Sorry it's been so long for an update but triple digit temps and a house with no airconditioning does something to concentration and creativity. This chapter will answer a few questions. Please let me know what you think I do appreciate reviews.
Chapter 20

November to December 1876

One cold day in November, I was in our room finishing the hem of a dress I was making for Sylvie, when Erik came out of his study. He went to the window looking out at the children playing below. He glanced over at me and pursing his lips, looked back out the window.

"Something on your mind love?" I asked. Sighing Erik went over and grabbed the other chair and placed it in front of me.

"I know that it isn't the thing to talk about Jenny but in my years in the opera I saw many things." He said as he sat. " I saw many young girls terrified, thinking that they were dying and afraid to say anything. All because no one ever told them about what happens when they become young women. I don't know what your feelings are on the matter but I don't want it to happen to Sylvie or Carrie." I looked at Erik in astonishment. I had meant to bring the subject up myself the day of the picnic but with everything that happened that day I completely forgot.

"Erik my parents were very forward thinking, I was told when I was about Sylvie's age. In fact I meant to get your feelings about it earlier but it just slipped my mind." I said as I put the dress aside.

"Well she is about twelve now. The way she's growing I think that you should have a talk with her about it soon."

"Yes Erik I agree, but if I'm talking to Sylvie you'll have to talk to Mouse." I said smiling. Erik stood and started pacing.

"Yes I know." He looked at me with a crooked grin. "Not an easy prospect is it my love." A thoughtful look came into his eyes as he gazed at me, his mind seemed elsewhere for a moment.

"What is it Erik?" His eyes regained focus and he seemed to mentally shake himself.

"Nothing angel. Well we might as well get it over with. I'll go and send Sylvie up." he said and left the room.

The next few days Mouse and Sylvie seemed to avoid each other, not wanting to meet each others eyes when they were together, but after a while things were back to normal. The children's birthday celebration came and went and Christmas was nearing. Every now and then I would catch Erik looking at me thoughtfully, looking away when I would catch his eye. I couldn't figure out what was on his mind but he didn't seem to want to talk about it. Any time I asked him about it he would change the subject. Shrugging my shoulders I decided it must have something to do with Christmas.

One night as we were preparing for bed, Erik had just donned his robe when he suddenly turned to me, frustration written on his face. I looked at him in amazement.

"Whatever is wrong Erik?" I asked.

"When were you going to tell me? I've been waiting for you to say something yet still you do not, or are you afraid to." He said in exasperation.

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"When were you going to tell me you are with child?" He asked as he dragged his hand through his hair in agitation.

"Wha… But I'm not…" I stopped. Just when was it that I had last had my monthly. I seemed to have lost track. I looked at Erik, my mouth hanging open. Erik laughed at the look on my face.

"You mean to tell me that you didn't know angel? It dawned on me when we were discussing Sylvie that it had been awhile since your last monthly. I thought back and could remember it had been a couple of months earlier, so I waited, sure that you would tell me soon. Yet another month went by and still you said nothing." I put my hand over my mouth and gasped. He was right. Somehow I had lost all track of time. He chuckled and came to me taking my hands and pulling me to him.

"Erik I don't know what to say." I laughed. "Imagine, you having to tell me that I'm with child. This is rich. Not many husbands would keep track of such things you know." I said smiling as I laid my head against his chest.

"Oh believe me angel. This one does, and counts the days when we can share our love again."

"So according to your calculations just when should this baby be born my love?" I asked as his hand played with my hair. I glanced up at him. He had a smug look on his face, his eyes twinkling down at me.

"According to my calculations it should be sometime in June." He said. He was quite pleased with himself, but then that familiar cloud crossed his eyes.

"Now lets not go into that again Erik. You know my thoughts on that subject."

"You must be extra careful angel. I won't have history repeating itself."

"Well obviously it isn't. I haven't had a trace of morning sickness this time. Even when it was the twins I was occasionally queasy. That is probably why I never even thought of being with child."

"You are the one who said no two pregnancies are the same."

"I know, I know my love." I put my arms around his waist and leaned back, looking up into his eyes. "So when do we tell everyone."

"Might just as well do it tomorrow morning." He said as his lips claimed mine, his tongue dipping deep into my mouth as he pulled me closer. I wound my hands behind his neck, my tongue meeting his in an intricate dance. Our lips parted and he proceeded to place small kisses on my temple, cheek, and down to my neck.

"I love you so much angel." He said softly into my ear and proceeded to nibble gently on the lobe of my ear. The familiar warmth built in my center. He slid my gown from my shoulders, leaned down and lifted me, placing me on the bed. He climbed in next to me and placed his hand on my stomach then leaned over and kissed it and the child within.

The next morning everyone was at the table finishing eating their breakfast when Erik stood up and cleared his throat.

"Madeline, children, Jenny and I have an announcement to make. It seems that this summer there will be another baby." He said smiling. Madeline smiled broadly and at first so did the children but then suddenly Sylvie's eyes grew large and her face turned bright red as she looked back and forth between us, then her plate became of great interest to her in sudden embarrassment. Mouse had been studying his plate for some time now. Erik's expression was puzzled; he didn't know what to make of their expressions. I smiled behind my hand.

"Alright children you are excused. Time for your chores." I said and they got up hurriedly, relief in their eyes as they rushed out.

"What is the matter with them?" he asked puzzled. Madeline smiled and rose to clear the table.

"They just realized how Jenny became with child you big ape. They are just children after all and it embarrasses them. In time they will understand and I am sure that they are happy about having another brother or sister." she explained. I looked at Erik speculatively and waited while Madeline left the room.

"Erik just where did you leave those books of erotica you had? I suggest that they be put somewhere where curious eyes will not find them love. I think they are a little young for that yet." He looked at me with a curious smile.

"That's one of the ways I learned angel, and though I never had anyone to practice with until you I haven't heard you complain. " He said mischievously as he came behind my chair, leaning over and kissing my cheek. "But the books are somewhere they won't find. Is it really normal for them to act so…"

"Oh Erik I keep forgetting you didn't have a proper upbringing. I remember when my mother told me about how babies were created I thought to myself "Oh yuck. I'll never let a man do that to me." I stood and wrapped my arms around his waist. Erik chuckled softly.

"This from the woman who offered herself to me?" He whispered brushing my hair with his lips. I could feel my face turning red.

"You never made me feel yucky." I leaned back and smiled up at him. "You made and still make me feel complete. Does that sound strange?"

"We complete each other." He said as his mouth claimed mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck as the kiss deepened. His tongue probing deeply his hand straying to my breast.

"Unless you want to give the children a demonstration I suggest you take this elsewhere." Madeline said as she re-entered the room. Yet again my face flushed as Erik and I broke apart. My hand went up to straighten my hair while I studied the floor. I glanced up at Erik and his face was also red but he smiled and grabbed my hand.

"I think that Jenny and I forgot something upstairs." He said to Madeline as he dragged me from the room. I heard Madeline laugh as we left.