A Place in This World
I will but some of your minds to rest, Christine is coming back, but Erik will set her straight in a gentlemanly manner. His heart belongs to another. It is my belief that Erik and Christine will always share a bond that is stronger than just friendship and deeper than the bonds of family. If the time was ever right for them, I do feel that they could fall madly in love; but that is not this time.
Thank you my faithful reviewers. I am pleased that all of you seem to like A'awynn, she is everything I think Erik needs.
To those who read and don't review; if you are liking this story, please let me know; if you are only scanning it and are not committed to it; I would still like to know. Your advice and opinions can only make me better.
There are a couple more chapters to post before we have to worry about the following warning. There is mature situations in Chapter 35, but Chapter 36 is where is begins.
There will be a couple of chapters, starting in chapter 36 that will have scenes with a mature rating. The coupling will not occur until Erik and A'awynn are married; for that is the way I believe. The mature scene coming up in chapter 36 is a solo act.
"Remember Frankie, we're all connected." Gerry Butler as The Stranger in "Dear Frankie"
CHAPTER 34
After leaving a very surprised Erik in the gazebo; A'awynn had been accosted by Brianna and Kaitlyn. They wanted to go over wedding plans with her. The women discussed colors and cakes, dresses and rings; everything.
A'awynn took a few minutes during this "girl talk" to bring up the subject of Christine. She had been dying to ask Erik, but had thought better of it. Brianna supplied all the necessary details.
"It would seem that the engagement is off and Christine is in need of a place to recoup." Brianna looked a bit perturbed, "I do not know this girl…all I know is that she hurt Erik in a way that would have only hurt him it he loved her…" Brianna hesitated, debating telling A'awynn about Erik's obsession.
"Brianna, I already know about his obsession with this girl… Kaitlyn told me a great deal right before I meant him…" A'awynn braced herself for answers that she was not sure she was ready to hear. "I need to know what happened after she left him."
Brianna told her of Erik's arrest for murder and rape, crimes for which he was exonerated. She told her of his death wish and of his five, almost successful, suicide attempts. Brianna told of his compassion for Michél and how he had supported Madam Giry and her daughter for years. She also mentioned how Erik had forgiven Raoul for the Christine incident and had actually given the couple the exorbitant funds needed to build a new opera house, pay personnel and expenses and all other operating costs.
A'awynn listened as the man she loved came into view. Despite his inhumane treatment by the human race for his entire life, he possessed one of the most compassionate hearts she had ever seen. His love of music and art, his complete innocent love for children and how they knew he was a special and good soul; these all made Erik a superior man, compared to any with whom A'awynn had shared company.
When Brianna finished, A'awynn turned and watched Erik go down the hall; he was not even aware of her eyes being on him. She projected such love through her eyes that Brianna and Kaitlyn both shared a moment of elation and then a moment of trepidation…Erik would not even know what hit him!
A'awynn turned back to Brianna and Kaitlyn with a challenging look in her eyes, "If Christine thinks that she is coming here to fall into Erik's open arms…she has another thing coming…his arms will be taken…by me…as well as the rest of him!"Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she removed herself from their company and headed for her suite, Lacey had long since gone to bed and A'awynn was quite tired herself. It had been a rather interesting day.
OOOOOOOOOOO
The next morning was filled with activity. The seamstress and her entourage had been summoned and measurements were taken for the wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses, mother of the groom and flower girl. This took three hours. The dresses were to be worked on twenty-four hours a day in order to have them ready by Saturday…and there was no room for mistakes.
The announcement was placed in the Glasgow paper and the House of Lords was officially informed, which of course, made cousin Edward Chisholm cringe. Special invitations were ordered and printed immediately for special guests to be requested. All in all; over 250 royals, commoners, merchants and such were invited to attend.
A'awynn loved every minute of it, for she was about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime; marriage to a man whose very presence made her palms sweat, made her heart beat erratically and made her dream about things she had not thought about for years. She excused herself from the busy schedule and prepared for her day with Erik.
OOOOOOOOOOOO
Erik had spent all morning being measured for his wedding attire; and found that this particular "setting" did not bore him at all. In fact, he was rather excited about the whole process. His best man, Michél, had to be measured too as did groomsmen; Clancy, Arthur and Angus. The tailor had arrived this morning at 7:00 a.m., and it had been non-stop until 11:30.
He excused himself after the last measurement was taken and left to do what he could with himself to prepare for his day with A'awynn. He ordered his carriage to be at the gazebo by 1:00, ready to leave; he bathed and shaved, finding himself humming lightly while doing so. He decided on a black pair of pants, green suspenders, a black waist-length jacket with green lining, a white, long-sleeved shirt and a green cravat. He had no idea how breathtakingly handsome he looked.
He took one last assessing look at himself in the full-length mirror. He hated just about everything about himself, but he would have to get over that for now; A'awynn was waiting.
OOOOOOOOOOOOO
A'awynn approached the gazebo and was completely in awe of the man before her. He was so delectable! Her heart leapt in her chest and a strange, tingling sensation ran throughout her entire body. He had not noticed her yet, so she could openly view his handsome features before he realized he was being admired.
Erik turned and watched, what he could only describe as, heaven on earth approach him. She had pulled her glorious hair back slightly from her face, leaving her slender neck exposed for his exploring eyes. She wore no make-up and she was slightly blushing; to Erik, there was not a more beautiful woman.
She wore a peach colored gown with pearl accents and an off the shoulders, diving neckline in which Erik could so easily get lost. Her slender arms were accented by white gloves and Erik could not catch his breath as she advanced on him.
Erik bowed as she came near him and placed a single, white with pink tint, orchid behind her left ear; as he did so, his fingers lightly lingered on her soft cheek…and lightening coursed though Erik's body. She blushed slightly and thanked him for the orchid, thinking what a romantic gesture that had been.
"Mademoiselle, where might my carriage take you this lovely afternoon?"His French accent was quite heavy at this moment, something she was not expecting. He had slipped into a Scottish brogue so easily, that she had forgotten he grew up in France. Just listening to the lilt of his melodious voice handle the beauty of the language made her want to leap into his arms and kiss him senseless.
"I do believe we have a set of rings to pick out, my lord." She put a great deal of emphasis on the word "my" making Erik laugh a full, sexy laugh. A'awynn looked forward to spending the rest of her life making that laugh an every day occurrence. Erik instructed the driver of their destination and climbed into the carriage with A'awynn.
Erik had not considered this particular part of the trip. He was not a very good conversationalist, and he was completely out of his element. He had taken a seat across from A'awynn and he caught her looking at him. Since it was obvious to her that he had no idea what she wanted of him, she glided over to him and sat down beside him.
"Erik, when a man and a woman are engaged, it is appropriate for the man to sit beside her and even show her affection." Those eyes were pulling him in and Erik was completely lost in their depths.
He looked down at her and swallowed hard, "I would never take such liberties…" he remembered her slap from the other night and the pain that had lingered, "…ours is not a true engagement…you should be marrying because you are in love…" A'awynn smiled a slightly sad smile and lifted Erik's arm over the top of her head.
She inched closer to him as he continued to lift his arm. He smelled so good and she felt so safe and sheltered. The man was completely intoxicating. His hand settled on her arm as she curved into his body as if she had been specifically designed to fit there. Erik felt the slight tickle of her hair on his neck as she nestled into him.
They sat in silence, gently jostled by the movement of the carriage. A'awynn felt as if she could stay in the loop of his neck and shoulder forever, it felt like home. She also knew that he was not ready to accept her love for him, at least not in vocal terms. She must pound away at his resolve action by action, deed by deed; until he has no choice but to accept her love.
Erik was experiencing a little glimpse of heaven. He had never had a woman willingly stay this close to him for any extended period of time. He marveled in the softness of her skin and the scent of her hair. He noticed how she fit perfectly in his arms; her female curves blending with his male form. How was he ever going to get through this night without losing his heart?
As Erik berated himself, he felt the carriage come to a stop. He calmed his racing heart and willed his body to subside its incessant reaction to her. He removed himself from the carriage and offered his hand for her to step down. She took it without hesitation and then looped her arm through his. The young couple, with love beaming from their entire beings, made their way into the jewelers to pick their wedding set.
The jeweler was beside himself to have the Earl of Berwithshire and his intended bride in his humble establishment to pick the rings. After looking at several sets, the only ring that A'awynn could not take her eyes off was a rare African diamond cut in the shape of a teardrop; it was a one of a kind. The wedding band was lined with sapphires, another of A'awynn's favorite gems. Erik did not even have to hear her ask, he saw the longing in her eyes and he bought the rings.
Erik' ring took up less time, as the choices were few. Most men did not wear wedding rings, but A'awynn insisted on it. She picked out a gold band with emeralds engraved into the ring. It was lovely. Erik instructed the jeweler to have them sized and ready to pick up on Friday, he would come and pick them up.
The rest of the day was spent touring the city. They ate at the finest restaurant in all of Scotland and Erik relaxed in her company. Her laugh implanted itself on his heart in such a way that without it, his heart would cease to beat. Erik's thoughts started going south about half way through the meal. He would spy her velvet tongue as it wet her lips between bites, seemingly flirting with him; and he felt like he had lost all reason. (Be strong; chances are, she knows what she is doing and she will string your heart up and beat it into a bloody pulp) Erik attempted to insult his heart into submission, but it was too late.
When had this night become about seduction? Erik left Berwithshire today with his heart intact and his soul untouched. This bewitching woman had made him forget that he wore a mask and had been known as The Phantom of the Opera; she made him forget that his heart had been broken and stomped on – twice; she made him forget Venice and Lucy and Paris and Christine. She made him forget everything and everyone…but her.
OOOOOOOOO
Erik and A'awynn finished their meal and took a short walk in the courtyard of the restaurant. They found a swing and decided to enjoy just a few more moments together before they headed back to Berwithshire. Erik sat down with his left arm skirting the back of the swing. A'awynn took her favorite spot; in the crook of his arm. She wrapped her left arm around Erik's waist and lifted her feet into the swing. To those passing, it looked like she was asleep in his arms, but she was very much aware of every aching inch of Erik's body as it pressed warmly and seductively against her.
Erik dare not move, for fear she would change her mind and get up. He was as close to heaven as he had ever been, and most likely, ever would be. He absently rubbed the upper part of her arm as she laid against him, leaving goose pimples in his wake. The evening air was cool and A'awynn shivered slightly. Erik felt her shiver and took his jacket off. He placed it around her shoulders and then stopped the swing. He took her hand in his and helped her from the swing.
They walked arm in arm to the carriage and headed home. Erik asked A'awynn about her life at the orphanage and all the other charity work she had done. She talked about her mom and dad and every year she spent at boarding school. She was truly a work of art, and Erik treasured every word she spoke and every move she made.
To quickly, they arrived at the castle and they both headed toward their respective rooms. Erik stood at the threshold of her door, completely surprised at the wonderful time he had had; but it was she who spoke first. "Thank you Erik, for a lovely day. You are a true gentleman." She stroked his flawless cheek, "Tomorrow; you, Lacey and I are going on a picnic down by the lake; meet us here at 11:00 a.m."
Erik lifted her hand, turned it palm side up, lowered his warm lips to the pulse on the inside of her wrist and placed a gentle, but promise-filled kiss on that sensitive spot. "Thank you, my lady; for sharing this day with me and making me feel…more human than I have ever felt." He bowed and headed for his suite with a gigantic, somewhat satisfied smile on his face.
Chapter 35 Preview – Second Date