Christine dans Deux

An Alternate Multiverse - A Phantom of the Opera Story

Nyasia A. Maire

© 2006

DISCLAIMER: See Chapter One
Chapter Twenty-Nine – Erik Gustave de Chagny

I return to the room where I had left Christine and see a flurry of activity outside her room. A maid is sweeping fragments of glass into a dust bin and another is scrubbing something from the wall. I enter the room to find the chatelaine sitting on the edge of the bed holding Christine's arms in an attempt to prevent her from leaving the bed.

"Christine! What in the world? What do you think you are doing?"

"Oh, Erik! Erik! I really am with you. I awoke and thought Raoul had taken the baby and locked me away somewhere. I was so frightened. I did not know a soul around me and they would not let me see the baby. Where is my baby?"

I walk to the bassinet in the corner of the room and carefully pick up the child. He is so small, red and wrinkled, but he is also so very alert. He seems to look me straight in the eyes and smile. I cannot help myself. I smile back.

"Here he is. Lady, may I present to you your son."

"I have a son?" Tears spring to her eyes and she holds out her arms.

"Indeed you do, Christine. Here. Careful. He is very small."

I place the infant in his mother's arms and I see a celestial calm envelop her. She lowers her shift from her shoulder and offers her breast to the infant. I turn my eyes away.

"So, Lady, by what name do you intend to call this young man?"

"Monsieur, the name I have always intended for my first born son. His name is Erik Gustave de Chagny."

Her response shocks me. I can only imagine what le Vicomte's reaction to this name will be. She must have seen my body start with surprise.

"I realize it is not the proper thing to do and Raoul most likely will not allow it, but that is what his name will always be to me … Erik. My little Erik."

I incline my head to her.

"I am honored, Lady. May he grow up strong and worthy of his lady mother."

She continues to hold the child to her breast and I continue to avert my gaze.

"Really, Erik. You need not look away. Women do this all the time."

I look at the floor and reply, "Perhaps, but I am unused to such things, so you will have to pardon me if I cannot. I find it disconcerting. Please leave it at that."

To change the subject, I decide to tell her about my beloved.

"Christine, I have more wonderful news. Would you like to hear it?"

"Of course, what news would you like to share with me?"

"My beloved will be arriving within the hour."

"Your Christine? Here? In less than hour? That is wonderful news. I am very happy to hear you are to be reunited with her."

Even though the words speak of her happiness for me, I do not hear it in the sound of her voice. Her voice sounds clipped and formal. Puzzled, I ask.

"What is wrong, Christine?"

She remains silent. A suspicion crosses my mind. I dismiss it, but it returns.

"Do you think I shall abandon you now that my beloved is here? Do you think she would? We would never do that. We are both pledged to your safety. We will not ever abandon you to le Vicomte. Not ever! My father has granted you asylum here for as long as you desire." I lower my voice and continue. "Also, there is another here who seems to care about your well being as much as we do. Your good doctor. Dr. de Wolfe is quite taken with you. And asked if I was a rival for your affections. I informed that I am not as I am engaged to be married. He was rather relieved to hear this news. I also believe he has heard some rather unflattering rumors regarding your husband. What they were I have no idea. I believe he breakfasted here, checked on you and returned home."

I turn to the chatelaine.

"When will Dr. de Wolfe return?"

"He should be returning very soon. He went home to change his clothes and pack a bag. I believe he thinks it best to remain here for a few days to keep a close eye on his patients."

I wink at the chatelaine and she smiles broadly back at me. The thought crosses my mind unbidden that a short time ago this woman would never have smiled at me much less wink at me. I think, "God bless my beloved for giving me my life. No for giving me a life."

The woman lying on the bed ignores the two of us and begins to hum wordlessly to her child. The chatelaine and I exchange smiles. It feels good.

A manservant comes to the open doorway and clears his throat.

I turn to him.

"Yes?"

"Excuse me, monsieur. But, the master sent me for you. There was a young lady at the gate requesting admittance. She gives her name as Christine Maire and that she is your betrothed. The Master admitted her and she awaits you in the foyer." The man bows and retreats.

I call after him, "Thank you for this wonderful news!" Then returning my attention to the lady sitting in the bed, I continue, "Christine, please excuse me. I will fetch my lady and return with her so that the two of you may meet." She remains silent, so I begin again. "Christine?"

"Erik," she cuts me off roughly, "Go fetch your lady. I will be pleased to make her acquaintance. If you love her and she must be special indeed. Go ahead. Silly man, go!"

I hesitate just a moment longer as I am confused by her tone, but when she dismisses me with her hand, I fly to the foyer. I burn for this moment. The moment I can announce that this beautiful woman has consented to be my bride. That she is betrothed to me. To know she is mine and desires only me is a feeling still strange and new to me. I wonder if I will ever become accustomed to the thrill of her touches on both my body and my mind. I make a solemn oath that I will not take a single day with her as granted as fate has shown that our lives together are anything but certain. Our joining has caused the very fabric of time to rip, but I am a new convert to the philosophy that love conquers all. And I will never forsake this woman or her child.