A/N: Here we are with another chapter. Bonus points for anyone who gets the reference for the title of the chapter. As always, please read and review.

Chapter Thirty-nine

Goin' Courtin'

Erik had convinced Darcey to join him in his box for the rest of the performance as her duet was already done and there was three other violinists. As was expected, there was even more talk. Society seemed to have gotten over its shock though was still excited and curious. All had wondered why the man that had sparked their curiosity and also freed the opera from the Phantom, had brought a lowly violinist to his box.

By the next day, it was speculated that he fancied her. They said it was likely he would soon be courting her. All wondered why she had caught his attention but when they considered her looks, it wasn't as odd as originally thought to be. All agreed on her beauty much to Darcey's embarrassment when she heard.

Late that morning, Erik called on Darcey and officially asked to court her. He then took her out ice skating. "You'd think they had never seen a couple court before," Erik whispered in her ear as they skated, her arm looped in his.

She laughed nervously. "It does seem that way. Oh Erik. I'm so nervous."

He guided them to a stop and looked at her. "Why? They'll lose interest soon enough. Nothing stands in our way."

She shook her head. "Not that. What if they find out who I am? I dont want them to think I want your money so I can be back in upper society. I dont want them to judge me. I dont want their pity." Tears threated to fall and she looked away and blinked rapidly.

He gently nudged her chin until she was looking at him again. "Darcey, my love. There's no need to worry. Even if they find out, they won't think badly of you. You are nothing if not good and all can see it. I doubt you have any ill intentions or thoughts towards anyone. Besides, they won't be able to argue the fact that we love each other. Nothing else matters. Will you please smile now, they are starting to wonder if I said something terrible."

She gave a weak laugh just as he had hoped and they began to skate slowly around again, Darcey's head resting on his shoulder. After awhile, he spoke. "Call me crazy but i think it might actually help us if they knew who you are."

"What? How could that possibly help. They'll just think i'm trying to climb back up the social ladder."

"Won't you technically be climbing that ladder regardless? They might be more kind to a girl who used to be one of them."

"I never thought of it that way. Maybe you are right. Besides, otherwise I'd have to make up my relation to the family. I would rather not lie."

"I'll leave this one up to you. It will affect you the most. let'as not worry aout that right now. We are courting. We are supposed to be having fun. Though I wish we were somewhere without people staring. I'm not used to being in public let alone on display," he said, telltale signs of his nervousness only noticeable to Darcey showing. He squeezed her hand which was resting in the crook of his arm."

"Me either. Shall we escape. A sleigh ride sounds delightful. We could ask Meg and Garren to chaperone."

He grinned at her. "That is a wonderful idea, my love. Let us leave right away. I'm sure they will enjoy the time together as well." They skated off to the side where they took off their skates before heading back to the opera house. It was easy for Erik to convince the managers to let Meg and Garren have time off granted they returned in time for the evening's performance.

They headed out, Meg talking excitedly to Garren in the backseat while Darcey and Erik talked quietly in the front. Once they got out of the city, they all breathed a sigh of relief as they pulled over. Darcey waited while Erik took care of the horses, watching in amusement as Garren dragged Meg away through the snow. They were so cute together. She hoped he proposed soon.

Soon they were out of side and she felt Erik's arms slide around her waist as he hugged her from behind. She leaned back against him and said, "This is much better, don't you think?"

"Infinitely," he said with a kiss to her neck. "Would you like to ice skate again or would you rather do something else?"

"Ice skating sounds fine." They grabbed their skates and Erik grabbed a blanket. Erik led the way, Darcey close behind. She looked around at all the snow and stopped. She set down her skates quietly and formed a snowball before throwing it. It flew through the air before hitting the back of Erik's head and sliding down, some going down the back of his shirt. He turned slowly as Darcey laughed into her hands.

"You are going to pay for that," he said with a straight face before grinning. He dumped the blanket and skates and scooped up a handful of snow as Darcey turned and ran, knowing that he would certainly get her back if he caught her.

A few snowballs hit her and she squealed. After a while, she glanced back but couldn't see Erik anywhere. She slowed and looked around, not trusting herself to be safe. Just then a snowball hit her in the chest and slid down inside her bodice. "Ahh!" she yelled as she felt the cold. Erik stepped out from behind a tree and laughed as she squirmed. She protested, saying it wasn't funny but only succeeded in making him laugh harder. She scooped up some snow and threw it at him. He dodged and came towards her before knocking her over. They tumbled to the ground, Erik twisting to land on bottom. They laughed though they were feeling a little cold and wet. Darcey shivered as the snow in her bodice continued to melt.

"Cold?" He chuckled.

"I have snow stuck in my bodice under my corset, what do you think?" she asked with a slight blush. He laughed again so Darcey grabbed a handful of snow and pulling his collar away, shoved it in before pressing it against him.

"Hey!" he protested with a laugh. He struggled to remove it but Darcey held his collar down with a grin. "Alright, alright. You win. Shall we go back and get warmed up?"

She nodded then leaned down and kissed him, successfully warming them both before Erik reluctantly pushed her away. "I'm going to lose my control and ravish you if you aren't careful," he whispered.

"And I might let you," she admitted quietly with a blush. They stared meaningfully at each other before coming to their feet. He offer his hand and she took it as they headed back.

They were almost back when they heard Meg squeal in the distance. They wasted no time as they ran towards the sound, fearful of what they might discover. Whay they found confused and relieved them. Meg had her arms wrapped tightly around Garren who had his arms wraspped around her waist. Both wore contented smiles. Garren saw them and cleared his throat causing Meg to pull away in confusion. He nodded his had towards Darcey and Erik with a smile. She turned to face them and her joyful expression returned as she ran over to Darcey and gave her a big hug.

"Oh Darcey! Garren juat asked for my hand in marriage and I said yes!"

"That's wonderful!" she said as she let go of Erik's hand to return the hug. Erik and Garren shared a handshake before Meg released Darcey. She gave Erik a quick hug, surprising him, before going back and wrapping her arms around Garren.

"Oh, I'm so happy!"

Darcey took a still shocked Erik's hand as she smiled at the other couple. "Congratulations."

"Thank you. I was afraid she would say no. She about scared me to death when she squealed." They chuckled as Meg blushed.

Darcey shivered and leaned against Erik as she pulled her coat tighter around herself. "Shall we head back or perhaps build a fire?" Erik asked as he let go of her hand only to wrap his arm around her.

"Are you cold? Oh, why ever are you wet?" Meg asked, just noticing.

"We had a snowball fight," Darcey said with a grin.

"By all means, let's build a fire then. It wouldn't do for you two to be sick on our wedding day."

"Getting married so soon?" Erik asked in amusement.

"I'm giving her three days to get her dress. I won't be able to keep my hands off of her longer than that," Garren said, giving Erik a look of sympathy.

"I understand completely. Come. Let's build that fire." They spent the rest of the time they had sitting around the fire, laughing and talking.