Chapter 19:
"What do you think?" Candela asked as she turned around in a circle, balancing her hands on her red and gold clothed waist. "I saw the color and thought it would be perfect for a Christmas Eve masquerade." Brushing her fingers over the red satin base skirt, she plucked a dark hair from the material.
"Oh! It's beautiful! However, did you have time to commission it?" Reine circled her friend for a moment, inspecting the different layers of the dress while Candela laughed.
"There is this seamstress who is able to work wonders. I told her what I need and how quickly and she made it within two weeks, fitting and all."
"My goodness. This one took nearly a month. I must get in contact with that seamstress." Reine giggled and smoothed the green satin skirt of her dress. "Jules won't be able to keep his eyes off you."
"I suppose he will know who I am despite this." She remarked as she picked up the red mask and fiddled with some of the fake berries. Her happiness of the morning had been slowly waning as the evening approached. It had seemed to easy earlier. Simple words, simply told and everything would be over.
Cold feet hadn't crossed her mind.
"Are you all right? You don't look well. Is something wrong?" The Spaniard shook her head slowly.
"I'm fine. Just thinking." Reine's eyes turned older as she locked eyes with her through the mirror.
"I know what the Marquis is going to ask you tonight. And, he told me you know as well. It's a big step in life. But, you'll be happy. Jules is a good man and he does love you."
"I don't want to break his heart." She whispered. After eight months of acquaintance, she had grown fond of the Marquis, appreciating his kindness to her. While she refused to ruin her joy in life for him, she hoped she had the tact to leave his heart unscathed.
Reine's smile faded as she realized the implication of her friend's words. Ever since her arrival, she had led herself to believe they would be happy together. Had something gone wrong between them? Deciding against pressing her for any more information, Reine allowed the subject to drop and shifted to another, more agreeable point of conversation.
"Why don't we go down to the parlor? Jules should be home soon with Raoul and Christine." Her kindly smile had meant to distract Candela and herself but her friend's gasp of shock and widening eyes proved she had erred.
"The Comte and Comtesse are visiting?" She demanded, panic locking around her heart in a vice grip. While understandable that the Marquis wouldn't recognize her after only visiting the mansion several times and never noticing the help. But, Raoul had been her employer for a short time and lived at the mansion with her, around her every day.
He would know her in a moment.
Even Christine might see her face and remember.
"Oh! I forgot! They would know you! And, Raoul, dear boy that he is, won't hesitate to name you." Candela's bone-chilling panic swept quickly to her friend who paced back and forth several times before spying the mask, gripped in Candela's trembling hands. "Put that on!" She insisted.
"But, why? Wouldn't it be improper to greet him with a mask? And, might he recognize me anyway through the nearly full-face covering? He knows me well."
"We don't have much a choice now do we? With a mask, you have a chance to being concealed, without, you'll be identified in a moment. Now, put it on." She pressed her friend's hands for a moment, before holding her hair down so the ties wouldn't catch. "You can say that it's a game. Blame the masquerade or even some wine we might partake of before their arrival for your little game. I will put on my mask too and demand that we not remove them until midnight. You can leave before midnight…or, maybe afterwards you won't need it."
A sad smile tugged at her face before she nodded.
"No, I suppose it won't matter." Adjusting the dyed red plaster, she smirked from beneath it. "We'll manage well enough with this disguise I suppose. Perhaps his eyes won't see beyond this contraption. Let's go downstairs."
Once Reine had slipped into her mask, one a great deal smaller than hers, they glided from the dressing rooms and down the stairs to the still quiet drawing room.
After several moments of silence, Reine inquired,
"Is Nadir going to be able to come?" Her blue eyes peered deep into the fire, grateful for the mask to keep her warm cheeks hidden.
"I don't know. I asked him but he said he wouldn't know until today. I had hoped it wouldn't make much difference?"
"Oh! It's not a problem at all. There is more than enough for everyone. I do hope he will be here." Ducking her head, Reine curled her arms around her, recalling jade eyes in the back of her mind.
"I understand you two have been meeting every week for lunch?" Eyebrows arched beneath red plaster Candela leaned forward to warm her gloved hands.
"How did you know?" A blush stained the Duchess's cheeks but the green mask hid most of the rising color. Her heart skittered in her chest as her fingers sought purchase in the green satin dress.
"When I invited him, I noticed your umbrella was sitting his hallway and asked why it would be there. He told me you had forgotten it after your last lunch date. I've never seen a man blush quite so deeply upon a secret being discovered. Why didn't you tell me you were seeing him?" Scolding her playfully, Candela reached over and grabbed one of the Duchess's hand in hers.
While a relationship between them hadn't been her first thought, the situation made sense to her. Each were grieving the loss of a mate, one twenty years gone and the other not yet ten. Both had no ties to life and no one to please. Not to mention, Nadir's laidback personality would easily meld with her fiery one.
It appeared a perfect match that would happen.
"It didn't cross my mind…before. We're not a relationship, if that's what you want to know." Candela's hopes dropped. "We're just playing at friends right now. He's a very nice gentleman and has even met William. The boy took to him in a moment."
"I'm not surprised. I've always thought he would be good with children."
"Yes, they were quite a pair together, chattering about what they could with my son's broken French." Her blue eyes turned downward, apparently reliving the sweet memories. "Very few men I've met have wanted a son that wouldn't carry their name or title. Nadir doesn't seem to mind." Another blush brightened her and caused an increased fluttering in her chest.
"He has many great qualities. And, may I confess something?" Reine turned pleading eyes towards her friend. Desperate as she was for someone to admit the truth to, she had prepared herself to admit it to anyone.
"Of course, Reine."
"Over these three or four outings we've had together, I've…I've grown fond of him. Not as friend. I've only been attracted to one man in my life, my late husband. I knew the moment I saw him we would never part, and he felt the same. Rare and almost shameful between those of royal blood." Hesitating, she bit her lip and shook herself. "That spark returned when I saw him. But, he hasn't shown a bit of interest in that way."
"Of course, he wouldn't. You're a duchess." Candela reminded her, thinking back over her knowledge of Nadir's habits. "He wouldn't dream of treading further than you would allow. Even if he felt something, he would keep it hidden, giving deference to any suitors of noble blood you might have." At this statement, Reine opened her mouth to say something only to be hushed by her younger friend. "No, listen. He is aware you are a forward thinker and befriending the lower class is quite radical. But, romance with you…he wouldn't dream of it."
"You mean, I'll have to pursue himself…myself?" A nod and the idea lodged itself firmly into the Duchess's mind. "A masquerade ball is perfect…" she trailed off and shot to her feet, sorting through the pages of music for the musicians. "Does he know the Schottische?" Her blue eyes glowed and matched the dark look in her friends.
"If he doesn't, he'll learn quickly."
"He'd better."
E-OC
"It is good to be back." Raoul declared as he helped his cold bride from the coach, throwing the corner of his cape around her shoulders to break the snowy wind from her as he ushered her inside. With the Marquis on their heels, he guided the girl into the drawing room, pleased to see a roaring fire within.
Taking her coat, he shed his own cloak and disappearing back into the hallway to dispose of them before returning to warm himself. Chatter reached his head and moments later, two masked women darted into the room, giggles escaping them.
"I told you we should have stayed here! We would have been able to meet them!" The woman in red paused her laughter long enough to scold. Studying the two women for a moment, he tried to determine which of them was the lady of the house. Having only met the lady once, he hadn't the slightest idea.
"Good morning, ladies." He said, bowing to both as he locked onto the red mask. From what he had heard from Jules, the Duchess had a rebellious spirit and the mask fit that disposition neatly. Besides, there was something familiar about her. "Duchess, it's a pleasure to meet you at last." Grasping her hand in his, he made to kiss it but a hapless giggle met his ears.
"No, I am not the duchess." She withdrew her hand and took a step behind Reine. "This is the duchess."
"Oh! Forgive me, Mademoiselle." Turning to address the Duchess, he remarked. "I didn't recognize you with the masks. Why are you two wearing them? Surely it is uncomfortable to wear them for so long."
"It's a little game, my dear Comte. You won't get to see us until midnight. Now, hurry up and get dress with your masks. We can be incognito to even our own guests. Hurry now! We'll talk later!" The Comte laughed and whisked away his wife to their old rooms to dress before something hit him.
After bestowing a light kiss on his cousin's cheek and the hand of his lady, the Marquis also left the drawing room. as soon as everyone had left, Candela gasped a deep breath and collapsed into a chair.
"It worked. He hasn't recognized me."
"We are fortunate." Reine replied, settling down beside her. "A year has passed since he last saw you and, as you were once a servant, he isn't likely to know your name or voice so with your face covered, nothing should be found out."
The pair shared a laugh before picking up their glasses of champagne and clinking them together.
E-OC
"Thank you, Darius. Will you hand me my mask?" Adjusting his cravat, Nadir frowned at the reflection in the mirror.
"Not excited for the party tonight, sir?" Darius inquired as he passed the simple black mask to his employer.
"You know I've never been a gregarious person by nature." He remarked, adjusting the mask on his face before tying the black ribbons behind his head, careful not to tangle any of his graying hair inside the knot.
"Yes, I remember your distinct dislike for the Shah's drunk orgies." The two men shared a chuckle before Darius continued, "But, perhaps you will enjoy this party. After all, this is dignified masquerade, held by a friend of yours. If I am not much mistaken, you will enjoy the company of the Duchess."
"Yes, I will that." Nadir remarked with a smile, thinking back over their frequent lunch dates together. "She will make it well worth the trouble."
"Enjoy yourself. Dance at least once with the Duchess." His servant admonished and handed him in gloves and hat, heading towards the door to fetch his overcoat. Following behind him, Nadir secured the hat and gloves on himself and, upon arriving at the door, allowed Darius to help him into his coat.
"I will try." He promised, giving a kindly smile to his servant before walking out to the door to his hired carriage. Settling inside, he took several deep breaths and listened to the rattle of the wheels against the cobblestones before they shifted into paved streets, nearing the elegant part of the city where the mansion stood.
The moon hung large over the gables of the several-story house, shining silver light over the line of black broughams unloading their colorful passengers. Refusing to be ashamed of his simple black suit, he waited his turn before entering the grand house. contrary to Candela's promise, the party proved large, people flowing from one room to another, filling them all with clamoring chatter.
"Shall I take your coat, sir?" Inquired the harried footman.
"Yes, thank you." Nadir gave the poor man a kindly smile before shedding the heavy garment and disappearing into the throng of people to find the hostess.
E-OC
"Do you think he will come? Or, has he come already and I didn't recognize him?" Reine asked, perched on a stool by the punch table, Candela sitting beside her.
"No, we'll both know him the moment he appears." After sipping a little on her punch, she set the glass down. "Remember, you're going to dance him out of his mind."
"What if he doesn't feel the same?" Reine asked, finding herself in territory she hadn't ever encountered before. A struggled existed between years of being told that a man should always pursue a woman to having her friend inform her she would have to do the chasing herself.
Quickly she found forward-thinking far easier than forward-doing.
"Nadir is a master at hiding his emotions, perhaps too many years of living in Persia taught him that. But, I am willing to bet he has been a lonely man for the past twenty years. To my knowledge, he has no other friends but you, me, his servant, and my surly employer. Your attention will be welcomed, I am sure." Reined laughed, patting her friend's shoulders.
"I shall believe you are right and pursue him until I drop. He must be perfectly lonely with just those you named, excepting you of course." Candela answered with a laugh of her own as she took another sip of her punch, feeling the liquor begin to go to her head.
"I am a very recent addition. Before, he merely had my employer and his servant!"
"The poor man!" The pair leaned their masked heads together and giggled.
"Who is the 'poor man'?" A highly recognizable voice inquired from behind a plain black mask and simple black suit. The women jumped apart, gasping in surprise before Candela giggled once more.
"Nadir, don't do that to us." Lightly swatting his arm, she set her punch down once more. "We were wondering if you were coming tonight."
"I'm here, aren't I?" He gave her a smile before turning to the Duchess. "Reine, I presume?"
"Correct, Nadir. You have found me out behind this mask I wear."
"Not too difficult. I know your voice and few women here have such a fine head of red hair."
"Now you're just complementing me." The Duchess sniffed before taking his hand in hers.
"I assume you don't object?" Nadir pried, his jade eyes locked onto hers. A saucy smile danced beneath the mask when she shook her head.
"Not at all."
"Excellent. And, if Candela doesn't mind, may I be so bold as to claim at least one spot on your dance card, should it not already be full?" Darius had insisted he dance at least once with her and he couldn't imagine a better time than the present to do so. The Redowa played behind them in the ballroom and she did look so fetching, smiling up at him, blue eyes gleaming.
Besides, it happened to be one of the few Victorian dances he had bothered to learn upon his arrival.
"I do not mind at all." A confident grin adorned her face as she finished her glass of punch. "Feel free to steal her away." Leaning forward, she whispered a bit of encouragement Nadir couldn't understand, before floating away into the swirling crowd.
Left with a waiting lady, expectant to be draw onto the floor, he bowed and offered her his hand.
"My lady?" Grasping his hand, Reine allowed herself to be swept onto the dance floor, relaxing comfortably in his arms, the set twirling among others locked in embraces.
E-OC
Colors danced about her, mostly of the Yule themed reds, golds, and greens, smattered with a few blues or silvers worn by those daring enough to break a few social norms while behind masks. Among several formal couples, elderly no doubt, were several younger Parisians trying to sweep those of the opposite gender off their feet.
Hushed whispers and animated conversations all drifted past her ears, drowned out by her seeking somewhere away from the heat. Despite the cold air drifting in through a few cracked windows, so many people packed into the small rooms left them stuffy.
At last, she found a small balcony, free of people and with a stiff breeze to clear her lungs. The snow had slackened and only a few flakes drifted through the night sky, each shining beautifully in the full moon. Locking her hands behind her dress, she closed her eyes, allowing the cold to seep into her and clear her mind.
At first, she had been nervous, not wishing to break a man's heart with her inability to made up her mind.
"Eight months." She whispered to herself. "Eight months wasted."
"What has been wasted?" A gentle voice answered, causing her to turn to face the Marquis, handsome as ever in a black suit trimmed in red with a matching red mask.
"I was just muttering to myself."
"A bad habit, my dear." He remarked as he joined her at the edge of the balcony. "How are you not frozen? The wind is exceptionally chilly!" Candela chuckled and rubbed her bare fingers.
"I needed fresh air. I'm not used to these sorts of parties."
"Of course, I understand. But, perhaps you will learn to enjoy them? After all, I had hoped you might host them for me one day." He took one hand and lightly kissed the icy skin.
"Jules…" She trailed off. "I…"
"Hush." He whispered, taking both of her hands in his warmer ones. "Candela, I have known you for eight months. Eight wonderful months. You fascinated me from the very start, so different and beautiful compared to the other women of my acquaintance." He dropped a hand to brush her cheek with the tips of his fingers.
"I'm in love with you, Candela, and –" He sank to one knee, still grasping her left hand, "I would be honored if you would be my wife."
Her bottom lip trembled as she stared down at him, his eyes hopeful and anxious, pouring his love and heart before her.
And she would have to crush it.
Oddly enough, it didn't hurt in the same place or as badly as the thought of abandoning the Phantom. Once more, her heart reminded her that she didn't love him. For her, there would be no life with him. Merely existence.
"Jules, I am so sorry. My answer is no."
What little pieces of his face she could see drained of their color as pure desperation and despondency filled his eyes. Gripping her hand firming within his own and remaining on his knees, he demanded through the lump that choked his throat,
"Why?"
Candela pulled her hand from his and wrapped them around herself, hoping to warm her arms and fingers with her body heat.
"Can we go somewhere private inside? It's getting cold out here and I would prefer not to be distracted while I explain." The Marquis stiffly nodded and rose to his feet, not caring to brush off the snow from his knees.
"Follow me to my study."
E-OC
"You are a fine dancer!" Reine gasped as the spirited dance ended and they bowed to each other. "Where did a Persian such as you ever learn?"
"I took it upon myself to learn a few of your Parisian customs. Unfortunately, until now, they haven't mattered much."
"I am pleased you bothered. If you hadn't, I would be denied a fine partner. Surely, this shan't be our last dance together?" Her eye pleaded up at him and he momentarily wondered if she had consumed too much champagne for her own good before his arrival at the party.
"If you wish to continue with me, I would be honored. But, surely, your friends won't wish for me to monopolize you? And, besides, isn't it improper for a lady to dance with only one man?"
"Friends – I have none here anymore. Too many years away in England has deteriorated those which I had. I never had a chance to return to visit, even during holidays. So, you and Candela are the only ones I care to spent much time with. And, I believe she occupied by the Marquis. So, unless you wish to be rid of me, we shall have to dance another and amuse each other." Lightly squeezing his hands, she giggled. "And, I do not much care for what they might think. Dancing with you and receiving censure is far better than a partner I despise."
Nadir chuckled before kissing her hand.
"I would be delighted to amuse so find a lady as yourself. Shall we go to the punch bowl for some refreshment before the next dance?" Reine opened her mouth to agree before she heard the beginning notes of the Schottische. Her eyes darkened for a moment before she shook her head.
"No, perhaps after this one?"
"The Schottische? I am afraid I only have a basic knowledge of the steps."
"Then you will learn quickly!" Drawing him towards the dance floor where other gathered, Reine threw him the most pleading of expressions.
And, who was he to deny a lady her desire?
E-OC
"Please sit down." The Marquis offered as he pulled a padded chair near his desk. "And, please tell me what has led you to reject me. Have I done something to displease you? Is there something I can repair to make you accept me?"
Shaking her head, Candela settled into the chair and removed her mask, setting the gaudy thing on the dark wood.
"No, you've done nothing but be wonderful. If anything, it is myself. I've tried, I swear I've tried to love you. I care very much for you but friendship is all I create. When you alluded to proposing several weeks ago, I had some time to think and…I couldn't do it. I couldn't." Knowing her words made little sense, she raised her eyes to his hopeless face, revealed when he removed his own mask.
"There is nothing I could do to convince you to love me, even a little? Just enough to marry me?"
Once more she shook her head.
"No. I do not love you." The words were so final, so complete. Everything shattered between them. His eyes squeezed shut and his head hung, deep breaths and a choked back sob reaching her ears. "I'm sorry. I couldn't love you."
"I understand." He whispered, muscles twitching in his jaw as he resumed the mantle of a gentleman, proper and kind even his heart had broken underneath his layers of clothing. "I understand. You can lead a heart to love but you can't make it fall."
"Those are wise words."
"Reine told me those twenty years ago. She was a wise little thing, even then." Candela nodded once more, feeling the awkward tension building in the air between them.
"I should go. I will bid your cousin good evening and return home." Rising to her feet, she grasped her mask in her hands, stepping away from the desk. Now didn't appear to be the right time to admit everything to the Marquis.
They were over.
He needn't ever know.
"Thank you for being kind to me. You were a good friend." Turning, she began to walk towards the door when a familiar face and form filled the doorway.
"Hey, Jules, you should come see this…" The Comte trailed off as he stared down at the unmasked woman. "Candela!?"
E-OC
What was she trying to do?
His familiarity with the Schottische was minimal but, even with that basic knowledge, he was confident that her fiery eyes, peering continually into his and refusing to break gaze during the first few minutes weren't normal.
Something weighed on her mind. Perhaps she had ingested too much liquor for the evening? She couldn't mean what those eyes seemed to tell him.
Holding her fingers softly in his, he marveled how her body fluidly moved, matching his gestures and daring him to higher excellence. Her red hair flowed free over her shoulders, tumbling down across his hands whenever they happened to across near her neck.
Her chest rose and fell with the exertion and shamefully attracted his eyes.
She couldn't be serious.
His Reine was a wise woman. Her movements were calculated and pointed. And he was no fool.
As the dance whirled to an end, a smile curled across her lips while a frown creased his warn face. His reaction hadn't been the one Reine desired at all. He seemed more displeased than pleased. Had she shamed herself without realizing it? The dance itself wasn't particularly wild but the locking of eyes could make it easily so.
"Shall we go out and get some air?" She whispered, hoping that perhaps either he would forget her exposition or inform her that her actions hadn't ruined any friendship between them.
"Of course, we can." He bowed, allowed to her deference to find a spot where the presence of others wouldn't disturb. Her feet proved quick as she guided them among the people and out onto a balcony, the house blocking the wind and snow so they were allowed some peace to admire the moon.
"It is a lovely night." He remarked, struggling with small talk after her actions in the ballroom. It wasn't possible that she could be interested in him? She had known him for less than a month and his station alone should had turned her away.
She was a Duchess after all.
"Don't bother with pleasantries. Tell me what you think." Choosing to swallow her fear and put on a strong front, Reine addressed the root of the issue. "Tell me the truth."
"I don't know what to think, Reine." Nadir replied, looking at her through kindly jade eyes. Too many years without a woman in his life had dulled his understanding of their minds. "I'm nothing in particular. I'm a retired police officer living off a pension from the Persian government and the small earning of a minor spice merchant. Forgive me for being confused why a Duchess would express interest."
"You're a kind man." Reine replied, leaning on the railing and looking a story downward where the snow lay undisturbed. "You have no vises and are always a gentleman. You're honest. My son loves you. And, most of all, I feel something here." Pressing her hand to her chest, she continued, not caring if admitting affection for a man who might not care for her back was highly improper.
She had gone this far, why not go all the way?
"When I met my husband, I felt a spark, a jolt in my chest that never left. For us, it was love at first sight. We danced and we both knew. When I first met you, I felt something here again, something that I thought I had buried back in England. It's not love yet but I fear it may become." She wouldn't apologize, not for feeling. Not for letting her heart recover from so painful a break.
"I…I still don't know what to think. I…I…never allowed myself to even consider you as an option. You were always just a friend. I thought for sure you would at least have others with a better future. I am a simple man with little to commend myself to so fine a lady."
"You are quite enough. I have lived the fine life and have experienced all the joys that life can offer. I think I should prefer something simpler." Shedding her mask in the protection of the solitude, she closed her eyes. "I know I am being bold and most unladylike but Candela recommended that I take the first steps as you would never consider it."
"She was right. I never would have. But…now…" He trailed off for a moment before slipping off his own mask and taking a step closer to her, enjoying how she reached his own height, slip of a woman though she was. "Now, I think I could consider it with joy."
It was a leap for him, a drastic leap. Twenty years had passed since the passing of his late wife. Twenty years he had denied himself the touch of a woman because of faithfulness to his dead wife. Yet, surely, Rookheeya could forgive him for this.
He wanted to live.
"Reine," he began by taking her hands firmly in his. "Neither of us love each other yet but, we both know it is possible, correct?" The redhead nodded, her cheeks glowing from the cold. "Would you…would you allow me the pleasure of courting you until such a time as we decide?" A happy smile curled across her lips before she nodded.
"Yes."
E-OC
"Monsieur Comte." Candela dropped a curtsy before the confused nobleman as he looked between her and the broken Marquis.
"What are you doing here! And, why are you in that dress? Don't me, Jules, this is your lady? The one you spoke of and for the past several months, raved about in your letters? This girl is nothing but a servant! I was her employer!" Closing her eyes, Candela took a deep breath and listened to the Marquis begin to defend her.
"Stop." She whispered, pausing the escalating battle between the two men. "Just stop." Turning to face the rightfully stunned Marquis, she said,
"He is right. You needn't defend me. I am a servant." The words struck him in the gut, turning his face white and denying his lungs air as he sank into his chair.
"Your uncle…" He trailed off, staring at her as if she were a fiend of hell.
"…is a fake. He is the friend of my current employer. You demanded to meet my 'uncle' for permission to court me. So, I gave you one." Belatedly, Candela realized how dreadfully cruel her words were sounding but she didn't stop. "You wanted a middle-class woman, able to transition into your world with some ease. So, I gave you one. You wanted a certain story. So, I gave you one."
"You lied." He whispered, his emotions a wreck for the second time that evening.
"This has turned into quite a disaster." Candela whispered to herself before resuming her seat, ignoring the fuming Comte still standing in the doorway. "Shall I explain to both of you my reasons for doing this?" Twin nods greeted her, one furious and the other confused.
"My name is Candela Valentina de la Vega." How many times had she reiterated her story to different people? How many times had she told different versions? Well, it had all come to an end. She told the exact truth, leaving nothing out until she had reached the moment she had been released from the Comte's service.
"The Comte and no one else but Nadir knows this but when I left, I was hired on by…" She hesitated, tempted to become vague. No, I must tell the exact truth. "The Phantom of the Opera. I have been in his employ for a year and a half, as butler, housekeeper and maid, being sure he is well fed and taken care of."
"This is why you couldn't marry me, isn't it? You feared telling me this, didn't you?" In his completely overwhelmed brain, he nearly laughed. "I forgive you! We can marry!" Hopelessness and despair warred in his eyes as he reached for her hands.
"No, we can't. I don't love you. I won't do that to you." Oddly enough, he seemed to pay little attention to her employer, not seeming to currently care much for the Phantom's presence in her life while, on the other hand, the Comte appeared livid.
"You tried to weasel your way into our lives! Not happy with the life you were dealt? You're a servant. You need to remain in your place."
"Think outside the box, Comte." Candela hissed, glaring at his noble annoyance. "If I had cared to, I could be a Marquesse. But, I don't want to anymore."
"What, fallen in love with the Phantom, have we?" Raoul sneered, sending tremors down the maid's spine, not from his inflections but from the words themselves. It couldn't be…could it?
"Whatever I feel is none of your concern. You've too much to drink." Bodily grabbing him by his arm, she pushed him from the room and closed the door, preferring the peace and quiet once he had left. Leaning against the door, she closed her eyes for a moment, allowing both her and the Marquis some time to work through everything.
Breaking things between them would prove more difficult than she had imagined.
"I don't know what to think." He whispered, apparently running her history through his head once more, as if trying to determine if it also were just a grand lie.
"Then, don't think. Just believe. I'm sorry. I never meant for you to know." His eyes drifted to meet hers and his hysteria had coiled inside him once more, leaving a calm exterior covering an odd sort of madness.
"I understand."
"I would have told you before we wed. That way you could break the engagement if you didn't want me anymore."
"Why did you tell me in the first place?"
"I should have. Lies never pay. They've only served to hurt you, something I never meant to happen. I shall go now."
"No! Wait." He called out to her. Rising from his seat behind the desk, he stepped over to her. "Wait. You said, in your story, that your mother's name was Valentina de la Vega and your birthplace Isla, Spain?"
She nodded.
"I know who your father is." He whispered, reaching forward to hold her shoulders.
"Who?" Her voice turned breathy, the question of her life about to be answered by his next words. Her heart pounding in her ears, her breath caught and froze as he replied,
"Philippe Georges Marie, Comte de Chagny."