Chapter 29- Another Note

Erik did not move, but a flood of visions ran through his mind as he observed the Vicomte in a state he had often seen in his mind. Now the vision did not make him smile as he thought it might someday. No, now he drew up a hundred reasons why Raoul would be standing at his doorway, alone. Rosalie, Christine, the baby…

"Monsieur, may I please come in?" Raoul murmured his phrasing as if the words pained him to say. Erik knew how he would feel if a day might come where he had to crawl over to the de Chagny mansion and complied without any objection. He led Raoul into the parlor where he offered him a glass of brandy which Raoul took and gulped down.

Erik sat down and tried to maintain calm composure when all he wanted to do was explode with emotion, "Monsieur, what has happened?"
Raoul looked at his glass and did not look at Erik in the face, "Sir, I would not have come except that she… she asked that I summon you immediately."
Erik, "She…?"

Raoul looked up annoyed, "Christine, Monsieur, she has taken ill. She lost…" he bent his head down unsure of how to proceed next, "she lost the baby."

Erik exhaled and sunk into his seat. What could have happened? He tried to flush any distasteful thoughts about Christine's honesty out of his mind but he could not help but wonder if she had taken measures to prevent any conflict regarding this baby even if it meant…

He cleared his throat to break his thoughts, "Monsieur, please, is she…" he could not bring himself to ask the question but it did not seem to matter.

"No, she is alive, although barely," the Vicomte could not maintain eye contact with Erik. Erik was certain that part of Raoul blamed him for what happened but nothing in his gentlemanly nature would let Erik know this sentiment.

Raoul reached with trembling hand into his pockets as he pulled out a small glass bottle that appeared to be empty. He handed it to Erik who knew immediately what it was and where it had come from.

"How did she…?" he took the bottle and smelled the contents carefully to confirm his suspicions. Tansy oil. He kept a bottle along with many other herbs and oils in his own private apothecary kit he had had since he learned those many remedies from the old gypsy lady from the traveling fair. He could not believe that Christine would have known to take that particular vile, common for abortive uses but very dangerous. Then he knew why the Vicomte had come. Raoul believed that Erik had given this to her.

"Monsieur de Chagny, I hope you are not suggesting that I gave Christine consent to take this for that is inconceivable," he stood up forcefully and Raoul gained strength as his stood in opposition.

"I do not believe you Monsieur! Christine could not have been lead to this particular drug without your… specific expertise." Raoul chose his words carefully.

Erik tried to remain calm without allowing years of hate towards his rival cloud his judgement, "Monsieur, this 'drug' as you call it is tansy oil. A poison. In small quantities perhaps not so life threatening but the entire bottle…" he let the words out slowly, "At this quantity I am amazed she is not dead. I would never have advised this in any circumstance. The risk is too great."
Raoul heard the logic and slumped in defeat; he knew Erik would never put Christine in any kind of harm. Still the question remained, "Then how did she know to use this plant?"

Erik came to a realization, "Monsieur, the life of an actress is not without its unpleasantries. Not all of the women of the stage are as distinguished as Mme. Daae…de Chagny. It would not surprise me in the least if she got her information there. Rather than find an unsuitable vender, Christine knew that I kept a certain amount of herbs for my own personal use. I suppose she must have gotten it when she came for Rosalie."

Everything made sense, although Christine's condition remained unknown to Erik. "Please Monsieur, take me to Christine, I may be able to help her get well. Or at least reinforce what the doctor has done."

Raoul nodded and mumbled gratitude. He seemed disappointed that he could not blame his wife's lack of integrity on Erik, it was common practice. Erik went up to his bedchamber into his stock of herbs and medicines and took what he needed. It was then he saw Isabelle's robe on the bed. Isabelle!
Erik ran downstairs and Raoul stood up and handed him a note coolly stating, "A woman left this for you. She seemed urgent to leave." Panicked, Erik read the note.

Erik—
You do not surprise me in your sudden need to help your beloved Christine.
Perhaps your heart has still not let go.
I suppose I know how you feel, for I will never let you go.
If you truly love me, I know we will see each other again.

-Isabelle