Thanks to Barb and Amy for the beta work they do. If there are mistakes in the text, it is because I go back in to add last minute details and I am a sloppy proof-reader. Enjoy this chapter, it's short but sweet.
-Leesainthesky
Chapter 78 Details
"Retribution, my favorite dish." Erik's slim smile hinted at a past filled with an abundance of questionable avengement.
"I find that as my years have increased my need for such sport has waned. Yet I simply cannot allow Christine's deeds to go un-rewarded."
"Casing emotional pain is not something I've ever had a taste for, Erik, those activities were more my mother's specialty," I said.
"Yes, I fear we are both recipients of unusual maternal affections. Or should I say afflictions."
Erik kissed the top of my head and I relaxed against his warm chest.
"True words indeed. That's why I've always shied away from the thought of motherhood; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and all that," I sighed.
"A supreme fallacy. You shall make the best of mothers, Gabrielle. Look at how well you've nurtured me."
I turned in his arms to look up at him. "Somebody needed to love you as you were meant to be loved; my disappearing act did nothing to nurture your growth, though."
"Never mind that. Daylight continues to dawn on my dark past. It is a bright new life that I seek for us both—and for our child." Erik cupped my face in his hands and stared into my eyes. In his gaze, I saw the promise of a lifetime.
"I—do not deserve you, Gabrielle. You suffer far more of my missteps than any woman should have to from a man. I am inconsistent and piggish."
"You are so right," I said, kissing his chin, nose and forehead in between my words. I laughed lightly when he frowned in mock indignation at my agreement. "But, oh how I do love you, enigma man."
"And I, you, desperately, completely, irreversibly. Please, do not make me wait long for your answer to my proposal," he warned gently.
"You're adorable when you beg, Erik."
"I am never adorable, Madame."
"Well I disagree."
With his bottom lip puffed out in that way he does when he's at a loss for words, Erik gawked at me. He shifted on the chaise, redistributing my weight from one leg to the other. He was far too much of a gentleman to tell me that I was getting heavy.
I relieved Erik's lap of my cumbersome body and bent to kiss him full on the lips effectively erasing his pout. "It's late and I need to dress for the day. And I need to pen a note to Mary Ann. I want her to know that I've invited a houseguest for the next two weeks. You may take the room next to mine, the one with the large oak writing desk. I'll have Bastion take your belongings up," I said.
"I'll not be sharing your bedchamber?" Again the pout, now coupled with a frown.
"Erik, this morning's lusty romp aside, we're not engaged at the moment. Give me a chance to clear my head will you? Impatient man," I implored while backing out of the library, quickly curtailing any protest on his part.
Thumbing through my meager selection of maternity garments hanging in the bedroom wardrobe, my mind occupied more with Erik than clothing, I pulled out a dove gray day dress of finely woven wool, and made a haphazard attempt at dressing for the day.
He's really here.
Could I admit to myself that a part of me had wanted Erik to find me, wanted him to need me, to love me?
And what of Christine? Damn it, I wanted her to know that she had lost and I had won in her bid for Erik's love.
Where was she now, in her luxurious town home or off to sing at the opera? A plan began to form in my mind, not an extraordinarily devious one, but one which I felt would have a negative affect on the sensibilities of most women.
After dressing, I hastily scribbled out a note to Mary Ann about Erik's return, our mutual olive branch and my reconsideration of his proposal. I reassured her that it was not my brain gone soft, but the realization of the truth that influenced my turn about concerning Erik. Considering the scandalous liaisons littering the famous author's reputation, I sincerely doubted that she would mind me allowing him to stay at the cottage for a few weeks.
I secured the envelope with my personal seal, a purplish 'T' for Thomassen, and set out to locate Bastion with instructions that he take it to the post as soon as possible. I'd wondered if Madame Evans might come calling once she received my correspondence.
When I popped my head into the small library, I discovered Erik reading The Times, which had arrived with the morning post. His countenance was dark.
"Something troubling in the news?" I enquired.
"She's in London."
"She?"
"Christine."
"No shit!" I blurted out.
"Indeed." He waggled the paper at me. "The Comtess de Chagny is to attend the opening night of some operetta at Her Majesty's Theatre. I never knew Christine to be much for light musical theatre," he snorted.
"Did you ever know much about her, Erik?"
"I suppose not." The sinister gleam returned for an instant. "Shall I pay the dear girl a visit while she's in the city; impress upon her the imprudence of her recent enterprise?" Erik crushed a corner of the paper in his fist.
I made my way to the desk where he sat and laid my hands upon his shoulders. "That explosive temper of yours might get in the way. After all, your wounds are still fresh." I reasoned with what I hoped was a soothing tone, and massaged his tight muscles. Erik relaxed beneath my touch.
"I hate it when your wisdom surpasses my ambition. Must you pour water on the coals of my enthusiasm, Gabrielle?"
"Are you speaking of revenge or a good shagging?" I swatted him playfully on the shoulder.
"Really, Madame!"
I moved away from his retaliatory swat at my bottom and took a seat in the arm chair to his left.
"Listen, I think I've come up with a fine way to bring the Comtess down a notch or two, but you must promise to allow me to handle the details."
Erik swung his torso around to face me and settled one arm casually over the back of the desk chair.
"I'll consider your proposal only on the condition that it offers no danger to your or the babe."
"I don't see how it could, and naturally I'll require your involvement," I added knowing that my request would be please him. "I think you'll like what I've cooked up."
Erik lifted his hand in a graceful gesture, bidding me to unfurl my plans for avenging the considerable damage done to our love affair at the hands of the Comtess de Chagny.
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Reviewers, you all crack me up with your ideas for Christine; Ex-Lax in the brownies, naked on stage (lots of those suggestions) from public humiliation to the Punjab. Remember even though he gets the itch, Erik's no longer a violent man. Thank you sincerely for reading my story and for the reviews. Keep it up.
-Leesa