A/N: Yes, I know, it's been a while! I took a little break from fanfiction rather than try to force it; at least I got plenty published at Helium in the meantime. I hope this pleases you all until I can get things going here again.

"Oh, Erik, this place is marvellous!" Christine ran across the house to the porch where she could see the sea.

The driver grinned at her childlike enthusiasm as Erik tipped him. "If you'll not require my services this evening, monsieur, I shall take my leave."

"Very well, Martin. I have already made arrangements for supper and breakfast. You will be at your sister's house, oui?"

"Oui, monsieur. If you need anything, we will be only too happy to assist you," he acknowledged as he bowed slightly. "Bonsoir."

"Bonsoir." Erik joined Christine out on the terrace. It really was a magnificent view, with the waves crashing on the shore not far from where they stood and the sunset casting a miasma of colour across the sky above them. "Do you really like it, my dear?"

"Oh, yes, Erik! This is not far from the cottage where we spent that last summer with Poppa," her voice drifted off as she recalled those long-ago days, when she was still so young and carefree.

Erik mentally cursed himself. He'd rather hoped that it would not bring up bitter memories for her to be here, that the house he'd chosen would -

She laid a hand on his arm, pulling him from his bleak thoughts. "It is lovely here, Erik," she murmured. "I can almost feel my father here. It's quite comforting." She cast her clear blue eyes up at him and smiled wistfully.

He placed his own gloved hand atop hers. "If it makes you happy, that is all that matters to me. Supper will be delivered from a bakery just down the street. We should have time to freshen up and relax a bit before then." He turned to Anne, seated at the little table off to the side. "Is this cottage to milady's liking?" he asked with a bow of his head.

"Mais oui, monsieur," she inclined her head in response. "The view is really quite remarkable. And the scent of the sea air is even more invigorating than I recalled." She turned her face back towards the crashing waves, inhaled deeply, and smiled contentedly. "You have chosen even better than I ever could have imagined, by dear boy."

"It truly is wonderful, here, M. Utkin," Volanges added with a glance around her. "Thank you ever so much for allowing me to come along!"

"It is my pleasure to be able to arrange this little trip for all of us," he replied with another slight bow. He only hoped there would be nothing to disturb them here. They all needed a bit of rest and relaxation for a few days, away from the busy city and all their usual responsibilities.

Christine awoke the following morning with a smile on her face. Knowing that Erik was in a room just a few steps away from her made her feel so wonderfully safe. She couldn't help but feel surrounded by love again. A giggle bubbled up from her centre.

"And what, pray tell, has my love giggling at this early hour?" Erik inquired from the open doorway, a smile playing upon his own lips.

"I was just thinking how fortunate I am to have such wonderful people in my life," she answered from her cocoon of blankets and pillows. "And how wonderful that I am in love with a man who treats me as well as you do."

"Ah, my sweet, it is I who am fortunate to have met you and Anne and Mlle. Volanges! You all have taught me much that I did not know before. Come, I shall get breakfast started while you dress."

"I won't be long, my love," she promised, already extricating herself from the bedsheets.

Once she made her way to the kitchen, the scents of brewing coffee, fresh bread, and cooking eggs greeted her.

"Ah, there you are, my dear. Would you be so kind as to slice some cheese?"

"Yes, of course, my sweet. Everything smells so scrumptious! Maman and Suzette will join us in a few minutes."

Erik nodded without turning. He didn't want to risk breaking an egg yolk while he flipped it. "There is also a basket of fruit, if you wish to have some with breakfast, Christine, as well as some sausages warming in the oven."

"Oh, Erik, you spoil me so!"

"Yes, indeed, he does! But that is a good quality in a man," Mme. Valerius greeted the pair as she entered.

Suzette merely grinned. She hoped she could find a man someday who loved her the way M. Utkin adored Christine. There was such pure love in his eyes whenever he glanced at his lady-love that none could doubt the depth of feelings there.