Adult-FanFiction.org : Books

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
- 35
- 36
Old Loves, New Loves

Katherine had kept the visits to the office to herself for a few days. She had not at first told them about her meeting with Raoul. She had only divulged how everyone had treated her. She did not want to upset everyone with everything at once. She had no worries about her father telling anything that happened. He no longer even spoke to her. His housekeeper provided all his meals. When his money ran out that woman would not be staying.

A particularly bitter encounter with her father over her shares in the business, the theatre in particular had grown from a somewhat uncomfortable conversation to an outright attack by her father. Daniel had been so frustrated and fearful of losing his standing in the community that he had resorted to threats toward Katherine trying to force her to sign a paper giving him full control of everything except her trust fund. His usual attempts to get her to sign were more a nagging than anything threatening. Perhaps that had been due more to the fact that Matthew or Martin always seemed to be close at hand.

This particular evening Martin had a date and Matthew had gone to the stables to check on a mare that was due to foal.

Katherine had refused once again to sign. After much name calling that had escalated with each passing second, Gamm had sent Fawn to bring Matthew back to the house. Daniel had been striking Katherine with his fist upon her arms that she had placed protectively over her head. She could have defended herself, but some long ingrained memory of her mother telling her to always respect her father would not allow her to raise her hand to him.

Matthew had come in pulling Daniel away from Katherine. Matthew had hit Daniel once in the face with his fist. Daniel had gone sprawling across the room landing with a thud. He was unconscious before he hit the floor. After kneeling to check on Katherine Matthew had begun to get to his feet, so that he might deliver a few more blows, but Katherine had grabbed his arm before he could leave her. She told him her father was not worth Matthew getting into trouble.

Katherine had picked herself up with Matthew's help. She wiped the blood from her lip where her father had struck the first blow. She instructed Jackson and Gamm to pack every scrap her father had in the guesthouse. She then told them she wanted him deposited in town at the apartment. Whoever took him to town was to make sure he was conscious before they left so that they could be sure he understood what they were telling him. Her father was to be told not to set foot on the estate again. His things at the office and theatre would be sent on to him. He was not welcome in either place again. He could stay in the apartment until he decided what he wanted to do. Katherine would be contacting a lawyer, one of her choice to draw up papers stating that he was selling his complete interest in all businesses they owned jointly. He need not see her again. Everything would be handled by her lawyer and his own as well.

If he ignored Katherine's wishes, she would make sure every illegal action he had ever committed would come to light. Not only the things he had done recently, but anything they could find in the records would be sent on to the prosecuting attorney's office.

Mrs. Graham volunteered to go with the stable boy to make sure Daniel got every word of Katherine's message and understood each word and syllable. Things had been expedited rather quickly. After bathing and getting into bed, Katherine could find not one tiny bit of respect or affection for her father. She was as good as an orphan. With her father as her only remaining parent she would have been better off without him to begin with. She did not regret her actions, she was only a little disappointed it had taken her so long to realize the truth and accept it.

The peaceful days that followed Daniel's removal emphasized just how disruptive his personality had been on the whole household. Katherine apologized to everyone for taking so long to accept reality. No one held her responsible for her father's actions. She did not mind at all her father staying in the apartment. She wished she had thought of it sooner. This would work out so much better. It was better for everyone that he left the estate. They had nothing to say to one another anymore after that last horrible night. Soon he would learn he had no ties here and hopefully would return to Boston with Lydia and her children. Katherine did not feel anything other than relief that he would soon be gone. He was her father by birth but he had ceased to be anything closer eight years ago. Since the moment she had returned he had shown her nothing but disdain and contempt. When her father had laid his hands on her in anger, Katherine had put a period to her relationship with him.

Since that first time she had gone into the office on her own and made a complete fool of herself. Katherine had reluctantly been going into the office daily. She need not have worried about Erik as he made it clear he had no wish to speak with her. As soon as she walked in, he gave her a cursory greeting, then he went into his office, closing the door with a loud click. She was not positive, but she thought she might have heard the lock click. As if she would go into his office without an invitation. He would not come out the whole time she was there. Unless she spoke quickly before he began to move away she did not get to say anything more than good-morning.

Arthur had been kind enough to find all the information she had needed. He turned out not to be such a bad person. They worked well together. He had even told her that Mr. Khan and Mr. Marashi were working from the office in one of the warehouses for a few days. It had something to do with robberies in a couple of warehouses by the railroad.

Only one other time had Katherine and Erik had another close encounter. He had been standing by the tea trolley to pour himself a cup of tea. She had already been out once getting herself a cup. She had forgotten to add sugar. As she reached for the sugar bowel Erik reached his hand out at the same time. Their hands had collided. When they had looked at one another to apologize they had both remained silent. That dark look of desire had been in his eyes again. Before she could make a fool of herself again Katherine had excused herself to go back to the office she had made her own. She had left her cup of tea sitting on the trolley as had Erik when he regained enough composure to move. He was all too aware of those confounded tremors in is hands again. He was short of breath. Something was definitely wrong with him. Perhaps he should inquire about a competent physician. He had never been to one before. It was possible it was time he did so.

God the woman was going to drive him insane if she did not kill him first. Well he knew for certain that lust unsatisfied did not kill, but it was damn frustrating. A match in the ring might be in order soon. Beating the shit out of someone might take the edge off. Erik was not the man he had been a few years ago. He was not a ghost of a man with little confidence in his attractions. He was not completely over his past, but he could not doubt that some women had begun to show interest in more than just how deeply his pockets ran or how generous he was when removing his hands from those pockets. Why Erik did not immediately seek out one of those women was something he cared not to dwell on. If he had it might have occurred to him that perhaps he did not dislike Miss Montgomery as much as he claimed.

It was fairly clear to Nadir and Darius he felt something for her, or it would not bother him so much for him to think of her with another man. He had complained about Raoul. Even poor Hayden had run afoul of Erik's temper one day at the office. Hayden had been telling about his crush on Katherine when they were younger and their subsequent close friendship. Erik had asked Hayden if he did not have some other business to attend to other than loitering in his office. Erik had gone into his office slamming the door quite forcefully.

When Nadir and Darius expressed the desire to be properly introduced to the woman Erik had become quite surly and disagreeable toward them for the rest of the day. Erik had made some odd growling noises when Darius jested that he might pursue her as she seemed not to have any suitors. Nadir had gotten his fair share of daggers from Erik's eyes when he had encouraged Darius to make an advance toward her. Nadir's mind began to buzz with possibilities.

When Katherine had informed everyone of her expected houseguests they were cautious about allowing others to come here not knowing what their reactions would be. Matthew had folded his arms giving her a stern look a father would give a daughter who had committed some outrageous act. She had stood her ground. After explaining some of what had happened they were a little less objective to her plan. The fact that she had finally stood up to her father pleased them more than anything. The fact that she threw him out on his ear made it easier to accept the new guests. They were only sorry Katherine had to suffer any physical discomfort in the process.

Raoul and Katherine had agreed to wait a few days for things to settle down before they made any firm decisions. When she informed him of what had taken place with her father he had been appalled. Being the gentleman he was he offered to knock some sense into him if she would like. Katherine was of the opinion her father had no good sense at all. Beating him about the head would only relieve him of what little brain he had to think with now.

The last few days Katherine had been tearing through the house like a dervish. Upon presenting her plan a few days ago to the household many protests were launched. Who were these people? How did she meet them? Could they be trusted? Between her excitement over having houseguests and dealing with Erik she had been running in circles. At least it kept her mind from lingering too long on those last few moments before they had been interrupted just as they were about to kiss. She was sure they had been heading in that direction. At least she had come to that conclusion in her own mind upon reliving those few highly charged moments. Perhaps she was the only one that had been seeking a kiss. That would have been even more embarrassing if she had tried to kiss him and he had rejected her. Or worse still he had laughed at her.

She had changed her original plan concerning moving her new guests into the guesthouse. Matthew still stayed in the small room at the back of the stables. Considering he had all but taken over the management of the whole place Katherine made the decision to offer him the guesthouse. Fawn and Dove could live with him. Since no one knew Dove was not his sister nothing would be said. Her three new quests could stay in the house. Why have fifteen bedrooms if only one above the ground floors was occupied? Katherine was tired of being the only person climbing the stairs at night. Everyone else lived in the servant's quarters. No one was inclined to move. They were quite comfortable where they were.

Katherine had enticed Fawn and Dove with the temptation of choosing their own decorations and furniture for their rooms. The dresses she had ordered arrived along with the seamstress as promised. This was a woman Katherine had not met the other day. Georgina Taylor was her name. She said she had been employed in the laundry of the Embassy Hotel. One day Mr. de Chagny came in asking for the best seamstress. Susan had been presented to him. He had asked her if she would like to work in a dress shop. Who wouldn't rather be sewing seams instead of sweating over hot vats of soapy water washing other people's dirty laundry for very little pay? She told Katherine the shop's owner had fired several ladies taking Mr. de Chagny's recommendations into consideration.

Georgina had not heard anything about Katherine. If she had it wouldn't have mattered. She formed her own opinions according to how people treated her not what self-important bigots said or thought. She was poor enough to have come into some harsh words from the so called proper ladies and gentlemen of the upper classes.

Katherine and the others were having breakfast one morning when someone came to the front door. Katherine and the others heard the maid protesting loudly for someone to wait until she had been announced.

"Oh pooh, I have not seen my friend in nine years. Do you think I am going to let some overzealous maid or proper etiquette stand in my way? Move aside or I will move you." Emily Pierce started shoving her sleeves above her elbows. Her best friend she had mourned for nine years was in this house somewhere and by God no one was stopping her from seeing her. That snake of a father of Katherine's had not even mentioned Katherine's return when she and her mother had run into him last evening.

The wretch had gone and on about the wonderful investor who was saving his opera house. If he had not been so deep in his cups he probably would not have wanted them to know he was in any financial trouble. And to think Emily had wished him a good evening. Next time she saw him she would have a few very unladylike words for him.

Stalking past the now quiet maid Emily picked up the skirts of her yellow and white summer dress. Not seeing anyone who would object she ran down the hall to the kitchen where the maid told her she would find Katherine. Coming to a skidding stop just outside the door she took a moment to look at each individual. She had skipped over the tall dark man when her eyes zipped back to him. Oh my, oh my. He was a big one. If she did not have other things on her mind she would have looked much longer enjoying so much male perfection.

Her eyes alighting on the young woman who could be no other than Katherine, she squealed in girlish delight. Skipping across the room then skirting around the table she hugged Katherine from behind as she sat in her chair. A memory of laughter while playing entered Katherine's mind. Emily. This was her best friend Emily.

Standing up she turned to face her old friend. For a few seconds they just looked each other over. Then each gave an earsplitting squeal. It was if those last nine years of separation had never happened. The intervening years were stripped away. Two young girls on the cusp of womanhood replaced the now fully adult individuals.

They held each other tightly babbling about things from their past. Questions such as "Do you remember this or that? peppered the almost incoherent conversation. Katherine leaned back from her one time friend. She had worried if Emily would remember their friendship or snub her as others had. She should have known her friend better. Emily had always been a independent minded young girl. Her mother encouraged her to think for herself as well as make her own decisions.

"Oh Emily it is so good to see you. How is your mother? Does she know I have returned?" Emily's home had been like a second home for Katherine. The two girls had been friends since they were two and their mothers had joined the same women's guild.

"Oh yes indeed she does. We have been away for a couple of months visiting relatives. Duty you know. They blackmail you with threats of impending death should we not make one last visit before they pass on. This threat has been going on for the last ten years or so without one death yet. In some cases I say good riddance. Now enough of that, as I was saying we had been away, when we returned rather than go home forcing the servants to fix us a meal we went to the hotel. As you will remember whenever my mother or I get near a stove to cook a fire is usually the result. That is one thing that has remained the same."

"Oh dear me Katherine, where are our manners? We stand here going on and on while three other people remain un-introduced to me, shame on the both of us. So Katherine, introduce me to your friends." As she spoke her eyes returned to the dark haired man who looked as if his face were carved from stone. Well we'll just have to see about loosening him up, can't have such a nice looking man looking as if he had swallowed something particularly nasty.

"Emily this is Fawn and Dove. Fawn and Dove are Matthew's sisters. This of course is Fawn's brother Matthew. Everyone this was...is my best friend, Emily Pierce. We knew each other since we were small little girls of two."

Emily being the exuberant extrovert rounded the table to embrace each girl in a friendly hug. She turned to the man beside them. For a moment she caught the look of concern on his face fearing she might attempt the same type of embrace with him. Her wicked nature almost got the better of her. She almost did that very thing if for no other reason than to see his reaction. Instead she offered him her hand. He looked for a moment as if she offered him something distasteful or perhaps offered him a snake. Not one to be put off she made the decision to show this man just how friendly she could be. She'd wear away his reserve like water on stone. She reached over to him grabbing his hand pumping it up and down in a manly fashion. The man was completely bewildered.

Having gotten introductions out of the way Emily proceeded to dominate the conversation. She had never known a time when she could not find something to say. Not that she was pushy or overbearing. She just knew how to make others comfortable when words stuck in their throats. There were very few people she truly disliked and fewer who disliked her. She was an open, giving, caring young woman. Fiercely loyal to her friends and family, she did not let the fact of her wealth make her feel superior to others. For her it was just a tool she could use to right the wrongs she found in her daily life. Things had a way of getting done when she and her mother put there minds to changing something they saw as an injustice.

They were two women way ahead of their time. It was God's good wisdom to have fortune smile on them otherwise their unorthodox attitudes would not be tolerated. They both were active supporters of women's rights and the rights of the individual.

Katherine gave Emily the details of her life during the years she had been missing. Emily was fascinated rather than horrified. She turned to Matthew lifting her brow in question, "So Lone Wolf, what a marvelous name, do you think you might teach me to make a bow? I wouldn't mind learning how to shoot an arrow either. It could be a handy thing to know should I need to seek vengeance on someone. I abhor guns. Much too noisy as well as leaving a messy wound. I don't think I'd mind an arrow so much."

"My name is Matthew." Not knowing if she were being insulting or truly asking him to teach her he continued to scowl. Emily just smiled. He would swear he saw her wink at him just before she turned back to speak with Katherine. This woman, this Emily was unlike any woman he had ever met. Well perhaps she did remind him of his mother. Her attitude and confidence in what she believed were similar to his mother's beliefs. If he remembered correctly his mother was a force to be reckoned with. Perhaps he should avoid Emily in the future. Emily was thinking just the opposite. Anyone who knew Emily knew she did not give up if she wanted something badly enough.

"Well of course your name is Matthew. I knew that. I just happen to like Lone Wolf better. Now, Katherine you must throw a party. Mother is out right this minute rounding up all the women of The Richmond Ladies Guild. As soon as the servants told us of your return and how most people had been treating you she was appalled. Not to mention that snake of a father you have. Sorry Katherine. I know he's your father but he has been quite a different man since you and your mother went missing. So what do you think of a party to introduce you and your friends to everyone?"

"A party Emily, do you really think that is such a good idea? I mean who would I invite? Would anyone come?" In her mind she asked herself "Would they accept my friends?"

Emily waved her hand in dismissal, "Oh pooh. There is me and my mother, a few of our friends from the old days, my brother and his wife. He gave up waiting for you to return. He had such a crush on you as did Hayden. Now let's see. Of course Gamm and Martin should be there. By the way where is Gamm? I would have thought she would have tied a rope to your waist and her own to make sure you don't disappear again."

"She had some shopping to do. She needed to make some changes to her usual order of supplies. Having three extra people to feed requires more food. Actually I think she is just going into town to make sure it is known that I am the one behind the money in the Montgomery household. She thinks if everyone knows that it will stop a lot of the gossiping and whispering. She thinks it might even curtail a lot of the hostility toward me."

"Shoot. I wish I had come earlier. We could have ridden in with her to get what we need for our party. I know you haven't agreed yet but you will. You know how I am when I know I am right about something. Since I can't remember being wrong that means I get my way in all things."

"We girls simply must go to town to find something special to wear. After all you did miss your debut Katherine." Emily clapped her hands in excitement catching Matthew looking at her with a little more concentration than warranted. That man did not know it yet but hurricane Emily was about to storm into his life. He would not know what hit him.

"Emily we just got new dresses. Come see if any would be appropriate." The women left Matthew alone to recover from having just spent the last hour surrounded by women. He was in need of some male companionship. Even if was only a horse. He left to make his way to the stables to start his day. If every once in a while his mind wandered to a certain raven haired, blue eyed woman he brushed his thoughts aside quickly trying to convince himself he did not feel as if a bolt of lightening had just struck him.

Fawn and Dove were a little concerned about meeting so many people who may hold a grudge against their people. Matthew could pass as a white man. Since he had cut his hair and began wearing the white man's clothing he looked like a man who worked in the sun tanning under the sun's harsh rays, a man who spent a lot of his time outdoors. They could not hide who they were. No matter what outer covering they put on they would still look different from all the light skinned women. Even Katherine had lost some dark coloring. She only had a creamy color now.

As they sat making the list of guests both Katherine and Emily assured them the people they would have at the party would only be those who would not pass judgment. Although Katherine had her own reservations she could not let her two close friends think she would allow them to hide while she entertained. Besides she herself could use the bolstering of her confidence having as many people around her as possible who did not hold her responsible for things she had no control over.

Katherine told her of the impending arrival of her houseguests in the morning. Emily was quite impressed with Katherine meeting a noble on her first visit to town. Her first night back she had only met Katherine's father. Talk about opposite ends of a pole, there was a prime example.

Katherine explained a little of what Raoul had told her. Emily insisted the infamous Mr. Fontaine must be invited. It would be marvelous to play cupid. When she asked if Raoul truly was willing to hand over his wife Katherine hesitated before answering remembering the men's antagonism toward each other. She explained her doubts to Emily. Her friend was unconcerned. Were they not the champions of brawling when they were younger? Many a time, they had come home with their dresses dirty with tears in the fabric from some wrestling match at school. Boy or girl they put up with no one's lip. Besides, there was going to be plenty of women there who would be more than willing to distract a handsome rich Frenchman. Emily did not reveal that she had her own agenda. She would be setting her sites a certain wild man. God she hoped he hadn't been tamed too much. A little bit of the savage could make things interesting. Controlled wildness could definitely add spice to life.

Katherine had stood firm refusing to invite Mr. Fontaine. She explained she did not want to play peacemaker the whole day. Besides she did not like Mr. Fontaine at all. He had the head of a pig and the tail of an ass. In other words he was a pigheaded ass. Katherine thought that summed him up nicely. Emily was even more intrigued. She simply must meet this man, if for other reason than to see why he ruffled Katherine's feathers so thoroughly.

Emily watched over Katherine as she addressed notes inviting everyone to an impromptu gathering on Saturday to get reacquainted. She apologized for the short notice. The afternoon would be casual with a picnic lunch being served. Lawn games would be offered for those wishing to partake in such activities. Before Katherine could change her mind Emily snatched up the envelopes saying she would personally see that they were put in the hands of the individuals. Waiting for Katherine's attention to be elsewhere for a few seconds Emily tucked a sheet of Katherine's stationary along with an envelope in her bag. Oh this was such fun.

After Emily left the other three looked at each other as if they had just survived a mild storm. That was Emily. She never had been one to let the grass grow under her feet. Especially if it were something she really wanted. Katherine had learned early in their friendship it was easier to just let Emily take the lead. No one could sway her once she set her mind on something. It was much less bother to simply give in. Besides Katherine had to admit what Emily wanted and what she had wanted were usually the same thing. They had been closer than most sisters. Fawn had formed the same sisterly bond with Katherine years ago. Dove was only in the last month really coming to know Katherine. Their bond was strengthening as well.

Katherine could not help but notice how many times Matthew and Emily had looked at each other when they thought they were unobserved, although it would not matter to Emily. She would have no qualms about confessing her interest. Matthew on the other hand would deny it if you pulled his finger nails from his fingers. He had stated many times white women were useless. He had clarified that by excluding his mother and Katherine when Katherine had held a blade to his throat threatening to cut his lying tongue out. As this observation had been made before they had become so close he had never been certain how much of the threat was bluff and how much was real. She had never seen fit to enlighten him nor had he asked.

It had surprised as well as pleased Katherine that she and Emily had been able to pick up where they left off as eight years had not separated them. That fact alone was a testament to how close they had been, and apparently still were. That her friend had sided with Gamm in her surety of Katherine returning had touched her deeply. Emily had remained her true friend even in her absence.

After leaving Katherine's, Emily had been flitting all over town delivering the invitations for the past few hours. Emily had been correct in her choices of the friends they should invite. Everyone was appalled at the treatment Katherine had received. Her father had given orders that everyone was to be turned away when they visited Katherine.

Emily saved the best for last. She was so hoping to catch the mysterious masked man, Mr. Fontaine at home. She had stopped at her home long enough to write out the invitation to Mr. Erik Fontaine. Naturally Emily would inform her friend of her invitation. Could she help it if the telling would be long after it would be proper to cancel the planned event? She could deal with Katherine's irritation over her underhanded action. Katherine would see in the long run it was a necessary evil. Well Emily did not see a handsome man's presence as an act that needed to be forced. Being a good friend she was simply doing what Katherine wanted to do without realizing that fact.

Katherine had been quite thorough in her description of a man she professed to dislike so much. The breathless quality to her voice did not escape Emily's notice either. She had been able to give quite a vivid description of him. Emily bet if she asked, Katherine could tell her what size shoe he wore. Her matchmaking bells were ringing. She mentally flicked away the idea of Mrs. de Chagny and her supposed devotion as well as the intriguing Mr. Fontaine's. Her loyalties were with Katherine. Mrs. de Chagny had had her chance.

Besides, she was already tied to one man although Katherine did say Mr. de Chagny had come to terms with his wife's defection. He had even offered to help her find the man. This Mr. de Chagny was a man Emily had to meet. He was either a poor homely sap who let the women in his life rule him or one resigned to giving into a man who had more attractions while he suffered in silence licking his wounds. Emily wished now she had thought to ask Katherine more about him. Now that she thought about it Katherine had said he was nice, a true gentleman, a good and honest man. She had said nothing about how he looked. On the other hand she had gone into great detail when speaking of Mr. Fontaine. A smile lit Emily's face as she pulled the cord to ring the bell of Mr. Fontaine's home. Oh yes indeed Katherine was smitten, or at least reluctantly attracted. Life long love matches had been born from less.

As she waited she admired the front of the house. Obviously he had money. Oh this was just perfect, money and looks. If she hadn't set her sights on Matthew she might give Katherine a run for her money. It would be a shame to end a newly rekindled friendship over a man. What luck Emily's interest was focused elsewhere.

The door opened suddenly bringing Emily back to her senses. Her eyes widened. Good God! What did they feed this man? He was huge. Not fat in any sense. There was just so much of him. So much...muscle…. everywhere. For a moment she lost her tongue giving into her urge to investigate him closely. She blushed scarlet when her eyes dropped down below his waist. Good heavens, was all she could think of at the moment in reaction to what she saw.

"Yes Miss. Might I be of some service?" Darius looked down, way down at the woman before him. If he were not mistaken the woman was ogling him quite openly. He was used to being stared at with surreptitious glances from women as well as men because of his size. He was not vain enough to consider he was an extremely attractive man. His dark good looks caused many a lady a few palpitations. He was not used to such open perusals from anyone, especially a woman.

Clearing his throat loudly he brought Emily back to the purpose of her visit. "Oh yes. Yes. I would like to speak with Mr. Fontaine if I may?" Emily felt quite flushed. She could only hope her face did look as warm as it felt. Richmond was suddenly being flooded with good-looking, eligible men. Thank God!

She had just regained use of her tongue when another man came from the left of the man standing in the doorway. When Emily caught sight of him her heart kicked up another notch. Good Lord did they not have ugly people where these men came from? If this was a sample of the men, she wondered what the women looked like. She was damn glad she did not live there.

"Darius, who is at the door? Not another sales person I hope. This countries penchant for door to door sales is quite irritating." Nadir had already been disturbed three times this morning and it was not even noon yet. Erik had given him some papers to review concerning some incidents of theft at one of his warehouses. He had yet to get beyond the opening paragraph.

Upon seeing the young woman craning to see around him, Darius moved from restricting her view. Nadir stood a bit taller bringing his shoulders up. Nadir had come to the realization months ago that he was ready to begin the process of mingling with the fairer sex. With all the drama in Erik's life he had little time to pursue any avenue so far that crossed his path with a suitable woman. Katherine he considered out of bounds as Erik was interested even if he vehemently denied such a possibility. Once Nadir's libido had reawakened Nadir found it quite distressing not to have an outlet for his desires. He was beginning to understand some of Erik's dark moods of late. He had been feeling dark clouds rumbling over his own head lately. Perhaps Allah had answered his prayers sending a woman straight to his door.

"Oh pardon me for not introducing myself first thing. Where are my manners? I am Emily Pierce, a good friend of Katherine Montgomery. I have an invitation for Mr. Fontaine. I am delivering it personally. Oh and for the both of you as well," she said upon entering the house. She was sure Katherine would not mind.

"Katherine wishes to get reacquainted with all her old friends as well as new ones. Since Mr. Fontaine and Katherine will be dealing with each other frequently we thought we should all get to know each other better. The invitation is addressed to Mr. Fontaine. Katherine I am sure wishes to extend the invitation to you and your friend. She has left the task to me to make the deliveries so by my authority I extend this invitation to the both of you. Please say you will come." Emily poured on the charm. She had been charming men practically from the cradle.

"Erik, Mr. Fontaine is not at home at the moment. If you wish you may leave the invitation with me. I will be sure to give it to him first thing when he arrives home. As for myself I would be honored to attend. I cannot speak for Darius." He cast a questioning look at Darius.

Darius bowed toward Emily who blushed even as she boldly ran her eyes over him once more. "It would honor me to attend this function as well. I shall be happy to meet everyone." Darius was hoping there would be single women at this gathering. Keeping watch over Erik along with his responsibilities to the businesses he had little time to seek out any young women. He was ready for the next stage of his life, which included a woman and children. Of course, with a marriage to said woman in-between the meeting and the children.

A thought occurred to Emily that brought her mind back from her intent perusal of Darius. "You might want to mention in lieu of Mr. Fontaine's and Mr. de Chagny's….uh, differences, it might be advisable to inform him both Mr. and Mrs. de Chagny along with their guest Mrs. Meg Giry will also be attending. I do hope Mr. Fontaine considers attending. I think everyone will find it quite enjoyable. Oh yes before I forget. It will be quite casual. In the evening we might be taking a wagon for a hayride, keeping that in mind, dress appropriately. We wouldn't want anyone to ruin anything."

Emily had gone on to recount how Katherine and Raoul had met, which led to the invitation to stay with her. Katherine was looking forward to having Raoul as her guest in particular. He did after all save her in a true knightly fashion.

After she left both men looked at each other trying to think how they should react to this new turn of events. Nadir for his part was quite happy with the recent events. This worked well with what he hoped would happen over the course of the next few weeks.

"You know Nadir we can not keep this from him. It would only make matters worse if he found out we did not inform him of the invitation. Besides we did receive an invitation to attend as well. Perhaps our clearer heads will win the day."

"I do not know what man you have been observing all these years but the one I know will not give a fig for anything we say. He will do as he pleases. If we try to interfere openly we may have our clear heads lying in our laps. I never thought Erik would become so confident when dealing with people. He has always been a little overbearing at times when he wants something. Well actually downright arrogant I would say. Blasted man, all the years climbing out of the hole he dug himself into now he is willing to climb right back in the pit with the poisonous viper which left him when he needed her most. Erik has always been blinded by Christine. Even when he confessed he thought she was not right for him he still clings to hope wearing that damn ring around his neck all the time. I just hope he has more sense this time. Allah, help us all if he and Raoul cannot resolve their issues."

"Anyway aside from not being able to control Erik or keep him away from Christine, I think he may find a new woman occupying his mind at times. Katherine Montgomery has been in quite a few of our conversations lately. He did become rather upset that day I sent Miss Montgomery that letter of invitation. I am hopeful something will come of Erik's fascination with Katherine instead of Christine causing friction between Raoul and Erik again. So, no, I do not intend to keep this invitation from him. It will work in our favor do you not agree?"

"Nadir it is out of our hands really. All we can do is watch while being ready to give our assistance when needed. I have found that with Erik sometimes it is better to let him struggle with a problem. If one offers advice he is just mule headed enough to do the opposite. Perhaps bringing notice to another woman would not be out of order. He did seem to be quite intrigued at the same time he was angered by Miss Montgomery. If you remember he spent the whole of the evening shouting about her unladylike behavior while giving a blow by blow account of everything she said and did. It did not escape my notice he gave us a detailed description of a woman that he claimed to have nothing but contempt for. I think we might find this knowledge useful as you say."

"Darius I never knew how conniving you were. You are quite a devious person under all that stoic quiet you portray. I like it. Yes indeed I like the way you think, especially as it coincides with my plan. Perhaps a healthy dislike will peak his interest. We all know how Erik hates to be thought less than Raoul. Yes this could work to our advantage." Nadir rubbed his hands together in gleeful anticipation. He could not keep Erik away from Christine or Raoul. Perhaps he could control the outcome of those encounters to a degree using Erik's own sense of pride against him. Tonight he would start his first campaign. By the weekend Erik would be chomping at the bit to win Miss Montgomery's favor over Raoul's.

Nadir let Erik settle at the dinner table. After a few bites he mentioned the invitation. Erik sat poised with his fork halfway to his mouth. Putting the bite of steak into his mouth he began to chew. The meat began to seem as if strips of leather had been woven into the meat. At long last the bite was swallowed. He set the fork beside his plate with deliberate care before speaking, "An invitation you say, for this weekend? I suppose since Raoul and Christine will be her houseguests they will be attending?" Odd that the fact that Katherine included him in the invitation pleased him more than seeing Christine.

"Oh yes indeed. Miss Pierce, Emily, could not say enough good things about Raoul. Why he practically played a knight in shining armor. He rescued Miss Montgomery from a terrible situation with some unthinking townspeople. Emily said Miss Montgomery considers him quite the hero." Nadir did not miss the scowl on Erik's face as he sang Raoul's praises.

"Hah! Her hero had to be defended by her to save him from me. Damn woman took me down twice. I still cannot figure out how she got the better of me, even if she did surprise me. There was a time a mouse could not have surprised me. Perhaps I am getting old. A few years ago I could have fought three men with one hand tied behind my back. Now, I let a beautiful slip of a woman take me down."

"Well Raoul is considerably younger. Naturally he would be a little more agile." Nadir realized the error of that statement when Erik huffed angrily once or twice before finally expelling enough steam to speak coherently.

"What the hell are you spouting off about? I am not that much older than Raoul. I held my own with him. In fact if she had not interfered taking my weapons from me I may have killed the pompous bastard."

"Well I suppose you are right. If the woman had not knocked you to the floor, taking your weapons so as to protect her dear friend, I am sure you would have prevailed. From all accounts Miss Montgomery is quite a beautiful woman. One could understand why Raoul would be willing to allow Christine her freedom. What luck for you, Raoul will have his interest drawn elsewhere for this gathering. This will give you an opportune time to seek out Christine. I am so pleased that things will finally work out for you." Nadir's tongue felt as if it had grown hair from the lie slipping out of his mouth.

Having finished they stood to leaving the dining room. They walked down the hall toward the study.

"Nadir I quite agree. Erik this should leave the field open for you. This could well be your chance to explore your relationship with Mrs. de Chagny. Why if things go well by this time next year she might be Mrs. Fontaine while Miss Montgomery could be the new Mrs. de Chagny."

Nadir had not one clue as to why Erik suddenly shot daggers out of his eyes toward Darius. Well perhaps he did. He stepped back a couple of paces, expecting Darius would do the same, just out of reach of Erik's long arms. Darius had thought to please Erik with his statement as much as it had nearly choked him to express the sentiment. Erik looked quite displeased for some unknown reason, unless he and Nadir were correct in their assessment of the situation. Darius had spoken the way he had just to test the waters. He had no fear of Erik's anger. He did not fear Erik period.

Nadir looked on a bit uneasy, Darius on the other hand was not in the least affected. He stood just as he was. Yes indeed he had a suspicion he knew what ailed Erik. The man himself was not yet aware, but he was attracted to Miss Montgomery whether he liked it or not. It would appear he was fighting it tooth and nail. Christine had been his dream for so long it was hard to let it go. He would eventually see his way out of the fog, but the time between would not be pleasant for anyone.

Erik did not know why but Nadir's and Darius' words did not have the pleasing ring he thought they would. He scowled when he pictured Raoul with that Montgomery woman. His hands clenched and his jaw clamped, grinding his teeth together. The damn woman had the nerve to enter one of his more erotic dreams and fantasies last night. Since Erik had first allowed Katherine to enter his fantasies he could not eradicate her as hard as he tried. If he had thought he was going to dream of anyone he would have bet it would be Christine. That had not been the case. The damn light haired witch had him dreaming all night of her overpowering him demanding things he was all too willing to give. He had awoken in the early dawn drenched in sweat with the damn thing between his legs so hard he felt he might burst a vessel if he did not get relief. Since there was no woman handy he had resorted to his old method of releasing sexual tension. Damn woman.

Over the next few nights Erik would repeat those two words many times. She entered his dreams as soon as he fell asleep. He had even resorted to imagining Christine stroking him as he pleasured himself. Damn if just before he reached his moment of expulsion, that woman's face flashed before his eyes giving him the best damn climax's he had ever had at his own hand. He could not rid himself of her even in sleep. Damn woman.

Katherine continued to go to the office over the next few days which had Erik's temper ready to release on anyone who dared to even speak to him. Everyone in the office and the theatre had been giving him a wide birth. They all were quite aware of what his temper was like. Once experiencing his temper was one too many times as far as they were concerned. As soon as Katherine left the office, which she did most days by one o'clock, Erik began his tirade. It carried over until he got home at night and related to Nadir and Darius everything that woman did during the time she was there.

Nadir did not dare ask how Erik knew what Katherine did as he had holed himself up in is own office while she was in residence of her own office. Come to think of it, there was a mirror in Erik's office that was on the wall adjoining the office Katherine was using. Erik was clever enough to invent a mirror that one could see through with the push of a magic button. In fact that was exactly what he had done in the opera house. The marvels he had created in Persia and The Paris Opera House would astound anyone. Yes, it was entirely possible Erik was spying on that young woman. At least it was not her dressing room or bedroom which given Erik's past was not beyond the realms of possibility.

Katherine had at first stressed over the fact that Erik had made no mention of coming to her picnic. Katherine dare not press him. In fact he gave her little opportunity to say anything with the disappearing act he performed everyday. If he was not willing to acknowledge her invitation one way or another to her personally then she would ignore his boorish disinterest also. It did not matter to her if he came or not. She thought it would be better if he did not come anyway. She knew Raoul would be happier if he did not. Christine might protest, but as far as Katherine was concerned Erik Fontaine could jump off a cliff. In fact if she were standing behind him she would give him the push he needed to begin his descent.

Katherine tried to be friendly, but not overly so hoping they could have a civil working relationship. He all but snubbed her attempts at conversation. He snarled and sniped at her no matter what she said. If she asked a question about the business he told her he was not an information center, then walked away without so much as a by your leave. She had stamped her foot, calling him some very impolite names more than once. He pretended to forget her name constantly. If he did dare address her he would only refer to her as Miss Montgomery no matter how many times she had given him permission to call her Katherine. He never asked her to refer to him as anything other than Mr. Fontaine. If she did not speak quickly enough she ended up speaking to his door. She spent more time looking at his closed door than she did that horrible man's face. Just once she wished she had been the one to leave him standing there while she went into her office and locked the door. Let him stew over that for once.

All in all she thought he was an insufferable man. An attractive man, but not one she would consider as a companion, even if he was so inclined, which she knew he was not. He barely tolerated her presence. She ignored the little lurch of her heart that thought caused her.

What did he matter anyway? He was only a man she had to meet over financial matters. He meant nothing to her and she meant nothing to him. The depressed feeling left in the wake of this knowledge she ignored. She brightened somewhat when she recalled their two close encounters. Then she was depressed again when she recalled how he had reacted to her other visits. Well she did not care. Not a bit. This temporary infatuation would pass soon enough. She wished for that time to come sooner than later.
- 35
- 36
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Ascent to Power