Erik paced the floor of the little chapel. The vicar had been well-paid to perform the ceremony without benefit of banns and other legalities; he would complete the paperwork and the wedding would be just as legitimate as if it had been announced weeks ago.
Where was she? She should have been here some while ago.
And what if she refused him? He had been afraid to propose to Claire, having been made a fool by doing so with another … another whom he had falsely believed was destined to be his.
Certainly, they had made love. Certainly, they loved one another. But Claire belonged to the world of light … and Erik belonged primarily to the night. His ruined face had made any other choice impossible.
Erik wanted a living life. He wanted to be like every other man. He wanted Claire to be his wife, in name as well as deed. Yet, the fearless assassin … the terror of the Opera Garnier … was terrified that Claire would refuse his suit.
So, instead of asking, he sent her a new dress to wear and a note asking that she come to this location to hear one of his compositions performed in public for the first time.
Indeed, it was one of his finest works: a wedding mass for the organ. He hoped that she would like it.
The rings were heavy in the pocket of his morning coat as he walked back and forth across the room. A gold ring set with a rare green tsavorite for her; a filigreed band for him.
The vicar said nothing, but wondered whether the masked gentleman would be left standing at the altar. The lady was overdue, to say the least.
At long last, a coach pulled up in front of the building. Zareh helped Antoinette Giry out first, and then Claire … who looked puzzled indeed to see where they were.
The three entered the church and Claire took a seat in one of the pews as she unbuttoned her duster to reveal the rich, ivory walking suit and matching boots. Erik drew in a breath and then exhaled sharply as he approached her.
The organ music swirled as Claire met Erik’s green eyes. Her blue eyes filled with tears as he took her hand and went on one knee before her.
“Yes, oh yes …” she whispered.