Unmasking the Phantom – Part 3

Edmée noticed the page had faded some, but could make out the handwriting. It seemed as if this was from a hand that practiced letter and writing day in and out, as if it had just been taught – not very refined, but getting there slowly with each passage written.

 

Ma Chère Confidente,

Madame Giry has gone away for a few days and left me on my own. I try to keep occupied, but what is there to do? I am forbidden to go watch the dancers rehearse while she is away for fear that I may be detected. I can only play the organ for so long before that too gets tedious. Tedious – a word that I learned before Madame Giry took leave. It means boring, dull, slow.

 

What am I to do while she is away? I overheard one of the dancers say “What Madame Giry doesn’t know, won’t hurt her.” Maybe if I watch the rehearsals and be very careful, she won’t even know.

 

Edmée’s eyes scanned the rest of the page. Entries about parents long gone, life that this person once knew and music. So much talk of music. It seemed that they came from a lineage of pianists, singers, composers, or just really took an interest in doing those things. She flipped forward a few pages, looking for more information.

 

Ma Chère Confidente,

 

Madame Giry visited me late into the night. She spoke of a little girl that she just brought to the Opera House. “Little Christine is much like you, you know,” Madame said to me. “Her father was a violinist and Christine has such a lovely voice.” A girl from Sweden! I’ve never been to Sweden before. How I would love to see it.

 

Madame Giry spoke to me of Christine some more, but I wanted to see her for myself. She would not allow it. No need to overwhelm her on her first day. She was going to have to get settled into her new life before I could meet her. Overwhelm – to upset. That was my word for today. I’m pretty sure I used it correctly. I hope I did.

 

After Madame Giry tucked me into bed, I waited for her to return upstairs. When I could no longer hear her footsteps, I went up to the girls’ bedroom – where they all sleep. I had to see Christine for myself. I just had to!

 

I used the passages as to not be seen. I know how I look. My face has been cursed. I am a monster and I frighten people, but Madame Giry said that one day I will be better. I don’t know, though. I hope so.

 

Through one small crack in a wood panel I could see a young girl with brown curls. She wore a red scarf around her neck, even though the bedroom was warm. I could tell that she was still awake because I could hear her sobbing next to her bed. She spoke of an angel and asked that her father send one to her in her time of need. Especially the angel of music.

 

I don’t know why, but I started to sing, but quietly. Just to her so I did not wake the others. I guess I just wanted her to know she was not alone. I could see her looking for me, but I know if I showed myself I would just scare her away. I didn’t want that. I just wanted a friend, and this was as close to one I could get.

 

You know what? After a little while, she sang with me. And she was good, very good. We both were.

 

“Vicomtesse de Chagny?” came a voice. Edmée turned to face Monsieur Dubois, a little man who had enough money to eat well. Grey hairs mingled with his dark, brown, curly hair that looked like no man, or woman for that matter, could tame it. For a heavy man, she was shocked she did not hear his footsteps prior to his arrival.

 

“Your husband requested that I escort you back upstairs. It is getting late and we would not like to hold you and your husband from your plans.”

 

Edmée smiled politely with a nod, “Thank you, Monsieur Dubois. You are very kind.” She noticed him eyeing the journal she had gently shut.

 

“Ah, I see you found the Phantom’s memories. Nothing but musings of a child gone mad.”

 

“You’ve read it?”

 

“Yes. I found it hidden behind the pipes of the organ. Nothing of value, though, so it did not make it into the auction. Plus, I did feel like leaving some history down here. It has made a delightful addition to the tours we give our potential patrons from time to time.” He offered his arm. “Shall we?”

 

Once reunited with Raoul and the others, Edmée did not feel quite comfortable. She had a strange feeling that there was more to the history of the Phantom than what people had recounted. Especially after reading the entries from the journal.

 

As she made her way to the carriage that had been drawn for her and her husband, she paused at Meg Giry. Taking Meg’s hands into her own she thanked her for showing her the way to the Phantom’s lair. “May I meet you again here tomorrow?”

 

Meg looked quizzical, but nodded. “Of course! My mother would be horrified, but also secretly proud, to know I have taken over her old position. She would have liked better for me, but I could not stay away! I shall be here tomorrow.”

 

With that, Edmée stepped into the carriage and headed home with her husband.