Erik's heart pounded all the harder as the horse crested the final hill before the winter house came into view. He was slightly relieved to see no carriage outside, at least one that was obvious anyway. He was at least able to breathe. There seemed to be no sudden movements anywhere on the property, with the exception of the dog who was running back and forth in the yard barking. Erik's eyes scanned the horizon, and as far as he could see in any direction, there was nothing.
The closer he came the more into focus the yard became, and then he saw it. A singular horse, lead laying on the ground out in front of the house. He'd not seen the steed before, and that was very likely what the dog was barking at. He'd not slow in his descent, though it appeared that everything was just as he'd left it.
As he came down the hill he noticed at once a figure standing at the door. He couldn't see it fully, but could see the bottom of the person's cloak, and the shoes, it was decidedly a man. Just as he came inside the fencing, he saw as the figure disappeared inside the house.
Erik rode into the yard, dismounted the horse and was up the stairs, flinging the door open, bounding in through they foyer. "Christine!" His voice was shrill, his eyes darting back and forth, she was not in the foyer. His heart thumped as he came around the corner, and found Christine lying on the divan in the parlor, the man leaning over her. He rushed towards him, grabbing him by the cloak, spinning the poor startled man on his heels.
"Erik!" Christine said with apologetic embarrassment in her voice. "Whatever are you doing?" Erik's eyes flashed between her face, and the doctor who Erik now had lifted off of the floor and was holding him dangling at arms length. Erik flinched, the nerve in his right cheek began to jump as he returned the more than startled man gently to his feet. "Sir, please do accept my apology…I've just come from the Chauesser…." Erik was huffing, wiping his brow.
The doctor sat down in the chair, and motioned for Erik to do the same. Christine sat up from her reclined position. "Erik?" she said with a bit of concern in her voice. Erik didn't want to frighten her, but at the same time, he knew she needed to be aware, and on her guard, though he doubted he'd let her out of his site until that boy was found.
Erik sighed heavily, leaning back against the chair. He looked at the doctor and then at Christine. He had to tell them. "Last night in Paris….two innkeepers were shot dead, a third man's life hangs in the balance as we speak…he'd only been able to tell them who it was before he lost consciousness." Erik looked solemnly at both of them. "It was Crawlings…the one who shot Sara…"
Christine's hand flew to her mouth, "NO!" Christine's face went ashen. The doctor was looking somewhat unsettled himself. "They've no idea where he went, only that he'd retrieved his carriage, and hasn't been found in all of Paris…no doubt he's fled." Erik was staring at the floor. "No doubt the boy's blood-thirst will continue, and to that end, I've need to guard my household…my apologies Sir…not seeing your carriage, or recognizing your horse, led me to be a bit more aggressive shall we say…"
The doctor nodded, "no harm was done. I can see that you've much improved since last I saw you, and no doubt you've been eating…your strength is certainly not lacking if you can raise the likes of me!"
Erik smirked, he'd terrified the poor man, and though he was sorry to have done it, something about the feeling of instilling fear in another man, even if briefly, brought back an old sense of satisfaction which Erik had quickly dismissed.
"Yes, I should say the affections of my wife have done well for my spirit, and my body…it is with her help that I have improved!" Erik smiled at Christine who was blushing heavily now. "Nadir shall be along at any time now with the carriage…and Sara…he'll be heading off to Paris."
Erik looked around at the packages neatly wrapped on the table by the door. "Are those the gifts for Meg?" Christine nodded, smiling she said, "and do not worry, I did not peek at your gift, though I must say I was tempted!"
Erik laughed. Returning his attentions to the doctor he said, "did I interrupt an examination when I came in…do you need some privacy?" The doctor smiled at Christine and then at Erik. "I dare say you came just at the right time sir. I'd just started the examination, and though it will take a trained ear, I'd like you to have a listen first before I do."
Erik looked inquisitively at the doctor as he took his stethoscope and placed it on Erik's ears. Erik smiled, blinking rapidly and then lowered himself to his knees. The doctor went to the parlor door to pull it closed. Erik smiled down at Christine who was glowing, her eyes brimming with tears of happiness. He leaned down brushing her lips with a tender kiss. They sat eyes locked, souls speaking, hearts soaring, as the doctor returned to them.
"Now, let me see.." He kneeled next to Erik's side. It was only a day ago that he'd knelt next to his brother-in-law at his sister's side as they listened to the heartbeats of their babies, and now, he'd have the joy of doing the same for Erik and Christine.
He brought Erik's shoulders closer to Christine's stomach. Christine had lifted her dress, it bunched up around her chest, and the doctor had covered her lower extremities with a blanket, giving her what modesty a woman in her condition could have. He warmed the pad of the instrument between his hands before he put it carefully several inches above the small lump in Christine's abdomen. Erik smiled.
"Now," said the doctor in a hushed tone. "Do you hear anything?" Erik nodded. "What you hear now is Christine's heart beat. It is strongest, therefore the loudest…remember that sound." Erik nodded again. The doctor carefully repositioned the pad over the lump, gently moving it around. Then stopping when he saw Erik's eyes squint. "Do you hear anything now?"
Erik's eyes began to well with tears. "Yes…" he said in a nearly breathless tone.
The doctor smiled at Christine who had reached out and now grasped Erik's hand so tightly that her knuckles had become white. "What do you hear Erik?" The doctor whispered. Erik looked up at Christine, "I hear the first one that you mentioned, and then, I hear…..many little beats, almost so fast they are hard to count!" Erik was smiling, but his face dropped as he looked at the doctor whose face was now suddenly serious. "What is it?" Erik said, a lump growing in his throat so quickly he thought he would choke.
"May I?" The doctor said, motioning for Erik to give him the stethoscope. Erik quickly complied. Erik moved up towards Christine's head, taking both of her hands in his. Somehow, he thought, she looked more relaxed than he, and he wondered at it.
The doctor exposed more of Christine's stomach and began to run the stethoscope slowly over the area, pausing and listening intently before moving it to another place and doing the same. This went on for several minutes before Erik said in exasperation, "please, do not make us wait…it rips at my heart….is something wrong!" Erik's first thoughts were for Christine, that she was alright, but deep inside he worried that something had passed from him, some horrible thing was happening….
The doctor raised his head and pulled the stethoscope from his ears. "Erik, please sit down would you?" Erik nestled in next to Christine, lifting her head into his lap. The doctor pulled the blanket over Christine's stomach. He smiled at Erik and Christine. Erik's eyes traveled between the two of them, and suddenly he felt like he was again on the outside looking in, and he didn't like it one bit!
The doctor began, "our Christine here had suspicions, and now entering her second trimester, we can be fairly confident that she is progressing nicely." Erik scowled? Was there need for this melodrama if she was progressing nicely? He huffed.
"Now Erik, there is always the possibility that I am wrong, for Mother Nature always has her secrets…" Erik grew very impatient. "Come on good sir, if you've something horrible to tell me, let's be out with it!" The nerve in his cheek jumped fiercely now, the doctor taking note of it, he'd talk to him about that later.
"Erik, I think you are going to be truly blessed." He smiled at him. "Blessed?" Though that word was a relief to him, he wondered…. "It seems as though, your dear wife will have her hands full, with you, and the babies…"
Christine was smiling profusely, tears running down her cheeks onto the cushions. Erik flinched, did he say babies? "Babies?" Erik could hardly breathe. He looked at Christine, her smiling face reassuring him. "Yes Erik, it seems you will have a busy house by early winter…I cannot tell you, it is far too soon, but I could distinctly hear Christine's heartbeat and two others."
Erik was suddenly feeling numb. "There is the possibility.." Erik's eyes flashed, what else did he not know…. "It is possible that there is yet another heartbeat Erik, I cannot be certain, the heartbeats are so close together…I've not delivered triplets before, nor cared for someone who has, but this seems very likely in this case."
Erik was dumfounded. How nature had played with his soul…a year ago, he'd no idea that he'd ever have Christine in his arms….and now…and NOW….he could be having a rather large family by this Christmas! Erik squeezed Christine's hand. She was obviously happy, he was happy…..then his face went serious.
"Doctor," he began to affectionately rub Christine's shoulder, "will this be hard on her, will she be able to carry…" The doctor knew, and understood Erik's concern. He sat back in the chair.
"Yes, Erik, this pregnancy will not be easy, in the latter stages anyway, but for now, your young wife is happy, she is healthy, and as long as she rests and EATS, she will progress nicely." Christine caught his scolding. This was no time to be worried about her waistline!
Erik's chest swelled. He would see to it, every detail, he'd brought her this far. He'd promised to be at her side in sickness and in health…he'd be with her every step of the way. He looked resolutely at the doctor, "you can be assured that she will be well taken care of."
The doctor smiled back at Erik. He'd seen so few husbands as devoted to their wives as this one, he'd no doubt in his mind that Erik would smother Christine with attention and care. The doctor lifted his stethoscope, nodding toward Christine, "would you like to have a listen?"
She smiled, nodding at Erik, "I should think so, I don't want the father having all the fun!" The doctor rose and assisted Christine in listening to the heartbeats. Her eyes grew wide, she was speechless, she'd longed for confirmation, and now she finally had it. Erik's love, and her love for him grew within her. She felt as though a golden lamp had been lit inside of her, a beacon of her love for this man, a reassurance that she was his, and that they would always be joined by this flesh no matter where their life took them.
Erik could hear a carriage coming up the path, no doubt that would be Nadir. He was excited to share this joy, but would not, perhaps until Nadir returned from Paris. He and Christine needed time to process this news before they could share it with the world.
He glanced down at Christine who was just lowering her dress. "Now," said the doctor, let's have a look at the rest of you.
Christine nodded at Erik, "go to Nadir, while the doctor and I visit for a few moments won't you?"
Erik nodded, walking toward the door, turning to look at her. Before he knew it he was at her side again, embracing her, burying his face in her neck, kissing it affectionately. "I love you" he whispered. She turned her head kissing his ear, "and we love you…daddy…" She kissed his ear again. He leaned away smiling at her as he rose and walked back toward the door. "Daddy…," Erik said to himself…next to the word husband, he could think of no more noble title.
"I shall need a few minutes to visit with you doctor, before you leave, perhaps you'll join us for dinner?"
The doctor rose shaking Erik's hand. "I'd be delighted." Erik opened the door and went out to the foyer, where he greeted a breathless Nadir. Erik was smiling, Nadir looked confused. "In here my friend, come, join me in the library…." He took Nadir, his arm around his shoulder, toward the library. "Erik?" Nadir inquired. Erik began to laugh as they disappeared into the room. "All is well my friend….all is well."
XXXX
Meg woke to the sounds of a large thud, and several harsh words said from one of Raoul's staff to another, "clumsy oaf, watch where you're going will you!"
Meg sat up stretching. She'd no idea how long she'd been asleep this time. She inhaled deeply she could smell something wonderful, sweet, cinnamon…it was the luscious fragrance of an apple pie, she could just tell…it made her saliva glands involuntarily come to life. Her dining schedule had been somewhat altered today, and for once, she was actually hungry! No doubt that would please Raoul.
She wondered how long he'd been gone. Glancing down she saw the book laying face down on the divan. She lifted it, looking at the page number, it was on page three. She chuckled. No doubt Raoul had been as sleepy as she, they'd not gone far in the book.
Meg stood and walked over to the window, pushing the drapes aside. She saw Raoul from a distance, his staff lined up in a row as he walked down shaking their hands and nodding towards them. Then he said something to them that they obviously were pleased with because they began to clap. Raoul was turning and walking back towards the house.
Meg let the curtain drop from her hand, she'd not want Raoul to think she'd been spying on him. She straightened her dress, and ran her fingers through her hair, releasing it and gathering it again in the satin ribbon. There was a small knock on the door as it slid open. "Miss Meg?" came Madeline's sweet voice. "You come kitchen, ask question?" Meg smiled and moved toward the door, "of course Madeline, whatever you need." She walked to the door and joined her as they left the room.
XXXX
Madame Giry had cried herself dry. She sat in the comfort of the sitting room, staring out the French doors that led outside. She was entirely grateful that she'd been the only one in the dormitories, and she thought, on that floor for that matter. She'd not cried that hard since….since…Christine and Erik had gone missing. She knew she'd best be getting back to Raoul's house. No doubt Meg would be awake and looking for her very soon, and she did not want to miss the opportunity to give the room a once over before Raoul showed it to her.
She stood, gathering her cloak and walked to the French doors, latching them closed. As she turned around she heard a familiar voice say to her, "it is beautiful isn't it?" Madame Giry spun round, there in the doorway was Raoul's sister.
"Madame Giry, are you alright?" Madame Giry quickly ran her index finger under both eyes. "I'm just a bit tired I'm afraid Meg had a rather difficult night last evening."
"Hmmmm," his sister sad walking into the room. Madame Giry leaned forward kissing the girl on both cheeks. "It is good to see you." Though Madame Giry was a bit puzzled by her presence.
His sister quickly sensing it said, "I was visiting my father, and he'd mentioned you'd come up to look at the dormitories, and I thought I might join you. I hope you do not mind at all."
Madame Giry replied, "not in the least…you've seen the rooms before?" His sister smiled as she looked around at the room they now stood in. "Yes, it wasn't completely finished the last I was here, but I did have opportunity to see it. Truly my father wanted me to confirm that they were on the right path, you know a lady has a feeling about these things." She smiled at Madame Giry.
"Yes, I can see that." She couldn't help but wonder if the girl knew, and felt compelled to ask. "Do you know who the architects were, who designed the upper floors? I must say they did a wonderful job." Madame Giry looked hopefully at the girl.
She smiled, "it's odd really, you'd not think that this was possible, but they'd unearthed the original plans for the Opera House when they'd first begun their work. Of course, there were some minor changes, such as the plumbing and what not, but basically, this is as the original architect saw it." She smiled at Madame Giry.
"Original plans? This was in the original plans?" Madame Giry's mind was at work, was this yet another one of Erik's many tricks? Inwardly she smiled, she'd have to ask him about that too.
"Yes, it's hard to imagine it, but it is possible that the architect had visions of the ballet company being much larger than the first ones, or had a soft spot in his heart for those who cared for the ballerinas, either way, this is what he'd envisioned, so my father decided it should be built, and everyone agreed that you were most deserving of it after all the years you've spent here!" Madame Giry was blushing. How easily those words of praise flowed from her tongue. She was certain they were sincere, but she could see that Raoul was right, his sister indeed had spent considerable time with her father, for she had his same smooth nature."
"We best see ourselves on our way, the afternoon is waning, and I've no doubt you've much to do when you return to my brother's house." The pair walked toward the door. Madame Giry turned taking one last glance before pulling the doors closed….it really was like a dream!
The pair of women made their way down the grand marble staircase to the grand foyer of the Opera House. It had been scrubbed and polished, and gleamed brilliantly in the late afternoon sun.
"Perhaps I shall see you again soon Madame Giry." His sister smiled. "Perhaps you shall." She reached out touching the young woman's shoulder. "Thank you." His sister turned to look at her over her shoulder. "Thank you for all of your help, I couldn't have done it with out you." Madame Giry was smiling appreciatively at her.
There were so many in society who worried about appearances and being genuine….Raoul's sister could see why Raoul had made a special place in his heart for Madame Giry. This woman was nothing at all if not genuine. "It was my pleasure." The women kissed cheeks and descended the stairs to where their respective carriage awaited them.
Author's Notes:
Dear Faithfuls, I hope all was forgiven. I just couldn't split this part of the story up, and the previous chapter would have been far too long….I promise not to leave you hanging…at least too much….over the Labor Day Holiday….Sadly I will be away from my computer all weekend…one last summer hurrah…before my favorite season sets in…there is nothing like autumn in (fill in the name of your city here!)
Captain Oblivious: I must hold you personally responsible for my nearly having to call 911! I nearly had a brain aneurysm when I read your review…first the "Run Erik's Horse Run" (which tickled my very odd funny-bone), to the mental imagery I was going through of imagining you in your fluffy white socks doing a "risky business" maneuver in Raoul's house! I have the strangest sense of humor of anyone that I know. Sometimes I find myself laughing at things that others don't even find funny. Imagine sitting in a room full of people and you are the only one laughing…and the fact that they aren't laughing makes you laugh all the harder! Well, that pretty much sums it up for me!
I'm very happy to see that you are "in-tune" with all the adjectives I've been using in recent chapters..shiny smooth floors….ah yes….I've drug you into my imagination…kicking and screaming….carrying that Pauly Shore gun of yours!
Poetzproblem: And the winner is? Sorry for making you ummm, review..the reviews! If I'd let the cat out of the bag, I'd have spoiled the suspense… dodges flying Punjab Gee, the last words of comfort sounded more like something out of 'The Godfather', maybe writing for our little Phamily is more like working for the MOB! Yikes…I think I just saw Jimmy Hoffa…. It's good to know that I'll be kept "alive" until I've outlived my usefulness! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Phantomlover05: I've got but one word for you…. "Ditto!" Hope this chapter put a little smile on your face!
ChristinelovesPhantom: You are most welcome for the updates! I am happy to hear that you are enjoying them! Ahhh yes…your explanation is perfect! You are right, we were cheering for Erik and loathing Raoul because we didn't want our dear Erik to be deprived of his one chance at love. NOW, not that I want to be misunderstood….for me there is only one man…the Phantom….but ….I do think that Raoul deserves a chance at happiness, even if it is never as deep, rich, or complicated as Erik and Christine's relationship. I don't think any other couple could pull off their love….although there have been plenty of them written about in the archives of literature. This is our time….and our choice is the PHANTOM LOVES CHRISTINE….CHRISTINE LOVES PHANTOM!
PhantomsRogue: Yes, the origins of Celebration City are truly inspiring! I think Walt would have been pleased beyond anything to see his dream city come to fruition! I especially liked the fact that each section of the city had its own feel. The one area that I thought was unique was one of the newest ones where everything was done with the environment in mind…so if you were an environmentalist…that would be your haven. Oh, the one single thing that I thought was "uber-cool" was that the hospital employs an award winning chef, and that they are open to the public for dining…I think it was considered four star! We didn't get the chance to eat there but we did drive through the parking lot very slowly…it looked more like a hotel…a swimming pool surrounded by huge windows…a large lounge area….it almost made me want to break a leg so I could stay there for a night! We took in both lunch, afternoon tea, and supper in Celebration City. We walked all over the City parks…I even have a snap-shot of me by the fountain that's by the post office! Well, anyway, yes, I've a Barney's tumbler at my office. Whenever I want a little mental side-trip, all I have to do is put that cup in my hand and fill it with coffee…and I'm transported back there….
Yes, I hope that all has been forgiven regarding the suspense with Christine. I just couldn't split it up…the thought all had to be together. Did you laugh when you thought of how confused poor Nadir was when he arrived at the winter house? He's already on edge from the secret he's keeping…all this stress isn't good for his heart!
Now one last thing…you must tell our Phamily about the inside joke….Vester Amicus Agricola? Hmmmm do tell….
Draegon-fire: You are correct…much time was spent on Madame Giry. I think subconsciously it is because I want everyone to know how hard the decision will be for Madame Giry. Whether she stays or she goes….she has to give something up. And now, with the room so specifically designed for her…her daughter in love…it would be hard to say good-bye to Paris. But, on the other hand…she'd promised Christine…felt responsible for Erik…and now…her feelings for Nadir…must she sacrifice her own happiness in the last half of her life…the chance to love again…. So yes, I did spend a bit of time on her…but so much depends on her…for she is the one responsible for the Phantom being where he is, and in fact…for becoming the Phantom at all…for if she hadn't rescued him…he most likely would have been nothing at all…but perhaps, to quote one of my favorite people Benjamin Franklin… "food for worms!"
Fate is pulling at all of the lives in the story…your words are so true. It is hard to tell really which way things will go…. Did you ever see the movie 'Sliding Doors' with Gwenyth Paltrow? If not, it's worth the rent. It's a few years old now, so probably cheap to pick up. Anyway, this story reminds me that choices are key to destiny, whichever you choose….there is always a path that remains undiscovered…the choice you DIDN'T make. Hmmmmm…..I've just lost myself in deep thought…somebody help me!
ElvieIII: I cannot help it, every time I type your name I think of a cute little elf just hoping around, hiding behind trees… Anyway, thank you for the compliments. I just closed my eyes and typed what my eyes were seeing. You are right, sometimes that can come out really CHEESY, so thank you for relieving my mind…
I am sorry that this story is only furthering your sickness. Though it was never my intention to make anyone as addicted to POTO as I am…it is a rather pleasant side-effect don't you think? I guess it takes one crazy addicted phan to truly know and appreciate another. Sorry to say…..I cannot help you…for truly….I cannot help myself! Alas, I am not a poster girl. I have but one picture hanging in my house and it is one that was commissioned by an artist, three people who are near and dear to my heart…but I can understand why OB might have to be displaced for his royal "hotness"….did I just say that? Oh my…
Well, yes, to answer your question, I think I'll camp out at the first theater in my area that shows 'Beowulf and Grendel'. I was so depressed, 'Game of Their Lives' never even made it anywhere near where I lived. Now I'm anxiously awaiting it to come available on Amazon…so far, nothing yet. Yes, the Beowulf pictures are great…and I can hardly wait to see it since Gerard said he was "spiritually moved" by the movie and the country. So when someone is moved, they tend to give their best performances….I can only imagine….stop my beating heart! I had half a mind to hop a plane and go to the Toronto Film Festival where 'Beowulf' is being premiered next weekend…but the tickets to the premier were all snapped up…darned. I think our Dear Gerard was going to be there since he's already in Canada getting ready to shoot '300'. If you haven't read about that, go to his website (sorry it won't let me type the address here) and read all about it. This man is going to be an "A-lister" before long! Then our secret will be out!
Liriel-eris: I don't want to hurt a fragile mind…sorry…. Thank you for your sincere words. I again am humbled by them….bows graciously I hope that everyone who has a chance to read this story will know that it is a labor of love, and that it has been given this long life because of the encouragement that I've received from the faithful readers…so thank you. When you mentioned the choice Christine had to make between Raoul and Erik…I'd have to agree. I do rather like parallels, especially in stories. So many people talk about life having far too much gray area….to me…that is an excuse for procrastination. I think all of us, if we are perfectly honest with ourselves, know that nearly everything is either black or white…we make it gray…. Christine was attracted to Raoul because he could provide her the "acceptable life" that every other girl would want. But in our little story, she knew, in the depths of her heart, instinctively knew, she truly belonged to Erik.
First, I didn't think you were rambling at all….I was following your train of thought perfectly! Yes, their love just continues to reveal itself…
Yes, Raoul and his father are still at odds, and no doubt, they've much to tell each other, but being the proper family that they are, they've never done so. I think at that time in history many grudges were held for entire lifetimes all in the name of being proper! So, let us help that one of them have been reading some of Walden's books on transcendentalism… and will become enlightened soon! His father's anger made sense to me. I'm borrowing a line from Tivia from 'Fiddler on The Roof'. You can almost see DeChagny bursting out into song in front of his picture, crossing his arms and doing a jig as he sang at the top of his lungs….. "Tradition, Tradition…..(crescendo) TRADITION!
Now at the risk of sounding mysterious…you're assessment of the characters, such as DeChagny not having a romantic bone in his body…it is true, one can never tell WHO someone really is…most people only show us the person they WANT us to know. Ahhh, at the further risk of sounding impetuous, we all wear masks of one sort or another!
Yes, setting the mood for writing is a must for me, although I can have ideas when I'm in the shower, going on a walk, grocery shopping, wandering through museums….it doesn't really matter where. Although, that said, I think it makes it entirely more real for the author as they pen their work…I like the thought of writing in the Garden and imagining the beauty of the Middle Earth….there's an air of mystery about it.
No, sadly, my coursework at college was filled with much different things. I am sorry now that I never took any creative writing courses…When did I start writing? Well, here's another little secret. I started writing poetry when I was around ten. Some of those I've have had put into works of art…they remind me of my childhood. Books? I've just started writing in the past five years or so, though I've written a number of short stories, usually driven by some experience I was going through in my life at the time. Yes, one of my goals for this next year is to work on getting published. A couple of friends and I have started a new tradition (there goes that word again!) that we meet once a month and go out for dinner. We've picked different restaurants from nations around the world and we go to them (not the country, just the restaurant). There we plot out something, a challenge for each of us to accomplish by the next time we meet. Now some goals, such as publishing a book, does take a bit more time, but I'm to report on my progress whenever we meet. Truthfully, I've been much more wrapped up in writing this story than in being published right now…it has become my obsession! But thank you for the encouragement!
I do like your analogy…why do people think we are nuts when they think it is o.k. to wear foam hats in the shape of a football and drink beer and spill chips on the floor while they scream at a television? Or the mom who has her kids in soccer and they live eat and breathe soccer? Good point….! I am happily relishing our addiction! At least we are all doing it with grace and style…right? LOL
Funny you should mention Celtic…I've just been penning a future chapter, and there is mention of it in there (I cannot tell you where) ohhhh how eerie! Yes, French is a lovely language. I'm hoping I can master it before I go to Europe….I don't want to be a bumbling tourist! After all I am ¼ French, I should at least be able to speak the native tongue of my ancestors before I start visiting their castles! Afrikaans?