Chelsey here; oh my goodness, we are so sorry, dear readers, for the apalling lack of attention in our stories of late. But no, we haven't forgotten or died or anything like that, and we promise it won't happen again. Please forgive us. :)
For those of you who are "A Young Widow" fans, that has been updated as well.
As for this chapter, it is rather short, simply transitional, but if you forgive us and review we'll have a longer one up soon.
Without further ado: the chap (finally!).
Chapter 13
My Dear Christine,
I have spent these past 9 months working tirelessly to prepare the new house for myself and our daughter. I pray it will be suitable. I have missed you with all my soul.
Tomorrow at two o'clock pm, a carriage embossed with a seal bearing the letters "ED" will arrive at your gate. Board it, and it will bring you to my home. Please bring with you any of Brigitte's belongings and other necessary supplies. I count the hours until I can see both of your lovely faces again. Erik
Christine read the letter, tears in her eyes, as she sat on her bed with Brigitte in her arms. Not a day or night had gone by that she had not thought of him. Brigitte had grown considerably in the past nine months, and was a beautiful baby; she had been the only thing that Christine had lived for the past months. Everyday Christine would keep an eye out for the letter, both dreading it and looking forward to it (simply because she would get to see Erik again), and now it had finally came.
She set Brigitte down in her bassinet as she began to pack her things. "Tomorrow you're going to get to see your Papa again, Brigitte," she said to her daughter, trying to keep cheer in her voice, "Isn't that wonderful?" She retrieved a suitcase from the closet and began to take Brigitte's clothing from the wardrobe. Oh, how she would miss those tiny dresses and little booties. She knew she would simply wither away completely without both her daughter and Erik.
Erik walked around his newly finished home, admiring it and making sure everything was in place for when his two little women arrived the next day. He thanked the gods that he'd had at least this project to occupy himself with while he was separated from them, or else he was sure he would have gone mad. And the finished product was quite impressive, if he said so himself. The kitchen was done in a color scheme of royal blue, and the master bedroom rich shades of black and red.
He climbed the stairs and entered the room. He was quite proud of it and had put much work into it, even if he would have no one to share it with. As he changed, he envisioned the day ahead of him with great excitement and glee. He knew, however, that there was no way it would not end sorrowfully. But he did not want to think of that yet.
His hired help would be arriving the day after Brigitte was to; he'd selected an older woman who would do his cleaning and cooking, and take care of Brigitte when he was entirely too busy to, which he did not believe would be too often. Her name was Annette; she would arrive early each morning and depart after she cooked dinner.
Erik climbed into his bed and tried to calm his mind, which took quite a bit of work, as he was so anxious for the next day. Eventually, though, he fell asleep, dreaming of his family.