Beauty Of Music

Chapter 14

Whilst Catherine and Erik were having the time of their lives, Christine had returned from her carriage ride with Phillippe and had a wonderful time just as much as her sister was, she was also taken by surprise. It turns out, Phillippe was a childhood friend of Christine's and Catherine, although Catherine was too young at the time to remember him, whilst they worked for his family for a short period of time. The two then spent their whole time together reliving fond memories of each other and confessed how much they had missed each other since the day they parted. After a boat ride and a stroll through a wooded area, Christine began to feel anxious because she and Phillippe have been out for a long time and Catherine would be back at the Opera House now, worrying about her. She asked Phillippe to take her home, which he happily obliged and soon they were on their way. When they arrived, they bid each other goodnight with a kiss and parted ways.

Christine quickly made her way towards her and Catherine's expecting her to be there but found Carlotta instead.

"Oh, Madame" she said in surprise as she curtsied.

"Don't be frightened. I simply had to see your sister, but it appears she is not back yet. She was so... fantastic tonight" she commented as she walked closer to Christine.

"That is exceedingly kind of you Madame. I am sure my sister will appreciate your compliment" said Christine.

"She was so fantastic that I couldn't sleep. I could only think about her. So, this is where you two have been living?" said Carlotta as she surveyed the room.

"Yes, it is just, um, temporary" said Christine nervously, fearing she and her sister were in trouble for living where they were.

"Dear, there is something I can't quite understand" said Carlotta.

"Yes?" said Christine, encouraging the older woman to continue.

"How did Catherine learn to sing like that?" asked Carlotta, coming straight to the point.

Christine was taken aback by her question and remembering the promise to her sister she said nothing and moved away from Carlotta, towards her bed.

"Because technique like her's simply does not come naturally. So, who has been teaching her?" Carlotta explained before repeating the question again.

"I can't say" said Christine as she sat down on a chair next to a small table where some small items were resting.

"Can't say?" asked Carlotta in a shocked tone as she sat down on a chair across from Christine.

"I gave my word" stated Christine as she moved some items on the table around.

"To whom? Your sister? Her teacher?" asked Carlotta.

Christine did not speak but nod her head to answer 'yes'.

"I see, her teacher said to her and you, don't tell Carlotta who I am?" asked Carlotta, her tone became angrier as she spoke.

"He said not to tell anyone" explained Christine in a nervous tone.

"You think I am anyone?!" exclaimed Carlotta, feeling insulted.

"Please, Madame!" begged Christine, she did not want to speak about Erik anymore out of loyalty to her sister.

Silence fell over the two and by now Carlotta's anger was at boiling point.

"So, this is how you repay my generosity?! Letting you stay in these magnificent quarters, against all regulations rent free!?" Carlotta shouted as she rose from her chair and walked a few steps to the right to emphasize the space of Christine and Catherine's living quarters.