Chapter 4
Claire sat in the nursery with the twins and Charlotte, while the rest of the family was downstairs in Monsieur Pontmercy's library.
"What did you think of my brother?" Charlotte asked.
"I didn't really meet him."
"I could ask him to..."
"Why would you do that? He has no business knowing the servant."
"God forbid my mother heard you say that. She would never have anyone work for her. Work with her, maybe, but never for her."
"Still, your brother is a student, and he's rarely home."
"That doesn't mean I'm not hospitable." Both girls turned to the doorway and saw Gustave standing there. He came over to them and took a seat next to his sister. "We haven't been introduced. I'm Gustave."
"My name is Claire. It's wonderful to finally meet you Monsieur Pontmercy."
"No 'monsieur', please. Just Gustave. I'll wait until married for such a formal title."
"Yes, your sister told me about you engagement. Congratulations."
"My sister seems to know everything lately."
"Everything except why you're home this evening." Claire snickered at Charlotte's comment.
"What are you studying at the university?"
"Political sciences."
"And where do you stay?"
"With my Aunt and Uncle. My godfather also lives with us."
"That must be tight quarters."
"No, it's comfortable. My cousin is a little boy crazy, like my sister, but otherwise, it's rather nice. How are my sisters and brother treating you?"
"Very well. I think it's because I'm closer to their age than some ancient governess. I know that I always listened to someone of the same age and gender more often than not. Of course, I've only been here for a day. I'm sure their attitudes are bound to change."
"I'm sure we'll love you."
Claire smiled. "Well, there are some people in this room who need to go to bed."
"Oh, thank you for reminding me," said Gustave, mockingly. "I'll see everyone in the morning." Five 'goodnights' were heard and Gustave left the room.
"I told you so."
"Just for that," Claire glared at Charlotte, "you'll be the first one to go to her bedchamber."
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"Cosette?"
"Mm hmm."
"She came from England to hire you? For what?"
"Her husband has been charged with adultery, and it's more than evident that he's one hundred percent guilty."
"How can you tell?"
"Just by the way she described him, and spoke of him."
Marius paced back in forth in the library while Eponine sat on the edge of her chair.
"Cosette..."
"'Ponine, we're not going to revisit this."
"I despise that woman, and it pains me to even think of her. She didn't come from England just to find a lawyer."
"Why else would she be here?"
"You said it yourself, Marius. The man is guilty, and she's going to want to divorce him as soon as the courts confirm it. Meanwhile, she's going to try and break us apart so that when she's grieving the loss of her husband, you'll be the first one there to comfort her."
"You've got this all figured out, haven't you, 'Ponine?"
"I'm not the only one. She's still in love with you. She hasn't had a child by any other man. Don't you think that's odd?"
"I don't want to think about this. I don't want you to be thinking about this!" He knelt down next to her chair. "'Ponine, nothing is going to break us apart, especially not Cosette. When I think of how many times I almost lost you all those years ago, I can't even imagine what was going through my mind."
"But you didn't lose me, and I think more than one of us is grateful for that." She lowered her head to his, and there was a knock at the door. Eponine sighed with a smile, and dropped her head of Marius' shoulder.
"Come in," he said as he stood.
Claire came in and pressed her back against the closed door.
"Everyone's asleep, Monsieur. Is there anything else I can do tonight?"
"No, thank you, Claire. You've done quite enough. If you give us a moment, Eponine will show you to your new room."
"Thank you," said Claire as she left the library.
"Are you coming to bed now?"
"No," yawned Marius. "I have a few things to finish. Don't wait up."
"All right. Don't be up late."
Marius kissed her forehead and she left the room. Marius sat down at his desk, and opened a book.
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"Brigitte?"
"You look absolutely surprised to see me."
"Because I am," he said, kissing her cheek.
"Gustave, welcome."
"Thank you, Monsieur Laroche."
"Shall we go into the drawing room?"
"I think that would be a good idea, darling," responded Madame Laroche, trying her best to sound sincere towards her husband. Brigitte frowned, but Gustave took her hand, and they followed their parents to the drawing room.
"Now then," said Marius when everyone was settled. "Perhaps we should talk about marriage."
"We were absolutely thrilled when Gustave approached us," beamed Catherine.
Her husband shot daggers at Marius. "Some of us more than others."
Brigitte quickly turned to Gustave. "Would you like to take a look at the gardens before dinner?"
"Yes, actually. I was hoping you would ask. Shall we?" They left the room, and Marius approached Leon.
"What have you got against my family?"
"Pontmercy, I'm not going to pretend that the idea of my daughter marrying into your family makes me happy, because it doesn't. However, I'm not willing to compromise the happiness of my only child, for she obviously has developed feelings for your son. Yes, once again, Pontmercy comes out ahead of me."
"Are you still holding on to this notion that my life is perfect? What on earth makes you think that?"
"The first thing that comes to mind is the Williamson case." Marius looked back at Eponine.
"Do you want that case, Leon? You are more than welcome to it because I sure as hell don't want it!"
"Isn't that woman a friend of yours?" Leon questioned.
"She claims to be, but I want no part of her."
"Excuse me, but aren't we all adults here?" Eponine asked. "Are you willing to put your differences aside for the sake of your children? Perhaps we won't always get along, but since Gustave and Brigitte have decided to spend the rest of their lives together, we might as well learn to stand one another."
There was a pause, and Marius held out his hand to Leon. He slowly took it, and they shook firmly as Eponine sighed, relieved.
"Well, now that that's that," said Leon, "let's find those two and enjoy a nice dinner."
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Claire explored the house for a third time. The only room she dared not to go into was Gustave's. She felt completely foolish thinking about him. He was practically a married man. She had met him briefly and seen him only a few times after that. He probably felt nothing for or about her. He probably felt sorry for her, if nothing else.
She went to check on the children before she settled down for the night. The twins were sound asleep, but Charlotte was sitting at her window seat. Claire came in and sat down next to her.
"What are you doing awake?"
"Making sure that you're asleep. What book is that?"
"It's a collection of fairy tales."
"I love those. Yes, I can read and write. The orphanages get bad reputations, but they're actually fairly decent schools."
"Which one is your favorite?"
Claire reflected on the question. She had heard so many over the years. In fact, quite a few tales were made up especially for the orphans.
"I would have to say the one in which the boy climbs up into the world of the giants."
"'Jack and the Beanstalk.'"
"That's right. Which is yours?"
"'Sleeping Beauty.' I think it's the most wonderful of them all. My mother's favorite is 'Cinderella.'"
"Why is that?"
"She claims that her life is the model for the story. I guess you didn't know about that."
"About what?" Claire asked, confused.
"My mother, when she was about your age, lived off the streets. She had to take care of my aunt and uncle, and then she met my father. He was a student at the university, and they fell in love with one another."
"That's wonderful."
"But he was a Baron, and she was a beggar. He started to court another woman, but my mother and he finally professed their love for one another. After that, they got married and started a family."
"Rags to riches? I rather like it."
"Maybe that will be you, Claire. You'll fall in love with a viscount, or a duke."
"I'll settle for no less than a Prince," she joked. "Now, you must go to sleep."
"Goodnight."
'I don't need a prince,' she thought, walking to her room. 'Just someone who will return my feelings will be enough.'
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Gustave had barely heard a word through dinner or dessert, and was still not thinking about anything being said when he was sitting with his father and future father-in-law. He couldn't get the newest member of the Pontmercy household out of this mind.
He didn't know how to feel about her. He didn't pity her, he knew that. He knew that feeling sorry for someone, even yourself, was a waste of time and energy. He hadn't really gotten to know her, which was extremely unlike him. He was very friendly and could make friends with anyone, regardless of who they were. Yet, when this girl walks into not only his life, but the lives of his family, he seemed to be thrown out of his 'routine.'
"Perhaps the boy should know a few things, shouldn't he, Marius?"
"I suppose now would be the ideal time and place. Gustave?"
"Oh, God."
"Marius," Leon laughed. "I have a feeling that your son is less than pleased with the idea. Come now, Gustave, we're all family, or at least we're going to be."
"You really don't have to. Enjolras already..."
"He beat me to it. My best man and friend beat me to talking to my own son about marriage. Why does this not surprise me?"
"What exactly did my favorite professor have to say on the matter?"
"Just the rules of marriage," Gustave responded to Leon's comment.
"I don't even want to know what he said."
"Father, please say that means you won't be talking to me about this."
"No, we will be talking. Now..."
After nearly half an hour, the three men emerged, Gustave with a slight blush on his face. He could hardly look Brigitte in the eye as they said 'goodbye'. His father grinned the entire way home, while his mother was left puzzled.
Claire sat in the nursery with the twins and Charlotte, while the rest of the family was downstairs in Monsieur Pontmercy's library.
"What did you think of my brother?" Charlotte asked.
"I didn't really meet him."
"I could ask him to..."
"Why would you do that? He has no business knowing the servant."
"God forbid my mother heard you say that. She would never have anyone work for her. Work with her, maybe, but never for her."
"Still, your brother is a student, and he's rarely home."
"That doesn't mean I'm not hospitable." Both girls turned to the doorway and saw Gustave standing there. He came over to them and took a seat next to his sister. "We haven't been introduced. I'm Gustave."
"My name is Claire. It's wonderful to finally meet you Monsieur Pontmercy."
"No 'monsieur', please. Just Gustave. I'll wait until married for such a formal title."
"Yes, your sister told me about you engagement. Congratulations."
"My sister seems to know everything lately."
"Everything except why you're home this evening." Claire snickered at Charlotte's comment.
"What are you studying at the university?"
"Political sciences."
"And where do you stay?"
"With my Aunt and Uncle. My godfather also lives with us."
"That must be tight quarters."
"No, it's comfortable. My cousin is a little boy crazy, like my sister, but otherwise, it's rather nice. How are my sisters and brother treating you?"
"Very well. I think it's because I'm closer to their age than some ancient governess. I know that I always listened to someone of the same age and gender more often than not. Of course, I've only been here for a day. I'm sure their attitudes are bound to change."
"I'm sure we'll love you."
Claire smiled. "Well, there are some people in this room who need to go to bed."
"Oh, thank you for reminding me," said Gustave, mockingly. "I'll see everyone in the morning." Five 'goodnights' were heard and Gustave left the room.
"I told you so."
"Just for that," Claire glared at Charlotte, "you'll be the first one to go to her bedchamber."
************************************************************************
"Cosette?"
"Mm hmm."
"She came from England to hire you? For what?"
"Her husband has been charged with adultery, and it's more than evident that he's one hundred percent guilty."
"How can you tell?"
"Just by the way she described him, and spoke of him."
Marius paced back in forth in the library while Eponine sat on the edge of her chair.
"Cosette..."
"'Ponine, we're not going to revisit this."
"I despise that woman, and it pains me to even think of her. She didn't come from England just to find a lawyer."
"Why else would she be here?"
"You said it yourself, Marius. The man is guilty, and she's going to want to divorce him as soon as the courts confirm it. Meanwhile, she's going to try and break us apart so that when she's grieving the loss of her husband, you'll be the first one there to comfort her."
"You've got this all figured out, haven't you, 'Ponine?"
"I'm not the only one. She's still in love with you. She hasn't had a child by any other man. Don't you think that's odd?"
"I don't want to think about this. I don't want you to be thinking about this!" He knelt down next to her chair. "'Ponine, nothing is going to break us apart, especially not Cosette. When I think of how many times I almost lost you all those years ago, I can't even imagine what was going through my mind."
"But you didn't lose me, and I think more than one of us is grateful for that." She lowered her head to his, and there was a knock at the door. Eponine sighed with a smile, and dropped her head of Marius' shoulder.
"Come in," he said as he stood.
Claire came in and pressed her back against the closed door.
"Everyone's asleep, Monsieur. Is there anything else I can do tonight?"
"No, thank you, Claire. You've done quite enough. If you give us a moment, Eponine will show you to your new room."
"Thank you," said Claire as she left the library.
"Are you coming to bed now?"
"No," yawned Marius. "I have a few things to finish. Don't wait up."
"All right. Don't be up late."
Marius kissed her forehead and she left the room. Marius sat down at his desk, and opened a book.
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"Brigitte?"
"You look absolutely surprised to see me."
"Because I am," he said, kissing her cheek.
"Gustave, welcome."
"Thank you, Monsieur Laroche."
"Shall we go into the drawing room?"
"I think that would be a good idea, darling," responded Madame Laroche, trying her best to sound sincere towards her husband. Brigitte frowned, but Gustave took her hand, and they followed their parents to the drawing room.
"Now then," said Marius when everyone was settled. "Perhaps we should talk about marriage."
"We were absolutely thrilled when Gustave approached us," beamed Catherine.
Her husband shot daggers at Marius. "Some of us more than others."
Brigitte quickly turned to Gustave. "Would you like to take a look at the gardens before dinner?"
"Yes, actually. I was hoping you would ask. Shall we?" They left the room, and Marius approached Leon.
"What have you got against my family?"
"Pontmercy, I'm not going to pretend that the idea of my daughter marrying into your family makes me happy, because it doesn't. However, I'm not willing to compromise the happiness of my only child, for she obviously has developed feelings for your son. Yes, once again, Pontmercy comes out ahead of me."
"Are you still holding on to this notion that my life is perfect? What on earth makes you think that?"
"The first thing that comes to mind is the Williamson case." Marius looked back at Eponine.
"Do you want that case, Leon? You are more than welcome to it because I sure as hell don't want it!"
"Isn't that woman a friend of yours?" Leon questioned.
"She claims to be, but I want no part of her."
"Excuse me, but aren't we all adults here?" Eponine asked. "Are you willing to put your differences aside for the sake of your children? Perhaps we won't always get along, but since Gustave and Brigitte have decided to spend the rest of their lives together, we might as well learn to stand one another."
There was a pause, and Marius held out his hand to Leon. He slowly took it, and they shook firmly as Eponine sighed, relieved.
"Well, now that that's that," said Leon, "let's find those two and enjoy a nice dinner."
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Claire explored the house for a third time. The only room she dared not to go into was Gustave's. She felt completely foolish thinking about him. He was practically a married man. She had met him briefly and seen him only a few times after that. He probably felt nothing for or about her. He probably felt sorry for her, if nothing else.
She went to check on the children before she settled down for the night. The twins were sound asleep, but Charlotte was sitting at her window seat. Claire came in and sat down next to her.
"What are you doing awake?"
"Making sure that you're asleep. What book is that?"
"It's a collection of fairy tales."
"I love those. Yes, I can read and write. The orphanages get bad reputations, but they're actually fairly decent schools."
"Which one is your favorite?"
Claire reflected on the question. She had heard so many over the years. In fact, quite a few tales were made up especially for the orphans.
"I would have to say the one in which the boy climbs up into the world of the giants."
"'Jack and the Beanstalk.'"
"That's right. Which is yours?"
"'Sleeping Beauty.' I think it's the most wonderful of them all. My mother's favorite is 'Cinderella.'"
"Why is that?"
"She claims that her life is the model for the story. I guess you didn't know about that."
"About what?" Claire asked, confused.
"My mother, when she was about your age, lived off the streets. She had to take care of my aunt and uncle, and then she met my father. He was a student at the university, and they fell in love with one another."
"That's wonderful."
"But he was a Baron, and she was a beggar. He started to court another woman, but my mother and he finally professed their love for one another. After that, they got married and started a family."
"Rags to riches? I rather like it."
"Maybe that will be you, Claire. You'll fall in love with a viscount, or a duke."
"I'll settle for no less than a Prince," she joked. "Now, you must go to sleep."
"Goodnight."
'I don't need a prince,' she thought, walking to her room. 'Just someone who will return my feelings will be enough.'
************************************************************************
Gustave had barely heard a word through dinner or dessert, and was still not thinking about anything being said when he was sitting with his father and future father-in-law. He couldn't get the newest member of the Pontmercy household out of this mind.
He didn't know how to feel about her. He didn't pity her, he knew that. He knew that feeling sorry for someone, even yourself, was a waste of time and energy. He hadn't really gotten to know her, which was extremely unlike him. He was very friendly and could make friends with anyone, regardless of who they were. Yet, when this girl walks into not only his life, but the lives of his family, he seemed to be thrown out of his 'routine.'
"Perhaps the boy should know a few things, shouldn't he, Marius?"
"I suppose now would be the ideal time and place. Gustave?"
"Oh, God."
"Marius," Leon laughed. "I have a feeling that your son is less than pleased with the idea. Come now, Gustave, we're all family, or at least we're going to be."
"You really don't have to. Enjolras already..."
"He beat me to it. My best man and friend beat me to talking to my own son about marriage. Why does this not surprise me?"
"What exactly did my favorite professor have to say on the matter?"
"Just the rules of marriage," Gustave responded to Leon's comment.
"I don't even want to know what he said."
"Father, please say that means you won't be talking to me about this."
"No, we will be talking. Now..."
After nearly half an hour, the three men emerged, Gustave with a slight blush on his face. He could hardly look Brigitte in the eye as they said 'goodbye'. His father grinned the entire way home, while his mother was left puzzled.