Chapter 23

Isabelle woke up, having finally gotten a decent sleep filled night. She opened her eyes to find Erik getting dressed. Her head still hurt very badly from hitting it. She smiled to herself and attempted to get up, she groaned when her back and head protested. Erik's had snapped up to see her struggling, he walked over and helped her sit upright, making her dizzy.

"Good morning," he whispered, "Try not to move suddenly, I want your back to heal as soon as it can." Isabelle nodded and smiled at his tone. It reminded her of the way her father used to talk to her when she did something bad. Firm, but full of love and worry.

"My head still hurts though," Isabelle said.

"I expect it will for a few days, you have a concussion," Erik replied, "Just try not to move too much or suddenly.

"Do you want to go downstairs for breakfast, or stay up here?" Erik asked her.

"Can we please stay up here for now?" Isabelle asked. Erik simply nodded. He helped her stand up, and helped her out of her shift. He decided not to have her wear a corset for a while and helped her into a pale yellow simple dress. He set her back on the bed and called for Gertie to bring the breakfast upstairs.

Once Gertie brought the food up, Erik couldn't help but smile at the amount of food she ate. When they finished they both sat silently for a moment,

"Erik do you want to have children?" Isabelle blurted. Erik looked at her thoughtfully before answering.

"I had thought about it on the way to town yesterday and the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to have them, you'll make an excellent mother" Erik replied. He saw Isabelle's shoulders sag in relief, and realized how much it meant to her, she smiled at him grateful he changed his mind.

"You know my uncle beat me yesterday, as a punishment for running from him?" Isabelle said quietly.

"Oh ma cherie," Erik murmured wrapping his arm about her shoulder and pulled her to his lap smoothing her hair.

"I counted eight lashes before I passed out, I don't think he kept going though," she whispered, tears evident in her voice. "I didn't think I would live to see you ever again, the thought scared me so much."

"I'm so sorry Isabelle, I should have stayed home," Erik whispered, "I should have sent Maurice or Jonathan to the town, and stayed home with you. I'm sorry for what you had to go through, it felt as though my heart was ripped from my chest when I saw you on the bed, covered in blood."

"When I saw them in the foyer, I tried running, he grabbed me though, and he threw me in the carriage," Isabelle sobbed, "That's how my head got hurt."

"Christ Isabelle, I will never allow another person to come harm you," Erik promised, "I could not bear to see you hurt in any way, I love you too much." Isabelle continued to cry silently, clutching on to Erik's sleeve and burying her face in his neck. She stayed like that until she fell asleep. Erik too fell asleep holding Isabelle tightly in his arms.

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Isabelle insisted on having Erik take her to the music room.

"Since I can't have my music lesson, I want to listen to you play," Isabelle said stubbornly. Erik merely sighed as he led her down the stairs. He set her down on the settee and played for her. She fell into a deep sleep and didn't stir when he stopped playing. He glanced over his shoulder and saw her sleeping soundly and sighed in relief. She barely had any sleep the night before, he was glad she was getting rest. He continued played until she did wake up.

"How long did I sleep for?" She asked as she stretched, wincing when her back protested.

"A couple hours," he replied, "are you still tired?" She shook her head.

"I'm starved," she said.

"Let's feed you shall we?" He asked helping her up.

Once Isabelle finished her lunch she wanted to go to the library to read, Erik brought her a blanket to sit by the fire with as she read. He read his book at his desk. There was a knock at the door, and Erik had seen Gertie go out to the barn to care for the animals.

"I'll get that," he said to Isabelle as she looked up at him, she nodded and continued reading.

Erik went to answer the door and felt the blood pump harder in his veins,

"Madame de Chagney," he said tersely, "what are you doing here?"

"I came to see how you are coping," she said giving him a sad smile.

"Coping?" He asked her, puzzled.

"I heard your wife was kidnapped and came to see how you are," she murmured, as she walked into the entryway.

"Kidnapped?" He said inquiringly, "where did you hear of it?"

"I have my sources Erik," she replied simply. Erik walked into the library as he said his next words.

"I fear you are mistaken, seeing as my wife is in the library this very moment."

Christine tore into the library and saw Isabelle sitting at the settee, looking furious.

"You told my uncle didn't you?" Isabelle asked, her voice low and icy.

"Where would you get such a thought?" Christine asked.

"How else would you know?" Erik said, "No one in the manor has spoken of it, and we returned her as soon as we found out."

"He lied to me!" Christine screamed, "The bastard! He promised he'd take care of you."

"GET OUT!" Erik roared, "You will never step foot near this manor or so help me God Christine you'll pay for every sin you've committed against us!"

Christine shot Erik a glare, and then said in a low voice, "He should have killed you before you had the chance to escape the first time."

"Get out," Erik said through clenched teeth. Christine left muttering curses under her breath.

"I shall tell Raoul of your behavior," she said holding her head high.

"And I shall tell him of your unwelcome visits to my home," Erik spat, "or have you forgotten your vows to him?"

Christine slammed her carriage door and left. Erik went back into the manor to find Isabelle pacing it.

"I can't believe the nerve of that little twit," she spat.

"It's fine Isabelle, she's gone, I never would have answered the door had I known she would be on the other end."

Isabelle nodded, "I'm tired," she said, "I think I'm going to lie down."

"I'll help you to the bedroom," Erik said, they went upstairs and Erik was about to leave her when she grabbed his hand.

"Stay with me?" She questioned.

"Are you sure?" Erik asked, not wanting to disturb her rest, she nodded and scooted over, he got in the bed beside her and held her as she slept.

R/R please!