A/N: Thank you everyone! Sorry this chapter is short but I've been busy and had very little time to write a long chapter. Thanks to my beta Halley for doing a fantastic job and please don't forget to review!

Chapter 22: The Visitor

Stephanie hadn't bothered to show for her lessons the next day, nor the next. Etienne didn't blame her. He had allowed his temper to get the best of him and in doing so, he had chased away and hurt the woman he most ardently and desperately loved.

It wasn't until the fourth day after the fight Stephanie returned. She did not speak or looked at him and even though Etienne was pleased to see her again; they're fragile relationship was forever scarred. He wasn't an idealist to know that things would never be the same again. How could they when he ruined whatever they had for good?

The lessons went on with only he instructing and she obeying. As soon as their time was over, Stephanie was gone before he could say anything. It went on for a week and it was driving him insane. He wanted to apologize but he never had the chance nor would she allow him.

Etienne supposed he had it coming for the unforgivable things he said. As much as he wanted to take them back, there was no use. What was said was said. He knew he would be lucky if he could find a way to redeem himself.

As it were, the fight continued to haunt him in his dreams with Stephanie always leaving for good.

xxXXxx

She knew she was being too tough on him, but Stephanie couldn't find it within herself to give Etienne the chance to explain. She hadn't planned on hitting him. She just wanted him to stop talking about Dan otherwise she feared she would break down and confess the whole truth.

By the third day she had forgiven him but she hadn't forgiven herself. Going back to him for the lessons was important, not only to avoid suspicions on Erik and Christine's part but to somehow communicate her regret to Etienne.

He didn't know the truth. He didn't know that Dan had been gone for a year. And if there was to be anyone to blame, it was her.

But what stopped her from going to him and telling him the truth?

Fear was long gone, ended by Erik. All that remained was shame. She failed. She honestly failed to keep her own relationship intact. How would that look in his eyes? After all that she has done for his father? She would be a laughingstock once he tells his siblings how much of a flop the Modern-Day Angel truly was.

She was pathetic.

xxXXxx

After another apprehensive lesson, Stephanie couldn't take it anymore. She was in need for some female understanding and advice. She found Christine in the sunroom, lounging on the wicker furniture having her midday tea.

The soprano smiled as Stephanie entered, but frowned upon noticing the troubled expression on her face. Lately, the young woman appeared to be down in spirits. Christine offered her seat next to her, which Stephanie accepted graciously.

"Would you like some tea? It's Russian."

Stephanie crinkled her nose. "Um, no thanks. Isn't that strong?"

The brunette nodded, chuckling. "I'm trying to like it for Erik's sake. After so many years I still haven't quite adapted to the taste as I would like."

"I'm not much of a tea drinker, I'm afraid. Give me coffee any old day."

Knowing this visit had nothing to do with drinking tea or coffee, Christine could easily read that she had something on her mind. Yet, Stephanie made no move to acknowledge her being there so Christine took it upon herself to wheedle it out of her.

"How are the lessons going? Etienne has been telling us what excellent progress you've been making."

Stephanie blushed. "I don't deserve all the credit. He is a good teacher."

"I believe it. He is so much like his father, sometimes it's scary." Christine shook her head. "Though, Etienne's temper is often not as bad as Erik's. Do you not agree?"

She blinked, baffled. "I-I suppose. But Etienne can be pretty bitchy, sorry."

Christine giggled. "My husband is too. But how do you feel about performing now?"

"I actually can't wait," Stephanie admitted. "A little nervous. I'll be singing 'Think of Me'. I figured it would be the best since it's what got you famous."

Now it was Christine's turn to blush. Stephanie chortled, "Don't be so modest Christine! You're a terrific singer. It's an honor to sing your song and have you there to witness it."

"Thank you my dear. Erik did so much for me that I sometimes wonder where I would be were it not for his tutelage." Christine became quiet then happily announced. "Oh and some good news too! The rest of my family will be coming in time for the ball! I would like you to meet them. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to meet their father's future Angel." She winked.

For her friend's benefit, Stephanie grinned politely. "I would love to."

Due to how she and Etienne got along, Stephanie dreaded about the rest of the adult children. Would she be able to fare well? She prayed that the others didn't possess Etienne's short-temper or judgmental behavior.

"Splendid! Oh they would love you," Christine chattered. Leaning over to her companion, she added, "Etienne is pleased to have met you. The beginning was pretty rough, but trust me when I say he likes you very much."

"He has an odd way of showing it," Stephanie slipped. Clamping her hand over her mouth, she stared at Christine. "I didn't mean—"

"It's all right. He's a man like most, even Erik. But is everything okay between you two?"

Stephanie shifted nervously. "What? Of course not! Why would you ask?"

"Nice try Stephanie. I'm not the same naïve ingénue that I once was. There's something that's vexing you and it has Etienne written all over it."

She sighed, looking down at her hands. "It's complicated," Stephanie replied meekly. "Besides, it was my fault."

"What was?" Christine asked gently. "You can tell me, cheri."

Stephanie looked up, her voice cracking. "I—"

"Madam."

Both women turned their heads to see one of the maids enter.

Curtsying, she said, "You have a visitor."

Christine glanced at Stephanie, wondering if she should dismiss whoever it was until the matter was solved. But Stephanie nodded her head for her to accept the guest.

"You may send them in Lenore," Christine requested.

Bowing once more, the girl scurried off. Christine asked Stephanie if she was sure and the latter was adamant.

"It can wait," she assured the older woman.

Seconds later, another girl emerged. She wore a fashionable yellow gown with her golden tresses pulled up and secured by a matching hat. She broke into smiles as she came in to embrace Christine.

Stephanie eyed her carefully as the flamboyant woman almost crushed Christine in her friendly gesture, her mouth flapping with enthusiastic greetings.

Christine waited until she finished speaking before taking her hand and leading her to Stephanie.

"Stephanie, I want you to meet one of our patrons' daughters—Jeanette LeBlanc."

TBC…