Ella's POV
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It had been six months since I had escaped my husband's tyrannical hold and four months to date since Arthur and I had moved from that dingy little hotel room and into a proper one bedroom flat in one of Valence's nicer neighborhoods. Also, mind it, away from that pestering Opera House and away from that detestable trouble maker with the smooth voice and strapping figure...no. No more of that I had said. I always had to remind myself how silly I sounded. Although I was no where near him, I felt his voice still call to me at night sometimes. Those were the difficult nights. The ones not spent in good rest.
But enough of dwelling on those things. It was time to dwell on the now. And right now, I was busy waiting tables at a small cafe just two blocks down from Arthur and I's little home. While I worked away busily by day at the cafe, I spent semi-late nights typing up secretarial papers for a law firm around the next block. That paid rent while the waitress went half into foodstuffs and the other half into savings. Savings particularly for Mr. Worthington, who I still owed a pretty penny to.
I was determined to be no man's debtor. I would be my own woman, a woman marked by confidence and self-independence. I would work for no one but myself and my son. I rested in mind calmly at the thought of my son being watched by the kindly older woman who lived in the flat beside me. There was an ease in her, watching her hold Arthur in her lap was refreshing. Like a softer grandmother Arthur had never really had. It brought me more joy seeing that, more peace. But as I thought on those things, I also thought on Arthur's interactions with Erik.
The little one had been good to me, not asking about Erik more than he ought to. Every now and then, certainly he would ask. But I could not blame him for that, for the man had imprinted on my son. He had been a father to him for but a brief moment. Although I loathed the thought of it, there was something in that fatherly nature that also brought me happiness.
"Ella! Come on, sweetheart, the orders are going to get cold. Focus for me, please." My boss yelled at me from behind the kitchen window. I blinked a few times, realizing I had been in a daze again.
I quickly took up two hot plates, each a delicious looking soup. "Pardonnez-moi , monsieur." I moved with a certain grace toward the table, sitting down the soup bowls delicately and smiling. "Enjoy."
Another table caught my eye, another order to be taken. I moved around gracefully, almost in a waltz-like fashion. This was an environment I could get use to. Certainly it was busy and laborious, but it certainly outdid cleaning house for a tyrannical husband. The price of independence was nothing if it meant a feeling freer than a bird.
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Rhett's POV
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Unsuccessful! Massively, utterly unsuccessful! That Maynor was killing my patience and the amount of finances I was willing to spend on that little toad of a wife. Six bloody months of nothing! Pathetic. This all was so pathetic and wasteful of her. For me to be chasing after her, that was truly childish. She expected me to chase at her heels, something I would not do.
No. I was a man of dignity, not one who allowed his wife to drag him through the mud for her own personal gain. An ignorant child. That is what Ella was and always would be. She was pathetic, I could not stress it enough.
I sat in my work office, drumming my fingers against the desktop. Papers surrounded me. Big economics and petty business affairs. My family held one of the most prestige winery in near all of France. It was fitting for our name, Brewer. At first, we found it well in the lager and ale companies, but my father wanted more notoriety. Something only the fine and high in life could attain. High end wine. Long vineyards and hot summer nights in Bordeaux; pretty girls and days on the coast not far from home. Living a life of purest bliss and luxury. Then, to move to Toulouse at the age of fifteen for some education, or so my father put it. I needed to "culture-up" and become a man. No more flirting or swooning pretty little babes in their dainty sea-side suits. No more play. Only books, classical music, deafening operettas I cared nothing about. Tying myself down to one woman, to raise a family. Understanding business and economics. Finances and grapes. Dreadful things.
I wanted nothing more than to run away and do something else. I heard splendid things about the Americas. About the women there. About the playful nature and the carefree nature of the economy and all that delightful talk. But I soon learned my lesson of daydreaming. That was a thing only children did. Once you became a man, you put away such things.
Life now was more structured. You wore suits because you had to, and you liked it regardless. You shook hands firmly, looked one another square in the eye. Never did you waver from your deals. Never did you allow another man to walk over you like some doormat.
You found yourself a woman and you settled. Plain and simple as that. You had a child or two, always hoping for a good heir. You worked and paid bills and did all those things your parents did but you never paid much mind to. Yes, being a man meant a lot of things; a lot of hard and ugly things.
"Mr. Brewer?" The petite voice of my secretary drew me to the doorway of my office.
"What is it?"
"There's a man on line one, says it is very urgent. And I know you said not to bother you today, but I thought--"
I grabbed for the phone quickly and waved the girl off. "Hello?"
"Rhett, I've got a lead." Maynor's voice was hushed but still as rough as gravel.
"Alright, then give it to me! And listen here, don't call me during work hours, all right? I don't want people getting any wrong ideas." I snapped at him.
"Yeah, yeah. Sure, no more work calls. Only personal lines, got it. But this lead! I've found a trace, real hot. Not Geneva like we thought. No, see I know a guy from this little town called Valence--"
"Valence, France?"
"Yeah! Yeah, you heard of it?" He asked.
I shook my head. "No, what of it? Something special?"
"No, not necessarily. But this buddy of mine says he saw a lady that matches your missus real nicely. And it gets better too, see. They said something about a lil' one too. A lil' boy, about your young one's type. So, I asked 'em of he'd get me more information, make sure it's really legitimate. So, he did a little snooping and sure enough I think it's Ella. I'm gonna head that way first thing tomorrow mornin'. If all goes as I plan it, you should be seeing your gal in about forty-eight to seventy-two hours." He explained, still staying quiet.
"Good, good. Just get this job done and over with, you hear me? I can't afford to be paying you any more for this. Just get her found and get her home. What happens between now and seventy-two hours, I don't want to know about it! Just finish the job!" I hung up, crossing my arms with little solace about the situation in complete honesty. Sure, I knew that Maynor would get the girl, but now began to contemplation on how I would punish her insolence. Heaven help her, for her punishment would be far greater than a slap to the wrist.
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Erik's POV
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Finally, after six months of heavy preparation, tonight was the opening show. Valence was swarming with all walks of people. It almost made me feel at home in Paris once again. The great Valence fair was underway bringing with it any sort of carnival contraption and entertainment eye-catcher it could.
We at L'Aria sought to be the biggest attraction this town had yet to see. We all hoped that our performance this evening would be the highlight of the fair, something really worth talking about.
I sat in the office still that afternoon, wadding through a few extra things and making sure our checklist was truly completed. There was a soft knock on the door before Charlotte walked through, a worried but hopeful grin holding on her face.
"Afternoon, Erik. Things all right?" She asked, taking a seat rather hurriedly.
"Yes, just fine. Making sure all is in order. Everything fine on set?" I asked, returning a soft smile.
Charlotte nodded somewhat wearily. "Yes, well things are good...yes, good. Hm, I just...I'm just a tad nervous I suppose. Being the leading lady in this production. I mean, heavens Erik, I haven't performed in so many years. What if my voice cracks? Or-or what if someone falls off the stage, or what if this really isn't our big break?" She looked at me with the full face of fear she had been hiding.
I looked at her with a bit of tender understanding. "Charlotte, you mustn't fret like that. Now we cannot assume the worst in everything, or else we never make an effort to try. True?"
"Yes, yes I suppose you are right. But, Erik, what if they do hate it?" She sighed, fidgeting with her hands in her lap.
I motioned to her. "Come here."
She rose, coming over to me.
I rose as well, taking her hands in my own and looking her in the eyes. "You will be perfect. I know it. Listening to your voice is like listening to the highest angels of Heaven in their praises. None can compare. You will swoon the audience with your voice, captivate them with your song. You are our star."
Charlotte smiled weakly before giving my hands a squeeze. "Thank you, Erik."
"But of course." I smiled at her, taking a hand of hers to kiss it gently.
Another knock on the door interrupted our conversation. Hugo's head pocked around the corner, a sweaty fringe of hair blocking his eyes. "Monsieur Erik, pardon me but we need the leading lady on stage for a last minute rehearsal. Plus, the staff would like you to be present. You, after all, have been the biggest director of this affair."
I nodded and let Charlotte's hands slip from my own. "We will be right there, thank you Hugo."
He nodded before slipping back out into the lobby of the theatre.
"You go, I'll be right there." I passed Charlotte a soft smile.
She nodded, turning for the door a moment before turning back. "Thank you again, Erik." She whispered, giving me a gentle kiss on the cheek before she turned once more for the door.
I could feel my face grow hot at her affectionate gesture. At once, I cleared my throat and ran a hand through my hair in a moment of flustered confusion. "To the stage." I murmured to myself, feeling it difficult to move forward in my stupor.
I moved through the hall quickly, avoiding much eye contact in my haste. Swiftly, I took my seat in the prime seating for the performance rehearsal. Ballet dancers ran around like confused rats while stagehands fumbled with the heavy ropes and backdrops. The orchestra attempted to get into tune with one another.
I clapped my hands, bringing the chaos to an abrupt halt. "Let us begin!"
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The house began filling up. I was amazed, almost in shock at the amount of people who had paid to see the performance. Our small marketing had done us better than we had thought. But how many would actually stay was the real question on the table.
We had taken a piece that was a little more daring, something I had never worked with but had seen a time or two. Something that could highlight our star Madame Charlotte, but place the bar high for a show that would sell. One thing I knew for certain was that Charlotte was a beautiful woman, and one that deserved the spotlight in any role.
Carmen, then, was our opera of choice. A bold opera that deals with the love and jealousy of a soldier Don José, who is lured away from his duty and his beloved by a gypsy factory-girl Carmen. At first, Charlotte had been hesitant with how, may we say, promiscuous the leading lady may have been presented. Rightfully so. But, after some initial rehearsal, she seemed readily attached to the opera. So, we had our show.
Charlotte's aria of "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle," Habanera was simply divine. Not to mention her entire performance was spectacular and granted her not one but two standing ovations. She certainly had the voice of an angel. Breathtakingly perfect.
I stood behind the curtain, acting as a guide and director. I said very little to anyone but Charlotte and Hugo, but every moment my blood was electric and wild with the excitement and high that the opera brought to me. I was like a giddy school boy with each act, each applause and cheer. It was beyond me.
As the final curtain closed on the show, I stood beaming backstage as the cast joked and paraded back to change out of their costumes.
Charlotte picked me out of the crowd, quickly stealing a strong hug and another kiss to the cheek. "Erik, that was amazing! So exhilarating! I can hardly believe it. Did you see in that act how strong willed I was? Oh and how good Habanera was and how everyone loved it?"
I laughed at her excitement but felt the exhilarating feeling she did rush through me. "Yes! Yes, you were simply wonderful! I knew you had it in you! My dear, you were the star! Absolutely fantastic!"
She wrapped her arms around my neck again and gave me another tight squeeze. "All thanks to you, Erik. I feel like I really did what I loved tonight. Thank you." She whispered in my ear before backing away and going to change.
I sighed a little in a calming euphoria, a smile still on my lips.
I felt a heavy hand slap me on the shoulder, before I turned to find Hugo at my side. "Well, this certainly has been a fine experience, Erik. I do not know how you did it, but I must say I am wildly impressed. Imagine doing this for a living, ha ha."
"Oh I can, my friend. I certainly can." I said with a small gleam in my eye. "What a life it is."
"Adrenaline pumping. I've never seen you so excited, mon ami. Truly this is what you love, no?"
Hugo said, leaning back a little ways.
"I admit, I do love the opera, Hugo. I really do." I said, giving him a smile.
He nodded and pulled a rag from his back pocket to wipe his brow. "It is an experience. That is all I can say."
"Hey boys." Charlotte's familiar voice called from behind the two of us.
As we both turned, we came across the striking silhouette of a woman newly empowered. She dressed to go out on the town, but not in a necessarily regal way. She walked up to the two of us with a radiant smile on her lips.
"How about we celebrate tonight's big success by treating ourselves to a little R and R?"
"What did you have in mind?" Hugo asked, giving her a little smirk.
"Why don't we hit the town, enjoy this fair thing while it's here. Maybe spread the word again. What say you, Erik?" She turned toward me, giving me a sultry stare.
I laughed a little nervously. "S-sure, a night on the town. I have not done that in some time."
She giggled back and gave my cheek a little pat with her palm. "I'll be sure you have a really good time. Promise." Charlotte grabbed one of my hands and one of Hugo's, pulling us off toward the front doors.
I again laughed, somewhat out of fear and somewhat out of joy. I had not a clue what I was getting myself into.
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Ella's POV
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A fair, a beautiful display of carnival entertainment awaited the people of Valence down the main street. My Arthur had wanted very much to go, and I had indeed made him a promise. I had taken the night off from any work, now carrying Arthur throughout the fair fun. Small attractions and rides dotted the street. Food shops and stores stayed open a little later than usual, hoping to draw in extra costumers and tourists.
Arthur had seemed very attentive to all around him. The flashing lights and colors, the music that flooded into the streets from stores and attractions. Then, the greatest place for the small boy, was the side show attractions. Little oddities and funny looking things and even people abode there. Arthur gawked with wide eyes at the odd ladies who could bend over backwards and touch their toes. He shuddered at the mighty fire breathers and the sword swallower. He cooed at the old bird man with the raven on his shoulder, and giggled when the raver cooed back.
All were miraculous sites to him. To me, they were a strange collection of oddities I had yet to figure out. I was a bit uneasy with them all. Unsure of myself in their presence. As we passed through them, we found ourselves nearing a fun house. One of those cooky contraptions that are more confusing than fun in my opinion.
Nevertheless, Arthur was insistent that I stand in line. We waited our turn very patiently. As we stood there, I could not help but notice a group of three people not far in front of us that seemed familiar in some way. Two men and a woman, all linking arms in a sort of way. The woman stood in the middle with the two men on either side of her. The tallest man on the right of the woman seemed skittish about moving forward, seeming to drag his heels each time the line moved.
They disappeared behind the curtain and soon after so did Arthur and I. I let the boy down on his feet but held fast to his hand. He gawked around and giggled at all the funny things. He played in the mirrors for a little while, chasing his own reflection.
"Momma! Momma look at me! Ha ha! Look how funny I look." He beamed at me.
I giggled a little and tried to enjoy myself. "Very funny, darling."
We moved on, finding ourselves in a bit of a scarier portion of the house. Arthur clung to my leg, shaking slightly.
"Up, Momma. Up." He whimpered.
I took him into my arms. "It's ok, darling. It's just for fun. Nothing in here can hurt you."
Suddenly, a horrific scream erupted through the house, causing me and Arthur to jump. He started crying, shaking in my arms. I held him tightly and proceeded to look for an exit. I came up to the end of the house and tried to silence Arthur who was still crying.
"Shh, it's ok, Arthur. Shh, Momma has you. It's ok. See, we're all done with that. No more scary stuff. It's ok."
I heard a great rush of footsteps follow behind me. I turned around, coming nearly face to face with two of the people I had seen from the group ahead of Arthur and I. "Erik! Erik, where did you go?" The man asked.
My eyes widened. "Erik?" I muttered.
"Oh, excuse me, ma'am." The man pushed past me. "Erik, for heaven's sake where are you?"
I spun around, trying not to make eye contact with the woman. She quickly passed by me without a second glance, thankfully.
Arthur had stopped crying and now was looking around in a frantic, wide eyed manner. "Eri? Momma, down! Down!" He squirmed from my arms and ran off before I could catch him. "Eri!"
"Arthur come back here!" I snipped, running after him. I stopped short, finding Arthur sitting at a picnic table with the tall man I had seen before. Slowly, I approached the two of them.
"Momma, look who I found!" Arthur beamed at me.
"I see that, darling." I replied softly, taking a seat beside Arthur. "Erik, you okay?"
He looked up at me, his eyes gleaming with tears nearly ready to spill over. But he would not allow that, quickly wiping them with his shirt sleeve. "Ella, what a...surprise." He barely got out.
I nodded and made a half effort to look away. "Yes. A surprise indeed. I think two of your friends were looking for you, if you want me to I can go find them and--"
"No! No...um, no thank you. I will alert them to where I am." He said, clearing his throat.
There was a long, harsh pause that made their air feel thick and humid. It made my skin crawl.
I took in a deep breath before continuing, "So, then your afraid of fun houses?"
Erik hesitated a moment. "No I...I'm just not particularly fond of them. They bring back...memories."
"Memories?"
"Yes."
"Like?" I prodded
"Like memories I would rather not discuss."
There was another lull in the conversation.
"You're shaking." I stated, although it was meant to be more of a mental observation.
"Am I? I...I'm fine. It's nothing." He brushed it off.
"It scared you that badly?" I felt a wave of compassion roll over me. Watching him like this was, unnatural. In his vulnerability, it made me feel vulnerable.
He remained utterly silent. His body still shaking horridly.
I sighed, "Would you like to go on a walk?"