Chapter 3: Count Jean Cocteau
By: PittsBurghFuzz
A/N: By the way, Jean Cocteau in real life was a poet who directed the 1946 French film version of "Beauty and the Beast" Thought you might wanna know...
One afternoon, the "Don Juan" of all the counts in Paris was at a street corner, reading the newspaper. Jean wanted to buy tickets to see "Don Juan Triumphant", but the show was sold out, and the next morning he heard about the chandelier tragedy, Christine Daae, his good friend Raoul, and the third member of this strange love triangle. While the Phantom was the talk of Paris for a month after the "accident", the Opera Ghost quickly faded back into legend.
Cocteau needed an heir to his legacy. Cocteau's father died when he was a mere boy. Cocteau's best friend was Raoul de Chagny. Both boys had lost a mother because of childbirth, so they were fast friends. Cocteau was almost a selfmade man. When he became an adult, Cocteau abandoned his father's estate, and recreated his image as a rugged individual. Cocteau had set up a building company that helped Garnier construct the Paris Opera. However, even long before that, Jean's company was swimming in wealth. Jean did return to claim his father's estate and easily became the richest man in France.
Cocteau's true desire, however, was always Paulette. Paulette was the first girl he ever met, and from the moment they met, Jean knew he had to have her. However, over the years, he did gather several mistresses. Drinking his coffee, Cocteau closed his eyes, and appreciated the lovely day.
At the de Chagny house, Christine and Raoul were getting ready to meet with Cocteau.
"Paulette, are you coming?" Raoul asked.
"No thanks Raoul." Paulette yelled back.
Raoul and Christine left the estate, and Paulette was by herself.
Paulette decided to use her time to explore. The first stop was Christine and Raoul's bedroom. Paulette noticed the small red scarf from so many years ago. Paulette moved towards Christine's dresser, which had some interesting finds. Paulette found a silver pin, which was in the image of an angel holding a harp. Behind it, there was an inscription.
To my Angel of Music
Love, Erik
Paulette wanted to know who her sister-in-law was asscociated with. More importantly, who this "Erik" character was.
While Christine and Raoul were walking to meet Cocteau, they passed the colossal Paris Opera, and Christine could not help but look at it.
"Cocteau!" Raoul shouted.
"Raoul! How are you?" Jean asked.
"Not too bad. Yourself?" Raoul asked.
"Meh, alright. Vicomtess, how are you this fine day?" Cocteau asked.
"I am well, thank you count." Christine replied.
The three of them sat down at Cocteau's table.
"How have you been occupying yourself lately?" Raoul asked.
"Not really doing much lately. Just filling my time with some small projects in France."
"I see the Opera House is starting reconstruction." Christine pointed out.
"Oh yes. We have received funding from a most generous Mr. Y!"
"I have never heard of him." Raoul admitted.
"He is rather mysterious, writing in notes and things."
Christine gulped, but the two men didn't notice.
"Well that is something to lok forward to." Raoul said.
"Indeed. How is Paulette doing?" Jean asked.
"She's fine. Just as restless and rebelious as ever."
Christine knew damn well who this "Mr.Y" figure was. Christine was surprised that her husband hadn't caught on.
Back at the de Chagny residence, Paulette was still pondering about this "Angel of Music". Paulette decided to ask the head maid of the house, Lucia.
"Lucia, do you know of any man named Erik?"
Lucia looked like a wild animal when Paulette said the name. Then the old woman recomposed herself.
"I'm sorry vicomtess. I do not know who this Erik is." Lucia told Paulette.
"Can you ask Charles to take me to the Opera House?"
"Yes vicomtess."
Paulette walked outside and entered the carriage.
"To the Opera Charles."
"Yes vicomtess." Charles replied.
Paulette sat in the carriage with the small pin in her hand.