Chapter Nine: Awe

Erik rode his horse along the beach. The beautiful weather had lured him away from the haven of his bedroom. He had not yet come across Nicholas's daughter since their last encounter. It was likely for the best as he was still muddled over their previous exchange. He has resolved to restrain himself from any unpleasant encounters. Despite his crowing to the contrary, he knew Nicholas would never side against his only child. Should the capricious urchin decide to exercise her wish to have him removed from the estate, he did not doubt Nicholas would oblige. His jaw clenched as he cursed his brash words and lack of tact.

Should the need arise to leave the estate; at least he had resources to rely upon. Madame Giry had approached him earlier in the morning. She had presented him the small wealth he had saved over the years while residing in the Opera House. He had stared in shock as she gently pressed the carefully bundled gold into his hands. He had believed it all lost, yet she had managed to secure his wealth and return it to him. She could have kept the gold for herself yet she did not. He found himself once again indebted to her. Despite lingering hurt over her perceived betrayal, he had come to understand she had indeed acted out of concern for the well being of all parties involved. Her actions had not been guided by anger or spite, but rather the same noble instinct which had moved her many years before when she had extended a hand to a starved and frightened boy.

He looked around him and inhaled deeply. With his fortune returned to him, he could purchase his own home. As much as he enjoyed living under Nicholas's protection, he knew he could not depend on his generosity forever. It was best to retreat with pride than suffer the humiliation of being shown the door. Whatever fondness Nicholas felt for him was irrelevant; he knew his daughter would come before him. Troublesome creature, he thought with a slight twitch that touched the corner of his lips.

Her valor had piqued him. Torn between sentiments of amusement and anger, he had finally before decided she was unlike anyone he had ever met.

Something about that girl intrigued him. She was lovely there was no denying such an obvious fact, but there was something more than beauty that made her decidedly alluring. Despite his resolve to refrain from unpleasant encounters, he had been disappointed not to see her. He'd always been an admirer of beauty, especially at a distance. He paused as the creative wheels in his head began to turn. He urged the horse to turn and head towards the house. He was suddenly compelled to compose.

Tatiana and Meg descended the staircase discussing the beautiful clothing the seamstress was preparing for them. Nicholas had insisted on girls having a proper wardrobe, despite Madame Giry's vocal objections. She had been determined to depart for Paris but had been swayed by Meg's pleas. Enamored by the beautiful climate and spellbinding home, Meg had insisted they remain for a few days longer. Adamant they should not forgo the joy of experiencing the land they would likely never visit again once they departed. Tatiana had sided with Meg's argument insisting after two weeks of exhausting traveling; it was only they fair they should obtain a tranquil respite before engaging in another tedious journey. Their mutual goal was granted when an exasperated Madame Giry finally agreed.

Tatiana listed as Meg excitedly talked of the various fabrics and designs they had been shown. Although she was not as elated as Meg, it pleased her to see Meg elated by the mere prospect of new clothes. Meg was a steady of reminder of what it was to be young and carefree. Meg was petite and cheerful where she was tall and introverted. Their friendship was an unlikely one, yet she was grateful for Meg's amiable overtures. While Meg had no calms discussing various aspects of her life, she found herself less inclined to discuss any of her own personal details. It had been so long since she had been able to confide in someone, it was difficult to reciprocate Meg's trust.

Even with her apprehensiveness, Meg still gravitated towards her. Granted it was also difficult to befriend anyone else given their limited options. Her father and Madame Giry were often in each other's company, and although they regularly included their bothersome guest in their little gatherings, he for the most part kept to himself. Not that she minded his seclusion. She had no desire to see the infuriating man. She had purposely refrained from attending certain meals where he was to attend, and perhaps she did make it a point to avoid venturing out of her room during certain times. It was all in done to avoid any disagreeable encounters.

Although she had desired to be freed of the unwanted guest; her father had touched on the subject with gentle admonition.

"He is a man who has suffered much, Tatiana. I know he may seem quite rude at sometimes, but it is our duty to help those who are in need of our help. I will not turn my back on a person who had been wronged by the world." She had taken his words to heart and decided not to push to subject further. Disturbed by his presence but unable to have him evicted, her only solution was to avoid him at all cost.

They entered the veranda which provided a stunning view of beautiful landscape of the estate and the sea. Meg walked towards the edge resting one hand on the stone pillar.

"This place is beautiful."

"It is," Tatiana agreed as she took a seat in one of the wicker chairs. "The scenery alone is said to alleviate someone's poor health."

"I believe it." Meg smiled as she turned to look at her. "Did you come here often as a child?"

"Yes. My father only preferred to be in the city for the social season which is in the winter."

"Did you attend any of those social functions?"

"Yes. I was required to do so."

"You didn't enjoy going to them?"

"I enjoyed them, especially the Bal Blanc."

"The Bal Blanc? What is that?"

"It is the ball where young unmarried girls attend wearing a dress of virginal white and dance with young officers as chaperones look on."

"Did you have a suitor then?" Meg asked as she sat beside her.

"I had several men seeking my hand. None I considered seriously due to their ambitious aspirations."

"How do you know that? You are a very pretty girl."

"Believe me, they were not after me. They were all formal and seemed to be seeking my father's approval more than my own."

"You had no say in who you would marry?"

"Marriages are decided upon by families, it is all very formal and business like. There are only a few who are fortunate enough to marry for affection."

There was the sad truth which no one ever discussed with the poor gullible girls whose imaginations took them no further than the alter. They believed they would meet their prince charming and live happily ever after. None realized, their fates were usually decided upon far before they debuted into society. It was a deceitful farce.

"You seem to know much about the world yet you are only slightly older than myself." Tatiana smiled and shook her head.

"The difference between us Meg is that I have been married to the worst of men, while you have yet to kiss one." She teased knowing it would cause her young inexperienced friend to blush. "Now come. There is much you must see and learn."

"Learn?" Meg asked surprised.

"Yes, learn. If you are going to be here for the social season then you must learn about our culture and ways, or else the woman of society will have your pretty little blond head."

Tatiana had decided Meg would go to Saint Petersburg with her in time for the "Season" which would begin on New Year's day. She had two months to prepare Meg for the endless round of concerts, banquets, balls, and midnight suppers they would be required to attend. She was determined to enjoy her newfound freedom with her new friend. It would also allow her father some additional time to win some favor with the reserved Madame Giry.

Tatiana walked into her bedroom and locked her door. Even though her father reassured her she was safe, the fear of her husband appearing was very present in her mind. She knew it was only a matter of time before he presented himself. She was a liability, and it was critical she obtained a divorce as discreetly and efficiently as possible.

She began to undress, removing her boots first as her feet were aching to be freed. She rubbed her foot between her hands. The persistent ache had been ignored as she roamed the estate with Meg. She did not regret her aching feet as it was a small price to pay compared to the lively afternoon she had enjoyed with Meg. She had felt like a carefree adolescent rather than a placid matron.

As she continued undressing, she heard a soft tune begin to play.

It was a very soft but uniquely alluring tune. It was keenly poignant stirring various sentiments of melancholy. She ceased her undressing as she sat on her chaise lounge leaning back against the cushioned seat. Closing her eyes she allowed herself to be lured by the hypnotic composition. It was not too long before the playing ceased. After a few silent moments it resumed and she surrendered to the dazed relaxation the odd yet powerful tune was achieving.

Erik walked into Nicholas's office as usual without knocking. Nicholas no longer tried to remind him it was a common courtesy but simply allowed him to do as he pleased. It was a privilege he did not extend to many, but their unlikely camaraderie allowed such trivial exceptions.

"Erik what a pleasant surprise, please come in." Nicholas teased. Erik snorted as he sat in usual chair.

"Needing legal advice, Nicholas?" Erik motioned at the various legal books opened on the desk.

"Yes, but so far I'm unable to find anything of use to me. Now tell me what brings you here."

"I have not seen you as of late. You are regularly entertained with your daughter or Madame Giry," he commented casually, "If I did not know her as well as I do, I would almost dare believe there was something wrongful between the two of you." Nicholas looked at him with a minor indignation.

"She is my beloved." he declared flatly.

"Do not toy with her Nicholas." Erik subtly warned.

"Erik I do not see how this is any of your business."

"I dare to breech the subject because she does not deserve to be harmed by you or any man," Erik confessed, "She is in many ways all the family I have and I refuse to see her hurt whether it be directly or indirectly."

Nicholas looked at Erik before opening a locked drawer in his desk. He pulled out a velvet box, before opening it. From within he pulled out a small frame. It was a miniature painting of Madame Giry as a teenager, perhaps no older than Meg in the portrait. He looked at the frame briefly and before extending it to Erik.

"Antoinette and I were very young when we met. I have loved her since my youth, and for a time I sought to make her my bride," Nicholas confessed, "however my selfish desires would eventually drive a barrier between us. I would never harm her. I swear to you, she will not suffer on my account."

"If you love her why do you not marry her?"

"She will not have me."

"You have asked?"

"There is still much to be discussed and resolved between us," Nicholas took the portrait from Erik's gloved hand. "Now, I hear you have made an impression on my daughter." Erik's only response was to smirk.

"I'm aware you two are not fond of each other, but I do believe living arrangements would be much less tensed if you two could at least be amicable towards one another."

"Your daughter does not share your favorable character, Nicholas."

"I'm afraid she did but the last two years have altered her. Like you she has suffered much. Anger, bitterness, and resentment have taken hold of some aspects of her personality where they previously did not exist."

"I doubt she has suffered as I have."

"I have never asked you of Christine, nor do I intend to. I will simply provide the same advice I gave to Tatiana; something's are left better in the past."

"Something's cannot be left in past." Erik shook his head slightly. "It does not take a genius to conclude your daughter has fled her husband. Nicholas, what are going to do if her husband comes searching for her?"

"I will defend her by whatever means at my disposal."

Tatiana entered her room with a handful of books. It was late and although the room was covered in darkness she knew the layout of her bedroom enough to get around even without the benefit of light. She had been attempting to find legal information regarding grounds for divorce, and she had yet to find a loop hole that would allow her to leave the marriage with her name intact. She put the books down on her desk before walking towards her bed falling back against the pillows. Her eyes were heavy and irritated from her fanatic reading. She would continue researching in the morning. At the moment, her exhaustion was such; she would lay her head on her soft pillow welcoming the lure of sleep. Just as she began to drift into sleep, she felt gloved knuckles gently brush against her cheek.

"Madame Feodrova, I do believe we got off on the wrong foot."

She quickly leaped out of bed. Her heart was beating erratically against her chest, yet surprisingly no cry escaped her lips. It wasn't long before a match was struck and the lamp beside her bed was lit. He was standing casually by her bed. His eyes dancing with laughter, and an irritating smirk upon his lips once more.

"I prefer Alexandrova." she declared flatly.She had to be nice; she had promised her father she would be nice.

"Do you hate your husband that much?"

Be nice...she chided herself.

"Does it really matter?" she asked becoming defensive,

"No I suppose not, Madame Alexandrova, although in truth you are far too young to be a Madame." Despite his reserved reply, she did not miss how he observed her slender figure.

"Thank you Monsieur..."

"Erik. Just call me Erik."

"You do not have a last name?"

"Does it matter? I prefer Erik." She clenched her jaw as he replied in kind.

"Very well, Erik. If you wish to be addressed informally I suppose it is only right you call me Tatiana, but please do not abuse the privilege."

"And I hope you learn to behave yourself as the young proper lady you are suppose to be." He teased.

She snorted unable to contain the smile that touched her lips.

"Now that formalities are put aside, can I ask why you here?"

He smiled and for the first time she was forced to admit, he was a rather handsome man. His dark hair was brushed back, curving slightly over his ears. His face, at least the uncovered portion of his face was pleasant to look upon. Handsome some would have called him even. His immaculate clothing fitted him perfectly, granting him an aura of grandeur.

"I have many questions that I find only you can answer for me."

"Tell me Erik, supposing I knew the answers to your questions why would I tell you them? I have no obligation to you." she said as she walked towards her small sofa and sat down.

"We have much in common Tatiana. I believe we can do much for each other."

"I really doubt you can do anything for me, Erik."

"Oh I believe you can. You wish to divorce your husband and I do believe I can obtain that for you."

"You can do that?" A glimmer of hope gripped her unexpectedly.

"What would you give for your freedom?" he inquired with his gaze never wavering from hers.

"I would give you anything you asked." She responded unashamed.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes! If I could be free of Vladimir I would pay whatever price you ask."

"My dear, I do not seek your money." She blinked in astonishment.

"Well what do you want?"

"You."

A/N: Please be kind and review.