Chapter Six
IN MY LIFE
Paris, France
January 30th, 1832
"Tonight you look more anxious than ever, Enjolras." Marius noticed.
"Did you all decided to make a target of me, now?" Enjolras asked with an edge of irritation.
Someone shouting echoed on the bass floor: two people were arguing. The students heard pans and sets of cutlery falling on the ground.
"Where do you think you are going? You are not allowed to go to the back room!"
"I've been there before!"
"What is this that I hear?" Combeferre asked "Someone is shouting downstairs!"
"Could it be the Law?" Courfeyrac was terrified "Could it be? Have they found out about us?"
The students, fearing for the worst, grabbed their guns. Except for Grantaire, who hold his bottle of brandy and drank a gulp.
"You can't go upstairs!" they hear Louison's voice shouting at someone. "Monsieur Enjolras!"
"What on earth is happening down there?"
Enjolras shouted downstairs, to Louison, and he saw the large dish-washer of Café Musain trying to hold someone by the arm.
"Someone grab that girl! Where do you think you're going? You've got some nerves!"
"Let go of me!" the other female voice screamed.
The two females started running up by the stairs. While all the students were holding their guns, waiting. Louison was holding Angélique's arm tightly and furiously, while screaming at her. The young men lied down their weapons, breathing a great sight of relief.
While Angélique was trying to free herself from Louison's hands, she made such resistance, that the woman nearly fell of the stairs, and Angélique fell into the arms of Enjolras, who looked at her in amazement, struggling to maintain a rigid posture. In his embrace, with her head against his chest, time seemed to freeze and all she wanted was holding him. But soon, she returned to real time when Louison pulled her by the arm with fury.
"Messieurs*, I'm so sorry to bother you!" Louison spoke to the students, panting each word. "I was washing dishes in the kitchen when I saw this mademoiselle trying to enter to the back room!"
"It is fine, Madame." Enjolras said with diplomacy "I've invited her to join us."
Louison looked at Enjolras with confusion; for she was the only woman allowed to enter the Friends of the ABC's secret meeting place. The middle-age woman freed up Angélique' arm, without saying a word about it.
"I'm sorry, Monsieur." the woman apologized "I did not know that…"
"Don't you worry, Louison." Combeferre smiled "You were just doing your job."
"I'm sorry if I've hurt your arm, Mademoiselle." Louison said to Angélique.
"No need to apologize." she smiled, grabbing Louison by her hand "You are a good woman, Madame. You were only doing your job, like Monsieur Combeferre said. See this situation through this perspective: at least they now know you are able to keep them safe while they are in here."
"Oh, good, mademoiselle, you are too kind." Louison smiled.
Enjolras tried his best not to smile at this.
"May God always be with you, my dear."
Louison kissed Angélique on her forehead and smile at her, and then the middle-aged woman went back downstairs to continue her works in the kitchen.
"Well, mademoiselle, you do really like to make an entrance!" Grantaire joked. "I think you should consider the Theatre!"
"If I am to be an actress you will have to be the playwritter!" Angélique said and all the students laughed except Enjolras, who did not found this intimacy with Grantaire amusing at all.
"Oh, but of course! And I would write witty quotations for you to act." Grantaire proceeded with his provocation "You would play a drunken grisette who was supported by her revolutionary lover and lived for nothing but for her wine!"
"Is that the idea you have about women?" Angélique said in a sad tone "Or should be more correct to ask… Is that idea you have of me, Monsieur? Do you think of me as a grisette?"
"Ah-ah, you found yourself a sharp enemy, Grantaire!" Bahorel laughed "I like her, already! I believe I was not introduced to this lovely lady… I'm Bahorel. At your service, mademoiselle…"
"Enchanté, Monsieur. I'm Angélique." she said, but did not show any emotion, and Bahorel kissed her hand.
"Oh! Your name could not be more suitable to you, mademoiselle!" Bahorel courted. "You surely are the image of France!"
Enjolras rolled his eyes, annoyed by the constant dalliance of his fellows towards Angélique. Although, he felt something was not right with her; she seemed sad and in distress.
"How charming, Monsieur Bahorel!... The answer to my question… Grantaire?"
"Of course I don't think of you as a grisette, mademoiselle! I have held you in high regard." Grantaire answered. "But let's not dispute, my little angel… How is your campaign for Women's rights doing? Well, I hope."
"Javert and his guards arrested Jacqueline and four other women this evening… They will be facing the Law for treason against the King." Angélique answered, with tears forming in her eyes.
Enjolras remember Jacqueline, Jacques as she likes to be called, the blonde young woman who was with Angélique on the day they have met. The ghost of the possibility of her being arrested and executed was tormenting him once again.
"I was a coward!" she said full of resent "I should have stayed with them... I should have not run away!"
"You are not a coward, mademoiselle." Courfeyrac said, trying to comfort her "I cannot even image the terror you went through this evening… You are brave enough to stand up for your ideals, even knowing that the social order does not recognize the value of strength in women."
Angélique looked at Courfeyrac with moist eyes and tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Oh, Monsieur…" she whispered in sadness "My fellows will be executed by the National Guard... I'm certain of that. And I should be with them, not in here, weeping. It's my entire fault… I should have not left Jacques behind… Oh, poor child… Her mother will be devastated!"
Courfeyrac sat beside Angélique and caressed her shoulder. Enjolras tried not to feel enraged at this, for he knew that Courfeyrac was a gentle heart, he cares for everyone and is always trying his best to comfort the ones who are hurt. Although, the sight of another man touching Angélique felt like a cold dagger stabbing his stomach, even if that touch was pure innocence.
"Don't bother to cry, mademoiselle." Couferyac said "You are within friends."
"This terrible event shows that the Law is tightening the siege!" Enjolras said, trying to keep his usual untouchable posture. "We must keep our minds more focus than before."
"We must plan everything to detail." Combeferre said.
"Yes, my good friend." Enjolras agreed. "Our time to fight is near… I can sense it."
"General Lamarque is ill." Gavroche arrived.
The students fell silent to the young boy's news.
"What?" Combeferre asked to the young gamin**.
"The People's man is ill?" Enjolras asked.
"Yes, Messieurs!" Gavroche conferred. "He has contracted cholera. They did not reveal anything else, about his health condition, although."
"Our time is near…" Enjolras said. "We must prepare ourselves. Combeferre!"
Angélique looked at Enjolras with tears in her eyes and he looked at her, with a strange emotion within his glance; it was concern. When Combeferre came near him, the blonde young man looked away.
"Mademoiselle, let me introduce to you: little Monsieur Gavroche." Courfeyrac said. "Gavroche, this is Angélique. She's no ordinary woman… She's the Women's Rights movement's leader, here, in Paris."
"Hello there, mademoiselle!" Gavroche bowed to Angélique.
"Enchanté, petit Monsieur." Angélique smiled.
"Why were you crying, mademoiselle?" the young boy asked noticing the redness of her eyelids and her wet cheeks.
"Gavroche!" Courfeyrac disapproved his impertinence. "You can't ask people about things that are upsetting for them."
"Do not censure him, Monsieur Courfeyrac …" Angélique said "Today was a very sad day… Five fellows of mine were arrested by the National Guard and are to be executed."
"Do not despair, mademoiselle!" Gavroche declared "For we will avenge them! There will be a time when the People will cry no more."
"Those are some wise words…"
"It's to show what little men can do!" Gavroche said and went towards Enjolras and Combeferre.
"Who are the parents of the boy?" Angélique asked to Courfeyrac.
"The Thénardiers, they are now known as The Jondrettes, they are beggars. But they left Gavroche on the streets, where he became a gamin… Poor child… He was an older sister, Éponine; it's the brunette girl who is always following Marius around. But she does not care for him. I'm the one who takes care of him. We are the only family he has."
"You are a very good man, Monsieur Courfeyrac." she smiled and the young man blushed.
"What's with the sad faces?" Grantaire sat next to Angélique and Courfeyrac "Isn't the world a depressing place? I brought to you my own sources of joy: wine and brandy."
"I sure need some alcohol, Grantaire, thank you." Angélique said and took one bottle in her hand and took a large gulp. "Oh… I want this day to be over…"
"Aw… It's always beautiful when I find someone who shares my passions!" Grantaire laughed.
"Mademoiselle, you shouldn't be drinking so much." Courfeyrac observed with concern.
"Prouvaire!" Grantaire called "Come here! We need poetry over here!"
Prouvaire went towards the three fellows and sat next to them.
"Good night, everyone!" Combeferre said goodbye and went downstairs.
A loud laugh echoed through the room and caught the attention of Enjolras. He saw Grantaire, Courfeyrac, Prouvaire and Angélique all laughing, at the corner of the room. Angélique was alone with those witty young men and she was, clearly, enjoying it, because she laughed at everything they say. Enjolras went towards them, with a choleric glance.
"What on earth it's happening on here?" Enjolras asked with a furious tone.
"We are drowning our sorrows, my dear Apollo." Grantaire answered.
"Don't call me that." Enjolras warned "Were you drinking!? Where do you think you are? This is not a tavern and we are not here to celebrate and booze!"
"Don't be so rude, Enjolras…" Angélique said with a heavy and slow voice.
"Are you…?" Enjolras was furious "Grantaire, you allow her to drink alcohol!?"
Grantaire laughed.
"Angélique said she needed some alcohol because her day was terrible." the brunette young man answered "I was just being selfless and friendly… The poor girl needed something to loosen up, she was too nervous…"
Enjolras wanted to punch Grantaire in the face, but restrained himself. Then, he looked at Courfeyrac and Prouvaire.
"And you two… You are as bad as him!" the leader said "I'm terribly disappointed with your behavior. Not long ago, I've said we need to be more focus than ever before and here you are, drinking and laughing! This is not a game… Have you considered what can be the price we'll have to pay?"
"We know that, Enjolras, and we know it is no excuse for our behavior." Courfeyrac declared "But for knowing that… We decided to relax a bit and seized the moment. Besides, you were having a private conversation with Combeferre. But now, that the meeting is over, take a drink with us. One drink will do you no harm."
"You know I don't drink." the blonde young man recalled.
"Just one drink…" Grantaire grinned, rising his bottle of brandy to Enjolras.
The leader took a deep breath and looked at Angélique; she was laughing with Courfeyrac and they seemed way too friendly with each other for Enjolras' taste. He knew how successful Courfeyrac, with his soft manners and sweet words, was with women. Lead by his rage, the blonde young man took the bottle and drank a large gulp of brandy.
"I can't believe my eyes!" Grantaire laughed "My beloved leader is giving up to his human impulses, at last!"
"See? There is no harm in one drink." Courfeyrac smiled "You are a human being, Enjolras. We all admire your determination and concentration on the revolution… But you are not a priest… And you are not all-powerful, you have your limitations and you deserve some rest."
Enjolras was feeling a bit dizzy for he was not used to drink alcohol and Grantaire's brandy was strong.
"Yes…" Enjolras said "And that's the reason why I'm going home."
"Going home?" Prouvaire asked with sadness "Stay with us a bit more…"
"No." Enjolras declined the invitation "I need to get some rest."
"Wait." Angélique said "I shall go home, too. Good night, everyone."
Enjolras nodded with his head and they went downstairs.
Once outside, Enjolras tried to remain calm but he was out of himself. Angélique was calm; she seemed to be anaesthetized for there was no expression in her face or in her eyes.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"Nevermore think of being arrested and executed by the National Guard, Angélique!" Enjolras begged.
"What difference would it make?" she asked "You are willing to die for your ideals… And so am I."
"You must be careful from now on…" Enjolras said.
"I will not stop my campaign… It would be an insult to their memories! My fellows will not die in vain…" Angélique declared. "I will continue to fight until every woman in this Land is free!"
"I share your dream; you know that…" he said "But your dream will not be accomplished in this century…"
"And yours will be?" Angélique shouted in anger "Because you have the People on your side? Because we are women! And the Friends of the ABC is a male organization!?"
Enjolras hold her hands, while she cried in grief for the loss of her friends.
"Hush now…" Enjolras begged with tenderness "You are tired and I believe you have drank too much. I will kill Grantaire for this…"
"Don't leave me alone… Not tonight… I don't care if it is too early… In my life, I've always been terrified of how the time flies…" Angélique asked, breathless.
"I shall not leave you alone." Enjolras promised "Not tonight…"
"For you are the liberté** that leads the People… You are the glory of the glorious revolution… You are the lover of France." Angélique said.
"And you also are Liberty leading the People****…" Enjolras praised "Surely Delacroix was thinking about you when he painted the Goddess of Liberty… For you are Marianne*****, herself…"
"Although, now ... I'm the defeated Marianne, after the battle, full of grief and sorrow ..."
Enjolras touched her shoulders, tenderly, and looked into her eyes with affection.
"Why even now you are afraid to hold me?" she asked.
"I'm terrified…" he confessed.
"Just hold me… Because I'm also terrified." she begged, with tears in her eyes. "For I do not know what tomorrow will bring…"
Enjolras held her in his embrace; her face resting on his chest, while his heartbeat was accelerating and she could listen to it. His hand caressed her hair, while the tears were falling down her cheeks.
"I will keep you safe." he whispered.
"That's all I need to know…"
Translation (French – English) and Historical Facts:
*Messieurs – meaning "gentlemen", it is the plural form to "Monsieur".
** Gamin – a Gamin is a boy who hangs around on the streets and in Les Misérables novel they are the most beloved subclass to Victor Hugo. They are children, naturally "pure", cautious, clever and have a perpetually cheerful manner.
***Liberté – meaning "Liberty". Victor Hugo choose three characters, members of the Friends of the ABC, to represent the motto of the French Revolution: Liberté (Liberty), Égalité (Equality), Fraternité (Fraternity). Enjolras was Liberty (for he was the leader, he was the fist of the revolution raised defiantly skyward), Combeferre was Equality (for he was the guide, the man with the plan, who fought for men, he is the mind of the revolution) and Courfeyrac was Fraternity (for he was the centre, he is the big heart of the revolution, he brought compassion, affection, good humor and hope to others around him).
****Liberty Leading the People – allusion to Eugene Delacroix's 1830 painting, commemorating the July Revolution of 1830, which topple Charles X of France. In the painting it shows a woman personifying Liberty (also known as Marianne) leading the People forward over the bodies of the fallen, holding the flag of the French Revolution (the tricolor flag which is today's French flag) in one hand and brandishing a bayoneted musket with the other.
*****Marianne – Marianne is the French figure of Liberty and is, nowadays, the symbol of France and of the French Republic. She is called "the goddess of Liberty" and she was created in 1775, when Jean-Michel Moreau painted her as a young woman dressed in Roman style clothing. During the French Revolution, she became a symbol for Liberty and was described as young and determined, although she is not aggressive. By 1793, the conservative figure of Marianne was replaced by a more violent image; that of a woman, bare-breasted and fierce of visage, often leading men into battle.
– Therefore, my character of Angélique is a representation of Marianne: representing Liberty and France herself, and for those reasons, Enjolras fell in love with her, because Angélique was France.
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