Chapter Three

Spectacular Spectacular!, as that was what Toulouse's play was to be called, had inspired dear Harold more than anyone expected. Within three weeks, the Moulin Rouge had been beautifully transformed into a theater, and the dancers within it adjusted into an ensemble for the play. The Duke had been distracted by the production's details, causing me to see very little of him…until rehearsals started. I had not yet brought myself to face the terrible contract Harold had finally relented to sign a few days ago, but without word I knew things were different. I had been bought, and though I avoided the notion, I knew that the Duke would soon be making demands I would have to be all too pleased to fulfill.

"The rehearsal is going quite well, don't you think my dear?" I braced myself as the Duke placed a hand upon my leg. He did not seem to notice the slight flinch I had let escape.

"Simply beautiful." I said, turning my eyes back towards Christian's adorable frown as he passionately argued with another actor as to how the scene was to be run.

"My darling," the Duke interrupted. "I've prepared us a dinner at the Gothic Tower this evening – you will be able to join me, won't you?"

"Of course, yes…" I said absentmindedly. Every moment the Duke was away Christian and I had spent together. Every second apart was torture, and every second together pure bliss. My breathing quickened as a soft finger gently caressed the back of my neck. I turned my head slightly and glanced behind me.

"I love you." Christian whispered.

My eyes widened. "Sshh."

"What was that, dearest?"

"Oh nothing, my Duke. I was simply saying hello to our writer."

"Oh…hello." The Duke turned and frowned. "What is it that you want?"

"…Mademoiselle Satine…" Christian pondered a moment. "…I have made several changes to the…the will the Hindu Courtesan be meeting in the Sitar player's humble abode? scene. I was hoping to run through them with you this evening…" He observed the Duke's rough hand clutching my leg. "It's really not that important…"

"Not important?" I scoffed, suppressing a smile. "The Courtesan will be meeting in the Sitar player's humble abode scene is one of our most crucial. We will go over it tonight until I am completely satisfied."

"But darling-"

I put up my hand. "Dear Duke – please excuse me."

The Duke let out a growl of frustration and stalked away to speak to Harold. I caught Christian's eye and headed up to the balcony. Fear clutched my heart when I saw the Duke raising his hands in the air. "She is always dallying with the writer – practicing lines!" He screeched. My eyes began to burn. How would we ever stay together with such great odds against our love?

"Sshh…" Two warm hands grabbed mine and pulled them away from my face, gently wiping my tears away. "It's alright." I nodded slowly, standing to meet him. Christian's expression was serious.

"I missed you last night." It was not a statement…it was a question.

"I'm sorry." I turned away. After an hour of coughing, Marie had sent for a doctor. Despite my protests, he demanded a full examination but refused to give a diagnosis until Harold had promised a rather large sum of money in exchange for his help. He promised to return in a week after consulting with an acquaintance in America who would be able to assist my "condition" with modern medicine.

Worries had been tainting my thoughts – this sort of ailment was not uncommon in the Moulin Rouge, but never before had Harold been willing to pay the necessary fee to assist the sick dancers – he could always find another one on the streets. But the Sparkling Diamond was irreplaceable, and Harold would pay any sum of money in order to ensure the Moulin Rouge's security.

The truth weighed down upon my thoughts. I longed to tell Christian my fears; to inform him of the unknown that so deeply terrified me. But I held strong…it was foolish to worry him now without a proper diagnosis.

"I…I had a client." I said sadly.

"I see." He said. "Did you-"

"Yes." I replied softly, nausea forming in my stomach. "I am sorry." I caressed his face lovingly. "Please promise me you won't be jealous."

Christian stared for a moment. He opened his mouth to complain but then thought better of it. After a pause, he gave the hint of a hesitant smile instead. "And…and what is my reward for this promise?"

I laughed. "Oh…it will be worth your while." I gently kissed his lips, pulling away after a moment.

"Oh, no you don't." Christian leaned over me and kissed me deeply until my body melted upon his.

"I love you." I breathed into his mouth before being consumed once more.

"Satine? Satine!" I heard Harold calling in the back of my mind and reluctantly pulled away. "You have to return to the stage," I said breathlessly.

"See you tonight then?" He asked eagerly as I buttoned my dress.

"Yes…yes, tonight. Now go!" I giggled as he ran away, hopelessly attempting to tuck his shirt in properly.

"I hope you don't mind…I hope you don't mind…that I put down in words…how wonderful life is…now you're in the world." I sang with soft exaltation.

Love is a many splendid thing indeed.