Chapter 23

Erik threw the door open to find Claude standing before it, a great grin on his face.

"Father Ignacio will be more than happy to perform the marriage service, Erik. Tomorrow morning. He would though, like to speak with you both, tonight if possible. He also asked if you have a marriage license. Do you?"

Erik looked as if he'd been slapped. Marriage license?

"I never thought to—"

"Not to worry. Father Ignacio says he can grant special dispensation under certain circumstances. I am to go to him after dinner and let him know if you both can attend him at the church tonight."

"Yes, Claude. Please, go to him now, and tell him we will be there. But do not tarry lest you miss your dinner as well." He watched as Claude nodded his understanding, smiled and hurried off. It would take no time at all for him to reach the priest and return for his dinner. Le Raincy proper did not boast a sprawling community, all the buildings were within shouting distance of each other. Erik closed the door and returned to the bed, opening the valise he'd brought upstairs with him. Donning a clean shirt, he went in search of his beloved Christine, his heart filled with joy.

Christine motioned for Antoinette to sit beside her on the bed. Antoinette had seemed somewhat subdued since arriving at the inn and Christine was concerned. She was fairly certain she knew the reason and wished to set Antoinette's mind at ease.

"Antoinette, we have arrived safely. What should trouble you so now?" Antoinette sat with her hands in her lap, looking down at them as they worked her skirt into a pleat over and over. Christine reached out to her, encouraging her to look up and speak her mind. Stalling but a moment longer, Antoinette finally brought her troubled gaze to Christine's eyes.

"I am afraid. Afraid that I have gotten involved in something that can only end badly."

"What have you done?"

"I— well, we…I have come to care for Raoul, Christine! It just…happened and I care, very much. And I shouldn't because it could never be. What would a Vicomte want with someone like me? I am nothing in his world. Yet he treats me as if I am more than my station allows. And it makes me happy when he— when he kisses me!" Antoinette blushed as her words continued to pour forth. "But I have no right to feel this way because nothing will ever come of it, I know that. He just makes me feel—" She looked so remorseful, so worried, it pulled hard at Christine to see her like this.

"Antoinette, I am happy for you. And for Raoul. I was so afraid he would, well, it doesn't matter now. He has been able to feel again, for someone else. I am so happy that it is you! I could not have hoped for a better match for him. Your personality suits him and he comes alive again when he is around you. I never wanted to see his heart broken." The two women stared at each other in understanding. Both knew what had transpired, past and present. Both knew that perhaps now, those ghosts could be laid to rest.

Christine continued in a strong voice. "It was broken, by me. Now, I think it will begin to mend. And it is because of you. Who is to say what will happen a week, or a month from now? He was willing to present me to his society, Antoinette. Why wouldn't he be willing to do the same for you if he comes to care for you enough?" She wrapped her arms around the other girl. For a moment, Antoinette sat unmoving until tentatively, she hugged Christine in return.

"Truly? Do you think that could ever be? That he could care for someone like me?" Christine began to laugh. Separating from Antoinette, she smiled, grasping one of Antoinette's hands in her own.

"Someone like you? Someone who is kind and charming? If God can give me the happiness I have in Erik and give him the strength to allow me to love him, who is to say what He will do for you? It does not matter now. Enjoy the man God has set in your path and wait upon His answers. Now," she leaned close to Antoinette, her eyes alight with mischief. "Tell me all about it!"

"…and then, when I caught up with him at the Victoria, I told him it didn't matter to me, what Erik did. I don't know why I told him that, Christine, but I needed to tell him, and he seemed to need to hear it because he kissed me. Kissed me thoroughly! Oh, it was like falling off a cliff for me, but instead of plummeting to the ground, Christine, I felt as if I could open my arms and soar away." She gave a wistful smile and a deep sigh. She had started at the beginning, re-telling from the moment Raoul had broken into her room at the inn. Christine listened attentively, thrilled in the knowledge that Raoul would be able to love again. The part of her heart that had hurt so, for the childhood friend she loved, began to mend itself with this revelation. Antoinette began to say something else when a knock sounded on the door.

"Christine, I have news for you." Her heart skipped a beat at the voice. Rising, she opened the door, only to be engulfed in Erik's embrace as he lifted her off her feet.

"The priest says yes, Christine. He will perform the service for us. Oh, Christine…it is only a matter of hours now— "

"Hours, Erik? Why hours? Why not tonight?"

"He wishes to speak with us after dinner, at the church. He told Claude the ceremony would be tomorrow morning. I have no desire to wait either, but I can, if I must. A small inconvenience of a few hours for an entire lifetime with you, my love. I can wait." Leaning toward her, he kissed her, hard, with all of the passion and joy that he felt. She surrendered to him, allowing his ardor to carry her along, until she heard a soft cough behind her. Remembering Antoinette, she raised her hand and lay it on Erik's cheek as she pulled away from him.

"Erik, if you are willing to wait, then I can as well. What time do we see the priest?"

"We go sometime after supper. Claude has gone to him to find the time he wishes to meet with us. In the meantime, let us go down to supper. You both need to replenish your strength."

Christine looked at Erik's face, her brows drawn together in concern.

"You don't mind being seen?"

He looked taken aback by her question and she could see first the anger, then the understanding cross his face.

"No, Christine. We are the only guests at this time. And Claude has assured me he has the landlord's complete understanding of the situation at hand. We will be fine. Come, both of you."

Christine turned back to Antoinette noting the look of hesitation on her friend's face and the slight shake of her head.

"Erik, I shall go down with you now. I think Antoinette would like a moment alone."

He looked from one to the other, shrugged his shoulders and, taking Christine's hand in his, turned to exit the room. Christine turned, gave Antoinette a knowing wink and followed Erik out the door, closing it behind her.

Raoul paced in his room, restless and nervous. Antoinette was beneath his station, that much was clear. But she had a spirit about her that intrigued him and her touch brought forth feelings he thought had died. Pretty, outspoken, courageous, she drew him to her like a moth to flame though he knew nothing could possibly come from a relationship with her. Well, he would cross that bridge when he came to it enjoying the pleasant diversion she offered in the meantime. It was so easy though to think of her as more…

Antoinette heard a soft knock on the door. Rising from the bed, she straightened her skirts, patted her hair and moved her braid from in front of her shoulder to hang down her back. She was as nervous as a girl accepting her first suitor. Opening the door, she looked upon Raoul, who carried his own nervous smile. They stood in silence for a moment, neither moving toward the other, until he held out his hand to her. Taking it, she gave him a brilliant smile and quit the room.

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Supper was a subdued affair. Claude had returned to give Erik the news that the priest would see them within the hour. The level of excitement in the room had increased, though they spoke only in quiet tones. Now, in just a short while, Erik and Christine would be wed and they could continue on their journey.

"But Erik, if we're to be married in the morning, that means we will be leaving right after the service. And that means—"

"Not to worry, my love. We don't have to leave until later in the day I would think. We've arrived here safely. I would expect any trouble would have happened by now. A few hours delay tomorrow will not hurt." He knew she thought of their wedding bed, as did he, and the small thrill that raced through him set his heart beating rapidly. He watched as a slight flush rose on her cheeks and knew he was not wrong. When he broke his gaze, he looked up to find all eyes were on him and Christine, most with delighted smiles or knowing looks, one that struggled for some semblance of control. He had to admit, over these past few days, he had come to feel sorry for the boy and what he must be feeling having to watch Christine with him. But he hoped Antoinette would take Raoul's mind off the impending wedding.

"Erik, do you really think we're safe now?" This was from Antoinette, who it was apparent, was trying to break the moment and turn the conversation away from the personal turn it had taken.

"I think we may never truly be safe, but we are as safe as possible for the time being, Antoinette."

A hush fell over the table as everyone continued to eat their meal.

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The commander grew more agitated as they neared Le Raincy. Nestled in a small valley, the lights from a few outlying farms were barely discernable and he knew they were close. Another hour of travel, perhaps a bit more, would bring him to the city and the recognition he so deserved. He would have this man, this Ghost, one way or another. Dead, he had decided, would be the preferable condition. Much easier to transport someone who gave no fight at all. And a brief explanation would suffice as to why he had been killed. He knew Dupree would say nothing if he valued his position. Perhaps he would reward the man with a small promotion. He would have to decide that when the time came. However, once the commander fell under the king's umbrella of power, someone like Dupree would no longer warrant the smallest glance. Turning in his saddle, he saw Dupree, several meters behind him, head down and slumped.

"Hurry up, man. We don't have much farther before I will hold the prize I seek in the palm of my hand." Dupree's head came up at his words. Even at this distance he saw an odd expression pass Dupree's face before the man spurred his horse forward to catch up with the commander.

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Raoul and Antoinette had excused themselves from the table after supper to walk in the night air. Claude had taken Erik and Christine to the church, and returned to the inn for a game of cards with Jacques, Phillipe and the inn keeper. Now, Erik and Christine sat in the front pew, before a small man, who wore the vestments of the priesthood and a jovial smile that clashed with his somber attire. He had been a bit surprised with his first glance at Erik. Though he had been warned what to expect, Erik feared his presence had been much more than the priest had expected. But he had quickly recovered and now seemed at ease with the intimidating masked man.

"Oui now, Monsieur— Debussy is it? And Mademoiselle Daaé? Claude tells me you wish to be married. And quickly. Is there a reason for the rush?" Erik watched the smile change to concern and understood what the man was thinking.

"The only reason, Father, is that we have waited too long and we are on our way to our new home. I should like Christine to enter it as my wife." A look of relief passed the priest's face for a moment before the concern returned.

"Then there is but one problem, my son. I cannot perform the ceremony if you are not of the faith."

"But Father," Christine looked to the priest imploring him. "It is only because he is not versed in it. He has led a— sheltered existence." She reached to Erik, placing her hand on his. "He is more than willing to learn, and I will teach him. Please, Father, don't let that be the only reason." Tilting her chin up, she looked at the priest with determination. "We will find a magistrate if you will not marry us!"

Erik gaped at her, surprised at Christine's vehemence but was also awed at the depth of her emotion for him. The priest looked disconcertedly at them both and he thought he could see the man's mind churning behind the calm façade. Finally, a grin once again appeared on Father Ignacio's face.

"I shall draw up the necessary papers granting you special permission. I will explain in the papers the reason for your lack of pronouncement in the faith and all should be well. However," He paused, giving them both a stern look, "I will expect the matter to be taken care of when you reach your new home. If you will wait here, I will only be a few moments. You will need to sign them and return them to me, along with the signatures of two witnesses. You may bring the papers when you return in the morning." Nodding at them both, he disappeared through a side door, into what Erik decided must be Father Ignacio's study.

Christine wrapped her arm through his and leaned against him, taking his hand in both of hers. Erik could feel her contentment.

"A magistrate, my love? You are determined, aren't you?" He felt the vibration of her ummm against him as he sat with her, awaiting the priest's return.

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The commander paced back and forth, his ire rising with each turn. Dupree had dismounted earlier, telling the commander that his horse had pulled up lame and needed to be checked. He now stood with his back to the commander, the horse's front hoof in his hand while he played at removing a stone from it. He had no desire to proceed any farther. His gut instinct told him this would end very badly for someone— most likely himself. Lagging behind the commander had not worked and he could think of no other ploy. He knew the moment he stopped that it would not work for long. But any delay was better than rushing headlong into a disaster. He was certain now that the commander had quite lost his mind and felt as if he were being led into hell. It was not a place, given a choice that he had any desire to visit. After a half hour of fussing over his horse, he turned to the commander.

"Perhaps it would be better if I walked him sir. Wouldn't want him to be permanently lame."

"BAH!" the commander barked. "Then you can walk him. I will proceed without you. You will, however, waste no time. I need your help. And you better arrive, Dupree, or the consequences will be severe."

Dupree saw the look in the commander's eyes and nodded at him, knowing it was better to keep his mouth shut for fear of being shot where he stood. After a short pause, the commander hoisted himself in the saddle and headed for Le Raincy.

God, help us all Dupree thought, as he began walking after a madman.

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"Father Ignacio, please. I don't wish to wait until morning. Besides, we still have a long way to travel and it would be much better if we could leave at first light."

Father Ignacio had returned with the papers in hand. Christine had asked him again if the ceremony could not be performed this night. He looked into her face as she sat on the pew, so close to M Debussy that she seemed an extension of him. He could see the love she held for the man clearly written on her face. She looked so hopeful as she glanced at her beloved and back to him. Perhaps…it's really not that late. A quarter hour, half at the most, everyone could be here. There's really no reason to wait…

"All right, my dear. I can see in your eyes your adoration for your betrothed. If you can gather your witnesses quickly, say a quarter hour, I will perform the ceremony tonight."

Christine jumped up, clasping the priest's hand in hers and kissing it, the smile on her face lighting the room.

"Excuse me, Father. Could we make it half an hour? There is something I need to attend to." Erik had risen behind Christine and placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, her eyes questioning him, but did not speak. Instead she looked back to Father Ignacio, thanked him again and, when the priest acquiesced to Erik's request, followed Erik out of the church.

"Erik? What is it?"

Pulling her to him he whispered into her curls. "Let us return to the inn and you shall see." With that, he released her but took her hand and together, they walked back to prepare.

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When they returned, the men still played their card game in one corner of the great room. On a sofa pulled close to the fireplace Antoinette and Raoul sat, deep in conversation. Even Erik could now see the connection they shared and he hesitated to interrupt them. But he needed Antoinette's help. He sent Christine ahead to her room and approached the couple until he was standing directly behind the sofa.

"Antoinette." She emitted a small squeak that made him smile as she turned furious eyes on him.

"Erik! Some day, you will cause someone's heart to stop if you continue to scare people half to death!" Raoul had jumped as well at the sound of Erik's voice and now faced him, a strange mix of anger and fear on his countenance. Before Raoul could speak however, Erik continued.

"I must interrupt your discussion as I need your assistance in something, and I need it now." He watched as she searched his face, brows together in concentration. Finally, she rose from the sofa and, touching Raoul's arm in reassurance, excused herself to follow Erik up the stairs.

Erik walked to one of several pieces of luggage that sat on the floor by the foot of his bed. Setting it on the quilt, he opened it. Antoinette saw a large box, wrapped with a huge red bow. As he took it out of the box, she waited as he lovingly caressed the box for a moment, before handing it to her. Under the bow was a small card.

"Please take this to Christine. See that she opens the card first. And tell her…"

Antoinette could see that he found it difficult to continue. Clutching the box, she smiled softly at him and left the room.

She knocked on the door with her foot and heard Christine bid her enter. Because the box was cumbersome, and the bow gorgeous, she did not want to tuck the box under her arm and so, knocked once more. Christine opened it but had turned from it and gone back to the floor mirror, inspecting the dress she wore. It was a beautiful pale pink, with a full sweeping skirt and lace at the bodice and sleeves.

"Antoinette, I am so glad it is you. Can you button my dress? I only brought two, the rest were packed to be sent for later. I think this will do as my wedding dress, don't you?" She began to twirl in front of the mirror and stopped dead at the sight of Antoinette in the doorway, box in hand.

"Erik sent this for you. He would like you to read the card before you open it." She moved into the room and set the box on the bed. Christine sat next to the box, a shocked expression on her face. She laid her hand on the box, and looked to Antoinette.

"Go ahead. Open the card. I don't think there's anything in there to bite you. It didn't seem alive as I carried it." Antoinette's attempt at levity brought a smile to Christine's face. Pulling the card from the box, she opened it with trembling fingers.

My beloved,

I have wronged you in many ways. I can never take those memories back, but I can give you new ones to replace them. You wore a wedding dress for me once before, on a night that seems like a lifetime ago. We have a lifetime ahead of us now. My wish is this memory will be the one you hold in your heart and treasure. I have no rose to give you, but the bow I hope will stand in its place, for now.

You are my life. I love you.

Erik

Christine stared at the box as a single tear slipped down her cheek. She reached slowly for the bow, removing it lovingly. She held it close for a moment,then set it aside. Her hands shook as she broke the seal on the box and lifted the lid. Under layers of tissue lay a dress. Her dress. The dress she had worn the night she realized she could never live without Erik. The dress she had worn as she walked into the lake, to pledge herself to him always. The dress she feared had been destroyed beyond repair as she made her way through a dark tunnel, following a man she knew she must never leave, for she would surely die without him. Her hands grasped the bodice of the gown and she brought it to her cheek, feeling the soft silk against her skin as if it were Erik's hand which caressed her. She could no longer contain herself and began to cry, great sobs coursing through her as her joy in the moment mingled with a thousand other feelings she had kept inside for days. She barely felt Antoinette as the girl sat by her side, putting her arms around Christine and holding her close.