The chief left De Chagny's office at the Opera House. Instructions and money secured safely in his satchel. He'd take care of repaying the Starboard first. His officers no doubt had done the necessary research on the carriage. His next stop was the mortuary, where the body of the man, Ronaldo Crawlings, laid awaiting disposition. De Chagny had decided to pay to have him buried along-side his father.
The chief had no inclination to question Raoul further. From the report he'd received from the officer from the previous night's interviews, Raoul had done nothing more than defend himself, and the lady's honor. There could be nothing disrespectful, or even hinting of improprieties. The man would be buried, and that would be the end of the murderous reign that family had on the travelers and residents of the villages surrounding Paris. So many criminals were left, he sighed, but at least this bloodline was finished!
XXX
The coachman knocked on the door to the master bedroom. "Sir? It is nearing evening, and I have the horses ready sir, if you and your wife are still inclined to take supper in the village."
Erik could hear the faint voice through his sleep. He'd been dreaming, but the voice did not fit with the dream. It was something of an anomaly. He strained trying to focus on it. It was then that he realized that someone was actually knocking at the door; it was not his imagination.
"Yes, I beg of you a moment." He pulled himself out from under Christine's sleeping body, trying not to disturb her. Going to the door, he slipped on his waistcoat. Opening it he stepped out into the hall to address the coachman. "Yes, I see that the sun is beginning to cover the West lawn, indeed, it should be time for supper. Now good sir if you'll prepare the horses…"
The coachman stopped, looking down at the floor refraining from any response that might appear disrespectful. "You've already conveyed this to me haven't you?" Erik asked, somewhat embarrassed by his lack of attention. "Yes sir, the horses are ready for us whenever you and your wife should like to depart."
"Yes, I'll see to waking her." He turned opening the door. "It shall be a few minutes only. We shall meet you downstairs." The coachman smiled and departed. He'd had a leisurely day reading, and had but a few chapters left of the book. There would be time to finish it after supper, unless his employer had other plans for him.
Erik walked over and gently rubbed Christine's shoulder. Bending down he placed a delicate kiss on the nape of her neck. It made her smile. She was in that half-sleep that one swims in when yet not fully awake, yet not in slumber any longer.
She stretched her arms above her head as Erik stood over her watching like a dotting husband. She barely had opened her eyes before she started smiling at him. "Must we leave this place?" she said rubbing her hand on the side of the bed that Erik had vacated.
Erik smiled. "I should think you'd be ready for a good supper my dear." He reached down putting his hand lightly on her stomach. "Our daughter should be needing milk, and a breast of chicken at least!"
Christine smiled back at him playfully. "Our SON is rather hungry for roasted beef tonight, and some Yorkshire pudding!"
Erik laughed, scooping Christine up into his arms like an infant, twirling her about in the room.
"ERIK!" Christine yelped. "What is it, have I hurt you?" Erik said with a concerned inflection in his voice, quickly setting her back on the bed. "No, no, you've not hurt me, but you shan't be lifting me, not in your condition!"
Erik blinked rapidly. He'd become lost in the moment, and hadn't thought…..but then he thought….he felt no worse. He had no pain in his side. He lifted his shirt to inspect the bandages. Still no sign of drainage. "Hmmmm…I should think that it is alright my dear."
She frowned at him, though it was hard to do fighting through a smile of joy.
"Yes my dear, I will be careful…I want to make sure our DAUGHTER has a healthy father to…" Christine interrupted, "to give her piggy-back rides!" She smiled at him like a Cheshire cat.
"Why you little rogue, you've been talking to the doctor now haven't you?" She let out a laugh, "well, I have spent time with him you know my dear!" Erik laughed, as he pulled Christine into a firm but gentle embrace. "Now, that you are properly rested, let us see to feeding the two of you."
He took her hand and led her to the vanity. Christine sat down and began combing her hair. Erik straightened his suit. It was heavily wrinkled, not at all what he was comfortable with, but he'd no choice. Christine finished putting her hair up into the ribbon. She looked at Erik's reflection in the mirror. A look of deep thought had taken over his otherwise cheery demeanor. "What is it Erik?"
He came to rest on his knees behind her, kissing her shoulder. She turned around to face him. "It is just that this will be my first time in the company of strangers….without…my mask."
Christine was overwhelmed with sympathy for him. She'd loved him as her husband and no longer saw what he did. She had months herself to become accustomed to his new features, but quickly realized that Erik had but a few days to have become comfortable with it. She reached out and put both hands on Erik's face. She kissed the left cheek and then the right. "If you do not yet feel ready, we could simply send the coachman into the village to retrieve supper." She said, gently caressing his cheek.
Erik stood, walking over to the window looking down at the coachman who patiently waited with the horses. He closed his eyes. "Last night was one thing. You'd all been exposed to my appearance, had grown to find it normal. It was a marvel really as I watched everyone's reaction….they treated me no differently than the rest." He smiled at her over his shoulder.
Erik felt a strange tangle of emotions churning within him. Save the times he had been with Christine, Nadir, or Madame Giry, he had never felt that equal with anyone. "It was brilliant to have spent time like an…an ordinary man…" He turned back looking at her. "Christine, I rather fear the prying eyes of strangers. We are far from Paris, I do not worry that we'll be discovered. Its simply that I do not know if they shall view me as you have come to."
Christine rose and joined Erik at the window. "My dearest Erik. Your face is beautiful," she said caressing it with the back of her hand. "You'll be treated no differently than any other man. Yes, there are marks, faint now, and your eyebrow is not yet completed its growth, but do you not think they will merely assume that you were injured in the war?"
Erik looked down at Christine. She always knew what to say to him. He'd known many intelligent women, many powerful men, kings and queens, lords and ladies, and yet none of them spoke as profoundly to his heart as this one woman. He leaned down kissing her. "There is something I've not told you Christine," he paused.
Christine cocked her head just slightly giving Erik and inquisitive glance. "Sara's last words to me…she said God had smiled on me, that it was perfect now." He reached up putting his palm on the right side of his face where, the repugnant flesh that had kept him prisoner for so many years, had been removed. "Though the outer appearance has been altered, it is that which lies beneath the skin that yet needs to be repaired. I've lived so many years under the shadows of the hideousness of my flesh. It is my mind that I fear must heal the most."
Erik looked into Christine's eyes with a vulnerability that it nearly made her weep. She stared at him with such love and adoration, yet it was the sincere depth of her acceptance that gave him the greatest reassurance.
"Come," she said pulling him down next to her on the vanity bench, "look at your face in the mirror, I am there inside…." Erik's lips trembled as he reached out and grasped her hand. She'd heard him, really heard him those many months ago as he'd led her into his world….now she was leading him into hers. Christine continued, "I shall show you the path into the light, it holds no horror for you now my dear husband. Let us take this first step…together."
Erik returned her smile as he followed her lead out the door and to the horses. The coachman stood at attention. Erik helped Christine up into a sidesaddle position on the horse and then mounted the other. The three set off for town, the coachman in the lead, followed by Christine.
Erik's thoughts wandered off. He inhaled, feeling the welcome soft breezes of the coming night air as they rode down the path to the village. Erik was filled with apprehension, and yet a tingling sense of excitement. He needed neither to hide, nor be in a position of intimidation. He could be just like any other ordinary traveler going into the village for dinner.
What seemed so normal to so many, seemed odd to him. His world had always been the opposite of normal. Polarized by his physical disfigurement, perpetuated by people's fear of him, immortalized by the legend of the Phantom that prevailed over the Opera House. Tonight he was a plain and simple man going for dinner, nothing more. He smiled.
So many years ago it had all seemed too impossible. Some details, he ran his hand over his flesh, could not have been anticipated, but had changed the course of his life unalterably. He'd been the master of deception, now he would have to master the grace of accepting change. His new life demanded it, his wife now required it.
Silently Erik scanned the shadows of the woods on either side of them as they journeyed. Sara's gun tucked neatly under his waistcoat in the unlikely chance that they encountered that boy again, though he doubted they would.
XXXXX
Though neither had been to the De Chagny residence, they could tell by the manicured, tree lined road they had turned onto, that they were nearing the mansion. The sides had towering oak, with commanding pines in front, and shorter still, were perfectly pruned evergreen hedges. A formal gate with a large brick arch lay ahead of them, though they could barely make it out from the distance. Nadir began fidgeting with the lapels of his coat. Madame Giry felt as if her heart would leap from her chest. She simply could not wait to get Meg into her arms. The minutes it took to travel the distance that remained seemed more like hours.
The carriage finally pulled to a stop at the front door. Raoul, having observed it from its first turn onto the property, was standing rather impatiently at the door. Meg was still sleeping, which Raoul was thankful for. The poor dear needed it. He went out to the carriage, reaching in to take Madame Giry's hand as the coachman opened the door.
"Madame Giry, welcome, do watch your step." She smiled taking his hand, glancing around the doorway with hopeful anticipation. "No, Meg still rests upstairs. Once you are settled into your quarters, I shall take you to her."
"Quarters?" Nadir said to Raoul as he climbed out of the carriage. Raoul reached out shaking Nadir's hand. "It is good to see you again my friend. Yes, I'd thought…rather hoped…that you'd be staying with me while you are in Paris. And Madame Giry until the Opera House is ready for her. It shall be but a few weeks really."
Raoul's eyes traveled curiously back and forth between Nadir and Madame Giry. They had planned to find an Inn within Paris to stay at. Staying here would afford them little true privacy, but how could they refuse his kind and most generous offer? Raoul gave them both a nervous smile, "do come in, the night chill has fallen in the air, there's a warm fire in the parlor." He led them inside, closing the door to the night outside.
XXXX
Madeline had brought a warm basin of water into the room placing it on the vanity at the end of Meg's bed. She tried to make a little noise to encourage Meg to stir, but she did not. Madeline had laid out a set of clothing for Meg so that she could dress for dinner that would be ready within the hour. Having not woken Meg, Madeline put a cloth over the steaming pot, and retreated.
Meg was sleeping hard. She'd not been dreaming at all, it was a dead sort of sleep, her exhaustion from the days before having caught up with her. The comfort of having Raoul in the room as she drifted off, and the knowledge that a bottle of pills lay in the drawer if she needed them, had provided the secure atmosphere that she had required to really rest.
The coachmen had carried in the bags, and the maids had been quick at carrying them off to their quarters. Raoul offered Nadir a brandy, and Madame Giry a glass of sherry, which she took out of politeness. However, after her previous encounter with non-medicinal liquor just a day before, she decided against really drinking it, but merely brought it to her lips for effect.
The trio sat exchanging words about the travel to Paris, the weather, everything except the one thing that mattered most. Madame Giry had sat patiently, not wanting to offend Raoul's hospitality. Sensing it he glanced at the staircase that led to the upper floor.
"I'd thought she might wake on her own by now, all of the extra activity and such. I see that we must be a more docile group than I'd thought as she does not stir!" Raoul was attempting to be humorous, but it did little to ease Madame Giry's aching need to see her daughter. Raoul looked up again and back at Madame Giry. "Very well, we shall have to interrupt her, I can see you have anticipated this at length having ridden all the way here without knowing the details of her condition. Come let me take you to her."
True, they'd only been there a few minutes, but it had felt like much more. She'd been away from her for too long. She simply needed to see, if nothing else, the rising and falling of her chest as she slept. That alone would give Madame Giry comfort.
Raoul nodded to Madeline who'd just walked into the room with a tray of escargot. Raoul led Madame Giry up the stairs, as Madeline opened a cherry wood box that was lined in a deep scarlet velvet. In it was a fine assortment of fragrant cigars, the likes of which Nadir had not seen since he sat with the king in Persia. He smiled widely, selecting one from the case. Raoul was a fine host he thought to himself.
Madame Giry's hands trembled as they walked the long hall to the end. The last door on the left contained the suite where her daughter now lay resting. Raoul slowed as they neared the door. Taking Madame Giry aside, and motioning her to sit on the settee just outside of the room.
"Madame Giry, I must tell you that you will find Meg much altered. Her face has a wound, that has been properly stitched, but there is much bruising and swelling. Her lip is somewhat puffy, and there are several bandages on her arms and legs. There are just now bruises on her shoulders that are finding their way to the surface." Raoul looked at her most earnestly.
"Madame Giry, I am sorry that all this has come to pass with Meg. I must accept full responsibility for her early departure. Certainly had she not left so unexpectedly, she'd not have found herself in this circumstance."
Madame Giry glanced nervously at the door. She would accept his apology, but wanted so to burst through the door and run to Meg's side. Yet, Raoul held her hand. "Madame Giry, you have raised two most wonderful women. My thoughts of Christine will always hold a fond place in my heart. I hope one day that she can be found, and that she has come to no harm."
Madame Giry felt herself become quite agitated. She wasn't at all sure why this was necessary now, though her heart panged for Raoul as he knew nothing of the real truth.
"Meg and I have spent many hours together while she's visited Paris, and I dare say that they have been the only relief that I've had since the ordeal began." He said looking down, "I'd rather hoped I'd bring Meg some relief from her toils with her aunt and uncle, and someone of like spirit to talk to about her missing her dear friend."
He swallowed, looking back up at Madame Giry. "I know I've been forward, insisting that Meg return with me to Paris, instead of home to you. I've felt most responsible for her well being."
Raoul closed his eyes steadying his breath, the question must be asked now. "Madame Giry, Meg and I have grown rather fond of one another. It is that very reason that I pursued her to the cottage near Chausser, to beg her forgiveness for my forwardness. It seems that in my attempt to revive her after a fainting spell, my unexpressed feelings spilled out to her, rather surprising the both of us."
Madame Giry sat back, pressing her spine into the plush upholstery. It was all starting to become clear. That's why Raoul was at the winter house, and why Meg had fled there.
He continued, "Madame Giry, these months have been rather difficult for all of us. We've lingered for so long in the shadow of something that likely will never be fully resolved, for it shall surely haunt us till we're dead. We've such need to remove ourselves from this cloud, for in it we simply cannot live. I dare say we could all benefit from a bit of happiness. I've want to beg of you your forgiveness in having brought Meg to Paris, and to seek your permission to…"
Just then, the bedroom door flung open. There, in a pale pink nightgown stood Meg, "mother?"
Madame Giry rose rushing to her daughter, Raoul's hand slapping down on his thigh with a thud. His chest was heaving as he watched mother and daughter embrace, tears flowing down their cheeks as they pulled apart looking into each other's faces, and embracing again. Madame Giry looked closely at Meg's face, running her hand delicately over the swollen skin. "My dearest, dearest Meg."
"Mother, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"
Madame Giry led Meg back into the bedroom, glancing over her shoulder to give a brief smile to Raoul as she closed the door. The question would have to wait.
XXXXX
Downstairs the kitchen staff were preparing to serve a fine dinner of pheasant under glass, poached squash, and crème brulee for dessert. No ordinary dinner would do for De Chagny's guests tonight. The table had five place settings of fine china. Raoul had specifically requested that the formal pattern bearing the De Chagny crest be used. This would please his father greatly.
Nadir peeked out the window of the parlor as he heard the clatter of horse's hooves and carriage wheels approaching. It was a large black carriage, two large dark horses bridled at the front, a rather dapper looking man sitting in the driver's seat. No doubt this would be the senior De Chagny that he'd heard so much about. Nadir puffed heavily on his cigar. Raoul was not there to give them a proper introduction, so he'd made up his mind to do so himself.
Author's Notes:
Captain Oblivious: Yes, Erik is very devoted to his love. The tricky part of obsession is handling it once you've attained what you've sought. Now, in most cases obsession is unhealthy for everyone concerned. But, in Erik's case, the obsession was followed by redemption, which turned this intense emotional fixation into the deepest form of love that has ever been known to man! O.K., I'm no psychologist, but in my little brain, that is how I've rationalized it! There are "great loves" out there, sadly most of us never find that one right person…but we can always hope With your sense of humor, honestly, you'll have no trouble finding Mr. Right, though you'll have to fight off the estimated 7.2 million women who track his every move on the GB website! Just kidding! I think people who possess a natural propensity to embrace life, are more likely to find a suitable mate, than those who just settle for what comes along. Suffice it to say, all of the doting that Erik does with Christine, rather makes me long for a great-big hug myself. I've not found Mr. Right yet either, but I know he's out there somewhere!
Yes, cribbage, I think you'll rather enjoy it. Now if you have a great imagination, which I am most certain that you do (a Phantom Dracula, wielding a Pauly Shore gun) you can get a cribbage board, and play with Erik, Nadir, and me (insert a good name here)! Just an idea!
I've not been bitten (pardon the pun) by the Harry Potter bug, though I've seen several of the movies with my nephew. I dare not get into another book that has a series of volumes. Seriously, I have a very large library in my house (yes actual built in bookshelves lined with everything you can imagine). I love sitting in there with big gothic candles lit, reading with a good cup of cappuccino when the world is sleeping! I cannot tell you how many series or collections I own, but there are a number of them. Oddly, not one of them is a Harlequin…you'd think I'd love that stuff!
I am sharing your pain. My 'Jury' DVD has yet to arrive. I go home after work each day, hoping to see that telltale brown cardboard box with a smile on it, on my front porch, but so far, nothing! I'll have let you know how it is once I get it!
Ninetalesluver: Welcome to the family! I am trying to write as quickly as I can. Sadly my fingers don't work as fast as my mind. I am happy to have provided you with some encouragement to write your own story. There is something very cathartic about changing the ending to a story that didn't end you'd hoped it would. Thank you for the compliment. Cheers to you!
Phantomluvr: Thank you once again. This story, and I know I must sound like a broken record, but it has a life of its own! I have so much more that I'd like to tell before this story comes to a close, I simply cannot envision it ending any time very soon. Ah yes, the picture thing…it is getting rather interesting…hope you enjoy!
NinetalesLuver
2005-07-26
ch
88, signed
Oh come on hurry up and write more! XD You can't keep us waiting like this! Ah, just to let you know, you're one of the many that inspired me to write a Phantom fic myself! Cheers to your glorious story, may you continue it soon!
Captain
Oblivious
2005-07-26
ch
88, signed
Erik's devotion to Christine is amazing. . . it makes me excited to find my own love. It might sound odd, but one of the things I'm looking forward to the most is simply being held.
Ah, Cribbage. I shall learn about it immediately. Now, I would have picked up the lovely Dickens classic if I hadn't been so fixated on scouring 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' for clues. Oi.
Hm. . . I have some more videos to watch, it seems. I want my Dracula DVD! It's taking FOREVER and I am going into minor withdrawal. . .
Mise a jour bientot!
Phantomluvr
2005-07-26
ch
88, signed
You're welcome. How you've kept this story going so long so wonderfully is beyond me. My idea of a sequel is "Christine chose Erik over Raoul, they went off and lived happily ever after" Well, not quite that basic, but essentially that. All the details in your story are wonderful, and I can't wait to see how you explain that picture thing. I hope you keep this going quite a while, It's so great and i can't imagine not checking every other day or so for the update!
stellalorelai
2005-07-26
ch
86, signed
Okay, I thought I'd post this here now that the book is available. I don't want to keep it a secret. I hope you don't mind that I'm posting this here, angeldreamerphantom. I'm pretty sure that a couple of people who are reading your story and reading your reviews are anxious to hear about it.
If anyone is looking for a copy of Susan Kay's "Phantom," this is the place to get it:
Llumina Press is reprinting it in late September, and it's available for pre-order now.
Oh, and, angeldreamerphantom? Still can't wait for that next update:)