I was going to post this yesterday, but I had some internet problems, so here it is!

Chapter16

Isabelle woke with her face stinging and the events of that morning flooded back to her. She gingerly brought her fingers to her face and felt the scratches. She whimpered at how badly they stung, then she felt the bed shift and looked to find Erik looking down at her, his eyes showing tenderness. He gently moved her hand away from her cheek and looked at the cuts. He brought his fingers to them and when he brushed them across it Isabelle winced.

"She must have very long fingernails," she said, smiling weakly. Erik smiled back and brushed his lips across her cheek very gently. Instead of wincing, Isabelle sighed as Erik sat up. She rested her head in his lap while his fingers combed through her long, wavy locks.

"Erik, when do you want the wedding to be?" Isabelle asked, wondering if he had a preference.

"Whenever you are ready, love," he replied simply.

"Can it be soon?" She asked.

"How soon do you want it?" Erik asked.

"Next week?" She replied, burying her face against his chest as she worried he wouldn't agree.

He laughed at her shyness,

"Of course, it is your wedding," Erik said, "you could have it tomorrow and I would still agree.

"Thank you Erik," she said, sitting up and giving him a kiss.

"It is nothing ma Cherie," he replied, "shall we go and get some lunch?"

"Could we have it brought up here?" Isabelle asked, very comfortable.

"I'll have Gertie bring it up," Erik said, glad she didn't want to get up either. Erik got up and went to the door, opening it and calling for Gertie that they would take their lunch upstairs. He came back, and stoked the fire before sitting down next to Isabelle again. Isabelle scooted very closely and laid her head on his arm, sighing in content. Erik grabbed her hand kissed her palm and intertwined their fingers, gently massaging her knuckles.

It was still very cold outside and the snow was still on the ground. Isabelle was not allowed to go outdoors until she had her strength back completely. Erik did not want to risk her getting so ill again. Isabelle would get bored easily and Gertie always had house work, so Erik happily entertained and doted on her.

After lunch Erik went to compose and Isabelle and Gertie sat in the bedroom, Erik did not want Isabelle alone. Gertie sat on the settee next to Isabelle, working on some embroidery, Isabelle doing the same.

"I am going to assume you and Monsieur Erik are not cousins," Gertie said with a smile. Isabelle blushed and nodded.

"Yes, when I woke up from my fever he asked me to marry him," Isabelle said, smiling widely.

"When is the wedding?" Gertie asked curiously.

"Sometime next week," Isabelle confirmed.

"Is it going to be a large wedding?" Gertie asked.

"No probably me, Erik, and you and the other servants," Isabelle replied, "Nothing very fancy either, we are having the priest come here and then everything will go about as it normally does."

"You are inviting the servants?" Gertie asked, shocked.

"Of course, you are all like my friends and Erik and I would be very happy to have you all at our wedding," Isabelle said reasonably, "I think I want it on Wednesday, that way its close, but still gives us time to prepare everything."

"Are you getting Erik a ring?"

"Oh! I never thought about that! I suppose I'll ask Erik if I can go into town to get one, but I am not really comfortable going yet."

"I could always go with you," Gertie said helpfully, "Or if you are still not strong enough you could tell me what you want it to look like and I could get it."

"I can ask Erik, but he probably won't allow it, I am not strong enough to walk on my own, let alone travel into town."

"He is doing this out of his love, you do realized that don't you?"

"Of course! What I meant was, I probably won't be able to pick it out, so if you could get one when you do go to town, I would really appreciate it."

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Erik had been in the music room composing some new music as a wedding gift to Isabelle. He had never really felt this inspired in so long. He was almost frantically scribbling down music notes to the score and was plucking at strings on the piano. He was deep in thought and writing when he heard a knock at the door. Cursing he put the music away and stood to answer it, since no one was allowed in when he was working.

He opened the door to find Isabelle smiling at him and Gertie at her side holding her arm firmly. Erik immediately put his hand around her waist and grabbed her hand. Gertie excused herself and closed the door behind them. Erik lead Isabelle to the piano bench and gave her a kiss before sitting down next to her.

"I would like to have the wedding on Wednesday of next week, if that is alright with you." Isabelle said, getting down to what they really needed to talk about.

"Wednesday would be fine," Erik replied.

"I was also wondering, I need to purchase a ring for you to wear as well, and I thought I'd at least ask if I could go pick it out," Isabelle said, "but Gertie also said she would get one if you would rather I stay home."

"Yes, I would rather you stay home," Erik said, "You're still very weak, and your uncle could be in town, and we would not want him knowing you're here."

"Oh yes, I forgot about my uncle being in town, although he does live in Paris, but he might have kept my parents summer home," Isabelle said, hoping he did sell the home and moved back to Paris. Erik could tell she was thinking, and hoping her uncle moved. He hated that they had to dictate their lives around him now, Isabelle should feel safe and free to go into the town, not be scared to.

"I am sorry about this situation Isabelle," he said, "you should be able to do as you please and go in town for your own items, but I do not want to you to get hurt."

"You do not need to apologize," Isabelle said, "it is not anyone's fault about the issue, I am sorry I am such a bother with it though, it's not fair to you either."

"I wouldn't go to town even if you could," Erik said honestly, "I am not very social, most people think of me as a monster when they see me, but you are young, and beautiful, you should be having tea with other ladies."

"I would rather be with you than gossiping with women," Isabelle said with a teasing tone, "You are much better company." Erik laughed and kissed her cheek, causing Isabelle to smile.

R/R please! Thank you to those who do! I love hearing your opinions!