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Antoinette watched as the colourful gowns and costumes swirled together on the floor. Most of the colour came from the women, but some of the men had on navy blues or whites. The more daring young men wore more vibrant colours, masks hiding most of their faces, though not all of them.
"Quite the night," Monsieur Lefevre beamed, "don't you think Madame Giry?"
"Indeed," she replied, "I must admit that I am impressed, as I am every year, that the entire affair manages to take place."
"Always sceptical," Monsieur Lefevre sighed, "aren't you Madame Giry?"
"Old habits I suppose."
He moved along to find friends or patrons he wanted to talk to, though it would be difficult to identify some among all the masks. Still, it was a night for celebration, a new year.
Music played in the background and Antoinette quickly found Monsieur Reyer. The man, for once in his life, actually appeared to be enjoying himself. A wide grin on his face as he watched the crowd before him.
"A splendid evening, no?" he asked as she approached.
"Yes, it is quite splendid at that. Tell me, have you seen Monsieur Daae this evening?"
"No, not yet. Though I suspect he will be here. He seemed quite excited about the prospect of a masquerade ball. Were you looking for him Madame Giry?"
"Oui, thank you. Enjoy your time Monsieur Reyer."
"Yes, yes of course."
"Madame Giry!"
Antoinette turned at the sound of his voice. Gustave was dressed in a dark suit with a bicolour eye mask, one side black the other silver.
"Good evening Monsieur Daae," she said warmly, "I have been…well it is good to see you."
"You as well, a gorgeous dress Madame Giry, and a mask to match it."
Antoinette smiled, the dress was not extravagant simple black and gold and the mask was a black and gold butterfly on a stick, "Merci Monsieur."
"Care to dance?"
"Of course."
Gustave led her onto the dance floor among the other dancing couples, he couldn't help but smile and Antoinette could not help herself either. He was handsome, especially in the fine eveningwear; it complimented his dark hair and eyes.
"May I cut in?" Antoinette nearly started at the silky voice, a voice she knew too well.
"Oh, of course Monsieur."
"Merci."
Antoinette looked up into the murky eyes of the phantom, Erik, out in public. She could see the amusement there at her shock as he took her hand and placed his other hand gently on her waist. He was dressed just as he would be any other day, dark clothing and the opera cloak, white mask covering half of his face.
"I did not know you could dance."
"I can do many things Madame…if fact I can do anything."
"And what are you doing here? If you do not mind my asking."
"I was bored, and this seemed so much more amusing then simply reading a book…do not worry Madame, I don't intend to interfere with the event," he added in an afterthought.
"You are a horrible dancer."
"It is hard to dance and talk at the same time."
Antoinette sighed and allowed him to lead her from the dance floor to where Gustave was standing. He glanced up at Erik but did not pay him any more attention then that. At a masquerade he was just another face in fine clothes a mask.
"Monsieur Daae, I would like to introduce you to an old friend, Erik, meet Gustave Daae."
"A pleasure," Gustave replied, offering his hand.
"Yes…of course," Erik replied, looking at the hand as if it might bite, "a pleasure."
"I have known Erik since we were young," Antoinette said.
"Truly?" Gustave asked, "Well, I was about to get a drink, would you like one Madame?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Oh, pardon my manners. Would you like a drink monsieur?"
"No."
It was strange for Antoinette to see Erik out in the real world. He had been living in shadows for so long it was almost as if he had become one himself, a true ghost in the darkness. But he never strayed far from her or Gustave, though he did go off once or twice it was only for a short time and it was never very far. Once he had actually circled the entire room.
The evening wore on and the dancing slowed. Most people were now talking or preparing to leave. Many of the masks had been removed; Antoinette and Gustave had removed theirs.
"I think its time I should be leaving," Erik sighed "good night Madame, Monsieur."
"So soon?" Gustave asked.
"It is late," Erik replied, eyes scanning the crowd, "and I should leave…perhaps I will see you again soon Madame."
"Bonsoir Erik," Antoinette said.
He gave a small bow before sweeping away through the mingling crowd. Antoinette allowed a small sigh of relief as he vanished. Whenever he was around there seemed to be an underlying threat that something might happen.
"Odd fellow isn't he?" Gustave asked at length.
"That he is," Antoinette replied.
Gustave smiled slightly. The man was odd, he seemed to emit an aura of power and control yet he remained with them for the entire evening. In fact he had followed Antoinette almost like a puppy that is afraid to venture away from the safety of its master. Still, he had said very little and shown almost no interest in the affairs of others.
"You said his name is Erik?" he asked.
"His name was Erik," she replied, "and no, there is no last name, none that I know of at least."
"Strange."
"Oui, but we have already been over that…one last dance before the night is out?"
Gustave smiled and nodded his head, "It would be my honour, Antoinette."
