Madame Giry woke to find Meg's bed empty. She looked in the water closet, even the small hall between her room and Nadir's, but she was not there. The morning light was spilling fully into the room. Madame Giry had not seen Meg in the room, but from the looks of the cot, she knew she'd been there at some point during the night.
Madame Giry quickly dressed and found her way to the door of her room. She was at once afraid that Meg had risen and gone down to the room she'd occupied….. As she opened the door, Madeline greeted her with a hot cup of tea, coming in to help Madame Giry draw the strings on her corset. Madame Giry was relieved for surely if Meg had discovered the now empty room, Madeline would have retrieved her.
Soon she was on her way, following Madeline downstairs to the dining room, where the table was set for four. As Madeline walked away, Madame Giry called after her, "Madeline, did you help Meg dress this morning?" Madeline shook her head, "Meg not dressed yet, come breakfast soon" she smiled nervously and departed behind the door of the kitchen.
Madame Giry sat down admiring the rich wood of the long polished table. Nothing had been spared in Raoul's home. And though he was an eligible man, it was easily seen that the house had been prepared for a family, not a bachelor.
It was a few minutes only and Madame Giry heard footsteps behind her. She didn't even turn, "where have you been off to so early this morning my dear?" She said, both concern and irritation in her voice. It was neither proper nor pleasant, she thought, that Meg would be running about Raoul's home in her bedclothes at this time of day.
"I shan't recall being asked that question by a woman in a great many years Madame!" A decidedly masculine voice said as De Chagny walked around behind her selecting the chair directly across the table from where she sat.
Madame Giry was mortified. She'd thought it to be Meg, and now her question seemed a bit meddlesome and sardonic. "Monsieur, I implore you to forgive my rudeness, I'd thought you were…"
He laughed somewhat uncomfortably. "Do not worry dear lady, I'd rather thought I'd find Raoul in the very chair that you now occupy, so that would make us both entirely wrong!" She smiled at him contritely. "We both looked for our children, and neither have found them, though I've some idea where they might be." He nodded back over his shoulder toward the library. "It's the only door that is not a bedchamber that is closed in this entire house, so I've come to believe that they are in there, no doubt talking about books and watercolors again." His voice held a bit of a sarcastic ring.
"I dare say they get along very well, perhaps a little too well for my tastes just now." De Chagny nodded as Madeline filled his cup with coffee as thick and black as Madame Giry had ever seen. He caught her look of concern. "It is espresso, and yes, normally drunk from a very small cup, but I find it is far too annoying to have the cup refilled a dozen times!"
Madame Giry nodded to him though she still thought it odd. "My dear lady what do you think of this…shall we say, developing romance between our two children?" Madame Giry knew exactly what she thought, though she knew it was vastly different from the opinion DeChagny held.
"Monsieur, I'm quite afraid they are both old enough to make that decision for themselves. My opinion, while favorable, has real little baring on what the two dear souls decide." It was an honest answer, though not what De Chagny had expected.
"I see," he said as he nodded at Madeline who'd placed a dome covered plate in front of each of them. "Best we not wait for them to join us I suppose, it could be some time before they are ready to take their breakfast." DeChagny nodded once more and Madeline raised the dome, removing it from the room. Bacon, fried potatoes, a bit of steak, a large tomato.
Secretly Madame Giry hoped she'd not find the same under hers, and much to her relief, she did not. Hers was much more appropriate for a lady, several slices of French toast smothered in peach sauce, garnished with freshly whipped hazelnut scented cream. A delight for the senses!
She bowed her head, saying a silent prayer, as DeChagny began eating his breakfast. It wasn't that he didn't believe in it, but since his wife had died, he only did that which was required of him, and prayers at mealtime, he'd decided, were not obligatory.
Madame Giry cut into her breakfast taking her first delicious bite. She was momentarily transported back to her own childhood when her mother had prepared a similar breakfast for her. She was smiling as DeChagny began talking, pulling her abruptly back to the present.
"So Madame, you do not object?" Madame Giry feeling a bit protective of both Raoul and Meg, decided not to engage in this sort of debate with him. She chose one careful statement and that would be all she would offer on the subject.
"Monsieur, I dare say I can recall what it was like to be young and in love, and also for that to be frowned upon by unhappy or bitter adults who were bent on my making a good match. I'd much rather see them happy and content than matched and miserable." She knew her comment was likely a sour note to his ears, but she'd neither defend nor recant it; her mind was set on pleasant conversation for the duration of the time they shared at that table.
DeChagny felt a pang of guilt, though he'd not show it. It seemed that everyone was concerned about Raoul's happiness, and not his place in society…after all it was his duty as Raoul's father to make certain that the good name of DeChagny was well represented….
His thoughts quickly wandered, for the third time in the past few hours, to Claire. She'd been from a good family, and her father had truly disapproved of him. Without the knowledge of who he was, his family name, fortune, crest….he'd been considered by her father as unsuitable…perhaps if he had known….he'd not have objected…but that mattered little now. He had simply wanted to be happy…to be with the woman he loved…and he was denied.
He was chewing on the same bit of steak that he'd first taken from his plate, staring down at the sliced tomatoes. Oh how Raoul's mother had loved them. She'd been the one who'd first convinced him to try them. He'd always resisted before but had finally relented on their honeymoon, and found them to be quite enjoyable. He'd had them at nearly every meal ever since then…they always reminded him of her. He was irritated with himself…he'd been thinking about those two women more in the last few days than he'd allowed himself to do in years, with the exception of the occasional reminder such as this one.
It was the conversation that he'd had with Nadir, and the one with Raoul that had stirred up his past, and it would not be so easily put to rest this time, and for what reason he could not say.
He drew himself out of his stupor. He was entirely alone with Madame Giry…..this was the perfect time to have a discussion about Nadir. Perhaps he could find out more about the mystery of this man. Something, anything, that might help him uncover the origins, the past of this man to whom he'd revealed so much.
Madame Giry was sitting across the table, thankful that DeChagny was obviously lost in deep thought. It mattered little to her what occupied him so. She was simply glad the subject had faltered for she'd no desire to banter with this man who was both her employer, and quite possibly in the future, the father-in-law to her daughter.
The peaceful breakfast was interrupted by his question."So Madame, do tell me, Nadir is a most interesting man, and I dare say I've not heard that name before…is he Russian?"
Madame Giry cringed at the mention of his name. She'd been thinking about Nadir a great deal since they'd had their brief encounter in the small hall between their rooms. And even more since he'd given her a fleeting kiss before he departed. She took a sip of her tea before she replied, "No, I believe he is Persian."
She dabbed at the corners of her mouth. Though her plate was only half empty, she was entirely full. "Persian…hmmm. I'd have guessed Russian…he certainly can hold his liquor!" DeChagny laughed at himself; Madame Giry did not. Obviously it was a much more humorous statement when made in the company of only gentlemen. He huffed a little, settling his obvious humor into a more subdued conversational tone.
"How is it that he made the acquaintance of your uncle then?" Madame Giry could fashion a small story based on what little she knew of Nadir, and his time with Erik in Persia. She'd not to worry that she'd reveal anything for what she knew was sketchy at best.
"My uncle and Nadir conducted business in Persia, I assume he'd made his acquaintance there." "Interesting, I'd thought of your uncle as more of a gentleman farmer than a businessman."
Inside Madame Giry was incensed. Erik was so much more a man than nearly anyone knew. Self educated, intelligent, musical, compassionate, yet powerful. He was an undiscovered jewel, and in her mind could be made no less a man by the observations of this one that she barely knew. "Yes, my uncle has quite a full life. He's been traveled most of Europe." Madame Giry said, not really thinking that he'd pry further.
"And just what sort of business did he and Nadir conduct?" Madame Giry cocked her head with question in her expression. "You are certainly interested in my uncle!" DeChagny, startled somewhat by her reply added, "I am but making pleasant conversation dear lady, while we wait for our two children to present themselves, if ever they do before the noon meal!" He was smiling at her. He'd admit it, he was intrigued, but his real intent was to occupy the time, and find something about Nadir.
Madame Giry relaxed somewhat, perhaps she was being entirely too suspicious or protective. This man would have little use for the information, and as long as she'd reveal nothing of any consequence, she'd might as well pass the time pleasantly. "My uncle and Nadir dabbled in architecture. They'd designed homes for some of Europe's finest families." Madame Giry smiled at DeChagny, certainly that would raise his opinion of both Erik and Nadir.
"Oh how very intriguing. Do you know which houses, perhaps I've seen their work!" Madame Giry knew of several palaces, homes for Lords and Barons, but she'd not provide that direct a link to either man. "I am truly sorry, I'd not be able to recall them now, they've been retired for so very long, and I was a rather young woman, busy with my family and the Opera House when they traveled about Europe."
Madeline came in and collected her plate. Her back turned to DeChagny, she rolled her eyes in DeChagny's direction while she smiled at Madame Giry. The sight of it nearly making Madame Giry laugh out loud.
"I should think Nadir would be rather anxious to brag of his adventures in designing houses for the likes of someone like me, no doubt he has stories as vivid as my own." DeChagny chuckled to himself. He was about to add further to the comment when he spied Raoul coming in the door from the outside.
"Raoul DeChagny, what on earth man?" He said in a rather raised voice. In came Raoul, holding Meg's hand, both in their bedclothes, smiling from ear to ear. Madame Giry stood, raising her hand to cover her gaping mouth.
"Meg!" she said as she beheld her daughter, whose nightdress was somewhat filthy and damp about the bottom. She glanced over at Raoul whose slippers were dirty and sodden.
"Where have you two been that you'd present yourselves in such a manner?" DeChagny's condescending tone rung in Madame Giry's ears. For once, they agreed on something.
Though Meg and Raoul felt rather like they were children being scolded by their elders, they could not take the smiles from their faces. Madame Giry was entirely aghast that Meg would do such a thing, but she could see a flicker in her daughter's eyes that she'd not seen before, and she was happy for her, though deeply embarrassed at her behavior.
Raoul's father stood before the damp, sleepy, but happy pair, hands on his hips as if demanding an answer. Though Raoul was in his own house, and his father held no power over him there, he felt compelled to reply, if for no other reason, for Meg's sake.
"We were off to watch the morning sun rise over the pond. There is a felled tree there that provided the most glorious seat from which to view it." His defensive posture relaxing somewhat as he glanced over at Madame Giry. "Do not worry, we were perfectly safe, and Meg was properly represented as we had several stableman along as escorts." In truth they were guards, but Raoul didn't need to share that bit of information.
Both parents stood looking at their respective children. They were grown adults, but they still felt a sense of responsibility for them. Madame Giry was moving forward to collect Meg. Raoul stepped forward just slightly moving in between Meg and her mother.
"If you do not mind Madame, I shall see Meg to her room so that she may retire for a few hours before lunch. I think it is safe to say she is sufficiently tired to rest now." Madame Giry felt a sudden rush of separation from her daughter, and knew in that instant, that Raoul was taking possession of Meg, responsibility for her…her permission likely had little influence on the situation now….it was out of her hands.
With that he turned and led Meg up the stairs, Madeline scurrying up behind them. Madame Giry turned to face DeChagny. They were both at a loss for words. For once, they were of like minds, and neither knew quite what to say. They sat down sipping on their coffee, a fleeting glance exchanged between them. Their children were in love, and their importance as their parents was being replaced by the very real presence of the growing devotion to each other.
Meg found herself at the door to her mother's room, Madeline going in ahead of her to draw her a bath. "Meg, I shan't recall a more enjoyable evening in my lifetime." Raoul reached out stroking her cheek. Meg blushed. "If you'd not been woken by that dream, we'd have missed this opportunity…" Meg looked up as Raoul leaned down, brushing her lips with a soft and tender kiss. Her head immediately turning in embarrassment as Madeline ducked out of the door and down to the linen closet.
"Raoul, thank you for staying with me, helping me to get through those hours between dusk and dawn. Truly they are the most difficult." Raoul looked down, pushing the blonde wisps of hair from Meg's brow. "You are entirely welcome my dear….it was my pleasure. And now, off you go to get some rest. I shall ask Madeline to prepare us a late lunch in the garden. Until then I'd like you to get some rest." Meg nodded as Raoul turned to depart. She called after him, "Raoul, thank you….for that favor."
Raoul smiled. "It was high time that picture come down from its perch above the mantel." He paused, carefully selecting his next words. "Let us hope that it shan't be very long before we can put up a picture that is much more fitting for that room." He smiled at her and turned going down the hall to his room.
Meg blushed heavily, for she knew what he meant. Many of the young couples of society that were newly married, placed a portrait of their wedding above the mantel for good luck. Superstition she knew, but it was something all the girls spoke of effusively. It was supposed to help ensure fertility that first year. It likely held no value, but she'd seen many a happy young woman, fully expecting by their first anniversary. She went into the room where Madeline assisted her in getting into the bath. It was a welcome change from the cold damp nightdress she'd been wearing.
XXXX
Raoul visited briefly with the butler before retiring himself. He'd wanted to inquire if the doctor could be invited to come a bit earlier this evening, perhaps joining them for dinner. Given their late rest today, he'd no doubt Meg would want to retire before the evening was too far along.
The butler said, "Oh Vicomte, the maids came back from the market early this morning. I'm quite sorry to inform you that the doctor shan't be able to come this evening, but did send on his apologies. He thought Meg was getting along quite well and if she'd apply the salves as instructed, she could likely miss one evening visit." The man was folding Raoul's things at the end of the bed.
"Did he say why?" Raoul hoped that nothing ill had befallen the good doctor. "Yes, I'm quite afraid there was a dreadful incident in the City last night. A carriage was stolen from an Inn, two of the innkeepers shot dead, and another is being tended to by the physician as we speak. He feels compelled to stay at his side until he is certain that he was successful."
Raoul's face went ashen. "Did they say who they thought it might have been?" The butler nodded, "they thought is was the boy who'd left his carriage there in the care of the stable. No one knows for certain, but it may all have been over a dispute of the bill…how sad that someone would carry a matter that far."
Raoul glanced down at the butler, "indeed." He'd not be so irresponsible again. Though his adventures with Meg had been most pleasant last evening, he'd not have Meg outside of that house without several armed escorts, not even to enjoy the night breezes.
XXXX
Christine waived her hand as Nadir and Erik rattled off in the carriage. She'd have the morning to herself in her house, as the two took care of their business in the city. She would miss Erik for the few hours he'd be gone, but didn't mind having the opportunity to roam about the house now that everything had been uncovered and straightened. She needed to decide on which room would be the nursery, and that would be difficult since there were several very near to choose from.
She wandered back up the stairs in her bedclothes, rubbing her hand along her stomach. She was anxious to talk to the doctor, not having seen him for several days. She knew some things about pregnancy though she didn't know as much as some, never having known anyone closely during their confinement. Without a mother, without Madame Giry there, she'd no one else to ask. She did feel close to the staff, though one hardly discussed this sort of thing with their employees. She felt very, very, good, but would feel better once the doctor had visited. Perhaps his own sister had a difficult delivery, and that had kept him. She'd be anxious to hear of it!
As she wandered slowly from room to room, she could not decide. One had better sunlight for the morning, one was better as only a small door separated it from their bedroom, yet the other was lovely as it was a bit larger, and directly across from their room. She simply could not decide, though she knew she'd have months to arrange for it.
Ah, she had an idea. Going down to the sunroom she retrieved a small rocker, dragging it down the hall. Perhaps sitting in it rocking in each room, she'd have a better sense of it. She started with the room with the wonderful sunlight. Sitting down in the rocker, she quickly realized she could only see the tops of trees while seated, and the higher window sills made the room feel a bit confining. The second room she visited was the one across the hall. It was pleasant, and quite large, but something about it simply felt empty. The third room, she hoped, would prove to be the charm.
She dragged the chair into the room, sitting it near the corner so that she could see the center of their bed through the doorway. She smiled. This would be perfect. She would be able to keep an eye on everyone she loved all at the same time. Deep down inside, she'd almost known this room would be it. She couldn't imagine having her son, nor her husband too far from her.
She closed her eyes, leaning back and began to rock, humming one of Erik's peices. Before she knew it she'd drifted off to sleep in the comfort of the room that was warmed slightly by the morning sun. She was off in a dream, a sweet dream. She could see the room fully decorated. Toys and blankets surrounding her, soft shades of blue gracing every corner. Erik had painted cherubs and angels on the ceiling, and scenes from story books with a starry sky as a backdrop. Christine could nearly feel her baby in her arms. She furrowed her brow, she could feel a heaviness in both arms, it made no sense. She glanced down to see two little tufts of hair, one in each arm...
Christine jerked awake…could that be possible? She held her hand over her stomach. It had been a dream, not a vision…but somehow she was losing her grip on the difference between the two….
XXX
Nadir and Erik sat in near silence as the carriage made its way to Chauesser. Nadir had secretly hoped that Erik would start the conversation so that he could merely respond. Erik's behavior had always been predictable for Nadir, but even that had changed. Erik remained silent as he stared out the window of the carriage. Nadir decided it was time to speak. The longer the silence persisted, the harder it became.
"Erik, you've not said a word to me since last night." He looked over at him, Erik's eyes never moved. "It is unlike you to hold a grudge with me…others perhaps, but never me. Do tell me you are not that angry about my stowing a private note in your…" Erik turned, Nadir immediately falling silent.
"Nadir, my friend, do not worry. I can tell your spirit is burdened by something. I've known you a very long time now my friend, if I did not trust you or your motives, you would not be sitting in this carriage with me even now." Though Erik's facial expressions had not changed, Nadir was comforted by his words.
"Nadir, it is Christine that I think about this morning." He glanced over at his old friend. "Her visions….they are coming more frequently….I dare say they trouble her even beyond what she shares with me. I've known seers, and you've known seers…it has never come to good for any of them. And why now? Why after all of these years of life would she begin having these visions?"
Nadir at once understood Erik's silence. He had to agree, he'd never seen or known of any seers who lived anything but a tormented life. His words, no matter how sincere would provide only hollow comfort. Nadir sat back. Erik simply needed to vent.
"I've observed no less than four such instances in the last weeks. First the vision of Meg, then the vision of the ark, the vision of her father on the mountain, the vision of the girl in the village…" Erik's voice trailed off.
Nadir offered the only comfort that he could. "Erik, she is a brave young woman. She's not one who would try to misuse this gift. The only seers we encountered Erik, were tormented because they'd tried to harness this gift for their own benefit. Perhaps motive is an important part of accepting this." Erik glanced at Nadir. Perhaps he was right. "Either way my friend, there is simply no way around the gift, there is simply a way through. She has what the others did not."
Erik looked at him inquisitively. "And what is that Nadir, what does she have?"
"She has someone who loves her, understands her, will care for her and support her…none that we knew had that!" Erik had to agree, the seers that they had known were utterly alone, most were recluses, which probably only added anguish to their ever present torment.
Erik looked out the window once more before turning his attention back to Nadir.
"My friend, what was it that you wanted to discuss, but could not when I discovered you last night? Do you feel ready now?" Nadir sighed to himself, at last, the invitation he had been waiting for since first they'd entered the carriage.
He began slowly, evenly, "it is Madame Giry." Nadir said, rather shyly. Erik smiled, "and what of her?" Nadir cleared his throat, now he himself gazing out the window. "It has come to my recent attention…" he paused. He'd not said this out loud to anyone, for he'd barely admitted it to himself.
Erik looked at him, reaching out to place a hand on his shoulder, "what is it Nadir?" He raised his face to Erik, for the first time in many years, feeling truly vulnerable before another human being… "I think…I think I've fallen in love with her.."
Erik smiled…so that is what all this nervousness on Nadir's part had been about! Erik began to laugh, at first softly to himself, and then heartily. Outside the carriage the coachmen could hear Nadir chastising Erik. "There's nothing at all funny about that Erik!" They could hear Erik laugh all the harder…..
Author's Notes:
DarkMoonLightBright: Being misunderstood is the hallmark of genius! In regard to that part of 'The Music of the Night' I know just what you mean. I melt into a little puddle just thinking about it! Yes, our dear Erik will be a wonderful dad no doubt…
No good days at school? Yes, I agree Fanfics are a great escape, and maybe one day you'll be an author if you enjoy reading and writing….but that means school is important…I know it can be tough sometimes, but in the end it is so worth it! I've said it before, but education is important because it helps us to be better people. Yeah, some of the stuff we learn can be pretty boring. I guess just trying to focus on what's good about it makes it easier to get up and go every morning. So, don't spend too much time on FanFics! Have a great weekend, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Hopelesslyobsessed: Five hours a day of tennis…makes me tired just thinking of it. I bet you've watched the movie 'Wimbeldon' with Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany…last spring when I was really sick, I watched that movie for like a week straight. He was a sweetie pie. I guess I just like it when guys are nice to the women in their life! I wonder if our Erik would like tennis, after all it is a rather dignified sport….oh, can you imagine him in white shorts and a polo…..nah…me either! Unless they can play tennis with a cape, I guess he'll have to pass. No problem about the review…life gets busy for all of us! It is good to be busy!
I'm glad to hear you liked the thing with Raoul's mom. I wasn't sure about it, but a few others said they liked it to, so I guess it stays! I'd agree with your thoughts on the fairy-tale kind of thing with his mom, she was just trying to imagine a beautiful woman for her son….I think.
I didn't even realize there was a sequel to Drac 2000. Who knew? Anyway, I hope you get through it o.k. Yes, Meg's room is coming along nicely, though it is taking longer to finish than Raoul had hoped! LOL Have a great weekend!
Poetzproblem: Yes, our dear Meg feels like a walking time-bomb of secrets. I guess we'll just have to see how strong a girl she really is! Really, you are too smart for your own good…you discovered my little foreshadowing of Erik having a soft spot in his heart for Raoul…darn it! I'm going to have to think harder to outsmart you now aren't I?
Have a great weekend…hope you liked this chapter!
Stellalorilai: I love the mention of Dickens…it gets me teary-eyed every time. Did I ever mention that I was fortunate enough to meet Dickens great-great grandson? He tours the word doing a reenactment of 'A Christmas Carol', a one man show, it was simply superb. I attended with my sister and cousin, a week before Christmas two years ago. It was like watching Dickens write the story….absolutely breathtaking! O.k., enough on the little detour. I'm glad you like the part about Raoul's mom. I'd mentioned to several other reviewers that I wasn't entirely sure about that part, but it was well received so I guess it is good to go with your gut instincts! Yes, there was finally a little bit of relief…now Nadir will be on the trail…..he's a good detective…
Have a great weekend and I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Trueinspiration: Welcome to the family! We hope your stay with our little Phantomfamily is a long and happy one! First, thank you for the compliment. It is hard to believe we have new family members almost every day, and it is such a commitment to start reading a story that is so long, when we are so far into it now! My hats off to you, it must have taken a long while to get to this chapter! I know we've been on the journey for nearly four months now! So, now, as is tradition, we must delve into your choice of tag names. Hmmmm….. I am thinking you are a very happy type of person who looks for good wherever you turn…and…having found the story of the Phantom of the Opera…were inspired by it….just as so many of us in our little Phantomfamily were. It breathed a new breath into many of us who were bored or a bit down…there is just something about watching that movie that sets your soul ablaze…. Now, if you are willing, please tell us how you chose your name! Have a good weekend, and I hope you enjoy chapter 108!