I do not own any of the characters from The Phantom of the Opera, although I do rather enjoy borrowing them from time to time.

A/N Hey I got this chapter done before the work week starts, Yeah! I am going Betaless for a while I guess. So please forgive the errors. If I make too many I will have to take up some of your kind offers, but at this point, I just want to try to wing it on my own. I know I promised you a wedding, but this chapter rather got away from me, so I didn't want to give a rush wedding at the end just to keep my promise. Oh, thanks to those of you who pushed Broken Sparrow over the 500-review mark. I am so happy that I met that goal! Also, thanks for helping this story reach the 200-review mark. I know that I shouldn't care so much, but it is nice to see a measure of how much the readers are enjoying the story. Thanks so much!

Here is the next chapter. Enjoy!

Author – ToryD

Choices

Chapter 11

Darius held the heavy door wide for his employer and Christine. "Good Evening Mr. Desmond, Ms. Daae." He said formally, as the couple entered the stately mansion.

Christine looked about in astonishment at the elegant foyer of Erik's home, noting that he had several original works of art alongside priceless antiques. "Oh Erik," she whispered grabbing onto his arm. "Your home is quite beautiful."

Erik was pleased that she appeared to be as enchanted by his country home as he. "I promise to give you the full tour after dinner." He said with a gentle pat to the hand was currently grasping his arm. "But first if you will follow Darius, he will show you where you can change for dinner."

Christine frowned at Erik's comment. "Change? But Erik I didn't bring…"

Erik silenced her with his forefinger's soft touch to her lips, "I have arranged for everything that you could possible need." He said in a silky tone that surrounded her in is warmth.

"But…" Christine started to question Erik only to be once again interrupted by her future husband.

"Christine, I ask that over the course of the next few hours that you give me your absolute trust. Will you do that for me?" He asked with an unwavering gaze focused on her face as to read her reaction to his odd question.

She felt the strangest feeling of peace wash over her as she considered Erik's request. An unexplainable, incomprehensible feeling of safeness filled her as she looked into his sincere green eyes. She knew without hesitation that this man could be trusted not to let her down as all the other men in her past had. A bizarre sense of rightness encompassed her as she allowed herself to place herself in his care. Smiling she agreed to his request. "Alright, I will give you my trust." She said in a voice that communicated her resolute faith that surprised both her and the man before her.

Erik felt as if she had given him the most precious gift of his life as she placed herself unquestioningly into his hands. His normally carefully guarded features softened as he let the emotion of her acceptance fill his soul. "Christine," he said in uncommon shaky tone. "I…" struggling to find words to express his gratefulness he was taken aback to have Christine reach up to silence him with the same gesture that he himself had taken just a short moment ago.

Christine knew that Erik was having a difficult time expressing himself, so to ease his awkwardness she put her finger to his lips. "I had better go and change." She said to him in a soft lilting voice that danced intoxicatingly around his ears.

Erik merely nodded as she turned to follow the discreetly awaiting Darius.

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"I wonder what's keeping her." Meg said more to herself than to the other five occupants within the exquisitely decorated guest suite.

Marie smiled at the inpatients of Christine's friend. "I am sure that she will be here shortly my dear." She said in a soothing, motherly tone.

Meg walked over to the soft cream sofa and sat down carefully so not to wrinkle her new Michael Korus icy-blue satin gown that Erik had so kindly furnished for her. With a pretty pout gracing her professionally made up lips, she resigned herself to more torturous waiting.

Satisfied that the young Meg was somewhat placated for the moment, Marie allowed herself to reflect over the speed of Christine and Erik's relationship. She could certainly understand Christine's attraction to the dynamic Erik Desmond, for what woman over the age of sixteen and under sixty could fail to notice the magnetic pull of such a man as Erik. No what was troubling her now, only moments before Christine was to be joined with Erik in marriage, was the uncharacteristic way the two had arrived at this point. For there appeared to be no courtship, or if there was, it was conducted in such a secret fashion that all of the few who were close to Christine failed to take note of the connection between the couple. And of course, there was the way that Christine had raced out of the lawyer's office that morning only a few short days ago. Why was Christine fleeing from Erik with such haste that fateful morning? Deciding that she had more questions than answers at this time, Marie made a vow to herself to corner Christine before the ceremony to make certain that this was indeed was what the young woman who was like her own beloved daughter wanted.

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Darius gave a courtesy knock upon the door before he opened it to admit Christine.

Meg jumped to her feet at the entrance of her friend. Rushing over she took the surprised Christine into her arms in an excited hug. "Hurry we are suppose to be downstairs in less than an hour!" She informed the confused Christine.

Christine looked upon the five expectant faces in the room with a multitude of question in her eyes. Turning to Marie, she saw a look of concern cross her wrinkled face before it was quickly replaced with a look of determination as she began to cross the room towards her.

"Come with me dear," she said in an authoritative manner, which would brook no interference from the others who were anxiously waiting to prepare the bride for the ceremony.

Frowning, Christine followed Marie into a large dressing area that led off the main sitting room that they had just vacated. Taking the seat beside Marie on the small pink vanity bench, she was horrified to see the look of frightened confusion so vividly displayed across her pale face in the large gilded framed antique mirror. "Marie," she whispered in an uneasy tone, "what is happening?"

Marie sighed deeply at the panic emanating so freely off of Christine's tense frame. "Oh Christine, I was afraid that this was not the way you would have wished your life with Erik to begin."

"I don't understand, what do you mean exactly? What has Erik planned for this evening?" Christine asked in a stilted voice.

Marie took the younger woman's hand in hers to try to reassure the nervous Christine. "Erik has arranged for you to be married tonight." She said in a soft tone. Hearing Christine's sharp intake of breath Marie realized that she needed to remain calm for her sweet girl. "Calm yourself dear, no one is forcing you to do anything against your wishes." Marie informed her in a motherly voice.

Christine jumped to her feet and began to pace the length of the dressing room. Marie's words echoed in her head, 'against your wishes', Oh Marie, if you only new the real reason for my marriage to Erik, she thought to herself with a sadness that encompassed her soul. Oh, God! This is why Erik had asked her to give him her absolute trust earlier this evening. And stupid fool that I am, I did! What am I to do now?

Deep concern etched itself upon Marie's face as she watched Christine pace restlessly within the room. "Christine, it is obvious that you are upset by this news." Marie rose from the bench and crossed the room to take Christine's shaking hands in hers. "If you wish me to put a stop to this you have only to tell me."

Christine wished that she could have her former nanny fix everything as she had so often when she was a small child. Closing her eyes, she took in a deep breath and considered the possibility of Marie putting a stop to all of this madness. What would Erik do if she reneged on her promise to marry him? Would he be so callous to really close down Daae Industries and throw countless people out of work? Could she live with herself if she allowed that to happen? And what of her strange feelings for Erik, had she not only just a few short moments ago promise to work at their marriage to try to make him happy. Opening her eyes, she looked upon the worried features of the woman who was so very dear to her. Can I honestly let Erik throw Marie out of the only home she has known for the past twenty-two years? Christine made her decision for the second time. Plastering a smile upon her lips, she reached over to give Marie a reassuring hug. "Marie, don't pay any attention to me. I am only nervous as any bride would be on her wedding day."

Marie drew back to give Christine an appraising stare. "Are you sure dear?" She asked with a keen look in her grey eyes.

Smiling Christine drew Marie towards the door. "Of course I'm sure! Erik is all that I could ever hope for in a husband."

Marie was prevented from further inquisition of the quizzical nature of Christine's comment, for Christine opened the door to put an end to the uncomfortable conversation.

Christine felt an overwhelming sense of turmoil fill her as she resigned herself to her upcoming marriage to Erik. She felt helpless and alone as she was surrounded by the team of professional hair stylists and make-up artists that Erik had supplied for her. Looking over to Meg, she saw that her normally eccentrically dressed friend had shed her normal style to favor an elegant understated form of dress. To Christine, her friend had never been more beautiful. Smiling she watched from her vantage point in the mirror as one of New York's most sought after hair stylist fussed dramatically over her tresses.

To all who were present Christine appeared to be the happy, although somewhat nervous bride to be, all save one. For Marie had witnessed Christine grow from a quite lost little girl into the beautiful young woman she was today. No something was not at all right with this marriage. Something was definitely amiss, Marie thought to herself as she watched the careful performance that her Christine was putting on for the benefit of all of those around her. My girl is in some kind of trouble here. Marie thought sadly, as she stayed in the background powerless to help her sweet Christine.

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Nadir watched with an amused grin on his handsome face as the obviously nervous Erik paced the length of the study. "Erik, if you don't quit you will wear a hole in the carpet." Nadir said with a sarcastic lilt to his voice.

Erik stopped in his tracks to scowl threateningly at his friend. "So what if I do, I paid for it." He said with his eyes flashing his ire.

Chuckling Nadir rose and crossed to the small bar to pour his agitated friend a much-needed drink. "Yes you certainly did, what was it now? In the neighborhood of $800,000 if I recall correctly."

Erik merely grumbled at Nadir's comment as he accepted the offered drink.

"Mr. Desmond, Judge Smyth has arrived and is awaiting you in the solarium." Darius informed his employer from the opened doorway.

Erik downed the rest of his drink in one swallow. "Darius, if you would be so kind as to deliver this to Christine for me." He said as he held out an exquisite hand carved antique box with a single red rose gracing the top.

"Yes Sir," Darius said with a slight bow to his boss as he took possession of the gift.

Nadir crossed the room to put a comforting arm around the bristling Erik's shoulders. "Well Erik, it seems there is no turning back now. Let's go get you hitched."

Erik pinned Nadir with a look of pure distain as he shrugged off the offending arm. "What was I thinking when I asked you to be my best man?" He questioned himself aloud as he headed towards the solarium.

Nadir left his jovial mood behind as he fell into step by Erik's side. "You were thinking that you would like to have someone beside you who will always be there for you with whatever comes your way." He said in a quite sincere tone that had Erik feeling that he was indeed lucky to have Nadir as his one true friend in life.

Erik paused at the door to turn to his friend. "Nadir, I know that you don't approve of my methods, but I want you to know how honored I am to have you stand at my side this evening."

Nadir felt an uncharacteristic tightening in his chest. "The honor is all mine Erik." He said in a reverent tone that communicated the depth of the friendship the two had forged over the years. Clearing his throat, he tried to break the uncomfortable moment. Opening the door, he motioned for Erik to precede him through the doorway.

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For the last forty minutes, Christine had endured the expert administrations of New York's premiere hair stylists and make-up artists. As Meg assisted her into her dress, she was looking into the floor to ceiling mirrors wondering whom this woman was staring back at her. The dress was absolute perfection on her thin frame. The simplicity of the white silk fabric draped seductively over her body. Her attention was drawn away by Meg's excited chatter.

"Oh Christine, you are truly the most beautiful bride I have ever seen!" Meg said as she tried to bank down the tears of joy filling her eyes.

Christine smiled at the friend's exuberance. "Thank you Meg, but I must say that you are certainly giving me a run for my money. You look positively ravishing."

Meg, who was not accustomed to receiving complements due to her often over the top style, blushed at the praise.

Marie knocked on the door to the dressing room before she entered holding the gift that Erik had sent to his bride to be. As she saw Christine in her bridal gown, she knew that there was never a bride as lovely as the young woman who stood before her. "Christine, you look absolutely beautiful." She said in an earnest tone that touched Christine's heart. "Erik has sent you a gift."

Christine stepped away from the mirror to cross the room to accept the gift from Marie. Taking a moment to raise the perfect bloom to her nose, she let the sweet fragrance fill her senses in a short moment of peaceful silence. Taking a seat, she opened the beautiful box to reveal a folded heavy gauge paper with Erik's distinctive writing.

Christine,

I hope you will forgive me my forwardness in arranging our wedding without your knowledge. As I have spent the last several days in your company, I find that I can no longer wait to make you my bride.

In my haste, I am afraid that some of the more traditional customs of marriage may have been overlooked. Please accept these small tokens with my greatest admiration.

Erik

Christine looked into the box to find several small compartments each with its own lid. Lifting the first one, she saw an exquisite antique necklace with a large diamond in its center. As she lifted the necklace from its box, she saw yet another note underneath.

Christine,

This piece once belonged to Catherine the Great, I thought it would accessorize your dress beautifully as well as fulfill the 'something old' quotation.

Erik

Fingering the necklace, she marveled at the thoughtfulness of her future husband. Lifting the second lid, she gasped as she saw a stunning pair of drop diamond earrings fashioned in much the same design as the necklace.

Christine,

I had these made especially to accompany the necklace. As well as completing the adage 'something new', they will serve to enhance your breathtaking beauty.

Erik

Shaking her head at the generosity of Erik, she lifted the final lid to reveal a dazzling sapphire encrusted hair clip.

Christine,

Lastly, I had this made to fulfill the 'something blue' category. I am afraid that I do not possess anything that you might find appropriate in the 'something borrowed' area. So I have enlisted the help of Marie, who will address this oversight.

Erik

"Marie, will you please help me with these?" Christine asked in a soft emotion filled voice.

"Of course dear," Marie said as she bent down to take the beautiful necklace from the box to place it gently around Christine's delicate neck.

Christine fastened the earrings to her ears as Marie attached the sapphire hair clip to Christine's elaborate upswept hair.

Standing back, Marie looked upon her Christine with tears gathering in her eyes. "Christine, you are like a daughter to me. I couldn't love you any more than if you were my very own." Reaching into her sleeve, she pulled out an elaborately embroidered handkerchief. "This belonged to my mother, I would be honored if you would consider borrowing it for the ceremony."

Christine felt tears fill her own eyes as she watched the normally reserved Marie so freely expressing her love. "Thank you Marie." Taking the delicate linen handkerchief in her hand Christine traced the embroidery with a small smile playing upon her lips. "I too think of you as my mother."

Marie felt overwhelmed at the emotions filling the room.

Meg sensing that if she didn't intervene the three of them would soon fall into a pool of uncontrollable tears. "Well we had better get you downstairs." She announced in a clear tone that brought about an air of excitement in the room.

Marie watched Christine closely for any sign of hesitation. Seeing that Christine appeared to be in a calm measurable state, she was satisfied that Christine was at peace with the impending wedding.

Christine smiled at her friend who stood impatiently by the door. "Alright, Meg. Marie?" She said as she held out her hand to the older woman.

Marie nodded satisfactorily as she took Christine's hand and walked by her side to the awaiting wedding party below.

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A/N Wedding will defiantly take place next chapter. Please review and let me know what you think. Thanks!