The bells of Notre Dame begin to chime and Esme smiles to know that she knows the person who rings the bells now. Esme and Claude walk into the huge cathedral and to their usual place in the front pew. Esme always feels as if she needs to whisper once she enters the cathedral. "Can we go up and visit Quasimodo after vespers?" Esme asks leaning close to Claude.
"Of course, if you wish. He should see you in this gown and I would like to see him." Claude indulges Esme's need for a relationship with Quasimodo.
"Can we talk when we go home about your family?" Esme asks gently. She feels Claude stiffen on the pew next to her. "I know it won't be easy, but I need to know. I can't help you if you don't tell me. I notice I'll mention certain things or touch your back in certain spots and you'll flinch or stiffen. I want to know why."
"Alright, I'll tell you, but we'd better have a lot of wine when we talk about this. It will not be easy." Claude admits quietly. He can't look at Esme right now. He looks down at his hands and lowers his head in prayer.
Esme reaches over and covers Claude's hand to reassure him. She lowers her head in prayer. She prays to God to give Claude the strength to tell her the truth about his past.
The Archdeacon walks to the pulpit and is pleased to see Claude and Esmeralda seated in the front pew. Esmeralda looks as if she belongs next to Claude now and Claude looks happier than the Archdeacon has ever seen him. He watches Esmeralda and Claude kneel to pray and he notices that Claude continues to hold Esmeralda's hand throughout the prayer. He can see how nervous she looks and he knows Claude is trying to reassure her.
As vespers end the Archdeacon steps down from the pulpit to speak with Claude and Esmeralda. He can see that she is nervous talking to him, but a touch from Claude at her elbow relaxes her. They set up a day for Esmeralda to be christened before Claude and Esme climb the bell tower. Climbing the tower today is slower than usual because of Esme's dress.