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Ascent to Power	By : Hot4Gerry Category: M through R > The Phantom of the Opera > Het Views: 5436 -:- 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
- 29
- 30
- 31
Chivalry is not Dead
Katherine awoke slowly to sunlight shining through the window panes sparkling with diamond star bursts as the sun reflected through the glass. She rolled over giving a contented stretch. It hadn't taken her long to become accustomed to the softness of a mattress beneath her. Many things they had found pleasing in this new life. Other things were harder to accept. Not everything was to her or her companion's liking. They were not penned in or bound by ropes or chains. Katherine had not been allowed off of the estate since she arrived. It had been two weeks with no lessoning in the hostilities between Katherine and her father. He still saw Matthew, Fawn and Dove as savages. She knew he would never believe anything else as he still thought of her as a savage also.
Contemplating getting out of bed then dressing after her bath reminded Katherine of one of the things she disliked particularly. That darn corset. After being tightened into one the first time, the three women had decided it was not a necessary piece of clothing. They did not wear that piece of Whiteman's torture. At the fort they had put them in there pouches.
Once the household had settled somewhat Gamm had begun to teach the three ladies things they would need to know. She tackled the personal things first. She showed them how to shave certain parts of their bodies. She claimed men preferred the smoothness of a ladies skin without the stubble. The women liked the feeling of smooth skin, they just could not see the sense of it as no man would see what they had so painstakingly shaved. Gamm said it was really more of a choice. Emily Pierce, Katherine's best friend before she was kidnapped, had told Gamm about shaving one's legs. Emily was a woman way ahead her time. She was away at the moment or she would have been knocking the doors down as well as anyone in her path to get to Katherine.
Gamm introduced them to things ladies needed in their delicate monthly cycle. These were definitely better than what they had used in camp. These items could either be made of cheese cloth stuffed with cotton, then sewing a couple of seams down the middle, or they could also be ordered through the catalog.
When it came to the corset this was where Gamm had been outvoted. Since she had been so adamant that they wear one they simply agreed, but privately removed the instruments of torture. They saw no purpose to tying a vice around them restricting movement as well as much needed breathing. It was their choice to forgo that part of being what everyone considered civilized. Katherine did not care if a man could span her waist with his hands as Gamm declared was the height of fashion at the moment. As of yet Katherine cared little for fashion. If she was covered that was all she thought should be required or considered.
The garments had resided underneath Katherine's bed for a few days before one of the maids had loosened her tongue, filling Gamm's ears with their scandalous behavior. Each day another three had been added until there were nine hidden garments. Katherine could see no harm in being able to breathe. Fawn and Dove had crossed their arms refusing to wear any other clothing other than what they had brought if it meant having to bind oneself like a prisoner. Why tighten those stupid laces until you could not draw a single bit of air into your chest? They questioned the intelligence of white women if this was what they allowed themselves to be tied into on a daily basis. Gamm had said proper ladies wore one. Katherine had asked if anyone went around checking to see if all women wore one? Was there someone in authority who controlled such things?
Gamm had spluttered a bit then reluctantly admitted that no one would know one way or the other if a woman had a corset on or not. Katherine, Fawn and Dove had removed the ones Gamm had made them put on. Triumphantly they threw them under the bed. Gamm had looked at the garments for a few seconds then looked at Katherine with a big grin.
"Miss Katherine, why I do think you have a bit of a rebel in you." Gamm stepped closer to Katherine to whisper in her ear, "Don't tell a soul but...well...I have not worn a corset for the last year or so. I was having such pain in my ribs and back. The only thing that gave me relief was taking off that confounded corset. If you don't wish to wear one there will be no more said on the matter. As you say, who will know? Don't worry about Rose. Once I let her in on our little secret she'll be over the moon. Her brittle old bones can barely stand the pressure."
Gamm sighed as she folded her hands in front of her then said, "Miss Katherine you sure will be a breath of fresh air in this old house. I just wish your mother could see what a wonderful woman you have become. Well if one believes in that sort of thing I suppose she would be looking down right this very minute with pride in her eyes."
That had been yesterday. Rose had come and apologized for going to Gamm behind her back. Katherine held no anger toward the older woman. She had meant no harm. She had only been trying to make sure the women fit in as best they could in the circumstances.
Laying on her back she let her mind drift over the last two weeks. Her father had been quite vocal in his disapproval of her choice to allow savages to live in his house, completely forgetting they had brought her home. Gamm had been just as quick to remind him who truly owned the house. Katherine sometimes thought that was part of the reason he disliked them so much, they had brought his unwanted daughter home. One who caused him embarrassment. One who brought shame to his household. Katherine had come to realize that the father she had known no longer existed or perhaps he was the same, but when she was his perfect daughter he had less reason to show this other side of him.
.It had not sunk in until much later that Katherine had inherited the whole estate as well as a considerable amount of money and other property. Gamm had told her the trust that had at one time been around thirty million dollars. Over the years it had grown into around forty million with careful investment. Katherine had only been a child when she was taken. She had had a concept that money was needed to buy things one needed but the true value was a mystery. The number forty didn't seem such a large number to her. In her mind she was using objects to gauge the number not the value or what it could buy.
Gamm had only used what money was needed to maintain the estate. She was so sure Katherine would return one day. Gamm had wanted her to return having her inheritance intact. Not once in the last eight years had she allowed Katherine's father to lay his hands on her money. Which had more than likely led to his financial difficulties he was suffering as of late.
After a few days of insults Lone Wolf had removed himself voluntarily to the stables. He claimed he would have better companions than the man with lies in his eyes or his wife of many stinging tongues. Fawn and White Dove worked in the kitchen helping Mrs. Fletcher prepare meals as well as helping to clean the kitchen. They also helped with the laundry.
Katherine had objected to this. They were her friends not servants. Mrs. Graham had convinced her no harm would come to them. They would only benefit from working in the kitchen with Gertrude. They would learn more English since Gertrude loved to talk about anything under the sun to anyone who had two ears. They would also pick up skills that would help them adapt to this new world they found themselves in. There was the added benefit in that it kept them away from Lydia and Daniel' barbs.
When Katherine asked Lone Wolf if he really wanted to sleep and work in the stables he had assured her he liked working with animals. He loved horses. He had an affinity with them. He had never met one he did not like or could not tame. He could not say the same about people.
The women were given clothing to replace the dresses they arrived in. The borrowed garments were sent by courier back to the fort, with a letter of gratitude for the kindness they had shown Katherine. Mrs. Graham had painstakingly shown Katherine all the letters she had temporarily forgotten. She had not held a pen to write in a little over eight years. She even had trouble holding the pen. She practiced with a pencil first. After a few hours of frustratingly copying what Gamm had written Katherine had finally successfully mastered her letters, not only in printing, but writing as well. She had remembered how to do it, she had just had trouble getting the message from her mind to her hand.
Gamm said they had enough dresses until they could purchase more. Each time Katherine asked her father when she could go to town he had given one excuse after another. When he could think of no more, he flatly told her she could not be seen until she lost her savage look. At her questioning look he had flicked his finger against her dark skin. He picked up her hands looking at the calluses roughening her palms. He tore the ribbons she had tied to the bottom of her braids. Throwing the ribbons aside he had stalked away.
He had left her in the middle of the library wanting to cry. Sheer willpower kept the tears at bay. She had been trying so hard. She only spoke English. She pinned her hair up so tight it gave her headaches, which was why today she had worn her familiar braids, even though Gamm had said it was not proper for grown women to wear them. Whatever he asked of her she did willingly hoping to win one word of approval. She even allowed him to speak ill of her friends. He belittled them whenever he got the chance. Katherine allowed Lydia to speak to her as if she were one of the servants. Katherine had even offered to move into another room. One no one else wanted.
The final explosion came when Lydia's children came home. Everything was tense, but tolerable until dinner. Katherine had made it a practice for Matthew, Fawn and Dove to eat their meals with her. Daniel had taken his meals on a tray in his room with Lydia.
Matthew had not wanted to sit at the table with this pit of rattlers, but he knew they would surround Katherine and quite possibly provoke Fawn and Dove into some sort of attack.
It had been made clear that no one wanted to sit next to Katherine's guests. Katherine's cheeks burned at the not so quiet, snide remarks that had been made. One particularly hurtful remark about Katherine's mother in reference to the kind of daughter she had raised had raised Katherine's fighting spirit.. Lydia questioned Katherine's morals as well as her mother's. Katherine would not stand for anyone to say one word against her mother. They could call her the camp whore, whatever that meant. They could call her an uncivilized savage. Katherine could even tolerate them passing judgment on her friends before they knew them personally. She would not let anyone belittle her mother. Nor would she let them besmirch her name or question her morals.
Katherine threw her fork across the room. She unconsciously grabbed her knife and held it in her hand. She slammed her hands down on the table in anger shouting, "What is wrong with you people? What have we done to make you dislike us so much. If you are a sample of the type of people we will meet perhaps it was a mistake to come back. You think I am a savage? Let me show you what a savage can do. Taking the knife in her hand she threw it across the table just over Lydia's head. The knife passed so closely to her Lydia thought for sure it would bury deep in her skull. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when the knife came to rest in a portrait that hung on dining room wall. The portrait was of Katherine's father and Lydia. The knife was stuck dead center in the forehead of the likeness of Lydia.
"Good God! Katherine. You are a squaw after all. There is no doubt now. Perhaps you are correct Katherine when you say yo should go back. Especially after this little display." Daniel waved his hand toward the portrait for emphasis. "You might be happier back in the wild. Think of all the humiliation you will have to face. Think of me, of your family."
Katherine stared with unbelieving eyes. Her father did not have two cents worth of consideration for her. He was worried about his reputation and what all his acquaintances will say. As for family, none of these people were her family, thank God. Matthew, Fawn and Dove were her family. Gamm fit in there somewhere.
With a hard warning glare Katherine stood then looked from one to the other of the five people Katherine thought of as her enemies. It pained her that she had to include her father. The pain was lessoning with each new stab he made to her heart. Soon he would have no place there at all. "I warn you, say not one more word against my mother. If you do perhaps you will learn just how savage I can become. Believe me this is nothing compared to what I am capable of." Katherine picked up her napkin to wipe her face and hands as if she could wipe away the distasteful scene from her hands and her mind. Throwing down her napkin she had clenched in her hand she said, "Now if you will excuse me I am suddenly unable to eat one bite."
Katherine passed Mrs. Gamm who was on her way in to inquire if anyone would be having coffee and cake in the parlor back around she called after Katherine as she all but ran past Mrs. Graham as she left the dining room, "Katherine, what in the world is wrong child?" She turned back into the dining room when Katherine continued up the stairs.
"What the devil have you gone and done now Daniel?" Mrs. Graham fisted her hands where she brought them to rest on her hips. She was just about fed up with all the shenanigans that had been going on around here.
Matthew, Fawn, and Dove rose from the table without one word. If they stayed someone might lose their scalp tonight. Fawn and Dove did not understand all the words that had been said. It did not take a person of great intelligence to know her family had hurt her in some horrible way. Matthew knew what had been said. His grim face showed all the anger he held inside, barely contained. If they thought Katherine was fierce, they should see Matthew when he faced an enemy.
Once they left the others began to air their grievances.
Andrew was on the verge of becoming engaged to a prominent senator's daughter. A hint of scandal could ruin his chances with her. A senator seeking re-election would not be pleased to be mixed up with anything remotely connected to any scandal, especially any concerning Indians as there was a war being waged against the savages. Charlotte was furious about being moved to another smaller room One she had to share a bathroom with the room next to hers. Elizabeth almost fainted when she contemplated what her friends would have to say. Why she wouldn't be able to hold her head up in public for the rest of her life. The very idea of savages living in her home.
Mrs. Graham was quick to point out that legally it was Katherine's home. She could have anyone she liked living in her home. She had pointedly informed them she could also ask unwanted guests to leave as well.
Lydia had given Daniel an ultimatum. Either Katherine and her heathen consorts were thrown out or she and her children would be leaving to return to her family in Boston. Perhaps she hadn't heard Mrs. Graham's statement before or preferred to ignore it. Regardless, Daniel had stated he could not force his daughter out. She owned the estate. He asked her to be reasonable. Mrs. Graham was of the opinion she didn't have a reasonable bone in her body. There was barely room for half the brain she possessed.
This rift in both families caused an outburst that resulted in Katherine's present situation. One she could not say she was all that dissatisfied with.
Lydia and her children had packed their bags leaving first thing the following morning. Lydia had told her husband when and if he came to his senses she would be with her family in Boston. They had no savages in their household. When he grew tired of the riff raff he knew where he could find her.
Katherine's father had moved into the guest house at the far end of the garden. Far enough away to give everyone privacy but close enough should they have the urge to visit. Katherine would not hold her breath for that event to occur. Her father had decided to stay in Virginia. At least for the time being. Before Katherine could fool herself it was for her benefit he stayed, Daniel had disabused her of any such notion.
Her father was in the middle of some delicate negotiations with Mr. Erik Fontaine. Mr. Fontaine was considering investing in the The Virginia Royal Theatre to which Daniel held sole ownership. At least that was how he had represented it to the gentleman in question. It had been losing money this last year. Actually Daniel had to take funds from the profits of the theatre which was the cause of the strain on the budget. He needed to reinvest in it but he had been in need of the funds to cover a loan at the bank. He had initially borrowed money to finance the trip to England last year that Lydia had wanted so badly. The loan he had taken out on his warehouses had been sold and was being called in to be repaid immediately.
He robbed from one hand to fill another. Soon the the slow trickle of funds would cease altogether. Daniel had a suspicion Mr. Fontaine was behind the purchase of his loan. The man was forcing him slowly into bankruptcy so he would sell him all of his interest in the theatre. Daniel had led the man to believe he would be purchasing shares that were legitimately transferred. It was Daniel's hope to sell the shares tomorrow. Once he had the money in his hand he could pay off those loans and have a bit extra for expenses. He'd worry about Mr. Fontaine and the illegal selling of Katherine's shares later.
Mrs. Graham was a fount of information. Since she had taken responsiblity for Katherine's money she thought she should make it her business to know all there was to know about her finances and holdings. Not the day to day things, but the monthly reports of gains and losses. It was a little harder to watch what went on with the things in which Katherine and Daniel had shared interests Daniel had control of them until Katherine officially retook control. There was no telling what state that man had gotten into with little or no supervision. She had always thanked Katherine's female members of her family for there forethought. Daniel could not touch the base capital of Katherine's wealth.
Today Katherine had decided would be her day to go into town on her own. She would have to make the trip some time. She would visit several dress shops Gamm told her about. Perhaps she would have lunch at a restaurant or even the hotel. Gamm had given her the information she would need to take to the lawyers so she could have access to her accounts. Her father with much prodding from Gamm had said he would visit the lawyers informing them of Katherine's return. Mrs. Graham never had trusted those lawyers. They were far too friendly with Mr. Montgomery.
This further complicated his financial situation as now he could not use her inheritance as collateral when seeking loans from outside sources. Everyone assumed he had access to the funds should they be required. It was just good business sense to us the money of others if one could. When the truth of his financial status came out he may well be ruined unless he could close the deal with Fontaine before everything came out in the open.
Katherine had made the decision to go by the office of her father as well. Since her name was on the deeds to all he owned along with his own that made her an equal partner. In debt as well as profit. She knew nothing about business but was more than willing to learn.
Throwing the covers aside Katherine went to draw her bath. Gamm had told her a maid would do that for her every morning as well as bring her a breakfast tray if she wished. Katherine could see no reason not to do things for herself. Gamm told her that was how it was done when one had money to indulge in such things. Katherine preferred to draw her own bath. She enjoyed eating her breakfast with Fawn and White Dove in the kitchen. Lone Wolf would join them when they were almost finished. He had to care for the horses before he fed himself.
Lone Wolf had cut his hair. The change was astonishing. With his plain shirts and dark work trousers he could have been just any man working to earn a living. Unless one knew he had only just come from the encampment of his Indian brothers no one would have guessed. His light grey eyes surrounded by his dark skin combined with his black hair was an attractive combination. The fact that his body was well muscled over all of his six foot four inch frame had even the maids sighing when they caught sight of him. Gamm had even caught herself fanning her cheeks one day when she had taken him a pitcher of lemonade. He had removed his shirt. From that day on whenever he came into her sight her old heart kicked up a faster rhythm. He was one fine specimen of manhood to be sure was the general consensus. Indian or white he was one fine looking man.
Katherine finished her bath then dressed in the plain cotton gown. The petticoat underneath along with the pantalets had taken some getting used to as Katherine had not worn any undergarments for almost eight years. Her own she had grown out of after only a year or so. All these layers of clothing seemed pointless when the weather was so warm. Gamm had assured her they were necessary. To prove her point she had picked up the hem of Katherine's dress allowing the sun's light to shine through. She had declared a lady did not advertise all she hid under her skirts. That was for her and her husband's eyes alone. The garment that bound her breasts Katherine, as well as the other two women saw the sense in its use. Gamm had told them the garment was becoming more popular especially as it was being touted as the ideal thing to keep what was up top from falling to ones knees over time. Katherine, Fawn and Dove had shared a look. They all remembered seeing the older women during the communal bathing. They each grabbed a garment holding it to their chests. This garment they would be using as well as the petticoat. The pantalets they decided were of some use as well. They liked the silky softness against their skin.
Katherine had wanted Fawn and Dove to come with her but Gamm had explained it would not be advisable for them to go to town until fitting clothing could be bought as well as the problem of not speaking English very well. Everyone on the estate with the exception of Katherine's family had accepted the three outsiders readily enough. Once Lone Wolf had proven his worth in the stables he was accepted. The fact that the three so called savages had not slit their throats or taken their hair as they slept helped convince everyone they were safe.
While Fawn and Dove learned how to write, read as well as speak English, Katherine studied newspapers along with reading the dictionary. Gamm assigned her five words every week to learn the meaning and how to use them in sentences. After not speaking any English she had been a bit rusty. So many words she never even learned since she had only been twelve at the time her education had ended.
Gamm had even begun to teach her about her finances. She showed her the financial pages from the lawyers concerning her estate and properties she owned in conjunction with her father. In fact she owned fifty percent of all the businesses. A fact her father had been all to eager to forget once he had convinced everyone Katherine was dead. With her out of the way he controlled one hundred percent of what took place in the business if not the money. He took profits out of the businesses that the businesses could not sustain any longer.
Hours later Katherine was now standing outside the third dress shop debating if she had any pride left that would allow her go in asking for service. The first she had been refused any service once they learned who she was. She had been asked to leave. They did not cater to savages or the squaws of savages. With her cheeks stinging in humiliation Katherine left. It angered her that she could face the most dangerous animal or man, but could not face those women insulting her. They had made her feel less than clean. Tainted in some way. She felt shamed by her weakness as well as by what they had said. Since reentering this white world all her confidence in herself seemed to have deserted her.
She had returned to the carriage asking her driver to take her to another shop. This shop let her in. They even went so far as to take her measurements then finding a ready made dress to slip over her head for a fitting. The whispers she heard among the shop workers drifted to her ear as she stood patiently waiting as a young woman hemmed the dress. She stood on a pedestal as a girl with pins in her mouth pinned the hem of the gown she had on. Her cheeks began to burn. If she heard the whispers so did everyone else in the shop. Customers outside the cubicle Katherine occupied began to whisper, threatening to leave the shop never to return if they continued to serve that squaw woman. Hadn't they heard of all the raids? The people killed? Katherine felt as if all eyes were looking at her in accusation. As if she personally had raided every home. Killed every person.
"Do you know who that is? It was in the papers a few weeks ago. Everyone is still talking about it. That's Katherine Montgomery. Lived with the savages for eight years. You know what happens to white women in those camps. They become the camp," here she paused to lowered her voice as if saying it in a lower tone made it less hurtful or improper, " well I've heard they become the camp whores."
Katherine didn't know what a whore was but the way it was spit out it was not a compliment. Lydia had called her that name as well. She had meant to ask Gamm what that word meant.
"Are you sure it is her Anne? If it is, can you believe how brazen she is? Coming in here as if she were a proper lady. And did you notice? No corset. The very idea. Well I suppose she does have money to pay. Good Lord you don't think she'll try to pay in animal hides do you Anne?"
"Oh my. I never thought of that. Should we tell Mrs. Dexter? Perhaps she doesn't know who she is going to be making dresses for?"
The two ladies scuttled to the back of the shop whispering frantically to the third person behind the curtain. An older woman jerked the curtain aside entering the cubicle. The woman walked regally up to Katherine. Sniffing in contempt she stated, "I must ask you to leave my shop. If I had known who you were we could have avoided this embarrassing moment. My shop is for genteel ladies. We do not cater to the coarse ladies of the red light district or any other unsavory sort."
Walking over to the counter she pulled a pad toward her writing down an address. It was a shop that made dresses for the ladies who worked in the gentlemen's clubs. She handed it to Katherine making sure her fingers did not touch Katherine's as she handed her the paper. "This shop will be willing to serve you. They serve anyone. They are not as discerning as other's. I suppose you must keep the gown you have on now. Who would want it now after you have worn it.? Anne, Margaret fetch her things. The sooner she is out of here the better."
When Anne shoved her dress into her hands along with the small purse she asked in a voice choked with tears, "How much do I owe? I do have money. I won't be paying in animal hides." Katherine hated the weakness she heard in her voice. She tried to reassure herself she had done nothing wrong. She had a right to be here like anyone else.
Katherine threw a wade of bills on the counter without even counting them. She had practically run out of the shop carrying the dress she had worn to town because she now wore a dress that was stuck full of pins.
The young ladies had the grace to look just a little uncomfortable. Not much but enough to give Katherine a little of her pride back. Paying for the half hemmed gown Katherine took her things leaving with her head and shoulders only slightly lowered. Returning to her carriage she gave her driver Martin the paper with the address written down. His face turned a bright shade of pink as he shuffled his feet standing on the paved sidewalk.
"Begging your pardon Miss Katherine but are you quite certain you wish to patronize this uh...this establishment? It is not the usual place for proper young ladies. That is to say a certain type of woman frequents this shop. Not that I would know personally. It is only what I hear you understand," he was quick to make that point clear.
"What is wrong with it? Don't they make good gowns? The woman in the shop gave me this address. She said they would make me dresses. Please tell me why I should not do this?"
Martin was cussing under his breath. Damn harpies. Mrs. Graham knew this would happen. Everyone tried to persuade her not to let Miss Katherine go out on her own. Sure Miss Katherine needs to learn her way about as well as how to handle herself against all the small minded people but not on her first trip to town.
Martin tugged at his ear as his feet continued to shuffle back and forth. He removed his cap to run his hand over his balding head. This woman before him he had known for twelve years. He was the one who drove Mister Daniel home the night Miss Amelia went into labor. He had grieved with everyone else when they had found Miss Amelia's body without one trace of Miss Katherine anywhere. He was the one who had placed her in her first saddle when she was four years old.
Damn he'd rather be taking a beating than escorting Miss Katherine around watching as all these fine upstanding citizens picked her apart a piece at a time. For two bits he'd go back in there and give all those fine ladies a good tongue lashing. Hell he'd do it for free. Damn vicious, poison tongued harpies. What right do they have to judge Miss Katherine or anyone else?
Being as delicate in his wording as he could using words he thought she could understand he tried to give her one of her first life lessons since her return. At least one dealing with those outside the estate. He must have succeeded in his explanation because her head dipped avoiding looking into his eyes. Her cheeks colored a becoming shade of pink. She mumbled for him to drive her to yet another dress shop. So he had taken her to this third establishment. She had left this shop not even willing to face Martin just yet.
The ladies in this shop ridiculed her mercilessly. Some of the names they had called her she did not even know the meaning of. It was a good thing Martin had told her what a "whore" was, or at least a watered down version. She had been called by that term so many times the last few days she could mistake it for a term of affection if the people calling her this did have such hatred and contempt in their eyes. It had been eight years since she had used the English language. She had matured over the years she had been gone but an Indian woman was not the same as a white woman. The basic needs and wants were the same. It was their lives daily functions that were different. The clothes, entertainment, what they ate, where they slept, what was considered important to know for one was frivolous to the other. She was lost between two worlds. She had no foot solidly placed in either world. Her knowledge of this white world was what she had known as a twelve year old girl. Now she was a twenty-one year old woman who had no idea how to function in this world. While her knowledge of this world had stopped at twelve the world had continued on. Everything had changed so much. There were so many people. So many new businesses. So many rules. So little tolerance.
As she leaned against the wall with tears of hurt along with those shed in anger she felt a light touch on her shoulder. A soft kind voice asked her something in a language she did not recognize but sounded soothing to her ears. Hastily wiping her eyes she stood up straight. All she needed now was for someone to come along catching her bawling her eyes out over mere words tossed at her to inflict pain. She could just hear her father now berating her again for embarrassing him yet again, only this time in public.
"Mademoiselle? I am sorry, Miss. I forget sometimes I am no longer in France. Not everyone speaks French. Is there something wrong? Something you need assistance with? I would be honored to offer my services to such a charming young lady."
Katherine turned to face the kind stranger. He was much taller than she was. His hair was almost as light as her own. He had blue eyes. A dark fathomless blue, with a hint of softness in them as his eyes took in her tear streaked face and quivering lip. She could see nothing but kindness mixed with concern shining from his eyes.
"Please Miss tell me why such a beautiful woman would be standing on the street crying? Has some man made an ungentlemanly pass? Say the word and I shall track him down. Not to brag, well perhaps just a bit, I am quite efficient with my fists. I am at your service." He gave an exaggerated elegant bow. His head almost scrapped the sidewalk. Katherine could not help but smile at his attempt to make her smile.
"Just say the word and the scoundrel shall be picking his teeth up from the ground." He looked at her steadily. He had only ever seen such sadness in one other woman's eyes. Christine looked at him with the same kind of sadness. As if she were alone in the world with no hope for tomorrow.
Katherine squared her shoulders. Using her hands to fuss with her dress pretending to straighten imaginary creases giving herself time to compose herself as she shakily replied, "You are mistaken sir. I am not crying. I simply had a piece of dirt in my eye. I shall not require your assistance in any capacity."
"Well, now that I have been firmly put in my place I shall let you be on your way. On your way into the dress shop were you? Choosing something for the ball next week? Oh how silly of me. Of course you will have already have your gown." As he watched a gradual change took place. She went from stoic pride to trembling lower lip to outright sobbing in a matter of seconds.
Merde! What did I say? I am sure I used the correct words. I do not think I said anything improper. Glancing around he saw no irate father, husband or beau coming to thrash him for making her cry. He put his hand on her shoulder and before he knew what was happening she had her head tucked into his shoulder crying as if her heart were broken. Not knowing what else to do he wrapped his arms around her shushing her while he patted her back awkwardly. This was so reminiscent of Christine, he had to swallow hard to push the rising feelings back down.
Crying, depressed females was why he left the hotel. Christine was crying because she had not yet been able to find Erik. Meg was almost six months pregnant. She was feeling insecure about herself as well as worrying about her future. She wanted her mother. No matter how many times he told her she was beautiful she just cried. He assured her he would help in any capacity she needed. She sobbed harder. At a loss he had felt the need for escape. In desperation to retain a little of his sanity as well as his male libido. He had been surrounded by crying females for almost a solid month. He had left the suite with both of them crying.
Raoul thought he must be out of his mind. What sane man would volunteer to help a woman he was still in love with, still married to, leave him for another man? The cherry on the top of this tempting desert was he had a woman who was pregnant with another man's child living with him and his wife. Most men would look at him in envy assuming him a virile man who had his lovely wife in one room then his pregnant mistress in another. The more creative pictured them all three together. Well that would quickly turn to riotous laughter when they knew the true circumstances. Raoul had not lain with a woman in over a year. He was beginning to think that his high ideals about those of the red light district were perhaps a little too discerning. How long could a man live servicing himself? Raoul had no intentions of finding out the answer to that question. His intention had been to find a willing woman for the night.
Raoul felt like one of those whipped dogs that begged those who beat him for just a pat on the head or a kind word. Considering how his father treated women he was surprised he was not just as chauvinistic. It would be better if he could be a little less caring. His brother Philippe had been a first class cad where women were concerned. He had treated them horribly, yet they flocked to stand in line outside his bedroom door.
Perhaps he needed to be a little more cavalier in his treatment when dealing with the fairer sex. Women seemed to be attracted to the faintest hint of danger. Perhaps he should indulge himself then toss them aside like a worn out shoe.
He had been minding his own business enjoying his leisurely stroll down the busy street when sniffling had caught his attention. Seeing the woman leaning against the store front he had hardened his heart taking a step off the sidewalk about to cross the street when a muffled sob reached his ears. Dropping his head and shoulders in defeat he walked behind that pathetic looking figure. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder as he offered his services.
When she had turned around his legs had almost been knocked useless. God in heaven she was beautiful. The sun glinting off her almost white blond hair could blind a man to anything else. If she had been the most grotesque looking woman in the world a man would not notice when he saw her beautiful hair. When his eyes locked with her soft, blue eyes, awash with tears, he had been willing to give his soul.
When she had leaned into him grabbing onto fistfuls of his shirt he was lost. Her tears along with her unintelligible words had him willing to offer anything. Wrapping his arms around her small frame he held her loosely against his chest.
Raoul gently put his hands on her shoulders pushing her away from him. Lifting her wobbling chin with his finger he used his handkerchief to dab her eyes, at last giving it to her so she could delicately blow her nose. Well most women would have delicately blown their nose. She honked hers like a goose in flight. Like a child might. When she looked up at him with her guileless eyes he saw despite how old she looked her eyes reflected differently. He had not seen such innocence since he had first saw Christine over four years ago.
"Come on things can not be so bad. Let us walk down the street to that little cafe. We can have something refreshing to drink then if you feel you can trust me with your troubles you may tell me what has such a lovely young woman crying on such a perfectly wonderful day."
Glancing around as if someone were after her she walked beside him reluctantly as she said, "You should not be seen with me. We may not even be served if they find out who I am. It has been happening all morning. They may even through us into the street. That was threatened earlier. You really should just leave me. My driver was just going to ride around the block. Look there he is now." Pulling up the hem of her gown to prepare to run she waved her hand at Martin.
Raoul was amused when he saw the pins in the hem of the gown. She clamped her hand over her hat as if afraid it might fall. She took two quick steps forward before an odd inclination took hold of him. Knowing it was completely improper, fully expecting her to slap his face, or the least give him a good dressing down, he gave into the impulse to playfully grab her about the waist. With a little amused chuckle he pulled her back with his two hands at her waist. A waist that he could feel soft skin under the material of her dress instead of the stiff corset he had been expecting. Another mystery. Well perhaps this one will remain a mystery.
"Surely you were not thinking of leaving me alone? Do you have no pity in your heart for a lonely man is a city that is strange to him.? Will you not help a lonely soul while away a few hours? Help me fill a few hours that would be otherwise boringly empty." Raoul placed his right hand on his chest just over his heart giving her a look of pleading a little boy would use to win favor with a parent or doting grandparent.
Not ever having flirted Katherine couldn't even recognize it when aimed in her direction she flatly stated, "I do not know the city any more myself. I have only just returned after...well after a time away. I would only get you lost if I tried to show you anything. If you really would not mind you may come in my coach. Martin can drive you where you need to go. It is the least I can do after you were chivery...chive. Damn. I can not think of the word. I am just grateful my father is not here. He has enough things to find wrong with me."
What a odd young woman. She was unlike anyone Raoul had ever met. After his initial attraction he had quickly moved to protective older brother in his feelings for her. Raoul berated himself. Here was a perfectly wonderful woman. What happens? His chivalrous tendencies override his lustful needs. That was the story of his life. If he did not dislike Erik so much he would ask him to teach him some Phantom tricks.
She stepped up to the edge of the sidewalk as a black carriage pulled to the curb. A middle aged man stepped down taking his hat in his hand looking at Raoul as he spoke, "Miss Katherine things did not go well? Damn hypocritical harpies. Pardon my harsh words Miss Katherine. It just makes my blood boil it does, the way folks have been treating you. Ain't right. No sir, it ain't right at all."
Not wanting him to say too much Katherine interrupted before he could continue, "Martin this is...Oh I forgot to introduce myself or ask your name. I should have done that should I not Martin?" Stepping back over to the stranger Katherine smiled widely holding out her ungloved hand as she told him her name was Katherine Montgomery. Another strange thing Raoul noticed just before his lips grazed her knuckles. Almost all women wore gloves also her hands were a little rough. Her dress along with the fact she had her own coach and driver indicated she had at least a little wealth. Women of certain social classes did not do manual labor. Taking her hand in his he kissed the back of her knuckles lightly. Releasing her hand he barely contained the smile as she held the hand he had kissed in her other hand looking at her hand as if it had suddenly become something she had never seen before.
Katherine couldn't belief it. He had kissed her hand as Gamm said some men did when meeting a woman for the first time, or if she were a close acquaintance. Just before releasing her hand he said his name was Raoul de Chagny. She of course must call him Raoul. This Raoul was the first person outside the estate to speak kindly to her. To treat her as anything other than a savage coming to take their hair.
"You must call me Katherine. Please come with me. Please. Let my driver take you wherever you wish to go to repay you for your...She whispered something in Martin's ear. He whispered something back. She continued with a bit more confidence than before, " Please allow me to repay your act of chivalry." She looked to Martin who gave her a nod of approval.
Katherine shared what some might consider her first outing or date, with a male suitor. Or at least an interesting, handsome man who was not her brother. Although the words suitor or date never even entered her mind in association with Raoul. He was simply someone who showed her kindness.
Raoul suggested they go to his hotel. He owned half of it so he could guarantee she would have a pleasant experience. As they rode in the carriage to the hotel Raoul asked her a little about herself. She wanted to tell him everything. She needed a friend. A friend from this world she no longer held any place in. To reclaim her place she must learn as much as she could in a short period of time. As a comfortable silence took over the inside the confined space Katherine's mind raced with all she would need to reveal and explain. As Raoul looked across the seat smiling at her she did not feel alone anymore.
This man, Raoul, he instilled a sense of calm in her. In Katherine's eyes Raoul had claimed the roll of hero. He was her knight. Her protector. When she caught Raoul looking at her she smiled happily. This had turned out to be a good day after all.
A/N: If you got this far please be kind and leave me a review. Am I keeping the story in the realms of believability? Leave an opinion one way or another. Please?
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