XXIII. A Visit From Madame Giry
Antoinette knocked firmly on the door in front of her. She had come to talk with Christine and the Vicomte. She had planned to tell Christine about Erik's engagement and with the blessings of his fiancé, Zuri, she hoped that they would forget the past and wish him well.
The door opened to reveal a maid. "May I help you?"
"I have come to see the Vicomte and Vicomtess."
"What is your name?"
"Antoinette Giry. Christine knows me as Madame Giry."
"Come in and wait for a moment."
Antoinette stepped into the foyer and waited patiently. After a few minutes, Christine and Raoul appeared in the foyer. "Madame Giry, it is so good to see you. How is Meg?" She asked her former ballet teacher.
"She is doing well. She is living on her own now."
"That is good. She writes occasionally."
"May I ask why you are here Madame?" Raoul interrupted.
"I have some good news to tell you. I think we should sit down first before we talk." Antoinette explained.
Raoul nodded then led his wife and Antoinette into the parlor. She sat down on a plush chair then waited for the couple to sit down across from her. "What is the news? Is it about Meg?"
"No. This is going to come as a shock but Erik is getting married."
Christine's jaw dropped in disbelief while Raoul looked at her in suspicion. "You are not being serious." Christine finally broke the silence.
"I am being serious. He is happy Christine. After two years he has finally found someone for himself."
"What is her name? Who is she?"
"Her name is Zuri Bellamont. We came upon each other when she requested to stay at the opera house."
"THE Zuri Bellamont? She is from a very rich family. Why would she want to marry the phantom?" Raoul cut in.
"Maybe because she did not want to be forced into a marriage. If I recall, the Bellamonts are a very old family. They force their female children into marriages with other rich families. It is all to maintain the "rich" bloodline." Antoinette responded.
"That must be horrible." Christine interrupted.
"Yes but let me continue. Since the fire Zuri had wanted to meet Erik. She interviewed people who were there and researched him as best as she could. It was her dream to meet him."
"Why would anyone want to meet him?"
"I was confused at first when she wanted to meet him and interview him. At first the two did not get along at all. Things happened that I cannot and will not disclose with you but as time progressed they both began to love each other. She healed him in many ways and for the first time in such a long while he was happy. Recently Zuri has become pregnant and it is ever urgent that they marry sooner."
"Pregnant!" Raoul exclaimed. "Is she stupid!"
"Nay Vicomte." Antoinette said with a bit of hatred in her voice, "You do not know all of the circumstances so do not judge quickly."
"Madame Giry, maybe you do not understand. Any woman that high of social standing should never have sexual relations before marriage. It is simply.."
Antoinette cut him off. "It is not unheard of. You are lucky that you are a man Vicomte and that you are able to marry who you wish. Zuri had to leave to get her freedom and she gives herself to a good man. Erik is not bad. He is misunderstood. He was so lonely and angry before she came to him."
Shaking his head the Vicomte thought otherwise. "I came to ask you on Zuri's behalf if you would come to the wedding."
"Of course." Christine answered.
"Christine!"
"Erik has found someone. He is not going to steal me away Raoul. The past is the past. He has changed."
"Can we meet Mademoiselle Bellamont?" Raoul asked.
"Depending if she feels well. I will talk with her when I go back."
"Thanks for coming Madame Giry."
"You are welcome." Antoinette replied then stood up and was led out by the maid.
Author's Note: Hope you enjoy this chapter.
