Chapter 5
After Gustave had gone back to Paris, Marius had to go back to work on his case with Cosette. He was still unaware of what her true feelings were for her husband, but she claimed to love him more than anything and that she would stand by his side. Eponine remained convinced that every word that came out of Cosette's mouth was a lie and that she was still plotting to break the Pontmercy family apart.
In the meantime, Gavroche and Laetitia had moved to Rouen. Gavroche was going to be working as a clerk for Marius' firm. Until they found a suitable house, they were going to stay with Marius and Eponine. This made Claire's life more demanding, now that there were five children to look after.
Grantaire and Azelma had been talking about leaving Paris, but decided against it. Grantaire had a stable job as printer for the newspaper, and they also had Gustave and Enjolras living with them.
Leon, in his newfound agreement with Marius, found him much more tolerable and easier to work with. His relationship with his wife, however, remained the same. Brigitte was overcome with wedding preparations and arranging an engagement party. She had barely enough time to think, as her mother was making plans for her every day.
Two weeks later, in early April, Marius found himself in Paris with Cosette. They had arranged to see Count Williamson to get a better view of the situation. When the Count walked into the room, he looked as if he had just dressed for a dinner party. Marius stood and looked the man over. He wasn't a handsome man, but he wasn't unpleasant to look at. He had broad shoulders and a walrus mustache. His eyes and hair was nearly identical to Cosette's. He walked to his wife first, and kissed her on the cheek.
"Oh, Arthur, how are you?"
"I'm fine, my love. And who is this gentleman?"
"This is Monsieur Marius Pontmercy. He's going to be your lawyer."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Count Williamson. I'm surprised to hear you speak such fluent French," Marius said shaking the Count's hand.
"Being a businessman, I need to know a few languages to conduct business. Also, because my wife never learned much English, it's become second nature to me."
"Won't you sit down?" All three took a seat and Marius looked across the table. "Now, perhaps you could start the story for us, as you will have to testify in court. What was your purpose in coming to Paris?"
"As my wife may have told you, I run a textile factory. We produce products for not only England, but France and Italy as well. We're having a new factory built here, in Paris, and I came to oversee the start of construction."
"What business did you have making sure that the factory was being built properly?"
"I own the factory in London, and I also own this one being built. Seeing that it is my money being used to erect the new factory, I felt that I should make sure the money wasn't being used inappropriately."
"So, you spent how much time in Paris?"
"One week."
"So, for one week you were in only two places? The construction site and your hotel?"
"That's correct."
"You never dined out? Or made visits to anyone you might have known?"
"No. I ate in the hotel restaurant, and I have no acquaintances, let alone friends, in Paris."
"Why would this woman then accuse you of being the father of her child?"
"I don't think this conversation is appropriate for my wife."
"I think I have every right to know," said Cosette. "Unless you're attempting to hide something, Arthur. Are you?"
"What would I have to hide? You can't honestly believe that I would do something like that."
"Then answer my question," frowned Marius.
"The woman worked in the hotel. Perhaps she is carrying a bastard child and mine was the first name that came to mind."
"So, she worked in the hotel. That's not good."
"Why?" Cosette asked.
"Because," Marius responded, "that means that she has a strong case. She works in the hotel, meaning that she could say that the Count lured her into his room, or something to that extent."
"But I didn't!"
"I wish your word is all we could go on," reassured Marius. "However, we need witnesses. You had no traveling companions?"
"Not one."
"So, we'll have to make a visit to the hotel later today before we go home. We need a witness that can supply a plead of innocence for you. I'll leave the two of you alone for a moment before the Countess and I return to Rouen." Marius left the room, and the Count came and sat next to his wife.
"Why this lawyer?"
"I knew him when I was younger. He was my...friend, and I trust him."
"But he doesn't trust me."
"He thinks that you're guilty."
"But I'm not. Cosette, surely you believe me."
"Of course I do. I must admit that it is hard at times to believe you, but I do."
"I would never choose another woman over you. Ever. I love you more than anything else in this world."
"And I love you. I have to go, though."
They shared a brief kiss before Cosette left her husband alone until he was escorted back to his cell.
************************************************************************
"Which dress would you pick, Claire?"
"They're both very nice. Why are you asking me, Charlotte? You'll be the one wearing the dress."
"But other people will have to see me in the dress."
Charlotte and Claire were in Charlotte's bedchamber deciding on a dress to wear for Gustave and Brigitte's engagement party, which was being held Saturday evening. Everyone was anxious to find out when the wedding date was set for, since it was going to be announced that night. Claire sat in a chair with Benjamin in her arms. Laetitia was attending to the twins and Madeline at the moment, giving Charlotte enough time to ask Claire's opinion on the pastel pink or the crimson red dress.
"Which one would you wear?"
"That's a silly question, because if I were able to wear one of those dresses, I would probably faint." Charlotte threw her an irritated look, and Claire laughed. "But if I had to wear one, if my very life depended on it, then I would wear the pink one."
"Very well, then your life does depend on it. You are going to wear the pink one on Saturday night."
"What?"
"Mama said that everyone is going. That means me, the twins, Madeline, and Benjamin."
"But, they're far too young."
"Madeline and Benjamin have their mother. Besides, they're family, and family means everyone. My Aunt and Uncle are coming on Friday with my cousin."
"And they'll be bringing Gustave and his godfather."
"See?" said Charlotte delighted. "You're as well as a Pontmercy. Wait until you meet Uncle Enjolras and Emilie. You'll have a grand time."
"But I'm not family. I shouldn't go."
"And why not?" The girls looked up and saw Eponine standing on the threshold.
"Madame, I'm not..."
"Which dress was decided upon?"
"This one, Mama," Charlotte said bringing the pink dress to her mother.
"Madame, I really don't think I should be there."
"And I say you should. Now this is the last I'm going to hear of it. I'll order you to go, if that becomes necessary."
Claire's sigh became a laugh. "Very well. I will go."
************************************************************************
Saturday night, the Laroche household was full of laughter and merriment. The soon to be bride and bridegroom barely had a moment to themselves, even though they were arm in arm the entire time. They could barely take two steps when someone new came up and needed introduction. By the end of the night, countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and distant relatives were presented. Gustave hardly spent a minute with his own family, and the same for Brigitte.
Charlotte, Emilie, Juliette, and Nicolas proceeded to mingle all night with some of Brigitte's relatives that were around the same age as they were. Benjamin spent the night in his mother's arms, while Madeline stayed tightly around her father's leg. Eponine and Marius spend a good portion of the evening beside Leon and Catherine, while Grantaire and Azelma stayed next to Enjolras and Claire. Claire found it very enjoyable to speak with the Parisian relatives of the Pontmercy family.
"Eponine told us all about you," said Enjolras smugly.
"I fear only your niece has said anything about you," Claire responded.
Azelma looked from her husband to Enjolras. "We all know what that situation is like. Honestly, we do. Eponine, my brother Gavroche, and myself consider ourselves orphans because our parents abandoned us. They only thought us worthy when we gave them some money. We didn't have any friends until Gavroche discovered the ABC Society."
"I've heard of them. They built the barricade against the National Guard."
"Where did you learn about that? In the orphanage?" Claire nodded. "Enjolras, we're famous! We're being taught in history lessons."
"Yes, we are living proof. Although, I'd hardly call you living proof, Grantaire."
"It's not my fault you insisted I leave!"
"It's not my fault you were drunk."
Claire did everything to suppress her laughter. "Wait a minute, you were the leader of the ABC Society?"
"We liked to let him think so," smiled Azelma. "Actually, my brother was the real leader."
"I had forgotten all about that. Anyway, Marius and myself are the only living survivors from the barricade. I mean, who actually fought."
"In that case, I should consider myself lucky."
Later that evening, Gustave and Brigitte approached Claire and Enjolras. Azelma and Grantaire had gone to dance and see how Gavroche and Laetitia were doing.
"Finally," breathed Gustave. "A moment of sanity."
"Sanity? Here? I fear you have come to the wrong place. However, I would like to wish you both congratulations on your engagement."
"Thank you," smiled Brigitte.
"I do hope you will refer to me as Enjolras from now on, since we are practically family."
"I'm sure I'll bear that in mind. Now, Gustave, here's someone who I haven't met yet."
"Of course, where are my manners. Actually, I'm not quite sure who this is. I have a pretty good idea, but she looks so different then last time."
Claire laughed. "Last time, I wore your siblings on each arm. Now, I'm just wearing a pink dress."
"A lovely one, I might add. Brigitte Laroche, may I introduce a friend of my family? Mademoiselle Claire Merle."
Enjolras threw a glance at his Godson while the two girls curtsied at one another.
"It's a great pleasure to meet you at last. Charlotte told me of you."
"I'm afraid I've been so busy, I can't remember if I was ever told of you. I hope you forgive me for that."
"You've met so many people tonight, but have you danced yet?" Gustave and Brigitte looked at one another before shaking their head. "Well then," said Enjolras, "it is your party, and you should enjoy it. Gustave, I suggest you ask your fiancee to dance, before I ask her myself."
"In that case, Brigitte, would you like to dance?"
"Gladly," she beamed as Gustave led her to the dance floor. When they were out of earshot, Enjolras spoke.
"Brilliant boy, Gustave."
"Is 'Merle' a name he made up?"
"Actually, it's Laetitia's maiden name. She has no family, for her parents died years ago, and they were both only children. Technically, no one will know, if we let the family in on the secret. No one bothers with asking about maiden names, anyway."
"It would be awful if someone here found out about my situation." Just then, Leon and Catherine walked up to them.
"Enjolras, I'm so pleased you could make it. But why have you chosen to hide in this corner?"
"Good evening, Leon. I was just reminiscing with my dear friend over here."
"I don't believe we've met his young lady," said Catherine. "Won't you introduce us?"
"Monsieur and Madame Laroche, may I present Mademoiselle Claire Merle?"
After Gustave had gone back to Paris, Marius had to go back to work on his case with Cosette. He was still unaware of what her true feelings were for her husband, but she claimed to love him more than anything and that she would stand by his side. Eponine remained convinced that every word that came out of Cosette's mouth was a lie and that she was still plotting to break the Pontmercy family apart.
In the meantime, Gavroche and Laetitia had moved to Rouen. Gavroche was going to be working as a clerk for Marius' firm. Until they found a suitable house, they were going to stay with Marius and Eponine. This made Claire's life more demanding, now that there were five children to look after.
Grantaire and Azelma had been talking about leaving Paris, but decided against it. Grantaire had a stable job as printer for the newspaper, and they also had Gustave and Enjolras living with them.
Leon, in his newfound agreement with Marius, found him much more tolerable and easier to work with. His relationship with his wife, however, remained the same. Brigitte was overcome with wedding preparations and arranging an engagement party. She had barely enough time to think, as her mother was making plans for her every day.
Two weeks later, in early April, Marius found himself in Paris with Cosette. They had arranged to see Count Williamson to get a better view of the situation. When the Count walked into the room, he looked as if he had just dressed for a dinner party. Marius stood and looked the man over. He wasn't a handsome man, but he wasn't unpleasant to look at. He had broad shoulders and a walrus mustache. His eyes and hair was nearly identical to Cosette's. He walked to his wife first, and kissed her on the cheek.
"Oh, Arthur, how are you?"
"I'm fine, my love. And who is this gentleman?"
"This is Monsieur Marius Pontmercy. He's going to be your lawyer."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Count Williamson. I'm surprised to hear you speak such fluent French," Marius said shaking the Count's hand.
"Being a businessman, I need to know a few languages to conduct business. Also, because my wife never learned much English, it's become second nature to me."
"Won't you sit down?" All three took a seat and Marius looked across the table. "Now, perhaps you could start the story for us, as you will have to testify in court. What was your purpose in coming to Paris?"
"As my wife may have told you, I run a textile factory. We produce products for not only England, but France and Italy as well. We're having a new factory built here, in Paris, and I came to oversee the start of construction."
"What business did you have making sure that the factory was being built properly?"
"I own the factory in London, and I also own this one being built. Seeing that it is my money being used to erect the new factory, I felt that I should make sure the money wasn't being used inappropriately."
"So, you spent how much time in Paris?"
"One week."
"So, for one week you were in only two places? The construction site and your hotel?"
"That's correct."
"You never dined out? Or made visits to anyone you might have known?"
"No. I ate in the hotel restaurant, and I have no acquaintances, let alone friends, in Paris."
"Why would this woman then accuse you of being the father of her child?"
"I don't think this conversation is appropriate for my wife."
"I think I have every right to know," said Cosette. "Unless you're attempting to hide something, Arthur. Are you?"
"What would I have to hide? You can't honestly believe that I would do something like that."
"Then answer my question," frowned Marius.
"The woman worked in the hotel. Perhaps she is carrying a bastard child and mine was the first name that came to mind."
"So, she worked in the hotel. That's not good."
"Why?" Cosette asked.
"Because," Marius responded, "that means that she has a strong case. She works in the hotel, meaning that she could say that the Count lured her into his room, or something to that extent."
"But I didn't!"
"I wish your word is all we could go on," reassured Marius. "However, we need witnesses. You had no traveling companions?"
"Not one."
"So, we'll have to make a visit to the hotel later today before we go home. We need a witness that can supply a plead of innocence for you. I'll leave the two of you alone for a moment before the Countess and I return to Rouen." Marius left the room, and the Count came and sat next to his wife.
"Why this lawyer?"
"I knew him when I was younger. He was my...friend, and I trust him."
"But he doesn't trust me."
"He thinks that you're guilty."
"But I'm not. Cosette, surely you believe me."
"Of course I do. I must admit that it is hard at times to believe you, but I do."
"I would never choose another woman over you. Ever. I love you more than anything else in this world."
"And I love you. I have to go, though."
They shared a brief kiss before Cosette left her husband alone until he was escorted back to his cell.
************************************************************************
"Which dress would you pick, Claire?"
"They're both very nice. Why are you asking me, Charlotte? You'll be the one wearing the dress."
"But other people will have to see me in the dress."
Charlotte and Claire were in Charlotte's bedchamber deciding on a dress to wear for Gustave and Brigitte's engagement party, which was being held Saturday evening. Everyone was anxious to find out when the wedding date was set for, since it was going to be announced that night. Claire sat in a chair with Benjamin in her arms. Laetitia was attending to the twins and Madeline at the moment, giving Charlotte enough time to ask Claire's opinion on the pastel pink or the crimson red dress.
"Which one would you wear?"
"That's a silly question, because if I were able to wear one of those dresses, I would probably faint." Charlotte threw her an irritated look, and Claire laughed. "But if I had to wear one, if my very life depended on it, then I would wear the pink one."
"Very well, then your life does depend on it. You are going to wear the pink one on Saturday night."
"What?"
"Mama said that everyone is going. That means me, the twins, Madeline, and Benjamin."
"But, they're far too young."
"Madeline and Benjamin have their mother. Besides, they're family, and family means everyone. My Aunt and Uncle are coming on Friday with my cousin."
"And they'll be bringing Gustave and his godfather."
"See?" said Charlotte delighted. "You're as well as a Pontmercy. Wait until you meet Uncle Enjolras and Emilie. You'll have a grand time."
"But I'm not family. I shouldn't go."
"And why not?" The girls looked up and saw Eponine standing on the threshold.
"Madame, I'm not..."
"Which dress was decided upon?"
"This one, Mama," Charlotte said bringing the pink dress to her mother.
"Madame, I really don't think I should be there."
"And I say you should. Now this is the last I'm going to hear of it. I'll order you to go, if that becomes necessary."
Claire's sigh became a laugh. "Very well. I will go."
************************************************************************
Saturday night, the Laroche household was full of laughter and merriment. The soon to be bride and bridegroom barely had a moment to themselves, even though they were arm in arm the entire time. They could barely take two steps when someone new came up and needed introduction. By the end of the night, countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and distant relatives were presented. Gustave hardly spent a minute with his own family, and the same for Brigitte.
Charlotte, Emilie, Juliette, and Nicolas proceeded to mingle all night with some of Brigitte's relatives that were around the same age as they were. Benjamin spent the night in his mother's arms, while Madeline stayed tightly around her father's leg. Eponine and Marius spend a good portion of the evening beside Leon and Catherine, while Grantaire and Azelma stayed next to Enjolras and Claire. Claire found it very enjoyable to speak with the Parisian relatives of the Pontmercy family.
"Eponine told us all about you," said Enjolras smugly.
"I fear only your niece has said anything about you," Claire responded.
Azelma looked from her husband to Enjolras. "We all know what that situation is like. Honestly, we do. Eponine, my brother Gavroche, and myself consider ourselves orphans because our parents abandoned us. They only thought us worthy when we gave them some money. We didn't have any friends until Gavroche discovered the ABC Society."
"I've heard of them. They built the barricade against the National Guard."
"Where did you learn about that? In the orphanage?" Claire nodded. "Enjolras, we're famous! We're being taught in history lessons."
"Yes, we are living proof. Although, I'd hardly call you living proof, Grantaire."
"It's not my fault you insisted I leave!"
"It's not my fault you were drunk."
Claire did everything to suppress her laughter. "Wait a minute, you were the leader of the ABC Society?"
"We liked to let him think so," smiled Azelma. "Actually, my brother was the real leader."
"I had forgotten all about that. Anyway, Marius and myself are the only living survivors from the barricade. I mean, who actually fought."
"In that case, I should consider myself lucky."
Later that evening, Gustave and Brigitte approached Claire and Enjolras. Azelma and Grantaire had gone to dance and see how Gavroche and Laetitia were doing.
"Finally," breathed Gustave. "A moment of sanity."
"Sanity? Here? I fear you have come to the wrong place. However, I would like to wish you both congratulations on your engagement."
"Thank you," smiled Brigitte.
"I do hope you will refer to me as Enjolras from now on, since we are practically family."
"I'm sure I'll bear that in mind. Now, Gustave, here's someone who I haven't met yet."
"Of course, where are my manners. Actually, I'm not quite sure who this is. I have a pretty good idea, but she looks so different then last time."
Claire laughed. "Last time, I wore your siblings on each arm. Now, I'm just wearing a pink dress."
"A lovely one, I might add. Brigitte Laroche, may I introduce a friend of my family? Mademoiselle Claire Merle."
Enjolras threw a glance at his Godson while the two girls curtsied at one another.
"It's a great pleasure to meet you at last. Charlotte told me of you."
"I'm afraid I've been so busy, I can't remember if I was ever told of you. I hope you forgive me for that."
"You've met so many people tonight, but have you danced yet?" Gustave and Brigitte looked at one another before shaking their head. "Well then," said Enjolras, "it is your party, and you should enjoy it. Gustave, I suggest you ask your fiancee to dance, before I ask her myself."
"In that case, Brigitte, would you like to dance?"
"Gladly," she beamed as Gustave led her to the dance floor. When they were out of earshot, Enjolras spoke.
"Brilliant boy, Gustave."
"Is 'Merle' a name he made up?"
"Actually, it's Laetitia's maiden name. She has no family, for her parents died years ago, and they were both only children. Technically, no one will know, if we let the family in on the secret. No one bothers with asking about maiden names, anyway."
"It would be awful if someone here found out about my situation." Just then, Leon and Catherine walked up to them.
"Enjolras, I'm so pleased you could make it. But why have you chosen to hide in this corner?"
"Good evening, Leon. I was just reminiscing with my dear friend over here."
"I don't believe we've met his young lady," said Catherine. "Won't you introduce us?"
"Monsieur and Madame Laroche, may I present Mademoiselle Claire Merle?"