CHAPTER 48

It was two months before the grand opening of the Opera Populaire and the managers were on their wits end trying to find the leads for their production of "The Game of Love and Chance." They had exhausted their efforts and all the great performers they had had in mind were otherwise contractually obligated.

Raoul stepped into the manager's office as the two men swam through a sea of papers desperately.

"We will be ruined, Andre! The biggest day of the year in France and we will look like fools!" Firmin exclaimed.

"Calm yourself! You are doing nothing for my nerves!" Andre barked at Firmin.

Raoul coughed making his presence known to the men, as he took a seat before them. "Messieurs, it's common knowledge that you both seem to be having trouble attaining two sufficient stars for the play. Might I make a suggestion?"

Both men looked at Raoul eagerly as they simultaneously said, "By all means, Monsieur Comte, tell us please!

Raoul placed his hands behind his head and crossed his legs. "I suggest Christine and her husband."

Both men looked at each other in confusion. They had no idea Christine had married or of her whereabouts for that matter.

Firmin scratched his head then asked, "I beg your pardon, Comte. We know of Christine's undeniable skill, but this husband of hers, is he a singer?"

"You both know him well. In fact, he has overseen most of the opera for many years as well as its reconstruction," Raoul said mysteriously.

The managers were at a loss trying to think who this man could be. The only conclusion they came up with was their reclusive benefactor Monsieur Delacroix, but they did not recall his services to the opera house prior to its destruction.

"Mademoiselle Daae has married Monsieur Delacroix? How is it that she made his acquaintance? We have not even had the pleasure to meet such an unparalleled genius!" Andre stated.

"Messieurs, should I secure these two as the stars of the play, there are a matter of conditions that must be met first," Raoul stated as he interlaced his fingers across his knee.

"Anything you ask, Comte!" Both men said in harmony.

Raoul smiled at the managers. He found it amusing that both men seemed to share a brain. "As you know, the gala theme for the Bastille is a masquerade. Naturally, I wish the entire production to be in masks to coincide with the ball."

"Fantastic idea, Comte!" Andre said immediately.

"Ingenious idea!" Firmin followed suit.

"Wonderful. I will see about making the necessary arrangements. I will have them meet with you both in a few days," Raoul said as he stood up and offered his hand to both men.

As Raoul turned on his heel and left the two managers, Firmin looked to Andre and said, "Why do I have this feeling we just made a deal with the devil?"

Andre looked at his partner and scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous, Richard."

Raoul stopped by the Giry's flat to visit with Meg and talk to her and Madame Giry about how to approach Erik and Christine with the offer he had made on their behalf. Meg was thrilled to hear of it. There was nothing she would love more than to share the acting stage with her best friend. Madame Giry was unsure about the whole idea. She knew Erik would not take kindly to something he had not been made privy to beforehand.

"Perhaps you both can accompany me to their estate and help me argue my case. It is to benefit the opera house, something they hold so dearly and I cannot imagine anyone else more fitting for the roles of Silvia and Durante. There is no denying their chemistry during their performance of his Don Juan Triumphant. Now that I can see it from an objective point of view, I have to admit, those two on the stage would open the Opera Populaire in grand fashion," Raoul said honestly.

Meg agreed to accompany Raoul in hopes to help him with his business proposal. Her mother insisted on coming along to keep Erik from strangling the Comte.

Returning to his estate, Raoul made his way to the study and sat behind his desk. "It's been a long day, but it proved to be most productive. Now to set my plans in motion," he thought as he stretched his arms above him and yawned. He decided it would be best to inform the Delacroix's of his intended visit, so not to upset Erik any more than he expected him to be. He sealed the letter and had Francois delivery it personally.
Monsieur and Madame Delacroix,

I bid you both greetings and I am pleased to hear of your full recoveries. As you both know, the reopening of the Opera Populaire draws near and there is an important matter I wish to discuss with you both. My apologies for such short notice, but I fear this is a matter that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. The fate of the opening lies within your hands.

I am prepared to make the trip to your estate, should you consider holding court with me. Also, if it is of no inconvenience, I wish to bring Madame Giry and Meg along, so that they may visit with you both socially.

I await your response.

Sincerely,
Comte Raoul de Chagny

Erik finished reading the note aloud to his wife on the stone terrace, as they enjoyed their afternoon tea.

He rubbed his chin and thought about what was enclosed in the letter. "What do you think, mon ange?" Erik asked.

"I would love to see Madame Giry and Meg. It would also be nice to see Raoul, after all he has done," Christine said genuinely.

Erik nodded his head and placed the letter onto the table. "So be it. I will allow this visit," he said, intrigued in what the new Comte had to say regarding his precious opera house.

After they finished breakfast, Erik read Christine a collection of poetry by various authors. A Red, Red Rose was a particular favorite of his, by Robert Burns. He began to read with complete eloquence.

O, my Luve's like a red, red rose,
That's newly sprung in June.
O, my Luve's like a melodie
That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair as thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will love thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun:
I will love thess till, my dear,
While the sands o' life shall run:

And fare thee well, my only luve!
And fare thee weel, a while!
And I will come again, my luve,
Tho' it ware ten thousand mile.

"What do you think, mon amour?" Erik asked as he looked down to his wife, resting upon his lap.

Christine had fallen asleep in the warmth of the afternoon sun.

Erik smiled, placing his book onto the small table next to him. He moved carefully from underneath her so he could get up. He placed a pillow under her head and kissed her, leaving her to rest.

He stepped into the estate from the stone terrace and retreated to his study.

Sitting behind his desk, he opened a small drawer and retrieved a piece of parchment, some ink, and a quill. He readied the items before him and proceeded to write his response to Raoul.

Comte de Chagny,

I have received your letter and I will allow your presence here at La Maison de Roses. The Opera Populaire is of great concern to me and I am interested in what you have to announce regarding the reopening. My wife and I will be expecting you, Madame Giry, and Meg, tomorrow at noon.

-Erik Delacroix

Erik placed the letter in an envelope and sealed it with his infamous skull seal. He took pleasure in mocking Raoul with his old habits. He smiled and then called for Nicolas, asking him to have Victor deliver it to Raoul's estate.

The following afternoon, Erik and Christine were singing in La Beauté de Musique salon when Raoul and the Giry women arrived.

Before Nicolas opened the double doors to announce his master's guests, Raoul asked if they could listen a moment. Seeing no harm in it, Nicolas nodded.

They listened as Erik and Christine sang the raptures of their wedding night, a piece in act four, scene one of Gounod's "Romeo and Juliet." They were all mesmerized by the duos powerful vocal display. With every word they sang, they became the star-crossed lovers.

Nicolas opened the doors as the song came to a close and announced each of their guests. "Master, I present Comte Raoul de Chagny, Madame Annette Giry, and Mademoiselle Megan Giry."

Erik stood from his piano bench and welcomed them with a bow as Christine ran to Madame Giry and Meg.

"Come. The chef has prepared us a light lunch, which awaits us on the stone terrace," Erik said as he walked out of the salon.

They sat around the table enjoying tea, croissants, and a variety of cheeses and fresh fruit. As the ladies chattered amongst themselves, Erik and Raoul eyed each other as they ate.

Raoul contemplated on how to bring up the subject of the production, when Erik spoke up.

"So, I believe you had something to tell us about the opera house, Monsieur Comte," Erik said as he wiped the side of his mouth with his napkin.

All eyes were on Raoul as he was about to speak. "It's about the production. The managers have been unable to fill two parts, two very important parts."

"I know of the production. What parts are they not able to secure?" Erik inquired.

"Well, it's the parts of Silvia and Durante. We cannot possibly have a production without the main stars," Raoul said simply.

Erik took a breath and thought about the part of Silvia. He had hoped Christine would be interested in it. She had fully recovered from her weakened state and the weeks of singing with Erik in the music room had strengthened her voice. He believed it to be even better than it had been since the opera house.

"Leading roles in a production such as this would be sought after by many. I find it hard to believe those dunderheaded managers have not found two performers by now," Erik informed.

"The have tried, Monsieur, but there is simply no one available, especially since the Bastille draws near, but…" Raoul paused trying to phrase his words as delicate as possible.

"Somehow I knew there was something more to this, Comte. Get on with it," Erik snapped.

"I say this with the utmost respect, Monsieur, from a business point of view. I wonder if you and your wife would be interested in the parts?" Raoul asked as he steadied his nerves.

Christine had the look of surprise on her face.

Meg and Madame Giry braced themselves for an outburst.

"Your interest in my wife's talent I understand, but what you ask of me is impossible. Do you not remember my last appearance upon the stage?" Erik mocked.

"I do and that is why I sit before you today. Controversy aside, you and Christine performed incredibly that night. The powerful presence the two of you share upon the stage cannot be matched. I offer this, not because I am asking, but because the opera needs you both," Raoul said genuinely.

Christine reached for Erik's hand and held it within hers. "I will do it, if you join me, mon amour," Christine decided.

Erik gazed into Christine's eyes and did not want to deny her, but it would be impossible for him to take the stage with her. It would be too risky. "It's not possible for me to perform beside you, mon ange. People will see my mask and…" Erik was interrupted as Raoul remembered the most important part to his proposal.

"I beg your pardon, but it is absolutely possible for you to perform without fear of recognition," Raoul said positively.

"Care to enlighten me, Monsieur? Do you have a magic wand to remove this which sits upon my face?" Erik sneered as he pointed to his face.

"The gala which will follow the production is a masked ball. To follow with the theme I have asked the managers that the production be done in masks as well. They both agreed and found it quite fitting," Raoul answered.

All eyes were now on Erik. They all held their breaths as they waited for an answer.

Erik was impressed that Raoul had covered every aspect to insure his safety, again. "If I did not despise this boy so much, I think I would actually like him," Erik thought as he stood from his seat and made his way to the end of the table where Raoul sat.

As Erik brought his hand up, the three women rose from their chairs, ready to separate the two.

"I wish to shake your hand, Monsieur," Erik said evenly as he watched Raoul recoil slightly before he spoke.

Raoul took his hand and both men shook firmly.

All three women fell back into their chairs is disbelief.

Erik and Raoul looked at them and Erik said, "I shall not kill le Comte this day, but I will accept his offer to perform… on behalf of the Arts," Erik added the last bit of information quickly.

"There is something I failed to mention," Raoul said timidly, as Erik's smile slowly disappeared from his face.

"What would that be, Monsieur?" Erik asked suspiciously.

"The managers wish to see you both. They know you as Monsieur Delacroix and…" Raoul was silenced as Erik shot his hand around his neck firmly.

The women gasped at his sudden change in demeanor.

Erik brought his face close to Raoul's and whispered, "Tell me why I should not snap your neck right now." Erik loosened his grip slightly to allow Raoul to speak.

"I had no choice, but to mention who you were. I told them of Christine and that she had married. All the managers care about is the revenue. They know of the small fortune you donated to the opera as well as the free service you provided with your sketches," Raoul said in a gasped tone.

"What makes you so certain that they will not disclose my identity to the authorities?" Erik declared strongly.

Raoul took a breath then answered, "They will not jeopardize the opening of the opera. Not since the event has completely been sold out. They will not want to refund a full house. Once they hear you rehearse, they will not question either of you, but most importantly, I will be supporting you. They know me to be your biggest enemy, Monsieur, and in this case it shall be to our advantage."

Erik pushed Raoul back into his seat and released him.

Meg came quickly to Raoul's side making sure he was alright, as did Madame Giry.

Erik retreated, making his way swiftly through the garden and down to the gazebo as Christine chased after him.

Arriving by the Seine, Christine slowly stepped up into the gazebo and stood behind Erik, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning her head against his back.

"Your childhood friend unnerves me in a most unsettling way," Erik said as he watched the water ripple against the wind.

"He means well, Erik. He's a good man. I don't suppose you two will ever become friends, but I know you are trying your best to coexist with him," Christine said intuitively.

Erik closed his eyes as Christine ran her hands across his chest to comfort him.

"I acted poorly today, in front of you, Annette, and Meg. Forgive me for my offensive behavior."

He turned around and looked into his Angel's eyes.

"I will always love you, Erik, with or without your faults," Christine said with devotion.

Erik kissed the top of her head and noticed Raoul making his way down toward them. Madame Giry and Meg followed closely behind.

Christine turned as she heard the footsteps upon the gazebo steps.

"Monsieur Delacroix, Christine, I wish to apologize…" Raoul paused as Erik abruptly cut in.

"I offer my apologies," Erik voiced, as everyone looked at him bewildered. "I have my faults, Monsieur, but this should not surprise you. I wish to say that my wife and I will meet you and the managers tomorrow morning."

Raoul was not expecting this. Though, it was certainly fortunate for him. He had expected to be within the Phantom's grasp yet again.

Not wanting to press his luck, he thanked the Delacroix's for their time, bowed, and then turned on his heel. He extended his arm to Meg, who took to it, and then they made their way back up the hill.

Madame Giry stayed behind as she walked up to Erik. "Monsieur, I never thought in my lifetime I would ever bear witness to you offering an apology to your greatest enemy," she expressed.

"Please, Annette. You know how hard this is for me already," Erik admitted.

"I am proud of you, mon ami. I always knew there was a decent man hidden behind all that anger," Madame Giry said as she placed a hand onto his shoulder and smiled.

Erik and Christine watched as Raoul and Meg disappeared over the hill.

"Annette? Meg and le Comte… What is their situation?" Erik asked curiously.

"They are courting publicly, Erik. Did you not know this?" Madame Giry asked surprised.

"Christine and I do not get much gossip out here. It is nothing like how the opera house was," Erik informed.

Christine smiled thinking about her two best friends together. She always knew how much Meg admired Raoul and she was happy that Raoul had finally found someone to share his love and have it returned equally.

Author's Note
Thanks to fanfiction for making my readers wait on my two updates! -smirks- I do hope that everyone was finally able to read it once the site came back up. This author's note is a friendly reminder to my loyal readers that there are exactly two more Chapters left. Yes, my first fan fic is coming to an end, but there will be a sequel, as you all will figure out in Chapter 50. I have no scheduled time frame for its release, but there will definitely be one. I plan on taking a few weeks for myself and due to the holidays approaching, my writing time will be limited. I am currently writing up Chapter 1 of the sequel though, so just know that our lovely characters that I have fleshed out in this fic will be making their return again soon! -hugs- Also, just to address a Swarovski issue (Thanks Jessica -hugs-) in the previous Chapter, Daniel Swarovski would have been 20 around the time frame of my fic. So the way I have set it to fit my story is that we are to assume that Erik knew of this man's talent before it became public knowledge and therefore had commissioned him personally for the chandelier. I know in the film, the elder Raoul spots a couple outside of a Swarovski jewelry store and then the scene cuts to the start of the Masquerade. I wanted to include it somehow in this fic, since the basis of my story is from the movie.

Disclaimer
I am not affiliated, nor do I own any of the following: Marivaux's "The Game of Love and Chance," Robert Burns and his Poem "A Red, Red Rose," and Gounod's "Romeo and Juliet."