A/N: This chapter was fun to write. I hope you enjoy. Next chapter coming shortly. Please read and review. Thanks!

Chapter Forty

A Very Busy Day

December tenth, four days later, dawned early with anticipation and excitement burning in all of those involved with Meg and Garren's wedding. Last minute preparations took place as the excited couple got ready for their big day. Meg was practically skipping and had to be told several times to hold still as she was helped into her wedding dress. "I can't believe it! Can you believe that I am geting married? I was afraid I would never be married to the love of my life and would end up marrying a older, rich man in need of an heir."

"Meg!" Madame Giry scolded horrified at the thought.

"It's true! But now look at me. I'm about to become one of the happiest women in the world," she said standing and spinning in a circle. Darcey laughed as her mother pushed her back down on the vanity seat so that she could continue fixing her hair.

"If you don't hold still, you will never get married," Darcey teased.

"I would have left first thing this morning if mother would have let me. I'd go in my nightgown even. It's as if my mind thinks that something terrible will happen to prevent us from marrying if we wait too long. Do you have any idea what that is like?" she asked before snapping her mouth closed as she realized what she just said. She started to appologize but was stopped by Darcey.

"It's ok. I understand. Yes, i feel that way. It worries. It's a relief to not have to hide all of my feelings but we still haven't reached the point where we can marry and it worries me. I don't think that worry will ever go away completely. That nagging thought that someone will find out who he used to be."

Madame Giry spoke up, "It doesn't matter the situation, part of you will always worry about those you love. The important thing is not letting that worry take over your life and prevent you from enjoying life." She smiled at them both before continuing to fix Meg's hair. "Now no more sad talk. Everything will be fine. Darcey, would you be a dear and grab her shoes. I'm just about done."

Darcey stood and grabbed the shoes and returned as the finishing touch, a fabric yellow rose, was placed in her hair. She stepped into the yellow slippers and stepped in front of the mirror. "Wow..."

"You look beautiful," Darcey said, coming and giving her a partial hug. Her wedding dress was a simple design with yellow and white fabric. The narrow bodice and belled skirt created the perfect figure and her face glowed with happiness. "He's going to love the dress. Now let's go."

Meg was practically biting at the bit as they waited for the proper time to walk down the aisle. Finally Erik approached and held out his arm for Meg. As her "cousin" he was going to give her away. "Are you ready? You look lovely."

"I'm anxious to get this overwith. I want to be married already so we live the rest of our lives together." He nodded in understanding and the wedding ceremony began. Garren beamed at Meg as she walked into the room on Erik's arm. Friends and family as well as many of those who worked at the opera filled the chapel. Darcey stood as bridesmaid while Garren's brother was best man. As Meg took Garren's arm, they looked at each other with love and happiness as the priest began to speak.

The ceremony went by quickly and before anyone knew it, vows were exchanged, rings given, and a brief kiss shared.

Afterwards, congratulations were said before they left for the reception at the Opera Populaire. The managers had decided that it would be good for business to have the wedding reception at the opera house so all the ladies and gentlemen had been invited for a ball held in honor of the newly wedded couple. They spared no expense in decorating and providing for the party.

As guests began to appear, Darcey lost sight of Erik. She glanced around the crowded room, looking for a flash of his blue mask and vest but couldn't seem to find him. Suddenly someone spoke in her ear from behind her. "You look beautiful today."

She jumped and spun around, her colbalt blue skirt belling out around her, to face Erik. His eyes twinkled as she playfully hit his arm. "You startled me, but thank you." The dress had been a gift from Erik.

"I couldn't believe the measurements Meg gave me but obviously they were accurate. It fits you perfectly. Brings out the blue in your eyes without overpowering the green." Darcey blushed, looking down and tugging at her skirt.

"Shameless flatterer," she mumbled.

He chuckled and leaned towards her to whisper, "Only with you, my love." He grinned at her and she smiled back. They fell silent, their eyes saying what they couldn't say in the loud and crowded room. "May I have the honor of dancing the first dance with you? After the bride and groom's dance that is."

"Of course." At the moment, the music changed to the song meant for Meg and Garren. Darcey took Erik's offered arm and they walked to the edge of the dance floor. They watched as the happy couple waltzed across the floor. "Soon that will be us," Darcey whispered to which Erik nodded.

"And I will be the happiest and luckiest man alive."

She rested her head against hishoulder for a moment before noticing that someone was watching them. She straightened as she recognized the man as her distant cousin. The one that had been left as the benefactor of her parents will. The sight of him brought up bad memories but what confused her was the look on his face.

She was jolted out of her thoughts as everyone began to clap. When she looked back at her cousin, he was smiling at her. She nodded in his direction and he returned the action.

"Who is that?"

"Remember the distant cousin I told you about?" Darcey asked as they came onto the dance floor and began to waltz.

"Oh. I expected him to be less friendly towards you." He pulled her slightly closer, still maintaining a proper distance though just barely.

"He has always been kind to me," she said as they turned about the room. As they came near the edges of the room, she giggled.

"What is so entertaining?" He said with amusement twinkling in his eyes.

"They're talking about us again. Those two women we just passed were discussing when they think you are found to propose. One thinks a week, the other thinks that you won't until after the new year."

"What is your vote?"

"A week. I won't be able control myself if you wait until after new years." They shared a laugh.

"Luckily for you, I won't be able to either. In fact I might not wait that long. I hope you don't want a long engagement because I can't wait that long. The sooner we marry, the better. Who cares what society thinks. I love you and don't want to leave your side for the rest of my life."

"Me too. We'll have to set a date," she said as the dance came to a close.

"That we will." He kissed the back of her hand and escorted her off the floor. He then asked Meg to dance as society required one to dance with more than one person. as soon as Darcey was alone, she was approached by the two women she had heard earlier.

"Ah, Mademoiselle Dubois. We were just talking about you, weren't we, Doris?"

"Why, yes we were. In fact, we were wondering if you would answer a few questions for us."

Darcey held a laugh back as she nodded. "Of course, I would love to."

"We've noticed you and Monsieur Destler have spent a great deal of time together as of late. Rumor has it you fancy each other. Is it true?"

Darcey couldn't help but smile. She leaned forward and whispered conspiratory, "Yes it is."

"Oh, how delightful. Do you think he will ask for your hand soon?"

"You can never tell but I hope so," Darcey answered.

"I'm sure he will, my dear. Now I must ask, are you by chance related to Lord Dubois?"

Darcey hesitated but knew she had to answer. She gave herself a mental boost as she continued to smile. "As a matter of fact, I am. You see I'm the late Lord Dubois's daughter. My given name is Darchelle Dubois."

"Oh my goodness!" both ladies exclaimed, gaining the attention of many of those that were standing nearby. "Oh dear Darchelle, I should have recognized you!"

"As should I. I can't believe are dear Dubois girl is here! You wouldn't happen to recognize us, would you?"

She smiled at the dear ladies. "Of course I do. How could I forget Madame Monteque and Madame Colobus, my mother's dearest friends?"

"Oh, you dear child. What happened to you, everyone will be so happy to see you. We were so heart broken. First we lose your parents in that terrible accident and then shortly after, their dear daughter diaappeared. We must reintroduce you to everyone!" Darcey was saved from having to explain her past by having the two ladies promptly escort her about the room to reintroduce her to important members of society. In just a matter of minutes, everyone had either personally talked to her, or had heard about the "long lost Dubois girl." She was starting to feel overwhelmed when Erik broke into the cluster of people surrounding her.

"What is this all about?" he asked, coming up to her and taking her arm.

"Did you know that she is Darchelle Dubois, the late Lord Dubois's daughter?" Madame Colobus asked him.

"Yes. I don't know why that is revelant to my question." He gave Darcey a look that said both that he was proud of her and confused.

"They have been reintroducing me. Also, news of the 'lost Dubois girl' has spread quickly," Darcey said, her tone betraying her to Erik.

"We are just so happy to see her again," Madame Monteque said, "It broke our hearts when she disappeared so quickly after we lost her dear parents. She is a wonderful young lady."

"Yes she is. Now if you will excuse us, I believe this dance belongs to me."

"Oh, of course. It was so wonderful to see you again, Darchelle. We shall have to invite you to tea sometime in the near future. I hope to talk to you soon."

"It was nice to talk to you too. I would love to have tea with you."

The two of them gave her tight hugs before Erik led her away.