Chapter Fifteen

Joyful Jammes

Christine was walking to Erik's library late one afternoon when one of the young maids ran right into her, causing her to fall on her bottom. The maid fell on her own bottom among a pile of white sheets. Christine began to giggle, unable to help herself.

"Oh! Mademoiselle! Forgive me, I was not watching where I was going!" the maid said in horror. She tried to help Christine up but Christine only waved her hand away, laughing so hard her side hurt. Oh, it felt so good to laugh after so long of not doing so! The maid was staring at Christine strangely, wondering what had come over the young woman.

"I beg your pardon, Mademoiselle," she said, beginning to pick up the sheets that would now have to be washed again. To her surprise Christine began helping her pick them up.

"Really, mademoiselle, I can get them," she said, embarrassed to have the other woman do anything so lowly.

"Nonsense, it was partly my fault and I will help," she said with a friendly smile. The girl smiled back hesitantly.

"What is your name?" Christine wondered, studying the pretty girl.

"Jammes, mademoi-"

"Please, call me Christine," she interrupted. Jammes studied the new mistress. Everyone in the manor knew what was causing her to stay here but Jammes had not met the woman personally or even seen her. She was quite beautiful with her brown locks and innocent eyes.

"Christine," Jammes said. No one of the upper class had ever suggested that they call them by their first name! It was improper!

"Where were you going before we managed to get so acquainted with the floor?" Christine asked with a laugh. Jammes smiled.

"I was going to make the beds on this floor," she replied.

"Could I help?" Christine asked.

"Pardon?" Jammes said uncertainly.

"Erik is sleeping and I am awfully bored," Christine said.

"Erik?" Jammes said, confused.

"The Black Wolf," Christine clarified. So this Christine was on first name basis with the Wolf? That was interesting.

"Oh…if you like, Christine," Jammes said hesitantly, hoping that the Wolf would not punish her for allowing this woman to help with the chores.

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Christine walked to Erik's chambers later that afternoon feeling incredibly light hearted. Jammes and she had become fast friends and the girl proved to be great company. Christine was extremely glad to have found a friend besides Rupert; it made her feel slightly more comfortable.

She gasped in delighted disbelief when she saw Erik standing by the window. He heard her gasp and turned to look at her. He looked like he had the first time she had met him; strong and virile. She felt her heart constrict at the sight of the ugly scars on his chest.

"Are you feeling better?" she asked.

"Yes, thank you," he murmured. She nodded and went to stand beside him. He turned to her and she could see that he was fighting with some unknown emotion.

"Christine…I..."

Christine had never seen him stutter before and she wondered what he was trying to say.

"What is it, Erik?" she wondered, gently touching his arm.

"You…are free to go," he whispered. Christine gasped and took a step back in disbelief. His eyes looked like he was hurting and he turned away from her to look back out the window.

"Truly, Erik?" she whispered. He nodded.

"I...oh, thank you!" she cried, unaware of the tears on her face. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you so much, Erik," she whispered. Erik put shaking arms around Christine and held her close, fighting the shameful tears that fought to break lose. She pulled away and looked at him, her eyes bright with tear.

"Thank you," she whispered again. He nodded and wanted to say something to her but she had already flown out of the room.

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A/N: I do not like the way I did this chapter, I feel like I could have done something differently…oh well, I hope you all enjoy it anyway. And if you are wondering where Jammes comes in just let me tell you she will be very important to this story soon enough, be patient with me! DonJuanTriumphs