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No Easy Way	By : secretlysecretly Category: M through R > The Phantom of the Opera > Het Views: 7568 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own The Phantom of the Opera, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 28
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Chapter 29

Erik watched Marianne as she sat beside him on a couch at the salon of his mansion. She sat quietly, reading her book, her face a mask of serenity. She was an incredible woman; challenging him to be a better man, she moved him deeply with her ideas and thoughts on life, urging him to do things he never would have imagined doing. Most importantly, she loved him just the way he was…

He smiled as he studied her lovely features more closely. Sitting comfortably, leaning her back against his shoulder, she appeared to be completely captivated by the book in her hands. The smell her hair set off was intoxicating; even this simple contact they shared excited him immensely. She was a temptation and she didn’t even know it. She was an angel; he was a demon in need of redemption.

He felt truly happy for the first time in his life. He couldn’t recall a moment during his whole existence in which he had felt as content as he was feeling right now. He couldn’t believe that a woman, a wonderful woman like Marianne wanted to spend the rest of her life with him by her side. The sense of fulfillment in his heart made him feel like a different man. He had had his moments of satisfaction in the past; but how could he ever compare Marianne’s sweet look, her warm embrace to the insignificant moments of pleasure he had experienced playing silly tricks at the expense of the owners of the Opera Populaire?

He couldn’t compare Marianne’s kisses to the ones Christine had given him in order to buy her freedom. The kisses both women granted him were liberating, but so different from each other. Christine’s kiss had set him free, helping him to discard him of his illusions; Marianne’s kiss set his mind and soul free, making him feel like a real man for the first time in his life. Erik felt truly whole as a personality with Marianne by his side. He just couldn’t get enough of her; that is why he insisted upon marrying her Marianne the soonest possible.

Never in his life could he have imagined that almost three months ago a beautiful, intelligent woman such as Marianne would enter his life. When he had decided to abandon the dark, musty underground corridors of the Opera House to live a normal life and breathe the fresh air that others took for granted, he had not expected the real breath of fresh air which had blown through his life in the face of Marianne Pinon.

Erik loved everything about her. He loved her free spirit, her intelligence, her curiosity to learn new things and her intellect. He appreciated the way she would not agree with him when she had a contrary opinion to his. He loved the way she crossed her arms and stomped her foot on the ground whenever she got angry at him. He adored her when she blushed at the end of their kisses. He lived for the moments when her naked body lay in his arms.

“What is the matter, dearest?”

Marianne’s voice pulled him back to reality as she turned her head slightly and found him lost in thought. She closed the book in her hands and turned towards him, placing her arms around his neck, caressing his masked cheek softly and tracing her fingers over the treasured features of his face.

“You seemed to be so deeply immerged in your reveries.” she gently commented. “Is there anything you would like to discuss with me? You know I would be more than happy if I could help you in any way.” she continued, kissing his forehead.

“I assume I could find a way for you to assist me with some of the thoughts that have been running through my mind …” he whispered huskily in her ear as he leaned in to kiss her neck.

As much as Erik’s touch made her feel weak, she decided she would not surrender so easily to his advances. “You are incorrigible!” she cried playfully and pressed a soft kiss on his lips.

“Please, my love, tell me what is bothering you. Perhaps we could find a solution together.” Marianne’s tone was laced with concern.

He was amused, but very pleased with her genuine interest in him. He smiled at her, moving a stray curl out of her face. “I was not contemplating on anything important my love.” Taking her hand in his, he began to caress it softly with his fingers. “You do not have to feel apprehension about anything, cherrie.” he said, kissing her palm lovingly.

Marianne stroked his hair with her free hand, suddenly feeling a pressing need to touch him. “Please Erik. We must be honest with each other. I feel free in expressing my inner most feelings and thoughts to you. The same should go for you as well. I do not want to have to hide anything from you; why should you hide from me. For as long as I can remember, my parents shared a relationship full of honesty and trust. I want to have that with you Erik. I need you to be mine body and soul, just as I am yours.”

Erik was at a loss for words. Every single moment he had shared with this incredible woman had been unique. Sincerity was reflected in her gaze as she regarded him with genuine concern. Feeling his heart swell at the sight of the heavenly beauty before him, he pulled her closer to him and whispered in her ear.

“I was merely thinking of you… Well, actually I was thinking of us.” he smiled sheepishly at her. “I was contemplating on how incredibly fortunate I am to have you by my side. I was thinking that for the first time in my life I have right here in my arms all I’ve ever wanted in life. I just want to be with you my sweet love. I want us to get married the soonest possible.” With these words he leaned in to kiss her lips tenderly.

Breaking the soft kiss he continued. “You make me feel complete. You are my strength. I do not know where I would be If it weren’t for you. You have altered my life completely and the specter through which I view the world around me. You have shown me the meaning of true love, and for that I am eternally grateful to you.” he said, leaning in to steal another kiss from her lips.

Marianne’s eyes filled with unshed tears. She held him in her arms, wanting only to protect him from the world and its cruelties. He had suffered enough. Her heart had already begun to melt when she heard his voice again.

“My Marianne, you are my life now. You are my breath and I breathe only for you. I never want to loose you. I honestly believe that I would not be able to take it if I had to spend another day without you…” he paused for a brief moment, gazing deep into her eyes. “You are my life. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my days trying to make you happy. I love you my Marianne.”

All the tears she had been holding during his wonderful declaration of love began to flow freely upon Marianne’s face. She could never have imagined that she would come to feel so loved. Before she had met Erik, she had begun to lose hope of ever finding true love.

Erik wiped her tears with his fingers, touching her face tenderly. Giving her a kiss, he tried to console her. “Do not cry my love. I do not wish to see you cry ever again!”

“My sweet Erik! You cannot imagine how you make me feel…” she managed to utter, as she returned the kiss.

Erik cupped her beloved face carefully in his hands. He yearned for her, in just a few seconds she had him thinking about how much he yearned for her. “Shh, you do not have to say anything in order to satisfyme. I am the luckiest man on earth just for the fact that I am holding an amazing woman such as yourself in my arms.”

It was too much for Marianne to bear. She caressed his face over the he wore and whispered. “Please, my love… can I take this off of your face?”

He nodded in response and allowed her to remove the hateful mask from his face. Marianne pulled the white porcelain mask from his face gently and placed it on a nearby table. She moved closer to him and began to kiss his marred cheek. She pulled herself a little and looked at him with adoration burning in her gaze.

“This is how I wish to see you Erik. This is who you really are and I love you for that. We do not need this mask to stand as a barricade between us. You can wear it whenever you find it necessary to do so. But, please my love, when we are together, I demand no barriers of this kind to stand between us.”

Marianne tried to regain control of herself. She had truly been touched by his words of love and she felt lightheaded. “I promise you only this Erik. I will try to make you the happiest man on the face of this earth.” She paused for a few seconds, trying to keep her voice secure. “It is not in my power any more; my heart belongs to you and I give it to you of my own free to do with it as you please. I promise to make up for all of the suffering you had to endure in your life. You will never have to be alone again. You are the one I plan to have a future with, the one I imagine growing old with. I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you smile every single day.”

It was Marianne’s turn to wipe the tears off of Erik’s face. He held her tightly in his embrace, whispering in her ear softly. “Be my wife Marianne… I need you… I need you as my wife, the mother of our children, my friend, my lover…”

Erik pulled back a little searching her eyes, only to be drawn to her but a few moments later, crushing his lips upon hers, kissing her with hungry urgency. A moan escaped Marianne’s throat as he slipped his tongue between her parted lips and very soon she found herself returning the kiss with equal fervor. She tangled her fingers through his hair as he moved down on her body, trailing kisses on the sensitive spot behind her ear and nibbling on the earlobe.

“You cannot do this to me Erik…” she barely managed to whisper.

“Tell me Marianne, what do I do to you?… Tell me my love.” he teased her as he continued his sweet torment on the more sensitive parts of her body.

“Making me forget everything, even myself…” she answered him in a husky tone.

“You have the same effect on me, my Marianne.” Erik closed his eyes, relishing the feel of being lost in the embrace of his beloved future bride. Slowly he lowered his mouth to hers, promising her everything he could in that one, feather-light touch. She responded, gently brushing her tingling lips against his, savoring each taste and sensation. There was a sigh, though neither knew where it came from, as their bodies sank closer together. When they regained their senses some time later, all Marianne could do to appear proper was chastise him because he had forgotten to lock the door.

The time following to Erik’s proposal of marriage to Marianne went by pleasantly for both of them. They really enjoyed being in each other’s company. They tried to keep the whole situation discreet until the official announcement of their engagement. Yet, they never stopped planning; during the day, they were eager to discuss and resolve everything, from their thoughts on where it would be best to live after their wedding to their innermost wishes and dreams. They would spend every single night in each other’s arms. Every single night, Erik would return to Marianne’s house after the staff retreated in their quarters. Every single morning found them in a tight embrace, smiling to each other like fools as they weaved dreams of their joined future.

Marianne enjoyed herself immensely when she, pretending to read a book, would watch Erik as he composed for hours upon end, or designed some new invention she would tease him about later on. She admired his genius mind; her heart swelled with pride every time he asked her to hear one of his pieces. She even encouraged him to start composing a new opera. She could see it in his eyes that music truly made his spirit soar to new heights. Erik seemed to be a completely different person when he would sit upon the bench in front of his organ.

Other days, such as this one, they would go out of their mansions for horseback riding or for long walks in the woods. This day, Marianne had proposed to him to go for a stroll in order to enjoy the sunny day. It was September already, but the weather resembled that of an extremely hot summer day. The happy couple found themselves walking near the borders of their estates, discussing and sharing their dreams.

Marianne sighed in contentment. She couldn’t possibly be happier than she felt right at this very moment. Erik seemed to be enjoying their walk as well. She turned to look at him while they walked side by side. He was so handsome. She still couldn’t believe she was to be his wife. It was a beautiful day, perfect really, but it didn’t matter to her in the least. Had they been in the middle of a terrible storm, she would still be there, content just looking at him.

Since the day was really hot, Erik had removed his jacket and waistcoat and remained in his frilly white shirt. Marianne though couldn’t do much, as the social etiquette would not allow for her to remove any piece of clothing whatsoever. However, she didn’t mind very much. She was with Erik and nothing else seemed to matter to her.

They stepped into a sun-drenched meadow, walking together in comfortable silence. Erik let go of her hand and Marianne took a few steps walking ahead from him. She stood in the middle of the field, her long brown hair twirling about her shoulders. He had only one moment to look at her; with a tilt of her head, reaching her hands to him, she beckoned him towards her. He couldn’t deny her request.

Marianne watched him walk into the light, his dark skin glowing in the beaming rays of the sun. Handsome… he was so handsome. His dark hair was combed back, leaving his striking face free to her sight, the only thing framing his features the white mask; his body, so large and well-muscled, covered by his white shirt and a pair of black tight trousers that disappeared into his knee-length boots.

When he came to a halt before her, she reached up her fingers to stroke his face. His skin was hot to the touch, the heat racing through her hand and into her veins. She considered speaking, but was afraid she would break whatever spell he seemed to cast on her. Instead, she stood on her toes and, lifting her head, pressed her lips against his gently. A torrent of different emotions and sensations washed though them both, as the stood there gazing deep into each other’s eyes. Pure unconditional love was what they both witnessed as Erik pulled her in his embrace.

Moments later, Erik took her hand in his again and led her in the direction of the lake, already knowing that was one of her favourite places. Marianne smiled at him and left his hand in order to approach the water. She needed so much to splash some cool water on her face. He watched her as she kneeled by the lakeshore and noticed her relief when she washed her face lightly with the sparkling water. He thought she must have suffered greatly due to the heat of the day.

“Are you alright, my love?” he asked with concern in his eyes.

“Oh, yes Erik. As a matter of fact, I feel much better now. The heat today is almost unbearable.” she replied sighing deeply.

“You should have mentioned something earlier. But, let us not waste any more time. Let us return back to your house.” he said, assisting her to stand on her feet again. “You should rest.”

“No! Please, Erik, it is such a beautiful day. I do not want to spoil it for us!” she almost cried in response to his suggestion.

Erik smirked, pleased with her reaction, but he was still worried about her state of discomfort. He just couldn’t bear to let her suffer like this. ‘Why should women wear so many layers of clothing?’ he thought to himself.

“No, cherrie. I cannot allow you to suffer. We will return back to your estate immediately.” he insisted as he started to make his way back to her house.

“Please, Erik. We do not have so many opportunities to be all alone without anyone around us. Come; let us sit under the willow tree. Please?” Marianne looked at him with pleading eyes.

Erik could not refuse her anything, so he led her under the tree’s rich shade. He sat with his back against the trunk and pulled Marianne in his embrace.

“How do you feel now?” he whispered huskily in her ear, pulling her hair to expose her creamy neck to his hungry gaze.

“Much better actually.” she replied, relishing his touch.

“How is this?” he breathed against the back of her neck, suddenly nipping on the sensitive skin. A moan escaped her lips as she heard him say. “I have never wanted anything more than I want you right now…” he whispered as his arms tightened around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Trailing one of his hands languidly up the length of her torso and entangling his fingers in her hair, he turned her head in his direction so that he could look into her eyes and captured her lips in a lingering kiss. Marianne wrapped her arms around his neck, tangling her fingers in his soft, dark hair holding him close.

“Erik…” she murmured against his lips as he started to draw himself away.

For a moment, he looked down at her, his green eyes a churning, dark sea of desire and then he pulled away completely standing up, helping her to her feet as well.

Finding her lips once more, he kissed her lazily, plunging his tongue inside her mouth to taste her properly. His one hand gripped her waist, crashing her to his body as his other hand moved to her back, beginning to unbutton her blouse.

“Erik! What do you think you are doing?” Marianne broke the kiss abruptly and took a step back, placing her hands on his chest, her eyes wide in surprise at his actions.

“Helping you, my love… The heat is so hard to bear, I thought perhaps a bath could do to us both a great deal of good.” he said as he tried to pull her back in his embrace again.

“Oh, no! I couldn’t! We couldn’t! Don’t you see Erik? What if someone happens to pass by the lake? It would be so shameful…” she tried to reason with him.

“My love, no one ever comes to pass from this place.” He paused for a few seconds and then he continued, trying to keep his expression as serious as he could. “On the other hand, you are the only one who has the privilege of watching those who bathe in the lake…” he teased her with a impish smirk.

“How could you say such a thing about your future bride!” she gasped at his mocking remark. “You know it was a misunderstanding. I had just happened to be here by chance, how should I have known? It wasn’t my intention to see you naked! Oh! Please, I want to leave at once!” Marianne was so embarrassed, she left him standing there and turned on her heel, running off to return to her house.

Erik laughed and ran after her, grasping her arm and turning her to face him.

“Don’t you dare laugh at me, Erik!” she yelled at him furiously.

He held her tightly and, after a while, pulled back a little to take her face in his hands. “This is one of the reasons why I adore you my sweet. You become even more beautiful when you are upset.” he kissed her forehead tenderly. “I promise to stop teasing you, as I see you are never going to admit to the fact that you were watching a nude man bathing in the lake.” He stopped to hold her firmly in his arms as she tried to escape.

“First of all, I wasn’t watching ‘a’ nude man that day, I was watching ‘you’! And second of all Monsieur Destler, I will have you know it was not deliberate in any way! I just happened to be passing by and, naturally decided to see for myself who would have the audacity to bathe in my lake!” she stated haughtily but was unable to continue as Erik stole a kiss from her playfully.

“Alright! I will not insist on the matter any further!” he reassured her as he came up for air and then leaned in to take her lips with his once more. As he kissed her fervently, his hands continued their work in unbuttoning the top of her gown. Marianne broke their kiss for a few seconds, looking around her apprehensively as she tried to convince herself that the possibility of some stranger seeing them in such a compromising position was too distant to worry about. After all, perhaps it would help her calm down if she could remove her corset even for a few minutes.

However, when his hands roamed to her skirt and he started removing the heavy garment from her heated skin as well, she thought to herself this would probably go much further than a simple instance of ‘cooling off’ by the lakeside. When his hands covered her breasts over the thin chemise and she felt his warm palms against her skin, she could help herself anymore. She undulated her body in his direction, leaning into him fervently, searching for some kind of release from the aching arousal he had engulfed her in with the simple touch of his hands.

Marianne’s hands moved to his shirt, pulling its tails from trousers. She unbuttoned his shirt and slid it down his shoulders, caressing the hard muscles of his biceps on the way, planting kisses on his heated flesh as it was revealed to her hungry gaze. Would she ever get enough of this man? Letting the white shirt fall to the ground behind him, she allowed her hands to travel along the hard, warm muscles of his chest. Erik looked down at her, taking in her shapely form as she explored his own body. He effortlessly pulled her to him and held her close to his chest.

“Tell me, is this better?” he asked her, before he reclaimed her mouth in a hard, bruising kiss. Marianne returned the kiss with equal fervor. She wanted him to feel the desire she had for him. He thrust his tongue between her soft lips, exploring her mouth with an insatiate thirst; Marianne’s body reacted with eagerness to his sweet assault. Unable to control her hands, she brought them to rest on his lower back, pulling his body to hers, trying to alleviate some of the tension she felt engulf her. Would she ever be able to satiate her hunger for this man? Every single time he was in the same room with her, all it ever took to light a lingering fire within her was look at her in a certain way.

Enjoying her reaction to his touch, Erik softly gyrated his hips pressing his growing hardness against her softness. With a guttural groan he lowered his head and took her breast’s tip between his lips to suckle on her nipple over the gauzy fabric that covered her. Marianne cried in agony as he intensified his ministrations to her aching flesh, letting her head fall back as she abandoned herself to the sensation.

A gasp escaped his lips as he tried to contain himself from climaxing then and there, one of his hands traveling to her backside and holding her in place as he increased the friction between their lower bodies. Trying to regain some of his composure, he pulled back a bit, allowing the cool air to touch his skin but to no avail. However, the effect their parting had on Marianne was the exact opposite.

She appeared to regain her senses momentarily, pulling back from him as far as she could in his vice grip, murmuring an apology between her parted lips. “Erik…” she managed to utter under her breath, “what if someone sees us together like this…” she whispered, her voice filled with apprehension as she looked around her worriedly.

“Do not worry about it my love. Let us bathe here, between the reeds. It is quite safe and out of sight from any onlookers. I would never allow anything to jeopardize your honor, you know that.” he reassured her, trying to pull her back to his now aching flesh.

The heat was almost unbearable, as he held her again. Before she could even reply to his suggestion, she felt his warm soft lips against hers, causing her legs to grow weak from the intense passion that claimed her again. The sensation of danger of being caught made her tremble in his arms.

“Come now, my love.” she heard him say, leading her towards the water.

Just before they stepped into the lake, he removed his trousers. She couldn’t help but admire his large manly form. Her heartbeat increased in anticipation of what would follow. ‘This is not about your yearning for Erik Marianne.’ she chastised herself. ‘Get your mind out of the gutter! You are just trying to prevent a heatstroke, remember?’

Stepping into the calm lake, she stood there for a few seconds, tilting her head back and closing her eyes as she sank slowly into the cool water. Her chemise clung to her skin, revealing her ample curves to Erik’s hungry gaze. He approached her and pulled the chemise over her head, tossing it to the lakeshore. Embracing her he allowed her full, firm breasts to press against his smooth chest.

He turned her in his arms, her back now leaning against his chest. Looking over her shoulder and down, he could see her nipples beginning to harden just under the water. He cupped her breasts in his hands and began caressing them, rolling the nipples between his fingers, teasing the flesh as it became taut in his hands. He heard her moan his name and her voice excited him as his growing arousal grew painfully hard, pressing against her buttocks beneath the water.

At the feel of his erection against her, she gyrated her hips imperceptibly, teasing him with her movements. Unable to handle her actions, he turned her to look at him, taking hold of her waist tightly. After a long passionate kiss, he gently cupped one of her breasts and lowered his head as he had done earlier, suckling on her sensitive nipple with his greedy mouth.

Marianne arched her back and painfully grasped a handful of his hair in her hands as Erik took turns on each nipple, alternating between sucking hard on her flesh with a hungry urgency and gently nipping the over-sensitized skin until Marianne was squirming in his arms, her cries of ecstasy filling the air around them, obviously in a state of acute arousal. Her hand reached to touch his aching bulge beneath the water. Feeling her fingers wrap around him, moving up and down over his distended flesh, he couldn’t help but groan deep in his throat.

“You have done this to me Marianne.” he exhaled huskily as he leaned further into her touch, desperate for some kind of release fro this sweet torment. “You make me feel so alive, I cannot even begin to describe what you do to me!” he whispered while nibbling on her earlobe. He lifted her leg to get better access to the most sensitive spot of her body. His fingertips spread across her pelvic region as his hand began to descend lower. He let his fingers play along the sensitive inner side of her thigh.

He watched her as her eyes closed when he slipped his fingers in her unbearably hot canal. He began a torturous game, pumping his fingers in her softness, teasing her clit mercilessly, until her body shuddered as waves of pleasure washed over her. A few moments later, he heard her breathing harsh and uneven and felt her muscles squeeze tightly around his fingers as her orgasm exploded violently.

She looked at him through her hooded eyelids, smiling in content as she commenced again her ministrations on his erect manhood. Erik grasped her wrist painfully with his fingers and stopped her, as he was kissed her neck fervently again. “Be mine my love. I need you.” he whispered harshly, his voice heavily laced with desire.

All Marianne could do was nod her head in response as she felt his fingers trail from her center to her breasts again. He gave her a reassuring smile as he pulled her in his embrace, lifting her so that her legs encircled his waist and he held her body firmly to him with his hands on her buttocks. Like this he carried her to a small alcove near the lakeshore which was surrounded by reeds that would thankfully keep any prying eyes from spotting them.

Once there, he sat so that his back would rest against the lakeshore and lifted her legs to settle them on either side of his body and slowly met her hips upon his thick hardness. Ever so slowly did he lower her, filling her steadily with his aching flesh. She buried her face in his neck, her arms around his shoulders as she whimpered in the back of her throat. His palms held her hips firmly in place as he arched his hips upwards, the sensation of feeling her engulf his rod in her hot wetness overwhelming.

They both moaned as he moved deep inside her, the water splashing against their bodies with each stroke of his body. The sensation of the cool water and their warm bodies drove them both out of control. Turning his head, his teeth nibbled on her earlobe, causing her to shiver. Her hips undulated against his, the sensation between pleasure and pain as he submerged himself deeper than ever in her amazing. Holding her in place, he drove himself in and out of her body with forceful stokes, stealing the breath from her mouth as he crushed his lips to hers heatedly.

She twisted and turned but to no avail. She had lost herself once again under his sensuous touch. His mouth, his hands and his body led her towards her undoing rapidly. Her body trembled as the pulsing moment of her release came with great intensity. She pushed against him engulfing him as deep inside her as possible and with that he could no longer contain his own fiery culmination and exploded, filling her completely with his hot seed. They clutched at each other so tightly, for one moment they seemed to be of one body as well as one soul.

After what seemed like an eternity, he felt her body start to relax against him. His arms curled around her pulling her to him possessively. Her head rested on his shoulder, her face turned into his neck, her breath a soft puff of air against his skin. Sliding down, the water engulfed their bodies. He held her firmly against him. The soft sounds of the water and their spent passion pulled them into a light slumber, their bodies still joined beneath the water.

Raoul de Chagny, lost in thought, turned his head toward the window of his carriage, only to recognize the familiar surroundings of the Rouen countryside around him. It had been such a long time since he had visited Rouen, in fact he had barely been a boy when he had last been in these parts of the country. He had attended a private school near Paris and, upon his graduation, had moved to his parent’s house in the city of Paris.

Although Rouen’s atmosphere was friendly and he had always looked back to the days of his childhood with nostalgia, the opportunity had never presented itself for him to return, up to this day. However, the reason which brought him here was not a fortunate one, making him curse through his teeth as he saw the familiar surroundings pass by in a haze.

The day was almost arriving to its end, when Raoul finally reached Marianne’s estate. As soon as the vehicle pulled off before the grand mansion, he stepped out of the carriage, enjoying the cool breeze upon his face as he stretched his legs, feeling extremely tired from his long journey. The arrival of the Chagny carriage had been noticed immediately and the staff had already gathered at the front door of the imposing mansion.

“Welcome Sir.” Gerard, the butler, bowed his head as Raoul walked into the house and reacquainted himself with the elder man.

However, something was wrong. Marianne was nowhere to be seen as he stood there in the foyer, waiting for someone to go and fetch their Mistress. He let his eyes travel around him as his servants began to unload the carriage and started to carry his luggage into the mansion. The butler approached Raoul again, awaiting his orders.

“Inform your Mistress that I wish to speak to her immediately.” Raoul said, as he dismissed the butler with a wave of his hand and headed towards the salon.

The butler followed him and waited until Raoul sat on the sofa in the middle of the large room.

“I am sorry to inform you, Viscount, the Duchess is not here at the present moment.” the butler informed him regretfully.

“Well, where is she? When is she expected to return?” Raoul inquired, unable to conceal his impatience.

“I am sorry, Viscount. I am afraid the Duchess has not given me any information regarding her return. Should I prepare dinner for you, Viscount?” Gerard enquired, eager to please the irritated noble.

“No!” Raoul was starting to lose his patience. Sensing he was being irrational, he attempted to lower the tone of his voice. “No… Please, pour me a glass of brandy Gerard. Thank you.” he instructed the butler, who felt very uncomfortable in this awkward situation.

As the sun began to set, Raoul tried to plan what his next move would be. He had expected Marianne to have returned to her house by this time, but had began to grow anxious at her tardiness. Where could a woman be so late in the evening without having notified her staff of her whereabouts? His heart filled with apprehension, he decided he couldn’t possibly stay inactive any longer. He swallowed the last drops of his drink and rang the bell to summon a servant. Gerard arrived instantly.

“How may I be of assistance, Viscount?” he asked, standing still and waiting for Raoul’s instructions.

“Prepare a horse for me immediately!” the young man ordered the butler, beside himself with anger by now.

“Yes, my Lord.” Gerard bowed his head and exited the room to go to the stables as Raoul had instructed him.

A few moments later, Raoul was mounting the horse the stable boys had prepared for him.

“Please, my Lord. What should I inform the Duchess in case she arrives during your absence?” the butler asked him.

“Tell her… Tell her that I will speak with her upon my return.” Gerard looked at him as Raoul turned and rode furiously away from the estate.

As Raoul galloped through the fields, trying to reach the town of Rouen again, him mind wondered as to where his cousin could be at this hour. He certainly hoped she had prolonged her visit to one of her friends, trying to push the thought from his mind that Marianne could possibly be with him… that man that was only known to him as the infamous Opera Ghost.

Raoul tried to concentrate on some of the possible places where he could find his cousin. ‘But, of course!’ he thought to himself. ‘Marianne could only be at one place at this hour. To her friend’s, or should I rather say, our friend’s estate; Olivier. He recalled the route to Olivier’s mansion quite easily and galloped as fast as he could in that direction.

Not half an hour later, Olivier had been taken by surprise to see his old friend standing in the salon of his mansion. They greeted each other warmly and Olivier invited Raoul to join him for a drink in his library.

“To what do I owe the honor of your visit old chap?” Olivier asked the young Viscount.

“It just came to pass that I found myself in this part of the country and I thought it would be nice to pay a visit to my dear cousin Marianne. I understand that for many years you two have been quite close, especially since my aunt and uncle’s passing; is that so Olivier?” Raoul asked, trying to conceal the true nature of his visit.

“Well Raoul, yes, that is true. At least up to a while ago, it was…” Olivier’s eyes darkened at the thought of Marianne being in the arms of that … brute.

“I thought I would find her here in your house since she is not at her estate at the present moment.” Raoul said.

“No my friend. It has been quite a while since your cousin has paid me a visit.” Olivier’s voice betrayed his jealousy and anger. He shouldn’t let Raoul see right through him though. “My dear friend, you do not know how happy I am to see you after so many years!” Olivier confessed to his old friend.

“I am equally happy as you, Olivier. You must understand; life circumstances have not allowed me to visit this place which is so dear to me, ever since our childhood. I have come to regret it ever so deeply…” Raoul responded to his friend’s enthusiasm. Actually, he wished he had kept a tighter bond with his cousin. If he had done so, he would not have to confront this disturbing situation now.

“And you should, old friend!” Olivier said to him, handing him his drink. “You know, I was stunned when I met your beautiful wife, Christine, at the ball. I think congratulations are in order, not only for your marriage, but for your choice of a stunning wife as well! I must admit I felt great envy for you when the Viscountess and I were introduced! In fact, we were all impressed with her charm and beauty.” Olivier admitted.

“Yes, my Christine is very beautiful, but…” Raoul’s voice cracked under the emotional weight of the few past weeks.

“What is the matter? Are you feeling alright? You look ill. Let me offer you a glass of wine. I am sure your journey is starting to take its toll on you. Trust me old friend, you will feel better very soon once you drink this.” Olivier stood and poured a glass of red wine for Raoul.

“Please Olivier. I do not wish to impose on you.”

“Don’t talk such nonsense.” Olivier chastised the man before him jovially, handing him the glass of wine and Raoul took it and downed it in one swig. The Baron studied the troubled face of his friend. It was unusual for Raoul to visit Marianne after so many years. He remembered that Christine’s departure had been rather hasty. Marianne had always been a good host; what had happened? And… Raoul’s reappearance in Rouen… What could possibly be the connection between the two?

“Raoul, I still consider you one of my dearest friends although many years have passed since your last visit. Do you remember? We were like brothers when we were young boys. Something is troubling you, isn’t it? Please, confide in me; perhaps I might be of some assistance to you. I would be more than happy to offer you my help.” Olivier stood by his side and placed his hand on Raoul’s shoulder.

“I do not think it is so simple Olivier. But, thank you for your offer.” Raoul replied, trying to be cautious.

“It has something to do with Marianne, doesn’t it? It must be quite serious for you to come this far.” Olivier insisted further on the matter. He could easily tell from Raoul’s expression that something was wrong.

Unable to resist his urge to confide in somebody any longer, Raoul finally opened up his heart to Olivier Dervaux over the bottle of wine they shared. When he was finished, he had informed the young Baron of everything that had transpired during those horrible months over three years ago, telling him of the notorious Phantom of the Opera, his obsession for his young wife, that fateful night of the Phantom’s Opera when that lunatic had abducted his Christine, the deaths of Bouquet and Piangi and so many others…

When he was finished, Olivier Dervaux put a soothing hand on his friend’s shoulder, assuring him that it would all be alright in the end. He looked genuinely troubled as he joined Raoul on his journey back to Marianne’s estate, all the while inwardly smiling to himself over the new opportunity that had apparently arisen.
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No Easy Way