Chapter 92 The eyes of the beholder

Meg and Madame Giry had finished their dinner and rung the silver bell as Madeline had instructed. Madeline had not appeared. Madame Giry went to the door, deciding to put the tray outside. In a house she did not know it felt all too forward to bring the dishes to a kitchen she'd never been introduced to.

Just as she opened the door, Madeline appeared, rather out of breath. She smiled at Madame Giry, "so sorry, gentlemen keep busy, light cigars, refill brandy." Madame Giry smiled, "no harm done. Is there anything I can do to help you?" Madeline laughed. "No thank you mum. You, young miss ready for sweets?" Madame Giry looked back at Meg. Neither had finished their dinner, but something sweet did sound terribly tempting. Madeline took Meg's smile as an answer, turned and disappeared before Madame Giry could reply. "I guess we shall have some sweets" she said as she returned to Meg's side.

Madeline hurried downstairs with the tray, fetching the other that had been prepared by the kitchen staff. She scurried past the study, where the gentlemen had retired to. Raoul's father spying her passing, bid her to bring some cognac when next she came by. She huffed as she mounted the stairs muttering something under her breath about men and liquor. She rapped once more on Meg's door, entering before waiting for an answer. She carried in the tray and set it on the small table by the window seat. "Nice here for tea, can see pretty statues in garden." She turned and departed.

Madame Giry laughed at Madeline's comment, "it's dark as pitch outside, we'd not be able to see the garden if…" she paused. She could see a glow rising in the window. She and Meg went over, kneeling on the window seat. Down below in the garden, two woman in dark capes stood, just having lit several torches that surrounded the statues.

It was one of the most beautiful experiences that two of them had ever witnessed. The glow of the torches took over the entire circle of the hedge-lined garden. The statues cast long feathery shadows, giving them a urethral air. Though the garden was not yet in bloom, the opulence of the inlaid crushed gems on the path surrounding the statues glittered in every hue of color one could imagine. Meg glanced back at the dressing mirror, it was the same crushed stone and gem that graced the border.

"It is simply exquisite," Madame Giry replied, "Madeline was right." She took Meg by the hand and the two sat down to dishes of lemon pudding, berries floating on them like little blue angels, topped with a small cloud of Devonshire crème. The teapot was extremely fragrant with sliced oranges and lemon rind afloat in it.

"Quite a treat." Madame Giry said. "One can tell that having affluence allows you to have quite discerning taste. Where on earth would they find blueberries this time of year?" Meg smiled as she slipped the first spoonful of it into her mouth. She covered her lips as she said "the greenhouse."

Madame Giry looked at her inquisitively. "Greenhouse?" "Yes, Raoul told me of the things he has grown there, the year round. It had been a wish of his mother's to have one, though she never did." Madame Giry smiled at her daughter, pouring a cup of tea for each of them. "What else did you and Raoul speak of today?" Meg tried not to smile too widely, for it made her cheek ache.

"Nothing too serious mother, mostly of water color, and fond memories of our childhoods." Meg took a sip from her tea. She had put the cream and sugar in for herself, which made her think of Raoul's thoughtfulness that day, and she smiled. "The conversations were quite frivolous really. We spoke of favorite bedtime stories, things we'd enjoyed as children. It was most enjoyable. Strange though, as much time as we've spent together before, we've never spoken of such things before."

Madame Giry smiled realizing that Raoul was beginning to share parts of his cherished past with Meg, something one does when they start to make one a part of their life. Something a suitor would do. Though Meg had been admired by many, far more were discouraged by the look of consternation Madame Giry would flash them if they did anything remotely forward concerning her daughter. None had ever dared to ask for permission to call on Meg, save the one interrupted attempt Raoul had made just hours before.

"Come, let us finish our tea, then I suppose I should check on my accommodations for the evening." Meg flashed her mother a smile.

"Raoul mentioned that he would be making arrangements for you to stay here with us. I hope that was alright with you, I'd not want to be parted from you again!"

Madame Giry reached out and touched her daughter's shoulder. She'd promised Christine, she'd promised Mr. Andre, she'd promised Monsieur De Chagny…too many promises had been made, it would make her choices very difficult indeed.

"Mother, will Nadir be returning to Courtland Manor?" Meg asked, hoping her eagerness did not raise her mother's suspicion. "No, Nadir said he has business to tend to for Er…I mean Stephan. He anticipates it will take him a week or more to accomplish what he must do. He needs to find Sara's family, to see to the planting of new flowers around his father-in-law's monument, to take care of some financial matters, and one other thing he'd not been at liberty to discuss." Meg sighed in relief. Nadir had not forgotten.

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation, "surely Madeline hasn't brought us one more thing to eat!" Madame Giry said making them both laugh. "Good evening, came the voice of a man, who Meg quickly recognized as the physician that had visited her the night previous.

"Baron LaFavre, do come in." Meg called out over her mother's shoulder. Madame Giry opened the door allowing him entrance.

"And how is my young patient this evening?" He walked over and pulled up a chair next to where Meg was sitting in the window seat. "Doctor, this is my mother, Madame Giry." She motioned toward her mother, as the doctor rose to greet her properly.

"My pleasure Madame" he said lifting her hand to his lips for kiss. "And you Monsieur." She motioned for him to sit. "I must thank you for taking such fine care of my daughter during my absence. I was fraught with worry until I made it to her side this evening."

"No doubt you did worry, she's a very sweet, very fortunate young woman, miss Meg." He said tapping at her knee. "If you do not mind Madame, I'd like to spend but a few moments alone with Meg to examine her. It shan't take long." He looked at Madame Giry for agreement.

Madame Giry looked at Meg who nodded. She felt comfortable with him. "Yes, I've yet to check on the sleeping arrangements, perhaps I'll do that while you visit." Meg smiled, "that would be most excellent. We can finish our tea when you return."

Madame Giry nodded and walked out of the door. As dutiful as could be, Madeline had waited outside Meg's door to escort Madame Giry to her sleeping room. Madame Giry thought to herself, there was likely few who were as properly trained as Madeline.

XXXX

The doctor checked each bandage, replacing the one on her leg and one of the two on her arm. "I'd be most interested to know what salve the doctor applied to these wounds…." His voice wandered off as he shook his head. "I've never seen anything quite like it."

"I cannot tell you his name sir, but I can show you what he applied, he gave it to me to spread on my face four times a day." Meg walked over to her night table and pulled a tube from it, handing it to the doctor. He examined it with great curiosity.

"This is from Germany, how would a country doctor have something like this?" Meg flushed, now worried she'd done something that might expose the family. "I'm not sure, although I think I detected an accent in his voice." Meg feeling as bad about crafting the lie, as she did deceiving a man who was only trying to help her.

"I see, well, this has done wonderful things for your wounds my dear. Perhaps I'll have to send a post to the company to purchase some myself!" Meg smiled nervously at him. "Do see that you continue to use it as he instructed." Meg nodded her agreement. "Now, do tell me, how do you feel otherwise. Did you have any terrors as you tried to sleep?" Meg was relieved to tell him that she had not.

"I think it was the pill that you gave me, accompanied by the sherry that Raoul brought, allowed me to sleep. I've no memory of anything until this morning."

"That is good. And you'd no need for the other medicine?" He motioned with his head toward her nightstand.

"No, and I rather hope that I will not." Meg replied.

"My dear, do not fight your fear. Something such as you've endured must be worked through if you're to truly defeat it. If it pursues you, face it head on, and conquer it. Do you understand?" Meg nodded. He rose, packing his bag once again.

"Doctor," Meg said shyly. "How long have you known Raoul?" The doctor smiled. "My dear child, I've known Raoul from his first breath! I've watched him grow into a fine young man, and now into a doting suitor!" Meg blushed heavily, she felt hot again. "Why do you ask?" he smiled at her as he slipped on his coat.

"It is just that….I think….well…..I think that Raoul is in much pain, though he'd not tell anyone of it. I don't know if he has any friends to confide in, and…" Meg felt out place making such a bold statement, "I do not think that he feels comfortable sharing his burdens with his father. Might you spend time with him, to see if he is alright?"

The doctor walked over touching Meg's hand. "Raoul was right." Meg cocked her head, "about what doctor?" she asked. "You are sweet and compassionate, most deserving of the best care." He smiled at her, "you'd do well to stay here my dear, very well to stay here. Not simply for you, but for Raoul. It's been a long while since he's felt he's had a friend in this world, a long time indeed. It seems simply now that fate may have deposited one right into his own house."

Meg could not respond, had Raoul been talking about his feeling for her to everyone? "Good night my dear, I'll see you again tomorrow evening." He nodded toward her as he departed.

She looked down at the pill he'd left for her on the table. She was a bit uncomfortable, but she'd hoped to try sleeping tonight without aid. She would have to at some point, and after all, she did have the pills that he'd given her if she truly needed them.

XXX

Christine and Erik were waiting outside Christina Campbells in the courtyard. Erphan had gone to the stables to enquire if they might leave the horses there for an hour or so as they strolled the town. "Thank you for a wonderful supper. And your son thanks you for the Yorkshire pudding! Erik laughed reaching down pulling Christine into an embrace. "You and our daughter are most welcome. I'm certain that she enjoyed the crème brulee!"

"How long must we banter over the gender of our child Erik? Your son is rather offended that you're planning to put him in pig-tails and skirts!" Erik laughed at Christine, a real laugh from the bottom of his stomach.

"Oh my dear, may fortune smile on us and we shall have one of each!" Christine's smile dimmed just slightly, and then her face lit up again. "What is it my dear? Do you not feel well?" Erik said with concern.

"Erik, there are twins in my family, in fact, my mother herself was a twin." Erik looked at Christine quite amiably, "my dear, one cannot predict the future, but I'd rather think that one child shall do just now." Christine's mind wandered.

Erphan returned with the good news that they might leave their horses there as long as they like. "Good, that shall give us sufficient time to collect some necessities. Now, Erphan, have you a change of clothes at the house?" Erphan looked at him shaking his head, he did not. Erik reached into the breast pocket of his jacket, retrieving several bills and handed them to him. "I think that shall do. Do go along and find yourself something to wear." Erik thought for a moment, withdrawing his wallet again. "And if it is not too much trouble, please arrange with the bakery to deliver breakfast to us in the morning, some tea cakes, and perhaps a quiche." Erphan nodded, smiling his toothy smile, and was off.

"He's rather incorrigible, don't you think?" Christine said as she nestled into the arm that Erik had offered her as they strolled down the cobblestone street towards the shops.

"Yes, a bit rough around the edges, but trainable, I dare say." Erik and Christine walked to the park, turning to the right as they came to the shop-lined street. For all the world's appearances, they were a fine couple strolling the streets just as many others were on such a pleasant evening.

The shops had stayed open, though some were beginning to close now. Erik relished this most normal activity with such keenness. To the average couple it was a pleasant pastime after a good meal. To a couple who'd been through as much as they had, the experience was simply titillating.

They strode first past a blacksmith's shop, then a post office, the newspaper, the shoemaker, the jeweler, the butcher shop, the firehouse. Finally, they came upon a mercantile. Erik was thankful they were still open. Pushing in through the door, it was obvious why it was, the shop was buzzing like a hive. Erik did not like crowds, but crowds did allow one some anonymity.

He and Christine moved toward the area where there was bundled fabrics, and some ready-made garments. A group of women who were there, looked rather flustered at Erik's presence. He sensed that he was not welcome, so he politely let go of Christine's hand and moved over to the other side of the shop where he could both observe her and allow her some privacy with the other women who were pouring over some book.

"May I help you sir?" came a polite voice from behind the desk. Erik hadn't paid attention to his location, but now found himself in an area with top hats, and men's garments. He'd quite by accident stumbled into the very things that he needed! "Yes, I'll need a white shirt, and pair of black trousers, a fresh cravat…" the man eyed Erik, though he wasn't sure quite why. He disappeared behind a door, reappearing several minutes later with all of the requested items, and several others, all in Erik's size. Yes, Erik decided, he could easily grow accustomed to this.

In but a few minutes all of the garments were wrapped in brown paper, drawn with twine. "Sir, is there anything else that I might find for you?" "My wife," Erik beamed with pride saying it, "is looking at several things just over there. The lady shall have anything she likes. Sir, we've been traveling, and it seems she's left her nightgown at home…" The man nodded. "Perhaps you could hurry her along?" Erik inquired. He did not want to interfere with her selections, nor did he want to embarrass her by appearing again in an area most decidedly the territory of just ladies.

The haberdasher smiled, "I'll see to it Sir." Without another word, the man made his way over to the lady that was assisting the women. Christine had been holding up two garments trying to decide between the two. The woman whispered something in her ear, before taking both garments from her hand, nodding in Erik's general direction.

Christine smiled. From across the shop she could see Erik peering at her with a smile. Christine blushed, he was spoiling her. One of the girls who'd been pouring over the fashion magazines with the others stood and walked the few steps over to Christine. "Yes, we noticed him too. He's rather handsome don't you think?"

Christine gave her a most startled look, responding, "that man, just over there?" The girl had gotten the attention of the others who now stood shamelessly staring at Erik. One other said, "yes, the man over there the one who's smiling at us, he's quite a dish isn't he?" A wide smile crossed Christine's face, her eyes twinkled, her heart was floating. "Why yes, yes, he is."

A third girl looked Christine up and down, she'd not seen her before, perhaps she knew him. "Pray do tell, do you know who he is?" Christine looked at the group of girls, surveying the lot as the woman brought her the bundled packages. "Why yes I do, that handsome man standing over there…" the girls hung on her every word, "is my husband."

An audible gasp rose from the group, the girls began blushing, scurrying about embarrassed that they'd been eyeing a married man. Christine smiled at them profusely, thanking the woman for the packages, and walking off to meet Erik.

He was smiling at her, his head turned slightly wondering at the amusement on her face. Christine reached up giving him a peck on the lips, turning to see if the girls still watched. The small huddle pretended not to see, though the upside-down magazine that they held betrayed them.

"Christine, what is it that amuses you so?" He said to her as he took her arm and escorted her to the front of the shop. "I love you my dear, I shall tell you all about it." She said rubbing her head on his shoulder. Erik handed the woman the packages, withdrawing the funds from his wallet as they made their way out the door.

"Now, what is this that you have to tell me?" Erik said, admiring the mischievous smile on her face. Christine peered into the window as they walked passed. "Do you see that group of girls in the shop there, toward the back." Erik glanced in the window.

"Yes, what of them? Were they rude to you?" Erik said looking down most protectively at Christine. She began to laugh, snuggling up to him all the more. "No, not unless you consider speaking of how handsome the man across the shop was, to be rude?" Erik looked down at her scowling. "What man? The haberdasher?" Erik said as he led her down past the patisserie.

Christine looked up at him, all the more amused at his obliviousness. "No, they were speaking of you my dear husband!" Erik flushed, the heat from his face quickly traveling to a bright crimson on the top of his ears. "And what did you say to them my dear?" he managed to say. "I said they were quite right, you are most handsome!"

Erik's heart pounded beneath his chest, he fought the urge to pull Christine up into his arms and hug her madly. In all the world, the thing he had wanted most was for Christine to love him. What he had never expected, never even dreamed of, was that she would ever find his repulsive carcass handsome. Yes, in the dark, he was like any other man, his physical features were quite predictable. But his face….he'd never hoped, never dared dream to be handsome.

"Erik, you're trembling," Christine said, stopping to look up at him. His beautiful blue eyes glistened in the glow of the kerosene-lamp lit street. Erik slowly bent down looking Christine in the eye, and brushed her tendrils from her face. "I love you Christine…with all of my heart." He leaned over and kissed her, embracing her tenderly. Christine felt all of the pent up emotions being released in his shaking body, as though a great crack had been forged in his rugged exterior, and Erik the man, the whole, beautiful, wonderful, brilliant man was finally free to emerge.

Author's Notes:

Captain Oblivious: No harming our beloved Gerard…just what on earth were you thinking letting him take off the safety? Hmmmm….one must be more careful with one's delusions from now on!

Yes, "Erphan" was born in the wee hours of the morning. I had fits of laughter over a cup of cappuccino (hence the reference to it in the story) while I penned it. I could just imagine it! Erik having either been entirely alone, or in the company of royalty, the lion's share of his adult life, would find this a bit annoying indeed. I must tell you the point where I laughed the hardest is when Erphan lifted the bowl to dislodge the last bits of vegetables from the bottom. I could almost feel Erik's rage as he watched in horror!

Recognizing him….I'm not sure how to respond to that. There is one crazy old woman in that town that waived at him….it might mean nothing at all! I hope you enjoy the next chapters! My heart was breaking for him in this one….the love….I could feel the love.

Waytoointoerik: Welcome back, I hope you enjoyed your time away. I'm glad to hear you've started writing your own fan fic, it is one of the most enjoyable things that I've done for myself in a very long while! E-mail has been a bit of a problem, so I've not been checking recently, but I will today. I'm so glad to hear that I made you laugh….I was laughing so hard at points when I was writing it I had to get up and walk away from the keyboard! Hope you enjoy the next chapters!

PhantomFan13: Erphan….poor Erphan. It was a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants adaptation for a name. I loved the twist. I rather enjoy the ironies I run into in life, and I could just imagine Erik's annoyance with something like this…really….what are the chances….! Thank you for your continued support. Oh, and about your suggestions. No doubt by the time you read this you might find that I've made a reference to something familiar to you. In truth it was penned several days before chapter 91, so I'd been thinking along the same lines…but one never really knows how it will turn out! I had a similar coincidence happen with another reviewer who referenced one of my favorite authors….it is a bit eerie when it does happen….all I can say is that great minds think alike! Hope you enjoy the next chapters!

Phantomluvr: Thank you. 'Pride and Prejudice' is a daunting book, even for those of us who love to read. You need to have a dictionary, (the older the better) right at your side to get through it. Not that it's not worth it mind you, the character of Elizabeth Bennett is very complex, and very interesting, but the volume itself is quite an acquired taste I'm afraid. I'll have to think about the HP series….perhaps this fall. Hope you enjoy the next chapter!

Crayann: I almost could not believe it when I read your review! I was excited to find someone else who's been to Christina Campbells! You'll forgive me that I did not keep with the actual setting of this wonderful landmark, I simply borrowed the name and the "feel" of this great place, as it is one of my favorites! No doubt you enjoyed it since you remembered the name! I absolutely love Williamsburg. The colonial period is by far my most favorite period in history. One could say I'm a bit crazy, going so far as to take an entire semester devoted solely to the Constitution, the Continental Congress, the Constitutional Convention, etc. I am entirely enamored with all of it. For me, it was a pilgrimage at the end of the semester to travel to Boston, Philadelphia, Williamsburg, and on to Washington D.C. It was like walking in the company of shadows as I traveled. I stood in Constitution Hall on a hot July 3rd, directly behind where Benjamin Franklin sat, it was very, very, moving. When I sat in Christina Campbells later that week, enjoying a candlelight supper, I could almost hear George Washington speaking….the whole experience was rather spiritual for me! Well, I've now revealed yet another one of my obsessions haven't I! I would just have to say that people who live on the East Coast have an entirely different appreciation of the history of the United States. They can walk along the foundations of a great nation everyday! New Jersey is a long ways from where I live…a very long way indeed! Hope you enjoy the next chapter!

Diveprincess: I hope the weekend was a quiet one for you. You are most welcome. Sometimes it helps to hear from someone else who's been through, and survived, something like this. I will tell you that in the end, you will be a stronger person because you learned how to endure. The deeper your roots grow from having to weather storms, the larger your branches will become, and the more fruit you will produce. Someday, you might be able to help someone else through a tough time because of what you've gone through. No experience is ever wasted, if we learn to look for the good in it.

I hope you enjoy the fluff in this chapter. I especially liked how oblivious Erik was to the girls flirting…he's just never been through anything like that before!

Waytoointoerik
2005-07-31
ch 91, signed

Hi I have missed you, I was out of town and started writing my own fan fic and finally got caught up! I really love your story. I tried e-mailing you, but I am not sure if you got it. I now know how important these reviews are! I hate the petty people that try to take the wind out of sails with trivial criticisms. Anyway, if you want to talk, please e-mail me.

Love the story. I was laughing so hard at the last chapter I had tears running down my eyes.

PhantomFan13
2005-07-31
ch 91, signed

Erphan? LOL!

Well first i must say it is good tyo be home with my computer! i was very glad to find that you had not enede the story yet!

I felt like the story is somewhat like a soap opera (i love the o.c so mabey that is why) and i felt like i had missed a few episodes and had to watch them when i returned home, it is not quite the same reading chapters that have been posted for a few days. i love to read them as soon as they are posted!

ok if i am rambling on and on i am sorry but i just got home like 2 hours ago and am very happy to be reunited with my computer.

hm i wonder how much you can type?

anyways i see nothing that important has happened in my absesnce and i am still awaiting what the others will make of meg's news and the photo and will raoul ever find out about christine? ok now i hear the little voice in my head like when a tv show leaves you with a cliffhanger. lol!

i have been thinking about this for a while (don't take this the wrong way though i just have these crazy ideas in my head and am too lazy to right my own story) that christine and erik should have twins! (k these might have popped into my mind cuz i have been watching too much star wars) one could be a girl named sarah and the other could be a boy named dustin.

just an idea (p.s i don't think that is how u spell dustin - oh well) u don't have to even aknowlage it.

so you are having e-mail stoubles too bad. if you get your e-mail working again let me knoew so i can e-mail you next time and not write all of this here!

keep up the good work! - so cliche i know but i don't know what else to say!

Phantomluvr
2005-07-30
ch 91, signed

As if I could leave it! I have never yet been able to put a down a book without having read it fully at least once (well, excluding Pride and Prejudice, never really liked that) But you really chould read the HP series. The books are so well written, and they're very exciting. and if I stuck to my normal genre, I never would have read POTO. now wouldn't that be a loss! Really, though, the HP series has my highest reccomendations

Captain Oblivious
2005-07-30
ch 91, signed

Eh, yes. I would sell my Pauly Shore gun on eBay if I didn't want it released to the public. Gerard's head nearly exploded this evening when he accidentally took the safety off. . . sigh We can't have THAT happening, now can we?

gasp People are already recognizing him as a de Chagny, aren't they? Mwaha. . . oh, and I loved how Erphan (great name!) so unknowingly grated on Erik's nerves. HA!

Mise a jour bientot!

diveprincess
2005-07-29
ch 91, signed

I dare say, along with a considerable amount of prayer, reading is what helped me survive those dark times when I wasn't really sure that love, or family truly existed out there.

- I definitely agree. Thank you so much for all your compassionate listening and advice! You're too sweet. I hope things are going better for you as well!

I am looking forward to the fluff!

Crayann
2005-07-29
ch 91, signed

Once again you have given us a wonderful addition! I look forward each day to receiving notice that you have updated your story! I am so glad to be a part of such a good book. . . and by that I mean I feel like I'm "in on a great secret" reading it before (hopefully) you will get it published.

I was so thrilled when I read "Christina Campbells"! I haven't been there in a number of years but knew immediately the restaurant you referenced! My DH and I spennt some of our honeymoon in Williamsburg (on our way to FL-my DH was in college). I'm from NJ and wonder where you are from since not too many people past the East Coast are even aware of Williamsburg!

Anyway, thanks again for a wonderfull installment!