AUTHOR'S NOTE: Well gang, this is it! It's been a fun ride, and I'm so happy so many people have been enjoying this story; Phantom's Beauty is my baby, being my first POTO fan fic. Thank you to everyone for their support and encouragment, for all the fans who followed this story over on Aria, and who continue to tell me that they love it, to all the new fans from FanFic, who have been so wonderful. I deeply cherish all your reviews and letters, and I truly hope that you enjoy this final enstallment. You guys are the best! Every author should be blessed with readers like you! Thank you again...and without further ado...

Phantom's Beauty

Encore

an epilogue

Christine's Diary, Summer, 1882

It has been five months since our marriage. And so much has happened…

Everything is well with the baby; the doctor recently examined me, and says that I am in excellent health, and should deliver a healthy child in the Fall. I must admit, while I am nervous, I am also very excited. I have been thinking of names recently, writing down those that I like, and sometimes crossing them out later after more careful thought. I still have a few months before I need to come to a decision, which I am most grateful for.

We have all settled here very well, I am happy to say. During our first months here, I feared that Inspector LeDue would go back on his word, and attempt to arrest Erik. But thankfully, we have not seen nor heard from the chief inspector or any of his men.

I now understand why Raoul was so persistent on pursuing my hand in marriage. The papers made his death sound more tragic than it was, and his actions far more heroic than he deserved, but they also revealed that he had many outstanding gambling debts, as well as many unpaid loans that his own estate would barely cover. Apparently he knew about my relationship to the Marquis Clamont, and had planned on using the money passed down to me to pay off his debts, and live in the lap of luxury.

Well, he would have been sorely upset then. While we are living quite comfortably, more comfortably than I have ever dreamed, the money is not as great as Raoul would have liked. Papa quickly learned that the Marquis and his family had many unpaid debts and loans as well, especially to poor farming tenants that shared the land. I am happy to say, that we have quickly set things to right.

As for my dear friends, they seem happier than ever before. Suzette has taken to her role as housekeeper like a fish to water; despite her small size, it is easy to see who truly rules this manor. None of the other servants dare cross her path or question her decisions, at least not without careful consideration as to what may happen if they do. Truly, I always knew she was a queen, and now, she has made it a reality.

Gustave visits often from the monastery. I am so happy for him, to be reunited with his dear friends from so long ago. It was hard at first, especially for Jacque it seemed, when he made his decision to stay at the monastery and take full orders, but thankfully, he visits at least once a week, to conduct services in our small chapel here on the grounds, as well as stay for Sunday dinner.

Jacque continues to fascinate me. Out of all of Erik’s friends, he is still the one I know the least about, and I remember how once I feared he and I would never get along. I would not say that we are close friends, but we do have a mutual respect, and I never doubt his loyalty. His fear of the world beyond the labyrinth of the opera house has almost disappeared. He is still wary, especially if an unknown carriage approaches the château, but he no longer feels the need to hide. He seems to be finally accepting that this is a safe haven, that the dreaded carnival will not snatch him away. I truly hope that he and I will get to know one another better.

And Rudolph, dear Rudolph; he perhaps loves this place more than anyone else.

While he has his own bedroom here in the house, it is not uncommon to discover that he has spent the entire night in the barn, despite the many reprimands he receives from Suzette. He loves being with the animals, and has made it his own responsibility to take care of them, as well as work with them to tend the fields. I think Papa sees Rudolph as the son he never had, and takes great pleasure in teaching him farming techniques.

As for the other servants, I am proud that they have grown accustomed to our little family. Not once do I see them staring or gawking, and they never, never, ask questions in regards to Erik’s mask. It is a silent understanding that he seems to keep with the household. I understand his feelings and do not push him on the subject; he wears the mask wherever he goes, except for our bedroom. He will at least agree with me on that.

Madame Giry and Meg often come to visit, something that I am very grateful for. My friendship with Meg has continued to grow, and I often find myself thinking of her as a dear sister. I know my mother would have adored her, as well as find a kindred friend in Madame Giry. And I have also noticed the way Rudolph appears whenever he hears that Meg is coming. When she greets him, he blushes so brightly, one may think him a tomato! However, despite his obvious feelings, he seems sadly determined that what happened between Erik and me, will never happen to him. I wish I knew how to give him hope…

When Madame Giry and Meg arrive, we find ourselves spending long hours in the gardens, laughing and talking…and I am not proud when I say that it seems I have taken a taste for Parisian gossip. Naturally, I know very little about aristocracy of Paris, but the gossip they bring comes from opera house itself, and what gossip they brought today!

Carlotta has decided to leave Paris, believing there is nothing here left for her. I would have assumed she’d travel back to Venice, or go to those other opera houses that she always bragged about, but no, she has gone somewhere else entirely!

It seems, that Carlotta has had her fill with Europe, and will be traveling overseas, to become the new diva at an opera house in…New York.

Apparently they have been in demand for European singers, and once word reached them about her fame, they were more than happy to accept her to their company. I only hope they are prepared for the tempest they are about to receive.

Indeed, many changes have been going on at the opera house. It was only a month ago that Monsieur Andre and Monsieur Firmin announced that they were quitting their positions, and leaving the opera business for good. You cannot imagine Erik’s good humor when he heard this. Apparently, the two men were in, what Madame Giry calls, the ‘junk business’, and have decided to go back. Little else was said, but I think it is safe to say that after the ordeal at the opera house involving ‘Don Juan Triumphant’, the two men had had enough.

Speaking of Don Juan, that reminds me! Madame Giry told me how despite the fire and the pandemonium caused by Raoul’s shooting rampage, the opera was well received! Many critics, who chose to continue writing reviews after that chaotic night, found the music to be extremely modern…perhaps too modern for their liking, but found the story riveting, and many commented on the amazing ‘transformation’ of Don Juan, at the end of the Act III. The opera has received so much acclaim, that once the Paris Opera House is restored, critics are begging that it be performed again! And already, several letters have been sent to the opera house from other theaters across Europe, begging for the opportunity to have it performed on their stages as well. It appears Raoul was right about something; scandals do sell tickets.

The damage done to the opera house was indeed great, but not as horrid as it could have been. There are hopes that its repairs will be completed before the year is over. Yet even though the opera house is currently closed for repair, this does not mean that business has come to a stand still. Indeed, there has been much discussion as to what shall be done once its doors open again.

After Monsieur Firmin and Monsieur Andre announced their retirement, the first question on everyone’s lips was ‘who will take over the managers' positions?’

That was the night Papa surprised me.

At dinner, he tapped his glass and rose to his feet, a proud, broad smile spreading across his face. After much thought, consideration, and discussion with Erik, he has chosen to join Monsieur Gerard, the conductor, as the Paris Opera House’s new managers.

I was shocked by this news. My father, who had come to Paris nearly a year ago, with hopes to simply play in their orchestra, is now one of its managers. I couldn’t be happier for him.

Erik is very happy too; he now truly believes that his opera house will be left in good hands, and Papa respects Erik’s thoughts on music, and often, after dinner, the two of them disappear into the library to discuss music, the opera schedule, and share their insights on how certain works should be performed. I am glad at how both Papa and Erik have grown to respect and understand each other. Papa truly sees that Erik is not the same man he met almost a year ago, and Erik is now much more open to listening to other people’s opinions.

Oh, Erik.

It amazes me with how my life has changed. It wasn’t very long ago that I felt my life was reserved for country living, that my dreams of singing would never come true. And then, I was in Paris, and shortly after arriving…I met the man who is now my husband.

I almost laugh when I think about how much we despised one another when we first met. But little by little…I came to realize that Erik was no heartless beast, but truly, the man of my dreams. I often find myself calling him my ‘Angel of Music’, but he constantly says that I am his angel, saving him from eternal darkness, and bringing light, and love, into his life.

Erik spends much of his day locked away in his music room, composing whatever comes to mind. Many of the works that were lost in the explosion have been rewritten, including ‘Don Juan Triumphant’. I am happy to say that Erik has now, permanently, included the ending that both he and I composed together.

Papa has gone over many of Erik’s compositions, and has shown them to Monsieur Gerard. Both he and Papa wish to perform several of Erik’s works, and Erik has also sent several other copies of music to other opera houses and symphony halls across Europe. I am so happy for him.

He often says that I will never cease to amaze him; well, he always amazes me. Despite the many hours of work he puts into his music, Erik still insists on instructing me to sing. We spend much of the morning rehearsing, and at least an hour composing music together. I am no musical genius, but I dearly love how Erik values my thoughts and opinions.

At first, I wondered why he wished to continue teaching me. I did not mind it, in fact, I love it, it has become a favorite part of my day. But then Erik told me, one night before going to bed, how he was working on a new opera…and would love to see me perform the lead.

I was stunned. I am still stunned! It is my decision of course, and he understands that, but he does believe, and encourages, that I consider returning to the stage after the baby is born. Well…I confess, while I am anticipating the birth of our child, I am also eager for the day when I can return to Paris, and sing upon that stage once more! Amazing really; I hated being there when I thought Erik was dead, but remembering how it felt, knowing he was watching, singing my heart to him, wanting to please him…

I can’t help it; I am greedy for that feeling again! And I anticipate the opportunity to sing once more.

“Christine?”

Christine paused the writing in her journal and turned from her small writing desk to where her husband lay, smiling at the look he was giving her as he stretched himself out, a thin sheet covering the lower half of his body, while his broad, muscled chest, lay exposed, leaving little to the imagination.

“Come to bed,” he softly commanded, his voice deep and seductive, sending chills down her spine.

“In a minute,” she promised, grinning as he let out a frustrated growl.

Indeed, Erik never ceases to amaze me. And I find myself thanking God every night, and every morning, for bringing him into my life. My dark Phantom–my masked prince.

Christine gasped as the journal was pulled out from under her hands. “Erik!” she squeaked, her face turning a bright shade of pink. “Give that back!”

“Your masked prince, hmm?”

“ERIK!”

His grin was wide, and his laughter rich, as she pounded her small fists against his chest, before he put the journal back down on the desk, and wrapped his arms around his wife, dipping her into a passionate kiss.

“Now my dear…will you come to bed?”

Christine blushed as she felt her husband’s arousal growing against her body. He was completely naked, while she still wore her robe.

“I look and feel like a heifer,” she sighed, glancing at her large reflection in the mirror across the room.

Erik wrapped his arms around her from behind, his hands falling across her belly. “You have never looked more beautiful,” he whispered in her ear, before his lips began to play with the lobe.

Christine purred and leaned in to his touch, and gasped as she felt his hands climbing inside her robe to play with her large, swollen breasts. “You are incorrigible,” she whimpered, arching her body to his touch.

“And you, my sweet wife, are extremely desirable,” he growled, before swooping her up into his arms and carrying her to the bed. Christine snuggled her head against his shoulder, still amazed that after all the weight she had gained from her pregnancy, he was still able to make her feel as light and as delicate as a princess from a fairytale.

Erik happily opened her robe completely, growling with satisfaction as he gazed at his wife’s beautiful full body. He lowered his head then, to plant a soft, gentle kiss, on her swollen belly, before placing a loving hand over it. “Good night, my son.”

Christine swatted his shoulder. “You always say that, you never say ‘goodnight my daughter’.”

Erik grinned, before lowering his mouth over hers. “True, because I love your reactions.”

Christine’s giggle quickly became a sigh, as she surrendered her mouth to Erik’s loving, passionate kiss, her body melting as his fingers began their gentle caress.

The future contained many possibilities for them. Yes, things were looking well and positive, but Christine was not foolish enough to believe it would always be that way. However, no matter what the future held, she truly felt blessed to know that she would be facing it with this wonderful man by her side. Her dark phantom–her masked prince.

FINIS