Raoul's group was assigned the Southern most corner of the city. A wide-open area, with farm houses, several stables, and many places offering opportunity for hiding. One by one, each barn, each house, each grain store, each milk-house, each carriage house, was scoured, nothing left unturned. Some of the residents being much agitated by having their properties searched a second day in a row. Raoul tried to calm them and assure them it was for their own safety, and for the safety of France itself that they were being so thorough. Perhaps it was his polished demeanor, his handsome good looks, or the crest on his jacket that soothed them, irregardless all comply to his requests.
Several other groups were charged with searching every handsome, with every carriage house, and any other form of transportation that might leave the city. Paris had been bustling, many coming in curiosity to look at the Opera House, and others leaving to find refuge with family until their employment returned. So many people had been employed by the Opera Populaire, now most were without work. Many names were taken, carriage operators interviewed. Now there was much to share, but most seemed legitimate, and some had yet to return.
Raoul's father had elected to wander about the city, peeking into many shops, and inns himself. He chatted with the locals, the innkeepers, the butchers and bakers. At last he found himself in front of Sara's inn. He opened the door, walking inside standing next to the small counter in front. The warmth felt good on his pink cheeks, and the smell of a dinner obviously in progress teased his nose. Sara came around from behind the door in the kitchen.
"Can I help you sir? I'm sorry that my inn is full until the end of the week sir, may I offer you the name of several other…" Raoul's father interrupted. "No, no, thank you. I'm not looking for lodging just now, that won't be necessary." He took off his hat inviting himself in looking about the dining room. Sara felt a bit uncomfortable, thinking the man might be wanting a meal. "Sir, the café three doors down has a wonderful lunch…" once again he cut Sara off mid-sentence. "I'm not looking for a meal, fine lady, I'm just chatting about with the innkeepers." He rested his hat on the table, both hands resting in front of him.
"No doubt you know of the tragedy that has befallen our great Opera Populaire." The man said, still roaming the room with inquisitive eyes. "As Patron of the Opera House, I've taken it upon myself to assist with the search for those responsible for such affairs."
"Oh, I see," Sara said, joining him at once at the table. She now realizing that this was Monsieur De Chagny who graced her inn this chilly morning. "I'd most like to be of service to you sir. The Opera House was of great interest to me, as many of my lodgers frequently were here to attend the opera."
Monsieur De Chagny smiled at her, knowing she was duly impressed, and that she would be most compliant. "Do tell me," he began, "have you had many guests in recent days?"
Sara smiled. "No, truth be told, one family has had my inn reserved for the week. Perhaps you know the ballet mistress from the Opera House, Madame Giry?" Sara said, trying to employ her most proper tone.
"Why yes, that name is familiar to me as she is on my payroll." De Chagny replied.
"Well, as fate would have it her aunt and uncle had been planning a surprise visit for the Saturday of the opera, hoping to see Meg and Christine performing."
De Chagny bristled a bit at the mention of Christine's name. "Really?" He said.
"As it turned out, they arrived just after the event, apparently so many hansoms had been employed that they were not able to find a carriage into the city until after the fire." Sara looked down, "perhaps it was best they had missed it, her uncle's lungs are not well, he'd not have tolerated all the smoke."
"Hmmm, I see." He said thoughtfully. "Are they here with you now?" He inquired.
"Yes, they are, but they have retired to their room for a rest before lunch." Sara replied.
"You said family, are there others?"
"Well, the others are Meg and Madame Giry of course, seeing as they had no other place to stay." Sara said, standing up to tend a pot that was beginning to boil over.
"They have been staying here with you?" He called out.
"Yes, they've been here since the night it happened." Suddenly Sara had an odd feeling that she was sharing more than she needed to, but where the feelings came from that were tugging at her, she did not know. For whatever reason now, she decided to omit some details from what she would tell him. "Yes, as luck would have it, my inn was empty that night, and I saw them in the street, freezing cold they were. I invited them in, knowing they'd need lodging for the night. In fact I've told them to stay as long as they liked, until they could make other arrangements." Sara said, returning to the table.
"I see. So how is it that one family ended up here together, doesn't it seem a bit odd to you?" he asked, trying to rattle her for information.
Sara, without a flinch responded, "I'm in no position to question fate sir. I find it no more odd than having you, the Opera House patron sitting at my dinner table now. Some things just happen because they do."
He chuckled to himself, realizing he had irritated her a bit, and that she had nothing more to offer him. Rising from the table he said "I'm sorry to have interrupted your meal preparations. Should you notice anything strange, anything out of the ordinary, please see to it that you contact my officers." With that he put on his hat and exited the door.
Behind the door in the kitchen, Meg breathed in a deep sigh of relief, a silent prayer had been answered. She put on as calm a face as she could manage, and walked out into the kitchen by Sara. "What on earth did he want…he wasn't looking for my mother was he…she is already at the Opera Populaire, he could have found her there if he had questions about the fire." Meg said, busying herself with setting the table.
"No, he was asking questions about my guests." Sara reached over and put a gentle hand under Meg's chin. Meg swallowed. "He was very cold to my mother when his family first came to the Opera House. He finds woman very trivial, more objects than people. He treated my mother not as a ballet mistress should have been, but more as a subject to be dominated. I've not preferred his company ever since."
Sara gave Meg a reassuring glance. "Not to worry my dear, he has graced our door but once, next time he'll not have such a warm reception." Meg smiled back at Sara politely "thank you" she replied.
"Now, how many of the sweet potatoes would you like me to peel for you." Sara smiled at her, realizing protesting was of no use "Ten I should think, they are small." Meg smiled, collecting that number in her apron, taking them to the basin to be washed.
XXXXX
Madame Giry had found her way to Mr. Firmin's office. They too were unharmed, but reeked of the burned remains that lay just beyond the doors. A cleaning woman, one of the few employees still working, busied herself wiping down each item, removing soot and film from it. The air was heavy with boiled water and hot vinegar.
Mr. Firmin's back turned to the door, barely heard Madame Giry knocking. "Sir, there is someone here to see you," the cleaning woman finally offered. "Oh, do pardon me…..come in…do come in." His friendly demeanor welcoming his first visitor in days.
"Madame Giry, I'm a bit surprised to see you here…none of your students are able.." "Thank you sir, I am well aware that all of my charges have been taken in by families as temporary governesses, or their families have come to retrieve them." She smiled politely as she sat in the chair across from his desk. "It is in fact that very reason that brings me here today."
"Oh, I see, you are most welcome, you and your daughter to stay in your dorms if.." Madame Giry interrupted. "It is a comfort that you are willing to offer us lodging. However, my aunt and uncle have come for a visit, and upon hearing of our situation, have offered to bring us to their home for the next month or so until things can be sorted out here. An Opera House without students has little use for a ballet mistress. I shall leave word with your office as to our location so that when you are ready, you could call for my return if that is your wish."
Mr. Firmin looked somewhat relieved. He did not have to offer her a place to stay, decidedly less expensive. "And your salary…we shall compensate you for your time away…with the guarantee of your promise to return when we are ready." Madame Giry nodded. "That would be most appreciated, as I do not want to be an undue burden to my uncle."
"When will you be traveling?" Mr. Firmin said as he stood walking behind a small wall in his office, collecting items from a box. "We shall leave by week's end if we are able. My uncle's health is not doing well in this cold damp air, I'm afraid his cough grows worse with each day he stays." Madame Giry hated this feeling. She was unaccustomed to being untruthful, but there was no alternative now.
"This should see you through for the next six weeks." Mr. Firmin said handing Madame Giry a small envelope. "You and I have not spent much time together, it is my regret." He said smiling at her. "I am a businessman, and know full well that an Opera House is dependant on fine talent, but also on the strength of those we employ to train our talent. Your reputation as an excellent ballet mistress has been well founded. We trust that you will return to us when we are ready. The Opera Populaire, and your charges, would not be the same without you here." Mr. Fermin took Madame Giry's hand in his, kissing it graciously.
Madame Giry rose, blushing. "Thank you for your kind words. I too shall miss this place, and look forward to returning when all is ready." Madame Giry left quickly, emotions catching in her chest. She knew she would never grace the inside of those walls again. Her life was forever altered now, no turning back. She had changed Erik's life by bringing him into her home years ago, now he was changing hers…and what home he was taking her to she did not know.
Madame Giry was outside now, gasping for breath in the chill of the noon air. She looked across the street at the door of the inn, curiously at the figure that now was walking away from the door just shut. Her hand immediately rose to her chest, a small gasp emitting from her throat. "What is he doing there?" Her eyes quickly darting around to see if he was summoning police. She watched as he casually strode toward her, crossing the street.
Before she could think what to say, he was in front of her. "Good day to you Madame Giry." He said, tipping his hat. "Good day to you sir Monsieur De Chagny."
"I've just been visiting with your innkeeper. Humorous woman. She told me of your aunt and uncle…how fortunate that they have come to town for a visit."
Madame Giry, mustering every bit of poise she possessed replied "why yes it is. I was most pleased to see them. They often come for a visit in the Spring to see Meg perform."
De Chagny was searching her face for any bit of unease, finding none, he continued. "I see you've come from the Opera House, I trust you found Mr. Firmin." She nodded. "I've asked him to see that the needs of certain employees would be taken care of until we are able to reopen the doors. Did he discuss this with you?"
Madame Giry nodded again. "Then it is settled, you and your lovely daughter, Meg isn't it?" He inquired. Madame Giry nodded. "Shall be able to remain at the Opera House. We will make whatever accommodations necessary to make you comfortable given the present circumstances."
"Good sir, that will not be necessary." Madame Giry said. Monsieur De Chagny looked most indignantly at her. "You must have some place to stay, surely you cannot afford to lodge at the inn.."
Madame Giry interrupted. "My uncle has offered to take Meg and I to their home in the country for a month or so until affairs have been put in order here. They have room, and would enjoy the company. Truthfully my uncle is not well, and I think my aunt would appreciate having someone to help her for awhile."
"I see. So when would you depart?" He asked.
"Near the end of the week I should think, this cold air has been terrible for his lungs, and I'm certain that he would rather not tarry any longer than necessary." Madame Giry said.
"And, your intentions to return?" He asked.
"Yes, when we are ready to begin training again, and the dorms are repaired." She said. He nodded in acknowledgement.
"Very well then. Mr. Firmin gave you your salary did he not?" He asked.
"Yes, and thank you. It does my heart much favor to be appreciated in this way. Your kindness is overwhelming." She nearly choked on her own words.
"You are most welcome. Good day to you Madame." He turned abruptly and continued his walk to the front doors of the Opera House.
Madame Giry breathed a sigh of relief. So far, things were going as planned. She could hardly wait to find out about the visit De Chagny had paid to their inn. She trusted that Meg would remember every detail.
XXXX
Upstairs, Erik paced the floor. He had been listening to the muffled conversations in the rooms below, only making out bits and pieces of it. He was at once relieved when he heard the door close, and no one rushing in. As he saw De Chagny disappear into the Opera House, and Madame Giry walk back at a leisurely pace, he breathed a sigh of relief and retired to a chair, sweat beading on his brow. He loosened his cravat.
Christine was just returning from her bath. She had thankfully missed the entire incident. He would tell her, but not now. "Oh, how wonderful I feel" she said wiggling about under her robe. She saw the look on Erik's face and immediately went to him, kneeling before him, taking his hands into hers. "Whatever is it….you look like you've seen a ghost."
Erik sighed, looking at her he said "I'm just thinking of what we need to do soon. Much depends on all of us acting in unison, keeping our guards up, and watching our speech and gesture."
She smiled up at him. "I know," she said reassuringly.
"Christine, these last few days have been like heaven to me" he began. "I've never known such happiness, and if my life were to end tomorrow, I would leave this world having known…true love."
Christine looked up, a worried look on her face. "Don't talk like that Erik, it frightens me." She said.
"I have no intentions of leaving you my dear, I wanted simply for you to know. The coming days will not afford us much privacy, indeed, we will likely share small rooms, tight carriages, and the like."
Christine knew what he was saying to her. "I understand my dear husband. I have much enjoyed our closeness, indeed it has been a happiness I have never known." Erik smiled at her with his smoldering eyes. She was his, he was hers, they shared this with each other alone.
"I shall long for your touch, in the darkness of the night, yet I understand our honeymoon will be cut short due to our travel arrangements." She looked down resting her chin on his knee, protruding her lower lip just slightly, then batting her eyes back up at him.
Erik pulled her up into his arms, kissing her neck, and then burying his head into her plentiful mounds of still damp curls, inhaling deeply. "I promise to make this up to you, once we are safe. We shall not have to deny ourselves then, not ever again after that." He breathed into her ear.
Christine pressed her lips against his, gently removing the loose bandages from his cheek. She ran her fingers through his hair, bringing her hands down to both sides of his face, cupping it into her hands. Erik looked pleadingly into her eyes muttering with his now parted lips "we have much to do Chri…"
She seized him in an intense kiss, pushing his head back against the chair. Her hands slipping down to untie her robe, pushing it from her shoulders. Erik gasped "Christine why do you…" he trailed off as he took her into his arms responding to the passion he saw in her eyes. He rose, Christine in his arms, robe dropping to the floor. She leaning into him all the more. The bed was too far, and he was too far gone. Some day he would be able to control himself, but that day was not today.