Author's Notes regarding upcoming hiatus:
Dear Faithfuls: Busy, busy, busy, once again. I wanted to let everyone know that from December 23rd through December 27th, I will be away from my beloved computer. Of course for the holidays, but also to take care of two different friends (one on Friday before Christmas Eve and one the Monday and Tuesday after Christmas) who are going to be having surgery. Alas, I wish I could say that I could get my hands on a computer, but I cannot. I will try, even if I have to hunt down an internet café, to put up a post for Christmas Eve…or…I may post a couple of chapters in advance with a note that says, don't open until Christmas! LOL! I don't think that would stop anyone from reading them though. I just wanted to let everyone know so that they do not think I've abandoned my post. I could never abandon the Phamily, or this story!
Truly, we should probably all be spending some time with our family and friends over the holidays instead of with our computers…even though we do love them so very much! I shall keep you posted, but the plans as they stand right now are no updates from 12/23 through 12/27. Have a wonderful weekend all! And may this season find everyone happy, healthy, and warm!
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The boy was huffing as he pushed the horse for all it was worth. Erphan had been explicit in his instruction. "Straight away to DeChagny's then back to the silk merchant's, or the dry goods and sundries purveyor," whichever he and the woman had settled upon next. The horse was well rested from the evening in the warmth of the rooms behind the dressmakers. It wasn't a stable exactly, it really being much more like a home than a place one would rest their horses, he'd wondered, but realized she'd received many customers there, which gave reason to have such a place even for a woman who owned no horse of her own.
The morning was warming, and provided a bit of a challenge on the snow, but he was still traveling at what one could consider a good pace. They'd tried a few places to find a courier for the note that Stephan had written, but they'd quickly abandoned the idea when an hour had passed and they'd found none willing. Erphan had solicited directions for the young man, and though he'd never been on that side of Paris, the directions were quite good, and he was fairly certain he'd find it within the hour.
He marveled at the pristine surroundings on the other side of Paris. Truly he'd been to Paris proper only a handful of times in all of his life, and it had been several years since his last trip. He wished for but a few hours of leisure that he might take in a few of the things he treasured so about the city. Praying in the great cathedral, and if fortune smile upon him, a visit to the coffee house that was so oft frequented by Dickens himself!
He'd become quite enamored with the books he'd been reading, and wished only to ask a few questions of the man. He'd heard word in Chauesser, that there was a particular, rather obscure little curiosity that he was oft found in, and if there were any chance he'd but see the man, he would be delighted beyond reason!
The boy had found himself quite lost in thought, and now had to bring the horse to a slowed pace so as to retrieve the map he'd stowed in his pocket. As the horse came to a halt, he pulled the paper out looking at it. "Yes, the rather large pine, I've just passed it, and now, ahh." He tucked the paper back in his pocket. If the directions were correct, and his bearings true, he'd just have to climb this last hill and it would be off to the left.
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The carriage house was all abuzz this morning. The mystery of the terror had been witnessed by all who'd come down from every corner of the house and stable to look upon the rigid flesh of the boy who'd carried on the Crawlings legacy. They shook their heads at how pitifully small and young he looked. "So young a boy, with such evil a heart; truly it ran in his blood." Had been one comment repeated over and over. The myth of having the dead in one's carriage house had been broken, none fearing reprisal nor foreboding of wretched things to come, for surely the victory over the wickedness of the Crawlings family had come, and that would be well received in Paris, a hero their master would be indeed!
The carriage master had come out of the stable, stretching. He'd had but a few hours sleep that night, but it would serve him well enough. He'd wish for nothing more now than time for his men to relax, to take in a good meal, and then to spend the afternoon clearing the yard, making way for the inevitable melting of the snow. They'd dig trenches off to the sides of the yard so as to provide drainage for the waters lest they muck up the entire yard, and drown the delicate flower gardens. His head spun to the side as he heard a voice call out to him.
"Good sir? I've come from Paris, a note for a man named Nadir sir, I've come to deliver it to him."
The carriage master nodded to the boy. No doubt it was another message from the undertaker requesting Nadir's presence. So much for the thought of rest for his men, for surely now he'd be preparing the sleigh for yet another trip into the City. "Come, come, your horse should have a bit of a rest, and you look as if you could use a bit of coffee. I'll fetch one of the servants to…"
"No sir, I'm quite afraid my schedule will not permit it. If you would be so kind as to allow me a brief visit with Nadir, I'm to deliver the envelope personally. It is from Monsieur Courtland, and he wishes to have a reply upon my return." The boy stayed on his horse.
One of the men was coming from the carriage house, the carriage master called out to him. "Do go in and retrieve Nadir won't you, and look smart about it. This young man brings word from…" he turned looking at the young man, "where did you say you'd traveled from?"
He looked down recalling Erpahn's words, "share nothing more than absolutely necessary, Monsieur Courtland's privacy is of utmost importance." He stammered, "I've come from Paris just now sir."
"Very well," he turned back to the other man, "tell Nadir he has a message from Monsieur Courtland of Paris, and the boy awaits his reply. Do tell him we can be found in the carriage house when he is ready." The man nodded and headed for the house.
"Now, do dismount, come, have a bit of coffee. We've had a bit of excitement here the night previous. I rather doubt that Nadir should find himself even awake at this hour." The man took the reins of the horse, leading it toward the stable, the young man in tow.
"You see Crawlings, you have heard of him have you not?" The young man nodded. "He'd had it in his mind to kill our master, Raoul DeChagny, and as fate would have it, Raoul took the upper hand! We've been up most of the night with all the goings on, and now, well, we've a hero in our house!"
The boy looked up at him, "Crawlings is now dead sir?" The boy breathed a sigh of relief. Though he'd tried not to think of it as he traveled, it was in the back of his mind.
"Yes quite, and quite at the hands of Raoul!" The carriage master led the young man into the carriage house. He'd see to a bit of hot coffee, and one of the delectable treats that had just been brought from the house proper. Raoul's house was well known for what generous tidings it greeted all visitors, even those viewed as some as mere servants. Raoul had not embraced that notion, for to him a man was a man, and no matter his position, he deserved to be treated with respect, and welcome. This young man would be no different, and would be welcomed and introduced just as all others before him, and those who followed after him would be.
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There was a knock at the door. Nadir and Madame Giry had finished their coffee, and had decided it would be best if they'd both retire until lunch were readied, neither having slept, with good reason. Madame Giry called out, "do come in." She looked toward Nadir, "I do hope it is not Madeline, thinking that two hours rest would be sufficient!"
Nadir laughed, surely that would be something that Madeline would do.
There was yet another knock. Whomever it was, they would not be entering the quarters without full invitation of an opened door.
Madame Giry was rising, Nadir quickly stood. "You sit my dear, allow me." Nadir strode over to the door.
"Monsieur Nadir, I am most relieved to have found you. I knocked on the door next, but the maid assured me you were paying a visit to Madame Giry."
Nadir looked at the man with a bit of a smirk. It had been a long while since he'd been addressed as Monsieur. "Yes, whatever is it?"
"A young man has just arrived, and I'm to retrieve you for a brief visit. He brings word for you from Monsieur Courtland of Paris, and is even now waiting for you as he is to carry back a reply for the Monsieur." The man was breathing rapidly, having run the distance of the yard, and mounting the stairs in haste.
Madame Giry stood and came along side Nadir at the door. "Did the man seem, well did he seem concerned?" She inquired.
"Madame Giry, I am terribly sorry to have disturbed you." He nodded at her in apology.
She nodded at him in return. "Not at all, do tell me, did the young man seem anxious, worried?"
"No my lady, he did not, though I did not have opportunity to visit with him directly. The carriage master sent me straight away to retrieve Nadir so the young man could be on his way." He turned looking at Nadir hopefully.
"Yes, do go out and assure them that I will be but a moment. I've to dress and I shall be there swiftly." Nadir said, laying his hand on the door.
"Very well sir, I shall." The man turned and was gone.
Nadir turned, looking at Madame Giry. "Now I've no idea what it might be that I find in that note. Something tells me that if Erik is awaiting an answer, he must still be in Paris. If that be the case my dear…let us hope all is well." He looked at Madame Giry scratching at his chin. "I think it prudent that you yourself dress, perhaps assist Meg in dressing. There is much to be considered, but if Erik tarries, there is good reason, of that you can be certain. I'll go to the carriage house, you see to dressing yourself. Upon my return, we shall discuss whatever manner of business I know, and then decide what is to be done."
Madame Giry was nodding. "I shall see to it." Without thinking she'd already begun to remove her robe. In a brief second she had it in her hand, and was reaching for the ribbons of her nightgown.
Nadir averted his eyes. "I shall be back in a few moments my dear lady. Do not worry, our Erik is nothing if not purposeful." He passed through the door between their rooms, closing it behind him.
Madame Giry's mind raced. She was feeling the tired from the lack of sleep of the night previous. She had no idea what the day might produce, or of what word Erik could be waiting for, but she had to agree with Nadir, if Erik waited, he'd have good reason.
Madame Giry turned, there was a gentle knock on the door before it opened.
"Mother?" Meg's voice called out as she entered.
"Meg, I'd thought perhaps you'd still be resting my dear." She called out from behind the dressing screen, trying to hide the obvious anxiousness in her voice.
"Mother, where is everyone? The house is absolutely quiet! I stood by the banister and there is barely a sound coming from the lower floors. Has no one risen for the day?" Meg said with a questioning tone.
Madame Giry came around the side of the dressing screen, moving to kiss Meg's cheeks. "It looks well Meg, your cheek." She said running her hand along her daughter's chin, looking her in the eye.
Meg smiled at her, looking down. "I am happy the stitches are gone, though it feels a bit tender this morning."
Madame Giry led Meg over to the divan. "We should see to getting you dressed my dear." She looked down, she'd rather hoped to be sharing this with Meg under different circumstances, or have Raoul share it himself, but time was of the essence she was sure. "Meg, last night, after you and I retired," she took Meg's hands in hers, "Crawlings was about."
Meg gasped, "whatever for mother, was anyone hurt?"
Madame Giry soothed Meg's hands. "Do not worry Meg, no one in Raoul's household was killed, though the Crawlings boy is dead."
Meg looked down blinking heavily before she returned her mother's gaze. "How did he meet his end mother?"
Madame Giry sighed. She'd no choice but to perpetuate what Nadir had begun. She'd never been dishonest with Meg a day in her life, not once, and now, for the sake of everyone, she'd no choice but to impart that which Nadir would be telling all who had ears to hear. "Raoul…..it was Raoul."
Meg's face went ashen. Surely Raoul had not an encounter with the crazed boy! "Mother, but how, what happened that he'd find himself in such a position?" Meg was already standing. Her mother took her hand tugging at her to sit once more. Meg complied.
"Meg, I do not know of all of the particulars, I know only that he ventured into the yard, Raoul sensed his presence and felled him on the edge by the woods, just beyond where the great fire had been started." Madame Giry looked down, pressing her eyes closed swallowing. "Raoul will be something of a hero in Paris once word of it makes its way there, as it most certainly will very soon."
Meg sat blinking, she'd missed so much in the hours she'd slept.
Madame Giry knew she must tell her further of what was to come. "Meg, you must know that Raoul is resting now." She looked at her daughter, taking her hands into hers once more. "Raoul seems to have had a blow to his head, something caused by a slip on the ice, the jolt of the gun, we aren't just now sure, but he'd a small gash that required some stitching…"
Meg's hand flew over to cover her mouth as she gasped, "no…."
Madame Giry began patting her hand. "I assure you, other than a bit of missing hair, and stiff headache, he shall be fine, the doctor attended to him last evening. He rests even now Meg, the doctor no doubt has checked on him several times. It is best that he rest."
Meg was already tying the ribbons on her robe, making ready to go to him. "Mother, you must excuse me, I've…"
Her mother took her hand once more, leading her to the divan yet again. "Meg, you should know that he is fine. I've more to tell you my dear, do sit won't you."
Meg heard the authoritative tone in her mother's voice and came to rest on the divan next to her. "Mother?"
Madame Giry turned to face Meg. "We've received word from Monsieur Courtland, Nadir is even as we speak retrieving the message from the carriage house. I do not know the nature of the correspondence, but I do know that he is in Paris, and awaiting a reply from Nadir."
Meg's mind began to race. If Erik had seen fit to return to Paris in the light of day, something was wrong, most dreadfully wrong.
Madame Giry continued. "I am afraid my dear, that we may very well have need to travel to Paris this very day, or perhaps only Nadir will be summoned, or perhaps nothing will come of it at all. Whatever the case, Nadir and I felt it best that you and I ready ourselves should we have need to travel today." In the back of Madame Giry's mind was the great fear that something had happened to Christine, that the same fate as had fallen on her mother had somehow fallen on Christine.
Meg's eyes darted back and forth. Her loyalties were truly split. Christine had been her sister, for all practical purposes all of those years. If something had happened to her, she'd have want to be at her side. But Raoul….how could she leave Raoul? "Mother?"
Madame Giry was rising, leading Meg by the hand to the door. "Come, let us get you dressed my dear, it is mid-morning and you should be dressed, no matter what is required of us." Madame Giry opened the door, DeChagny nearly tumbling in. "Good Sir!" She exclaimed as his hand nearly came to rest on her forehead as it was poised to knock on the door.
"Madame Giry, Meg," he nodded to both women. "I trust that you've both rested well. Have either of you been to look in on Raoul?"
Both women shook their heads, they had not.
"I've a note from the physician, the Barron, he's requesting that we allow Raoul to rest this morning. He had a bit of an unsettled night, and as long as he rests, we shan't disturb him."
Meg looked pleadingly at her mother.
"Meg, I know you've want to see him, as I would if I were you, but we must respect the doctor's wishes, for he has nothing but Raoul's best interest in mind."
DeChagny nodded, looking at Meg. "My dear, he is my own flesh and blood son, I'd like nothing more than to visit him now. I received this note from my Barron with my breakfast this morning, so I've no doubt the doctor is tending to him even now, as he is not in the room that was prepared for him. Though it be difficult, I beg of you, let us honor the doctor's request." He looked from Madame Giry to Meg, hoping for some assurances.
Meg blinked, staring at the ground. "Very well. But if you should hear that he stirs, that he looks for…."
DeChagny reached out touching Meg's hand, "do not worry child, if he looks for you, I shall send for you." He smiled at her and then turned and left.
Madame Giry led Meg down to her room, quickly going in. Meg was standing there looking down at her arm. "Meg, whatever is it my dear, I am certain that the doctor is only concerned for Raoul's recovery…"
Meg was shaking her head. "No, I understand that perfectly…" she looked up her mother, "he touched my hand mother, called me dear…" her lips began to tremble.
Madame Giry came over to embrace her daughter. Meg had no doubt feared DeChagny's lack of acceptance of her. "My dear sweet Meg, had you any doubt that your gentle demeanor, your sweet smile shan't win over a man….even one as cold as he?" She leaned back looking at Meg, tapping the end of her nose gently. She embraced her once more, bringing her head to rest on her shoulder, rubbing her back. "Dear Meg, do not think for one moment that you are not worthy of his approval, for you are far more refined and precious than any of those young ladies of society. Raoul knows this in his heart, and truly, he is the only one you've need to please."
Meg closed her eyes, welcoming both her mother's kind words and warm embrace. She always had been able to allay her worries. "Thank you mother." She nestled her head in as she had done thousands of times as a child, but now as a woman, it was different, yet the reassurance was the same.
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Nadir was dressed and down the stairs, moving at a pace that even surprised him. He was more than anxious to discover the contents of the note, and to see what young man brought it to him. Erik would not have entrusted just any courier with the task.
The carriage master had settled in with the young man at a table near the window. He'd sensed the boy's anticipation, and had hardly been able to convince him to take the coffee and pastry. "Monsieur Courtland….this is not a name that I am familiar with young man. Pray do tell, in what section of Paris does he reside?"
The young man began to fidget. "Tell them nothing, share no more than you must." Erphan's words rung so loudly in his head that it nearly took over his very ability to think. He stared blankly out the window.
The carriage master looked down, a bit of disgust, though he realized the young man was quite preoccupied with his assignment. "Young man!"
He startled, looking back at the carriage master, "my apologies. I must confess I am rather eager to have this part of my day settled, so that we are able to complete the many things that we've need to do." The boy flashed a rather dutiful smile at the him.
"This Monsieur, he keeps you rather busy?" The man said, making nothing more than idle conversation now.
"Yes….yes sir, quite." The boy rose to his feet as he saw Nadir emerge from the house. "I thank you sincerely for your generosity sir. I see that Nadir approaches…" the young man was already standing, putting on his hat and gloves. He turned to the man, "thank you for your hospitality sir, I must go now." The boy turned and made his way through the door to the outside.
The man shook his head as he watched the boy cross the snow toward Nadir, waving madly. He looked down, he'd not even touched so much as a morsel on the plate, nor did it seem that he'd even taken a single sip from his cup. The young man took his assignment seriously enough…he'd give him that much.
Nadir's eyes lit up as he saw John Paul coming toward him. A bit of relief rushing over him, a familiar face, someone of whom he could ask questions, not a random courier with no knowledge of the sender of the message. "John Paul!" Nadir called out to him.
The young man nearly began to run before the pair met in the center of the courtyard. "Nadir, it is wonderful to see you. We have missed your colorful stories sir!" He said as he slipped his hand beneath his cloak, retrieving a small ivory envelope, handing it to Nadir.
"And I have missed all of you. I trust all is well?" Nadir said, searching the boys face for any evidence that he'd known something of the passed days.
"All is well, though our schedule has been rather abrupt as of late, the weather, the unexpected trip to Paris, the master's trip into Chauesser. It has been very unusual, though I dare say it has been for everyone due to this storm!" The boy began to laugh as he and Nadir began to walk over to the area where the last remnants of the fire still smoldered. There the ground was visible now, and a bit of warmth still eminated from the piles of ash. The boy looked rather quizzically at Nadir.
"Wolves, there were wolves in the woods last night, they'd set their sights on a group of dogs that belong to the household." Nadir said as he slid his thumb beneath the seal on the envelope. It was a seal he'd not recognized, but knew it was from Erik.
The boy nodded at Nadir, walking a dozen paces or so away to afford Nadir a bit of privacy as he read. The words somehow transforming in his mind as he could hear Erik's voice.
Nadir:
Good friend it has been a long while since you and I have had a proper visit sir. The death of our mutual friend has brought us to the City in hopes that we might pay our last respects at her grave. My wife needed a bit of a journey, she's grown rather tired of being cooped up in our house for months now, considering her current condition. She's been plagued by all manner of unusual dreams that have troubled her. Though she feels well enough for the journey, as have I, we do fear that this may be our last visit to Paris. We will be but a few more hours, and if you and Madame Giry, and her daughter Meg, are so inclined, we should like to have a brief visit before we return home to Courtland Manor. My wife has much to share with young Meg, and would very much like to see Madame Giry.
Though there is much to be thankful for, I must share with you that the elder woman I'd most recently befriended fell during the storm and could not be saved. Her daughter and grand daughter grieve for her desperately. My grief is only in never having been able to know the woman as well as I hoped that I might, nor to have had opportunity to introduce the two of you. All else is well dear friend.
If the three of you are so inclined to join us, do send word with the man who delivered the message to you sir. Also send word of how everyone is doing, as well as your kind host. Tell Madame Giry that I should very much like to take her to her favorite place for eating pudding on a Sunday afternoon, she shall know the place well, though few ever frequent it. It is a place that has served the test of time, even to this very moment! If a visit is not possible dear friend, do plan to send word in several weeks time. Perhaps Meg and Madame Giry would be up to making a visit at Courtland Manor before she resumes her duties at the Opera House.
In my fondest affections, Stephan
Nadir breathed a sigh of relief. He smiled at the young man. "You've done well," he said motioning for him to join him. "Now sir, I know you must prefer to be on your way to return word to Paris. But I must beg of you for an indulgence of a half-hours time before I can give you my full reply." He patted the man on his shoulder. "Young man, do tell me, is Monsieur Courtland well?"
"Yes sir, quite. He and his wife were resting when we left the seamstress shop."
"The seamstress shop?" Nadir was entirely perplexed. He'd thought that Erik would have chosen to stay at the Opera House, but then again, how would he have explained that to his carriage men. Nadir shook his head.
"Yes sir, she's a rather interesting woman. I've never met a woman who was blind that could sew before. It is a wonder that anything turns out to be a decent garment. She prepared a rather nice smoking jacket for Stephan."
Nadir was scratching his head. This was no doubt a woman that Erik knew well. "So is that where they have made accommodations….at the home of this friend?" Nadir inquired.
"Yes sir, that is where the four of us slept last evening." The young man was starting to cup his hands breathing into them. It was a bit colder outside when one was standing still.
"The four of you? Did you have a traveling companion young man?" Nadir said.
"Most certainly. I was to provide assistance to Erphan, whatever he'd have need for. That is why I am here even now and not a normal courier, as we could find none that were willing to travel outside of Paris, not with Crawlings about. I understand though sir, that he's no longer a worry for the travelers. The carriage master informed me that Raoul shot him dead this very day! The whole City of Paris, and even Chauesser will rejoice at the news!"
Nadir's lip quivered just slightly into the faintest of smiles; the plan had already been set in motion. He patted the young man once more on the shoulder. "We must come to an understanding you and I, about Monsieur Courtland. He's no need for anyone to know of his whereabouts, or any other private detail, including the name of the city within which he lives. He's had a great many enemies during his lifetime. If someone does ask, tell them he's been around the world, and finally settled in a village not long from Paris, but nothing more. Is that understood?"
The young man nodded, taking note of the serious tone of Nadir's voice. "It shall be as you've suggested. I shall return to the carriage house, have the coffee and pastry that's been offered me and await your reply."
Nadir nodded. "It is good to see you my friend. Very good indeed. You shall grow up to be a fine young example." Nadir turned making his way toward the house; the young man toward the stables.
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Christine sat waiting impatiently in the room. Finally after a few minutes she sighed and leaned back resting against the side of the divan. A soft blushing smile crossed her face as she could hear a melody first caress her ears. They were alone, utterly alone, and from a distance, she could hear Erik singing. She closed her eyes, the small childish smile now growing into one of undulating adoration at the sound of his voice raised in song. It had kept her company so many night, so many days. It had been the continuation of the art that her father had begun with her some years before. Slowly Erik had given name and order to each part of music. Of the meaning of quarter note, half note, whole note, of bars scores, and scales, of the terms phalsetto, acapela, cadence, concerto, tempo, rhythm, verse, chorus, refrain. Of the titles soprano, tenor, alto, bass, baritone, conductor. He had walked her through a land she'd known in her life but never knew names for. It was akin to being taken through a flower garden you'd visited every day and having someone identify for you the colors you'd seen but could never name. The yellow of daffodils, the pink of tulips, the blue of morning glories, the green of ivy, the red of roses. He'd given her the points of reference with which her knowledge grew by leaps and bounds, and allowed her to converse with others about music in a way that was seemingly far beyond her years. She smiled, his voice was compelling, soothing, intriguing. Somehow she knew she would never tire of it, it was food for the very soul of her. Her head turned just slightly when she heard a familiar melody, but far different words, and a bit different tempo. She opened her eyes, staring at the fire, listening intently. In the distance she heard…
"No one would listen, no one but her heard as the outcast hears….she saw my lonliness…a voice through the gloom seemed to cry I hear you….."
A tear ran down Christine's cheek…he had known she loved him….even then.