Madame Giry's carriage arrived at Raoul's front door, the coachman quickly escorting her from the carriage, opening the door to the house for her. "Hello…" she called as came in the door.
Raoul leaned over placing a kiss on Meg's cheek to wake her. She'd nodded off from the warmth of the fire. "Meg," he whispered in her ear, "Mother is home." He smiled…what a wonderful word…mother.
Meg stirred, turning her sleepy eyes up toward Raoul, and he leaned down again, placing a kiss on the end of her nose. "Come, let us go to greet her." Raoul stood, extending his hand to Meg.
She took it rising to join him. He crooked his elbow, and Meg placed her hand in it as he escorted her to the door just as her mother was opening it. "There the two of you are…have you rested from your adventures?" She said with a bit of sarcasm in her voice.
Meg and Raoul looked at one another and began to laugh. "I take it that you haven't had as much sleep as either of you required!" She said smiling at the pair of them, pulling the door to the room closed behind her.
XXXX
Nadir's carriage rattled along the dirt path between cities. He had spent much time in that carriage in the past days, and an even greater share of time, lost in his own thoughts. So much he thought about now was supposition. Nearly every thought began with IF, and that was not where Nadir was happy to settle.
The old woman in the village might hold the key to a number of questions, but then, that could simply be Nadir's wishful thinking…it would make things much easier.
Chauesser was a beautiful village, in part because of a gentile woman who'd put much of her life into the city, seeing to its refinement. Could this…..Lady she be…. it seemed far too intriguing to be mere coincidence.
The carriage jostled heavily as the wheel hit a small dip in the path, bringing Nadir back to reality as he felt the weight of the coffin scrape against the under side of the carriage. The carriage driver, rapped on the roof, declaring his apology.
Nadir's thoughts wandered off to Sara. While at the winter house he'd come to know her. She was a bit colorful at times, going on about stories of guests she'd had at her inn. She'd entertained them so many nights by the fireplace in Erik's room as he slept. Nadir smiled just thinking of it. She had cared for them so very much, baking special treats, attending to them with personal touches whenever she could. It was her final moments on this earth however, that Nadir would remember the most, though he'd not bared witness to them personally.
Nadir's face turned cold as he recalled Erik's description of the last moments when Sara made the ultimate sacrifice to save him. Somewhere deep inside, Nadir was ashamed to admit, he was a bit jealous….jealous that she had been the one to do it….Nadir had always imagined that it would be he…and that he would finally have been able to repay Erik that which he owed him.
Nadir shook his head, tears began to flow as he recalled Erik's last words before he left the winter house. "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 heart ached. He'd been loyal to this young man all of the years he knew him, and he could imagine being in no one else's service than his. How Erik had been so eloquent in this offering…and Nadir knew that it was heart-felt and true…Erik wanted him to be happy…but he could not truly be happy in a life that did not contain fully his dearest, dearest friend.
Nadir sighed, looking out the window. Paris was still a fair way off. Tonight he'd need to ask Raoul to store the carriage and Sara's pine box in his stables if he'd not find the undertaker at home with his late arrival. He knew that this would not likely be well received by Erik's staff, as there was much superstition surrounding having a corpse in one's stable… "death begets death" was a common utterance among stable hands. He might have no choice if the undertaker in Paris that had arranged for, would not be there at the hour Nadir would arrive, though they'd at least stop to inquire.
Nadir's thoughts now wandered to Christine. She'd appeared to be lit up from something deep within when he saw her, almost a bit more giddy than usual, as though she knew something he did not. He was thankful to see her happy, at peace, as he worried for her because of the visions she'd been having. He smiled, she really was a delicate creature yet had a strength of character beyond her years. Likely the only nature of woman that could ever have handled Erik and his many idiosyncrasies.
How he looked forward to the child that she carried…somehow he knew that this would fill such a void for Erik, something to love, a child to love as he had not been loved.
Nadir's mind quickly working…if only…there it was…that word again…IF… If Nadir could find some way to confirm things, perhaps some resolution could be had…but there was still much to do, and this had to be approached delicately. When next he was in Chauesser, he'd seek out the woman, perhaps befriending Nicole. He also wanted to seek out the elusive Lady C, that was likely best accomplished by making the acquaintance of the pastor that visited her.
Nadir shook his head again. It seemed to be something he was doing a great deal these days; he feared he might be starting to looking a bit insane! First things first…he'd have to find Sara's children, find the burial plot, sell her Inn…then, and only then, could he return to Chauesser. Nadir looked out the window again. He could see the lights of Paris in the distance, just another hour he thought to himself.
He was entirely glad that he'd not had any run-ins with Crawlings. It was a buzz among all the carriages that passed coming down that road. His return had been delayed no less than eight times when approaching carriages stopped to inquire what they'd seen on the road thus far. So far no one had caught sight of the boy or the carriage, though all were fearful of making an encounter…that was a boy with nothing to lose, and everything to gain by making certain that anyone who crossed his path did not live to tell about it.
XXX
Christine had fallen asleep in Erik's arms. He watched over her protectively, running his fingers through her silken chocolate curls. His worry for her was eating away like moths at the very fabric of his happiness. He'd tried to put it from his mind but alas, he could not. Had Christine come all of this way…had he brought her into his life, morphing from specter to husband… shared a marriage bed with her…had she taken care of him so lovingly only to go through tragedy herself in the very moments that would be the pinnacle of a new mother's happiness? Erik sighed. He couldn't allow himself to dwell on it for it was a swirling whirlpool threatening to suck him into a deep abyss of despair.
The present circumstances found Christine happy, healthy, and in his arms. None on this earth, he decided, knows what the next day might bring. He'd have to set his mind to loving this woman as fully as one could be loved…appreciated as she deserved, treasured…as he always had.
He kissed her forehead as his hand ran down over her stomach. He loved that which he could not yet see…loved THEM enough to guard their mother, every minute, of every hour, of every day. Christine sighed, Erik looked down. A sweet smile crossed her face as she nestled in ever further into his arms. He was blessed, and he'd delight in this with her, pushing aside all the negative thoughts that would threaten to deprive them of the happiness they both so longed for.
XXXX
DeChagny's carriage was nearing Raoul's house. He'd decided not to mention the portrait again, and in fact, it had already made its way to his house that very afternoon, so the point would be moot. It would not go back up in Raoul's house unless he asked to have the picture returned. Perhaps, his father thought, when he'd come to his senses, he'd apologize, and put it back in its rightful place, as was family tradition.
He was entirely ready for a good supper, and he hoped, a conversation with Nadir. He rather missed the friendly banter, and looked forward to their next conversation. So far his scouts had provided nothing in terms of information on the past of this new friend, and so DeChagny had decided, he'd do some inquiry of his own. He patted the large bottle of 12 year-old sherry-cask brandy that laid in the seat next to him. Perhaps that would wash away some of Nadir's reticence, putting him in the proper mood to be a bit more forthcoming.
XXX
Meg sat alone in the parlor once again. Raoul and her mother had gone off down the hall to his study to look at a plan for the dormitories, and had excused Meg from accompanying them…saying she would be far too bored to be bothered with such details right now. She'd been instructed to rest so that she could enjoy their dinner. Meg could hear music, yes most definitely music, and she wondered where it was coming from. She wandered to the window, and could see nothing outside, but was entirely certain that is where it was coming from.
Meg peeked out into the hall. The music was much louder when she pushed open the doors. It was coming from the gardens in the rear of the house. She looked from side to side, and could see no one. She tip-toed down to the study, where she could hear Madame Giry and Raoul talking. She didn't tarry but instead quickly made her way passed the door so she could see outside into the gardens. Pushing aside the silken curtain that covered one of the doors, she could see a wagon had been pulled up near the stables, and there were several men playing instruments, and Raoul's staff were sitting around in chairs, and some were even dancing.
Meg cocked her head to one side. "How odd" she said under her breath. She so wanted to open the door to get a better look, but decided against it as the close proximity to the study would certainly attract Raoul and her mother's attention, and she would be caught.
Meg thought for a moment, and then made her way back down the hall and to the entrance at the front of the house. The door had been latched shut, though Meg couldn't imagine why. She carefully opened it, slipping out and closing it quietly behind her.
She made her way around the side of the house, dodging shrubbery, statues, and the like. In a few minutes time she'd made her way to the corner of the house where she could peek through the edges of the shrubbery into the back lawn and gardens. The music was Celtic, not at all what Meg had expected. She smiled as Raoul's staff was so obviously enjoying it. It was an oddity really to see them not at work, the expressions on their faces more relaxed, less guarded as they made merriment. They were a proper household through and through, and no doubt at least in part because of Raoul's father's influence. He liked things orderly, structured, and in his words sophisticated, refined. No doubt he would have frowned on their behavior. But in his absence, they enjoyed themselves.
Meg stood just listening to the music, her foot began to tap. She'd not danced anything in years that had not been choreographed and rehearsed. The sheer idea of spontaneous movement for the sheer pleasure of it was nearly a foreign distraction. The last time she could actually remember dancing in that manner was with her father. He'd carefully placed her stocking-clad feet on the tops of his worn leather shoes, leaning down to hold her hands as they danced on a Christmas eve… oh that was such a sweet memory…Meg found herself lost in it.
She jerked as she heard the sound of carriage wheels rattling down the path to the front of the house. Meg turned seeing the carriage from a distance, she wasn't certain if it would be Raoul's father, or if it would be the doctor, or yet another carriage bringing something for delivery.
Meg glanced around. No matter which way she went she'd be discovered. Going to the front door again would be safest, but not if it was Raoul's father…he would certainly betray her…and she had after all promised Raoul that she'd not be anywhere outside without him or a proper escort, though she hadn't known why he made her promise such a thing. If it were a delivery, she could easily wait until they'd gone passed and then dart to the front of the house…but there was no way to know until the carriage was far too close, and then she would be trapped.
She glanced back towards the back lawn. Perhaps they'd be too distracted to notice her make her way along the side of the house and into the back door. Meg began inching her way to the corner, but quickly retreated when she saw one of the men standing at the back door, gun on his shoulder. That option quickly dissolved. She glanced over her shoulder. Maybe she could wait to see if it was a delivery and then she'd slip back in the door…and if it was not…if it was not…well…she'd have to cross that path if it came to that.
XXXX
Raoul stood in the hall outside of the room. He'd been there nearly fifteen minutes. Though Madame Giry had implored him to come in with her to help with the last few adjustments, he'd declined, telling her that he'd want Meg to see it first. He'd heard a few things being moved about. Cabinet doors being opened and shut. Finally, Madame Giry came to the door, opening it and then closing it behind her.
Her eyes were dewy as she looked at Raoul. "It is perfect Raoul…and I must say your sister is quite a resourceful woman!" Raoul smiled. "Whatever do you mean?" Madame Giry reached up and brushed away a tear that was threatening to fall. "I think the poor dear must have followed me everywhere, watching what I selected, and what I put back." Raoul cocked his head to the side, "Madame?" She looked down at the ground.
"It seems that many more things made their way to your home Raoul, more than I'd expected. She'd even gone to the trouble of making certain if there was something I'd looked at but decided against in lieu of something less extravagant…she'd had the merchants make the exchange after I'd placed my orders. She also took the liberty of selecting an assortment of scented oils and parfumes… luxuries that I'd not even looked at."
Raoul smiled with pleasure. For all the teasing he and his sister had done over the years, she was a lady with class, and he was grateful for the detail she'd gone to in order to see his wishes through. "Madame Giry, is it ready…is it ready for Meg to see it?" Raoul had a look of eager anticipation on his face.
Madame Giry smiled at him. "Raoul, it is wonderful, and yes, it is ready…whenever you are." Raoul smiled back at her. He wanted to do it right then and there…to rush down stairs and bring Meg back up, but he decided it was best for everyone if he'd wait until after dinner, so that at least it wouldn't be delayed.
He sighed. "I suppose we should go down for dinner. I'd expect," Raoul raised his eyebrows, "if my father IS coming for dinner this evening he would be arriving very soon. He never takes his dinner after seven in the evening. He'd skip it rather than to eat any later." Raoul was shaking his head. One of the many quirks in his father's behavior that he'd never quite understand. "Come let us go, we can have a glass of sherry while we wait."
Madame Giry accepted Raoul's arm as he escorted her down the stairs. She smiled, he was a considerate young man, and someday, he'd make a suitable son-in-law, even if it wasn't for her.
Author's Notes:
Captain Oblivious: Good to hear you made it to school and are all moved in. The dorm thing is both fun, and challenging. You can get pretty creative in finding ways to stretch every inch of a room! I've seen so many things stacked, like two refrigerators on top of each other, with a microwave on top of that. Stacked dressers…well you get the idea. There is nothing like dorm life though…it gives you a whole new appreciation for peace and quiet…but those are truly the memories you'll take with you all of your life! Now don't spend too much at Walmart on your room…Susie might get jealous…maybe you'll have to buy her one of those nice little car fresheners or something!
Yes, the story, sorry about Christine…we knew this wouldn't be easy didn't we? Happily ever after…only if we had that guarantee….(Laughs wickedly!)
Here's wishing you a great first week of school…and may you not get athlete's feet from the school showers….better pick up an extra pair of flip-flops at Wal-Mart!
DivePrincess: I am so relieved to hear from you, if however briefly. We've been nothing less than a little worried about you! No doubt school has occupied much of your time in recent weeks. We hope your legs are healing well enough that you can enjoy this all important year! Do stay in touch with your Phamily…we are happy to hear that you are keeping up with us!
PhantomsRogue: My, my, a filler indeed…perhaps a pause…setting the tone you know. As long as you're reading, I'll keep posting! Darned puppy…best be buying him a much less expensive (not to mention less dangerous) chew toy. Glad to see it didn't keep you from keeping up with us!
Poetzproblem: I had to read your review twice, I must confess. I do not disagree with you, I think Raoul treated Christine more as an object to be possessed, and less like a living breathing human. And you are right, he didn't really listen to her when she tried to tell him things. Perhaps our Raoul has finally learned his lesson, or perhaps it is as the doctor told him…he'd come to love Meg as an adult so he could think of her as an adult…not the way he'd thought about Christine as "Little Lottie." I do appreciate the opinions of others, do not worry.
Thank you for the compliment on the interjection of Christine's mother into the story. I wondered about her absence in the original story…so much was left out…left to our imagination. Yes, childbirth with one is enough to handle….but multiples…I can only imagine.
Christineluverik: You are far too sweet for words. To even be considered for anyone's bookshelf is more than I could have ever imagined. I will keep it in mind should it end up that far. Thank you. bows graciously
Christinelovesphantom: Thank you for the compliment on the chapter. I rather enjoyed it myself, though I must say I cannot curb the craving for chocolate even yet. Yes, my favorite too is milk-chocolate…wouldn't you know, the one that is the worst for you! Let's hope your dad's temper is nothing like Erik's because I know Erik wouldn't take too kindly to anyone depriving him of his hidden stash! I did have a great weekend even though it was busy….and I was parted from my computer!
DancingDragon42: I am always so very interested in how people choose their names. Yours is very original, and I can tell you put quite a little thought into it. You must have a bent for the scientific if you are interested in averages and such…perhaps a future statistician? I like the whimsical part too!
Thank you for noticing the detail. I try not to leave parts of a story behind if I can at all help it. I think it gives it more reality, more strength. Although I do leave parts of a story dormant for awhile at times…but usually not without intention! Hope you enjoy this next chapter!
Tex110: Welcome to the family! We hope your stay with our little Phamily is a long and happy one. Thank you for having the courage, and stamina to read so many chapters to get to this point! That is no small undertaking as some of our newest phamily members would tell you!
Now, it is our tradition to inquire about your tag name. Hmmmm….I'm thinking you are from Texas? And I think it is fairly safe to assume you are not 110, so perhaps how hot is down there now….no? Please if you are willing, do share with your new little phamily!