The next few days were a frenzy of activity for Raoul and I as we drew closer to our departure. Yet neither one of us hardly said a word to the other...a fact quite alarming for a engaged couple. Even the maid of my apartments took notice. As I was helping her fold some linens, I was brooding silently when she spoke up.
"Miss Daae...is there something wrong? You are very...quiet." She commented. I looked up at her. She was quite young, maybe a few years younger than I. Yet her wide bright eyes were troubled and she had been working as a maid long enough to know when her masters were troubled.
"My mind is busy," I replied quietly, keeping my eyes on my hands. I didn't want to lie to the girl, but neither did I want to burden her with my life's complications.
"I worry about you and the Viscount. He seems worried." She said biting her lip. "Forgive me, I shouldn't say anything more. It is not my place."
I sighed and resumed my task, not saying anything. I really wanted to confide in her, yet I worried she would tell Raoul...after all he had hired her for me. Then, I had an idea of someone I could confide in.
I looked up at her, smiling. "Could you send a message for me?"
She nodded, caught unawares. "S-sure madam. To whom?"
I smiled warmly. "Better yet, send for me a carriage. I have a visit to make."
Raoul burst in shortly after the maid had left for the carriage. I was changing out of my plain dress to something a bit more stylish when he swung open the door. I gasped and covered myself quickly, blushing furiously. "D-don't you knock!?" I asked, embarassed and a bit angry. He blushed and turned his head.
"My apologies..." Then he laughed shortly and turned back toward me, smiling crookedly. "Christine, we're to wed in a few weeks...why this embarassment?"
I looked at the floor, trying my dressing robe around me. "I...it doesn't matter! I am not yet your wife, dear Viscount!" I replied, flustered. Then I realized the implication of what I had said.
He frowned, his gaze turning stormy. "I know that all to well. If pride would allow it, I'd haul you to the church this moment...I don't think I can stand another moment without you being my wife." He said intensely, raking my body with his eyes. I turned away.
"W-what is that you wanted that you must walk in like this?" I said, trying to stop my voive from trembling.
"I saw your maid running down as i was coming up...saying you needed a carriage. Why is that? Where must you go so suddenly?"
"Is it any of your concern?" I shot back hotly. I heard his groan of annyonace behind me as I sat at my dressing table to brush out my unruly curls.
"Christine, must we continue this way? I wish not to be a rude brute of a husband to a shrew of a wife. Let us forget this ordeal and focus on our impending nuptiuals. Surely you anticipate them as greatly as I do now that we can leave Paris behind?" He came foward and grasped my hand.
"I love you Raoul, but there is something different about you since when we were engaged." I said slowly.
"What do you mean? My love for you has never changed...it seems quite the opposite." he said, letting go of my hand, turning cold again. "Anyway, where are you off to now?"
I kept facing the mirror, seeing my face twist in malice at his tone. "If you must know, I am off to see Meg. I haven't spoken to her or Madame Giry since..." I broke off, not wanting to mention the painful and confusing memories.
"I see. Very well, just be home for supper is all I ask." He shrugged and left, and I hadn't realized that I was so tensed until the door closed and I heaved a great sigh of relief.
