Chapt 38
Elaine woke up the next morning slowly, a little disoriented, but realized quickly where she was. The cabin was dimly lit, early dawn shining through the windows. Stroking the masculine chest her arm was draped over, she gave Erik's chest a kiss as she snuggled up closer.
"Good morning, Erik." She said, lifting her head to look at him. His tired eyes met hers, and he raised himself to plant a kiss on her forehead.
"That it is, Elaine." He said, fatigue in his voice. She looked at him, a little concerned.
"What is it Erik? You still seem quite tired. I slept quite soundly in your arms." She said, turning to lie on his chest, chin on folded hands.
"Actually, I did not sleep much. I thought it was a dream…then I woke up to find you by my side." He said, stroking her hair.
"Sorry for keeping you awake." She said, looking at him with a touch of guilt, running her fingers over his chest. "I guess you are not used to someone sharing your bed."
"I would forgo sleep for the rest of my life to have you here with me." He said, holding her close.
"It would be easier to just get used to me lying by your side." She said, hugging him back.
"Does that mean you will grace my bed again?" He asked. She looked at his eyes, knowing the question he was really asking.
"I could not deny myself this pleasure, my love." She said smiling.
Her smile and words warmed his heart. He had been afraid that she would wake up and regret the night they had spent together. He had slept precious little, spending most of the night staring at her sleeping form, stroking the curves of her body and watching her breathe peacefully. He had spent many a sleepless night before, but none quite this magical. He remembered watching Christine as she slept in his bed in the lair. That time seemed so long ago, and the circumstances were quite different then.
"I am afraid I must go. I should return before I am missed." She said, kissing his chest one last time before getting up and putting on her clothes, so rapidly cast aside last night. "You should rest a little more, Erik. I have a few things to tend to this morning..." She looked out of the big picture window and smiled. "It promises to be a fine day."
"It already is." He said, looking at her. She approached the bed and sat down next to him. She kissed him on his forehead, stroking his face. She kissed his lips gently, resting her hand on his chest.
"I will see you later, Erik." She said, getting up and leaving.
Erik was finally alone with his thoughts, his mind still incredulous about last night's occurrences. In the recent past, he had allowed himself to drift, to fantasize about what indeed had happened between them last night, but the real thing was so much more, in every sense. Her words this morning made him hopeful that this was not just a chance occurrence.
I think it would do me good to listen to her advice before facing everyone, to rest a bit. I just can't believe it. We made love, beautiful passionate love last night. She gave herself to me, completely. If I could hold that moment still and keep it forever, I would. Now what should I do? I suspect we should keep these events to ourselves. Good lord, she is gone only but a minute and already I feel a hole forming in my heart. I must go to speak with her father today, and repair what was broken. It would be rude for me not to. I did not leave him with the best impression. I wonder what he thinks of me now, after all that has happened, and what he now knows…
He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, Elaine's scent still on the pillow under his head.
Elaine walked back to her house in the early morning light, mist rising off the fields, the daybreak lighting the sky more and more each step she took, a pleasant smile on her face. She was actually delighted with how things had progressed, but she wondered how to proceed. It would be a little strange at first, no doubt. She had every intention to continue this rather intense, passionate relationship with Erik, but was concerned that her father may not approve. Not that his disapproval would thwart her. By the time she arrived at her house, she was convinced that it should be their little secret for a while.
Walking in a daze, her mind elsewhere, she opened the door and ran into Nate. He had her note in his grasp and upon seeing her he looked at her from head to foot. He gave a disapproving guffaw, shaking his head.
"A little early morning stroll, my dearest Elaine?" He said, looking back into the house, pushing her outside and closing the door.
"Is Roland alright?" She said, choosing to ignore his last statement. So much for keeping a little secret.
"Sleeping still. It is the wife that is up." He said. Nate and his wife lived in the downstairs portion of Elaine's house, since she was Roland's nanny. "Look, Elaine. correct me if I am wrong...am I right in assuming where you have been?"
"Not that it is really any of your business, but yes. I was with Erik last night." She said, standing in front of him, unashamed of her actions.
"You are a grown woman, but I really hope you know what you are doing, my dear. I would hate to see either one of you hurt." Nate said, crossing his arms.
"Nate. I hear you. I love him dearly, and he loves me. Everything just fell into place. Does that address your concern?" She said, holding his hand.
"If you are doing what makes you happy, then my mind is more at ease. You are the daughter I never had." She approached him and hugged him.
"I am so lucky to have two fathers to care for me. I am happy, Nate. And I will be happier if you keep this under your hat, please." She said looking at him with a knowing glare.
"Understood. And when will Erik be making his presence known at the manor house?"
"I don't know, but probably quite a bit later. I left him still exhausted in bed..." Nate smirked and turned away, heading towards the stables. "Nathaniel! Wipe that grin off your face before anyone sees you!" She whispered loudly after him.
Many hours later, Erik was walking slowly up to the manor house, not really knowing what to expect. He wore his hair as he had in the past in Capellen, locks of hair falling over the right side of his face. Nate had come to see him around midday, bringing him something to eat, since he did not see him at the manor house for the morning. Erik was puzzled by the slight smirk he saw on Nate's face, but did not question him, instead spending time talking about the events of the Ball and finding out when it would be a good time to meet with Dr. Dyson.
It was mid afternoon and the sun was making the still air warm around him. On his way up the hill, Erik saw several carriages he did not recognize by the stables, most likely guests from the party, he surmised. He decided that his best mode of entry would be through the kitchen entrance. He walked through to find the kitchen empty and voices, laughter and merriment issuing from within the house, beyond the foyer. He approached the foyer slowly.
Marjorie was enjoying the high spirits within the parlor from the vantage point of the door. A slight movement caught her eye, and she turned in time to see Erik approaching.
"Monsieur Erik!" she said, at a loss for words for a few moments.
"It is good to see you Marjorie." He said in French, quietly, keeping out of view.
"Might I say the same." She said, looking into the parlor and signaling urgently to Elaine. "I am surprised to see you. I am trying to get Elaine." Marjorie replied in French. Elaine knitted her brow for a second, but then smiled widely, nodding at Marjorie, mouthing 'I know'.
"Actually, I have already spoken with Elaine since I have arrived. I came to talk with Dr. Dyson. But if he is busy, I can come back at a later time."
"We are all just enjoying a little leisure time with the overnight guests who are lingering for tea." She turned around just in time to see Elaine rise. Catching Elaine's attention, she pointed to Dr. Dyson and mouthed the word. Erik'. Elaine nodded and went by her father's side, whispering in his ear.
Dr. Dyson walked out of the parlor with a serious expression on his face.
"Erik. Well, it is nice to see you once again." He said, shaking Erik's hand firmly. Dr. Dyson was watching Erik's every move. The last time he had seen him, Erik was deeply mired in his quest to regain his sanity. Dr. Dyson did not really know what to expect. Erik stood tall in front of him, neatly dressed, eyes clear and mannerisms relaxed. Gone was the visage of madness he had seen before. "You look well."
"I am much better now, thank you. I would like a word with you, but I do not wish to take you away from your guests." He said, looking towards the parlor. Elaine was at the door, and winked at him with a gentle smile. Erik smiled and nodded back. Dr. Dyson witnessed the interaction with curiosity. Dr. Dyson was puzzled; he had expected her to greet Erik with a little more fervor than he was witnessing.
"Let us take a walk then. These guests I have seen all night and this morning. I have not seen you in many weeks." Said Dr. Dyson, catching his daughter's eye. Elaine was beaming, but turned to go back into the parlor. He looked back at Erik, who had the same bright expression on his face. "I take it you have met with Elaine already." He said, looking at Erik with a raised brow.
"Yes, actually. We met last night..." Erik said, nearly tripping over his words. "During the ball." He added.
The two men strolled out to the back terrace via another exit. In the parlor, Elaine rejoined the small crowd. Elaine's smile and jovial demeanor did not escape the watchful eye of Angelique, who was sitting close to Adolph in a loveseat in the parlor. Elaine seemed to be sparkling with joy all morning; Angelique just did not have the chance to pull her aside and question her. When Angelique looked out onto the terrace, where Dr. Dyson now was, she saw Erik. Angelique gave an audible expression of realization.
"What is it Angelique?" Said Adolph, in a low voice.
"I have just discovered why my dear friend is so blissful this morning." She said, giving a little grin as she looked back at Elaine, then Adolph. "The man who stirs her heart has returned." She said in a low whisper, motioning to the terrace.
"Why does he just not enter to meet the rest of us?" Adolph said, looking at the man who had his back to the window of the parlor, talking with Dr. Dyson.
"Erik is ... quite shy, to over-simplify it." Angelique said softly. "It is a long story, Adolph." She said, patting his leg. "I cannot get into it right now."
"I did not think Elaine would be interested in a man who is painfully shy." He thought aloud.
"It is more than that. If we meet him later, then you will understand. Let me just warn you, when you do, please, try not to act shocked. I made a total ass out of myself the first time I met Erik." Angelique said. Adolph nodded, his curiosity peaked.
Out on the terrace, it was Dr. Dyson who first broke the silence.
"You are more at ease and clear mentally, now. Did your unorthodox self therapy work?" He asked, crossing his arms and examining Erik's demeanor with a physician's eye.
"Yes Dr. Dyson. No more painful visions, no more nightmares. Whatever memories I have retained are back and where they belong, tucked away." He said. He looked down at his feet. "I have since found out that all of those nightmarish memories were real, even the ones most vile. And most condemning." He looked back into Dr. Dyson's eyes.
"We have discussed this before, Erik. I do not wish to know about the transgressions in your past. I know some of what you have done, and I do not care to ruminate over it. Thinking about it may make me change my mind." He said, staring out at the open fields. Erik stood next to him in silence, his heart in his throat. Finally, after showing some emotional strain, Dr. Dyson rubbed his eyes. "You did keep your word. And I am a man who keeps mine. I made a promise to you once. Did I ever tell you why?" He said, looking back at Erik.
"You never gave me a reason for your immense generosity and humanity. It is no matter; I thank you for all you have done, whatever the reason." Erik said.
Dr. Dyson nodded. For a moment, he considered telling Erik about his friend Francois, but decided not to. For Erik to find out, but for a cruel twist of fate, that his lifetime of torture could have been prevented may just be too much for him to bear.
"You are welcome." Was all he said. "So, where have you been these past few weeks, Erik?"
"I was in Paris, taking care of some business and loose ends. The life I had there is largely destroyed, literally in shambles." Erik held out an envelope to Dr. Dyson who took it questioningly. He opened it, and nearly dropped it in shock. A large amount of money was within.
"You know I will not accept this, Erik." Dr. Dyson said.
"This is for the clinic. Consider it part of the proceeds from your Charity Ball. I refuse to accept your refusal. That is final." Erik said, crossing his arms.
"And how was this acquired?" Dr. Dyson said, looking at Erik questioningly.
"Through legitimate business practices in Paris, and sales of the valuables I have collected throughout my travels. This money bears no blood." He said, cutting to the chase. "I had been self sufficient in the past, and will continue to be so. I will not be a burden on you, financially."
"I will accept it as a donation. I thank you for your generosity, Erik." Dr. Dyson said, folding up the envelope and placing it in his pocket. "Will you return to Paris?"
"There is nothing there for me, save a friend whom I may visit occasionally. Frankly, I do not care to return. I have found a life here. Like so many before me, I humbly ask if I may spend a little more time in your little patch of heaven. I will understand completely if you do not want me to stay." Erik said. Again the tense silence hung over the terrace. Dr. Dyson looked over the fields again, as if searching for the answer. He turned to Erik with intense blue eyes.
"I demand that certain practices and tendencies remain securely buried in the past, Erik." Dr. Dyson said, with finality in his tone. Erik nodded solemnly.
"You have my word. I hope you will find it in yourself to trust me."
Before Dr. Dyson could answer, Roland came running around the corner of the house. Taking note of the two men, he ran up the stairs to the terrace.
"Monsieur Erik! You came back! I knew you would. I heard you were sick- are you better now? Where have you been?" He asked, with the innocence and rapidity of a child.
"One minute, my lad. You must give him a moment to answer your questions." Dr. Dyson laughed, mussing with the boy's blonde hair.
"I am sorry, Monsieur. Grandfather, are you ready to go fishing?" he said, tugging his grandfather's coat. Dr. Dyson knelt down.
"Oh my boy, I am afraid I cannot...I have some guests to attend to." He said hugging the now disappointed boy. "I promise I will as soon as I am able. Maybe your mother will go with you?"
"She does not like to go." Roland said, scowling. Dr. Dyson looked at Erik with a twinkle in his eye.
"Erik, would you like to join Roland?" Erik was taken aback.
"I have never gone fishing before." Stammered Erik. Swimming in underground lakes taking care of intruders, yes but I don't think that would qualify...
"I have a rod you can borrow. And I can teach you. I owe it to you, you taught me how to play the piano and paint…" Roland said, practically bursting.
"Well then Erik, what do you say? Roland is a great teacher. And if you are to remain in Capellen for a while, you should learn how to fish the river." Dr. Dyson said, holding out his hand for Erik to shake.
"How could I refuse?" said Erik accepting the patriarch's hand in agreement once again. He smiled, but inside he was worried. Erik did not have much experience with children, but Roland was different. He was Elaine's son, with many of the same compassionate qualities, so unusual to see in a child his age. Erik smiled at him and nodded.
Roland jumped for joy and scurried off to retrieve his fishing gear. Dr. Dyson laughed at Erik's rather worried expression at the boy's departure.
"It won't be that bad, Erik. And Roland is a very good fisherman. He even taught me a few tricks."
"I am in good hands in Capellen once again, I see. And Dr. Dyson, I intend to work for my keep, just like everyone else. I will do whatever you ask of me." He said.
"Good. You can start by attending to some of the paperwork Nate has let spile up over the last few weeks. After you take my grandson fishing." He laughed, patting Erik on the back. "It is truly good to see you again."
"Likewise, Dr. Dyson. You will not be disappointed." Said Erik.
"Where did you stay, last night?" asked Dr. Dyson
"At the river cabin." He said.
"Very good. I hope you will be comfortable there. It has always been a special place in my heart." He said, looking towards the little cabin.
"Quite comfortable, thank you." Said Erik, looking away, unable to stop the smile from forming on his lips. It is special place, indeed.