A/N Priest and Sister are my creations!

Chapter 2

Cosette was frightened as she left the inn where she had lived for 5 years. She wanted to be loved, to do all the things other little girls did, but didn't know if this man was good or bad. Sometimes Monsieur had pretended to nice around others, but then was very mean.

Once Jean had reached Montreuil-sur-Mer He set Cosette down and began to bang on the rectory door. Sister Marie Denis, the housekeeper, woke up wondering who could be calling at that hour. It must be an emergency.

"Sister was that the door?" asked Father Tolbert emerging from the hallway.

"Yes, Father."

The two went to the door to see who was there. They were surprised to see Monsieur Madeleine holding a dirty, weak, little girl in bloody rags.

"Oh dear, the poor unfortunate dear!" gasped Sister Marie Denis.

"Father, Sister, we need your help please!"

"Come in. Sister Marie Denis can help her." Father Tolbert motioned to Cossette.

"I've rescued her, saved her from a life of abuse. I thought she was being well cared for. Thank God her mother will never know, God rest her soul", explained Jean.

"I know of a wonderful school for children like her, run by Dominican sisters. It is a true school, they really teach, not warehouse children, like in institutions. I think it's ahead of its time" declared Father Tolbert.

"Come with me, dear. I'll make you feel better and get you a glass of chocolat", said Sister Marie Denis picking up Cosette.

"Monsieur Madeleine, where did you find this child?", asked Fr. Tolbert, using Jean's alias.

"When her mother was dying she told me where she left her child. As I said before, we thought she was being well cared for, but the innkeepers who she had lived with had left her like this. I found her bleeding, wandering in the woods with a water bucket. She was terrified."

"God loves all children. If only more people thought that!"

"Yes, Father."

The two men were startled by Cosette's screaming.

"No ,No No! No bath!"

"You need a bath dear. Why don't you want one?"

"Hot"

"No, warm, not hot, see?" Sr. Marie Denis placed a droplet of water on Cosette's wrist. She then saw the scalding on her body.

"Oh poor, child!" exclaimed the Sister upon realizing what prior baths had meant to the girl.

Cosette timidly stepped in the bath surprised by the comfortable temperature. The Sister gently washed her, horrified at the abuse that had been inflected upon this small girl

"Relax, dear. I know it must sting where the new wounds are, but I'm being as gentle as I can."

After her bath, Sister Marie Denis wrapped Cosette in a towel and pored her glass of Chocolat.

"It's just the right temperature. This is for you to drink." She handed Cosette a cup. Cosette took a sip and smiled.

"I'm glad you like it. I've got a dress I made for the orphans at the orphanage that is just your size. The Sister showed Costette a small dress.

"My dress?"

"Yes, let me help you into it" Sister Marie Denis helped dress Cosette and led her to her bed.

"Do you know prayers, dear?"

Cosette had a blank look on her face.

The Sister knelt beside the bed and began to pray the Hail Mary and the Our Father. Cosette looked on with curiosity.

"And then when we are done, we make the sign of the cross again. In the name of the Father, in the name of the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen."Cosette again watched with curiosity as the Sister put her right hand on her forehead and chest when saying Father, on her right shoulder saying Son and on her left shoulder saying the Holy Spirit.

Jean knocked on the door.

"How is Cosette, Sister?"

"That's her name, what a lovely name. She is afraid, hurt emotionally and physically. I used to work at St. Giles. She will be loved and taught well there, live the life a child should. You can visit her too."

"I'm so glad it is nearby."

"Cosette time for bed."

Cosette lay on the floor, the only bed she had known.

"On the bed, dear. Did those cruel people make you sleep on the floor?" Sister Marie picked her up and placed her on the bed.

"Let me tuck her in, Sister", said Jean.

He tucked her in and gently patted her cheek. Cosette tensed up.

Sister Marie Denis made a cross on Cosette's forehead and kissed her.

"Don't be afraid, Cosette. God loves you and so do we. You'll learn all about God at St Giles."

Father Tolbert stood at the door watching. He came to Cosette's bed and blessed her.

Cosette had a good sleep for the first time in 5 years.