A/N: I got such quick reviews as well as a new reviewer I thought I'd reward everyone with an early chapter. Thanks to all of you who do review. Nothing feels better than getting a little notice from ones readers. Any little pat on the back is greatly appreciated.
Chapter Thirteen
Past and Present
Erik woke early looking forward to meeting with Rochelle. He felt an unfamiliar expectancy within himself. Only in the days when he had taught Christine and would be seeing her had he looked forward to the day ahead. Recently it had been Meg who gave his days new meaning.
Meeting with Rochelle gave Erik a connection to someone other than just his immediate acquaintances. If Erik ever felt he had a real friend it had been Rochelle. Antoinette tried to be close to him but as things had turned out he had shut her out for the most part, particularly when she tried to get him to distance himself from Christine.
Erik could not help but wonder what things would be revealed to him today. Rochelle had not seemed to be aware of his recent mistakes. His immediate past Erik wished he could bury and erase from everyone's mind but most of all from his own memory.
If Rochelle knew then he had to credit her with either being a consummate actress or actually being unaware of what had taken place in Paris just a few short months ago. It seemed unlikely she would have not heard of him. All of Paris still gossiped about him while the papers ran articles about his escapades when not covering the war or dissention within the country. France had been headed for hard times all those months ago. Time had only added to the trouble.
Time seemed to drag once Erik got up and ready to face the day ahead. He thought perhaps he should leave early so that he could pick up a gift for his hostess. Was that not what men in society did? They brought a gift to a woman they would be seeing? Or maybe that only held true for men courting the woman he would be visiting.
Somewhere he thought he had heard that it would be appropriate to bring a small token of appreciation to ones hostess. Erik wanted Rochelle to be impressed.
Chiding himself for his stupid yearning for Rochelle's approval, Erik nonetheless stopped in at the sweet shop. What woman did not like chocolates? With her new found wealth Erik felt sure that she would have an abundance of flowers in her own gardens.
Arriving at the exact time specified Erik let his driver open his carriage door. He told Stevens to return in a couple of hours. That would give Erik plenty of time to catch up with all that had happened in the intervening years between his and Rochelle's last moments together.
It would also allow Rochelle to tell him what actually had been on her mind last night. Erik felt as if something had been troubling her.
If Erik had thought it would be a simple day of catching up on past events he got more than he bargained for. The first thing to greet Erik as the butler showed him the way into Rochelle's parlor had been the sound of familiar laughter, Meg's laughter to be exact.
Erik entered to see Meg and David seated together on a bench cavorting like children as they shoved one another's shoulders together. The small harpsichord in front of them sat silent for the moment.
"Erik how good of you to come," the sound of Rochelle's voice had Meg's head whipping around in the direction of the doorway. She quickly turned back around before Erik could ascertain her pleasure upon seeing his handsome self before her. Meg had not gotten up this morning with the intention of visiting David even though he had all but begged her the night before and she had agreed. She knew that David had a slight crush on her. Shamelessly as the hour came nearer for Erik's visit to Rochelle, Meg had come to the decision she could not stay away. She had to know what took place between Erik and this woman if at all possible.
Last night she had accepted David's invitation to ride out of spite. She had wanted Erik to know she would be having an enjoyable day of her own. Later Meg had seen how ridiculous it had been to try to use a man younger than her to make Erik jealous.
She had almost cancelled her riding date but could not disappoint David in that way. He had been the perfect companion. As the morning had progressed David had told Meg he had a crush on a young lady from Miss Pauline Richard's School for Young Women. Meg for a moment felt ill used by young David then scolded herself for had she not been using him?
He had shyly asked Meg's assistance to show him how to approach the girl so that he could impress Mary Marguerite without ending up looking like a fool. Meg had accepted David's invitation to join them for lunch after also agreeing to give him insight into womanhood such as it was. Knowing Erik would be present Meg accepted with alacrity hoping she had not sounded overanxious.
Meg could not resist glancing back over her shoulder toward Erik's tall figure. Meg felt as if she would melt into a puddle when her eyes met Erik's passion filled gaze. At least it seemed like passion to her, perhaps it was only his breakfast giving him indigestion.
Erik and Meg eyed one another for a few long unsettling moments. To anyone looking closely at the two it would appear to be an exchange between discreet lovers. That they cared for one another beyond mere friendship Rochelle could not help but notice as an experienced woman herself in the realm of passion.
It pleased her to think a woman had seen Erik for what he had underneath and not just what one saw on the exterior. Rochelle had known Erik could become something special in the world if given the chance.
She had heard the stories. She had even read a few articles in the London Times. Not once had she connected the poor misfortunate boy she had known to the man who had caused such devastation in Paris. Only when she met him again had she made the connection.
Rochelle held off speculating and judgment until she heard everything from Erik himself. If what she suspected to be correct she and Erik had a lot to discuss. They could be of mutual benefit to one another.
After all the niceties had been performed and tea taken with pleasant conversation Rochelle suggested that David show Meg around the estate.
Meg resented being cast in the roll of an adolescent who should not hear what the adults wanted to discuss. She debated whether or not to make a scene then decided against it. Meg decided she would not debase herself in front of this sophisticated woman. Why should Meg give Madame Cavanaugh an advantage?
Once Meg and David had left Rochelle spent a little time speaking to Erik about how her life had gone from the day she left his mother's until this very day. It gave her time to collect her thoughts.
"Erik as I told you I also have a daughter, Fiona. She is twenty-one, a beautiful girl. She was always my shy child. About a year ago she met a man. Not a nice young man as I had hoped. She went to a party and never came home.
The authorities can do nothing as Fiona always says she is happy to stay with this man. Never in her right mind would she even consider such a thing.
Some of the younger ones who had attended the party said this man, Mr. George Vincent, lured Fiona out onto the balcony. When she returned she looked as if she did not even know where she was. Mr. Vincent excused them then left with Fiona. I haven't really seen my daughter since she left to attend this party.
I don't know what this man holds over her head that keeps her at his side. It is clear she does not love him but will do anything he asks even distance herself from her family.
I have raised my son and daughter alone these last five years. As hard as I have tried to be a good mother I feel as if I failed. How could I let this man get such a hold on my baby?"
Erik felt a twinge of guilt. He felt Rochelle asked him this question because he had manipulated Christine's young malleable mind all those years. It was not as hard as one might think to lead someone where they would not otherwise go if it was presented in such a way as to look to be to the betterment of the weaker mind.
Erik also knew drugs were often used to control slaves. He had seen it first hand in the Far East. Never would he have done such a thing to Christine or anyone else. Erik had no need to use drugs to sway a person's mind. The power of his voice had always been enough. When harsher tactics were needed he used threats and displays of horrible acts to win compliance.
When Erik made no comment Rochelle continued. "Erik I had hired a detective to look into the background of this man George Vincent. We were able to trace him back twenty years. Before that the man who now claims to be George Vincent had been someone completely different. Family members of the real Mr. Vincent told us he had gone missing on a trip to France nearly twenty years ago. They never heard from him again. He left a wife and six children behind.
By all accounts he was not the kind of man who would run off and leave his responsibilities behind. In fact he had been all set to inherit a large amount of land and money from his uncle. Mr. Vincent, being the only surviving male from the direct line would inherit everything. When he did not come back after a reasonable time they had him declared legally dead. A nephew inherited the fortune.
My detective asked for a picture along with a description of this man George Vincent. The description we were given did not match with the man who now claims to be George Vincent. He did not even try to claim what would rightfully have been his. He did not seek out his family.
Erik you mentioned a man, a Gypsy by the name of Javart. During our investigation we came across that name. A fair had posted a reward for information to the whereabouts of this Javart as he had skipped out owing a large amount of money. It had also been suspected that he burned a man so he could use his identity. There had been enough of the man left and his clothes to discern that his papers had all been stolen. He had no identification which was why no one had been informed of his death. They did not know who to contact.
The ruse had been discovered when someone came forward to claim the reward with the information that they had seen this Javart leaving the fairgrounds just as his tent caught fire. This person did not come forward before out of fear of retaliation or more likely earlier on there had been no reward offered as incentive.
We can't be certain but we think this man who has my daughter locked away on his estate is the same man who murdered George Vincent. Too many years have passed to make any positive identification unless it was to be made by someone who actually knew this man Javart."
Rochelle seemed to hold her breath. Erik stood and turned away from her. He knew what she wanted, what she asked of him. Erik had felt for just a few seconds the sheer panic and terror he had felt as a child when Javart would come for him.
Erik swiped his handkerchief across his sweating forehead. Dear God even as a grown man and some twenty years between them, Erik's Gypsy captor still had the power to exhort fear from him even without the man being present.
Damn it no more! I will not let this ghost from my past unsettle me so. Whatever it takes to free me and Rochelle's daughter I will do. I will not live with this fear any longer.
Turning back to face Rochelle Erik asked, "Is there a way for us to meet this George Vincent and make it seem accidental?"
"Well I have heard that you purchased The Palace Theatre. As amazing as it may sound Mr. Vincent seems to be quite fond of music and the theatre in general. He takes my daughter often to such performances. He never allows me anywhere near her. I fear he has her under the influence of some drug. In normal circumstances my daughter would never associate with such an evil man."
Rochelle could barely stand to speak of that horrible man without wishing to kill him by any means available. The night her daughter, Fiona, did not come home had begun a period of bleak days and nights for Rochelle. It seemed as if the whole family's life had been suspended with no one able to carry on in any normal capacity. David had refused to leave for school. He should now be ensconced in one of England's most prestigious school's. Rochelle had abandoned her charity work in order to devote her time to getting her daughter returned.
The only social functions she attended were the ones that she thought Mr. Vincent would be attending. She always hoped he would bring her daughter. The man must realize that Rochelle would have no compunction about kidnapping her own daughter back as the evil minded man very seldom brought Fiona out in public affairs other than the opera where he had a private box. When he did visit the opera house the man surrounded himself with unsavory characters. Well dressed men but men who looked as if they had scuffled in some dark alley a time or two.
"I am planning a gala opening within the next week. Plans are already underway. Perhaps I should make a special invitation to Mr. George Vincent. Patrons are always welcomed into the arts. Would not a man, who has little social standing, not jump at the chance to become a patron of the theatre? There is a certain amount of prestige that goes along with such a position of generosity."
"Erik you have read my mind. From what little I have heard this George Vincent is not the most hospitable or likeable man. He has been tolerated because he came into our circle waving a great amount of cash around London. He bought several businesses. It had been rumored at the time that he strong armed them into selling.
Erik, I do not wish to pass judgment but I have also been made aware of your own nefarious deeds around town. Your reputation is only slightly better than Mr. Vincent's. At least no one has gone missing when dealing with you. Scotland Yard has had Mr. Vincent under investigation for quite some time or so my detective tells me.
So far they have no more than I have been able to find out myself. The Gypsy clans are not much for giving out information on one of their own. That has been somewhat of a hindrance. Money has swayed a few to lay their loyalties aside."
"Rochelle I will do all in my power to bring your daughter back. Please don't ask me not to do what I must once she has been returned. This man, George Vincent known to me as Javart will be having his day of judgment and I will be the one administering the fitting punishment. Javart will not live long after I have returned your daughter to you."
Rochelle shivered upon hearing Erik's words. Not because she disapproved them but because it seemed rather eerie to hear such words coming from the mouth of a man who as a child had been one of God's sweetest creatures. Rochelle hated what the world had done to Erik. She could be grateful he had the ability to win her daughter's freedom while hating the means he would be using to do so.
Upon learning of Erik's presence in London at last night's function, Rochelle had sent round for her detective to use the little time he had this morning to look into Erik's past.
It had saddened Rochelle to think how poorly Erik had been treated in the years since she had last seen him. All those years ago Rochelle had nearly taken Erik with her when he had come out to see her off. Now she wished she had taken him that day as she had wanted. Erik's life would have been far different with her boisterous family around him. He would have been petted and fawned over by her tenderhearted mother, father, brothers and sisters.
Rochelle could not help but think Erik would make a fair competitor for Mr. Vincent or Javart as Rochelle now knew to be his real name. Erik's last year or so had been quite violent as well as cunningly executed. To have lived so long under the very noses of the managers and not get caught after extorting so much money he would have to have been quite the slippery culprit, which had been why Rochelle decided Erik would be her best option to regain her daughter's freedom.
Erik and Rochelle had just enough time to make a few plans before Meg and David returned. Meg looked none too pleased with the time she had spent in David's company.
When Meg all but snubbed Erik upon her return he felt her rejection deeply but could not allow any of his hurt to show.
Meg did consent to travel with Erik for the return journey to London. Erik used the time alone to persuade Meg to at least speak to him. When he invited her personally to the gala her bright smile nearly took his breath away. Erik listened to her animated discussion and questions concerning what to wear and what people of importance would be present.
Meg had been thrilled to be invited personally by Erik to attend his gala. The fact that he had invited her before anyone else pleased her greatly. Her pleasure would have been slightly lessoned to know Erik had already invited Rochelle.
Upon arriving at the de Chagny home Meg quickly stood then bent down to place a quick kiss upon Erik's startled lips. Just when he would have deepened the kiss, Meg exited the carriage. She waved gaily then hurried into the house.
Erik placed his fingers on his lips. He smiled behind his fingers. To hell with finding Meg a suitable beau. Erik would be courting her himself starting during the gala.
Erik had played family friend long enough. He didn't think he could stand to watch as another man won the prize of Meg's affections. Even Rochelle's son had caused Erik to feel anger when he saw the two of them together. Young David had no real interest in Meg but it still had filled Erik with old feelings of jealousy and failure. Every once in a while the old ghost of Christine's rejection came back to haunt Erik. No more. Erik would soon have a living breathing woman in his life and in his bed. He could not wait to lay all those ghosts to rest.