Erik was out in the stables with Erphan. They'd been digging with great fervor through the recesses of the barn. The only true sleigh the household possessed was the formal one that was used for hauling supplies from Chauesser and Courtland Manor to the winter house. It had been tradition that they never traveled to the winter house until the first snow. The sleigh was covered, making it perfect for the task. But now it was buried somewhere in the barn. It was mere happenstance that it had not been transported back to Courtland Manor. Perhaps the staff had been so distracted by the master of the house and all of his guests being present at Courtland Manor. Whatever the case, Erik was grateful that it remained there. He reminded himself as they were heaving boards to and fro, that he did not
Having never seen it with his own eyes, he wasn't certain of what parts to look for, as it had been disassembled for the journey back to Courtland Manor. Erphan was busy climbing over boards and other items that had been laid across.
"Strange…" Erphan said at one point as he climbed yet another pile. Erik flashed him a glance. "It's just that Sir, I don't remember leaving this in such disarray, most normally it is very tidy, and I shan't recall some of these boards, nor those boxes."
Erik was neither interested nor amused, he had one thing and one thing only on his mind. Finding that sleigh and seeing if it were possible to make it hospitable enough for the journey.
Erphan handed out the tip of the first runner, Erik grabbing it and helping him to lower it to the ground. Within twenty minutes time, they'd all the necessary pieces laid out on the floor of the carriage house. Erphan had woken all hands in the stables, everyone would help. He'd sent the stable boy in to wake Misty and the others, they'd need to prepare baskets for the trip. Soon the entire house was lit and bustling.
The eldest maid was shaking her head. This household was becoming far too unpredictable for her liking. "Who rises and heads off to Paris on a whim at this time of night?" She'd said to one of the others as they began heating items on the stove and packing baskets. The other woman was simply thankful to have a job with such a pleasant man. Whatever he asked, she would do for him. After all, that was the quintessence of her position in his employ.
XXXX
Christine sat fidgeting in their bedchamber upstairs. She'd heard the household come to life on the floor beneath her. Finally she could take it no longer. She went to the window looking outside. It was dark now, and she could see the lights in the stable. She squinted as she saw something being pushed out onto the snow. Just off to the side stood a quartet of horses, warm blankets and saddles she could see. Then she watched as a large black what appeared to be a box rose from behind the other item. She knew at once, it was a covered sleigh. Only the finest households had them…she smiled….it was no surprise to her that Erik had one of his own.
She watched as the men affixed the top to the sides. She saw Erik directing them. He'd requested extra tarps and ties to be added to the sides, to provide further protection from the wind. She watched as the men put up poles around the sides of the driver's bench, lashing on several tarps there, no doubt for the benefit of the driver. She watched patiently, but with great curiosity as they transformed the covered sleigh into something of a different sort. It was less appealing visually, but more functional, and it suited its purpose well. The last thing, a small cast iron kettle was slid inside the main compartment. She smiled, no doubt Erik had planned to have coals put in it for warmth. No, they wouldn't last the entire five hours or more to Paris, but it would provide some comfort to them during the first leg of the journey.
She knew from the elaborate preparations that Erik was making, that he'd be keeping his promise. She spun around on her heels. She'd need to dress warmly, as warmly as she could.
Going to her wardrobe she retrieved a bag and began filling it. She wasn't certain what to bring; how long would they be gone? She knew not. She decided on three sets, the most plain and functional she could find. It was not an easy task as most of what Erik had procured for her was decidedly more refined, and in keeping with a lady of her standing. She'd laid out a wool dress and pantaloons, and several other items she would wear when she dressed. She scurried about the room, collecting whatever she thought she might need. Slipping from her current nightdress, she folded it putting it into the bag. She was just turning to put on her dress when the bedroom door flew open.
Erik entered, taken back by what he saw. He quickly went to her, putting his cloak around her. She shuddered, he was freezing to the touch.
"Christine…" his lips greeted hers. She shivered, the cold of his cloak along her back foretold the chill of the trip they were about to embark upon. He removed the gloves from his hands, running his hands along her bare flesh. It was as if his hands were making a map of her lest they forget their way. "I wish you would reconsider my dear." He said as his hand came to rest on her abdomen. He kissed her forehead, as he glanced over at the bag that was packed and waiting by the door. He knew she shan't.
"Erik, I must be with you. The trip is so far, what if the vision changes, what if…"
Erik put his finger to her lips. "We can not live in that world Christine…for every question that begins with that word there are a million plausible answers." She nodded, he was right. "I've prepared the sleigh, though it will be barely suitable, it shan't be a pleasant trip my love. I worry for you, for all of you." He said as he took her into an embrace.
Though she knew his concerns were sincere, she would not be left behind again, for that truly would be the greater of the two evils.
As he held her close to him, he knew he'd no hope in dissuading her. He would knew of a place to deposit her when they arrived in Paris. Though he would keep his promise and not abandon her, he had would not, no matter how she protested, take her down to the lake beneath the Opera House. Erphan would have his instruction. He would drop Erik at the edge of the City and take Christine to another location so that even he would not be aware of Erik's whereabouts. He'd never blended these two worlds, and he'd no desire to do so now.
It was a dangerous thing he did taking the two of them back to Paris. If they were found, if they discovered Christine…. No, there was that word again…IF….he must practice what he preached.
"Christine, we will be on our way within the hour. The preparations are being made, but do take time." He pulled her even closer to him. Christine shivered. She was nervous, she was frightened. He wanted to comfort her, but he knew neither would rest, nor be comforted until they knew that Meg and Nadir were safe.
"Let's see to getting you dressed my dear." Erik said as he peeked over her shoulder at the tray on the table. "I see you've eaten, that is very good my dear, very good indeed." He said as he reached over lifting the chemise and handing it to her under his cloak. She ducked her head beneath it as he held out his arms making a temporary shelter of warmth for her. He handed her the dress, smiling, she had selected something suitable for traveling.
"Finished," came her voice from beneath his cloak. He settled his arms around her shoulders. "Christine, this will be most perilous. I know that you shan't be convinced to remain in the safety of the winter house," he paused, hoping beyond hope to see even a slight indication that she might reconsider. When she did not, he continued, "I must ask of you but one thing. Once we arrive in Paris, we must be exceedingly cautious. It is true it has been months my dear, but a face such as yours will not be easily forgotten."
Christine looked down. In all of the confusion she'd not even thought of that, she thought only of Meg and Nadir, and being separated from Erik. It had been so long since she'd had need to hide her identity.
"Christine we must be exceedingly careful, lest we be parted forever by our disregard for a City in need of closure of its earlier disaster." He looked down at her most seriously. "We shall have no peace if our presence is revealed, they shall hunt us until we are dead if they suspect."
So much began to swirl in her mind. It was a great risk that they took even venturing back into that City. If it were not for the risk to Meg and Nadir, and Erik's surety in her visions, it shan't be considered. Nevertheless, far too much was at stake. "Erik, we shall be careful, and I shall be most obedient. You have kept your promise, making provisions that I may join you. I in turn, will promise you I will be most obedient, and exceedingly careful my love."
Erik smiled. He would have to remind her of her promise when the time came…just as she had him.
XXXXX
Nadir met Baron LeFavre at the front of the foyer as they'd agreed. The doctor had been there but a few minutes, having stayed and finished his dinner. "Good sir," Nadir said as he walked up to join the man, "would you prefer to be addressed as Baron, or doctor, or would you prefer yet some other moniker?"
Nadir and the doctor were walking side by side toward the front door. The doctor laughed. "Most of my patients address me by merely doctor. Those I conduct business with otherwise address me as Doctor Baron LeFavre. You sir, you shall call me your friend."
Nadir and the doctor both laughed. "As you wish friend." The door opened, it was the driver. He'd readied the sleigh.
"Off to DeChagny's Monsier, doctor?"
The men nodded as they headed for the sleigh. The trip would be a cold one, but it was more than necessary….Raoul would understand.
XXXXX
The boy watched from the alley as the men climbed into the sleigh. They bundled themselves in heavy blankets as the sleigh pulled away from the Opera House. He'd wanted to discover where the Vicomte lived. This would be his chance, he could follow them. The group looked a bit too formal, and with the street lights having come on, they might recognize him. No, he would go across to the tavern, likely someone there would know where the Vicomte lived.
XXXXX
Nicole sat waiting rather impatiently for the doctor to finish with her mother. They'd been in that room for what seemed to be a dreadfully long while. Perhaps he'd spent time consoling the woman in the depths of her grief.
Nicole stared into the flames. Her mind wandered to the bag that Kathryn mentioned. Surely the monsieur would be missing it. The next day would be one spent traditionally in mourning. She'd not be permitted to work neither by custom nor her employer. Perhaps if the weather permitted, her friend's father would be willing to escort her by sleigh to deliver it. The Monsieur had provided so very much for them in finding her, and now, this most grand gesture of providing for her final disposition. She'd want to thank him personally.
Nicole thought she might be in the laundry just now, she would inquire. Nicole was rising to go, but as she did she glanced up as she saw the door at the end of the hall open slightly. The doctor was walking down the hall to join her, she stood to greet him. She peered over his shoulder, her mother had not accompanied him. Her eyes quickly becoming wet from the most serious look he had on his face.
"Come let us sit." He said, gesturing for Nicole to sit by him on the bench in front of the fire. He swallowed hard. Though he'd much experience delivering bad news, there was something particularly pitiful about what he had to tell this young woman, in light of the present circumstances.
Nicole joined him on the bench, her eyes and lips already trembling. "Doctor?"
He looked down sighing. "Nicole," he looked up at her with all the courage and assuredness he could muster, "Nicole, your mother is dying." Her hand instinctively flew up to her mouth. Her breathing grew shallow and she rocked back before plunging forward toward the ground, the doctor catching her, and sitting her up once more.
"Nicole, this is a most difficult thing that I share with you. Your mother, by her own professions has not felt well for some time. She'd thought her fatigue to be normal considering the situation with your grandmother. It is her heart Nicole, and her lungs. They seem to have been damaged by something…"
Nicole interrupted, "Scarlet Fever…she had it when she was a young girl…grandmother told me of it."
The doctor looked down, "yes that would explain it quite well, your mother did not mention it to me." He sighed and continued, "I do not know how long she has Nicole, months perhaps, her heart is quite weak. Let us just say this will be a most special summer for the both of you."
Nicole could not contain herself. Though it was nearly silent, she wept bitterly. The doctor knew there were no words that would provide this girl comfort, so he simply held her until she'd cried herself dry.
She sat up gasping in the throws of grief and regret, "tell me, did our exertions in the past day…did they hasten this?"
He looked down, a thoughtful answer was due her. "Nicole, no doubt any exertions on your mother's part, places demands on her heart will not make easier for her. But your mother would have suffered more greatly had she been made to remain."
Nicole looked down. She knew her mother shouldn't have gone.
The doctor sighed. He'd learned much his last year in University. There was a new school of though brewing, not at all popular, and in fact quite contrary to what had been taught for a good many years. A doctor's obligation was to prolong life. Indeed his success was measured in quantity of days a patient lived. But truly the days filled with pain and suffering did little for the patient, they were merely a gift to the family, the friends, the loved ones of the ill, it was in fact an act of cruelty to prolong the suffering of one, for the benefit of the other. This new thought embraced the ideals of treating the patient, and keeping the patient's needs before the others.
Much was being discussed now about quality of life, not for the survivor's sake, but for the patient's. Success in this new school of thought, would be measured by the patient's final moments…had they been able to benefit from their last days…had they been able to do all they wished until the last?…That would be the truest measure of success.
The doctor looked at her. "Nicole, do not make your mother helpless these last months of her life. Allow her to do what she feels she can. She will know when it is time to slow down." He glanced down at he with such pity, it was a great burden for such a young woman.
"Nicole, have you any relatives, next of kin that may help you these coming months?"
Nicole looked at him with furrowed brow, then quickly retreated her glance. He'd only just arrived in Chauesser himself just days ago, what would he know of her circumstances. She looked out the window. "No sir, no father, no siblings, indeed my mother and father were only children themselves. My mother's heart had been weakened by the fever, and baring me had nearly done her in. We'd no other relatives here sir, my grandmother was our sole reason for coming here. It was at your grandfather's behest that we came to Chauesser."
The doctor looked down at her, "and what of your husband, could he offer you help?"
Nicole again looked at him with consternation, then suddenly realized the origin of his erroneous thoughts as he was glancing at her left hand. "No, I've no husband." She lifted her hand displaying the ring as she twisted it between the thumb and forefinger of her right hand. "This was my grandmother's, she gave it to me in the last moments of her life."
The doctor looked down, knowing full well that what he was about to say may be construed as being a bit too forward. "Nicole, it seems that fate has deposited both you and I in this city."
Nicole looked at him a bit confused by his statement.
"You see, when I'd set off to go to university, my grandfather agreed to provide funds for my schooling in return for a promise. I'd had to promise to spend my first year of practice in Chauesser. He loved this city, and had stayed here for nearly all of his years. He said that it was the good citizens of Chauesser that had allowed him the funds to share with me, so in truth my debt was to them, not he."
Nicole's tears had dried, distracted by the story the doctor now told. Yet another soul bound by obligation such as she.
"I'd hoped to practice under his experienced guidance while I was here, he was a very intelligent man I am told, but sadly he passed before I'd even finished my education."
Nicole looked down, he did understand loss.
"I've not forgotten my promise, though to do so I had to leave behind all that I knew, all that I had been comfortable with."
Nicole understood that far better than he might have imagined.
"It seems that we've this in common. Nicole, I hope you do not find this too forward of me, but I've a thought, that perhaps might bring both of us comfort in the coming months. You are quite without a helpmate, and I am quite without any family. Perhaps I could be of assistance to you and your mother, and you could help me become familiar with this city, the people."
Nicole blinked, could she be hearing his words correctly?
"I do not need an answer now Nicole, it is something for you to think on. It seems that fate has deposited us both here, quite without our best intentions. Perhaps we can be of shared comfort to one another during this time of transition."
Nicole was without words. How had she been deposited in this seemingly God-forsaken city? How would she ever find her way through this all, and now, this new friend…he shared a similar fate…to be so far from what one wanted and in a city they'd never have chosen…perhaps it was fate, though however cruel. "Doctor, I've no way to.."
He interrupted her, for surely he knew her concern. "Do not worry Nicole, Monsieur Courtland insisted he take care of things for your family, though I'd not have charged you. He is quite a strong willed man isn't he?"
Nicole nodded, she couldn't agree more. She looked down at her hands, they were trembling.
The doctor leaned over placing his hand on her shoulder. "Nicole, we best have a look at you as well." He retrieved a stethoscope from his onyx leather satchel. Nicole watched as he raised it to her chest listening. She wondered if his shiny instrument could detect a broken heart….for surely she had one.
He sighed, removing the instrument from his ears, putting it back in his bag. He stared down at his lap.
Nicole saw his hesitancy, "doctor?"
He looked up at her shaking his head, quickly realizing his actions had been misunderstood. "No, no, you are fine, nothing that a bit of rest and pots of tea and honey will not cure." He sighed again as he looked into Nicole's eyes. "Go to your mother now, though she is likely asleep, as I've given her something to make her more comfortable. Enjoy every moment with her Nicole…that is the greatest gift you can give her now."
He rose, patting her on the shoulder as he headed toward the back of the inn. He'd others to tend to now. She was left alone with the knowledge of the departed and those who waited to depart, it was all very overwhelming.
XXXXX
The woman in the kitchens of the Opera House was shaking her head looking down at the envelope in her hand.
"What is it?" The woman looked at the other.
"Did the Vicomte really say we were to do whatever was asked of us by this man?" The other was sweeping up the floor.
"That is what Madame said." She scowled, "what is that you are holding?"
The other swallowed, a sudden look of fear coming over her face. "It is a note."
The other woman looked at her a bit irritated. "And why does this cause you such distress?" She said as she pushed the broom into the corner, leaning it against the wall and undoing her apron.
"I'm to deliver it for the man."
The other woman laughed, "and is it that you do not want to go out into the cold, venture out into the snow? Have you grown that comfortable in the improved surroundings that you shan't…" The woman stopped, the face of the woman holding the envelope was washboard white.
"I'm to deliver it yet this night…to LeMortem Street!"
The other woman's eyes grew wide, an audible gasp rising from her throat. "Surely not…" the other woman was nodding her head.
"He was quite clear, it needed to be delivered before the sun rose." They stood looking at the envelope as though it was the very root of poison. It was simply addressed, 'Good Sir'. The woman who held the envelope looked pleadingly at the other, "say you'll accompany me…say that you'll…"
The other woman was shaking her head, "please do not ask me, take a man, take anyone else, not me…." The woman was backing out of the kitchen, the other in pursuit, pleading….
XXXXX
The shopkeeper closed and locked the door behind the last customer. He pulled the curtain down over the door. It had been customary that the mercantile would remain open until the last one left of their own accord. This time, he'd hastened their departure. It had been more than an hour since the last purchase of any sort, and discussion had turned to gossip, and gossip to disparaging comments, and he'd had nearly all he could take.
He looked over at his wife and daughter who were busily cleaning up the teapots and plates left on the tables by the ladies that had graced them. The smoking room was a most unpleasant mess, urns filled, snifters laying here and there.
It had been a brisk day; nearly every shelf had spots that were entirely bare. He had always been a prudent shopkeeper, and his belief in keeping adequate amounts of good in his storehouse had proven to be most far-sighted. He'd hoped that travel to Paris would be possible within the week, for surely by then even his most careful planning would be foiled. Nothing sparked pandemonium in a shop more quickly than the impression of shortage, and he'd no want of that in his mercantile.
His wife and daughter were no doubt as tired as he, and the gentleman inside of him wished he could send them off to supper and bed, as none had partaken of any meal, nor had even a moments rest since they'd opened their doors some long hours ago. He sighed, but he could not. Even all hands working for several hours would barely return the mercantile to a suitable state.
He began emptying the many urns he watched his wife. She worked hard without complaint. She'd been a good companion, a suitable merchant's wife. She deserved so much more. Perhaps when the summer came, and things were more even, he would take her for a weekend in Paris…she deserved that…they all did. He smiled, perhaps some day.
Author's Notes:
Dear Faithfuls: I do not know if everyone experienced trouble accessing the website this weekend, but try though I might, I was not able to get into it no matter what I tried. I am terribly sorry for missing the Friday edition. So here it is, on Monday! I must tell you that I will again be away from our beloved story from Wednesday through Sunday, another departure, but I promise to bring back something worthy of your patience. At least this time I will be somewhere that I can recharge my battery on my laptop, though I won't have access to the internet to post. I thank you for not abandoning our phamily during my absences…I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter!
PhantomsRogue: Yes, I shall, before my departure my dear, respond to your message. This past weekend I had but ten hours to myself out of the entire time, and of course I made good use of those by sleeping! I understand your toils for school…the end of semesters are both a joyful (if you hate the class) and tedious (if you've put off a project that is now due in a week)…not to mention studying and trying to work, and save something for Christmas….ahhh…I do remember those days well.
One last thing about 'Psycho' and then I shall not speak of the movie again. True, there are no rape scenes in the movie, though I have to say what they do have is nearly more disturbing than if it were. It is one movie that if I could remove from my memory bank, I would. The people that made the movie should be ashamed to call it their work…yes…it was that foul.
O.K., on to something much more fun. I shall look for the movies you mentioned. If I can find them, and take them with me, it might be what I do in my down time…if there is any! LOL!
As for Christine traveling with Erik to Paris…though I'd not recommend that type of travel for a woman in her condition, she is very strong willed and would not be left behind. Here we can see that Christine played her trump card with Erik. He is true to his word, and very loyal, not to mention he has an incredible soft spot for the woman, so he felt he'd no choice but to take her….do not worry my dear, the snow will provide a much smoother ride than a bumpy dirt road….oh how far in advance I had to plan that part of the story! As for Nadir having the upper hand, no doubt, if he felt threatened or if he even knew that there was danger lurking for him, he no doubt would have the upper hand. Often the strongest are brought down but what they did not expect…I can think of several, but probably no more good an example than David and Goliath. I laughed when you said it would not bode well for Erik and Christine to show up in Paris…do not think that Erik has not been worried sick over it!
And to you dear sister, bon nuit!
NordyGirl: Yet another great addition to your collection! I agree with you. Raoul would make a nice friend…but no one could love our Christine like the Phantom! I watched the movie again last night before I went to sleep…this time going over in slow motion the part where Christine was waking up in the Phantom's lair after having fainted when she saw the mannequin of her in a wedding dress. There was the one part when he first sees her emerge from the bedroom and he sees as she begins to walk towards him. If you play it in slow motion you can see every emotion that he is going through, first surprise that she is awake. Then pleasure at being called a man. Then it changes to concern maybe fear that she couldn't want him, the to a strange look of she couldn't possibly love him, that he was not worthy of her, to a resolve that he'd be strong as he was certain of her rejection….and then….when she finally touches the side of his face….oh that look…that look of finally being touched in kindness…out of love…..well darned….I just about made myself cry all over again. There are so many parts of that movie that reach out and grab me. You know, I don't care what all of the professional "movie critics" said about the movie and its cast. I think it was brilliantly done. The sets were superb, the music beyond moving-bordering on heavenly, and the acting…I don't think another cast could have done a better job. I sound like I'm on a soap box, but I just don't get why the critics were so hard on the movie, when it finally brought this beautifully dark love story to life for so many to see. O.K., enough said…
Have a wonderful night!
Poetzproblem: Welcome back! We've a few returning phamily members this time, which I am happy to see. I miss all of you, and as a true family would be, I worry when I haven't heard from you!
As far as a reunion with Meg and Christine, I would neither rule that in or out at this point, though, as you point out, so many things are possible. I think it is safe to say that their trip to Paris will be a bit of revelation for them on many different levels….a turning point of sorts perhaps. I can say no more of course lest I spoil the story!
Good to hear from you. I hope all is going well for you.
Christineluvserik: Welcome back my dear! I was hoping you'd tell us how the move went and if you were enjoying that "Courtland Manor" of yours! No doubt you've settled in quite nicely, in spite of having the flu… Moving is such a big chore…I'm certain it feels wonderful to have that behind you. Now you can spend your time dreaming about how you are going to decorate for the holidays!
I'm happy that you enjoyed the fluff…though I'm not all that capable of writing grand love scenes…I am far to shy! LOL!
Have a wonderful night, and enjoy that house of yours!
Batteredchild: Yes, darned Crawlings…he is out there and certain to cause trouble at every turn! Yes, Christine's dreams or premonitions are very convenient, which those sorts of things often are. Yet another true confession….my great-great grandmother had what the family called visions. Whenever someone close to the family died, she would say, "I just saw (insert name here) walking through the gates of the cemetery." Then the family would find out later that this was when that person died! I guess it happened so many times that people just took her word for it, and started making plans to attend the funeral. She even foresaw her own death, getting all of her funeral clothes out laying them out on the bed, and setting all of her affairs in order, saying her goodbyes, etc.! All too eerie if you ask me! So do I believe in psychics, not so much. Do I believe in premonitions… I'd have to say I think things are far too strange sometimes to be considered coincidence.
Hope you enjoyed this most recent chapter!
LadyWinifred: If you read other reviewers comments, you no doubt have seen that they were taking a stab at the origins of your name, but alas…if you do not remember…we may have to make up a story for you! LOL!
Yes, the Crawlings boy does seem to be something of a thorn in their side doesn't he!
Have a great evening dear Lady!