A/N: I apologize. I seem to be losing my mind or something... not sure where I typed and saved what I had of this chapter so I had to start over. Sorry its been awhile. Been a bit stressed with school and especially the terrifying college looming around the corner. AHHH! I don't want to grow up yet! ANYWAYS... Hope you enjoy and sorry for the late update.

Chapter Forty-five

To the Rescue

Helene fell asleep not even ten minutes into the ride as Lionell and Erik talked. They figured that they were probably about two hours behind and Erik desperately hoped they weren't too late. After they had discussed all relevant information, they sat silently until only Erik remained awake.

He sighed as he leaned against the window to watch the world fly by the window. However he found he didn't see anything as he was completely lost in his thoughts. He couldn't help but think that Darcey was frightened. Maybe he was imagining things but he couldn't shake the feeling. He found himself thinking of what he would say if she was able to hear him. Words of encouragement and comfort.

He closed his eyes tight against the threatening tears as he thought of his love and what she must be going through. He only hoped that she was being treated well. If they were correct, he would have no reason to kill her only to delay their marriage long enough that they could not receive the title and all that went with it.

That thought hit him hard, causing him to jerk upright and his eyes to fly open. The title. If they married before the end of the year, they would get the title. He couldn't even comprehend how differently his life would be. He didn't know if he was ready for that though he couldn't think of another possibility. The title was Darcey's right. It wouldn't be fair to deny her that right just because he didn't feel like he was worthy.

He would be a lord. A lord that owned lots of land and wealth and the responsibility of many servants. The more he thought about it, the more worried he felt. He didn't want to be responsible of so many lives. He barely felt like he was able to take care of Darcey. Even then he wasn't so sure as he had obviously already lost her once and she wasn't even completely his yet.

The rational side of his brain told him there was nothing he could have done to prevent this from happening but another part told him he should have known and been able to prevent this from happening somehow.

He found himself sighing for what seemed like the millionth time of the night. He felt so out of control. So powerless. He couldn't understand why this was happening. Hadn't enough terrible things happened? Why couldn't they have taken him instead? It would have served the same purpose. Though he wouldn't have wished her to be in his shoes at this moment. He prayed she would be safe until he could rescue her.

He pushed those thoughts temporarily to the side as he thought back on their plan. They would find out where she was and then Erik would go after her while Lionell stayed behind until Meg and Garren arrived with the police.

The only thing he wasn't so sure about was how to get him to spill the location. Lionell insisted on being the one to talk but Erik found it hard to believe that Marius would just tell them where he had taken Darcey. However he had promised to try it Lionell's way, the sole reason being that he had to admit the police wouldn't look kindly on Erik forcing the information out of him in anyway similar to the way he had tried to on Lionell and he didn't want to get in trouble with the law for Darcey's sake. He had reluctantly agreed with Lionell's logic though he still didn't feel like it would work.

He pulled out his pocket watch to find they had been traveling for an hour now meaning they only had about twenty minutes left. He groaned at the slow passage of time before silencing himself as Helene stirred. He found himself watching her. It was obvious that the girl cared for Darcey despite only meeting her today and he guessed the feeling was mutual.

He then remembered the pile of dresses on Darcey's bed and guessed that she had intended to give them to Helene. As he silently observed her, thinking back on the few exchanges he had had with her, he could understand why. He also suspected that the girl reminded Darcey of herself.

He found himself lost in thought until he noticed that the carriage was slowing down. As he looked out the window, he caught a glimpse of the elegant house and found he was filled with conflicting emotions but mostly he was just anxious. He wanted this all to be done with and to have the love of his life back safely in his arms.

He reached over to tap Lionell as he spoke. "We've arrived." The man let out a small groan as he stretched. Satisfied he had successfully woken him up enough, he directed his attention to waking up Helene. When he reached over to tap her on her knee, she jerked awake with a gasp. She tried to scoot away before recognition dawned in her eyes and she blushed. "I apologize," he murmured. "We have arrived. We should be at the door in only a minute or two."

She nodded and sat up straight, staring at the seat across from her as she seemed to will herself to stop blushing. After a minute, she spoke up bringing Erik's attention back to her from the window. "What do you want me to do when we get there?"

Her question took Erik off guard as he had not thought about what she would do once they got there. In fact he really hadn't thought about her role in all of this after asking if she would like to come. It had just seemed like a good idea at the time but he couldn't think of what to do from here.

Luckily Lionell spoke up saving him from trying to think of something. "You should stay with my carriage man. We wouldn't want you to get hurt. If someone asks what you are doing just say he is your father and he let you come. I'll talk to Edmé when we stop."

She seemed disappointed but didn't argue. Erik felt sorry to leave her out but couldn't help but agree especially when he remembered Marius had seen her. "I agree. You went with Darcey when she went to the dress maker right? He'll probably recognize you if he sees you. He might even think you were the one who told us he was the real captor. I would hate to see you hurt and I'm sure Darcey wouldn't want you getting in danger even for her sake. Stay with the coachman for her sake even though I'm sure you would much rather come with us." She nodded in understanding and Erik found he felt better about the whole situation.

As the carriage stopped, Erik felt his tension renewed. He wasn't sure what exactly to expect. He didn't wait for the coachman to open the door but opened it himself and jumped out. He rocked on his heels as Lionell and Helene got out of the carriage. Lionell quickly spoke to the carriage man who nodded in understanding before bowing to Helene. "It will be my pleasure, Mademoiselle Marion."

"Please call me Helene," she said with a shy smile.

The front door to the house was opened by a man Erik assumed to be the butler. Edmé helped Helene up onto the drivers seat before joining her and taking the carriage around to the stable as Lionell and Erik walked towards the man.

"May I help you?" The man looked to be in his late sixties and despite his strict air, he could see definite laugh lines in his face.

"As a matter of fact, yes. I am Monsieur Destler and this is Lord Rossau. We need to speak to Lord Dubois."

"Destler, you said? Are you Darcey's fiancé?" he said with a smile taking over. Erik was a bit surprised with the familiarity but obviously not as much as Lionell who didn't quite manage to hold back a gasp. "Forgive me, I meant to say Mademoiselle Dubois."

"Yes, I am. No apology is needed. May I speak with Lord Dubois?"

"Oh, yes you may. Follow me, follow me. Forgive me for leaving you out in the cold. If I may be so bold as to say how happy we all were to hear that our dear Darcey was to be married. We worried about her, we did." Erik suppressed a chuckle at the man's enthusiasm and sent a grin towards Lionell as they followed him into the massive house and towards the library.

"Monsieur, two gentlemen to see you," he said after opening up the door.

"Let them in then," Marius said from within the room, obvious irritation coloring his voice. When he saw who his visitors were, it was as if he put on a mask. All traces of irritation were instantly gone and he smiled brightly at them. "Ah, Erik, I may call you Erik yes? We are to be family after all. And you have brought Lord Rossau with you. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Darcy is missing."

"Oh no! That is terrible. Do you have any idea where she could be?" Erik would have been impressed by the man's ability to hide his thoughts and feelings if the circumstances had been different. Now however he found he was dearly tempted to smash his face in. He might be able to hide the truth from normal people, but he was far from normal. He was hiding something.

He stayed silent as Lionell did the talking. He agreed to help them look for her in the morning and offered to allow them to stay the night. Erik found himself clenching and unclenching his fists throughout the conversation and was grateful when they were excused to be shown to their rooms.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed. Please, please, PLEASE, PWEASE review. It means a lot. Each review is a hug for Erik/Darcey. Love ya!