Mon Espion || Phantom of the Opera

Chapter 35 - Masquerade

Constance took a deep breath as she checked her appearance in front of her mirror one final time before forcing herself out of her chambers for the evening. She had placed on a simple red dress with long sleeves and exquisite embroidery of gold designs on her person, donning appropriate gold jewelry her mother had gifted her to complete the ensemble. Whenever she twirled, she would see her skirt rising just slightly which made her think of this dress to be the perfect party ensemble for the Masquerade. Her original plan for the dress was to wear it for Christmas festivities but since she was invited to none and Erik lived underneath the opera house, she thought it fitting to wear for tonight's party. That and the gold would help her blend in if only slightly with the rest of the masquerade dancers since most of them were wearing white and gold. Her hair was curled slightly and pinned up with two ringlets hanging down and cascading around her shoulders while her make up was just as dramatic as the dress with her bold red lip and coal liner. She twirled once more in her dress in front of the mirror before placing modest red heels on her feet.

In all honesty, she hoped Erik would approve of her ensemble. She also wanted to match him slightly, even if no one knew they were together. A small smile came to her lips when she thought of all the fun Erik and her would have tonight, out in the open, much like their short time in London. This night would be the night to rekindle their romance that she craved for while showing off her romance to everyone who had pestered her, if ever so subtly. Suddenly a knock on the door stirred Constance from her thoughts as she turned towards the door. Without asking who was on the other side, she opened it and found Madame Giry standing before her.

"Oh Constance! What a gorgeous gown," Madame commented upon seeing her, causing Constance to blush the shade of her dress before allowing her entrance.

"Do you really like it? I hope he will approve as well," Constance mentioned, looking down at her simple gown as she flattened out the skirt out of nerves.

"Of course he will!" Madame exclaimed, moving inside her room while shutting the door behind her, "he likes everything about you my dear."

Constance smiled and looked back up to face Madame, noticing she had a note in her hand that had a familiar wax seal. Constance raised her eyebrow to Madame who only continued smiling at her.

"He instructed me to hand you this," Madame said, handing her the envelope to which Constance retrieved it, "and know that I will escort you and Meg to the grand staircase instead of your respected dates."

Constance smiled at Madame from hearing this information and nodded in understanding, opening the letter in front of her hastily.

My Dearest,

I shall be sending Madame Giry to escort you along with her daughter to the ball in hopes of deterring speculation that you do not have an escort yourself, as well as to off put anyone who decides to ask for your hand this evening. You may dance with others as you so please until I make my presence known. I will be in the outfit you and Daroga gifted me, so I should be easy to spot among the crowd.

Until Tonight,

Erik

Constance's smile grew slightly as she tucked the note in one of her dresser drawers carefully. She succeeded before long and turned her body over to Madame with concern, "I do hope Meg is not upset by this."

"Oh no my child. In fact, she's excited to show you her ensemble, though I myself am not amused," Madame explained, rolling her eyes over the mention of her daughter's outfit.

"Oh Madame, it cannot be as bad as you make it seem," Constance jested, taking her hand as they both walked out of her chambers.

"You have yet to see it," Madame replied, shaking her head as Constance couldn't help but chuckle at Madame's concern.