Christine dans Deux
An Alternate Multiverse - A Phantom of the Opera Story
Nyasia A. Maire
© 2006
DISCLAIMER: See Chapter One
Chapter Thirty-Five – Fatherly Advice
He links his arm through mine and his touch still shocks me. Where is my anger? The ever-present rage that seemed always to be ready to erupt at the slightest provocation, real or imagined. The last time my father and I parted company, I had sworn to kill the old fool and had told him that the walls of his château would not protect him from me. As he would not recognize me as his son, he too, would be unrecognizable to those who knew him once I had wreaked my vengeance upon him. I shudder at my arrogance and ignorance. And the memory of my own hatred repulses me.
My father's voice draws me from my thoughts.
"Erik?"
"Sorry. You were saying?"
"I just spoke with Doctor de Wolfe and he informed me that the Vicomtessa's condition has much improved. He feared the child's early birth had unhinged her mind. He said her actions swung between euphoric and catatonic. Marguerite, my chatelaine, informed me that the Vicomtessa was highly agitated after the birth and subject to fits of temper. Marguerite told me that nothing within her reach was safe when the mood took her. Afterwards, she would cry and demand you come to her. Marguerite says that she left the room for a short time during your last visit to the room. Upon her return the Vicomtessa seemed a completely different person … happy, considerate, kind, pleasant, no harsh or demanding word has crossed her lips since your last visit. The household staff has begun to like her, no, more than that. They already love her and her child. Marguerite said your lady was with you and something strange went on in that room, but she would not speak of it as whatever happened helped the Vicomtessa. What exactly happened in there? We have one Christine transformed and the other exhausted into a state of unconsciousness. Need I be concerned? I think so, yes. At the very least, I deserve to be informed of the goings on in my household."
"Father, I can honestly tell you that I am not entirely sure what happened between the two women today. However, if you asked me to hazard a guess I would say the baby's early birth triggered a nervous condition in the Vicomtessa. Now, you know that my Christine is an empath. Well, she felt the Vicomtessa's pain and used her gifts to help. She literally pulled from the Vicomtessa all of the pain and suffering she has endured during her ten year marriage to Monsieur le Vicomte. Father, if you had seen my lady's face. I hardly recognized her. It was so distorted deformed it was hardly a face, but she sent the pain away and all is well now. If I had not seen it with my own eyes I would never have believed it. Has the Vicomtessa spoken about it?"
"No. Although I have heard several of my servants remark about her much improved temper. Perhaps, you or your lady would be better suited to the task. And since your lady rests, I would very much appreciate it if you could speak with the Vicomtessa now, as we need to plan our attack on the Vicomte de Chagny. I am certain word is spreading via the household staff to the grounds keepers and outwards in an ever expanding spiral. Word most likely will reach Paris within a week. Perhaps as long as two, but no more than that, so we haven't much time. We need to know what the Vicomtessa wishes us to do on her behalf."
"Now, Erik, I feel I should provide you with counsel and warning about the choice the Vicomtessa may make. I have seen women return to loveless marriages even abusive ones because they feel they have no alternative. She may choose this. She has six other children to consider, so do not react with anger if she takes this path. Her decision will not be easy for her. Give her the love and support of a friend. You may try to steer her towards the best path, but in the end the choice is hers."
At first his words shock me. I had never really considered that Christine would return to the Vicomte. And yet, I hear truth in his words. The only power a woman has is her reputation and that depends on her marital status. A divorced woman has no social standing and no prospects. The custody of children always goes to the father. She would be dependant upon the support of friends, as she has no family. She may be too proud to accept what she may consider charity. The only reason I can think of that would steer her away from her husband would be love. I myself have only just discovered the power true love can wield.
"Thank you, father. I shall tread carefully."
"I know you will, son. If it helps you at all, please let her know that she and all of her children are most welcome to make this there home. I would truly welcome them. This place is simply too big to be this empty.
"Father?" I begin, but my voice falters.
"What is it, Erik?"
"I … Well, I have something I would like to do and need first, your approval and then, your help."
"Hmm … this sounds serious."
"Indeed. Very serious. I can attempt this only once."
"Sit, son. Tell me what it is you need. If it is within my power you shall have it."
Sitting, I take a deep breath, slowly exhale and begin to explain what I have in mind.
My father listens to my plan, interjecting every now and then to suggest alternatives. At last, I feel satisfied with the arrangements.
"Can this be done in time?"
"Erik, it will be done just as you have asked. Do not fear! I will not let you down. This is much too important! I will send Richard to Rennes as soon as I make this list and have him make the arrangements in Rennes and then wire instructions to Paris for the rest."
I jump from the chair and kneel before him.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
We hug one another tightly.
"Well, go on now. Go speak with the Vicomtessa. Good luck, son!"
I give him a smile and take leave of him.