Chapter Two
Fantine sat against the tree, trying to stop shivering so as not to wake Cosette who was nestled in her arms, wrapped in her mother's threadbare coat. The day grew colder every moment until Fantine began to fear that both her and the child would freeze to death. She had not considered how long of a journey this would be for a child of six; she had not considered anything except for the fact that she had to get Cosette away from the Thenardiers. Yet, she couldn't help but wonder if her daughter would not be better off with them now.
She tried to stop this flow of frightening, worrisome thoughts, these thoughts that were so futile. Besides, she decided, it was too cold to be able to think rationally. She should have done that beforehand.
It was a dream that had led her to Montfermeil. A nightmare which she could not remember once she awoke--the only remnant of the dream had been an anxious need to see her daughter again and make sure that all was well with her. She had not intended to even tell Cosette who she was, much less take her...she had only wanted to be certain of Cosette's happiness. But what Fantine had found had greatly horrified her, as it would have horrified any mother who cared for her child. She had rescued Cosette from slavery and abuse, but to what was she subjecting her?