A Light in the Dark

Chapter 29

Chapter 29 (Gustave's POV)

I woke with Elaina's bare waist encased in my arms. A piercing pain started in my spine as I remembered just what had unfolded the night before.

I made love to her.

I had made pure, passionate love to her, and I didn't regret it. I was ashamed to have taken something so precious from her, but I didn't regret it.

It had been after her performance. She wanted me to go meet her parents. Of course, I had promised her that. They deserved to know what their daughter was setting herself up for.

Her father had shaken my hand, and we began to discuss business. I told him anything a father would want to know. I told him of my job, my education, even my parents; which, god forbid, who didn't already know about my parents. I was up front and completely honest with him, and he all in all seemed pleased. Why wouldn't he be? I'm not one to gloat, but I did have a promising future. Sure, I was and still am a bit eccentric, but nothing good can come unless something bad occurs along with it. That's just life. We all have to accept it.

I had thought it all went well. I had some business to tend to, and I felt that Elaina needed some time with her family anyway, so I let them go their own way. I hadn't expected to see Elaina again until the next morning when it was time for her lesson.

I had just finished up the accounting for what I owned of the park, and I was heading back to my house when it started to rain. I stopped by Squelch's and made it a point to him that Elaina and her family was to return home safely by my orders. He was happy to oblige (as he always was. The man loved to drive a carriage for some reason), and I headed home.

I was sitting at the kitchen table with my evening cup of tea as Lee sat across from me.

"How was the performance tonight?" he asked.

"Right good," I replied. "Elaina sang beautifully as always."

"Sir, do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"

"For the last time, Lee, I'm your friend that happens have hired you. You don't have to call me sir, and you may ask me anything you wish. We're mates. Alright?"

"Yes, sir."

I rolled my eyes in frustration.

"Er... Yes, Gustave."

"That's more like it. Now what's your question?"

"Do you plan to marry Miss Elaina?"

"I do. I plan on asking her soon actually."

He looked away from my gaze. "Does that mean I will have to find another job?"

I chuckled. "No, I think I'll keep you around so long as you're willing to stay. We've been bachelors here together. I don't think anyone can replace that."

He smiled. "I guess you could still find something for me to do around here."

"I'm sure I could think something up. It might be polishing the same candlesticks a million times, but I'll think of something."

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. I stood and tied my robe around me. "Now, who would be calling at this late hour and in this weather?"

Lee laughed heartily. "It's probably your father."

I smiled and laughed with him. "You're probably right. I swear the old man is going to die of boredom or pneumonia, whichever one comes first."

He laughed harder and pushed my shoulders down. "Sit down, Gustave. I'll see to whoever it is."