Chapter Summary: Two separate dinner parties begin.
CHAPTER SEVEN
"Do try and behave tonight," Xavier warned Didier as the coach in which they rode turned into the lane that led to Chagny.
"I shall be on my best behavior," Didier assured him, a hand reaching down to smooth the sleeve of his claret colored jacket. "Not a coarse or unkind word shall pass these lips."
Monique eyed her young cousin as he smiled at warmly at her. "You know what he means," she said, completely unswayed by his attempt at charm.
Didier nodded and placed the hand that had been smoothing his sleeve over his heart. "I promise to restrain myself when it comes to the imbibing of the fine wines that are known to grace the dinner table at Chagny."
Monique sighed in disgust and turned her gaze out the window.
Xavier placed a reassuring touch on her arm, feeling the warmth from the hand that crept over his. "Just do not make a fool of yourself." He raised an eyebrow at his cousin. "Or us."
Didier knew that look and it quickly sobered his playful mood. "I promise I shall not let you down."
"Good," Monique said under her breath as she turned her gaze from the outside world, "because we have just arrived.
Xavier looked around his wife as the carriage stopped and their footman jumped down from where he rode on the back to open the door. "You must give Philippe credit for he has done wonders with this place since he returned to live here full time."
And inside the house that was so lovingly cared for by Philippe, Christine gave a last glance into her mirror and nodded at her reflection; the lilac dress was one of her favorites and she had not worn it for months. Christine ran nervous hands over the lace, twitching the dress into place, feeling rather uncomfortable in what normally made her feel beautiful. The nausea that had disappeared earlier in the day had returned as she was dressing and Christine had asked the maid to not pull her corset as tight as fashion dictated. She turned from the mirror with the thought that perhaps that was why she was feeling so uncomfortable - she was going against every dictate of Society that Raoul had so patiently taught her. Christine shook her head, worrying that this was all wrong in spite of everything Raoul and Philippe had told her and she was about to disappoint someone she loved again. She sighed and crossed the room, stopping at her door, her hand gripping the handle tightly as the room in front of her began to spin and the nausea once again rose in her throat.
"Not now," Christine muttered between clenched teeth as she willed the sick spell away. She inhaled deeply, exhaling slowing before opening her eyes and the door to her room. Christine stepped into the hallway and walked down the winding staircase to the first floor. As voices began to waft their way upwards, Christine paused at the last turn in the stairs, peaking around the corner to look at the people gathered at the bottom of the stairs.
Philippe had his hand on the arm of a tall red-haired man his own age and they were laughing. Raoul was being embraced by a woman with exceedingly dark hair and they were both smiling. And standing slightly apart from them were Henri and another young man with the same red hair as the man standing with Philippe. Christine could feel a bit of her nervousness fade as she noticed that none of the men were wearing ties and the woman was dressed much the same as herself - an afternoon dress that should have been shed two hours ago. Christine put a smile on her face and finished descending the stairs.
"Ah, the lovely Christine," Xavier said as he turned his attention from Philippe to smile at Christine.
Christine reached for the extended hands and accepted the kisses Xavier placed on both cheeks. "I do not think I have seen you since our wedding," she said. "We have missed you."
Xavier returned the warm smile. "It is a failing of the old, I am afraid; I find I would rather have the peace and quiet the country affords. The whirlwind that Paris presents is too hectic of a pace for one of my age."
Monique released Raoul and embraced Christine. "It is so lovely to see you again," she said and drew back to smile at her husband. "Do not let him pull the wool over your eyes, my dear. My husband would rather be here with Philippe where they can both play 'Lord of the Manor' then in Paris where they would be discarded in favor of the younger, more handsome men." She pointedly turned to Raoul and smiled.
"I do believe that leaves us out," Henri pouted.
"Quite so," Didier agreed and turned his attention toward Christine. "Ah, the fickleness of the female heart," he declared.
Christine fought down the urge to roll her eyes and instead concentrated on the calm self-assurance emanating from her husband. If Raoul saw some good in these two boys, so could she. Christine turned to look at Henri and Didier and flashed them a brilliant smile. "I think everyone of the men tonight is quite handsome and would set any woman's heart a-flutter." Christine felt a familiar touch on her back and let the flutter the gentle pressure created in her veins flow freely, wrapping her in its warmth, softening her smile; she had done the right thing, said the correct words. She had not disappointed.
Henri and Didier exchanged winks before Didier walked over to Christine. "I am Didier de la Censiere," he said.
"I know," Christine told him. She felt a bit of her husband's assurance strengthen her own confidence. "Henri has had nothing but nice things to say about you."
Didier looked crestfallen. "Then he lies and I am doomed."
Xavier quietly cleared his throat. The message was not lost on his young cousin.
"Pray forgive my poor attempt at humor," Didier apologized to Christine. "I am very delighted to meet you and I must admit that Raoul is very lucky to have found you first."
"Truer words were never spoken," Raoul said softly, smiling at Christine as she looked over her shoulder at him.
Christine turned back to smile at Didier, suddenly feeling calm and relaxed as the nausea that had been plaguing her melted away. "It was not a poor attempt," she told him, "and you are forgiven." She took his arm. "You may escort me into dinner."
Didier brightened considerably and finally wore an honest smile on his face. "There is hope for me yet."
Monique linked her arm through Philippe's. "As long as it is the lady's option to pick her gallant, I believe I shall choose you this evening."
Philippe gave her a slight nod. "I am feeling quite honored."
Xavier sighed dejectedly and turned to look at Henri and Raoul. "I believe we are on our own, gentlemen."
Henri was quick to note the look that passed through his cousin's eyes. It also did not escape Xavier.
"I am sorry," Xavier said as he leaned towards Raoul.
"Do not worry over it," Raoul told him softly so that Christine would not hear. "Tonight is not the time."
"I just want you to know that I am here if you should ever feel the need to have speech with someone besides your family."
"You are family," Raoul told him, "and I think I should like that."
They were interrupted by the appearance of Arthur, Philippe's assistant. "Dinner," he announced, "is ready."
"I am so hungry," Christine said as she smiled at Didier.
Philippe looked back over his shoulder. "I think you will be pleasantly surprised by what I have planned."
Henri raised an eyebrow. "You?" He wondered. "I thought Mathilde ran this house."
Philippe laid a hand over his heart. "My secret is out. I am only an illusion to cover the real people who run this house," he winked at Arthur, "and my life."
"It is a difficult challenge that I accept with good grace," Arthur replied with a perfectly straight face.
Raoul and Henri failed in choking back their laughter.
Philippe looked at the woman on his arm. "I think we should go to dinner," he looked back at his young brother and cousin who were holding onto each other and laughing, "before I sink any lower in my family's eyes." Philippe turned back and led Monique down the hall, trusting everyone would follow.
The doors opened to the family dining room which was much smaller and far more casual than the formal dining room. A highly polished table capable of seating ten people was set for eight. Elegant crystal and white bone china surrounded by gleaming silver sat in front of each of the eight chairs that were upholstered in blue linen. Matching draperies hung over the two windows and were pulled back to let in the light of the full moon. Additional light was supplied by the soft glow of the chandelier that had recently been fitted with gas lamps. The floral scent from the arrangement of tulips mingled with the rich aroma of chicken and the earthy aroma of vegetables and herbs.
"How lovely," Monique said.
Philippe let go of her arm and moved to his normal seat at the head of the table. He smiled in contentment as family and friends found their place cards and gathered around his table. Philippe caught Arthur's eye as Arthur took his place opposite from Philippe and they turned their heads at each other. Philippe was beyond pleased to have his dining table full, the chatter of loved ones filling his ears. And Arthur was pleased for his friend for he knew that no matter how strongly Philippe declared his love of being back at his ancestral home and lands there were times when he would sink into quiet depression at the silence that surrounded him.
Arthur turned his attention to Monique who was sitting to his left between Henri and Didier and smiled inwardly. If there was anyone who would be able to keep those two wayward boys in line it would be the dignified and quietly strong Monique. Arthur glanced at this right and saw Christine seated between her husband and Xavier and she was actually smiling. Arthur returned his glance towards the head of the table and nodded slightly at Philippe; perhaps there was hope in this dinner party after all.
Hope, with all her endless possibilities and dreams, was also present in Madame Giry's house that night. She was the shadow watching from the corner as Tallis patiently sat in front of her vanity allowing Madame to brush her hair.
"Ribbon, please," Madame said as she held out her hand.
Tallis picked up a green ribbon from the vanity top and placed it into Madame's hand.
Madame drew the front sides of Tallis' rather nondescript hair back from her face and wrapped the ribbon between and around the strands tying it in a bow. She rested her hands on Tallis' shoulders for a moment. "That reminds me of when I would dress Meg's hair before her ballet lesson. Thank you, my dear."
Tallis sighed. "No, thank you for I never know what to do with my hair." She smiled rather crookedly. "It was never a priority when I was growing up and I never thought it would be a priority as an adult." Tallis stood and looked down at the green satin that encased her figure. The simple dress accentuated her hourglass figure and brought out the few subtle gold strands in her brown hair, the silver flakes in her grey eyes. Tallis was still uncertain and raised a worried face to Madame.
"I am not sure that I belong ..." she began with a shake of her head.
Madame hissed in disgust. "I shall have none of that foolishness tonight," she warned and her tone grew softer. "You are more than a hired companion." She laid a friendly hand on Tallis' arm. "You have become my friend over this last year and I wish for you to enjoy this evening." There was no answer. "Yes?"
Tallis returned to studying her feet. "Yes, ma'am," she said softly.
"Good," Madame replied and was interrupted by the sound of the front door knocker. "I must retrieve something from my room, would you be so good as to let our guests in?"
"Yes, ma'am," Tallis repeated, allowing Madame to lead her from her room. They parted ways at the top of the stairs and Tallis descended the carpeted risers, crossing to open the front door. "Good evening," she said as she stepped aside to let Erik into the home.
Erik studied the young woman as she closed the door behind him, turning to face him.
Tallis raised an eyebrow at him. "This is the first time I have seen you at a loss for words."
"This is the first time I have seen you looking quite so lovely," Erik replied softly. "And without your arms covered in flour up to your elbows," he added.
Tallis crossed her arms over her chest. "Thank you for the complement," she replied with a smile that was anything but sweet. "And it is nice to see you know how to use the front door like a normal person."
"What gives you the right to assume I am a normal person?" Erik wanted to know.
"What gives you the right to assume I am assuming anything?" Tallis blinked at him.
"Children," a voice warned from the staircase.
Erik and Tallis looked toward that voice and saw Madame frowning at them. If it had been possible for two adults to squirm like children caught in a lie, Erik and Tallis would have needed to hold onto each other in order to remain standing.
"I should go and check on the meal," Tallis said quietly.
"Have a care for the dress," Madame called after her as Tallis headed for the kitchen and turned her attention to Erik.
"Shall we?" he asked as he extended his arm.
"I should be delighted," Madame replied as she finished descending the stairs and took Erik's arm. She allowed him to lead her into the parlor. Madame took a seat as Erik moved to the small buffet that sat against one wall.
"Would you like a sherry?" he wanted to know.
"I would," Madame replied and was quiet as Erik poured the amber liquid into a small glass before walking over to the sofa and handing her the glass. Madame took a sip, feeling the sherry trickle its warmth down her throat. "It is an indulgence, I know," she said, "but I must admit I have grown quite fond of it since I have become a lady of leisure."
"I still have trouble picturing you as a lady of leisure, Antoinette," Erik said.
Antoinette took another sip of sherry and thought for a moment. "I think that is why Meg and Valery hired Tallis for they knew I could never truly be comfortable were I at leisure. It has been quite nice having Tallis here to teach for she is so eager to learn." She caught and held Erik's eye. "I am fond of that young woman and she is a woman, Erik. She is not a child who you can play games with; she is a woman in her mid-twenties who is grounded and intelligent and honest."
"She is intelligent enough to always have a comment for everything I say," Erik replied.
"Do you ever give her a chance to do otherwise?" Antoinette wanted to know. There was no reply and Antoinette placed the sherry glass on the side table and took Erik's hand in her own. "I have known you for over twenty years now. I have watched you grow into a rather capable man who fought against the darkness to become self-educated and talented. And I know your darkness and I love you in spite of it."
"I still fight against it," came the whispered reply.
Antoinette nodded. "I know that. And that is why I would have you treat Tallis with a bit more care."
"She can handle herself," Erik grumped.
"She can," Antoinette agreed. "But you do not see what I see."
"And what is that?" Erik wondered.
"Tallis is still that country girl dreaming of a world beyond her reach. Now she has that world and she is uncertain that she belongs in her own dreams. She is much like you for she has built a wall about herself to protect her heart and dreams from breaking." Antoinette sighed. "I would not see her broken."
Erik was silent. "I am not that man any longer."
"I know."
"I wonder if you do," Erik said. "Tallis is the first woman," he smiled at the woman sitting next to him, "outside of you who has not turned from me upon first glance. From the first moment you introduced us, she has treated me as a human being, as friend. It is something to which I am not accustomed and I find it rather strange. I also find her very intelligent and her witty comments allow me to keep my mind honed, if only in order to hold my own with her."
The sound from the door knocker once again echoed through the house.
"I would never willingly hurt her, Antoinette," Erik said.
"It is the unwilling, unknowing part of you that I worry about."
"I am glad that someone is there to worry about me." Erik sighed. "And you need not worry about Tallis for I sincerely have no wish to hurt her."
What Antoinette may or may not have said in reply was cut off by the opening of the parlor door allowing Meg to sweep into the room. Meg rushed over to embrace her mother and she turned her bright smile on Erik.
"I am so glad you decided to join us this evening!" She bubbled. "It will be wonderful to have you to play for us after dinner!"
"I was very glad to receive the invitation," Erik said softly as he rose to take Meg's hand in his own. He let her go and fixed his eyes on the couple who stood just inside the doorway.
Tallis had her arm linked through that of the Baron de Castelot-Barbezac. The tall man was looking down at her, talking softly. Erik noted the look on Tallis' face and knew that Valery had brought news of her family for only such a thing would bring that soft light to her eyes and that glow to her cheeks. Erik willed down the memory that was crawling out from the dark reaches of his mind, a memory of another young woman on the arm of another perfectly handsome nobleman. That was different, he reminded himself. Valery was married to Meg and Tallis was the child of his trusted retainer. They were not in love. They could not be in love. They were just comfortable acquaintances, Erik reminded himself.
And Tallis was his friend he tried assuring his doubting heart and mind.
But the fears and doubts began to fly away as Erik rose to cross the room.
Tallis was the friend who raised her head toward him as he offered greetings to the Baron, smiling happily at him, her hands behind her back. She was the friend who drew him into their private conversation, telling him the news that had come from her parents. Tallis was the friend who willingly took his arm so that he could lead her into dinner, never once turning away as he caught and held her gaze. She was the friend who softly thanked him as he seated her at the table, crossing around to take the seat opposite her.
Erik studied Tallis from across the dinner table. He studied her outward calm, her attentiveness to the matters at hand. He found himself drawn into those quietly intelligent grey eyes and the way they made one the center of the universe. As Tallis caught him staring at her, she did something no other woman had ever truly done – she smiled at him. She smiled at him with a warmth that came from her very soul, radiating outwards from her soft lips and sparkling eyes. And Erik realized that it was true; that for the second time in his life he had been given a gift that so few were fortunate to find.
Tallis was his friend. She was truly his friend.
And suddenly Erik felt a content fullness that no meal could ever create.