CHAPTER 10

"The Chagny Estate," Francois stated as he opened the carriage door.

Raoul stepped out and wearily glanced up at the grand estate where he resided. He let out a sigh and continued up toward the entrance.

"Monsieur Vicomte, will you require anything? Perhaps one of the maids can draw you a bath?" The butler couldn't help but notice the Raoul's drawn out demeanor, as he held the door open for his master.

"No, nothing… Thank you, Jacques." Raoul removed his jacket and handed it to Jacques. "I shall be in my study. Please have Therese bring me some tea within the hour. Also, have my carriage prepared in the morning. I shall be escorting Mademoiselle Giry to her home from the hospital." With that, Raoul turned on his heel toward his study.

Raoul turned down the gas lamp that sat upon his mahogany desk and sank into his leather chair. He thought about clearing up some of the business papers that were cluttered before him, but his mind kept drifting to Christine. A knock at the door woke him from his thoughts.

"Your tea Monsieur, as requested," the voice on the other side stated.

Raoul rubbed at his chin as he answered, "Enter, Therese."

"Where shall you take your tea, Monsieur?" She asked, holding onto the tray.

"The table by the settee will be fine," Raoul gestured.

"Very well..." Therese sat the tray down onto the table and made her way out of the study.

Raoul walked over to the tray and poured himself a cup. He sat down on the settee and removed his boots. Relaxing against the backing, he reached for his teacup and enjoyed the warm liquid traveling down his throat. He sighed, placing the teacup back down onto the table and closed his eyes. There was nothing more to do but sleep. He welcomed the escape to rid his mind of his thoughts, if only for the night.

"Pitiful creature of darkness… What kind of life have you known…? God give me courage to show you, you are not alone…" Christine placed the ring on her finger and kissed The Phantom.

"Good God, Christine, what are you doing? Don't do it! Don't throw your life away for my sake!" Raoul screamed.

"Lotte? Can you not hear me? Christine… CHRISTINE!"

She did not hear him.

Raoul's frustrations grew. "Why does she not hear me?"

"She doesn't love you. She'll never hear you," a voice whispered.

Raoul questioned in anguish, "Whose is that voice? Show yourself!"

"Let her be Raoul… let her be…" The voice faded and then there was silence.

The kiss between The Phantom and Christine seemed to last a lifetime. As they pulled apart from each other Christine looked towards Raoul. What he saw shocked him beyond belief. It was no longer Christine.

Raoul gasped, "Meg?"

Raoul sat upright, breathing heavily. He was sweating profusely. "I don't understand." He slicked his hair back with both hands. "Why would I dream that and why was Meg there?" A knock at the door caught his attention.

"Enter," Raoul commanded.

"Monsieur Vicomte, your carriage is nearly ready. Do you wish to have the maids prepare your clothing and draw you a bath now?" Jacques questioned.

"Is it morning already, Jacques?" Raoul stood up from the settee.

Jacques looked upon his master sympathetically. "I'm afraid so. Shall I tell the maids to prepare then?"

Raoul nodded. "Yes, Jacques, that will be fine. You may go now."

His bath had been quick but quite refreshing. He glanced at himself in the mirror, making sure his attire was to his liking. As he stared back at his reflection, he was lost for a brief moment. "That dream…" he thought to himself. He shook his head, straightened his jacket, and walked down the stairs to meet Jacques.

"Your orders, Monsieur Vicomte?" Jacques inquired.

Raoul worked his leather gloves on as he dictated what was to be ready. "Tell the cook to have dinner ready at the usual time. He is to prepare pheasant and an assortment of vegetables from the garden. Wine from the cellar, red… and…" He pondered a moment. "A nice berry tart… Yes, that will do, Jacques."

"Very good, Monsieur," Jacques bowed as Raoul exited.

"Your carriage awaits, Vicomte." Francois motioned, holding the door open. "We shall be at the hospital on time."

"Good. We shant keep Mademoiselle Giry waiting," Raoul said as he entered the carriage.

Author's Note
Thanks again to my loyal readers! I love all the reviews! Also, hang tight for an actual plot to come. I'm in the early stages of character building. The lesser characters need "filling" in order to work into the story better. There is a reason to my madness. -points at Erik- Don't forget, I'm new, so the first time is always chaotic, isn't it? -grins-