Author's Note: Thank you all for being so patient with me. My workload has been tremendous and I've had a severe case of writers block for the longest time now. I hope that you guys enjoy this next chapter. Please don't forget to submit a review. I enjoy reading everyone's reviews.
Chapter Twenty-seven: More Surprises
It was business as usual the next few days after Christine and Erik had announced their engagement. Rehearsal for Don Juan usually ran long and by the time Christine finally was able to go to her dressing room, she was exhausted.
One day, while she was taking a break from rehearsal, there was a knock at the door. "Christine? May I come in?" Anne's voice was heard through the door.
"Yes you may."
The door opened and the young maid stepped into the room. She stood off to the side and clasped her hands in front of her.
"Is there something that you needed Anne?" Christine asked.
"This just came for you miss," Anne said, pulling an envelope out of her pocket. "The messenger who delivered it said that it was urgent and that I had to deliver it to you right away."
Taking the envelope from Anne, Christine stared at it for a moment. Her name was written on the front in delicate script.
Vicomtesse Christine de Changy"What is it?" Anne asked timidly.
Christine turned over the envelope and ripped it open with a silver letter opener. Pulling out the letter, she unfolded it and started to read. She paused suddenly and looked up at Anne.
"Anne, please inform M. Reyer that I will be late to rehearsal this afternoon. There is something that I must take care of."
"Of course. Is there anything else that I can do for you?"
She shook her head. "No, that will be all, thank you."
Christine turned her attention back to the letter in her hand. She continued to read, faintly hearing the door close behind Anne.
Vicomtesse,
This letter is to inform you that the trial of Erik, The Phantom of the Opera for the murder of your husband, Vicomte Raoul de Changy, is to be held tomorrow morning at nine o'clock at the courthouse. The accused needs to be at the courthouse at eight-thirty to prepare. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact Inspector Viscalla at the police station.
"They moved the trial up," she whispered after finishing the letter. "It wasn't supposed to be until next week."
Quickly, she rose from her chair and made her way towards the mirror.
"Is something the matter my dear?"
The sound of Erik's voice stopped Christine dead in her tracks.
"I didn't know you were here," she said, looking around the room for her fiancé.
He stepped out of the shadows. "I came in while Anne was in here. You seem distressed. Was it something in that letter that upset you?"
"Erik, they moved your trial up. You're to stand trial tomorrow."
"I see. Well then, I guess we will have to make sure that we get to the courthouse early tomorrow."
The sun rose the next day, but Christine's heart was heavy. She knew that Erik could be hanged for killing Raoul. Looking at herself in the mirror over her vanity she ran a brush through her hair and pinned a few curls back. "Erik didn't kill Raoul. I did," she whispered to herself. "He's protecting me."
"Are you ready miss?"
Elizabeth's voice broke Christine out of her trance. She had been so consumed by her thoughts that she didn't even hear Elizabeth come in.
"Yes, I'm ready, I'll be outside in a moment. Please make sure that the carriage is ready," she replied.
Elizabeth nodded and left the room. Standing up, Christine reached for her cloak and tied the ribbon around her throat. Slipping her gloves on, Christine looked about the room. "Erik?" she called out.
"I'm right here sweetheart."
She felt his strong arms encircle her waist and hold her against him.
"I'm so scared. I don't want them to take you from me. If you're found guilty, you could be put to death," she said, turning around to face him.
"Cheri, don't worry. I won't leave you. They won't kill me."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Just trust me. I know what I'm doing."
I know that this chapter is short, but I am at work right now and I am planning on going home tonight and writing another chapter on my laptop. I have gotten my new laptop, but I have to get Internet access, which will happen after I get paid this week. Hopefully soon, I will be able to post chapters from home.
Please don't forget to submit a review!
I remain your obedient author,
Phantomfan1911