Chapter 2

Isabelle woke up to an empty bed, she still had a bit of nausea in the morning, but it was not as bad as it was in the beginning. She was now around six months into her pregnancy, and showing very much. She got dressed in a simple gown and went to the music room.

Erik was busy writing an opera in the music room. When Isabelle went in he was fervently scribbling notes down. She quietly started to sneak back out to let him finish,

"Sit down," she heard him command, "I'm almost done for now." Isabelle was surprised he was even going to take a break. Erik had begun to write operas to earn his money, he had lots of money invested in the bank, but preferred using money he'd earn by writing the operas instead. It was something to occupy him while Isabelle napped or was in town. She sat on the chair and watched him finish up; when he finished he slipped it into the folder and help her to her feet. He gave her a tender kiss,

"Good morning mon amour," he said softly, "how are you feeling?"

"Fine," she replied, "Just a little dizzy when I first woke up, but better now."

"Good," he murmured, "I hate to see you suffer so."

"Yes, but think of the outcome."

Erik smiled absentmindedly and looked at Isabelle's ever-growing stomach. Gertie and Isabelle had been setting up a nursery for the babe, they had gotten a crib and bedding and a rocking chair set up and Isabelle had been making baby clothes and buying some outfits and necessities for a newborn. Erik was making some toys, little building blocks with letters carved in them, and some with music notes and instruments on them.

"Gertie heard a couple bought my old summer home," Isabelle said, "I wonder who they are, they're from Paris."

"Hmm, hopefully no one that will meddle," Erik said distastefully, liking the solitude they had in their home. Isabelle laughed at that comment.

"It might be nice having someone around," she said shrugging, Erik scoffed, and it'd be more of a burden he thought.

"Are you hungry?" Erik asked as they walked out of the music room, she shook her head.

"I had a large breakfast already," Isabelle said wrinkling her nose, Erik smirked knowing how much she could eat now.

"Can we go for a walk through the orchard?" She asked hopefully.

"Yes, but we'll take your cloak in case it gets cooler," he said as they went to the foyer.

When they got back from the walk, Gertie had gotten the mail and handed it to Erik, he took it into the library while Isabelle did her sewing in there with him. He didn't recognize the seal and opened it.

"The Vicomte and Vicomtesse de Chagney would like to invite to you for tea on September 14, at 1 o'clock. Please send your reply via messenger."

Sorry for the cliffie (I hate them too, but they're so fun to write!) R/R please!