Beauty Of Music

Chapter 11

It was early that same evening and already the party was in full swing. Most of the company had arrived, some of them were already on the dance floor while others were sitting at the tables watching the woman in a pink dress and a white wig, singing on the stage. The young Count Phillippe was sitting at a table near the stage with three women from the chorus but unlike everyone else he didn't seem to be enjoying the party. He sat on his chair fidgeting quite anxiously and every now and then he would get up and always looked towards the entry way. The three women sitting with him were concerned about his strange behavior.

"I have never seen him like this" the woman in a dark green dress and black headdress commented.

"He seems so distracted" commented a woman in a light pink dress with flowers around the neckline.

Monsieur Cholet and Carlotta had now arrived and when they saw the young Count, they bowed and curtsied and in return he bowed back then sat back down at his table. Carlotta was wearing a black dress with white roses around the shoulders and neckline and on her head, she wore a black headdress with white roses all around it. Cholet wore a dark brown coat with matching trousers, his waist coat was the same colour but also had a golden pattern sewed in and he wore a white shirt and bow tie.

XXX

Whilst back at the Opera House, The Daae sisters were getting dressed for the night. Erik was kind enough to also gift Christine with a dress, hers was a fitted cream colour dress with white roses around the shoulders and neckline. After having a wash both sisters' helped each other get into their dresses whilst Erik waited behind the changing screen, giving Catherine words of encouragement.

"You have nothing to be concerned about I have faith. I promise you are going to be fine" he said.

Catherine said nothing as she brushed her hair whilst Christine was fastening the back of her dress.

"And I will be right there with you Cathy. I know you can do this. Papa and I have always said you were born to be a great singer and tonight you will show everyone that" said Christine as she gave her sister a hug from behind. Catherine touched her sister's hands and smiled. After a moment they released each other and swapped around so Catherine could help Christine with her dress.

XXX

At the Bistro, Count Phillippe was getting more anxious by the minute and decided to go outside for some air. When he reached the bottom of the stairs a voice suddenly called out to him.

"Phillippe!?"

Phillippe turned to see a male figure coming towards him. His face was hidden in the shadows of his top hat but when he removed it Phillippe was glad to see it was the Opera's former manager, Gerard Carriere.

"Gerard!? My dear friend!" said Phillippe with a beaming smile as he embraced the older gentleman, which he gladly returned.

"This girl who's voice you want me to hear, who is she?" asked Gerard with a knowing smile.

"Come have a drink with me" said Phillippe as he led Gerard inside.

The two made their way to the bar and Phillippe bought their drinks.

"Thank you, for remembering me" said Gerard as he and Phillippe clinked glasses together.

"Remember you? Gerard, please you didn't deserve what happened" said Phillippe then took a sip from his glass.

"Frankly, I did not think so either. But what does it matter? I should have retired years ago" said Gerard, reassuringly.

"But tell me, tell me about these girls you appeared to be so interested in" said Gerard in an eager manner.