Fate works in mysterious ways. Tonight's performance at the opera is the debut of a new opera called Don Juan written by the famous opera ghost. It seems Erik has promised to be on his good behavior should the managers produce his show. This was bound to be a memorable evening, for I knew Erik and Christine would both be at the performance. Fate keeps throwing the three of us into situations where we are forced to be in the same building. I really hoped Erik and Christine would stay out of sight in Box 5.
Part of me did not want to go, but the other part of me was looking forward to going. The dread of parading around the opera house where everyone knew of my affair with Christine made me sick to my stomach. I knew people would be talking behind my back. They will smile at me politely until I am out of earshot and then whisper, "there goes Raoul de Chagny, he got turned down by a chorus girl," and "poor Raoul, he had such a promising future and threw it all away with a reckless love affair. Now look at him, he's bringing his staff to the opera for no other woman will call upon him." People of my class say terrible things about one another behind closed doors. I myself have said things about people I've come to regret. Even though I have vowed to myself to never speak poorly about another in the future that does not mean people will stop talking about me behind my back.
As much as I dreaded the phony smiles, I knew Elise was going to have the time of her life, and that made it worthwhile. She had never been to an opera of such a grand scale before and was very excited. On the way home she would not stop talking about what she would wear and how she would fix her hair, and how she was looking forward to mingling with the who's-who of Paris.
I decided that I definitely needed a little libation before the opera, so I went downstairs and poured myself a small glass of brandy. I had almost tucked my trusty silver flask into my coat pocket, but had decided the better of it - out of sight out of mind. No need to overdo it.
After taking a sip of the brandy I plopped down in my favorite chair and propped my feet up on the matching ottoman. I had just gotten comfortable when I heard:
"So, thanks to you and your farce of a patronage I now have to find a new employee?"
Dorice's harsh words made me cringe with anger. Before I could reply, she started talking again.
"I suppose it's for the best anyway. Elise was really not the more suitable staff member, she talked far too much and had a little too much fun on her evenings off. The lurid life of theater is probably more appropriate for her."
"How dare you speak of my friend in that way!" I said, standing up.
"Your friend? Please, Monsieur de Chagny, what kind of nobleman makes friends with his maidservant?"
"I do not like what you are insinuating. In case you have forgotten, I have the ultimate authority in this house and if I hear one more unkind word from you I shall find a new head maid," I said firmly, slamming my now empty brandy glass onto the table.
Dorice was stunned. She had never seen me lose my temper in such a way before.
"I-I'm sorry, Monsieur," she apologized quickly. "I didn't mean what I said, I was just…"
"You were just what? I believe you did mean it. You do not know anything about the relationship I have with Elise, and it is not any of your business. On top of that, I do not think you know anything about Elise. She is not at all flighty; she is just a friendly human being. Maybe her uniform isn't as white as yours, and maybe she does like to talk a lot, but perhaps that is because she isn't as arrogant as you are."
"I beg your pardon?" the silver haired old woman cried, her hands flying to her hips. "Are you calling me arrogant?"
"I believe I just did," I answered smugly.
"Well I never! I've had enough of this abuse!" She took off her starched white cap and threw it violently to the floor. "I've never been mistreated like this in all my years of service. I hereby resign. I will have all of my things moved out of the house by tomorrow evening." She angrily stomped out of the room. I heard a series of doors slamming, and I smiled to myself.
Really, what do I need a full live-in staff for? I am the only one living in this house; certainly cleaning can't be that difficult. I decided to give the rest of the staff two weeks notice so they could find new jobs. I would of course keep all of the outdoor maintenance staff aboard, and have a maid come in once a week to do laundry and do all of the serious cleaning. Naturally I would also keep in good graces with the kitchen staff so I could hire them for hosting dinner parties and such. Certainly I can handle the preparation of my meals.
As I reveled in my newfound domestic freedom, Elise appeared in the room. She was wearing a moderately low cut lacy white dress with a beaded bodice. Her pink-toned makeup flattered her peachy complexion, and her hair was done up in a delicate series of braids and curls, which I imagined was going to be a nightmare to undo.
"Do you like it?" she asked, as she swished the airy skirts of the dress. "It was my mother's, my real mother's, wedding dress. I made a few alterations like tearing off the sleeves and adjusting the neckline. I've never worn it before; do you think it will be all right?"
"I think you will be the most beautiful woman there," I replied, kissing her on the hand. I almost felt stupid for not being physically attracted to her. She was indeed going to be one of the most beautiful women there, and I was going to introduce her as simply my friend. Surely that will cause a lot of speculation amongst the Parisian bluebloods.
"Thank you," Elise replied to my compliment. She looked me over carefully and said, "You look very nice as well. Perhaps tonight you will meet the lucky lady you will spend the rest of your life with."
"Please, Elise, stop teasing me like that."
"I'm not teasing, you really do look nice and any single lady there would be lucky to win a dance with you at the after party," she said as she fastened her light pink cloak.
"This is going to be a long night," I groaned as I held the front door open for Elise.
The opera was simply amazing. The new diva was wonderful! La Carlotta had refused to return after the croaking incident, and the managers were forced to find a new diva. I often wonder why Christine did not choose to pursue her singing career as Erik had intended.
The opera itself was unlike anything I've ever seen. A dark storyline complete with a graveyard battle to the death between Don Juan and Passarino over the lovely Aminta. The haunting music and dramatic sets were an overload to the senses, and nearly every woman (and a few men) in the place dissolved into tears at the poignant ending where Aminta declares her love for Don Juan as Passarino is dying at her feet.
The story seemed like the typical love-triangle seen in many plays, operas, and novels, but I knew better. Don Juan was the story of the relationship between Erik, Christine, and myself. I was Passarino, and Erik was of course Don Juan, and we were both fighting over the same woman. Naturally Don Juan ends up with his true love, while Passarino dies a bloody death. I thanked my lucky stars that I had fared better than Passarino. The whole story reminded me once again of what a fool I had been.
The managers cringed as the crowd sat in silence as the curtain dropped upon the final act. The only sound was that of women sniffling into their handkerchiefs. It was as though everyone was wondering if they should applaud this interesting new opera. I rose to my feet and began clapping furiously. Elise quickly joined me, as did the hundreds of others in the audience. I glanced across the auditorium at the managers and Andre was clapping with all his might while Firmin was wiping his brow with an expression of relief. Erik's opera had been a success. I glanced up toward Box 5 and although it appeared to be empty, I knew Erik was somewhere nearby listening to the generous applause his opera had generated.
It wasn't until Elise had mentioned it earlier that I remembered that there is always a public party after every premier. I wasn't necessarily looking forward to it, but I wasn't dreading it as much now as I had earlier. The theatre-going crowd had changed quite a bit over the last year and I did not know as many people.
As soon as we arrived in the foyer, Meg Giry spotted Elise and I.
"Raoul, Elise, I am so glad you were both able to come tonight," Meg said after hugging the both of us.
"You were incredible tonight," I said to Meg. She had been played Aminta's best friend in the opera, and had danced like an angel.
"Thank you," Meg said as she blushed a little. "Elise, why don't you come say hello to some of the other girls. We are all very excited about having you join us and would like to get to know you."
"That would be wonderful!" Elise exclaimed.
I watched as Meg and Elise joined the other dancers by Grand Escalier. Immediately a tall gentleman with dark hair introduced himself to Elise. Some of the male cast members were also eyeing Elise. I felt no jealousy, only happiness for her.
I began to wander aimlessly through the crowd, when a woman about my age in an emerald green dress caught my eye. The dress was made of thick velvet, trimmed with extraordinary jewels. The color of the dress and her deep auburn hair made her vivid green eyes stand out. When she glanced at me I felt as though her eyes had pierced my very soul. She was being escorted by a middle-aged gentleman, whom I assumed to be her husband.
"Monsieur de Chagny, what a pleasure you could make it this evening!" Andre greeted me with a slap on the back. "Glad to see the whole Phantom affair hasn't kept you from the opera."
"Yes, Monsieur le Vicomte, it was good of you to come," Firmin chimed in.
"I wouldn't have missed it," I replied.
"The performance was splendid, absolutely splendid!" Andre cheered. "I feel much better about it now. I was quite worried no one would show up for tomorrow night's performance, but after tonight I think the tickets will be selling like hotcakes!"
"Perhaps we should raise the prices," Firmin added.
"Good thought, Firmin, good thought. I shall see the ticket master immediately!" Andre marched off toward the office, and left Firmin and I standing alone.
"Well, while Andre is off doing that, perhaps you would like to meet a dear friend of mine," Firmin said to me.
"All right," I replied.
Firmin led me across the room to the young lady I had just been admiring.
"Monsieur de Chagny, I would like you to meet my good friend Victor Hayden and his lovely niece Cassandria."
His niece! My heart skipped a beat when I heard that she was not married to her escort.
"Good to meet you Chagny," Victor replied in a thick American accent. He shook my hand firmly and gave me a slap on the back. He was a very large man, both in height and circumference. He was going slightly bald on top but had a thick brown beard and rosy red cheeks. I could already tell that he was a bit of an overbearing man, but from his pleasant disposition I also suspected he had a heart of gold.
"It's nice to meet you, too" I answered and then turned to Cassandria. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," I said, kissing her gently on the hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you as well," she replied demurely.
"I am assuming by your accents that you are both from America. What brings you to Paris?" I asked.
"Well with Firmin's recent success in the opera business I couldn't pass up an opportunity to come visit. Besides, I wanted to see if this ghost hogwash was real," Victor laughed heartily.
"I wouldn't say that so loudly," Firmin whispered, looking around nervously.
"Oh come now, you don't really believe in ghosts, do you?" Victor asked. He then turned to me and said, "Tell me the truth – is this place really haunted?"
"I'd like to stay out of this, if you don't mind," I said, backing away.
"All right then, have it your way," the American said. "Say, why don't you ask my niece to join you in a dance? She's just been standing around all night."
"All right, would you care to do me the honor of a dance, Mademoiselle Hayden?" I asked.
"Yes," she said shyly, and allowed me to lead her to the dance floor.
The young American smelled of sweet vanilla as I held her in my arms and whirled her around the floor. She was very tall, only an inch or two shorter than myself. Her lush auburn hair felt like silk as the long strands brushed the top of my left hand, which was placed gently on her back. I loved the soft crunching sound of the stiff layers of her skirt as it swirled around her. I decided right then and there that I truly respect the torture and effort women go through of getting dressed up.
We did not talk much during our dance, but I instantly felt some sort of connection. It wasn't like the connection I felt with Elise, it was different. I wanted to hold Cassandria in my arms and dance until the break of dawn.
Needless to say, I was disappointed when the song ended and she thanked me for the dance.
"Would you like to continue dancing?" I asked.
"Oh, no…I am rather thirsty. I'd like to find a glass of water," she said politely.
"Good luck, I don't think you'll find anything other than champagne and that vile concoction the stage hands are passing around," I laughed. "Perhaps your uncle wouldn't mind if I walked you around the corner to a nearby café."
"Thank you for the offer sir, but it is getting late and I ought to be going," she said, moving away from me.
"Ah, well you two kids looked like you were having a good time out there," Victor said as he came up behind us and once again slapped me on the back, which was beginning to throb. "Good golly, I've got a bright idea! Why don't you take my niece here out tomorrow night and show her around. This is her first trip to Paris and I'm sure she'd love a tour from a true Parisian such as yourself. What to you say?"
Cassandria looked as though she was going to kill her uncle.
"Well, I don't know," I stammered, looking at Cassandria for an answer.
God she is beautiful when she's mad, I thought to myself.
"Oh come on," Victor said, slapping me on the back again. My back was sure going to be sore in the morning. "Cassie here is just a little shy, but I just know she'll have a good time once she gets out and about."
"All right, but only if you would like to go, Mademoiselle," I said politely, turning my attention toward Cassandria.
"Fine, I'll go," she said with clenched teeth. She had her hands folded behind her back, but I could tell her hands were probably balled into fists and her knuckles were probably white.
"Perfect! I'll send her over to your house tomorrow around 5:00, all right?"
"All right," I said.
"It was nice meeting you and you be sure to show my little Cassie-bear a good time tomorrow night."
"Yes indeed," I replied, once again shaking the overbearing man's hand before turning my attention toward Cassandria.
"Mademoiselle Hayden, it has been a pleasure," I said with a bow. "I look forward to tomorrow evening."
"Good night," she replied with reserved modesty.
"Great, just great," I said under my breath as I walked away. "Why do I always end up with beautiful women that hate me to the core?"
"What did you say, Raoul?" Elise said, appearing at my side. Her breath smelled strongly of champagne, but she did not appear to be intoxicated.
"Oh, nothing," I said glancing toward Cassandria. "I'll tell you about it on the way home."
Elise followed my gaze and then turned back toward me with a huge grin.
"Come on, we're going home now!" she exclaimed, dragging me out of the building and into the first empty carriage she could find.
"All right, tell me all about her!" she said eagerly.
"There's nothing to tell, she hates me," I said, shrugging my shoulders.
"Hates you? I don't think so Raoul, I saw you two dancing and you both looked very happy. Why do you think she hates you?"
"For one she wouldn't continue to dance with me, and she declined my invitation to take her to a café for a drink. Secondly, she looked as though she was going to kill her uncle when he suggested I take her out to show her around Paris."
"I see," she said, sitting back in her seat. "What is her name?"
"Cassandria Hayden, she is an American," I replied. I loved the way her beautiful name rolled off my tongue.
"Perhaps Cassandria is like every other independent female and does not like being told what to do," she said confidently. "You said her uncle asked you to show her around Paris; did he also tell you to dance with her?"
"Yes."
"There you have it! She probably doesn't hate you; she probably just resents her uncle for forcing you upon her. Who knows, she might actually like you. I saw her admiring you from across the room before you two were introduced."
"Really?" I asked hopefully.
"Yes, and I must say she does look like she'd be a good match for you, seeing as you're both tall. Perhaps she'll be swooed by your Parisian accent!" Elise giggled.
"Swooed? Is that a word?" I laughed.
"I made it up myself," she said proudly. "It means she'll be completely enamored by you and fall head over heels in love."
"We'll see about that," I chuckled.
I secretly hoped she was right.