ALL I KNOW OF LOVE
Erik and Christine are the creation of Gaston Leroux; the reference to Persia and some of its customs are derived from Susan Kay's book, "Phantom". All other characters and the backdrop of the story are the creations and property of GerrysJackie.
Some places and all names are fictional.
PLAYERS:
Erik – Gerard Butler - Perfect
Christine – The face and coloring of Zooey Deschanel (Failure to Launch, Elf) – and the body of Marilyn Monroe, except 3 inches taller
Gustav - Billy Connelly – Because I really like him.
Patrick Connelly - Paul Bettany – (A Knights Tale, Firewall, A Beautiful Mind)
Pascal – Mel Gibson's looks (slightly older with graying hair) with the cunning and cruelty of J.R. Ewing from "Dallas".
Madam Marie Forsythe – Miranda Richardson
James Lumpkin (the butler) – Daniel Davis (the butler from the TV show "The Nanny")
Kamilla – Georgie Henley (Chronicles of Narnia)
Duke Sergei Beauvais – Derek Jacobi (Underworld:Evolution)
Use your imagination on all others.
This story has taken a while to develop, but I hope it has been worth it. I have several chapters already written, but I am taking my time. There is humor, drama, and romance in this story, so I hope you will enjoy it.
This rendition of Erik is one of a man who has suffered greatly in his life, at the hands of just about everyone in his life, but his spirit is still intact. He is less self-loathing than others that I have written, but he is very much aware of his self-proclaimed faults. He is dangerous and ruthless, but has had enough of death and destruction. Women are still a mystery to him, and he needs a strong, independent woman who is his equal in every way.
This Christine is not a drop-dead gorgeous woman, but her beauty is less assuming and soft…Erik will see it.
I will try to update twice a week, depending on how quickly I write chapters. I don't anticipate this being a particularly long story, but we'll see.
Enjoy.
How many of you have ever known a man who was incredibly sexy without even trying; and, even though you try to hate him...you just can't do it?
Case in point...Erik.
CHAPTER 8 – A Family Affair
Erik stood stark still in front of her with an astonished look on his face. No one had told her about the children and they were the sole reason he had married her to begin with.
"I just realized that the Duke did not divulge this information to your father – and neither did I – I thought that Sergei had told your father and he had told you." He stated, looking away from her.
If she had not been so stunned, Christine may have found the situation rather comical, but laughing was the last thing she felt like doing.
It was about his time that Kamilla chose to come bounding toward them with outstretched arms and bouncing curls. Madam Forsythe was following close behind with an embarrassed flush to her face.
"I'm truly sorry, my lord, I tried to stop her from bothering you, but she is rather quick and I am rather old."
Erik smirked at the governess with mock suspicion, "You're not old, Edith, just experienced."
Madam Forsythe gave an amused scoff, winked at Erik, smiled at Kamilla, and left.
Erik smiled down at his enthusiastic daughter and lifted her into his ever-waiting arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed as hard as she could; she rubbed her nose in his neck and breathed in the masculine scent she adored so much.
"Papa, you smell good!" She giggled.
Erik laughed, and the sound reverberated down Christine's spine, leaving her weak in the knees.
'What is wrong with you?' She asked herself. 'He laughs and you forget all that you swore to yourself…are you so desperate that you are willing to forget that he forced you to marry him?'
Christine fought the growing interest she had in her new husband and concentrated on the little blond haired, green-eyed girl in front of her.
"Kamilla, I want to introduce you to the new lady of the manor, Marchioness Christine Ana Delancy Laroque." Erik announced as he placed the young child back on her feet.
Kamilla was instantly on her best behavior; her curtsey was flawless and her smile was genuine.
"I am Lady Kamilla Juliet Laroque."
Christine was amazed at the maturity of this little girl and wondered about her education; she certainly seemed well taught.
"I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Kamilla." Christine smiled.
"Kamilla is the daughter of my late wife, Nicholle." Erik stated, with little emotion sounding in his deep voice.
They made their way into the house and settled in the parlor. Christine found herself feeling much more at ease about the arrangements now that she knew there were children involved; but was curious about the woman, Nicholle; so she was living in the shadow of another woman – what a perfectly awful situation to be in.
She settled her eyes on her new husband and the tiny girl's reactions to this supposedly impenetrable man. She certainly seemed fond of him, and children were good judges of character.
Erik, completely unaware of her searching eyes, turned toward Madam Forsythe and addressed her, "Madam, please bring Timmy."
Christine averted her eyes and became busy listening to Kamilla tell all about the wonderful butterfly she had caught during the morning ride she always took with her father.
When Erik stood beside her holding the most adorable baby boy she had ever seen, she couldn't help but gasp. Erik held him tenderly and talked directly to his face, making sure the baby saw him. His tiny fingers came up and played along Erik's very kissable mouth, and clutched onto his bottom lip, causing Erik to grin down at him even more.
"This little man is Timotheus Philippe Laroque." Erik introduced. "He is the son of my late wife and the heir to Vassadelle and my title."
Christine reached her arms out, indicating that she wanted Erik to place the boy in her arms. He reluctantly did so, but looked very concerned as she held him.
"Oh my, but the children are adorable…" Christine cooed, "…I had no idea there were children involved, my lord."
Christine rocked gently with Timmy in her arms and was rewarded with a giggle and wide grin on his beautiful face. He had soft, light brown curls atop his head and beautiful brownish-green eyes.
Erik returned to his stern, stoic self and inclined his head, "They are the only reason this marriage took place, as far as I'm concerned." He murmured, "I leave you to acquaint yourself with them."
He bowed and was gone before she could state a word in protest; not that she would have, but she would have liked being given the opportunity.
She watched his pleasantly broad back walk out of the room, sat down on the divan, and placed Timmy in her lap. She spent the next hour playing with him and Kamilla.
She found the children incredibly well mannered and very happy. Their behavior spoke well of the care and attention they had received. Surely, a man of the Marquis' status did not have the mundane task of raising his children.
Usually, in the case of the nobles, such tasks were left in the hands of governesses or nannies; but Christine got the impression that he was very involved in their upbringing.
'I wonder if I am expected to be the main influence in their lives.' Christine thought.
The appearance of the butler at the door indicated that it was time for dinner. Christine took Kamilla's hand and carried Timotheus. They followed Mr. Lumpkin toward the dining room and were meant at the entrance by Madam Forsythe.
"He truly is a delightful child." Christine stated with a smile as she handed the infant over to her.
Madam Forsythe lifted her eyes and smiled softly, "Yes, he is…his lordship has done a wonderful job with both of them, considering…."
Christine arched a brow and inclined her head for her to continue, but the older woman clamped her mouth shut as though she had said something she should not have.
"Considering what?" Christine asked.
Madam Forsythe shook her head so faintly that Christine was not certain whether she had done it or not. She turned on her heal, placed a kiss on Timmy's chubby cheek, and made her way down the hall and away from Christine.
Mr. Lumpkin showed her into the dining room and placed her at the end of a long, well-prepared table. Kamilla was seated beside her, but there was no sign of Erik.
"Is the Marquis going to be joining us?" She asked the butler.
"No, your ladyship, he has, once again, avoided the evening meal and any sort of verbal jousting with you - or anyone – you have your work cut out for you." He smiled at her with a twinkle in his eyes, "I do think that you are exactly what he needs."
Christine found this man to be delightful and his fatherly manner eased her frazzled nerves.
"That is awkward, as I have sworn an oath to myself to loathe him." She smirked in response to his light-hearted observation.
Mr. Lumpkin laughed, "Now, that is a shame…why would you do such a thing?"
Christine laughed back, "My reasons are my own, thank you very much."
"My lady, I have served the Laroque family for almost forty-five years; never has there been a lord of Vassadelle that I respected and honored more than Lord Erik." James was insistent, and Christine found his words enlightening, "If you can keep him here long enough, you may find that you actually will grow fond of him."
He winked at her and left. She rubbed her forehead in thought, but looked up when she heard someone enter through the doors; a part of her praying that it was Erik.
An older version of Erik made his way toward her; she could only assume he was Erik's father. His smile was serpentine, and when his eyes found Kamilla, the smile turned to something akin to hatred or disgust.
He came up to Christine and bowed his head in introduction, "I am Pascal Laroque, Erik's father and the former Marquis of Vassadelle."
He lurked over her as though waiting on something and then Christine realized he was waiting on her to lift her hand for him to place a kiss upon it. She did so and he kissed it lightly, but Christine could not help the feeling of repulsion that ran up her spine. There was something unnatural about this man; something that she sensed had caused a great deal of pain.
The look he gave her throughout the meal made her very uncomfortable. She had never been undressed by someone's eyes before; it caused a imperceptible shiver to run down her spine.
The look he had given Kamilla spoke of animosity. What skeletons did the Laroque family have hidden in its closets? Christine shook her head and pushed her concerns to the side.
Christine found herself feeling lonely and abandoned at the elaborate dinner table, and the absence of her new husband made the loneliness even more pronounced. She did her best throughout the meal to avoid Pascal's eyes.
Overall, the day had been eventful and nerve wracking. She missed her father dreadfully, and found she even missed her meddlesome mother.
Dinner was finished without event; Kamilla sat quietly and ate hardly anything. She seemed to have changed her entire character after her grandfather came in.
Mr. Lumpkin returned to the room and escorted them away from Erik's father. She felt his eyes on her as she left the room.
"Where is the Marquis?" Christine asked, "I would very much like to ask him a few things."
"I feel I must inform you, my lady that he has left the estate and is to be gone for at least two weeks on a business venture." Mr. Lumpkin stated, trying to sound casual about it.
Christine stopped in mid-stride, and regarded Mr. Lumpkin with a scathing look, "Is this normal?"
Mr. Lumpkin had the distinct feeling that this woman had a wild streak and would be a spirited partner for Erik.
"Yes, my lady."
Her look was one of confused determination, "Well, I suppose I must acquaint myself with the house and the servants...thank you, James."
Mr. Lumpkin smirked at the perturbed tone he heard in her voice, "You are the lady of the manor, Marchioness, take advantage of that station ." He advised, "There is an extensive and well-stocked library on the second floor and there is the conservatory…you may feel free to go wherever you wish and do whatever you want."
He smiled and patted her shoulder in a fatherly fashion, "However, do stay clear of the Marquis' personal quarters on the third floor; the entire third floor." James emphasized, "He is a very private man…" he smiled and tweaked her chin, "…but the right woman could penetrate that fortress around him, quite easily I think."
Christine smiled and watched James leave 'Well, he can't be all bad if a man like James respects him.' She thought. 'But, I shall also withhold any positive thoughts about my husband until I know more about him…until that time…I faithfully loathe him.'
ЖЖ
Erik was all too eager to be away from Vassadelle; his new wife was turning out to a major distraction that he did not need in his life. He had so hoped that she would be homely and dowdy; but instead, she fascinated and intrigued him – and he could not deny that he found her very attractive.
What was it? She certainly was not the classic beauty Nicholle had been, but there was something entirely breathtaking about her. Her eyes had captivated him first, and then he found he truly admired her generous curves.
Nicholle had been thin…too thin, in his opinion; but, he had not had any positive feelings for that woman for years. Whatever good he had felt toward her had turned to distrust, betrayal, and detestation.
Erik admired his new wife's ability to squash her fear of him and carry on without succumbing to a fainting spell; but fear him she did.
His father must never sense his attraction to her…never; the problems and pain that could cause were insurmountable and Erik wasn't sure he had the strength to fight it anymore.
Maybe he could manage, in the next two weeks, to eradicate her from his system. He was certain his business would keep her image from his mind, and purge his body of any primal and unobtainable desires it entertained; business had a way of doing that.
"What are you thinking, my friend?" Sergei asked.
Erik acknowledged the only other man, besides Kaveh, that he trusted.
"These men you have me doing business with are less than scrupulous; why do you have me dealing with them?"
"Every one of them had questionable loyalties during the war, I simply want them monitored…and there isn't a better man to keep them on their best behavior than you." Sergei stated with a smile.
Erik rather enjoyed being the bane of every man's existence; they all feared him because of his legendary skills and fury – but they feared what they did not know about him even more.
"I don't think I can thank you enough for all that you have done to restore order to the provinces, Erik….you're ability to move from place to place and room to room without being detected has been most helpful."
Erik gave a low bow and found himself almost grinning at the man before him.
"I am curious, though…" Sergei began, "…all we had to do was build your strength and rid your mind and body of the nightmarish affects Persia left on you…was I able to teach you anything?
Erik gracefully walked over to his friend and gave him a rare look of admiration, "Yes, Sergei…you taught me to respect myself; and in turn, I have been able to overcome many of the insecurities that I carried with me from childhood."
Erik smiled, another rare occurrence, "You helped me to realize that all I have seen, done, and been through does not keep me from being a human being; in fact, it showed me that I am indeed human – and humans are flawed creatures."
Sergei was fighting back the tears as he listened to what Erik was saying, "I want you to have happiness and joy in your life Erik, you deserve these, as well."
"Now you sound like Kaveh." Erik smirked. "He's always saying that exact same thing."
"Great minds think alike." Sergei teased.
"Yes, you two must be the exception." Erik teased back.
Sergei laughed and Erik smiled, "We both know I have tried to find happiness, but she was unwilling….I don't think women can see past the mask…or the part of me that lies beneath it."
"Not all women are fickle and shallow, Erik…Nicholle was a fool - I tried to warn you."
Erik nodded in agreement, "I know – speaking of women – are you ever going to remarry?"
Sergei shrugged his sturdy shoulders and turned from Erik to look out the large window in his study.
"Charmayne was my only love, Erik…she gave me twenty-three wonderful years before I lost her…" his eyes clouded over as the memory of his late wife wrapped around his heart, "….I have my daughter, Paige, my son-in-law, Omri, and my three grandchildren to occupy the void in my heart."
"I regret that I never got to know Charmayne." Erik stated.
"She would have liked you very much." Sergei smiled, "She died a few short months before you arrived in France."
Erik pulled his pocket watch out and rolled his eyes at the time, "I must go Sergei…I am meeting them in an hour at the Baroque Hotel."
"I am sure you will gain much business, Erik…there is no man to rival your designs in all of Eastern Europe – probably in the whole of Europe."
Erik gathered his things and opened the door, "When I return, we can discuss that opera you wish me to write."
Sergei nodded and shook Erik's hand; then he watched as he left the castle.
As the carriage slowly trudged down the road, Erik dreaded the events to come. He hated this part the most - playing the Marquis of Merlot to the men who were loyal to his father.
TBC
I wanted to take this moment to promote a story that I think is well-written and hightly entertaining, but is not getting very many reviews. I would like you to check it out, if possible, and let the authors know what you think.
"The Epic Case of the Phantom of the Opera", read it - you won't be sorry.