Thanks to my reviewers. If you read, please review for me.A big thanks goes out to Amy for proofing this chapter.

- Leeesainthesky

Ch 95 A Mother's Thoughts

"Whatever has become of Mademoiselle Caruso? I've seen hide nor hair of her since our arrival. Tell me the girl did not flee from Gabrielle's bedside at the first hint of blood." asked Marie, frowning.

"No, she's ill, but I fear it is a virus. Shortly after breakfast she broke into a sweat and ran to the water closet. I ordered immediate bed rest as a precaution, lest she infect Gabrielle with her miserable germs," Erik answered, convincing Marie.

"A wise decision, Monsieur. A newborn's fragile nature makes them an easy mark for the smallest of illnesses," Marie Roux agreed as she held and rocked young Erik, cooing at him as though he were her own grandson. "Perhaps I should look in on her. Erik shook his head.

"You needn't bother, Madame. I checked on her less than one hour ago. There was no fever and the elixir I administered worked wonders for her ailment."

Marie turned her attention back to our son. "He's a handsome boy, indeed. Be certain you feed him as often as he likes, Gabrielle. An infant deprived of sustenance will not grow properly," she said, imparting her motherly wisdom to me.

"Absolutely, Marie," I nodded, and as if on cue, he began the "wha-wha" whine that that I soon learned meant "feed me!"Marie handed him back to me.

"I must inform Henri of the wonderful news!" She smiled and swept from the bedchamber, thrilled as any natural grandparent.

Erik observed the retreating Marie quizzically.

"I think we've been adopted by Madame Roux," I laughed. "She works my nerves with her high-handed morality, but the old woman has a generous heart—she's far better to me than my own mother was. I like to think of the Roux's as my new family."

Erik gave me a sideways glance and scowled. "Why, you have us, Gabrielle. Are we not sufficient?"

"Of course you are dear," I soothed. "I miss my father, Erik. He would have been tickled pink to know his grandchild."

Tears pricked my eyes as I gazed at the newborn in my arm. I imagined my father holding him, playing with him as he grew into a boy and introducing him to the wonderful world of science.

Erik walked to the far side of the bed and took the empty space next to me. "Please, Cheri, do not cry," he said looping his arm around my shoulders and kissing my damp cheek. I lay my head against him, sighed and closed my eyes against the tears.

"I am happy, truly I am. Please don't misinterpret my tears, sweetheart." I knew Erik had a jealous predilection toward anyone or anything which might rob him of my affections, even a simple, fond memory. He hugged me tighter and fingered the folds of our son's blanket, revealing more of the tiny infant within.

"You did well, my love. Our child is the most beautiful sight I have ever beheld, so perfect and whole. Nothing like me, thank God."

I bit him on the arm lightly. "Stop, you! A handsome visage is a poor measure of a man's authentic self. I cannot argue that our son is the most beautiful sight I have ever seen, and in my eyes, the sight of his father captivates me equally," I reassured him with a tender nuzzle to his neck.

"I noticed you weren't wearing your mask when Marie was in the room," I added.

Erik touched his face subconsciously. "Strangely enough, I thought of it little with the excitement of young Erik's birth. And you shall be pleased to learn that I've appraised what you've been telling me--about not having to hide within my own domicile. You, dear wife, are right."

"Bravo, Monsieur DuPuis, I am proud of you. And Marie, she didn't recoil with shock, not even a wince. See, Erik, those who love you, love you for who you are, not for who we think you should be." I said, kissing the faint tooth marks on his wrist.

He smiled faintly at the marks and shook his head. "For an ugly man, I find that I am dreadfully vain about my appearance."

"I wouldn't call it vanity, Erik, old scars don't heal easily. You've become markedly less misanthropic since I've know you, less quick to judge or anger. Considering what you've endured in the past, I find these changes remarkable."

"My yes, how far the Phantom has come . . ." he retorted wryly.

I'd hoped he'd had success in dealing with Mademoiselle Caruso. "Why don't you fill me in on how you solved the problem of our curious little maid?" I asked.

"Mademoiselle Caruso is no longer a threat. Through hypnosis I discovered she misses her dead father, loves music and hasn't a vindictive bone in her young body. The girl is intelligent, but dreadfully shy. There are no dark secret plots behind her being here either."

"Another crisis averted, thank god. There was a moment when I thought Vincenzo might have sent her here to snoop."

"I too had entertained the thought, but apparently she has never met the man. She is to obey your instructions implicitly. Should she not comply, you must tell me at once."

"And then what," I narrowed my gaze at him.

"I will release her of her employment, what else would I do, Gabrielle?" he frowned.

"Just asking—Sheesh," I whispered under my breath.

"Poor love, you're terribly tired, aren't you darling. What may I do to assist you?"

"The baby should be okay for a bit as he's just fed, haven't you, my cutie-patootie," I smiled and brought him closer for a kiss on his tender forehead.

"What I want and need, Erik, is a shower. Would you mind watching him while I take one? I won't be but a few minutes. If he soils his diaper, it can wait until I return." I couldn't see Erik changing a dirty nappy.

"Dear wife, do you fear I can not care for my own son? Go; shower if you are certain you feel up to the task. We shall be fine," he said reaching out to relieve me of my warm bundle.

With some reluctance I delivered little Erik into the arms of big Erik and swung my legs over the side of the bed. The pressure of sitting upright on my bottom smarted, but I found I could stand with little problem. I was grateful that I hadn't torn during the delivery. Stitches without anesthetic would have sucked.

Cradling the babe safely in one long arm, Erik reached out with his other to steady me by my elbow. "Careful,darling—do you require my assistance with your shower? I imagine Madame Roux would look after Erik while you tend to your personal needs," Erik asked, concerned that I might not have the strength to stand for more than a few minutes.

After taking a few steps, I knew I could make it to the water closet shower. "I'm sore that's all. My feet work fine. A bonus of natural childbirth is that the mother and child recover more quickly. I'll be in the garden pulling weeds tomorrow," I said reassuringly.

"Pulling weeds, tomorrow? Perish the thought, Gabrielle!" Erik sounded horrified.

Might as well take advantage of the Victorian attitudes of coddling the mother, I thought. While Erik's help in the shower would be pleasant, I relished a moment to myself. "Check on me in a few to see if I need another bath sheet." I kissed his disfigured cheek and toddled away in search of the soothing properties of a warm shower.

Warm water from the large, flat, shower head rained down on my parched skin renewing my over-taxed muscles. I reveled in its cleansing, healing properties, tipping my head up to catch droplets on my face. I smiled thinking on how infrequent these moments of solitude would become.

Somewhat shaky from the birthing ordeal, I finished quickly, dried my thick, coppery brown hair, and donned my robe. Before exiting the water closet, I paused at the mirror and wiped a hole in the steam. There I encountered the reflection of a woman markedly different than the one from two years ago. This woman still retained her spirit, but had gained patience and wisdom, not to mention a husband and a baby.

Hello lucky, I addresesed myself with agrin and a whimsical shake of my head.I padded back down the corridore to our bedchamber and found Erik asleep on the bed with the youngster nestled securely in his arms.

Daylight had long retreated, taking with it the summer thunderstorm. Long shadows danced across the bedroom courtesy of a few windblown candle flames and the air smelled of ozone and fresh grass. I paused inside the door, capturing the precious sights, sounds and smells of this extraordinary day. I smiled at my long limbed, powerful husband and our delicate newborn son and thought of how tired they too must be.

I wondered . . .did Erik ever fathom a day when he would deliver his own offspring? Doubtful.

Yes, today our lived had changed forever.

OOOooooOOOO

Just some details from the first day with "Young Erik." As for whose wedding is coming up, if you haven't already quessed, you'll find out in the next chapter.

-Leesa