After Eponine and Javert finished their bath, they dressed each other and soon after were eating their dinner.
"Chéri? (Darling?)" Javert said.
"Yes?"
"I've been invited to a ball that will celebrate the return of one of my friends from war. I don't wish to leave you here alone, so I thought it best if you accompanied me. The decision is yours of course."
"I'd love to, Henri."
Javert looked up at Eponine. "After what happened?"
"I know you'd be there to protect me, and society must learn that I have no intention of leaving you."
Javert leaned across the table and kissed Eponine's forehead. "I love you."
"I love you."
The week passed, and soon it was the evening of the ball. Eponine purchased a new dress and did what she was able with her hair and makeup. Her only experience in such things had come from her childhood and had been nearly forgotten. When she finished, she thought something was missing.
"Eponine, the coach is here." Javert said, stepping into the room.
"Well then, we should be going."
"Wait a moment, I have a present for you."
Eponine sighed deeply. She loved Javert more than words could describe, but she wished he wouldn't spend so much money on her.
"Close your eyes."
Eponine obeyed and closed her eyes. When she opened them, Javert was holding up a necklace with a red ruby in the middle.
"Henri, it's beautiful. I hope it didn't cost you much."
"It cost me nothing. This once belonged to my mother. "
Eponine smiled as Javert fastened the necklace around her neck. She admired herself in the mirror again, and realized that she had found what had been missing.
"She told me when I was young to be sure that it was given to the woman that I love. Until now, it's been sitting in an old chest of mine."
"Thank you, Henri."
"There's another surprise tonight." Javert placed a kiss on Eponine's neck. "It will be much more valuable."
Eponine had no idea what Javert could be talking about, but thought nothing of it. They left the home and were taken to a mansion on the outskirts of the city. Eponine had never seen a larger house or so many people dressed in fine clothes.
Of course, both were worried about how the guests would react. To their surprise, everyone took no notice. Eponine was no street rat, she was a young mademoiselle on the arm of an inspector. For the first time, Eponine felt as though she belonged in society.
As the evening wore down, the guests were tiring from dancing and most had resorted to chatting and drinking. It was this time that Javert went to the ballroom entrance, and got everyone's attention.
"Madames, Monsieurs. I wish to welcome Phillipe back home and may he have many good years. I did not come for the sole purpose of seeing my friend again, but also to introduce you all to my love, Eponine Thenardier."
There was murmurs and light applause as Javert took Eponine's hand and led her to his side. Eponine was slightly embarrassed, but managed a small, polite smile.
"She is the woman I love, the woman that saved me from death. The woman who I hope to make my wife."
Eponine was surprised when Javert got on his knee and took a ring from his pocket. There was some more applause and even cheering.
"Eponine, I do not promise that everyone will approve of us. I cannot promise that our life will not be filled with some turmoil. All I can promise is that I will love you forever. If that is enough, then may I ask you to become my wife?"
Eponine began to cry. She had never been more happy in her entire life, and wanted nothing more than to be Javert's wife.
"Yes." Eponine said quietly, helping Javert off the floor. "Yes, I'll marry you, Henri."
With no hesitation, the couple kissed and the guests erupted in applause and cheers.