A/N: So sorry for this late update. I meant to do it last night. I went Christmas shopping and to dinner with my daughter her husband and my husband's sister and her husband. My daughter just purchased a new Jeep that sort of looks like a Hummer. It does everything but fly. On our way home some kids dropped a rock from the overpass and shattered the window on my daughter's car. We found out who the kids were and even had a witness but the cop said it would be hard to convict without us seeing the boys do it first hand. It wasn't the first time they did this but it was the first time they caused damage. This time they had a lucky shot. Next time they could kill someone. Needless to say it was late when we returned and I was in no mood to post anything. In the future I will be posting more often as I want this to end on Christmas day.
Chapter Four
Unwanted Visitor and Welcomed Guests
Ariella opened her eyes the next morning with great reluctance. When clarity brought last night's events to the forefront of her mind she rolled over. Grabbing the pillow she buried her head under it wishing to sleep until they all forgot the whole disastrous mess.
Hearing the children across the room whispering in their own beds she knew that would not be possible. she had to get up and dress. Get them into decent clothing then head down to breakfast. Regardless of her wish to bury herself she had responsibilities.
Rolling over then throwing the blankets aside she sat up while asking, "What is all the whispering about? Please tell me you are not plotting where to start digging your holes. I did warn you."
"Honestly Ariella listening to you go on and on about this a person would think you did not trust me. I am the most trustworthy person I know other than you, Julianna, Madame and Meg of course. Did I leave anyone out Julianna?" Julianna who rarely spoke shook her head no.
Having stayed in bed long after the alarm had sounded she dressed. Straightening her clothing she smoothed her hand over her second blue dress. Laundry was on the list of things needing immediate attention. One last look in the mirror to check for stray pins then she felt ready for the day.
Later after settling her brother and sister with Mirielle she went up to the office. Retrieving her clipboard she placed blank paper under the clip. Remembering the flying paper from last night her hands shook slightly.
Stop this right now Ariella. For goodness sakes nothing horrendous happened. Slightly embarrassing perhaps. Well actually mortifying. Regardless, get a grip on yourself. You have things that must be done.
Bolstering her confidence she left the office to make her way to the auditorium. Ariella detoured to the kitchen to see if she could get something quick for breakfast. She cajoled the chef out of one of his cinnamon buns dripping with icing. She was grateful she made it a practice to be in the office before Antoinette. She was late today at least by her standards.
Entering the auditorium Ariella headed for her usual place in the middle of the first row. Once there she sat in her usual seat. Concentrating on making notes of things she needed to do today she did not see Meg approach her. She hardly sat down when Meg flopped down into the seat next to her in a very unladylike manner which her mother would scolded her for severely if she had seen her at that moment.
"So tell me everything. Don't leave out even the smallest detail. I want to know everything right down to the color of his shirt. Come on give." Meg's face was alight with eagerness. If she had not been so excited she would have noticed the gloom overtaking her friend's face.
At last noticing something amiss she thought Ariella was disapproving of gossiping. Meg resorted to pleading. "Please Ariella. If I can not get near him at least I can live vicariously through you. Was he as masterful as Christine said? Is he as handsome up close as he looks from afar? Christine said he was extremely handsome after one got used to what he hid behind his mask. I don't know that I'd want him to take off the mask. That kind of sounds exciting to me to have a masked man doing....well doing "things" to you or rather me. Now give. Spare me or you nothing."
Ariella was well aware what "things" Meg referred to. Meg was a fount of information. She was beginning to corrupt Ariella as she had accompanied Meg on some of her expeditions around the backstage area looking for the stagehands hidden illicit material. They had found several dime novels. They were rather risqué.
Meg even confessed to listening in on their conversations. Meg could more than likely give Erik tips on spying.
When Ariella had chastised Meg she had simply replied, "How else is one to learn when the subject is taboo?" Although the ballet corps spoke of it often during their nightly chats when the rest of the opera house was asleep, Ariella did not think it quite proper to speak so openly about such things. Those young women needed to be doused with cold water at times. Meg was not the only one who had a fixation on the Phantom. Half the girls confessed to roaming the halls at night alone in hopes of being kidnapped and The Phantom having his wicked way with them. Had Erik known he may have taken one or two up on the generous offer.
"Well it didn't go as well as I had planned. He certainly is impressive. At least the little I got to see from my position lying under him. I am surprised your mother has not already told you of the fool I made of myself. Your mother was quite amused at our expense." Ariella felt her face flush with the memory of her less than stellar first impression.
"What? From on top of him? My God what did you do? Attack the man? Oh this sounds much better than anything I could imagine. Surely you did not do as I wished to do for almost two years?" Heaving a sigh she faced forward again then said with envy, "So things went well? Come on. Spill. I want all the gory details. If I am doomed to live vicariously through others due to mother's watchful eye I must seek my pleasures where I may."
Things went well? This was better? Speaking softly so no one would overhear she leaned toward Meg saying, "I do wish you and your mother would get a dictionary." Meeting Meg's questioning glance she continued, "Never mind. To sum it all up I made a complete fool of myself. He no doubt thinks I am some missing recently discovered ancestor of some uncouth, uncoordinated cavewoman. Are you sure your mother mentioned none of this?" She looked at Meg suspiciously. Meg was known to be a practical joker.
Erik who had been in the flies over the stage had hurried down into the auditorium when he saw Ariella enter. Making his way around the seating he came out at the back of the seats. In darkness he silently made his way just a few rows behind Ariella. He had assured himself it was simply to keep up with what was happening in his opera house. It had nothing to do with wanting to know anything about what she felt about last nights meeting. Certainly not. Why he had all but forgotten anything that had taken place at last nights meeting.
Erik surreptitiously looked about him. He wanted no strikes of lightening to suddenly strike him dead. Not that he was being untruthful. Not at all. That being who controlled the universe just might see things differently than Erik did. It had annoyed him when Meg had sat down beside Ariella until he had learned he was to be the topic of discussion.
When he had seen Meg approach he hunched down further in his seat. Antoinette would skin him alive if he allowed Meg to see him down here while being so close to her, the closeness would have her hanging him from the rafters on a short rope. She wanted Meg's childish infatuation with him to have no further fuel.
The conversation he overheard convinced him Antoinette should be worried. Not so much about him but Meg's obsession with the opposite sex in general. Erik had never listened in on the conversations of the females. He was in for a shock if he thought all young women thought of was sewing, cooking, and raising families. They had crude and rude thoughts just as men did. The first few sentences had him in shock. The rest made him burn with either embarrassment or excitement. At times both.
"Ariella you must be joking. Mammon would not mention anything to do with Erik to me. She knows how obsessed I am with him. Can I tell you a little secret? You must promise not to mention any of what I am about to tell you. Swear?"
Wondering what dire secret she was about to reveal Ariella said, "I swear on my life. I shall keep whatever you tell me between you and me. Now what can be so bad that needs me to swear not to repeat it?"
Heaving a sigh Meg twisted around so she was facing the stage in front of them. Folding her arms she began to speak softly almost to herself, "Last year when everything was happening I felt so jealous of Christine. She had this handsome nobleman sniffing at her all the while this dark, mysterious romantic man from the shadows pursued her as well. You know you simply must meet Raoul. He really is quite wonderful. Handsome, kind, a true gentleman. They are so in love." Meg did not think she should tell Ariella that at times Christine betrayed her true feelings for Erik when she and Christine would meet to catch up on their lives.
Hearing Ariella sigh impatiently she murmured, "Sorry. I do tend to wander at times when recounting some tale or other. Perhaps that is why my jokes fall flat. I lose the thread of the joke." Glancing over at Ariella she had been about to ask her if she had heard the joke Francois had told during the break yesterday. Seeing Ariella's expression she changed her mind.
"Okay, okay. Well to continue."
Erik from three rows back had just been about to go forward and shake Meg until her senses fell into the correct place when she continued. He heaved a sigh then leaned back in his seat. He had a feeling this would be a long tale with many twists and turns.
"Let's see where was I? Oh yes, now I remember. Raoul is perfect for Christine. They look like a fairy tale couple come to life." What sounded like a snort came from behind them. Both turned and saw only the two maids one row behind them and to the side. Perhaps it had been them. Meg continued, "That is not to say that she could not have been happy with "You know who". From now on I will refer to him as "you know who" just in case we are overheard. There are ears lurking about all over the theatre. This place is rife with snoops and eavesdroppers. Gossip is more sought after than fine chocolate." Meg glanced over her shoulder and gestured with her head to toward the two maids dusting the seats.
Another sigh of impatience left Ariella's lips.
"To continue. That night we all got to see "you know who". All of him. I had tried many times to find him. Once he had taken Christine I followed when I found the mirror in Christine's dressing room opened slightly. I had only gone a few steps into the mirrored passageway when I was stopped. Maman came behind me scaring the living daylights out of me. She made me promise never to look for him again. I promised. I did have my fingers crossed, my tongue and my ankles as well. Mentally I crossed my eyes. I wanted to take no chances God would misunderstand my true intentions. Anyway I searched for "you know who" but I never did find him."
"My mother thinks of me as still being a child. I am not as dumb as I pretend to be. I kept my eyes open. I knew if he were still here she would contact him. She did. It was a simple matter of following her. It was so exciting. I felt like some sort of super sleuth. Each time I saw him I fell a little harder. To me he is perfect. Don't you think he's beautiful?"
Erik in back of them leaned even further in his seat. It gave a creak. They gave a glance over their shoulders again. They still only saw the maids.
"Meg I hardly got to see him. Well that is not truthful. If we are going to be confiding things I will tell you something personal as well. I ask for silence just as you asked for mine. Do I have your word with nothing crossed?" Meg gave her promise holding out her hands in front of her while sticking her feet out before her.
Reassured of Meg's silence Ariella continued, "He is without doubt the most mesmerizing, handsome man I have ever seen. When his body was laying over mine you would blush as I did if you could have heard my thoughts." A sudden thump from behind them had both women turning in their seats. They saw no one behind them other than the two maids who were busy minding their own business. No other noise could be heard.
"It was probably someone coming in then back out when they realized they forgot something," was Meg's guess.
Erik who had leaned as far forward in his as he could when he came to the conclusion he was the topic of conversation, fell to the floor in shock when he heard Ariella's confession. Now he sat in an undignified heap on the floor with his cape draped over his head. He rubbed his elbow. It had slammed against the floor with a painful thump. How had he gone from elegant and graceful to this bumbling mass who could only stumble over his own two feet? His balance was that of a highly intoxicated man. He had all the symptoms without the enjoyment of the drink.
"Continue please. This is just getting good."
"Well as I was saying I was having illicit thoughts about 'you know who". I embarrassed myself but I still could not help but notice his many attractions. Perhaps I shouldn't mention this next part but it was quite...well...quite shocking. When he lay on top of me something happened. Something changed."
"What for heavens sakes? You can not say something like that then not tell me."
"Only if I can whisper it in your ear. It is too embarrassing to say out loud." Meg gave her consent. Ariella leaned forward then whispered in Meg's ear.
Erik heard Meg's shocked intake of breath before she spoke in an awed voice. Meg's shocked gasp had him straining to hear.
"No! He did not. Are you sure? Well of course you are. We may be young and innocent but we are not without knowledge. Oh Ariella how lucky you are. If you say anything to Maman I think you should skip this detail. She'd lock me away for sure. You might be in that closet with me if she knew how you felt. Best keep this between us."
As hard as he tied Erik could not hear one whispered word. A man who could hear the first step someone took anywhere near his realm now had been rendered deaf by a chit of a girl.
"This is food for thought. Well of course if not me then why not you?" Meg leaned forward in excitement as she clapped her hands together while saying, "Yes. Yes. That's perfect. I give you my blessing. Another secret I will share is that I have sort of been seeing Philippe Trudeau. We are not courting or anything serious. Just a few walks a few kisses. Mother would have kittens then lock me in my room until I am too old to care for such things. Although I do think "you know who" magnificent I have abandoned the idea of ever capturing his eye. You on the other hand are free to pursue "you know who" if you so desire."
"What? What are you talking about Meg?"
"Why you and 'you know who" of course. You need someone to protect you from that non uncle of yours. 'You know who" just needs someone to love him. Why couldn't it be you? If not me why not you?"
If Erik had not made a hasty retreat he would have perhaps asked why the hell not also? 'You know who" needed love just as everyone else did. Unfortunately he had gone back into the bowels of the opera house to regain a little of his dignity.
"Meg what are you babbling about?"
Meg saw her mother striding toward them with determination. Meg wanted to hear no lectures about a dance instructor who left her charges in the hands of her assistant. Jumping up she walked backwards as she spoke, "You silly. If I cannot have him why not you? And do not waste the breath it takes to deny you have not thought of it. I simply refuse to believe it. We'll talk later. I must return to drudgery. Sometimes I wish I were only a little ballerina again." Whirling around she quickly began to walk in the opposite direction her mother came from. She had no wish to hear a lecture on responsibilities of an instructor. She was only a few feet away for God's sake. Waving over her shoulder without turning around she continued to walk forward then disappeared through a door under the stage.
As Meg left Antoinette looked after her a few seconds. Deciding to let this infraction pass she seated herself beside Ariella.
The rest of the morning was spent making lists of things yet to be made or purchased for the upcoming production of the Nutcracker or the Christmas season. Along with that program they planned to present solo performances by the singers. Everyone loved Christmas Carols. Each day of the week before Christmas something had been planned to allow more citizens of Paris to partake of the talents of the stars of The Paris Opera House. All this had been Ariella's idea. Naturally prices for tickets were lowered. The money would be less but the goodwill could earn value later in the community.
With everything happening in the city everyone needed something to relieve the everyday horrors facing them in their real life.
A couple of parties had been planned for the children. One for the younger children then later one for the young adults. The masked ball would be held the evening before the presentation of the Nutcracker.
They would be performing The Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. Invitations had been sent out. When the de Chagny name had come under her pen Ariella had hesitated. She had asked Antoinette if they would want to be invited due to the circumstances.
Antoinette had assured her Christine and Raoul would want to attend but they would not be joining in the festivities this year. They held no ill will toward Erik. At least Christine did not. Raoul would do whatever Christine wanted.
Christine had recently given birth so this would likely keep them from attending. Antoinette told her as a courtesy to send them the invitation.
When Antoinette had asked them about it they had said as patrons they would be required to attend. If Christine felt up to it they would be there. They only asked that she contact Erik and make sure he would cause no problems. She had assured them she had already spoken to him. He had given his word he would cause no disruptions. She could not ask him not to attend as he was a part of the opera house. It was his genius that had saved it form closing its' doors during the conflicts erupting in Paris.
Antoinette had invited them for Christmas dinner as all of Raoul's family had fled to other parts of the world to hide away from all the horrors taking place all over the city. Tensions had lessoned with the ending of outright fighting in Paris. Occasional shots or volleys of bombs could be heard as some still refused to surrender.
Antoinette had invited Christine and Raoul before Ariella and her brother and sister had arrived. They would not all fit in her small living quarters. She couldn't imagine having it in the opera house dining room. It was much too large. Her only other option was to suggest to Erik they have dinner at his home. Christine may not object but she could understand Raoul's objections if he voiced them.
Antoinette's worried introspection was cut short by a commotion coming from the lobby.
They both raised their heads from their notes when they heard shouting coming from the direction of the lobby. Upon hearing her brother's name she lowered her head while placing her fingers in the middle of her forehead to press against the sudden ache growing there.
Without asking to be excused Ariella bolted up the aisle towards the double doors. She shoved one open then stepped out into the tiled lobby floor. At first all seemed normal. When she looked to her left she saw a group of people standing around Matthew and Julianna. Matthew had his hands on his hips his face set in a glaring scowl. Julianna cowered behind him and to his left.
Rushing over she had just reached them when Antoinette came to stand at her side. The cause of the commotion lay at their feet. Many of the Italian tiles had been removed from the floor. None were broken. They had simply been removed then someone had begun to dig through the dirt beneath. The front of the opera house was on solid ground. The cellars began underneath the auditorium stretching all the way beyond the dormitories to the stables. Erik had to build his own passages in the walls in this part of the building as there were no tunnels under this part of the opera house.
"Matthew you promised. No digging. You gave me your word. You promised you would not destroy any of the tiles digging for treasure."
"I haven't broken my word. I would never do that. I told you I would not destroy any tiles. I haven't. They are all still in perfect condition. Not even a chip. If they had not stopped me I would have found some treasure by now." He cast a disgusted look at the adults surrounding him and Julianna. Using his logic one would have to agree he had followed their agreement to the letter.
Many hands went to cover lips curving in a smile. They knew he had misbehaved but he was so fierce for one so young. So positive he had done no wrong. With his logic he had not broken his word. They could not fault him for what he considered an honoured agreement to the letter.
"Matthew who do you think will have to pay for the tiles to be replaced?"
"Well me of course. I'll bet there is a bazillion francs down there. Tons of jewels. Julianna wants a princess tiara. What do you want Ariella?"
What Ariella wanted was to turn the clock back so she could change the whole of yesterday starting with how she worded the promise she extracted from Matthew then ending it by correcting her humiliating encounter with Erik. Since that would not be happening she was stuck here in reality. She bent down kneeling on the floor. She began to stack the tiles scattered around that Matthew had yet to place on the growing stack at his feet. Pausing she shot Matthew and Julianna a look. They both knelt down then quickly began to help Ariella stack the tiles. They knew that look. The look was followed by flying objects of some sort. Never aimed in their direction but a bit frightening all the same. After a couple of times when they had disregarded the look was enough to convince them not to go beyond the look again.
"I am so sorry for any damage that may result from this. Please let me know how much the repairs are. I can't pay the whole thing but I could pay in instalments. Madame please just get an estimate. My brother and sister will be scrubbing the ballroom steps as punishment and as partial repayment."
"But Ariella no one has said we must....," meeting his sister's eyes he floundered to a stop.
"You both will do this, understand?"
"Yes."
"Yes what?"
"Yes we understand." The answers in unison gave testimony to the fact this was not an isolated case of mischief for either of them. Those who knew them also knew that Julianna was a tagalong for her brother. Wherever he went she went. Whatever he did she did. His misdeeds were hers as well as the punishment. She adored her big brother.
Darn it, Matthew groused to himself. If Julianna hadn't had to use the bathroom could have dug up the treasure then covered it all back up without anyone knowing they had even been removed. It had just been bad luck Mirielle's daughter Suzette had seen Julianna. She had brought her friends who were on their way to rehearsals. After that things had sort of snowballed. He would just finish explaining what he was doing when another person would come along. Did none of these people have jobs to keep them occupied?
Darn women. Why could they not leave men to their business? As he picked up more tiles he made a face at Julianna. She stuck her tongue out in return.
What her siblings had done was a terrible thing. She was having a hard time maintaining her angry countenance. His intentions were sweet and noble. Matthew's execution was a little skewed. It was somewhat funny. Not that they had destroyed someone else's property but the fact that he was so convinced he would find treasure. He wanted to protect his sisters. This was the only way he knew to achieve his goal.
In the middle of this fiasco another disturbance came through the front doors. A loud crack signalled someone had come into the lobby and allowed the door to crash behind them.
Ariella kneeling on the floor looked to see who the rude intruder was. Her face paled draining of all color. Her hand went to her lips to cover the gasp that had escaped before she could pull it back. When the man took a couple of steps forward she grabbed Matthew and Julianna in a tight grip. Having recognized the man they stood petrified in their sister's arms.
Antoinette looked from Ariella to the man who stood just inside the doors. It did not take a genius to guess the identity of the man. So this was the "uncle" Ariella had spoken to her about when she had first arrived. Antoinette went from person to person whispering in their ears. The group began to move subtly around the three figures on the floor. Soon they were hidden behind a wall of people. The opera house protected its own. They considered Ariella and her family as part of their own. No explanations were needed. A request from Madame Giry was sufficient to bring them all together with one cause. Protection and concealment.
The man walked with arrogant confidence toward the group of people. He looked at each one. Deciding the woman in the front with folded arms must be someone with authority as the others stood behind her. She had a proud look as well as an arrogant countenance that could rival his own. Her manner of dress although not of the same fine quality as his own, did seem to be above the rank and file who stood behind her.
"Madame?" At her assenting nod he continued, "Madame my name is Etienne Dubois. And you are?" Upon receiving her name he continued again, "If I may have a word with you Madame Giry in private I would be most grateful."
"Monsieur I am quite busy as you may guess with a performance just a few short weeks away. Speak now or come back when you have made an appointment." Not for nothing had she been the stern ballet instructor for so many years. Even the male dancers used to quake when she had loosed her temper on them. He could not miss the fact that she had been rude by not addressing him by name or even acknowledging his introduction in any way.
"Madame Giry I would much rather keep this a personal matter but if this is how it must be then who am I to say otherwise? It has come to my attention that a young woman named Ariella Hartford has been working here in the opera house for the last few months. She is my fiancée. We had a slight disagreement and quarrelled. I wish to be reunited so that I may beg her forgiveness. How are the children by the way?"
His pretended interest may influence her to be sympathetic to him. He had no real interest in the children. Ariella on the other hand was a delectable morsel. She had done him a favour when she had exposed his lie. He had found it harder than he thought to keep up the roll of loving uncle when all he wanted was to drag Ariella off to his bed. His increasing attraction to her had him making passes no uncle should make to a niece.
"Ariella had been working here for a short time. She left a few weeks ago without a word. If you find her let her know I have the funds for the last week she worked. She may pick them up any time she wishes. Tell her to come see me when she gets the time. She is always welcome here." Antoinette did not normally condone lying. This was a special situation. For someone who did not like the practice of deceit she was an agile liar.
Years of reassuring dancers and singers that they were not getting too old or too fat to perform sharpened her skills through the years. Years bowing and scraping to every noble to cross the threshold to beg for patronage leant her an air of believability even when in the middle of the boldest lie. It served her well now.
Perusing her face looking for any sign of deceit he found none. It was possible his detectives had missed her leaving if she slipped away under cover of darkness. He was in no hurry. No one questioned him other than the servants. Since they had been dismissed he assumed they had moved on looking for work. If one did decide to go to the authorities long before it could be sorted out he would be long gone with all the riches in his pockets. Slowly so he did not draw undue attention he had been siphoning money from the children's trust funds as well as the remaining estate.
The rest of the estate had no clear inheritor. No one disputed his claim. Soon he would have it all in a bank in Switzerland. Then he could go anywhere and do anything he wanted. One little niggling detail ate at him. He wanted that little piece of fluff as he had never wanted a woman before. He had to have her. He had been told he was a considerate lover. One night with him and she may opt to abandon those two stones around her neck and flea with him. One could live in hope anyway. No matter. He would have her for as long as it took to complete his plans. Well, once he found her that is, he would possess her.
"Ah what a shame. Since I am here I know you would not object to a tour. I have been considering becoming a patron. Perhaps I might look in on rehearsals? See some of the rooms in the dormitories? I have always been interested in architecture." A muffled snort coming from behind the opera house employees drew his attention. He tried to see beyond them with no success.
Matthew who had a genuine interest in architecture had made the disbelieving sound. A sharp shake of Ariella's head and her hand covering his mouth had stilled anything further he might have said.
"A tour at this time is quite out of the question. Make an appointment and I will personally take you on a tour. With so many preparations for our next performance I could not allow any distractions. If you could perhaps give me a couple of days I could make sure you had a complete tour. We could even dine in the opera house dining room if you like. Our chef is one of the finest in all of France."
"If that is the best you can do Madame then I must bow to your wishes. Let us say Saturday? Early morning? No rehearsals will take place then surely."
"The weekend is quite impossible. That is the time I receive many of the deliveries from the suppliers for our restaurant and the opera house personnel. Monday. Nine sharp. One minute late and you will need to make another appointment. Understood?"
"Completely. Until Monday Madame." Etienne understood all too well. She was hiding something. Perhaps she knew where Ariella had gone? Or perhaps his little bird had not flown the coop at all. She may well still be within these walls. He could understand why Madame Giry would protect Ariella. The girl was one of those people who drew you to her against your will. He was a perfect example. He had wasted so much time and money. If he had simply wanted a woman he could have one every night warming his bed. He wanted Ariella. Damned if he would let her slip through his fingers without at least a taste of the delectable morsel.
They all watched as he walked away. Knowing she owed them an explanation Ariella told those gathered around the whole sordid story. The relief she felt after telling them all lifted a heavy weight from her young shoulders. It was hard to keep secrets. At least ones that should be shared among trustworthy friends and family. Some secrets were meant to be taken to the grave. Others were meant to be shared to lesson the burden of the person holding the secret.
Antoinette's forehead wrinkled in deep introspection. Where could one hide without leaving The Paris Opera House? Where would one be safe and secure? Where could two boisterous children be given free reign to run about without worry of breakage? Well one overly adventurous boy and a rather timid little girl.
An idea began to form in Antoinette's mind.
Matthew could dig until he dug to China if it pleased him. Of course it was not proper for a young woman to be in residence with a man who was not related to her or married to but who would know other than the people involved? This was the perfect solution. Now she would have to convince Erik and Ariella.
Antoinette mentally girded her loins as she prepared to battle with The Opera Ghost. She was sure her request would have him ranting and raving. If she had to resort to tears so be it. It had been years since she had resorted to the weakness of tears. Whatever it took to bring a favourable result she would embrace heartily.