The first section of this chapter has been edited to fix plot related flaws. I'm hoping this version will not be so confusing.
Chapter 2
A month had passed since the meeting between Thénardier and Pontmercy, and though it had been a difficult task both men had managed to cough up enough money for their trip to Paris. There were many expenses they had to cover such as food, a place to stay, and of course the clothes Thénardier and Eponine would wear in the presence of Gillenormand. Before Thénardier had left the house, he mentioned that in such expensive clothes he felt like a king.
Before they arrived Pontmercy had been tracked Gillenormand's movements carefully, and recorded the places that he frequently visited and the routes he would often take. There was only one problem left, how would Thénardier meet up with Gillenormand without setting off the man's infamous temper? Then he noticed that Gillenormand routinely stopped to pick up a royalist newspaper, and an idea had hit him: he would have the two meet there.
Thénardier's first reaction to this was not a very pleasant one, but Pontmercy reminded him countless times that it was only an act he'd have to play for a short time. So once Thénardier relaxed, he finally agreed to do as Pontmercy instructed. The only problem that remained was for Thénardier to start a conversation with the old man, and hopefully become friends with him. Fortunately for the both of them, Thénardier was very skilled with words.
So now here he was waiting for Gillenormand to finally make his way here. This was a pain because he was unsure on how the man looked. Still it wasn't as if Pontmercy could do this task, so he would simply have to wait for him to arrive. A few minutes past and a young boy walked along side an old man. Thénardier's eyes widened at this, and quickly he hid any emotion that may cause suspicion. While the boy was pulling at the old man's shirt, the old man had accidentally dropped a Newspaper in his hand. The man turned around to scold the boy.
Thénardier took this as a perfect opportunity to start some sort of conversation with him and simply said, "Allow me to get that for you."
Without any further thought, Thénardier leaned over to retrieve the newspaper. He placed it in the old mans hands. His eyes went from the old man, and then to the young boy following behind him like a loyal puppy dog. This had to be Gillenormand, but Pontmercy had not mentioned that Gillenormand would have his grandson with him.
"Thank you," The elderly man replied, it appeared as if he could care less for Thénardier generosity as false as it was.
"Would you care to help me?" Thénardier sparked a conversation.
"What is it you need?" Gillenormand replied.
"I'm not originally from Paris, you see." Thénardier replied, and recited the bogus story he constructed the night before, "I have come to visit my father. He is very ill, and hasn't much time left. I need help finding the hospital he is located in."
"I am sorry to hear such terrible news." Gillenormand replied, "What hospital are you searching for?"
Thénardier told him the name of the hospital, and Gillenormand replied, "The hospital is this way, follow me."
"By the way my name is Jondrette, and you?" Thénardier replied.
"I am called Gillenormand." He replied simply.
His response was music to his ears, for any doubt that remained had now long vanished. A smile crept on his lips. Everything was going exactly as he planned.
Blankets of ice cold snow poured from above while Thénardier returned to the room he and and Pontmercy were staying in. Once Thénardier entered the small living space, he kicked the door closed behind him. With his shivering hands, he brushed the snow of his pitch black coat. Then he glanced over at Pontmercy. The former colonel sat next to a dimly lit candle with his nose in a book.
"I return with good news." Thénardier finally broke the silence between them.
"And this good news is?" Pontmercy asked after setting his novel aside.
"I found the old bastard," Thénardier flashed a smile. "And he wishes that we meet again tomorrow. We had talked quite awhile, and he mentioned that he would bring Marius along with him."
"This is just splendid!" Pontmercy exclaimed, "I haven't a clue how I can repay you for all that you have done for me."
"That is of no importance at the moment." Thénardier replied, though repayment didn't sound bad at all, "I am pleased knowing that he is actually buying into this, and that after all is said and done both of us will come out winners."
"I cannot thank you more for everything you have done." Pontmercy stated.
"There is no need to thank me." Thénardier replied before he changed the subject, "How is my little girl?"
"She is asleep at the moment." Pontmercy motioned to the coach where Eponine lay snoring. "I admire the patience you have with her, at times she can be very demanding."
Hours earlier she had bounced about while asking Pontmercy poked and prodded about Marius. If he even dared to turn his attention away from her, Eponine would be sure to cause some sort of disruption in order to steal back his attention. Finally she had grown tired of her antics, and curled up on the coach. Then Pontmercy had silence at last.
"At times she can be, but I am sure that she will grow out of her bad habits." Thénardier replied, personally he could care less if Eponine acted in such ways. He glanced over at the sleeping girl, tomorrow his little Eponine would either be pleasantly surprised or very disappointed.