Chapter 140 Indulgence

Raoul waited patiently in the dining room until he could hear their footsteps in the hall. They entered the room arm in arm, and Raoul could surmise rather quickly, that Meg had told her mother of their plans, to which he was much relieved.

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Erik ran his hands adeptly over Christine's back, pausing to caress her waist, sliding his hands to the front. They paused, both inhaling as their kiss parted, now leaning with their foreheads together as they looked down at the place where his hand rested. Christine tilted her head up just enough to place a kiss on Erik's chin.

"And have they been behaving in my absence?" Erik turned his head kissing Christine on her forehead. His warm breath lingering there.

Christine closed her eyes, leaning into him, running her hand along his back. "They've been most helpful with their mother's appetite I'm afraid."

Erik laughed a bit, pulling Christine into an embrace, lifting her from her feet, spinning her just slightly, until he set her down allowing the sunlight to dance across her eyes. She squinted just a bit. Erik leaned down kissing her cheek. "I can be of assistance in both matters."

Christine cocked her head inquisitively. "Whatever do you mean?"

Erik smiled, reaching down to lift the plate, cutting with his fork, another tender bite. He leaned over placing it into Christine's mouth. He slid the fork between his own lips removing the remnants of cinnamon from the tines. The frosting laid heavily on her upper lip, and she reached for her napkin, but before she could grasp it, Erik caught her, leaning down to remove the frosting with a kiss. Christine shuddered.

Erik tipped his head just slightly his gaze becoming fixed. It was the look that sent shivers up Christine's spine. It was if he were a snake charmer, she now unable to move, to speak, or even breathe…could but watch and nothing more. He took several steps away from her, and he began to sing.

"Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation, darkness falls and awakes imagination…" as he sang he moved from window to window in their room, unhooking the heavy drapery allowing it to fall over each window. By the time he reached the last, letting that curtain fall, the room, save the fire that was in the hearth, was dark.

He walked in what seemed to be slow motion toward Christine, undoing his cravat, discarding his cloak and jacket along the way. As he reached her, he took her into an embrace, looking down into her eyes as he sang, "Softly, deftly, music shall caress you, hear it, feel it, secretly possess you, open up your mind let your fantasies unwind, in this darkness that you know you cannot fight, the darkness of the music of the night."

He stood there holding Christine as she trembled looking up into his eyes. "I have loved you for so long Christine, so desperately loved you…..you have been my reason for living these last years, and now more than ever I want to be here for you. I know from time to time we shall be parted, but not without good cause, and I shan't be taking foolish risks with my life, as it is no longer mine alone. I pray you'll forgive me my dear, for causing you such worry."

Her lips were trembling…she'd forgive him anything….

He looked around the room. "There, now the sun shan't be in your eyes," he said pushing a stray brown tendril from her face. "Let us pretend, if but for a few hours, that I've never left, that it is you and I alone again in the darkness of the night….that we can be together as we would have, had I not gone."

Christine just stared into the depths of his eyes, entranced, enthralled, and so deeply in love she'd lost track of where she ended and he began. "Hold me…lay your hands on me…reassure me you'll be here…" she said pleadingly, "I need to feel your love…" Christine said looking up at him once more.

Erik's heart swelled as he reached down trying to restrain himself so he'd be gentle, but there was nothing more desirable than being wanted, and Christine wanted him. Erik leaned down placing a kiss on Christine's shoulder before he scooped her up into his arms, carrying her off to the expanse of their bed. Though the brightness of day shone with great intensity outside, it was little match for that which raged inside that darkened room….the music of the night.

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"Thank you Madeline," Raoul said as she leaned over filling his cup from her steaming pot of coffee. "The meal was excellent." Madeline smiled at him. "Thank you." She was glad he was pleased. It had been a perfect soufflé le fromage, a tomato and basil bisque, served with crusty fresh bread. A warm wintry treat for such a day. She'd gone about setting a stemmed dish of a hazelnut and cocoa pudding in front of the three of them.

Meg sat staring down at it with such wonder. It was simply beautiful. Each dish was rimmed in a mixture of powdered cocoa and coarse crystalline sugar. Inside was the most heavenly pudding she'd ever seen. It was swirled with a delicate ribbon of crème and adorned with several coffee beans dipped in chocolate, and thickly chopped hazelnuts. A miniature ladyfinger protruded from the side, giving it the most elegant finish. "It's nearly too pretty to eat," she said smiling over at Raoul and glancing at her mother who properly nodded her head raising her silver spoon, sliding it into the dish. The beauty of the presentation did little to prepare one for the sheer indulgence of the pudding itself.

Madame Giry was the first to break into the silent enjoyment they were sharing. "So pray do tell Raoul, whatever activity do you have planned for us this afternoon, that would require us to bundle up so?"

Raoul smiled as he sipped from his cup. He looked back and forth between Meg and her mother. It pleased him so to see that they were both genuinely intrigued. "It's but a little outing, nothing too strenuous of course. We've really so few opportunities to do this anymore this year, I thought we'd take this advantage."

Meg smiled at him coyly. "Shall we be needing snowshoes?" She blushed, she'd never donned a pair in her lifetime, hoping desperately his answer would be no.

Raoul laughed as he dipped his spoon into the pudding, retrieving a chocolate covered hazelnut. Holding the spoon in front of him, he replied. "Oh heaven's no, we shan't be walking about in this weather!"

Meg was confused. Wherever could they go outside in this snow that they'd not have need of such? "Oh Raoul, do tell." Meg implored.

Raoul laughed a bit, glancing at the grandfather clock. "I shan't think they'd be ready yet, but I shall inquire." He rose from his chair, "ladies, if you'd please excuse me." Madame Giry and Meg both nodded.

Meg watched Raoul walk with a spring in his step toward the door and disappear. Meg turned back to look at her mother.

Madame Giry said nothing. She simply smiled at Meg over her cup of coffee. Meg blushed a bit, returning to her dessert. She'd not really realized it before…but whenever he was in the room, it was difficult for her to take her eyes off of him.

Madame Giry smiled back at her daughter. "It is alright my dear…you should find him handsome."

Meg's face flushed crimson. Her head lowered as she took another spoonful of the delicious pudding. "Is it that obvious mother?"

Madame Giry laughed quietly. "Yes, my dear, but that is quite alright. Being attracted to one whom you've intentions for, bids well of your future happiness."

Meg smiled widely, "I do rather fancy him mother. From the very first time I laid eyes on him at the Opera House those months ago when he came in when Carlotta was rehearsing for Hannibal." Meg's eyes glazed over as she remembered it. "I can recall seeing him walking onto the stage, handing his cloak to one of the men as he strode out to greet Firmin and Andre, he was so handsome."

She smiled looking down at the finely polished surface of the wood table. The sheen was so acute that she could see her reflection in it as surely as if it were a mirror. "I'd mentioned as much to Christine." Her eyes became distant. "That is when she'd told me of their relation as children. Neither she nor I could have ever imagined the events that followed…not even in the wildest adventures we toyed with."

Meg inhaled sharply, looking back up at her mother. "That was a long time ago. So much has changed since that time…it seems a lifetime ago now." She dipped her spoon into the dish once more.

Madame Giry laid her spoon to rest on the saucer beneath the dish. "Meg, do not torture yourself so. Let time take care of itself. All things will be resolved in time my dear, you must learn to trust it. Time can be your friend, softening or sharpening your senses to their truest form so that one might know quite plainly what to do."

Meg looked up at her mother, a thankful glance being exchanged. "Yes I know. But I shan't ever forget that day mother, not as long as I shall live. Life from that point forward changed at lightening speed."

Madame Giry nodded, she knew exactly what Meg meant. She was just about to say as much when Raoul walked back into the room.

"Ladies, if you'd be so kind as to accompany me this way." He held out his arm. He'd already donned his cloak and cap.

Madame Giry and Meg rose, placing their napkins in their chairs, walking toward the door. There they were greeted by two of Raoul's staff who held out their coats for them.

Meg smiled as she slipped her arms into the long white coat. Raoul smiled as he looked on from the side. He knew it would suit her. She smiled at him, as the maid affixed all the hooks required. She was as beautiful in it as he'd imagined.

Madame Giry was overwhelmed by the coat she'd slipped on. It was as luxurious a fabric as she'd seen in a long while. Though it was wool it was soft and supple, embellished beautifully.

In a few minutes time they were ready. Raoul led them to the door and out onto the back veranda.

Meg turned to her mother and smiled. It had been a long while, not since she was a very small girl that they'd ridden one, it brought back such sweet memories.

Madame Giry smiled widely at Meg and at Raoul. Raoul quickly came to take Madame Giry's hand, escorting her. "Mother…" it rolled so easily off his tongue. "Raoul," she said as she took the arm that he offered her.

He returned, offering Meg his arm. As she stepped off the small platform she'd been standing on she slipped, Raoul easily catching her. As he brought her back to a standing position, he leaned down kissing her lips ever so lightly. "Are you alright?" He whispered in her ear and looked her in the eye.

Meg was blushing, "thank you Raoul, it seems at every turn you're having to rescue me from some harm or another, I dare say I'll be quite a burden for you." She smiled at him apologetically as she slipped her arm into the one he'd offered her.

Raoul laughed, pulling her shoulders into his arms, giving her a gentle embrace. "A burden my dear, you shall never be." He smiled at her kissing her forehead. "Now, let me see, those boots must be slippery dear." With that Raoul bent down and scooped Meg up into his arms. She felt like a large white bear being carried off into the forest. Raoul laughed. "I can barely see you beneath all this fur, at least I know you shan't catch cold!"

Meg was laughing as Raoul sat her in the seat across from her mother, climbing in to join her. "Now ladies, if you'd indulge me, I should like to take you to my favorite place when the weather is as it is today." With that there was a crack of a whip and the sleigh pulled away from the house.

Yes, this would be a most pleasant afternoon indeed.

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Back at Courtland Manor the skeleton crew had begun the process of clearing enough snow for the animals to move about. They'd no worry for visitors now as everyone would certainly be stationed wherever they'd found themselves several days before.

The young foal was up and about, its mother keeping closely to its side. It seemed to have a strong will, and was prancing about in the pen as though it wished to run out into freedom. The stableman smiled, Monsieur Courtland would be pleased. It was as elegant as it's mother, and as feisty as its father, a good mix he thought. As the snow disappeared he'd have to plan on grooming him so he'd be ready should they return unannounced. There was much to be done, but he'd tend to his master's pride and joy as if it was his own.

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Nicole sat in the chair next to the window staring out at the city that was just starting to dig out from beneath its largest snow storm in decades. Her mother lay sleeping on the bed. She'd finally given in to the exhaustion that had beleaguered her.

Nicole's face was splattered with splotches of red and white, and her staggered inhalations were both evidence of the grief that now consumed her. How very much she had sacrificed to be here for her grandmother…for her mother. A new swell of tears washed over her.

Now, she would have opportunity to move on with her life, to find a husband…. She and her mother no longer had reason to stay in Chauesser. She could return to the city that she so loved…but then….would it be too painful to see him…to see him with his wife…with his children…. She didn't know if her heart could bear it. She was caught in between two lives now, belonging fully to neither. She'd been so busy living in the moment, in the present cares, she'd not taken time to consider the what ifs. Now, faced with the knowledge that she could be free, it frightened her. As liberating as it should feel, it was oddly opposite. It felt like a prison…she'd have to make a choice, and now it was in her hands.

She glanced over at her mother. She'd no longer have the burden of spending every waking moment watching over someone, trying to keep her safe. As much as Nicole had sacrificed, her mother had done so equally. She'd not worked outside of the home for more than five years, and now she'd be able to…but what would she do? She could join Nicole at the tavern, that was a given. But then what of their lives? Were they destined to be in the service of a fungible mass of humanity never having opportunity to form lasting relationships?

Nicole shook her head. This was not their city…this was not their life, yet she could hardly imagine any other…not after this number of years. Oh how cruel was fate? To have deposited them there, abandoning the only life they'd known, and now the reason for their presence was snatched from them.

"Food for Worms." Her grandmother's favorite quotation from Benjamin Franklin. She'd thought it odd that her grandmother would quote that whenever she'd speak of her own death. She'd told Nicole the story every time she'd recite it, as though Nicole had never heard it before. "A young Benjamin Franklin, in his twenties, far before he'd done anything of consequence, penned his epitaph,

The body of

B. Franklin, Printer

(Like the Cover of an Old Book

Its Contents torn Out

And Stript of its Lettering and Gilding)

Lies Here, Food for Worms.

But the Work shall not be Lost;

For it will (as he Believ'd) Appear once More

In a New and More Elegant Edition

Revised and Corrected

By the Author.

Nicole smiled. Her grandmother had quoted it so often that Nicole had memorized it. How flippantly her grandmother had spoken of death. She'd come to terms with the idea years before. It had unnerved both she and her mother, but now, post-mortem, it was somewhat of a comfort to Nicole…..knowing her grandmother had been ready.

She sighed, closing her eyes. She needed rest. There was nothing she could do for anyone right now, for once, in a very long while, she could concentrate on caring for herself.

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In the stable behind the tavern the old woman's body was prepared. Later in the day the stablemen would take her to the undertaker. The men had no desire to disturb the women, for surely they'd be resting now. They'd been through so very much…so very much.

The doctor walked back toward the tavern with the innkeeper in tow. "Your grandfather would be most impressed, I'm certain."

The young man looked at him with such query. "Sir, he'd not be at all pleased. I'd first wanted to be an undertaker. It had been my grandfather that had talked me out of such ideas. He'd said he wanted me to learn to preserve life, rather than dabble in death. Though I know the methods quite well, I can assure you there is nothing satisfying about this process. No one is ever happy to see you. I'm afraid my grandfather was quite right. He was a wise man sir. I could only hope to be as great a man as he."

The innkeeper nodded as he followed the doctor back into the tavern. They'd see to some breakfast, and then to some rest for the physician. Surely he'd have work to do with Nicole and her mother when they awoke.

Author's Notes:

Captain Oblivious: First, since you didn't mention it, I shall assume that everyone is alright, that thankfully, is the most important thing. Second….Oh no! Not Susie! It is a difficult thing when your first car, especially one that you've loved so much, has a foray into the darker side! Your friend should be willing to help you mend Susie if she is the one that was driving. Perhaps it is time to give dad a call….he always did like Susie remember! It is difficult to be out of your own Country when things like this happen.

Yes, happy days are here again for Erik and Christine…well…at least one happy day…one very happy day…..

PhantomsRogue: Hugh Jackmann, yes, he too is quite a dish…I know what you mean. I saw him the first time in a movie with Ashley Judd, can't recall the name right now, it was something like 'Only You', but um, yes, he was quite handsome in that one too. There is simply something about a tall man with dark hair and a svelte frame…and then when they can get the all-too-serious look in their eyes, well….you know.

Congratulations on being an aunt again! It is fun to be an aunt…all the fun of being a "parent-type" without any of the responsibility! I do like the names your sister-in-law has chosen. Thank heavens she doesn't have the same penchant for names that some of the movie stars do lately…(Apple, Jett, etc.) Can you imagine…Apple? What will her next child be named, Apricot or no, no, how about Cappuccino!

Yes, I will check on your e-mail. I've no doubt in my mind it shall be an interesting one!

WriterMuseoftheNight: I chuckled when I read that you thought DeChagny would need to take up watercolor, especially since we all know how much he LOVES it! I do think you are right, it seems he too should have a name…but what? He will be a hard one to name…it needs to be something tormented, deep, something that Claire would have been able to roll off her tongue with great abandon….hmmmm….I shall have to put my thinking cap on!

I smiled when I imagined, as you suggested, going to the cash register with thirty copies of POTO! They would think me quite mad! I must confess, I would probably just order from Amazon…that way the people can talk about how crazy I am without my ever having to show my face! LOL! Hey, I think Amazon even gift wraps…hmmm…I think I can hear my credit card balance climbing already!

Yes, poor Meg, Madame Giry…..sometimes the weight of a decision is so very heavy. No matter which way they chose they cannot win (sorry, stole that line from Erik from when he was putting the noose around Raoul's neck as he was lashed to the gate of his lair!). It will be difficult for the pair of women no matter what they do, they have to give up something or someone that they love. I do not envy them.

Now, as I have said many times before, you are rather good at picking through the story and figuring things out…but alas….I shall not confess to anything except to say that yes, Erik's birthday is coming soon……though he doesn't even know when that is!

Phantomfan13: I love to listen to music when I read, though for me, it has to be music without words or I am far too distracted. Sappy music would have been good for this last chapter though! Very clever thoughts regarding that locked drawer, and the basement, etc. You are a clever one! But no, I believe the drawer was locked by Erik, and it is likely something he's not even looked at for awhile…and as always…there is a reason for it.

Good, Good…I am happy that your class is going well. 86.5! It's not an easy subject, you should be most proud of yourself!

Yes, DeChagny's dream was sad…we've only seen the "old man" DeChagny, and we forget that he too was once young and impetuous… His summer of love, and loss, were no doubt a contributing factor to all the years that followed…because he had to stuff all those feelings…he had to harden his heart to get through it. Then, just when he thought he'd found happiness again…a second chance…his wife takes ill and dies, leaving him to raise their two children alone. Perhaps that is why he never married after she died. He'd become cynical about life, about love. Hmmmmm…sounds a bit like psycho-babble doesn't it? But, I do think it gives us some insight into why he is the way he is.

And last but not least…all the possibilities that you suggest. How sweet things could be if it were a perfect world….but alas it is a flawed one, and no greatness is achieved without a struggle.

Phantomlover05: It is good that you feel relieved…I did myself once he put his arms around her…my chest was heaving up and down and I could….well….just feel the love! There is something about being parted that makes being together even more sweet…seems strange I know, when it should be the opposite, but how can we judge an emotion that we have no control over? Hmmmm….

Glad to send a warm fuzzy your way….it was one for me too!

Tex110: I laughed, yet again, at your "bee" story. I have a happy dance that I do when I am as excited as you describe yourself being. If anyone saw me they'd think I was insane I've no doubt in my mind! I also love your new found term, (Selective Hyperactivity Disorder) it quite aptly describes what you were talking about….and I think it should be added to they annals of Psychology don't you? It is something that normal people do when we are excited by something….hey, Tom Cruise might be the first to demonstrate for us since he's become quite good at it! LOL!

Oh, by the way, if your sister can hear again, please tell her I'm sorry….it was my fault you were shrieking!

DancingDragon42: Welcome back! We've missed you! I am happy to hear that I helped preserve your sanity. It was so hard for him to be away…and now…he's so very happy to be home! As for Madame Giry, I know what you mean. She is someone who would never allow us to feel sorry for her, so we have to do it in silence…the sacrifice that some people make to keep others safe and happy. It just makes you want to reach in and give them some happiness doesn't it?

Draegon-fire: A reunion of the two friends will be, as you suggest, bittersweet. So much has changed for those women since last they'd laid eyes on each other! I can only imagine what Meg will say when she finds out about the babies! Will it make it easier for her to openly confess her love for Raoul? Since baring children is the ultimate expression of love and commitment, it may help Meg to make her decision without worry that Christine is harboring any feelings for Raoul. Just a thought.

Batteredchild: I'm glad to hear that at least my absence this week will help you have more time to study….it makes it a bit easier for me knowing that I'm going to be contributing in a strange way to your academic endeavors! LOL!

It is my hope that Tuesday's chapter will be a long one!