CHAPTER 7
Raoul reached for Meg's hand and kissed it, as he brought himself to a seated position beside her on the bed. "Was your mother's visit a pleasant one, mademoiselle?" He searched her face for answers, with a smile.
"Very much so! Yet, she can be rather brooding at times, but, well, that is Maman," she let out with a sigh. "Please, call me Meg. I would hope there would be no formalities between us after all the things you have done for me," she glanced at him with an encouraging look.
"Very well then, little Meg, how are you faring? If you need anything, I need only send word and it would be arranged."
Meg eyed Raoul, as she thought how handsome he was in this moment. It was just like when she had first seen him at the opera house. "Very charming too!" She flushed at the thought. "I'm quite fine, thank you! Dr. Necosi says that I shall be able to return home tomorrow and that there will be very little scarring. It only took a few stitches and with all this hair, no one will ever know it's there!" She fussed as she tangled her golden mass all about her.
Raoul couldn't help but let a laugh escape him. He found Meg to be amusing and yet something about her stirred him. He leaned forward and brushed her hair away from her face, gently letting it fall to her sides.
Meg closed her eyes, as he touched her. "What's happening to me?" She thought to herself, as butterflies danced inside her belly.
Raoul leaned forward and kissed the top of her head. "Tomorrow I shall bring you my carriage and escort you home. Perhaps you could join me for dinner then?" He paused a moment, questioning himself. "Am I being too bold with my last request?" He found it so easy to let things fly out of his mouth without a thought. "This girl's carefree nature is catching. What of Christine? Is this not odd behavior for a man that was engaged just hours ago?" The thoughts raced in his mind, coming to a halt at the reality of losing his Lotte. He collected himself and glanced back at Meg. "I apologize, Meg. I didn't mean to be so hasty. You may want to rest upon arriving home. It was foolish of me to…" he paused as she placed a hand on top of his.
"I would love to dine with you, Raoul." She looked into his ocean blue eyes without blinking.
He beamed at her acceptance to his invitation. "It's settled then! What time will you be released from the hospital?"
"She is to be discharged at 8am, Monsieur Vicomte." Dr. Necosi stated as he entered the room, chart in hand. "Forgive the intrusion, but it is time for Mademoiselle Giry to get her rest."
Raoul nodded at the doctor. "Of course, Doctor." He winked at Meg and placed a chaste kiss to her hand. "Until tomorrow, Mademoiselle..."
Meg smiled at him playfully. "Until tomorrow, my good Monsieur..."
Raoul made his way out front, waving to his driver to bring the carriage around. "To the Chagny Estate," he directed Francois. "Very well, Monsieur." Francois closed the door behind the Vicomte.
On the ride to his estate, Raoul's thoughts drifted between sleep and Christine. He wondered how she was and what she was doing at that moment.