Innocence of a Child Chapter 8
So Lumiere and Cogsworth started to lead her through the castle to what would be her new living quarters while she resided here. Basically Belle was holding Lumiere in one hand while Cogsworth was walking in his unusual waddle in front of them.
Trying to make some light casual conversation to break the ice, Lumiere said "You must forgive first impressions. I hope you are not too startled?"
"Why would I be startled? I'm talking to a candle," said Belle, sarcastically.
"Candelabra, please. Enormous difference," corrected Lumiere. But consider me at your service. This castle is your home now so feel free to go anywhere you like."
Stopping to turn around, Cogsworth said "Except the west wing."
Immediately Lumiere's face was a blur as he rapidly shook it from side to side along with his hands on a motion that clearly was telling Cogsworth to shut his mouth.
Realizing his mistake, trying to cover it up, Cogsworth said "Which we do not have."
Brow quirked in curiosity, Belle said "Why? What's in the west wing?"
"Oh nothing," said Lumiere, innocently.
"Nothing," concurred Cogsworth.
"Storage space," said Lumiere.
"Storage space," repeated Cogsworth.
"That's it," said Lumiere.
"That's it," said Cogsworth.
"Yes, that's it, said Lumiere.
They were lying through their teeth.
Continuing forward, Cogsworth said "This way, please. To the east wing."
Laughing, Lumiere said "Or as I like to call it the only ring."
Okay now they were pushing their luck.
"Watch your step, s'il vous plait," said Lumiere.
As they walked Belle suddenly remembered the ribbons in her apron pocket.
"I don't know why I'm asking this, but there wouldn't happen to be a little girl here, would there," asked Belle.
Lumiere and Cogsworth exchanged a glance before the charming candelabrum smiled at Belle.
"As a matter of fact there is. She stumbled upon this castle before your father did. We fed her and put her to sleep," he said. "Why do you ask."
Sighing in relief, pulling out the ribbons to show them, Belle said "Thank god. That's my little sister Cosette. I found these ribbons outside. They are hers. I've been looking for her everywhere. Can you take me to her?"
"Funny you are asking that because her room is the one we are taking you to right now," said Lumiere.
They couldn't get there fast enough for Belle's taste. Finally they reached the door, but before they entered Lumiere had one last thing to say to Belle.
Holding a candled hand to his lips for silence, Lumiere whispered "I advise you to make as little noise as possible when you enter. Your sister was exhausted when she came to us and has been sleeping ever since. After the night she had the little one needs her rest."
Belle nodded her consent.
Lumiere then pushed open the doors to the bedchamber with a flourish.
"Welcome to your new home. It's modest, but comfortable," said Lumiere.
That is the understatement of the century.
There was a large white and gold painted armoire along one wall. Along another wall stood a beautiful writing desk. A chair, covered in rich velvet was tucked underneath and a stack of crisp white paper was placed on one side. Tucked in a corner, delicate and sweet, was a dressing table with a mirror framed in solid intricate gold. Even the ceiling of the room was breathtaking. White clouds had been painted in a perfect blue sky. It appeared so real that Belle could've sworn she saw them move. Opposite a set of picture windows covered by thick satin draped was an enormous canopy bed that took up half the room. And sleeping on that bed was…
"Cosette," breathed Belle, immediately going over to the bed. Cosette was tucked snug as a bug in a rug under the comforter. Her tiny chest rose up and down slowly with her peaceful breathing. Belle gently stroked and kissed her forehead and that didn't even seem to wake her. "Oh, I'm so happy you're safe. The Beast…does he know about her?"
"It would be a call against duty if the Master hadn't been told about her," said Cogsworth.
"Don't worry, the Master did not hurt her," assured Lumiere. "We know your first encounter with him did not go well, but he would never hurt a child. Those of us here managed to persuade him to allow her peace for the night until she recovered from her ordeal."
"And after," prodded Belle.
Shrugging, Lumiere said "Then we would speak for her again. The woods are no place for a child her age alone."
Grateful, Belle said "You have my thanks."
Lumiere said "We'll leave you alone now. You should get some rest too. A meal will be prepared for you later on. For now relax with your sister. You are in good hands here."
Lumiere and Cogsworth then left.
Not if Belle got them out of there first.
Authors Note:
Yeah, Belle and Cosette are reunited. Will be even better when Cosette wakes up. Based on what you all know about her so far, how do you think Cosette is going to react to all magic stuff?
Just in case you're wondering Plumette cleaned the room while Cosette was sleeping.
Also, the anniversary for the terrible tragedy of day of 9/11 year's ago just occurred.
I was a very young child when that happened. All I can remember that day was my mother picking me and my little sister up from grade school. At home my sister and I learned what happened in New York City. My father came home soon after fearful that we were all going to be attacked. That was one of the scariest days of my life. I know for a fact I'll never forget it. I doubt anyone will.
For those reading this right now I know we can't all be together, but I ask that you share a moment of silence and prayer, no matter your religion, out of respect for the people who died that day and those alive who are still suffering from being there that day. And those of you who may be either going to a restaurant or a bar please raise a glass in a toast for those survivors and fallen.