Chapter 18
Cosette sat in her wedding gown, looking out the window. She sighed, knowing that she would never see what she had been wanting to see for the past few days.
"Cosette, it is almost time to go."
"I cannot."
"Your father instructed me to do this and you shall do so as well."
"He didn't leave me anything. Not even a 'goodbye'."
"He had his reasons, dear."
"Reasons more important than me?"
"Some things in life are uncontrollable. But other things in life are meant to be celebrated."
"I don't feel much like celebrating. Not without my father."
"He wanted to be here, and so his spirit is present. Come, now, or we shall be late. One cannot keep her bridegroom waiting."
**************************************************************************
Marius stood anxiously awaiting at the altar. It had taken every last fiber he had to make himself strong; to stand, to walk, and to dance. Cosette had been miserable ever since her father disappeared, and Marius felt as if he should tell her the truth. Yet, he had promised Valjean that he would keep it a secret.
People he didn't recognize began filing into the church. He stood and held a smile as some people acknowledged him with a tip of their hats or a small bow. He ached to know the time, but had discovered that morning that his pocket watch had been stolen as well as his ring. Even if he had his watch, he wouldn't take it out.
He saw Isabella walk into the church and down the isle. She took a seat right in front of Marius and mouthed, 'It's time.'
Marius exhaled deeply as the organ began to fill the church with sound. He saw the flower girls and ring bearers, the bridesmaids and ushers make their way down the center of the church. He paid them no mind, and looked right on past them.
Everyone stood as the organ changed to the "Wedding March". Marius felt his heart leap from his chest as he saw an angel in white appear in the doorway. She was a lone silhouette with a long veil and bouquet of white roses. She made her way towards Marius and his fake smile vanished as his true smile took its place.
As she stood in front of him, she handed her flowers to the woman beside her, and Marius lifted her veil. She was the image of perfection right before him. Her eyes shown with delight as he took her hand.
Marius and Cosette had asked to write their own vows, and the priest asked Cosette to begin. She removed a small piece of paper from her glove and unfolded it as Marius smiled at her.
"My only love, we met under circumstances that no one can comprehend. From that very first moment, I knew that you were the only man for me, and that we would spend eternity together. Now, we are here on our wedding day, standing in the presence of God, our friends and...family, both present and in spirit," she looked at Isabella. "To let them know that we intend to make our love a perfect union. One body, one soul, and one mind."
She folded the paper again, and placed it back in her glove. Marius took her hands in his own and looked into her eyes.
"Cosette, my only Cosette. We have been truly blessed. I feel as if there is a guardian angel above us right now making sure our happiness is the only thing that matters. When I was almost lost, you were the only thing I thought of. And when I awoke, you were the first one I saw. Certain people could not be here today, and I am sorry for that, but he, they, want you to know that they would be here had things been different. And they love you as much, if not more, as I do."
The priest gestured to the ring bearer, who moved forward. He blessed the rings and handed Cosette's to Marius.
"With this ring," he looked at her. "I thee wed."
She took Marius'. "With this ring, I thee wed."
"With the power infested in me, I hereby pronounce these two man and wife." The priest smiled at them. "You may kiss the bride."
Cosette lovingly threw her arms around Marius, as he pulled her into a kiss. They broke upon hearing applause from the congregation. Cosette took her flowers and Marius' hand as they walked back up the isle.
**************************************************************************
"It was a beautiful wedding wasn't it? Will there be wine at the reception?"
"No doubt there will be Grantaire, but it doesn't matter," laughed Joly. "You won't be going."
"Our little Marius. The only survivor."
"Her father survived, Enjolras."
"Yes, Feuilly, but Marius doesn't know that it was Cosette's father that was the one who saved him. Not yet anyway." He looked over at the two women staring down. "How do you feel, Fantine?"
"I feel complete. My daughter got what she wanted, and so did Marius. He's right. He does have a guardian angel," she said looking at Eponine.
"I only want him to be happy."
There assembled were all of the men who had died on the barricade, along with Eponine and Fantine. They stood in clothes of white in Heaven looking down upon the joyful day that brought them all together.
"Where did Valjean go, Fantine?" asked Enjolras looking up.
"Not far. Just outside of Paris. For an entire week, he's locked himself in a tiny house. Hasn't eaten or slept. He just sits there in the cold, waiting to die."
"We won't let him die," said Eponine. "Not until Cosette sees him for a final time."
All the men except Enjolras went back about their business. Enjolras placed his hands on Eponine's shoulders as they watched with Fantine the wedding festivities.
**************************************************************************
Marius and Cosette danced about as if they were walking on air. Cosette laughed with pleasure as Marius swung her about twice as many times as the dance required. She felt odd in doing so, but she was so happy that nothing could ruin the perfect moment. The music ended, but Marius continued to guide Cosette around the room. It was all an act, Cosette could see the playful look in Marius' eyes, and all the guest erupted with laughter and applause.
Marius and Cosette bowed to their guests and made their way off the dance floor. No sooner then they had, a young page ran up to them.
"Monsieur and Madame, the noble guests are just arriving and we wish you to greet them."
Cosette felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was glad that the significant class of France had not seen her dance in such a dense manner. Marius took her arm and they made their way to the door.
"Monsieur Beauvais and his wife."
"Welcome, thank you for coming."
"Duke and Duchess Follet."
"A pleasure to see you."
Much the same occurred for the next 10 minutes until the last few people made their way in.
"Lord and Lady Bristow from London."
"Thank you for making the trip."
"Baron and Baroness de Thenard."
"Charmed," said Marius searching his brain for that name.
"They wish to pay their respects to you, Monsieur, in private."
"Very well," he turned to Cosette. "Go make small talk. I'll be back before you realize I'm gone." He kissed her forehead and swept out the door.
No sooner had he gone, she was pulled in conversation with no one she knew. She smiled and politely answered their questions while she eagerly awaited her prince to save her.
**************************************************************************
Marius walked into the hallway and saw a man and a woman, highly overdressed, waiting for him.
"Our most 'umble respects on this most wonderful day," said the man in an exceedingly exaggerated voice.
"Your bride is beautiful. Ah, if she was my own."
"I don't recall ever meeting you before. Could you possibly refresh my memory?"
"Oh, it's all a blur to me," said the man scratching his head. "Perhaps at the....no. I'm almost positive it was.....no."
"Dinner party," whispered the woman.
"Dinner party! Must 'ave been!"
"I haven't been to a dinner party since I was 12 years old," smiled Marius, catching these people in a lie. "Baron de Thenard, is it possible that I've seen you on the streets?"
"What cause would we have in the streets?" asked the woman, insulted.
"Perhaps, Baroness, because this is all an act! De Thenard indeed! Who are you? Thieves? Go ruin another wedding, because I can't handle another think going wrong this evening!"
"Do you remember a girl, Eponine?"
Marius, who had turned to go back to Cosette, stopped dead in his tracks. "Eponine? What about her?"
The couple smiled at one another. "Thenardier, wasn't that 'er last name?"
Marius saw what these people were trying to reveal to him. "You're Eponine's...no. She said that they had died and that's why she was living on the street."
"A pretty lie to a pretty face," laughed Madame. "Would you tell the only well dressed man you knew that you were living off the streets of your own free will?"
"Do you know anything about your daughter?"
"Only that she died, and it was your fault." Thenardier looked hard into Marius' eyes.
Marius sighed. "I don't deny it. But did you know she was engaged?"
Thenardier took a look of shock. "She was what? To who and when?"
"Some man she was always with. Not a student. Really a jealous man."
"One of your thugs no less," Madame snorted at her husband.
After a moment, probably the only one in his life, of deep thought, Thenardier looked up. "Montparnasse," he said through gritted teeth.
"Yes, that does sound familiar."
"That's why he was the one who was so insistent on finding out what happened to her," Madame told her husband.
"That might not be the only reason." Both heads turned to Marius. He put his eyes down. "She was pregnant."
Madame exhaled loudly, and she looked at her spouse. "Was it 'Parnasse's?"
"Yes, it was. I'm sorry that I was the one to tell you. But, this isn't the reason you came, so I suggest to state your business and be on your way."
Thenardier was looking off into oblivion, so Madame stepped forward and spoke for him. "Cosette's father, the man you think you know so well, is not what you think he is."
"And what do I think he is?"
"An obliging, respectable man who lives alone with is daughter. But we know better. Darling, tell him what you've seen."
"He ain't that man. E's a cold-blooded murderer. I saw 'im carrying a dead body one night, and dragging it through the sewers."
"Who was it?"
"We'll let you know, if you slip us a little something."
Marius found 150 francs and gave it to Thenardier. "I want the whole story, not some cheap version to get more money."
"Tell him."
"Jean Valjean, that's 'is real name, was carrying this corpse through the sewers the night that the barricade fell. Blood caked on its body, limp as hell, probably been dead for a few hours."
"How do you know all this?"
"I was designated to collect the bodies as a service to the public. Needed closure, they did."
"I have no proof that this is true."
"Well, I did find this," said Thenardier producing a ring from his pocket. Marius grabbed it and realized it was his own. Suddenly, everything fell into place. Marius knew the truth about the night of the barricade, about Valjean's life, and Eponine's.
With rage, Marius punched Thenardier and he fell to the ground with a crack. Madame screamed as Marius ran back into the hall. He saw Cosette and ran to her.
"We have to go."
"But why? Marius! What's wrong?"
"We have got to find your father," he said dragging her from the party.
"He's overseas!"
"No he's not! He's in Paris, I just know it!"
They ran past Thenardier and out the door. He ushered Cosette into a coach, and Marius climbed into the driver's seat, not knowing where he was to start looking. He pulled the reigns and the coach took off into the night.
Cosette sat in her wedding gown, looking out the window. She sighed, knowing that she would never see what she had been wanting to see for the past few days.
"Cosette, it is almost time to go."
"I cannot."
"Your father instructed me to do this and you shall do so as well."
"He didn't leave me anything. Not even a 'goodbye'."
"He had his reasons, dear."
"Reasons more important than me?"
"Some things in life are uncontrollable. But other things in life are meant to be celebrated."
"I don't feel much like celebrating. Not without my father."
"He wanted to be here, and so his spirit is present. Come, now, or we shall be late. One cannot keep her bridegroom waiting."
**************************************************************************
Marius stood anxiously awaiting at the altar. It had taken every last fiber he had to make himself strong; to stand, to walk, and to dance. Cosette had been miserable ever since her father disappeared, and Marius felt as if he should tell her the truth. Yet, he had promised Valjean that he would keep it a secret.
People he didn't recognize began filing into the church. He stood and held a smile as some people acknowledged him with a tip of their hats or a small bow. He ached to know the time, but had discovered that morning that his pocket watch had been stolen as well as his ring. Even if he had his watch, he wouldn't take it out.
He saw Isabella walk into the church and down the isle. She took a seat right in front of Marius and mouthed, 'It's time.'
Marius exhaled deeply as the organ began to fill the church with sound. He saw the flower girls and ring bearers, the bridesmaids and ushers make their way down the center of the church. He paid them no mind, and looked right on past them.
Everyone stood as the organ changed to the "Wedding March". Marius felt his heart leap from his chest as he saw an angel in white appear in the doorway. She was a lone silhouette with a long veil and bouquet of white roses. She made her way towards Marius and his fake smile vanished as his true smile took its place.
As she stood in front of him, she handed her flowers to the woman beside her, and Marius lifted her veil. She was the image of perfection right before him. Her eyes shown with delight as he took her hand.
Marius and Cosette had asked to write their own vows, and the priest asked Cosette to begin. She removed a small piece of paper from her glove and unfolded it as Marius smiled at her.
"My only love, we met under circumstances that no one can comprehend. From that very first moment, I knew that you were the only man for me, and that we would spend eternity together. Now, we are here on our wedding day, standing in the presence of God, our friends and...family, both present and in spirit," she looked at Isabella. "To let them know that we intend to make our love a perfect union. One body, one soul, and one mind."
She folded the paper again, and placed it back in her glove. Marius took her hands in his own and looked into her eyes.
"Cosette, my only Cosette. We have been truly blessed. I feel as if there is a guardian angel above us right now making sure our happiness is the only thing that matters. When I was almost lost, you were the only thing I thought of. And when I awoke, you were the first one I saw. Certain people could not be here today, and I am sorry for that, but he, they, want you to know that they would be here had things been different. And they love you as much, if not more, as I do."
The priest gestured to the ring bearer, who moved forward. He blessed the rings and handed Cosette's to Marius.
"With this ring," he looked at her. "I thee wed."
She took Marius'. "With this ring, I thee wed."
"With the power infested in me, I hereby pronounce these two man and wife." The priest smiled at them. "You may kiss the bride."
Cosette lovingly threw her arms around Marius, as he pulled her into a kiss. They broke upon hearing applause from the congregation. Cosette took her flowers and Marius' hand as they walked back up the isle.
**************************************************************************
"It was a beautiful wedding wasn't it? Will there be wine at the reception?"
"No doubt there will be Grantaire, but it doesn't matter," laughed Joly. "You won't be going."
"Our little Marius. The only survivor."
"Her father survived, Enjolras."
"Yes, Feuilly, but Marius doesn't know that it was Cosette's father that was the one who saved him. Not yet anyway." He looked over at the two women staring down. "How do you feel, Fantine?"
"I feel complete. My daughter got what she wanted, and so did Marius. He's right. He does have a guardian angel," she said looking at Eponine.
"I only want him to be happy."
There assembled were all of the men who had died on the barricade, along with Eponine and Fantine. They stood in clothes of white in Heaven looking down upon the joyful day that brought them all together.
"Where did Valjean go, Fantine?" asked Enjolras looking up.
"Not far. Just outside of Paris. For an entire week, he's locked himself in a tiny house. Hasn't eaten or slept. He just sits there in the cold, waiting to die."
"We won't let him die," said Eponine. "Not until Cosette sees him for a final time."
All the men except Enjolras went back about their business. Enjolras placed his hands on Eponine's shoulders as they watched with Fantine the wedding festivities.
**************************************************************************
Marius and Cosette danced about as if they were walking on air. Cosette laughed with pleasure as Marius swung her about twice as many times as the dance required. She felt odd in doing so, but she was so happy that nothing could ruin the perfect moment. The music ended, but Marius continued to guide Cosette around the room. It was all an act, Cosette could see the playful look in Marius' eyes, and all the guest erupted with laughter and applause.
Marius and Cosette bowed to their guests and made their way off the dance floor. No sooner then they had, a young page ran up to them.
"Monsieur and Madame, the noble guests are just arriving and we wish you to greet them."
Cosette felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was glad that the significant class of France had not seen her dance in such a dense manner. Marius took her arm and they made their way to the door.
"Monsieur Beauvais and his wife."
"Welcome, thank you for coming."
"Duke and Duchess Follet."
"A pleasure to see you."
Much the same occurred for the next 10 minutes until the last few people made their way in.
"Lord and Lady Bristow from London."
"Thank you for making the trip."
"Baron and Baroness de Thenard."
"Charmed," said Marius searching his brain for that name.
"They wish to pay their respects to you, Monsieur, in private."
"Very well," he turned to Cosette. "Go make small talk. I'll be back before you realize I'm gone." He kissed her forehead and swept out the door.
No sooner had he gone, she was pulled in conversation with no one she knew. She smiled and politely answered their questions while she eagerly awaited her prince to save her.
**************************************************************************
Marius walked into the hallway and saw a man and a woman, highly overdressed, waiting for him.
"Our most 'umble respects on this most wonderful day," said the man in an exceedingly exaggerated voice.
"Your bride is beautiful. Ah, if she was my own."
"I don't recall ever meeting you before. Could you possibly refresh my memory?"
"Oh, it's all a blur to me," said the man scratching his head. "Perhaps at the....no. I'm almost positive it was.....no."
"Dinner party," whispered the woman.
"Dinner party! Must 'ave been!"
"I haven't been to a dinner party since I was 12 years old," smiled Marius, catching these people in a lie. "Baron de Thenard, is it possible that I've seen you on the streets?"
"What cause would we have in the streets?" asked the woman, insulted.
"Perhaps, Baroness, because this is all an act! De Thenard indeed! Who are you? Thieves? Go ruin another wedding, because I can't handle another think going wrong this evening!"
"Do you remember a girl, Eponine?"
Marius, who had turned to go back to Cosette, stopped dead in his tracks. "Eponine? What about her?"
The couple smiled at one another. "Thenardier, wasn't that 'er last name?"
Marius saw what these people were trying to reveal to him. "You're Eponine's...no. She said that they had died and that's why she was living on the street."
"A pretty lie to a pretty face," laughed Madame. "Would you tell the only well dressed man you knew that you were living off the streets of your own free will?"
"Do you know anything about your daughter?"
"Only that she died, and it was your fault." Thenardier looked hard into Marius' eyes.
Marius sighed. "I don't deny it. But did you know she was engaged?"
Thenardier took a look of shock. "She was what? To who and when?"
"Some man she was always with. Not a student. Really a jealous man."
"One of your thugs no less," Madame snorted at her husband.
After a moment, probably the only one in his life, of deep thought, Thenardier looked up. "Montparnasse," he said through gritted teeth.
"Yes, that does sound familiar."
"That's why he was the one who was so insistent on finding out what happened to her," Madame told her husband.
"That might not be the only reason." Both heads turned to Marius. He put his eyes down. "She was pregnant."
Madame exhaled loudly, and she looked at her spouse. "Was it 'Parnasse's?"
"Yes, it was. I'm sorry that I was the one to tell you. But, this isn't the reason you came, so I suggest to state your business and be on your way."
Thenardier was looking off into oblivion, so Madame stepped forward and spoke for him. "Cosette's father, the man you think you know so well, is not what you think he is."
"And what do I think he is?"
"An obliging, respectable man who lives alone with is daughter. But we know better. Darling, tell him what you've seen."
"He ain't that man. E's a cold-blooded murderer. I saw 'im carrying a dead body one night, and dragging it through the sewers."
"Who was it?"
"We'll let you know, if you slip us a little something."
Marius found 150 francs and gave it to Thenardier. "I want the whole story, not some cheap version to get more money."
"Tell him."
"Jean Valjean, that's 'is real name, was carrying this corpse through the sewers the night that the barricade fell. Blood caked on its body, limp as hell, probably been dead for a few hours."
"How do you know all this?"
"I was designated to collect the bodies as a service to the public. Needed closure, they did."
"I have no proof that this is true."
"Well, I did find this," said Thenardier producing a ring from his pocket. Marius grabbed it and realized it was his own. Suddenly, everything fell into place. Marius knew the truth about the night of the barricade, about Valjean's life, and Eponine's.
With rage, Marius punched Thenardier and he fell to the ground with a crack. Madame screamed as Marius ran back into the hall. He saw Cosette and ran to her.
"We have to go."
"But why? Marius! What's wrong?"
"We have got to find your father," he said dragging her from the party.
"He's overseas!"
"No he's not! He's in Paris, I just know it!"
They ran past Thenardier and out the door. He ushered Cosette into a coach, and Marius climbed into the driver's seat, not knowing where he was to start looking. He pulled the reigns and the coach took off into the night.