Chapter 4

Isabelle woke before Erik did and snuggled up next to him as best she could. Erik stirred at the movement and slowly woke up, "Morning," he murmured giving her a kiss.

"Morning," she sighed, "Can we sleep in today?"

"It would be nice, but we have Madame Giry here, she believes in waking at dawn, and I'm afraid we've already over slept."

Isabelle pouted as Erik got up to get washed and dressed. She sat up in bed and watched him get cleaned up, she smiled at how impeccable he dressed, even if it was just her he'd be around all day he still wore a vest and jacket, unless he was composing. She sighed and got up and decided to get dressed too.

Erik was putting on his boots when he glanced up and saw Isabelle changing, he was amazed at how much her form could change during pregnancy, she glowed. She turned around and Erik saw the struggles from her past on her back,elevenscars marred her back from when her uncle beat her,but made her all the more beautiful to Erik. For it showed the strength and courage she had to put the past behind her, even though it was a dark one. She turned around and saw him looking at her and smiled sweetly.

"Are you going to be composing today?" She asked him. He shook his head.

"I was thinking we could go shopping in town today with Antoinette if she wanted to, otherwise just you and I can go for clothes for the baby."

"That sounds lovely," she said brightly, "I thought it would be nice to put a rocking chair in the nursery, do you think we could get one in town?"

"Yes," Erik said, "it would be perfect for the nursery." They went downstairs for breakfast to find Antoinette already eating.

"Good morning Antoinette, I trust you slept well?" Erik asked as he sat down.

"I did, I hope you both did?"

Erik and Isabelle nodded, "would you like to accompany us to town?" Erik asked her.

"I'm afraid I have been called for business back in Paris, I will be leaving around lunchtime," she said sadly.

"Oh I'm sorry," Isabelle said sympathetically, "is everything okay?"

"Yes, they just need help with the ballerinas," she said, as there was a knock at the door, Gertie had gone to fetch it and came into the dining room, "Madame Giry your carriage has arrived."

"Thank you," she said standing, Erik and Isabelle following in suit, "Thank you for your hospitality," she said giving Isabelle a hug, and Erik a kiss on his good cheek, "Good luck with the babe, and Erik with your operas."

"Thank you for visiting," Erik said.

Isabelle nodded, "You're welcome any time of course and it was lovely meeting you."

"And you," she said before leaving. Isabelle sighed as the door closed; Erik leaned against it wearily before standing back up again.

"I think I'm going to play the piano for a while," he decided, "would you care to listen?"

Isabelle nodded, "Yes I would love to, do you mind if I read at the same time?"

"Not at all," he replied as they walked into the music room. Erik played a simple and sweet melody while Isabelle read Count of Monte Cristo. There was a knock at the door front door and Erik abruptly stopped playing, Gertie had left to go care for the animals. Erik was slightly annoyed as he went to get it, Isabelle following him. When he opened the door though he immediately regretted it.

"You!" The Vicomte choked as he stood next to a pale Christine, "You're supposed to be dead!"

R/R please!