An: As i said before i made another chapter and this one is longer and better.Sorry for errors and i hope you all enjoy.please tell me what you think in your reviews.

Chapter 7: The Dubons

As the sun began to creep lower in the sky, I walked slowly through the narrow forest path that was shrouded in a light mist. I was alone this time for Marie had to get ready for tonight's banquet party and no matter how hard she tried to sneak away from her parents, they always would catch her and take her off to prepare for the celebration.

The celebration took place at the Ewells who lived near at least a mile off to the south. The celebration was to start near the time I usually had my music lessons and would end late in the night.

The Ewells and the Martiques Family and all of their friends were supposed to show up. It was certainly supposed to be a huge event, but I was not looking forward to it one bit. I had a feeling I would end up alone most of night walking and watching in the corner while everyone else had a good time.

Marie would be needed with her family and would not be able to stay with me for too long. Ellis's parents expect me to keep Ellis company, but I knew that wouldn't last very long with Ellis's infuriating comments.

I also wasn't very good with meeting new people. I could get away with a hello or maybe even a small conversation, but after that I would usually want to walk off alone somewhere away from the others.

Ever since my fathers death I was never good with people. The only reason I was friends with Marie was because of her exceptionally out going personality and being able to befriend anyone.

I however, did not have this trait. It wasn't that I was timid; I just never felt that there was any reason to get to know someone who will most likely forget about me eventually anyways. Besides, I didn't have that status like Ellis did. To people I was just the girl that was taken in out of charity.

This made me wonder why Erik had been so interested in someone like me in the first place. After all, what Cathy said, he had a powerful reputation even though it was hardly known. I felt I should be little importance in his affairs or life. Maybe I was…

If this were the case then maybe he wouldn't make such a big deal about me skipping a music lesson after all. However, I still wish I had Marie by my side, but she unfortunately had more important matters to attend to.

Therefore I was to walk to the house alone in the darkening light of sundown. I was familiar with the path by now and as I weaved my way through the tangled and distorted branches of trees I finally saw the road clear ahead.

Luckily I had prepared my self earlier on for the party so as soon as I came back to the Martique's house I would be prepared to take off in the carriage to the Ewell's house.

My dress was a simple dress, but had its own lovely design that fit well to my figure. It had a light pink covering with a creamy white dress skirt underneath. A lace design hung from my shoulders and waist.

I was given small jewelry that I had to borrow from the Martiques because Ellis's parents had none to give to me. My hair was of course pinned up in its normal fashion, except for a lovely jeweled pin on the side of my head that kept my hair in tact. I wore a dark red cloak over my dress so not to get it dirty in some way.

I walked on the side of the dark brown road that led to the black iron gates ahead. As usual the gates creaked open by themselves as if ghosts in the mist were opening the gates for me. The statues on top of the pillars between the gates stared down at me with a cold hard stare as if judging whether I should still be able to pass by them.

But I walked on as usual showing no fear. As I walked on through the path towards the house however, something caught my eye. Near the other side of the house to my left was a path I did not know had been there before. On the path of light tanned stone was a black carriage driven by two massive horses. One lifted up its head and looked at me with eyes as black as coals.

The driver of the carriage did not see me, but was waiting patiently on top the carriage for whoever was supposed to arrive.

This made me stare for a moment, wondering what it was doing there. Then I began to wonder if the carriage was for Erik. Without a moment to loose I rushed towards the front doors. I pushed them open and as usual, when I stepped in side, the doors closed behind me.

Looking around was the same scenery from when I first entered the house. But this time I barley gave it a glance as I headed down a near hallway to were the servants corridors were placed.

As I walked through the dark hallway I began to hear voices from a nearby room. I figured it must be Cathy and a few others. I could see a small light from the crack in the doorway. I walked silently towards it and peaked through the small opening of the door.

The room inside looked to be a secure drawing room that I hadn't been in before. Shelves, desks and paintings where set against the dark green wall. A window looking over the woods was set in the back and comfortable furniture was fashioned nicely around the room.

On this furniture was a group of people I had never seen before. Their clothing was fashioned nicer then my own and they had a look about them that signified importance. They looked very impatient as if waiting for something. Cathy was standing near the corner, as was another servant.

Looking at the people I saw that there was five of them. A big strong looking man, who seemed to be close to his 50s, and a woman with a tight face and cold glaring eyes sat together on a sofa. The other three sat nearby. A boy who looked to be a few years older them me with dark features and long brown hair and two girls, one who looked to be only a child of ten or eleven years old, with thick, light brown curls.

The other girl however, caught my attention the most. Her eyes had a piercing glare just like the woman and she had almost white blond hair that fell to her waist. She looked the most irritated of the bunch and someone who had an easy temper.

" How much longer must we wait for him?" said the older woman in irritation. " I'm sick of always waiting. Has he ever heard of showing up on time?"

I assumed they must have been talking about Erik. Cathy glanced at the other servant, which I remembered to be known as John.

" I assure you Mrs. Dubon that he will be here any minute." Cathy said softly.

My eyes grew wide as I heard that name. Dubon…it sounded familiar.

Then I remembered Mr. and Mrs. Martique talking to Ellis's parents one night about a certain family, who lived close by, who were highly known around the area with a fierce reputation. I then realized that this must be the family.

I suddenly then remembered something that Cathy had told me long ago: " Mr. Brocks had been living with his daughter and three grand children for some time… I was the one who took care of him here when he lay dieing… his family is not to be toyed with. They are very strict and forceful people, very powerful. Even his grandchildren have control in the family. A bunch of obsessive brats if you ask me…they always get there way it seems. Mr. Brocks was the only one who seemed to be able to keep them in check. And now it seems Erik has the burden of keeping them out of his way…"

I then realized that this might be the family Cathy was talking about. Mr. Brock's family, except now they were the Dubons.

" I hope you know that if he does not show up soon we will be late for the banquet at Mr. and Mrs. Ewells." Boomed Mr. Dubon. " I only need to talk to him for a few short minutes. It is of great importance." He glanced over at the younger girl closer to my age with the white blond hair. She gave a small smile and then began to twine her fingers through her hair.

I inched closer towards the door until suddenly I felt a pair of hands grab my shoulders. I jumped but did not scream. I immediately thought it to be Erik, but instead I turned around to see myself face to face with Mr. Hanson.

I gave sigh of relief while he gently tugged me away from the door and out of the hall. We went into a room close by.

" Mr. Hanson I'm sorry to intrude but…" He put is hands to my mouth in order for me to be quiet and then looked out into the hall. I turned my head in the direction he looked to find a dark figure walk silently without a sound down the hall to the drawing room with the family waiting.

I immediately recognized it to be Erik. Fear rose up in my stomach for reasons I didn't understand. I wouldn't lie when I said I was afraid when I first started my music lesson with him, but after sometime I began to become more relaxed around him.

But now for some reason it was different. I was less afraid those other times because I was obeying Erik's rules and coming at the times he expected me to show up. Also because the music lessons to me were our time. For some reason now I had forgotten that Erik had a life other then the one I shared with him.

This was certainly not a music lesson and I was not only here at the wrong time, but apparently at the worst time. What would have happened if he had caught me there listening and prying around where I shouldn't be?

The thought of this brought a shiver down my spine. When Erik finally had entered the room, closing the door behind him, I let out the air in my lungs and closed my eyes. My heart felt like it was about to jump out of my chest.

I looked up at Mr. Hanson who had been staring back at me. He took my arm and then led me away.

When we were finally in the servant's corridors Mr. Hanson led me into a small kitchen where two other servants were seated. He pulled me up a chair and asked for me to sit down.

I obeyed without protest or thought. The room was better lit then the hall so it was easier to see everyone's face. Mr. Hanson looked somewhat pale, but did not look frightened only concerned. He was around Cathy's age with gray hair and a short beard. His pale, blue eyes reflected in the candlelight.

" I'm sorry that I came without you or the others consent Mr. Hanson." I said looking around the room. " Its just that I had to speak with Erik. You see, I'm not going to be able to see him tonight because I'm going to be away at…. at the Ewells for the party tonight. I'm sure you've heard."

" Ah yes, I've heard. We figured you'd probably be going; after all you are a friend of the Martiques. So you don't have to worry, Cathy has already informed Erik of this."

"Oh…," I said surprised. I then felt very foolish. "I should have known that it would have been obvious and that I didn't need to tell Erik. But I wasn't sure so I thought it would have been best to come just in case…"

"Its fine Christine, would you like something to drink or eat?" Mr. Hanson gestured at the nearby table.

"Oh, no thank you I have to get going actually," I said becoming nervous. I didn't want the others back at the Martiques to know I was gone and I began to become very antsy.

"Look Christine Its ok, you're not in any trouble. Although I must say you do have a knack for getting yourself in situations don't you." Mr. Hanson chuckled.

I smiled. " Well around here at least. Anyways, I'm sorry once again for coming without your knowing. I was trying to find someone to talk to and I of course thought that there was someone in that drawing room…I know it wasn't any of my business but…."

" Once again Christine, its fine. Just be thankful it wasn't Erik who found you there instead."

I swallowed hard, trying not to think about what would most likely happen to me. If that were to happen it wouldn't be the first time Erik would loose his temper. There were few times I saw him loose it, none thankfully on me. However, there had been one night that I had been late for my music lesson and I promised myself never to let that happen again.

He didn't loose his temper entirely, but he wasn't at all pleased. I was, after all, a half an hour late because I had broken one of the Martiques expensive dinner plates. I was then forced to wash the dishes with the servants as punishment. I tried to go as fast as I could but there was nothing I could really do.

Once I had finally arrived, Erik had fixed me with a cold glare. Never even asking why I was late, he simply said: " I told you I didn't except lateness. If you are serious about me teaching you Christine then you will not let this happen again…"

I was not only embarrassed, but upset at the fact that it didn't seem to be my fault, but I knew I could not argue. After that night I was never late again.

I looked down at the cold hard ground of the kitchen floor in deep thought. I began to think again about the Dubons and what their relationship was to Erik. What was so important that they needed to talk to Erik about? Whatever it was the Dubons daughter seemed quite happy with what was taking place. Of course I was once again curious, but I knew it was none of my business.

The door to the kitchen suddenly opened and Cathy appeared, a look of surprise on her face as she saw me sitting there.

" Christine! What on earth are you…. oh dear that's right! You came to tell Erik you couldn't come today didn't you?"

" I told her everything Cathy, its ok." Mr. Hanson said when I didn't respond. Mr. Hanson then told her what happened.

" Oh I'm sorry Christine," Cathy said. " I should have told you before that I figured…. well now you know. Come Christine ill show you to the door." Cathy sighed

I stood up and thanked Mr. Hanson. As we walked out to the front entrance I looked over at Cathy.

" Its them isn't it? The Dubons… they're Mr. Brock's family." I told her.

Cathy looked at me and then nodded. " Yep, that was them alright. Most people don't even know that Mrs. Dubon is Mr. Brock's daughter. After he died she moved off with her family, not telling a soul about her father's death. They're popular around here, but they have many secrets."

" They're going to be at the Ewells party tonight." I realized.

" That's right isn't it? Well, it's a good thing then you didn't bump into them here or you'd probably be in a whole lot of trouble. But do me a favor Christine and steer clear of them at the party. You don't want to get involved with people like that, trust me."

I laughed, " Trust me Cathy I'll probably be steering clear of everyone."

" Oh now there's no reason for that. I'm sure you'll have a fun time Christine. There should be plenty of people there for you to meet and boys your age too." Cathy said smiling.

I rolled my eyes and smiled. When we arrived at the front doors I stopped walking and turned to face Cathy.

" You don't think that…Erik will be mad do you?"

" Do not worry about him Christine just have fun at the party." Cathy said and opened the front doors.

I nodded and then walked out of the house. Cathy gave me one last smile and closed the doors behind me.

The sun still showed a little behind the trees as I descended the front stairs. Walking along the path I noticed that the carriage from before was still there. But, suddenly a side door opened and the Dubon family walked out. Not wanting to be seen I hid behind a nearby tree.

Looking around the tree's trunk I saw them approach the carriage. To my surprise the last person to step out of the house was Erik. He wore his cape and the hood of it covered his head making him look like a tall dark shadow with a white mask.

As each family member began to climb into the carriage the Dubon daughter turned around to face Erik. Saying something to him that I could not hear, she smiled the same smile from before and stepped on to the carriage. Erik, not seeming to respond in any manner to whatever the girl just said, simply took her hand and helped her into the carriage.

Once they were all seated inside, the carriage took off into the woods and out of sight. I watched it leave and then went to look back and see Erik, but he was gone.

Now I was more confused then ever and even more curious then before. But what was worse is that I actually felt something else too, but couldn't place it. Maybe I was, in some ways, irritated, but I couldn't figure out why.

Something inside me felt like these people were bothersome and it troubled me to see them here at the house speaking to Erik. Something was going on, but I didn't know what to make of it.

I slipped away from the tree and went back into the woods back towards the Martique's house. Tonight, I would most likely meet the Dubons in person whether I wanted to or not. Even so, Cathy is right, I think I should stay away from them. But that doesn't mean I don't get to find out more about them.

Whatever does happen tonight, though, I think it will be a very interesting party indeed.

An: oohh who is this mysterious girl talking to Erik? Man, i hope she doesnt try to take him away from Christine that would be horrible. after all, she can only mean trouble right? And dont think christine wont have any surprises coming her way (a very handsome one i might add). i guess youll just have to wait and see what happens in the next chapter ( sigh).