Disclaimer: All originating characters and storylines belong to their respectful owner. This is mostly a continuation of ALW's work, but I do throw GL a couple of good nods. All new characters and sub-plots are my original work and are not to be used/reproduced without my expressed permission. Enjoy the story and shoot some feedback my way if you can! Thanks for reading.
Phanatic: Thanks for still sticking by me. (I know that it has been too long between updates . . . hopefully work will be less demanding and stressful.) You rock! But you already knew that!
CaliBeachBum: I want nothing more than Christine and Erik to be together as well. But thiswas the only way I envisioned how the story would go. Thank you so much for reading. I am glad you are enjoying it!
phantomfan1911: You flattery almost embarrases me. Almost. Thanks for all your kind words. It really is too much. BTW, Richelle wasn't a favorite of mine until later. You'll see. But every story HAS TO have a villan.
Chapter Fifteen
"A baby," Christine thought to herself. For the past three weeks all she could think about was the baby that was already growing inside of her. The midwife couldn't place a date she would deliver since Christine had still gone through her monthly cycles. Christine couldn't understand it. She had panicked initially at the start of December. She worried that her indiscretion with Erik might have had a bigger ramification than just her overwhelming guilt, but was relieved when the familiar feeling came and went just as it had always been. After waking up from the dinner disaster, Christine was absolutely horrified at what Raoul had so joyously shared with her. She was going through her phase that very day. Christine had to ask Raoul at least three times if the doctor was absolutely certain.
Raoul was more than elated. The very night the doctor discovered that she was pregnant, Raoul started writing letters to all of his family and friends. Christine always knew that he wanted more children. Secretly, she had always dreaded the thought of having another one. Jean was enough to keep both her and Raoul satisfied. She couldn't imagine loving a child more than she loved Jean. Even in the womb, the new baby was starting to cause Christine grief. This pregnancy was so much more difficult than Jean's. Each morning she awoke her stomach heaved without cause or reason. Her fits had become so wrenching that the midwife instructed her to remain in bed until it subsided. Instead of being able to keep the baby out of her mind with small, busy tasks, she was only able lie in bed thinking of her guilt and shame.
Raoul was only too eager to help his wife. He brought her breakfast every morning. He helped her bathe. He fluffed her pillows without even asking. Through all of his caring, her stomach and head only felt worse. In her mind, she felt as thought she would never get better. The midwife could only assume that her pregnancy occurred within the past few weeks. She could not admit to her about the possibility that she might be carrying another man's child. It was too risky. If Raoul ever discovered her secret, she knew that her life would be stripped from her. Thinking back on her adventure with Erik, she never once considered the possibility of bearing his child. The time she spent with him was a brief two days. Reasoning with herself, she forced herself to concede that this, in all likeliness, must be Raoul's child. She had spent more time with him. Moreover, she kept telling herself that God would not be so cruel to her.
Her neighbors had already learned of the baby and were now incessantly visiting the house. Christine tried hiding as long as she could, but knew she was obliged to entertain them as Raoul's wife. Her duty, as she agreed to abide by when she returned, was to be at Raoul's side. The entire community was happy to congratulate the young family. Raoul's parents had sent gifts for the baby's room. Phillippe and Sarah made house visits every other weekend. With all the extra attention she was receiving from Raoul's family, Christine feared that Raoul had shared with them her and Raoul struggles as a married couple, but she didn't have the gumption to ask Raoul about it. Even Jean grew more and more excited as his Papa told him with great enthusiasm, "Jean will be a big brother now! Soon we will have a new baby to play with!" Christine was content that her family was happy. Their happiness, she concluded, was her happiness as well.
As the spring months wore on, time faded away the sting of her guilt. The birth of the green season seemed to give her a chance at a new beginning as well. "How will anyone know?" Christine kept asking herself. It wasn't until the beginning of summer that she allowed herself the luxury to feel excited about the baby. By touch, the midwife said that the baby should be due sometime in September. Overnight, it seemed, her sickness went away. She no longer felt exhausted soon after rising for the day. The flames of passion she had for Raoul kept intensifying. Now she was the one to whisk him away in the bedroom. She had made a bevy of blankets and layettes. Raoul surprised Christine by setting up the guest room with Jean's old furniture. She spent days there setting everything just to her liking. Caught up in the midst of her excitement, the thought of Erik was a distant memory.
Jean had been a docile baby, seldom moving. But she did get substantially bigger, it seemed, with each passing day. She had to order a whole new wardrobe in her third month. With this new child, Christine hardly had to make any alterations to her clothes. The little one kicking inside her now did so with great gusto and tenacity. It wasn't until the end of July that her entire body swelled to gigantic proportions. Her feet, in particular, could not fit into any of her shoes or boots and she was forced to run around the house in bare stockings or feet. Raoul tried to have something made, but as accommodating as the tailor was, Christine always felt that she was wrapped in circus tents accented with horribly oversized bows.
Christine waddled from place to place, making it difficult to care for Jean. Raoul had been caring enough to watch over him. It was a mid-August morning when Raoul cautiously approached Christine, "My love, I hate to trouble you with this, but Jean is getting restless. It's been so long since we've been out. If it's all right, I would like to take him someplace where he can get some fresh air and run around a bit. There is that lake not far from here, maybe we can go fishing."
"Of course, Raoul. I am shocked you are asking my permission to go! I know how boring it must be here for you two. Go! Get out there, have fun!" Christine shooed him off, secretly relieved to have some time to herself. "This house is full of people who can help me should the need arise. The mid-wife says that it should be another month. Besides, this is really a woman 'thing.'" When Raoul looked painfully wrenched into making a final decision, Christine insisted, "I mean it, Raoul. You could use the break, too. You have been entirely too good to me. If I must, I will kick the two of you out myself! Please, Raoul, I insist."
Raoul broke into smile, "A man could not ask for a better wife!" He kissed her swiftly on the cheek. He ran out into the kitchen. Christine heard him ask Jean, "Do you want to go fishing with Papa!" She heard Jean squeal with delight. Raoul called to Christine from the kitchen, "I'll just collect some last minute things to pack.
"And don't forget to ask Nadina to pack a meal for you both to eat," she called out to him as he ran upstairs to the bedroom to change into something more appropriate.
Little Jean ran to her from the kitchen. "Fishies, Mama. Me go fishie. Papa go fishie. Mama go fishie?"
"No, sweetie, Mama is staying at home. Mama has to get ready for the new baby." Jean tucked his head into her shoulder.
Jean looked sad for a brief moment. He looked up at her and placed his cheek upon her thigh, "Jean's Mama's baby."
"Of course, sweetheart! Jean will always be Mama's first baby." She wiped the tears that had formed in his eyes. "Oh, it's okay. Mama will try to go next time." She lifted his head and kissed him gently on each cheek.
Raoul emerged from the foray, "We should be back before sunset. Send Francois out if – well, if anything should – happen. He knows where we are going."
"I'll be fine, dear. I promise." Christine smiled sweetly at him. She turned to Jean and whispered, "Papa is going to leave without you. You better hurry."
Jean ran out to him screaming, "Papa! No leave me!" He leaped into Raoul's arms. Christine waved good-bye to them from the front window. After seeing them turn around the corner, she sunk into a soft armchair. Just as she was ready to nod off, Genevieve touched the side of her arm, gently waking her up.
"I am sorry Viscountess, Nadina says that she needs to make a trip to the marketplace this morning." As Christine looked up, Genevieve curtsied. "She asks if I would be able to join her since she has so much to buy. She doesn't want to leave you when the baby is here." Since Christine was still groggy, Genevieve continued, "We should be back early this afternoon, but I can stay here if you prefer, of course, milady."
Christine snapped back to reality, "I am sorry, Genevieve. I was half-awake." She sat straighter in her chair, "Please feel free to go. You are always cooped up in here. Have fun! Tell Nadina not to rush back."
"Are you sure, Madame? Francois is in the stable yard if you should need anything. I will let him know that we are leaving." Christine simply nodded her head and laid it back down as Genevieve ran out. Sleep came easy to her.
In the dark, Christine felt mist surrounded her. The tiny cold drops swirled and bent around her body and beaded on her skin. She could hear the subdued murmur of flowing water fill her ears. Christine began to inhale deeply and let it go with abandonment, absolving her fear and worry. Without opening her eyes, she knew where she was. The damp, cold air resonated on the cavern walls making a song of its own. Christine smiled in spite of herself. He didn't even have to be there with her. The familiarity of it all was comforting enough to her.
Her fingers caressed the bedclothes that were soft and supple to the touch. Wrapping herself with them, she suddenly felt an arm drape across her stomach. He whispered, "You wouldn't leave me here cold and alone, would you?" He nuzzled his face in between her bare shoulder blades. As he tucked himself behind her, Christine felt his warmth wash over her. His lips gently tapped the nape of her neck. She could feel his hand trace down her body. Opening her eyes, she saw the Persian monkey staring at her perched from the top of the music box. Suddenly, it came to life and tinkled its familiar tune. She smiled and started humming along with it. Then, without cause or reason, the cymbals crashed and clanged loudly. Jumping from the noise, Christine tried to stop it, but no matter how hard she tried, it wouldn't end. The monkey wouldn't stop playing. It kept ringing, and ringing.
Christine jolted awake. The clanging did not stop. It took a moment for her to realize that it was the doorbell. She suddenly wondered why Genevieve didn't answer, but then she remembered telling her to accompany Nadina. Christine quickly wiped away the sleep from her eyes and the little dabble of drool pooled on the side of her face. Looking in a nearby mirror, Christine made herself as presentable as possible before answering the door. The sun was bright and the figure was silhouetted. "Goodness me! I did not mean to wake you, dear girl. Maybe I should call on you another time?"
Christine's eyes adjusted to the light and standing before her was Madame Pountiff. Her heart dropped into her stomach. "Richelle? Madame Pountiff, of course not. Please, come in." Christine ushered her through the entryway. "Would you like me to take your coat?"
"Thank you, Christine. I must say! Your home is simply splendid. It's quite quaint, really," Richelle remarked sweeping off her cloak revealing a grand sapphire satin gown. Christine noticed how strikingly similar it was to her own dress she wore the night she attended dinner at their house. Richelle noticed Christine's staring. "You know, they say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. As soon as I had it made, I had to come show you." Christine smiled curtly and took her wraps. "You know, dear, I must have rang that bell twenty times before you answered. Where are all your servants? I was just about to leave when you opened the door."
"Well, Richelle, perseverance has always been your strongest asset," Christine quipped. "Or is it your timing? Nadina and Genevieve are out doing some shopping."
"Nadi – Oh! You mean your maid and cook! How funny! You were referring to them as if they had some significance to me. Oh, it's just as well! And where is that husband of yours?" Richelle asked peering around the room. "I hope he is not lurking about."
"Yes, how fortunate that you just missed Raoul's departure," Christine said trying to keep smiling.
"Silly men folk!" Richelle said as she tossed her hand into the air. "They feel such a need to protect us. You know, we are the stronger species. We are capable of taking care of ourselves." Christine led her into the parlor. Richelle delicately sat down and continued, "I understand that Raoul loves you dearly, but to make a scene like that! Why, it was simply scandalous! But, the past is the past. I can't let something that silly get in the way of our friendship. Had I known you were with child – well, I would have known better than to ask. Really, Christine, I thought we were better friends than that! I had to learn of your happy news from none other that that silly old biddy, Madame de Gent."
Before Christine could interject, Genevieve miraculously appeared with a tea platter. She whispered to Christine, "I am sorry. As we came up the road, I saw her coach. I got here as fast as I could. If I had known that witch was coming, I would have stayed." Christine simply shook her head to show Genevieve not to worry. Genevieve curtsied and left.
Richelle clucked her tongue disapprovingly. "Absolutely no manners, whispering like that." She turned to Christine, "I don't know why you stand for it. She would last a day in my household! But that is not why I am here. Look at you! Plump and rosy with child. I am sure Raoul is ecstatic! No wonder you've been locked up in this house. You look like you are going to burst any second!" Christine could feel her face burn with more than embarrassment. "Do you think it's wise for Raoul to go out on a little excursion? I mean he's practically stranding you here! What if something were to happen?"
"Well, Richelle, I've hear that we are quite capable of taking care of ourselves. "
"Indeed! Couldn't have said it any better myself! Oh wait, I did, how clever! Messy business, though, children. Ha! That's probably why I don't have any!" Richelle laughed.
"Tea?" Christine asked as sweetly as she could, getting ready to pour a cup.
"Thank you, no. I merely stopped by to see how you were doing and to make sure our little tiff wasn't anything for you to worry your pretty little head over. We are, of course, still friends. I wouldn't let your silly little husband ruin everything for you. I am quite fond of you, you know. Oh! And, of course, I had to show you the dress. But, seriously, Gustoff and I have been so worried for the three of you! Really, we can't argue like this. We are supposed to love thy neighbor as we love ourselves, and I love myself very, very much. I am trying to make an effort here Christine. I really want us to be the best of friends."
Christine put down the teapot a little more forcefully than what she would have liked. "Thank you, Richelle. That is very comforting. If that is all, I am still quite tired. I will see you to the door."
"Of course, my dear," Richelle said as she rose to leave. "I am so glad to have been able to chat with you today. It's been ages, dear, ages. You must let Raoul know that if you ever need anything from us, to not hesitate to ask."
"I will make sure to let Raoul know." Christine opened the door for her. "Thank you for stopping by."
Madame Pountiff gracefully slipped on her cloak and gloves. She held her hand up to shield her eyes from the sun. Making her way out, she stopped suddenly and turned back to Christine. "Incidentally, I thought you should know that no one has even mentioned anything about the gala you attended. All my friends in Paris assured me that they've heard nothing of the sort. Madame Sherriney, who, I am told, has been a loyal follower of the opera assured me herself that she had heard nothing of the sort. And, rest assured, she would know." Richelle smiled sweetly at Christine, "Strange, isn't it? Well," Richelle said patting Christine's cheek, "You take care of yourself and that little baby. And give Raoul our love. Gustoff has missed you all so. We will be over as soon as we hear word of the baby's arrival! Bye now!"
Christine's mouth left her mouth half open. Madame Pountiff was already into her carriage when Christine finally whispered, "Bye." She rested her back on the door after she closed it. The drumming of her heart rang in her ears. Her face was still burning. Closing her eyes, she wished her guilt away. "She knows," Christine kept whispering to herself. "She must know." She quickly stopped when she saw Genevieve come from the kitchen to clear the room.
Christine stopped immediately when she heard Genevieve scream. "Oh my goodness! Viscountess!" Genevieve cried pointing to the floor. Christine was standing in a pool of water.