her and her life was never the same.

Her trembling shoulders and flowing tears were almost more than Erik could stand. He knew this was Kaitlyn, she was just as he had pictured her. He gently pried her from his chest and lifted her chin so that her green eyes stared into his green eyes…a perfect match.

He placed a gentle kiss to her forehead as he spoke, "Kaitlyn, I only know that our bond is very strong, but I do not remember all the reasons why. Forgive me."

"Don't fret my Erik, I have all the memories locked away in my heart, I will share them and we can make new ones!" Kaitlyn promised, as she placed her soft hand to Erik's smooth, perfect cheek"Life begins this day." She cooed as she smiled through her tears; the sweetest, love-filled smile that Erik had ever seen…and the wall around his heart lost even more layers.

Alastair nudged him forward, he knew that Brianna was waiting. A small-framed, blond-haired woman curtsied as he came to her.

Alastair made the introductions, "This is your sister Lady Erin Marrow and her husband Arthur Marrow."

Arthur bowed low to Erik and raised himself up to his full 5'10" height. Still looking up into Erik's amused green eyes, Arthur smirked. "Lord Erik, it is indeed my pleasure to meet you. Erin has told me all about you, at least what she can remember about you…it will be an honor to get to know you."

Erik dipped his head in agreement and accepted a hug from Erin. She simply whispered in his ear, "I missed you brother. I am glad your journey brought you back to us."

Erik pulled out of her embrace and smiled as he spoke, "It is good to be back. Even though my memories of this place are sparse, my heart remembers it."

The children were standing patiently, as their turn came about. The firstborn was a proud looking 16-year-old boy, with the look of youth still very visible on his handsome face. Colin Marrow bowed as his famous uncle approached him. Colin was a little awestruck, as Erik was a very famous, very high-ranking nobleman and Colin was neither of those things. Erik smiled down at the lad and shook his young hand. There was definite strength there.

Erik recognized this and addressed the boy, "Nice to meet you Colin, I look forward to hearing about your studies and what you plan to do in the future…you appear to be a very intelligent young man." Colin glowed with pride, for his studies were his pride and joy. How did Uncle Erik know this?

Alastair was once again struck by the astute way that Erik sized up everyone he meant. He seemed to have an uncanny ability to deduce what was dearest to them and put them right at ease. (What a leader he will be; an example to all who look to him.)

Alastair introduced the next boy. "Your nephew, Master Kurt Marrow."

At 11, Kurt was taller than his 16-year-old brother was and much stronger built. Erik could see the soldier just waiting to burst through. The boy possessed great strength and would make a very formidable opponent.

Erik noticed this, and stated pragmatically, "That is quite a handshake you have Kurt, I will have to remember not to get into an arm wrestling match with you…I may end up on the floor!"

Kurt, who had not been certain about this uncle he had never meant, assessed the man before him. Tall, regal, strong and very intelligent; those are words that popped into his mind as he regarded Erik. Kurt grinned at the compliment to his strength. He was planning on becoming an officer in the royal army and serving his country. It was all he could ever remember wanting to do.

A tiny poppit of a girl shyly peered out from behind her mother's skirts. Four-year-old Gwynne was sucking her thumb and clinging for dear life to a beautiful, porcelain doll. Erik went to her and knelt down; placing his knees on the ground, something a man of his rank never did, but then; Erik was no ordinary nobleman.

Erik spoke to her in that beautiful tone that captivated everyone, "Can I have some of that?" Erik asked, pointing to her thumb. "I'll wager that it tastes much better than that food I had on the train…I haven't eaten anything all day."

Gwynne sidled up to Erik with a slight smile curving her lips, showing her thumb still wedged in her teeth. She gingerly approached his smiling face and reached a shy hand up to stroke his mask. Her eyes had a curious glint, but no disgust. Erik held his breath as she gently stoked the surface. She didn't seem confused or scared, just curious.

Finding him to be unassuming, Gwynne pulled her thumb from her mouth with a loud "smack" and offered it to Erik. He took her small hand in his and placed a tender kiss on the tip of her soaked thumb. He grinned at her, thanking her for the sugar. She smiled up at him as he towered over her once again. She lifted her arms, indicating for him to pick her up.

Erik lifted a panic-stricken face to Erin, seeking guidance. She just smiled at him and shook her head. Erik carefully placed his hands on the girl's tiny waist and lifted her the full way up into his long, strong arms. She giggled with glee at the advantage she had of looking down at everyone she saw. Erik was in awe at the sheer joy of holding this child nestled in his arms. A simple pleasure, but one he had never thought to experience. He placed a gentle kiss upon her cheek and returned her to her mother's arms. He reluctantly moved on, his eyes still taking in the angelic figure of little Gwynne.

An exact replica of Erin stood before him with a small, delicate package wrapped in her arms. Eden looked up at Erik with tears in her eyes. He was everything she had prayed he would be…and more.

She reached up with one arm and pulled him into an embrace. Little Deirdre stirred slightly in her arms, but did not wake as her mother spoke in a whisper, "I missed you so much Erik; not only you, but your music and art…I look forward to hearing and seeing it again." Eden let him go and wiped the tears from her eyes.

She pulled back the blanket from Deirdre's sleeping form, allowing Erik to see the face of his littlest niece. The sight before him took his breath away. He had not seen a baby since Madam Giry had allowed him to see Meg, all those years ago. He was in awe at the beautiful, intricate details in her small face. The tiny hands with long fingers that wrapped around his long, elegant finger as he gently stroked her soft skin. The grin was permanently attached to his face now, and he knew he was a lost cause.

A tall, red-haired, broad-shouldered, barrel-chested, hairy man stood beside Eden. He held out his huge hand as Erik turned his gaze to him. Not waiting for Alastair to introduce him, he vigorously shook Erik's hand and clapped him on the shoulder. The clap stung a little, but Erik was too entranced to care. This man was a mountain.

Making his own introduction, Angus roared, "Lord Angus O'Bannon, at your service my lord. I am looking forward to getting to know you. Your bravery and intelligence are admirable and I will enjoy bartering with you."

Angus once again clapped Erik on the shoulder…that shoulder would never be the same. He immediately liked Lord Angus; he was unlike anyone Erik had ever encountered before.

Young Lord Donnelly was the spitting image of his father, except in a smaller version. At 12, he was barely entering puberty, but his heart seemed as big as his father was. Erik reached out his hand for a shake and was impressed with the lad's strength.

"It is a pleasure to meet you young Donnelly. You are as foreboding of a presence as your father, you will have great success in life." Erik said with a grin, and watched as his rigid back gave away a little.

The last of the children was a seven-year-old; red, curly haired, freckle-faced girl that immediately won Erik's heart.

Lady Dana O'Bannon curtsied at her famous uncle and spoke in a very articulate Irish accent. "What a pleasure to meet you Lord Erik. I have heard so much about you." Her dancing green eyes meant Erik's dancing green eyes and an immediate friendship was forged.

Erik kissed her small hand as she extended from her curtsied form. "The pleasure is all mine, Lady Dana. You are a vision in your yellow dress…thank you for allowing me to see you in it."

Dana smiled a toothless smile and bubbled over with the compliment on her dress. "I can see that you are man with great taste."

At those words, Erik laughed; a hearty, full, angelic sound that enthralled everyone who heard him. "What a delightful child you are."

Dana giggled back at him, loving the sound of his voice; it was soothing and tranquil, just like grandmothers.

All sisters and family member accounted for; Erik made his way up the stairs and into the grand hallway of Berwithshire Manor. His eyes searched for the one person that he had waited the greater part of a lifetime to get to know…his mother

Chapter 25 preview – Mother knows best