Sara woke as she heard the milk cart clattering by the inn at first light. She was up and out of her nightclothes before the chill of the air could phase her. She would prepare a wonderful breakfast for her guests, for today she knew would be a busy one.
Sara stumbled to the front door to gather in the morning deliveries of milk and eggs. She noticed a small box next to the normal crate. She smiled, wondering if something had been left there by mistake. She lifted it into her apron, collecting the crate in her arms. She went back inside and closed the door, carrying her collection to the counter. Pulling the box from her apron, she noticed that the top contained a singular note: "Sara LaFound", inside was a beautiful broach, and a note "Thank you for your kindness and your company yesterday. It does my heart well to know that Madame Giry and her daughter Meg have been taken in by such a fine woman. Do give my regards to your guests this morning, and let them know that I shall be by this afternoon for a visit." Raoul, Vicomte De Chagny.
Sara's heart was taken aback. It hadn't been since her husband passed on that she'd received a gift such as this. She proudly took it from its paper, placing it on her dress. Of course it looked a bit out of place on the plain woolen fabric, but she wouldn't dream of not wearing it when he visited. It seemed silly, but she felt like a fine woman as she went about her morning's work. Something about that jewelry made her feel light as a feather.
XXXXX
Christine woke up, stretching as far as her arms and legs would allow. Her hand searching the bed next to her; finding it empty. She sat up a little, the room still dark with the exception of the small fire that still smoldered. She slipped from beneath the covers, her feet alighting on the floor, she shivered at the feel of the cold wood on her soles.
Opening the door to the hallway, seeing only the company of the small gas lamps that lit the way to the water closet. She could tell that Sara was already awake; the bitter aroma of the first morning pot of coffee brewing. She padded quietly down to hall, entering the small room, closed the door behind her.
She peered into the mirror as she began washing her face. She splashed a bit of cool water on it, letting the water run down her neck as she sat staring at herself in the mirror. "You aren't little Lottie anymore" she said smiling at herself. No one would have convinced her that a few days time could change her life, and yet it had.
Last week she had been engaged to another man…and this week she was the bride of the man she truly loved. Something about the intimacy of the marriage bed made her feel older, yes, decidedly older, but not old. The very feeling of being that close to someone changes you…makes you feel different. "That's what God intended…two shall become as one," she thought to herself. She just stared and stared trying to see that innocent young girl's face again….but she was gone…in her place was Erik's wife. An excited giggle reverberated through her as she began running the brush through her hair, tying it back with a satin ribbon.
She finished her sponge bath, smoothing lotion onto her skin. A new day was beginning. The travels would be long, perhaps dangerous, as they went through with their plan. "Once we are outside of the city…it will be easier" she thought to herself. She began the long process of powdering, plumping, and hunching, getting into character for the first formal meal the group had been to together.
XXXXX
Erik was puffing silently as he made his way back to the inn. He'd not had much sleep, preparing the last of things that he had to tend to before they left. He'd gone to retrieve more of his small fortune, securing the remainder far into a deep cavern where none would ever find it.
He'd been certain of a comfortable life with just Christine, but he had two others to think about now. He'd felt odd in the beginning….taking a salary at the Opera House…but he did "work" for the money, providing guidance, music, set construction plans and the like.
Most of the salary he was sure was paid out of fear, a promise to do no harm in exchange for a small fortune. Now, he was grateful that he had taken it…for it would have been nearly impossible to carry out his plans now without it. He had used so little of it, most of what he did spend having been done in the last months procuring the necessities for Christine.
Erik was always careful returning to the inn. He thought about going back in through the window in his room, but then thought better of it as dawn was breaking, and his movements would look oddly out of place for a man his age. He waited just a few doors down until he saw Sara disappear into the kitchen again, and slipped in through the front door that he'd unlatched before he left that night.
Stealthily he mounted the stairs, making barely a sound. He traveled the hallway, noticing a small flicker of light under Meg and Madame Giry's room, he stopped and knocked softly. Without a word, Madame Giry appeared at the door. Over her shoulder Erik could see Meg still asleep in her bed. Madame Giry opened the door slightly, letting Erik slip in. She motioned him over to where she had been packing a large trunk.
Erik reached out touching her shoulder, then handed her a bulging envelope, nodding he turned and left the room. She opened it as she sat down on the bed. Inside there were a variety of things. Several maps, a set of keys, a note, and a tightly wound stack of silver notes. She gasped, Erik had included a full month's salary, she couldn't imagine why.
She lifted the note, sad smile on her face, the old familiar paper in her hand, she thought it might be the last note she'd receive from him. The note read "My dearest Madame Giry: It is my hope that our travel plans go well, and we arrive without incident. To that end these items, with the exclusion of the silver notes, can be returned to me when we arrive. The first group, is for you to provide to your employer so that they may find you when the time is appropriate for your return. The second is for your personal use, keep it with you at all times, it will provide direction for you should you need it. Yours truly, Uncle Stephan."
Madame Giry looked at the carefully tied group of parchment, a different type of paper was used, and it had Mr. Firmin scrawled on its cover. The second, a more familiar stationary, was addressed to Madame Giry. She unlashed the bundle with her name on it. Inside was a brief cryptic note. "Keep this safe at all times, on your person is preferable. Should the need arise, this will provide you with directions to a safe haven." Attached was a small map to a town just outside of France, the name of man to find, and specifics regarding a house and those who tended it. Madame Giry quickly tucked those items, the money, and the keys into a stocking, and lashed it around her thigh. Under the large dress, it was barely noticeable, she was thankful.
The other envelope for Mr. Firmin, she laid on the dresser, she would see to its delivery later. Madame Giry understood what Erik was doing…he wanted to be sure that no matter what happened, that she and her daughter, perhaps Christine would be cared for. "He never abandons those he cares for…never," she thought smiling as she returned to her packing.
Erik slipped down the hall and into his room. Christine was not in the bed. He peered behind the dressing screen, but she was not there. He sat down on the chair by the fireplace, resting his eyes.
Soon there was movement by the door, Christine came back into the room. Erik turned slightly, looking at the poor old hunched woman, and smirked as he realized Christine was readying herself for the day.
"My dear Elizabeth" Erik said. Christine jumped. "You startled me Stephan! Where is it you were off to so early in the morning?" Christine now standing erect moved across the room to the chair beside him. "I had several last things to attend to my dear." Erik said rising to give Christine a quick tender kiss. "Good morning love," he said to her.
Christine smiled and settled herself into the chair. The extra padding around her middle, and the thick makeup on her face making her feel unattractive. She smiled at Erik, rolling her eyes and pointing to her hair. Erik smiled and winked at Christine.
Her heart leapt in her chest. "Did he just wink at her? He'd never done that before." She smiled coyly. She rose, going over to him, kissing him on the cheek, and once more tenderly on the lips. He would never cease to surprise her. She moved to the bed, smoothing the blankets down, and began to arrange all of her clothing on the bed. "Come, we must start packing for our travels" Christine said. "You go ahead my dear" Erik replied "I must rest my eyes for but a few moments." Christine replied "that's fine my dear, you rest. I'll wake you for breakfast. Why don't you lay on the bed?"
Christine began shifting things off of it to make room for him. "No, I prefer to stay here by the fire. Thank you just the same." Erik said, head now reclining against the back of the chair.
Christine wondered how many nights he'd slept like that, watching over her, or pouring over his music. As far as she could tell he'd never had a proper bed…in his small room in the caverns, he'd slept in…slept in…she could barely think of it…a coffin! She shook her head, trying to dislodge the awful thought. She smiled, from now on, each night, he would be invited to bed, to the side of his wife. She happily went about folding and packing as Erik slept in the chair.
XXX
The sun was shining fully in through the windows in Sara's kitchen. A warm golden glow lit the dining room. All the china was in place, goblets of fresh juice on the side of each plate. Serving platters were on the counter, awaiting their courses. The coffee was brewed and hot. Sara was just bringing the eggs to the pan when she heard footsteps on the stairs.
"Good morning Sara!" Madame Giry said as she rounded the corner into the kitchen. "Good morning to you too Madame!" "Is there anything that I might do to help you this morning?" Madame Giry said, looking around the room at the feast that Sara was preparing.
"You must be expecting an army Sara, look at this." Sara turned smiling to Madame Giry. "I can't have my guests going off hungry now can I? What kind of innkeeper would I be?" The two women laughed. "May I?" Madame Giry said, motioning toward the dish of fruits that were on the counter. Sara smiled and nodded. She'd long given up hope that her guests would behave as guests; refusing assistance now would be like denying family. The two busied themselves making the last preparations. For all outward appearances, they behaved as family, and enjoyed one another's company s if they were.
XXX
Raoul was still asleep when his father arrived. The elder De Chagny hadn't slept yet, having entertained until dawn.
At his son's house his father was greeted with the greatest respect, being met at the door by the servants, hot cup of coffee, and an escort to a proper room, with a warm fire. He slumped into the chair by the fire, feeling tired of course, but satisfied that he had planted all the necessary seeds in the city last night. It would be hard for anyone to slip in or out of the city now, he had employed every spy he could think of. Flattery, expensive food, and flowing liquor had ensured they were duly impressed, and now likely fiercely loyal for hopes of more of the same treatment that they had enjoyed that night.
He didn't really care for rubbing shoulders with the commoners in that way, but he would stop at nothing to help his son reclaim his true love. Somehow he hoped that this resolution would absolve him of his own wretched past.
He'd known many women before, and since his wife, but he'd only loved her…he didn't want Raoul to be denied his one chance for true love. Perhaps Christine could be a suitable daughter-in-law, with the proper educating. He closed his eyes and fell off into a deep, heavy slumber
Author's Notes:
My sincerest thank you to all of you for your reviews. I am enjoying being a part of this cyber-family. I imagine us all scattered around the world, different time zones, different hemispheres…all linked together by a story that was started so very long ago. Little did Gaston know that his story would be enjoyed by generations to come! There are quite literally hundreds of us now re-writing the ending to this tragic love story, each ending to suit our own hearts. It's a lot like life really, we each are given one, and we get to decide how the story goes, and hopefully, how it ends. It really makes you think about the past, present, and the future, all intricately connected by the gift of literature!
Captain Oblivious: Ahhh…yes….driving you mad has become quite a game! Somewhat akin to fencing don't' you think? Loss…love is tragedy…a bittersweet symphony would be simply splendid…I can hear it now…hmmmmm….sorry, lost in thought. Yes, it is fated that this be a romantic love story…something dreamy about it, and try though I might, I cannot help but be lost in it myself. I am a Phantom fan through and through….but I must say I share your sentiment about Gerard….I've rather been thinking about changing my address to Scotland! Oh…back to the story… Raoul, yes, our dear sweet Raoul….he has a fate also…but I cannot share it with you….it must reveal itself! I hope you enjoy the coming chapters….they are…they are….well, you'll just have to read them and decide for yourself!
Ethalas Tuath'an: Thank you for the compliment. I had hoped no one would mind that I tarried at the Inn for such a long time. So much has to happen to build to the next events, and in order to do that, a solid structure must be formed, allaying any question in the future. Yes, they will attempt to leave Paris…did I just say that? Anyway, Raoul must mourn, for he has lost his great love…his one great love…something that bound the strings of his past, his present, and his future together in a way that nothing else in his life had managed to. Mourning like that could go on for a lifetime….maybe it will…..maybe it won't….either way, Raoul needed a little relief don't you think? I hope you enjoy the next chapters!
Christine de Nuit: Thank you for the compliment. Reviews such as these keep me going on! I hope you enjoy the next chapters as much as I did!
Cravann: Thank you! That is such a beautiful time in history, the language was so eloquent, I'd hate to cheat that by using words that were too modern. I love to find others who get lost in the story! Literature is a form of escape for me, and I, like you, can become lost in it for hours! I've been known to pick up a book in the morning with my coffee, and before I know it I'm weeping at the end and it is dark outside! Sorry about your day off…I hope it was enjoyable anyway! The next chapters are special I think, they build the bridge for what's coming next!
Glitter Queen of the Ice Show: All in good time my dear, all in good time! Perhaps it is fated, perhaps it is not…maybe fate has other plans…..
Phantomadark: Thank you for your compliment. I hope you can catch up on the next chapters….I promise, it will be worth it!
Waytoointoerik: Sorry about being late for work! If you give my your boss's e-mail, I'll write you a note to excuse your tardiness! Thank you for keeping up with the story! I know…when Raoul was there I was on pins and needles, my fingers couldn't keep up with my mind, I was typing so fast as the adrenaline coursed through my veins! I'm afraid that they aren't out of the woods just yet…or maybe into the woods….hmmmm
Diveprincess: I didn't mean to make you cry….oh…who am I kidding….I cried like a baby myself! Oh bittersweet love…they are such a romantic pair…. I hope you enjoy the next few chapters!
Cinafran: Thank you for the note about Giry vs Jiry. I've corrected the error in my ways in the coming chapters…I've a few reviewers who carefully guided me in the right direction regarding my spelling, or should I say mis-spelling. Thank you for joining the journey…it may be a bumpy one…but I hope I can make you smile from time to time!