Title: A Grand Illusion
Characters: Christine/Raoul, OCs
Chapters: 3/8 + epilogue
Rating: K+
Warnings: None for early chapters, twists and kidnapping later
Christine spoke lightly as she climbed into bed with her husband.
"I like it here, Raoul. I really do now."
He put down the book he'd been skimming through and smiled at her.
"I'm glad. I like it too. It's a wonderful drive from here to the offices. And I do like having the land for Maddie to play on." He chuckled happily. "She does love her pony, doesn't she?"
"Really, Raoul," Christine let out a playful sigh, "you've spoilt her rotten. No man will ever be able to please her, ever, because of you."
"Nonsense. My sisters were treated just the same way and they are both very happily married."
"Hmmm… Perhaps you are right."
"Of course I'm right."
The handsome young Vicomte leant over to press a kiss on his wife's cheek. She blushed faintly. He sat back once again and stretched his arms over his head, yawning.
"How are you getting on with the help? Any problems?"
"No," she answered. "They're all marvellous. Cook is a lovely lady. Marcel keeps me on my toes but in a good way."
"What do you think of the stableboy? Is he helpful enough when you need it?"
"Leroux? Oh yes. Why do you ask?"
"I just wonder. He didn't really have much experience, is all. I know Madeline adores him but I do need him to do his job as well."
"He seems to be working well. Nothing is ever out of place when I need it. And he's very helpful. Perhaps a little too forthright when it comes to asking questions. It makes me wonder if he perhaps is simply not used to being around a different class to his own. You know, like I was at first."
Raoul turned to her, brow furrowed.
"What do you mean? Has he been impertinent?"
Christine shrugged.
"Well, perhaps not impertinent so much as unknowingly presumptuous."
"How so?"
"He's asked me a few questions that were a little impolite, that's all. Oh, Raoul, he's not meant anything by it. It's just a case of young curiosity, I'm sure. You remember what that was like, don't you?"
He nodded and set his book on the nightstand.
"Yes. I do. But Christine, do tell me if he causes any difficulty. I brought you and Maddie here to find peace and happiness, not trouble with the help."
"I know. And I'm sure, if you asked her, Madeline would tell you he is the most perfect person on God's green earth."
The both smiled fondly at the idea and then Raoul smirked.
"Has she shown you the latest?"
"Which one?"
"The coin behind the ear."
"Oh yes! Well, she's tried. I have to say, he's very good. He has aspirations to being an illusionist."
"Yes, I heard. Odd ambition for a profession, don't you think?"
"I don't know, to be honest. Is it? I'm starting to think that Maddie's getting it into her head to do the same…"
The two shook their heads and laughed again at the thought before snuffing their lamps and laying down to rest.
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