CHAPTER 44

A week had gone by and there was still no improvement with Christine. Her fever was gone and her health was stable, but she still had not come out of her coma. She continued to speak at night, but other than that, there was no visible sign of her coming out of her current state. Erik would not give up on her though. Once he was able to get out of bed, he would make arrangements to move Christine back to The House of Roses.

Madame Giry stayed with Nadir and her daughter for several days before deciding to bring Meg back to Paris with her.

The tale that Nadir had shared with her was incredible to believe, but thankfully everything had ended with her daughter safe and back at home where she belonged.

Before she had left La Rochelle, she visited with Erik and Christine to wish them a quick recovery. It was hard for her to see Christine in her current state.

She continued to pray for Christine's recovery and hoped that her they would be able to return to Melun soon.

As usual, Nadir was at the hospital bright and early to keep Erik company. They had not spent this much time together since their days in Persia.

Erik had forgotten how much he enjoyed Nadir's company, though at times his cheery demeanor was a bit much when all Erik wanted to do was get some rest.

"So, how are you today, my boy?" Nadir said as he strolled into the room.

"I wish to be out of this bed already, so that I may attend to my wife's needs," Erik said in frustration.

"Well, it seems your strength has returned. At least you can sit up now. Perhaps what you need is something more to occupy your time other than my delightful companionship," Nadir finished with a grin.

Erik thought about what Nadir said and an idea came to him. "Is there a music shop nearby, Nadir?"

"I am unsure. I would have to see. What is it that you need?" Nadir asked.

"If you come across a music shop, please procure a violin for me. I would like to play for Christine. Perhaps it will help in her recovery. I don't know why I had not thought of this sooner," Erik said curiously.

"I shall do what I can, Erik," Nadir assured, then continued, "I almost forgot. I brought you a newspaper. I thought you might want to see it." Nadir handed the paper to Erik and then took his leave.

As Erik scanned the front page, he snorted. It was an article on the Comte's death, fabricated.

"Comte Philippe de Chagny, mort après avoir chassé l'accident… … … le Comte was hunting in the Pyrenean Mountains… … … he fell victim to a wild boar attack… … … body was recovered by le Vicomte de Chagny… … … private service was held… … … Le Comte rests in the de Chagny family mausoleum at the Cimetière du Père Lachaise… … … Raoul de Chagny, only living son to Le Marquis de Chagny, will be titled as Comte."


Raoul had spent the week thinking about his new position. Even though it seemed too overwhelming, he was ready for the challenge. He wanted to prove to his father that he was worthy of carrying the de Chagny name and all the responsibilities that came with it. He stood before the door of his parent's estate and was prepared to take on his destiny.

Hugues greeted Raoul at the door and led him into the Marquis's study. He bowed to them both then left father and son to their business.

"Sit," the Marquis said upon his son's arrival.

"I have taken the week to go through all of Philippe's acquisitions, his holdings, shares, and funds. I've seen to it that they have been transferred in your name. I will not disillusion you boy. Your brother has left many business matters unattended. There is much to be done, but I have partners ready to attend to your needs. You have but to ask and they will be at your disposal," the Marquis detailed as he finished signing several documents upon his desk.

"Merci, Father. I am ready to take my place as Comte and I would like to handle the affairs Philippe has left me with, on my own. Should I find it necessary to require aid, then I will not hesitate to ask for help. I thank you for the offer nonetheless," Raoul said confidently.

"Good. I had expected you would take on these matters alone. There is hope for you yet, my boy. Do not let me down," the Marquis said evenly.

"Father, as my first matter of business, I wish to oversee the Opera Populaire's reopening. Our family has spent years supporting the Arts and I wish to continue doing so," Raoul stated with hope.

"This is your mother's influence. She has always been fond of those operas. Very well. It is only because I do not wish to argue with your mother, but I expect you to deal with matters of importance once the reconstruction has been completed," the Marquis toned firmly.

Standing up, Raoul bowed to his father. "It shall be done, Father. Merci."

"Go and visit your mother now. I will have all these documents sent to your estate," the Marquis said as he waved his son out of his study.

Raoul closed the door behind him and let out a long sigh of relief. "That was a lot easier than expected. I'm fortunate the old man actually fears my mother," Raoul thought with a smile.

Anaïs de Chagny was in the garden, crouched over her centaurium flowerbed, gathering a few into her hand as Raoul came upon her.

"Mother? Why not call the gardeners to attend to that?" Raoul asked simply.

"Raoul, you know how much I adore these little beauties in bloom. I cannot help myself," Anaïs said with a smile, as she got up to kiss her son.

"Have you been well, Mother?" Raoul asked as he hugged her.

"Come. Walk with me," Anaïs said, entwining her arm with his.

They walked awhile in silence, until his mother spoke.

"I'm faring as well as can be expected. I keep Philippe close to my heart. That will be enough to get me through this."

Raoul nodded and patted his mother's hand. "I spoke with Father, about the opera house."

"He didn't give you any trouble, did he?" Anaïs said with concern.

"Not at all, mother, but it's only because he fears you. He knows how much you take pleasure in the Arts," Raoul said with a laugh.

"Oh, my dear, how you enjoy spiting your father so," she giggled then continued, "It's true what you say though. I would have your father's ear if he didn't allow you to assist in the reconstruction of Paris's magnificent Opera Populaire," Anaïs said dramatically.

"You will love the production that will celebrate the reopening, Mother. I have suggested Marivaux's 'The Game of Love and Chance' and the managers were thrilled," Raoul said happily.

"A romantic comedy! One I have been anxious to see for some time now," Anaïs said with excitement.

"I knew it would please you," Raoul said proudly as they made their way toward the estate.

"Take these with you son," Anaïs said as she handed the array of centauriums to Raoul.

"Mother? I do not…" Raoul was silenced as his mother shushed him and winked.

"Give them to her," Anaïs said simply and then continued, "Do not think your mother a fool. I know perfectly well when my son is in love."

Raoul was taken aback by his mother's words. "Am I in love?" His mother obviously had thought so. "I care for Meg dearly, but love?" With everything that had happened, he hadn't thought much about it and now it was at the forefront of his mind. It was something he would have to face, eventually, but for now, he had an opera to rebuild.

Raoul had the flowers wrapped and sent by messenger to Meg, along with a note to meet him outside of the Opera Populaire. He hadn't seen her since that night he left her in the hospital in La Rochelle and he wanted to make sure she was doing better. He also wanted to ask her a question regarding the production for the grand reopening.

Meg met Raoul as requested. Cane in hand, she had a slight limp as she came toward him.

"My apologies, little Meg. I should've known better than to ask you to come out in your condition," Raoul said as he kissed her hand.

"It's alright, mon ami. The doctor said I should try and get used to walking, to strengthen it," Meg said simply, and then continued, "Anyway, it's good to see you. I have been worried about you. How have you been?"

"I'm well. I have a lot to attend to since Philippe's death, so I've been busy. I am glad you were able to meet with me though. Shall we go inside? I would like to discuss something with you." Raoul offered his arm to Meg and she took to it with a smile.

As they entered the foyer of the opera house, Meg noticed the crew had restored most of it during their time away. "It looks just as grand as it was before," Meg said in awe.

"Oui, but there is still much to be done. I'm pleased with the progress so far. The crew has been working hard to meet the summer deadline," Raoul said as they made their way to the manager's office.

"Where are Messieurs Andre and Firmin?" Meg questioned before Raoul opened the door.

"They are on the Rue Scribe side, making sure the crewmen are doing as specified. The blueprints Erik provided are extraordinary and the managers wish for every detail to be followed," Raoul said, offering a seat to Meg.

He took a seat next to her then held her hands within his. "There is something I want to tell you," Raoul said seriously.

Meg suddenly became nervous. She wondered what he had been eager to tell her and now that she was about to find out, she was feeling faint.

Raoul noticed her complexion change as her eyes darted around the room.

"Meg? Are you alright? Would you like some water?" Raoul asked with concern.

Meg took a deep breath to calm herself. "Non, mon ami. I'm fine. What is it that you wish to tell me?

"It's about…" Raoul was interrupted by Meg's sudden outburst.

"Raoul, really, I understand. That kiss we shared at the chateau, I know it was just a friendly kiss given in haste because of the danger we faced and you wanted to reassure me we would be safe," Meg blurted.

Raoul smiled at her assumption. It was moments like this that made him adore her innocence.

"Meg. I was merely going to ask if you would be interested in trying out for the production of Marivaux's 'The Game of Love and Chance,'" Raoul grinned.

Her cheeks flushed and she cursed herself silently for her naivety. "Raoul, I…" she paused and let out a nervous giggle.

"Does this mean you are interested?" Raoul asked, knowing what she would say.

"Oui, I would love to! I only hope Maman will understand," Meg frowned as she thought about her mother's reaction.

"You will be wonderful, Meg, and she will see that for herself on opening night!" Raoul assured.

Raoul spent the rest of the afternoon giving Meg a tour of the sections of the opera house that had been completed.

As they made their way outside, they stopped to say hello to the managers. He told them to expect Meg to try out for an acting part of the production. They were pleased to hear she was taking a chance to further her career. They all agreed she would make an excellent addition to the cast.

Meg was prepared to take her leave when Raoul insisted on taking her home. She did not refuse his request.

Arriving at her flat, Raoul walked her to the door. "I hope to see you again soon, little Meg," he said as he looked into her eyes.

"I meant to thank you for the flowers you sent me. Maman placed them in a vase for me. They're beautiful," Meg blushed.

"They're from my mother's garden. She gave them to me and told me to give them to you," Raoul said as he slowly leaned closer to her.

"I don't understand. I didn't know your mother…" Meg was silenced as Raoul's lips met hers.

Meg was startled at first, but then slowly closed her eyes and gave into his affection. She wrapped her arms around him, as he brought his left arm around her waist. She lost herself in him, but as he attempted to deepen the kiss, she pulled back and took a breath.

"Raoul, I…" She tried to finish, but was at a loss for words.

"Don't say another word. I shall see you again soon, little Meg," Raoul kissed her hand and bowed.

Meg watched as he disappeared into his carriage and Francois tipped his hat in her direction. She waved as they drove off down the road and then placed her hand to her lips, blushing.

Disclaimer
I do not own any rights nor am I affiliated to Marivaux's "The Game of Love and Chance." But, you all already knew that, right? -grins-