Chapter Text
The first evening of September, the Vicomte de Chagny bursts into the sitting room of his house in a most improper manner.
"Goodness, Raoul," Christine laughs, "you startled me! What on earth has you in such a rush?"
"News, darling, most exciting news! Where's Erik?"
"Bringing down some new music from his room, I believe. I suppose it's good news?"
"Very good, very good."
Christine smiles and begins to put away her needle-work. "Supper's nearly on the table if you would like to share it with us then."
Raoul nods excitedly and hugs his wife tightly, kissing her cheek lightly.
"Ah, you're home."
Erik sets down his music on the top of the piano.
"Erik, there you are!" Raoul chuckles. "I have news!"
"So I've heard."
One of the servants rings the supper bell, and Christine promptly pushes Erik and Raoul into the dining room.
As Raoul begins to pick apart his serving of corned beef, he clears his throat.
"Well?" Christine says. "For heaven's sake, don't keep the news from us any longer."
"I," he starts, puffing out his chest slightly, "have been asked to join the crew of the SS Pembroke, a ship bound to start a colony on a new island just outside of Australia."
"Intriguing," Erik sighs. "For how long?"
"A year at most, they said."
"A year without you... is not an appealing prospect, to say the least."
"Well, I'm bringing the two of you with me, of course!" Raoul states indignantly. "You really think I'd leave you two behind?"
"I think a voyage to Australia sounds lovely," Christine puts in. "Just there and then back?"
"Indeed, darling."
Erik groans. "Do you know how much could go wrong?"
"Well, yes," Raoul shrugs, "it's not my first time on a ship, of course. I'm not new to sailing."
"It'll be fun, Erik, don't you think? A few months away from society, the three of us on a ship on the open sea..."
"Fine. Only a few months, though. Right?"
"Of course, Erik dearest, of course. Only a few months."
Christine claps happily and passes around the bowl of cabbage. "What things we'll see! And what adventures we'll have! Oh, it'll be so nice to stand at the railing of the deck, with the sea breeze blowing through our hair, no nobility to judge us."
"We could just go back to the house by the coast if you want the sea breeze or to get away from society," Erik points out.
"Yes, yes," Raoul says, "but this will be nice. To actually go sailing is going to be lovely."
"Lovely, I'm sure."