"Sir, the carriage has been found Sir!" The young officer shook the chief's shoulder.
He'd dozed off on the cot outside the jail. It had been his turn on watch, and the prisoners had slept, so he'd fallen asleep himself.
"What?" He was standing now, trying to shake the sleep from his bones. "The carriage Sir, the one that had been driven from the Starboard by that Crawlings character."
"Excellent. How much do we owe for boarding?" The chief was reaching into his pocket to withdraw a sum. "That's the thing Sir, it appeared there just this morning." The chief quickly sat back down. "We must send officers, surely that boy is running about even now, perhaps we'll be fortunate and find him asleep in his bed even now!"
"Perhaps Sir, but upon questioning the innkeeper, she said that the young man had brought it there for safe keeping, saying it was his brother's carriage, and that he'd be back for it in several days."
"What? If he's gone, someone must have seen him. Check with every sentry, he must not leave this City!"
"Sir I don't know if we can find him, but I do know that this is the carriage. Just this night I woke a stable hand at the Starboard and took him to it. He remembered the carriage specifically because of the strange red and gold embroidered upholstery, it could be no other Sir."
"I see. I suppose then the prudent thing to do would be to leave it there for a spell, seeing if anyone comes to collect it. If they do, we shall then get to the bottom of it shan't we!"
The officer nodded. He'd already thought about all of this on his own, but it made the chief feel much better thinking the ideas were his very own. "How clever. We'll see to it straight away." He nodded to him and departed. "Yes, perhaps that shall be bait. If we catch another thief and murder, all greater the spoils!" He knew De Chagny would be most pleased to hear of it.
XXX
Raoul felt the warmth of sun beating against his face. He was so comfortable, and he couldn't imagine even what time it was that the sun was so warm. Though he'd begun to wake, he'd not opened his eyes. It was his other senses that alerted him to his surroundings.
He felt the warmth of a body at his side, and could hear the gentle breaths of a pair of dainty lungs. He'd never held anyone while they slept before. But in the last several days, he'd woken to just that, and both times, it had been Meg! Surely in most settings this would be considered scandalous, but in this one, given the circumstances, none would have thought less of either of them for it.
It was quite obvious that they were rather comfortable in each other's company, and Meg felt safer with him there. Raoul felt a proper keeper if she'd not be too far from his sight.
Raoul knew it was time to get up, but he'd no want to wake Meg who was so very obviously sleeping quite well. He smiled to himself as he thought about waking up in the middle of the night with her at his side. She'd needed him, and he had been there for her. That is all that really mattered.
Raoul opened his eyes surveying the room. There was so much there that spoke of shadows of a life that would never be. Though the items were luxurious, it sickened him to think of what poor Meg must have felt living in those rooms these past days. She'd not complained, but he'd see to getting that taken care of, if not for her sake, then for his.
He glanced over at the small table that separated the divan from the large fireplace. There was a small tray with a teapot, his mother's teapot, a dish of berries, and a plate of breakfast breads. Reaching out his hand he could barely touch the side of the pot with the very tips of his fingers. It was still hot.
Surely the household would be wondering where they were, but so far none had come to disturb them. Raoul looked down at Meg. The swelling in her face had abated much overnight. She'd been diligent in compressing it with cool-water cloths, and applying the cream as the doctor had instructed. The skin was still a deep plum and fuchsia, but the surface looked smooth. The stitching barely visible, it was rather remarkable he thought.
He would have preferred to stay right there until she woke, but knew that her mother would want to spend time with her today. He was surprised that she hadn't come in to check on her already.
He shifted his weight slightly on the divan, slowly pulling himself out from underneath the blankets, carefully laying Meg's head down on the pillow. With her face turned with the injured side down, she looked like a sleeping cherub. He tucked the blanket back under her feet. He stood stretching fully. Walking over to the window just in time to see his father's carriage moving down the path from his house. At least this morning he'd not have to deal with him.
He wasn't certain how he'd felt about last night, but he guessed as long as Nadir and his father had gotten along, it was worth it. He rather hoped that they'd be friends. When time permitted, he'd wanted to know more about how a man like Nadir had come to know the family as he did. Raoul turned around, Meg hadn't so much as moved an inch. He'd have the first cup of tea without her, and perhaps go investigating to see if everyone else was awake.
XXXXX
Madame Giry was sitting quietly reading in the library. Madeline had been very gracious. De Chagny had left much earlier, having taken his breakfast in his room, and then working on a few things in the parlor before he'd gone to the Opera House. As far as she could tell, she was the only one that had woken.
She hadn't realized it until last night when she'd been unpacking, but she'd inadvertently taken 'The Pickwick Papers' with her when she left the winter house. She'd read some of the volume last night, and now this morning it was keeping her company until someone else awoke.
She looked up as Madeline came back into the room, putting down a small lace tablecloth and a silver tray. She refilled her teapot with hot water, and a new tea ball. The aromatic spices from the orange tea tickled at Madame Giry's nose. She was accustomed to drinking Earl Grey in the morning, but didn't mind the deviation today. Madeline lifted the small dome, to reveal a sparkling white china plate filled with assorted berries, and a soft boiled egg in an egg cup, with several slices of toast and butter. An elegant breakfast she thought to herself as she smiled at Madeline and said "thank you."
Madeline smiled at her, and turned to depart. "Madeline," Madame Giry called after her. "Yes mam?" "No doubt you know of Raoul's whereabouts." She waited for her response. "Yes mam." She replied. "And just where did he spend the evening the night before last?" Madame Giry was both embarrassed to ask, and genuinely curious.
"In chair, outside room." Madame Giry sighed. "I see." Madeline moved back into the room coming to Madame Giry's side. "Vicomte sad long time. When Meg come, he smiles. Come two-three times, he smiles all times. So sad, so long, but now Miss Meg, he happy again." Madeline looked down and smiled herself. "Miss Meg, she smile too." Madame Giry nodded. It was as she had thought. "Thank you Madeline, for everything." She nodded and departed, she had much to do.
Madame Giry put her napkin on her lap, pouring her first cup of tea from the newly refreshed pot. The berries were perfect. The egg gave her a little trouble, she'd never really perfected parting it with its shell without making a bit of a mess, but she would manage.
She'd finished her breakfast, eating every bit. Madeline right on cue appeared to retrieve the tray. She brought in an orange slice and cinnamon stick on a saucer next to the teapot. Madame Giry thanked her again, and then inquired about the time. It was nearly nine in the morning, at least a full two hours later than she could ever recall Meg sleeping. She'd had half a mind to go and knock on the door, but she was rather hoping to spare the pair the embarrassment of being discovered together. She read a few more pages but found she simply could not concentrate, and reading without concentration was a perfect waste of time.
Madame Giry stood, putting her teacup back in its saucer, determined to go to Meg's room. As she turned into the hallway, she nearly dislodged Nadir who'd been standing just outside watching her. "Pardon me..I didn't mean to…what on earth were you doing Nadir?"
"Watching you read, sip your tea, and talk to yourself!" Nadir chuckled. "Has everyone departed? I noticed you were eating alone."
Madame Giry scowled at him slightly, motioning him to return to the parlor and join her for some tea. She was going to retrieve another cup for him, when Madeline appeared out of the hallway, bearing a tray for Nadir.
She smiled at him, placing a napkin on his lap, and lifting the dome. Nadir's plate contained ham, eggs, and a large slice of wild boar. Nadir looked up at Madeline "Vicomte father insist you like." Madeline looked at him hoping she'd not offended him by putting such a wild piece of meat on one's breakfast platter.
Nadir laughed, "this is fine Madeline, simply splendid, I shall have to thank him later." She gave him a relieved smile. Just as quickly as she had appeared, she was gone.
Nadir looked down at the hunk of meat that still contained a large sliver of boiled hide. It had been left on intentionally as a conversation piece no doubt. He stabbed it with his fork, ripping off a piece and sliding it into his mouth. Madame Giry gave him a rather disapproving glance. "It is wild boar Madame, one does not eat a wild beast with the same regard as that raised on a farm!"
Madame catching Nadir's sarcasm, returned his wit sardonically, "manners my good sir are not for the benefit of the beast you're eating, but for those whom you are eating with!" She reached out for his fork and knife, retrieving it and removing the skin, and cutting the meat into bite-sized pieces suitable for proper consumption.
Nadir laughed, "it defeats the purpose my dear woman!" The pair smiled at one another as Nadir finished his breakfast, Madame Giry attempting to read her book, though Nadir interrupted her so often she made little headway. Nothing of any consequence was discussed. It had taken very little time for them to realize that Raoul's staff were scrupulously attentive, which meant they were forever present though seldom seen.
Once Nadir was done, he nodded at Madame Giry, who understood what he was inferring. "Nadir, I've had trouble opening my trunk this morning, do you think you could assist me? I fear I've locked my gift for Meg inside, and I should like to greet her with this morning when she wakes."
As if orchestrated or scripted, Madeline appeared to gather Nadir's tray. "Madame need help with trunk?" Nadir and Madame Giry didn't have to look at one another to know what the other was thinking. They would have to be careful what they said and where, for the walls here had ears too. Madame Giry declined Madeline's assistance. Madeline took a few steps, and then returned to whisper something in Madame Giry's ear. Nadir watched on quizzically wondering what was so delicate that it was meant only for her ears. Madame Giry reached out touching Madeline's hand, "thank you.' She nodded, turned, and departed.
Madame Giry lifted her finger to her lips. "Now Nadir, if you'd help me with that trunk." Nadir stood and followed Madame Giry up to her room. They walked inside, Madame Giry closing the door behind Nadir. She led him over to the chairs by the window. "We must be very careful what we say. It seems Raoul's servants are everywhere!" Nadir shook his head in agreement.
"I must show you something. I'd intended to allow you to discover it for yourself, but I think you would be relieved to know of its existence, as I think it might be most helpful to us." Nadir took her by the hand and led her to the door that joined their rooms.
"What is this?" She said as Nadir opened the door. "Where does this passage lead, it is so small…" Nadir opened the second door. Madame Giry walked through and her breath caught. "This tiny hallway will be a place we can meet and talk most privately. Indeed no one will ever even suspect as we can do so when we've retired to our quarters." Madame Giry was holding her hand to her chest as she walked around Nadir's room. "This room…it's so….." "Yes," Nadir said. "It simply reeks of wealth doesn't it?" Madame Giry shook her head. "I was thinking something else, but that will suffice." Nadir could only imagine, but wasn't inclined to ask, for when a woman uses that tone, no good can come of it.
"The room between will suit our purposes nicely." Madame Giry said. A sudden look of concern taking over her face. Nadir tilted his head. "What is it that troubles you." Nadir looked at the door and back at her. "I can assure you Madame, I shan't enter your room uninvited, for I am a gentleman and I…."
She interrupted him. "No, I was wondering how long you planned to stay in Paris." Nadir looked at her uncertain how to answer that. He really didn't know, but replied, "as long as I can be of some service to you my dear." He looked at her hoping she'd smile for him.
"Nadir, I don't know how long Meg and I will stay. If we'll return to Courtland Manor, or go on to the Opera House." Madame Giry was not certain of anything at that moment.
Nadir began, "it is not an easy decision you have to make. What is most important is that you make your decision for yourself, and what is best for the two of you. Do not worry about the others, there are plenty of staff to help with anything they might possibly require. You should spend time with Meg. I should like to visit with her myself so as to give you and Raoul both a reprieve." Secretly he needed to talk to Meg, tell her what he'd discovered thus far, and to return to the pages of her journal that he'd found in the sunroom at the winter house.
"I shan't think we'd need a reprieve, but I can understand your wanting to see her." Nadir nodded. "Madame Giry, what did Madeline whisper in your ear when we were in the parlor, was it meant for your ears only?" Madame Giry laughed. "No, she wanted me to know that Raoul had returned to his private quarters, and that I could go to Meg's side now." She couldn't tell him the rest. Madeline had told her that she thought Nadir was rather dapper. That part would be very difficult.
"Under what auspices are you planning to tarry now that you've delivered me quite safely to Meg's side?" Nadir had thought of several plausible ideas. "I will have to see to finding Sara's children, and to her burial next to her husband. No doubt Raoul would insist I stay on through that time. Perhaps I could act as a testator for dear Sara seeing as how her inn has not sold, and it will be in great demand now that the Opera House will reopen. Then I shall have to see to her final affairs unless her children are inclined to do so. That shall take me several weeks at least. Beyond that time, if Raoul offers, I shall try to politely decline, but I know he will be rather insistent."
Nadir shook his head. "If I do agree to stay on beyond that to help you and Meg as an escort, then I shall insist upon contributing to the family in some way. For certainly a true gentleman would not impose on a family without it. There is one area that I am rather trained in and that is genealogy. So, should they insist that I stay, I shall insist that they allow me to prepare a comprehensive family history and detailed family tree."
Nadir smiled, "I've prepared them for kings and queens, dukes and dutchesses. No doubt that will intrigue Raoul's father, making him require that I be his guest." Madame Giry smirked at Nadir. "You have given this some thought haven't you!" His preparedness both humored and relieved her. Secretly Nadir hoped he would be given this opportunity, as its purpose would be two-fold. One for De Chagny's benefit, one for Erik's.
"Now, at some point my usefulness will ebb, and I will return to Courtland Manor. I will have to return to Courtland Manor and attend to business there from time to time, even while I'm staying here in Paris. Erik has given me a number of assignments that Raoul and his father will not know of, so I shall tell them that they are dealings of my own that I must tend to. Surely a man of De Chagny's standing would wonder if I had all of this free time at my disposal. He thinks me to be a man of wealth and possible nobility, and one so inclined would not be able to parted from his home at length. I shall appear as a graceful visitor, and advisor and protector for you and Meg. Any gentleman would certainly understand such a position."
"Nadir, some day, when the time is more opportune, and you are quite ready, I shall be most eager to learn more of your time with Erik, and what kept the two of you in Persia." Nadir smiled, but inside his heart ached. Her curious side begged her to know, but he knew there were some things, many things, he could never bring himself to speak of again. "All in good time Madame," was all he said.
Madame Giry looked at Nadir and smiled as they walked back into her room through the small corridor. "This passage shall be most useful, no doubt we will spend many midnight hours here working on various details for the future. How we will ever keep all of this together for these children, I have no idea. But I know that you care for Erik as I care for Meg and Christine.
That felt like an understatement to Nadir. He owed his very life to man who was at least twenty years his junior. What he felt for Erik was mutual respect, and a deep sense of honor for ever having come to know a man of such brilliance and character. Nadir was the lucky one.
"No doubt we shall, I dare say Madame, that we may be the glue that holds this little web together." Madame Giry nodded in agreement.
"Now, let us see to helping you with that trunk?" Madame Giry cocked her head smiling at Nadir. "You did not really believe that is why I brought you here did you?" Nadir laughed. "Certainly not Madame, I was simply playing the part." He smiled back at her like a mischievous little boy.
"Do go to Meg, I should like to find Raoul. I'll need to be going into Paris proper and see to the offices of the government…." Madame Giry interrupted. "Today is Sunday Nadir, you shan't find anyone in. You must resign yourself to relaxing here in the comfort of the De Chagny mansion. Certainly there are books in the library that would peek your interest." "Hmmm, yes the library." Nadir thought to himself, this might be a perfect opportunity to do some investigating, while De Chagny was absent, and Raoul would be obviously detained with entertaining Meg and Madame Giry. Yes, perhaps a Sunday of leisure would suit him just fine today.
XXXXX
In the stables behind the De Chagny mansion, the carriage that had brought Meg and Raoul back to Paris was being prepared. It had been cleaned thoroughly, the horses properly groomed and rested. Their reins oiled and polished, their tails braided and tucked. Though some might find this excessive, it was a common courtesy for allowing Raoul the use of the carriage. The coachman had been taken well care of, his suit cleaned and pressed while he slept. After lunch had been served he would be ready to depart. He'd be returning to the winter house to retrieve Stephan and Elizabeth, and from there back to Courtland Manor.
The second carriage had arrived with Nadir and Madame Giry. This carriage had been treated with no less respect or attention. A more permanent room of sorts had been arranged for this coachman, as his stay would be much longer. The two coachmen had shared breakfast and most of the morning together, relaying what information that they could. They had little doubt that part of their duties in the coming months would be as much messenger as driver.
XXXX
The staff at Courtland Manor had scrambled in every direction at sunrise. The kitchen staff had hitched the old mules to the only available means of transportation, a wagon that hadn't been used since last fall. The only horses remaining in the stables were being used by the search party that had departed just after breakfast that very morning. A skeleton crew of a maid and one elder gardener were the only ones left at the Manor.
Everyone had been nervous that morning as they parted ways. Their irritation of the previous days had long since been replaced by concern that no one had yet returned. They'd drawn straws to see who would compose the search party. Everyone had wanted to go, as they were so very curious, but in the end, it was two stableman, a housekeeper, one cook, and a gardener, that had won the right to go. Though a rather large group, they'd decided it was prudent, as there was always safety in numbers. And if the group had not returned because of criminal activity, they did not want to add to the mêlée by becoming victims themselves.
They'd packed whatever provisions they could in the saddlebags. It was their hope that all would be well, but if not, they'd want to be prepared for whatever they found.
Author's Notes:
Oh, how I've missed all of you! I hope to get to answering all of the wonderfull reviews on Monday! I've penned a few more chapters, though this is the only one I feel completely good about as of this moment! I am very, very, excited to be reunited with my computer, I've had major withdrawl. I do have to take one quick opportunity to wish a special someone a very happy belated birthday! Captain O, I hope all of your birthday wishes came true...even if you didn't get Gerry-in-a-box!