Madame Giry and Meg were waiting at the bottom of the stairs, small travel bags in hand. Sara sat nervously at the table, patting the amply packed basket that was ready for them.
Christine and Erik moved slowly down the hallway, taking in each scent, each creak of the floorboards as they passed over them. This had been a safe haven, a honeymoon nest, and now it was time to leave it behind. Erik had one hand around Christine's shoulder, and she, her head in the crook of his arm. When they reached the top of the stairs, Erik leaned down and put his cloak around Christine, pulling her to him, he gave her one last passionate kiss. "My bride…bless you for loving me…for leading me from my solitude." Christine managed to smile before a single tear ran down her cheek. She looked into his eyes and whispered "it is you who saved me." Erik pulled her close, embracing her as though it was the last time he would ever lay eyes on her. Their last moment alone, as they turned, going down the stairs as Stephan and Elizabeth…the elderly Mr. & Mrs. Courtland.
"Uncle!" Meg rose, going to the stairs to meet Stephan as he came to the first landing. She gently took his arm, as he clung to the banister with his other. Elizabeth took hold of his cane, tucking it under her own. Step by step, they continued until they were at last in the room with Sara.
Sara rose, the first hint of tears showing on her face. She quickly brushed them away. They stood for a brief moment before Meg went to Sara and gave her a long hug. Sara let out a singular sob, patting Meg on the back. "Good travels to you Miss. You take good care of your aunt and uncle, and be a blessed helper to your mother." Meg said "I will Sara. I shall miss you…but perhaps I'll visit." Sara smiled, knowing Meg was making pleasantries.
Madame Giry next stepped in and embraced Sara. "Thank you for your generosity, your friendship. May your life be blessed because of the kindness you've shown." Madame Giry looked at Sara and then took her hand in hers and squeezed it reassuringly.
Stephan and Elizabeth did not move toward Sara, so she walked to them, gently hugging each one, so as not to harm their fragile state. "Mr. Courtland, it has been a pleasure having you and your family stay at my inn. When the Opera House is again ready for their arrival, I do hope you will come for a visit with your lovely wife." She smiled at Stephan who simply nodded to her. "Thank you Sara, it has been a most pleasant visit."
Elizabeth knew she needed to say something to this woman who had been their friend for so few days, yet had done so much for them. No words really could express her gratitude for her kindness. Sara turned, looking at Elizabeth, immediately going to embrace her. She whispered in her ear "do not worry my dear, everything will be alright once you're outside of the city." Sara pulled away smiling at her. Elizabeth was a bit confused ,but managed to say "thank you Sara, thank you so very much…for everything."
The group moved through the dining room to the back door in the kitchen where the hansom was waiting. Sara opening the door for them. Stephan went out first, taking each lady by the hand as she made her way down the two steps to the cobblestone alley.
Meg and Madame Giry helped Elizabeth into the carriage first, placing her in the seat facing forward. Stephan joined her next, struggling to climb in without falling. Meg helped her mother in, and then slipped in herself.
Sara leaned into the carriage tucking the basket in along the far wall between them. "God's speed to you, may your journey be safe, your travel swift, and all things work out as they should my friends." Sara wiped the tears from her face as she closed the door.
The carriage lurched forward and they were off. They rode in silence through the streets of Paris. The curtains partially open so that they could see out as they traveled. They noon-day sun streaming in as they went by the familiar markets, the seamstress shop that all, including Erik, had frequented. The bakeries, where wonderful scents of raising bread and cream filled pastries wafted into the carriage. The blacksmith shop, the leather shop, the library. All things familiar in the many years they'd spent in the city. Not one inside the carriage knew if they would ever see those things again.
The carriage jostled back and forth as the horse's hooves met the uneven ground moving out of the proper streets, and onto those that were a mix of both dirt and stone. Meg and Madame Giry had leaned back closing their eyes not wishing to look at this poorer part of the city. Had they not been blessed by living in the Opera House, they too might have found themselves in this section of housing, where cleanliness of the kind they were accustomed to did not exist.
Christine was still careful to hold her cloak over her head, but could not resist peeking out at the curious eyes that wandered back and forth to the carriage, some seething with jealousy, others now thoroughly annoyed with carriages rattling by their homes…there had been hundreds.
Erik sat unmoving, glancing out the window occasionally, and among the three women whose lives he was now responsible for. It was an odd sort of exhilaration really. He felt like a protective father, husband, brother, taking his brood to the country for the Spring. It felt, almost normal, something that would have been in the reality of a world he'd never known. "A gentleman, escorting his ladies" he half smiled to himself as his gaze wandered from Meg to Madame Giry, to his Christine.
They'd been traveling nearly half an hour when Erik shifted toward the window, the exposed flesh of his deformity, pressing against the glass. There was a great deal of commotion outside, as the carriage began to slow. He could hear horses, and men's voices were plentiful. "Good Sir, please allow us to inspect your carriage."
Erik sat straight up, tapping each lady with his finger, and raising it then to his lips as they stirred. Madame Giry looked wide-eyed at Erik not knowing what to expect. Christine had fallen asleep and was bleary eyed as she woke, her eyes too growing wide as she realized they were no longer moving, her eyes moving to Erik, searching him for direction.
Meg opened her eyes looking around to see Erik raising his finger to his lips once again, decided to slump back into the corner and feign sleep. The carriage tipped a bit back and forth as the hansom dismounted. Erik could hear muffled conversation not ten feet from them. Joseph's voice came through louder. "I tell you, this is a family traveling away from the Opera House, they've been at an Inn in the city."
There were footsteps toward the door, at least three pairs Erik decided. He heard the hand come up to the handle of the door, and then Joseph's voice again. "If you have questions regarding this family, you may talk to Monsieur De Chagny, he inspected them himself as the woman was his employee, the ballet mistress Madame Giry, her daughter and her aunt and uncle. If you'd like to dispatch a messenger to the Opera House, you may, I'm sure you'd find him their in one of his offices."
The hand pulled away from the door, Madame Giry breathing a sigh of relief, Christine relaxing back into Erik's shoulder. The man walked away with Joseph.
"We were instructed to inspect every carriage, every carriage no matter who it contained. These are unusual times good Sir, we cannot be too careful. We could wait for a messenger, or we could simply get this over with and inspect it now. If everything's in order as you say, you'll be on your way in a few moments time." There was a long pause. "Very well." Erik heard Joseph say.
Erik felt to make sure his bandages were still in order. Christine pulled the hood down even further. Madame Giry breathed deeply, trying to muster all of her stoic poise. The stones beneath the boots of a half-dozen men came to the side of the carriage. "On one condition sir," Joseph said "the older pair should not have to remove themselves, it is so difficult for them to get in and out."
The door flung open, the full light of day spilled in. Meg was still pretending to be asleep in the corner, when she felt a hand on her knee. "Miss, Miss…" Madame Giry nudged her daughter. "Meg dear, wake up." Meg opened her eyes slightly, yawning sleepily said "are we here already, my that was a fast…." She paused. "Mother, why are we stopped here?" Again she heard "Miss, please give me your hand." She looked down at the extended hand, realizing there was no other choice. Her mother nodded so she took the hand and allowed the young officer to help her out of the carriage.
She tried not to look startled as her first foot hit the ground. There were several dozen horses, carts and carriages that formed a barricade to the road out of the city. There were dozens more officers performing various duties in the distance, her focus now was on the dozen or so that were surrounding them now as she disembarked. "Thank you, she said, as the hand released hers.
Next came out Madame Giry, looking irritated, her eyes darting towards Joseph. "What is the meaning of this?" she said, looking at the officer who now held her hand to assist. "We're under orders to search all carriages coming and going from the City" he said coldly, trying to maintain the upper hand, sensing that her age and demeanor superceded his own. "Hmmp" she replied, coming to rest next to her daughter.
"And the others?" an older officer came walking forward talking to Joseph. He was about to speak when Madame Giry interrupted. "They are my aunt and uncle, Mr. & Mrs. Stephan Courtland. It is difficult for them, given their age to…." The older officer, Mr. Quinn, now moved forward, coming face to face with Madame Giry, stern look in his eye. "I don't care if they are the King and Queen of England, Madame, they'll acquiesce to this search, if I have to remove them from the carriage myself!"
Erik swallowed hard, glancing at Christine. He'd always been more comfortable in shadows, how he longed now for the dark recesses of the Opera House. The full noon-day sun was shining, every eye examining them for any trace of impropriety.
Christine had lowered her head, knowing that these moments could alter their life forever. She glanced over at Erik, hoping to see comfort, reassurance in his eyes, but there was none.
A pair of young officers entered the carriage, the first immediately averting his eyes when he saw Erik's exposed flesh. "Sir, we must inspect this carriage," he said, a more respectful tone than the man outside the carriage took. "Very well" Erik said, his voice hoarse and gravely. "Elizabeth, my dear, it is alright for you to go first" he said looking over at her.
The two young men carefully assisted Elizabeth down the steps of the carriage, being as respectful as they possibly could, feeling guilty for having to dislodge her after seeing she could not right herself fully, leaning heavily on her cane. General Quinn searching her with his eyes, looking at her clothing, her cane, her hood. He walked toward her, peering under it, Christine straining her eyes, pulling upon her most strained face to greet his. "Madame," he reached out his hand to hers and led her over to a small bench to one side. Christine followed, shuffling her feet a bit, until she was fully seated.
The other two had again disappeared inside the carriage. A large amount of shifting and rocking came from the inside, and hoarse coughing. First one young officer climbed out, hands extended, then Stephan's cane emerged, followed by a foot and arm. He groaned loudly as his torso and last leg came down to rest on the first step. For full affect Erik knew he had to distort his features, opening his marred eye as far as he could, he raised his head as his face lifted toward the onlookers.
A gasp rose from the group as they saw the flesh that looked as though it had been melted by the heat of a great explosion. Almost all averted their eyes, looking at one another, or at the ground. General Quinn did not, he walked forward and stood several feet away from the three until the coughing had stopped and Stephan was flat footed on the ground himself.
"And whom am I addressing?" Madame Giry stepped forward, attempting to answer, the General raising his hand indicating she should stop. "Whom am I addressing?" he said again, looking Erik right in the face. Oh how Erik wanted to lunge forward, to make the man pay for his indignity. He fought this urge, as his rage grew within him. "TO WHOM DO I SPEAK!" General Quinn shouted in his face, droplets of spit spraying Erik's face.
Joseph stepped forward, feeling a bit protective now, most assured that Monsieur De Chagny would not approve of this harassment. Erik started to cough, a deep throaty cough, phlegm rising to his lips, he spat it out, inches from General Quinn's boot. The General looking at him, now seething with anger that he had to push this old fool this far to elicit a reply.
Erik looked up, tilting his head slightly, exposing the most hideous part of his face to the General. He began, in slow, labored breaths "I am Stephan Courtland and that…." He paused, raising a shaky cane-filled hand towards Christine "is my wife Elizabeth" he lowered it, almost dropping the cane, one of the young officers reaching out to keep him from falling. This was almost torture for everyone watching, something akin to watching an old dog being beaten for involuntary disobedience. General Quinn never wavered.
Erik coughed several more times, a wheeze rising from his lungs. "That is my niece….Madame Giry……ballet mistress…." Erik slouched just a bit, struggling under the weight of his own frame, the second young officer coming to his aid.
"Take him over there" General Quinn said, pointing his arm sharply toward a bench on the other side of the barricade, "I should like to question him further." The first young officer put his hand under Erik's armpit, uttering a quiet "I'm sorry sir" under his breath. The second officer grabbing Erik's other elbow.
The people surrounding this torture began to rustle around and dissipate, the show hopefully now over, most shaking their heads as they hung toward the ground, some muttering things like "cruel", "unnecessary", "disrespectful." None liked or respected General Quinn, he was a henchman of sorts for De Chagny, but all feared him, and none questioned his methods…at least not to his face. An officer led Madame Giry and Meg each to a separate bench, yards away from one another. They would be interrogated, one-by-one.
General Quinn motioned with his arms for the officers to leave he and Stephan alone. The officers retreated ten yards or so. Quinn came down to rest next to Stephan, looking him in the eye, searching the skin that faced him, red and raised, pock marks dotting the surface. "Sir, I meant no harm in addressing you" he began. "Surely a man such as yourself, having obviously witnessed great horrors, should understand the need for compliance, to keep a proper tone with one's troops."
Stephan nodded, coughing just slightly. "Now, do tell me, what are your plans…where is it that you and your family are headed now, and where have you come from?" Stephan began, slowly, deliberately, explaining why they had come for a brief visit, how the tragedy in Paris had altered their plans, and how they were now returning to their spring home, Courtland Manor, with Meg and Madame Giry until the Opera House was rebuilt.
It took some time, as Erik paused, coughing, wheezing. The General had motioned for an officer to bring a cup of coffee to them, he then offering it to Stephan. "It is most difficult to care for one's family, traveling with three women should prove to be a bit of a chore, listening to their infernal chattering!" Quinn now trying to joke a bit with Stephan.
Erik was masterful, disguise had been his survival, and now it appeared he was passing the muster of the General's test. "Rest here, Mr. Courtland. I've a bit to discuss with my men, and then you'll be on your way." He stood, walking toward Madame Giry.
Erik breathing in and out rapidly, shallowly, hoping none would notice the relief in his posture. He was at once grateful that the four of them had discussed there plans in detail, each should have no trouble replicating the information that Erik had now provided. Erik's eyes wandered to Meg, who was chatting with one of the young officers, flirting even, Erik wanted to chuckle, but did no such thing.
He could only see the outline of Christine's huddled frame. She sat, her hood facing toward the ground, it appeared she was resting her head on her cane. How he wished to go to her, to comfort her….there would be time for that later in the carriage.
The questioning seemed to take forever. Several other officers had searched the contents of the basket in the carriage, had opened several of the trunks, and finding women's garments inside, along with personal items, had quickly closed them. They tarried a bit too long on the underside of the carriage, making Erik nervous. He had hid his sword and part of his funds under a flap beneath the carriage, and the officer's hands had run over it several times. When it seemed they were satisfied, they closed the carriage door, and walked back to the group of men who now assembled by the fence, awaiting further instructions from General Quinn.
At last he came to rest next to Christine. "Madame Courtland?" Christine nodded. "Do tell me of your plans. From where have you come, and to where are you traveling now?" Christine's mouth was dry, her throat was dry, it added a layer of pretense she was thankful for now. "My husband and I were paying a surprise visit to see Meg in the Spring production at the Opera House. We arrived to find the Opera House in ruins, and Meg and my niece Madame Giry, quite without a home." Christine paused, gasping for breath. "My dear Stephan is not well, and I tire in caring for him, as it is sometimes quite a chore, the bathing, the dressing….." Christine hung her head a bit more. "Madame Giry was willing to help us open up Courtland Manor for the Spring, and I'll appreciate the help." She stopped, not wanting to say any more.
General Quinn looked down, trying to get a better glimpse of this woman, who seemed did not want to come out from beneath that hood. He was reaching out toward it when he was distracted by a loud pounding of hooves in the distance. Christine coughed, trying to keep her mind from reeling…if he finds me, he will find Erik, and God knows what will happen….her mind raced to the hiding place, the rock, the tunnels…could she find her way there if she needed to?
General Quinn stood, abruptly walking away from her, moving instead toward the direction of the incoming horses. She glanced up to see what was happening. "Reinforcement?" she thought to herself. But as her eyes rose she was immediately aware of who was coming. The first in the group was a large white steed, a magnificent creature, that belonged to only one man….Raoul. She didn't know whether to be relieved or horrified….was he there because they suspected…or because of the messenger that departed as soon as they had been stopped to be searched.
Officer Quinn nodded to Raoul as he dismounted the horse, the two of them walking a short distance away from the others. She could see Raoul's stance and being quite familiar with his body language, sensed that he was angry. She could see General Quinn lowering his head nodding, as he turned and began walking back toward where Madame Giry, Erik, and she sat sitting on separate benches.
Raoul stood watching him and then turned and walked toward Meg. Meg had been watching Raoul, the other officers whom she had been chatting with, now forgotten. Christine saw as Meg smiled at him as Raoul joined her on the bench. She saw as Meg blushed, and as Raoul reached out and briefly touched Meg's hand. She wished she could hear what they were saying, but the distance was too great. It was probably best she decided, this jealousy made no sense at all….she was Erik's wife….and this sentiment served no purpose now. She looked away, glancing toward Erik, who had been staring at her, for how long she didn't know.
General Quinn had walked back to the group of men who stood by the fence, dispensing verbal orders, the men each retreating to their tents. Quinn walked back toward Stephan. He looked more contrite than he had been just an hour before as he had shouted questions in his face, no doubt his demeanor had changed because of the Vicomte's arrival.
Several officers now moved over to Madame Giry and Christine, helping them to stand and moving them over and into the carriage. Erik glanced once more at Christine, who was now chatting quietly with Madame Giry, as women in those circumstances would normally do.
General Quinn stopped now in front of Stephan, addressing him. "Sir, the Vicomte has confirmed your information, and has made arrangements for you to have an escort to your next stop, so that no further interruptions will be made to your journey." He looked down a bit, realizing he had overdone the search, much to the displeasure of the De Chagny family. "I'll have the officers assist you into the carriage." He turned and walked away. The two young officers were immediately at Stephan's side.
As he slowly walked, stumbled back to the carriage, he caught site of Meg and Raoul sitting on the bench together quietly talking, a brief smile crossing both of their faces. He knew that this site had to pain Christine, no doubt the explanation for the long glances and few words that moved between the pair of young friends this last day. It would be a decidedly long ride to the Inn he thought to himself, as he was hoisted into the carriage by the officers, coming to rest now next to Christine.
The three of them sat in silence, waiting for Meg to join them. Christine reached out her hand from beneath her skirt, and grasped Erik's, squeezing it. He looked over at her and nodded, glancing over to Madame Giry and did the same. He then leaned his back and head against the wall of the carriage and closed his eyes. He still was unaccustomed to having his face exposed. Today he felt as though he were on display just as he had been when he was held captive by those gypsies. Now his face had saved him….that hideous face had helped him live.
Several minutes passed before footsteps were heard outside of the carriage. Christine could make out Meg's voice, a little laugh confirming it was her. Then she heard Raoul's voice, and realized that he must have escorted her to the carriage. The door opened briefly, and a hand helped her in. She smiled saying "thank you."
Erik's eyes now open again, sitting somewhat erect. Raoul leaned into the carriage saying "you shan't have any more interruptions to your trip tonight. These men will provide an escort for you so you won't be bothered." With that Raoul smiled at them, giving Meg a touch on the knee, he shut the door. Erik could hear him saying something to the hansom, and then click his tongue. The carriage lurched forward, this time flanked in the front and rear by four officers on horseback.
Soon the gentle rocking of the carriage returned. Meg sat slumped in one corner, gazing out the window, face lacking expression. Madame Giry was on her other side doing the same. Erik was turned, back facing into the corner, staring at Christine. Christine was leaned back into the last corner, looking at the ceiling. No one knew quite what to say, and none wanted to be the first to break the silence.
After a long while, Erik noticed that Madame Giry and Meg had dozed off, their breathing becoming shallow and even, heads tilted toward their chests.
Christine was looking out the window now, thoughts racing through her head. It was the unhappiest he'd seen her look in days….it reminded him of those times when he would try to cheer her when she was in the dormitories feeling lonely.
He reached out with one hand, grasping her hand, and pulling it into his lap, palm lying face up. She looked at Erik inquisitively. He began lightly tracing hearts into her palm with his index finger. He did not look up, but focused solely on moving his finger back and forth in her hand, tracing and retracing.
Christine felt the iciness of minutes ago dissolve as the palm of her hand began to shudder, a tickle running up her arm. Erik could feel her tensing, and the feeble attempts to reclaim her hand. He glanced up, a small twinkle in his eye as he realized she was smiling at him, shaking her head back and forth trying to say no. He smiled in return and began tracing the hearts larger, working up her arm, onto her shoulder, her neck. Soon he could take it no longer, he slid next to her, pulling her chin up into his hand he tilted her head backwards, and gave her a tender, longing kiss.
Christine's breath left her. She felt drawn to him, knowing full well she could do little about it now. She glanced over to the other side of the carriage where Meg and Madame Giry sat sleeping. Smiling at Erik, she slid beneath his cloak, and nestled into his arms, resting her head on his chest. Erik smiled wrapping his arms around her, draping his cloak so that all that could be seen was a small opening for her to peek out. Underneath that cloak, Christine loosened Erik's cravat and pushed her cheek against the skin of his chest. Making Erik tingle all over, and Christine flushed. He could feel the warmth of her breath on his skin, her soft hand caressing his chest and mid section lightly. She slid her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly before bringing one to rest in his lap, the other draped behind his back. They sat that way until Erik could feel that Christine had drifted off to sleep.
He glanced around, all the women were sleeping, he was in a carriage, he did not need to tend the travel, he was actually being escorted by armed officers….everything was going to be status quo for at least several more hours. He was safe, they were safe…he could actually rest….an odd thought for him. This was the safest they would likely ever be. He sighed heavily before leaning back and closing his eyes. It took him no time at all before he relaxed and fell into a peaceful, deep sleep.
Author's Notes:
Ahhh….finally out of Paris, but not without event! Sadly Sara is left behind now. She was the glue, the home base that held the group together during those first days. I know some have felt that they stayed a bit too long there, but every author has a purpose for what they do, and I hope, in time, it will all be clear!
Mrs. Butler: Welcome to the family! Oh how I enjoyed the thought of your tag name! I wonder how many women out there wish that they could claim that as their last name? If you are a Gerard fan because of the Phantom, you are (no pun intended) not alone! I'm rather thinking about taking that phan trip that is being planned for Scotland next year…can you just imagine? Hundreds of tarts wandering the streets of his childhood home! Anyway, back to the story. Thank you for the compliment. I can assure you updates will continue. I hope you enjoy the coming chapters!
Ethalas Tuath'an: Yes, they are finally out of Paris. If Sara has some later significance, I'd be foolish to tell you now, wouldn't I? (smiles mischievously) I hope you won't be disappointed with the next chapters. And, you might smile again, they are rather "Sara free".
Glitter Queen of the Ice Show: Yes, they are a sweet couple. They possess all the things that they need to keep a romance going. Can you imagine being in her shoes? Ahhh….I've just lost myself in thought again. Hope you like what's coming!
Waytoointoerik: Sorry I made your heart pound, but I'm glad that I made your afternoon! Yes, foreshadowing is a good tool isn't it? It lends a bit of mystery to a story, and just because something is mentioned doesn't mean it has to be used, it just makes things…shall we say….more intriguing? I hope you enjoy the next chapters! It was because of you that I posted three chapters today…I couldn't leave you hanging two days in a row!