Author's note: Confession – I am a chocolate fanatic…so if you are anything at all like the author…you might want to have some chocolate on hand while you read!….just a suggestion! Happy reading, and I hope you can "savor the sweetness."
Nadir spun on his heels as Erik had nearly pushed him into the library across the hall. "Erik, what is going on? Where is Christine? Does she know? Whose horse is outside? Have they seen any evidence of.." Erik began to laugh again at Nadir, which Nadir decided was entirely rude, and entirely not like the Erik he'd seen just an hour before.
"It was the doctor, come to examine Christine!" Erik continued to chuckle as he walked to the decanter and poured Nadir a brandy. "I truly frightened the poor man, lifting him from his feet by his cloak…" Erik laughed yet again as he brought the glass to Nadir.
Nadir took it, hastily taking in the first rather large sip. "Where's the man's carriage? Do not tell me he brought that horse all the way here?"
Erik looked at Nadir finally regaining his temperate composure. "I dare say I'd not even had time to inquire about the carriage. I was compelled to apologize for my rash actions and query about Christine's progress. If the good doctor saw fit to come on only his horse then he's some good reason to abandon the comfort of his carriage for a mere horse."
Nadir looked at Erik as they both sat on the window seat overlooking the front garden. "And did he then have opportunity to look at you Erik?" Nadir said in a slightly fathering tone.
"Whatever for Nadir? It is most obvious to everyone who knew of my injury that I am doing quite well now…I've been riding a horse, eating a gentleman's portion and the like." Erik looked a bit annoyed by Nadir's question.
Nadir thought carefully, he'd have to bring it up…Erik had come so far. "The right cheek…though it looks so very well…" Nadir paused, he couldn't bring himself to say the words, and instead supposed, "I can tell that it still troubles you." Nadir looked down at his glass and then back up at Erik.
Erik was gazing out the window. "It has been a difficult transition Nadir…more difficult than I'd imagined. I'd no time to prepare for it…I was simply greeted by it when I awoke…there was no time to prepare myself mentally for the transformation." There was a long pause. "I've never known a life where I'd not have to hide. Where my hideousness would be accepted….that what they beheld when their eyes met with my countenance, was the man, not the face."
Erik rose walking around the room staring up at the ceiling. The inner turmoil evident in the rising of his chest, the furrow of his brow. He crossed his arms behind his back, placing his hands on the opposite elbow, resting the crossed pair on his waist. "I'd not admit this to anyone else Nadir, but these last days….here with Christine… roaming about Chauesser…without it…without that mask…have been cathartic for my soul."
The nerve jumped in his cheek. He raised his hand to it. "Now, the thought that something might be wrong….the possibility that it could return…" Erik paused clenching his eyes tightly, "would be like returning a newly freed man to his shackles and tossing him into the deepest dungeon forever. I don't know if I could bare it Nadir. Not for my sake, but for….Christine….for the child she carries within her very womb."
He spun round on his heels looking at Nadir. "And the way she looks at me….Nadir I knew before that she loved me….but now…perhaps it is my imagination…" Erik fell silent. In truth he knew it was the way he felt about himself when he was with her. He felt more human; more worthy of her affections.
Nadir stood and walked over to Erik, resting his hand on his shoulder. "The man who sits even now in the other room with your wife, has brought you this far my friend. Do you not think that he will help you through this? And had he not told you that your treatment was not yet finished?" Erik nodded, the doctor had told him as much. "Then Erik, do not let this dampen your spirits, nor occupy your mind. You've much other to think about just now."
Erik nodded his head again, smiling at Nadir. "Once again your wise words pour as cooling water on my heated soul." Nadir patted him on the back.
"That is why I've survived this long, and not found myself at the end of your sword!" His statement making Erik laugh, breaking the tension that had settled in the room. "Now let us talk of our plans. I shall return our Sara to Paris, see to her internment. Then I shall see to taking care of her affairs, and try to find her children. Surely somewhere in her inn there will be information on the whereabouts of her children." Erik was nodding in agreement.
"Then I shall return to Chauesser Erik, and we will decide what to do about the old woman. I wish there was time to visit with Nicole before I leave, but I fear the day grows old even now, and I'll be lucky to arrive in Paris before night falls."
Erik agreed. Though he'd no desire to send Nadir out on such a long journey with the likes of Crawlings roaming about, he knew that he must. Perhaps having a coffin in tow would make a would-be robber think twice of it. For even among the criminals there was some code of reverence for the dead.
There was a knock on the library door. One of the maids peeked her head in. "Sir, I've prepared a basket for you, shall I have Erphan put it in the carriage for you?"
Nadir smiled inquisitively, "Erphan?" he looked at Erik for an answer. "That my friend, is a story for another time."
Nadir shook his head. He was accustomed to bringing information, news, to Erik, he'd been doing it for years. Now, it was Erik who seemed to know so many things, and that pleased Nadir, for Erik's sake. "Yes, please see to it won't you?" The maid nodded, closing the door once again.
Erik put both hands on Nadir's shoulders. "I shall miss having you here Nadir, and will look forward to your return. I've no doubt that you'll see to everything that I've entrusted you. I shall eagerly await any news you have from Paris regarding Meg, and Madame Giry."
Erik's voice took on a more serious intonation as he looked Nadir dead in the eye. It was a gaze so straight and true that it made Nadir feel as if Erik was looking passed him directly into his soul. "Nadir, a day may be coming very soon when we shall all be parted at length, and perhaps some will not see each other again while we are on this earth, though I'd not wish for it to be so. Decisions will have to be made…promises kept…"
Nadir knew what Erik was trying to say, though it grieved him deeply. "Nadir, we…you and I…are not young men any longer…we must find happiness and embrace it…lest it pass us by…" Erik swallowed hard, he felt like he was releasing his brother…
"If you should find…you and Madame Giry should find that Paris holds a future for the two of you…."
Nadir lifted his head, his lips beginning to move in protest. Erik raised his hand to bid him silence. "If Paris holds a future of happiness for the two of you, my two dearest friends in this world, I shan't want feelings of obligation to force you to return Nadir."
Nadir started to utter a protest yet again, but was quickly silenced. Erik walked a few steps away, once again staring up at the ceiling. "Nadir, I know you feel indebted to me, for saving your life sir, and since it is to me you feel you own this debt, then I should have the power to release you from this obligation…true?"
He turned back to look at Nadir. The stout man's eyes were brimming with tears. Hesitantly he replied, "I suppose…" Erik returned to him, once again holding his shoulders at arm's length, his grip as strong as ever.
"But Erik, it is simply not once that you saved my life, but three times you pulled me from death's door…"
Erik's powerful gaze was once more piercing Nadir. "If it is within my purview to acknowledge the debts you imagine you owe me, then it is also within my purview to forgive you these obligations. Nadir, that is my intention, at this moment, to release you from any obligations implied, imagined, or otherwise, my friend. Go seek that which makes you happy…that which makes you fulfilled, for we shall never pass this way again!"
Nadir's tears flowed over his lids and down his cheeks as he and Erik embraced. The two men had been through so very much with each other and for each other, he could no sooner imagine being parted from Erik than having his right arm removed. He knew that Erik had cared for him, but today, in these moments, he knew, without a shadow of doubt, that Erik loved him.
XXXX
The carriage ride from Paris wasn't terribly long, but just long enough that Madame Giry had begun to doze off. The day had been busy and eventful, and now all she longed for was a hot bath, a good supper, and to retire to her bed chamber after visiting with Meg.
She glanced across the carriage at the several boxes that lay there from the visits she'd made to the various shops. Now with all of Meg's thing finally at Raoul's, she could set about putting them in place. Perhaps the hot bath and bed would have to wait.
It wasn't until just now that Madame Giry realized she'd not even taken lunch, it was no wonder that her stomach growled hungrily, and her mind traveled to the small box that topped the tower that the woman at the chocolate shop had put on just for her. Though she knew it could spoil her supper, she was far too tempted to sample from the box.
Reaching over she slid the package from its place on top of the rest. Inside the box were tissue cups separating some of the most beautiful chocolate truffles Madame Giry had ever seen. Selecting one would be difficult. The dark chocolates filled with caramels and liqueurs were tempting though she had no coffee to accompany them. The white chocolates with fruited cream centers were wonderful, although that too she preferred with her tea. The plump one in the center was a pale milk chocolate, and by far the largest in the box. She decided, that it was just right. Plucking it from its home in the box she cradled it carefully in her hand. Putting the paper back in the box, returning its lid and setting it once again in place before she returned to the treat.
She raised it to her nose. Inhaling the rich scent of cocoa, the sweetness of the fresh cream and butter. It was inviting her senses. She could smell a hint of orange, but could see with her eyes, large pieces of toasted pecans protruding from both sides. She lifted it finally to her lips, taking a small bite, letting the candy begin to melt on the warmth of her tongue. The sugars quickly dissolving as they permeated her taste buds, awakening in her a simple pleasure. It was both sweet and heavenly as she moved her lips in sheer enjoyment of it. She could not recall ever having a finer chocolate in all of her life. The zest of the orange being a perfect parallel to sweetness of the chocolate, the crisply toasted and salted pecans, crunching under the weight of her teeth as she slowly savored each luscious layer of flavor. The second bite was no less intoxicating, nor the third, nor the fourth. Soon she'd put the remainder of the truffle in her mouth and leaned back in utter satisfaction.
Had she been deserving of a reward for that which she would gladly have done for her daughter anyway, Madame Giry could not think of a sweeter one. She glanced out the window. She recognized that small grove of trees off to the left. Fifteen minutes time would find her at Raoul's front door. She was slightly thankful she'd not have to ride any longer in the carriage with that package, lest it arrive at Raoul's house, entirely devoid of even a remnant of chocolate!
XXXX
Meg was in the kitchen with Madeline when Raoul entered the house walking right past the door without glancing in. He was on his way to the library to find Meg.
Madeline smiled at Meg, "Vicomte look for you…he not find…like hide and seek?" Meg laughed sweetly with Madeline. Though she could be rather formal when needed, Meg was pleased to discover she had a playful side.
They listened as the library doors opened, then there was silence. The doors closed. They listened as Raoul wandered down the hall. The two began to laugh quietly. Meg had been in the kitchen with Madeline looking over a tea list. Since Meg would be staying with them for some time, Madeline thought she might like to pick from the assortment she could get at the market. After all, there were far more interesting blends, especially for ladies, than Earl Grey, and chamomile!
They listened with wide smiles on their faces as Raoul opened and closed several more doors before he made his way up the stairs. They could hear him calling out "Meg…" Once they heard him walking around on the floor above, they began to laugh out loud. "He not find you…come looking here…you hide…in closet here…" Madeline pointed to a small pantry door. It was a closet that Meg could easily fit in. Most days it contained brooms and the like, but they had all been employed on the upper floor in Meg's room, so for now the closet sat empty. Meg smiled, she would do it!
She and Madeline perused the tea catalog, Meg selecting several she thought she might like to try, black currant, orange and spice, jasmine. She would start with those. Madeline was writing it down on her list for the market in the morning. Meg smiled thanking her.
Then she had a thought. "Madeline, did you know Raoul's mother?" Madeline smiled, "yes young miss, came here when Raoul was boy, come here to help care him." Meg smiled, then she would surely know. "Madeline, was there anything that Raoul's mother would get for him, a special treat of any kind that he liked?" Madeline sat on the stool, she had to think. "Why yes young miss…she get him licorice.." she smiled. "He not have since he was boy, no more after mother gone…"
Madeline looked mournfully at the table. "She was good…she like angel…he miss her much." Madeline looked up at Meg. Their faces had now turned from their mischievous smiles, to melancholy. "You like I pick up at market?" Madeline said, trying to smile.
Meg reached down pecking Madeline on the cheek. "Yes, very much. I've little means to do much for Raoul, and his generosity is quite overwhelming. If I could bring him but a few moments of happiness, I should like that very much."
Madeline was writing it on her list, she'd bring both red and black. "And one more thing Madeline, do you think you could help me select a book, perhaps one his mother read to him as a child."
Madeline smiled widely. "Yes, he keep those books on special shelf, I find for you." Meg smiled, and was leaning over to hug Madeline when they heard Raoul's footsteps on the stairs. She darted quickly into the closet.
Raoul's voice was a bit more frantic as he called out "MEG…" Soon he was at the entrance of the kitchen, walking in he was facing Madeline, his back turned toward the closet door. His eyes eagerly searched the room. "Madeline, I've looked everywhere, except the water closets, have you seen Meg, I cannot seem to find her anywhere."
Madeline could do nothing more than smile at Raoul which made him cock his head to one side and smile, asking "whatever is it Madeline?"
Just then Meg burst out of the closet door, grabbing Raoul by his sides and then running out the door and down the hall. Raoul laughed, "why you little rascal!" Raoul was out the door and after Meg.
Madeline laughed to herself as she listened to Meg and Raoul chasing each other in and out of the rooms on the main floor. There was cries of being found, fits of laughter, and banter as they chased each other like playmates. Madeline was happy. Happy that there was laughter again in the house, and happy that Raoul was finally allowing his heart open enough to heal.
And then, there was silence. Raoul had finally cornered Meg in the parlor. He was looking down at her smiling, and she up at him. Their eyes were searching each other's as they stood face to face. Raoul slipped his arms around Meg's waist and leaned down to place a tender kiss on her lips. Their spirits began to float, a sweet moment that seemed a fitting beginning to a courtship that others would have envied.
XXXXX
Christine sat with the doctor, now having answered all of her questions, she felt more at ease. It had been a bit awkward asking such things of a gentleman, but somehow the doctor's manner allowed for it. No doubt it was all the decisions he and Christine had made while Erik slept, they'd developed a bond where honesty was the rule, not the exception. No matter how cruel or hard the truth had been, they'd worked through it.
Now, with the joyous event of a pregnancy, the questions were ones that had answers that were inclined towards the positive. "Thank you for answering all of my inquiries. I'm sure that most women of my age already know such things."
The doctor smiled reaching out to tap Christine on the knee. "On the contrary, they suffer in silence. I've not known many like you Christine. You'd be a good influence on many young ladies. Most are far too timid to ask even the most simple questions. You've a good judge of things, and know first hand the struggles that one faces during difficult times. Some day, your triumphs will be put to good use, if in no other way, raising your bundles of joy!"
Christine was flattered. She'd not felt any smarter, nothing more than average really, so his words of comfort were more than flattering.
There was a knock at the door. "Christine, it is time for Nadir to be on his way, would you like to say goodbye?" Erik said, his voice somewhat muffled by the heavy doors.
"Erik, do come in, we are finished." Christine said smiling at the doctor. The two of them stood as Erik and Nadir entered the room. It was obvious to anyone that this would be difficult. The four stood in a square, each looking at the other. They had been through a great deal together, and none knew when next they would be standing together in the same room.
Christine was the first to move. She walked over embracing Nadir. "Do give Meg a hug and a kiss for me won't you? And send Madame Giry my fondest regards. Do let them know we are thinking of them." She smiled as she leaned away from Nadir, both having tears on the very edges of their eyes. She leaned back in embracing him again. "Safe travels to you Nadir, do take care of yourself, we shall miss you dreadfully." She released her grip on him, brushing a kiss on his cheek as she joined Erik at his side.
The doctor walked over to shake Nadir's hand. "Good sir, it has been my privilege to have spent time in your company. I shall assure you I'll be looking after them sir. Now that my sister is delivered, I shan't miss visiting the pair often."
Nadir smiled at him. "When next I return, perhaps we can talk of the salves you used for Meg, I dare say the DeChagny's physician has asked many questions about them, and about you. We've told him you are from Chauesser so that he might not track you down." The doctor nodded, "I see, then yes, we shall talk on your next visit then." Nadir turned, the maids were standing at the door, the carriage driver was at the ready. Erik would see Nadir out to the carriage.
As the pair walked the short distance to the carriage, Nadir could sense there was much left undone between them. "Erik, I shall miss your company. Do take care of yourself, and Christine. No doubt when next we meet, we shall have much to share." Nadir reached out embracing Erik one last time before mounting the carriage. He leaned out the window. "I'll be certain to send a courier if anything of interest to you or your family should develop before I return." Erik nodded. He knew just what Nadir meant.
XXXXX
The carriage pulled away. Erik watched until he could no longer see it as it passed over the crest. Christine had joined him at his side, holding onto him tightly. "We shall miss him my dear. I'd guess it may be some weeks before we see him again. Perhaps the first part of April."
Erik simply sighed. "Yes, I suppose it shall be." Then, a wide smile crossed his face as he turned to Christine. "Can you imagine it? Just imagine it…next year at this very season, three of them wandering about our ankles?" He was beaming.
Christine smiled up at him, nestling her head into his chest. "It will be perfect Erik, simply perfect." She leaned her face toward his flesh placing a delicate kiss in the center of his chest.
"Now my dear," said Erik. "We must be careful, certainly that behavior will lead to something we shall both need to avoid until…" Christine lifted her finger to his lips, slipping her hand behind his neck she pulled his head down to hers. Her lips nearly touching his.
"Not yet my sweet Erik, not yet. When I am nearing my confinement yes, perhaps then, but not now. I've the doctor's blessings if you should like to discuss it with him."
Erik blushed, Christine had asked such a question? "Christine…" he was bewildered. She smiled at him, kissing him quickly on the lips before slipping her hand into his. "One cannot know what one does not ask. Did you think I would deny you unless I knew that I must?"
Erik felt a crimson flush rise all the way to the top of his brows. Even now, Christine worried about pleasing him…oh how could one man ever be so blessed? He growled once, scooping Christine up into his arms. He walked back to the house, swirling her in the air, Christine laughing and playfully running her arms around his neck. They could barely taken in all that had come to be that day, a blessing, a true blessing had befallen their life, and now there was nothing to do but sit back and bask in the glow of it.
Author's Notes:
Dear Faithfuls: I hope that I did not make anyone OD on chocolate! I have to tell you while I wrote this I had two cups of cappuccino, and three-pack of sugar-free chocolate turtles! Anyway…I hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day Weekend (for those in the USA), and all others too! For our dear Phamily members who are heading off to college…we wish you all of the best! May fortune smile on you and may your blessings abound! We will miss hearing from you on such a regular basis, but school must come first! Just drop by and let us know how you are doing from time to time….and…to keep up with our Phamily!
Captain Oblivious: Now stop that…you could get splinters in those stockings, which could lead to a terrible infection, whereby they'd have to amputate your toe, and then you'd be hobbling around campus and have to explain your antics to someone outside of our little Phamily!
Another laughing fit induced by you….thank you very much….. I could just imagine Erik and Christine sliding the baby back and forth down a long slippery hallway…. "it's your turn to change them slides baby, "NO, it's your turn," slides baby back OH NO…TWO sliding babies….Look out! Well, yes, I've just lost myself in my all-too-imaginative mind….
Poetzproblem: bows graciously Thank you for your kind words. I am happy that you are pleased with me. cowers in corner You're not part of the MOB are you? (side joke!) Anyway, I caught the little trap that you'd set… "all those extra family members to help out" You are getting a bit ahead of yourself my dear… Who knows, Erik could get spooked and make a run for it with Christine for all we know….laughs wickedly
Hybridknightress: Thank you for the compliment. I sound like a broken record, and I never mean to be anything less than genuine when I reply! I am glad that you liked the rather lengthy descriptions…I am really weird that way…I like to describe things so that we can all picture nearly the same thing…if it is possible anyway!
You refer to the movie 'Chocolate', which I have been dreadfully remiss, and have yet to see it. I know, it sounds like something right up my alley, and with Johnny Depp, no less. But, perhaps I will put it on my wish list for the upcoming winter…
Yes Raoul and Meg are very playful aren't they! They aren't terribly much younger than Christine and Erik, but somehow their relationship seems worlds apart…not nearly as deep or soulful…Ahhh…just thinking about Erik and Christine makes me happy!
Sorry I didn't respond to your update for the previous chapter…I found it after I'd already made my post!
Icherisherik: Hope that you are feeling better today! I am happy to hear that the story could cheer you! Oh, and do not fear that you are greedy…it warms my heart to think that somewhere out in the world someone anticipates hearing from me…smiles humbly
Yes, I think Raoul and Meg are rather sweet. Their relationship is in its "infant" stages, yet they seem to be happy with one another. I do worry that they aren't developing the depth to handle a real storm…should one come though….Hmmmmm.
PhantomLover05: Everyday I am amazed by how the faithful readers pick up on a detail that I think I've left hanging just so I can sneak it back in later…you guys are not easily duped! Yes, Erik was nervous…and he likely had good reason to be, as the men are a rather unsavory pair…capable of all sorts of mischief!
Ah, and our dear Erik, yes he is truly devoted…to his wife…and the children he has yet to meet. If only every woman in her position were to have a man as loving and devoted as Erik to see them through….ahhh….this world would be a wonderful…Utopia!
Christinelovesphantom: Thank you for showing grace when it comes to poor Raoul. Yes, as I've said, I'm a Phantom girl, through and through….I just think their happiness might be connected somehow…..oh…I've nearly said too much! Yes, I too think that much will be right with the world if they continue to love each other with such adoration. And finally, you are most welcome for the updates!
MeowLaFae: Hmmm…you are a clever feline. Those papers still have not been disposed of…who knows where they might end up! Yes, triplets…Christine's vision of the ark turned out to have some accuracy….makes you nervous what any current or future visions might produce doesn't it?
Phantomsrogue: Thank you for the Latin lesson. I found it quite humorous. For those of us who have ever translated any work, you need to have those little reprieves of laughter because the task is quite tedious. But…how evil of the teacher…to make you translate the 'Iliad', that was more than cruel! My teacher made us read it out-loud, in front of the class, during a, you guessed it, a toga party! Oh my, I can still remember it like it was yesterday!
Yes, Celebration City is wonderful, a jewel in my memory that I visit from time-to-time. It is creepy, that's what made me think of 'Smallville' things were just too darned perfect. What really made me feel creepy, was, except for the shopkeepers, we saw no signs of life other than the tourists….way too creepy!
Regina Halliwell: Your wish is my command!
Christineluvserik: First, welcome to the Phamily! We love adding new members to our little Phamily…honestly it makes us all feel better about our own addiction to POTO! Now, I must warn you, I do not want to be responsible for you becoming unemployed…so do be careful my dear! Thank you for the compliment… "Masterpiece?" I am humbled by your use of adjective…I love the story…but I feel rather like a parent with a child…you know…everyone thinks their own baby isn't ugly kind of thing! LOL. I am duly impressed…if you were able to read that many chapters in one day…you must have taken a speed reading course! It has taken me nearly three months to write all of this! I am glad to hear you are enjoying it along with us.
Now, as has become our tradition….let's take a look at your tag name shall we? Hmmmm….. I think you and another one of our faithfuls have a lot in common… "ChristinelovesPhantom"! The two of you would probably be able to talk for hours. I think the name is straightforward…you too share in our vision that Erik and Christine…the Phantom and Christine…belonged together…ahhh….
Now, if we are way off in our assessment, please do tell…how did you arrive at your chosen name?
ElvieIII: I loved, loved, loved, your ice-cream humor. Oh, a pint of Ben and Gerry for me too please, and hold the Ben! LOL chokes LOL O.K. on a more serious note…we (our Phamily) would like the names, addresses, and physical descriptions of anyone who thinks that Gerry is an ugly old man! We have friends in the MOB (makes sense if you've read some of the reviews)….no….we ARE the MOB and will take out anyone who disses our dear Gerard! Yes, he is the Phantom, and quite capable of defending himself, but he's created a following of cape twirling devotees, who will protect his honor! O.K., THAT was a little scary! Moving on…thank you for your compliment regarding writing angst. I've often thought this stuff, but never really knew how it would sound to anyone else if I put it on paper…I'm glad to hear that it makes sense to someone else!