Cosette's father seemed to have no objection to Cosette's proposal that Eponine stayed with them. Though he had been wary at first upon seeing her poor appearance and after learning she was the daughter of Thenadier, Eponine bowed her head, ashamed of her father. But after Cosette explained her situation and relationship with her father, he smiled, his eyes welcoming her though still wary.

Cosette showed her to a large room, beautifully decorated with expensive, grand furniture in gold, greens and purples. A large, four-poster bed nestled between two double wardrobes against the far wall, running along the left wall were large, arch windows that allowed sunlight to stream through and brighten the room pleasantly. The right wall of the room was mostly taken up by a huge fireplace, around which were sofas and armchairs gathered and a small table. There was also a desk and chair, a wash-bowl and jug and a door that Eponine guessed must lead into a bathroom.

Eponine's eyes swept over every detail of the room, taking in it's beauty and grandeur.

"This is where you will stay from now on, i hope you like it" Cosette said, her pretty face watching Eponine.

The latter looked at the blonde with eyes wide as plates, "My room? Oh no, Cossette i couldn't possibly! This is all too much, really -"

"-Oh Eponine, please, while you stay here i want you to have the very best. I won't have it any other way."

"Thank you, Cosette. You have a kind heart"

Cossette smiled at her, "Now, first thing is first. We need to get you out of those clothes" and as she had given a silent command, four maids filed into the room, one closing the door behind them. Two marched off into the bathroom where running water was soon to be heard. The other two began pulling at Eponine's clothes.

"Wha- Um, Cossette..." Eponine looked to her new friend who nodded to her as if to say just leave it be.

Before she knew it, Eponine was sitting naked in a bath-tub of almost scalding hot water, being scrubbed at by the maids.

Cossette remained in the main room, stating she would "Lend Eponine her privacy."

Seeing as four complete strangers were bathing her naked that statement held little meaning.

One of them, a rather beefy woman who seemed to be in charge smiled kindly at her, "Come now, Miss, the sooner you cooperate the better." She reached out to take Eponine's arms which were shielding her body from the gaze of the woman.

The beefy woman smiled kindly at her, "Don't fret, Miss. There's nothing to be scared of, you're in good care."

They scrubbed and scrubbed at Eponine's skin until she felt numb. It took three water changes before the beefy Woman was satisfied. She was then taken out the bath and rubbed all over by large, white towels until her skin was red raw. Scented oil was ran through her hair with a comb to take out any tugs or knits. "You have lovely hair, Miss" one maid told her as she combed it through, "so long and thick."

Eponine, not sure how to respond and still a little disorientated from the commotion of her bath(s) resorted to smiling politely.

The Beefy Woman held out a long, white night-dress for her, helping her into it. "There now," she said, standing back to admire Eponine, "without all that muck and dirt on your face you are quite a beauty" she said, smiling kindly. The she and the maids all filed out the room, taking Eponine's clothes with them.

Eponine followed them into the bedroom where Cossette was sitting in a larch armchair by the fireplace that now housed a large and very comforting fire. The blonde smiled kindly at Eponine and beckoned her to sit on the sofa chair in front of her.

Eponine did so, welcoming the comfort the chair offered and the heat of the fire.

"Why, Miss Eponine, you look beautiful when you are cleaned up" said Cossette.

Eponine felt herself blush, or was it simply the warmth of the fire heating her face? Either way, she felt more humble than ever; a beggar being treated like a princess.

"Now, Eponine. What are we to do about Enjolras?" Cossette suddenly asked, leaning forwards slightly as if ti speak a whispered secret.

Eponine's eyes widened. "I..um...i don't know what you are talking about..." Eponine stuttered, feeling very uneasy.

"Oh come now, Eponine! I have seen the way you look at him! I know you have feelings for him." She spoke the last part softly, as if not to scare away an injured animal.

Eponine looked at her, how is it this girl, of the same age as herself could be so wise? Or was Eponine simply being too obvious with her girlish fancies?

"I mean no offence, Eponine. I simply wish to help." Cossette told her, her eyes sincere, holding a friendship for Eponine she had never known.

Cossette leaned back in her chair and gazed into the depths of the flames of the fire, "I must admit, i thought it was Marius you sought at first. I thought you wished to steal him from me." Her voice held anger and sadness, but when she turned to Eponine once more, her face held nothing but compassion.

"I must admit, Cossette. I believed that also, but i have recently realised that is not so..."

"I thought so."

"Cossette, could you help me? He doesn't even seem to notice me..."

Cossette smiled knowingly, "Don't worry Eponine, by the time i'm through with you, Princesses would be shamed by your beauty."

Eponine smiled, gazing into the fire, thinking of Enjolras.