Thank you for the nice reviews. From this point of the story forward, I am going to put the response at the end of the last chapter I post each day. I think it will be much less distracting! Thank you again for following along!
Chapter 27 Leisurely lunch, a plan beginsMadame Giry and Meg were greeted by the sweet smell of smoky ham, and baking bread. Madame Giry brought the plate and cup from her midnight snack, and Meg hers from breakfast. "Good afternoon, mum, good afternoon miss…I hope that you are both hungry. I've ham, beans, winter fruits, and some fresh bread for you." Sara smiled at them, pointing towards the table. "Sit, I'll bring you a cup of hot coffee."
Madame Giry and Meg sat down. The pair noticed only two plates on the table. Meg looked up at her mother, Madame Giry nodded. "Sara" Meg began, "since we are the only two here, would you be kind enough to join us for lunch?" Sara turned around "I'm not usually invited to sit with the guests, but if you request, alright."
Sara busied herself finding another place setting, and cup with saucer. She carried it over to the rectangular table, placing it on the far end. "That's right nice of you to offer." Sara smiled at Madame Giry and made her way back to the kitchen counter. Meg and Madame Giry roamed the small dining room with their eyes, taking in the colors, pictures, and eclectic choice of décor.
Sara returned with a large loaf of steaming bread, placing it between them on the table with a large serrated knife. "May I?" Madame Giry asked Sara. "Be my guest…haa…haaa." Sara laughed at the irony.
Madame Giry began slicing the warm bread. Its scent was heavenly. Sara next brought a pitcher of milk, several jars of fruits, a plate of cheese, and a large platter of ham, and a dish of beans. She walked back to the stove retrieving the kettle of hot coffee, returning filling each cup. She put the kettle back on the stove, and made one final trip to the table with a plate of butter, and a dish of strawberry preserves.
The trio sat at the table, looking at one another. "We should eat before it cools." Sara said. Meg and Madame Giry lowered their heads, Sara, following their lead, doing the same. Madame Giry began "dear Heavenly Father, thank you for these wonderful gifts, may they be a blessing to us. Thank you for our new friend Sara, and may you bless her for sharing her home with us. We pray for all those who are affected by the fire…keep them safe, and may your will be done. Amen."
Meg picked up the ham, selecting a slice, then began passing the dishes one by one until all had taken what they wished. The bread was wonderful smothered in butter and preserves, such a treat. General conversation started easily, talking about how cold the winter had been, how the holidays had been dreadfully dreary weather, and about the new fashions that they'd seen in ladies textiles.
Soon, the general chatter out of the way, the group was silent. "Sara, thank you for taking us into your home, it was most generous of you." Madame Giry said. Sara interrupted "Did Meg not tell you of what we spoke of this morning?" "Why yes, yes she did. It was still gracious of you to extend your welcome to us without knowing for certain that we were your intended guests." Sara looked at Madame Giry, nodding her head in acknowledgement of the compliment.
"I don't know what our circumstances will be in the next week, but we will be making some arrangements, so you will not be unduly burdened." Sara smiled at Madame Giry. "I rather enjoy having friendly company. My children have long since grown and moved away, and my husband has been dead a number of years now. I don't get a lot of company that want to visit with their innkeeper. Do not worry about the end of the week. If something is not resolved, you are welcome to stay here until you find something."
Madame Giry smiled back at Sara. "This is indeed a lovely meal." Meg said. They all sat sipping their coffee, dipping into the jars of fruit, and enjoying their long, uninterrupted dinner. It had been a long while since any of them had felt that relaxed, or enjoyed their leisurely dinner as much.
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Raoul and the rest of the men made their way back up the stairs. Coming in through the doorway by the mirror still gave Raoul a chill. He would never know how long or often the Phantom had watched Christine through that mirror. His mind wandered to the lengthy interrogation that beast would receive if ever he was found. Raoul would want every detail, every instance….though that would do little to assuage his anger, or change the monster's demise. One after the other, they filed through the narrow door, until all at last were back at first floor of the Opera House.
Raoul led them all to the stage area where they sat down, unloading their packs, reaching in for some refreshment. Raoul stood in the center of the men. "I want to thank each of you for coming this morning. I recognize some of you from the group that traveled with me last evening." Raoul paused making a point to look each of the men in the eyes. "It is with great sadness that we sit now in the center of this Opera House, which has been the pride of Paris." The men began looking around at the burned seat cushions, the black char coatings on the gargoyles and sculptures. Fragments of the chandelier lay all around on the stage and in the theater. While nearly everything in view was covered with a thick black soot, many things appeared to be whole, and otherwise unharmed.
There would be months, and months of work to be done, cleaning and refurbishing, before music would again grace the hall. For many of the men sitting on the stage that day, it was their first time inside the walls of the Opera House. Only those in high society, or of noted musical or theatrical experience ever made it beyond the grand filigreed front doors. Sadly, the only sounds now were not musical, but rather the sounds of dripping water, and softly hissing sounds of fire breathing its last.
Raoul said "men, this morning we will make a list for each of you. We will section off the city, assigning each one a parcel to search. We will catalog any strange activity, and take notes from any witnesses. We shall search any open barns or abandoned dwellings. Interview innkeepers, and horsemen with carriages. We shall have this work done before nightfall tomorrow." Raoul looked around at the men, none complained or questioned. "I'll see to the details with your officer."
Raoul left the stage, went back outside, and to the stables where his horse was being held for him.
Raoul was in the deserted streets of Paris. He thought it oddly quiet for a Sunday afternoon. Making his way down to the same door he had been knocking at this very morning. The officer greeted him, this time in a much more amiable tone. "Monsieur De Chagny, do come in." Raoul entered without a smile or comment. There was business to tend to, and he intended to do it.