Chapter 3

Erik looked at the paper in horror and Isabelle gasped.

"They bought the bloody house?" Erik spat, throwing the invitation on the desk. "We'll not go."

Isabelle nodded, "The Vicomtesse has a lot of nerve moving in that house, let alone allowing the Vicomte to even think of inviting us."

Erik wholeheartedly agreed, as he wrote the Vicomte the decline their offer of tea saying he had "business" to attend to. He called for Gertie to take have the letter sent out right away, not wanting any unwanted visitors insisting they attend.

"Do you think Christine didn't know her husband sent it?" Isabelle questioned as she continued knitting a blanket.

"It's possible, it would seem more logical on her part if that is the reason behind it," Erik said, "I think I am going to go to the music room and finish up the last of the score." He said as he stood up, "Call me when supper is ready," he added giving her a kiss.

Erik was in the music room when a carriage pulled up to the manor. Isabelle came in the music room informing him that the carriage arrived. Erik rose puzzled as he took Isabelle's hand and walked to the foyer. He opened the front door and walked out on to the front steps.

The carriage door opened and the first thing handed to the footman was a cane. Next an elder woman with her hair in a tight, long braid came out.

"Madame Giry," Erik murmured as he let go of Isabelle's hand and walked to help her out of the carriage steps. Isabelle watched with confusion in her eyes as they exchanged some words as Erik led her to Isabelle.

"Antoinette, this is my wife Isabelle," Erik introduced her, "Isabelle this is Madame Giry, she practically raised me."

Isabelle smiled delightedly, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Erik has told me so much about you."

"Good things I hope," Madame Giry smiled, "Erik has told me all about you through the letters, I'm sorry for the loss of your family, but I believe congratulations are in order, Erik wrote saying you're with child."

"Oh thank you," Isabelle said, surprised Erik mentioned her past.

"Where is Meg?" Erik asked.

"She is in London performing now," she said, "She was accepted shortly after the fire."

"Ah congratulations, she always did well in ballet," Erik said, "How long are you visiting?"

"Not long, but I will need a place to stay," she hinted.

"Please stay here," Isabelle said, "it is practically your home after all."

"Thank you," she said as they went inside. Erik and Antoinette mostly talked in the parlor while Isabelle continued sewing.

"When are you due child?" Madame Giry directed to Isabelle.

"December," Isabelle replied smiling proudly. They ate dinner and Madame Giry went to see how the orchards were faring. Isabelle was tired and excused herself so Erik could join her in the orchard. She gave Erik a kiss and bid them both goodnight.

"She's lovely Erik," Antoinette said as they walked to the field.

"She is," he agreed.

"Does she still have trouble sleeping?"

"Not as much as she used to, now it's only discomfort from the babe," he said, her nightmares had ceased shortly after she visited her parent's graves."Did you know the Vicomte and Christine moved into Isabelle's family summer home?"

Antoinette looked at Erik sharply, "She did?"

Erik nodded, "We received an invitation for tea this afternoon, we declined, do you think Christine didn't realize Raoul sent the invitation?"

"I would assume, otherwise it's rather foolish on Christine's part, knowing that you and Raoul were such enemies in Paris."

"That is what Isabelle and I decided."

"Christine hasn't contacted you otherwise has she?"

"No, not since you talked to her."

"Good, she was being ridiculous with that." Erik nodded in agreement, "we should get back now, Isabelle will be missing you."

They walked quietly to the house and Madame Giry went to one of the many guestrooms, as Erik went to his bedroom. Isabelle was fast asleep, as Erik undressed and climbed into next to her. He gathered her into his arms and gave her a kiss on her forehead.

"I love you," she murmured and patted his chest.

"I love you too," he said as he fell asleep.

R/R!