My Angel of Music

Lazy Day

Meg was glowing as I searched her closet for a suitable dress for her to wear.  "What about pink, Christine?"  She asked, wringing her hands.  "No, too childish.  We have to show him that you are a grown woman, but you still like to have fun."  I explained, rummaging through her dresses.  Then I found it.  I pulled it out, but made sure to conceal it from Meg.  "I've found one, but close your eyes."  I ordered.  She obeyed with an excited smile on her face.  I put it in front of her face and told her to open her eyes.  She did so, quickly.  Her mouth broke out into a broad grin, and her hands clapped together.  "It's perfect!"  She exclaimed, bringing the dress to her chest.  

I laughed and took it from her to put in on.  She quickly let her nightgown drop to the floor and I helped her lace up her corset.  She practically trembled in antcipation as I pulled the new dress over her head.  She stepped back to examine herself in the mirror.  She had on a pale yellow dress that was lace and flowy.  The longsleeves covered her arms modestly, and the dress showed little cleavage.  "Why long sleeves?  It's so humid outside!"  She asked, twirling around in front of the mirror.  "Erik requested that you be dressed modestly and lady-like."  I answered with a giggle in my voice.  She spun around to face me, horror webbed into her features.  "He knows?"  She whispered, shocked.  I nodded.  "Well yes, you can't expect me not to tell him.  Besides, he would know eventually once you're using the carriage everyday."  I said, sternly.

She nodded.  "I guess, but he won't be too over protective, will he?"  She asked softly.  "No, I'll make sure of that.  But Erik feels that this is his only way of thanking Madame Giry, so he does want to protect you in all ways possible."  I replied.  She cast her eyes to the floor and nodded, muttering an "I guess."  under her breath.  I led Meg to the vanity and brushed out her straight blonde hair, making it shine brilliantly.  I pulled it back, tying it with a white ribbon and announced that I was finished.  She smiled and put on her white shoes.  

***

Meg had left an hour ago, and Erik and I sat in the library, reading.  Suddenly I got up and grabbed a bag that was stashed under a shelf. Erik looked at me, questioning the bag, but I only smiled innocently.  I sat on his lap, and kissed his cheek.  "I have something for you."  I announced.  "What is it?"  He asked curiously.  I handed him the brown paper bag, and watched him open it slowly.  He pulled out the book that I had bought him yesterday at the market.  The title was "Stories of Edgar Allan Poe."  His look of delight and surprise illumnated his face.  "Edgar Allan Poe!  When did you get this?"  He asked, happiness laced in his tone.  "Yesterday while you went to fetch the carriage, Meg and I wandered into the bookstore.  I had some money saved up from the Opera House, and I decided to use it."  I explained.  "Thank you so much, mon ange."  He whispered before kissing me sweetly.

I laughed and stroked his mask.  "Will you read to me?"  I inquired.  He frowned.  "Poe is not a very happy author.  His stories are extremly dark and gory.  I'm not sure if it was made for a delicate lady's ears." He replied somberly.  I pouted.  "I'm not a doll.  I've read dark stories before, not Poe but Washington Irving."  I argued.  He smiled.  "Ah, Irving is very dark, indeed.  But Poe, he is....terrifying."  He said darkly.  I frowned and placed my hand on his chest.  "But I have my Angel to protect me from the demons lurking outside, waiting to snatch me up, and drag me into eternal darkness."  I whispered.  Erik looked startled.  "Yes, that is true.  I will not let any demon, or man ever harm you."  He smiled down at me.  

I brightned.  "Then let's see what to read first!"  I chirped.  He chuckled and allowed me to look throught the extremly large book.  I looked at the table of contents.

Annabel Lee'

The Raven

Masque of the Red Death