Storm Clouds

After her initial difficulties were resolved, it was almost too easy for Fantine to be lulled into believing that she could get by with no troubles of her own. The fact that the Feuillys were kind to her and Cosette, and that Cosette seemed to adapt well to the arrangement did much to ease Fantine's mind.

About two months after arriving in town, Fantine was walking back to the Feuillys' house when she heard what sounded like angry voices in the street. A cold feeling settled in her gut as she hurried over to where some of the neighborhood boys were congregating. It was a sight she was accustomed to in her younger years, and the light scars on her hands were testament to the fact.

As she drew nearer, she could see that Gilles stood in the middle of the circle. He had a huge bruise on his face and dirt caked his hair, but he still had his fists clenched as he faced down the taller boy glowering at him.

"You don't say that about my father! He wouldn't do a thing like that!" Gilles shouted at the tough.

"Oh? Ask that little girl then! Why else do you think she and her mother can still stay in your house? You can't expect to keep a lodger for more than the warmth she may give!" the bigger boy laughed.

Fantine felt her knees grow weak even though she willed herself to run to Gilles' defense. Before she could take a step, someone had broken out of the circle.

"Maman, they won't stop!" Cosette wailed as she buried her face in Fantine's skirt.

Fantine scooped up her daughter concernedly. "What happened?" she asked, but Cosette merely shook her head.

The boys suddenly fell silent when they realized Fantine was standing nearby. Gilles shoved his way out of the crowd and sighed as he looked at Fantine. "Good evening Madame," he greeted wanly.

"And you too, Gilles," Fantine said as calmly as she could. She fixed the bully with a look. "And to you too as well, young man, though I do not know what you are talking about," she said more softly before turning to go in the house.

Bernadette came right out of the kitchen just as Fantine entered the front room. "My God, what's happened to you both?" Bernadette asked, nearly dropping her embroidery.

Fantine set down Cosette before collapsing into a chair. "They can talk!" she murmured bitterly. Since the lamp in the room was dim, the tear-stains on her cheek were hidden.

Bernadette glanced outside. "They are just children," she said reassuringly, sitting down next to Fantine.

Fantine shrugged heavily. "Children don't make up such things so easily. I should know." She felt as if the room would spin the more she attempted to comprehend what had happened. "Are people starting to talk?" she wondered.

Just then, Gilles trudged into the house. "Sorry about that, Maman," he said.

Bernadette jumped up. "Gilles, come here. You shouldn't have been fighting!"

Gilles' eyes blazed. "They insulted Madame Fantine and Cosette," he said.

"That's no reason to try to hit back, especially when you'll get bruises," Bernadette retorted. "And don't speak to your mother that way," she said before retreating to get a wet cloth.

Fantine turned to the boy. "You didn't have to make all that trouble for us."

"Papa says a gentleman shouldn't allow anyone to insult a lady." Gilles grinned. "And there were two of you."

"Speaking of which, where is your father?" Bernadette asked, returning to the front room.

Cosette pointed to the door. "Out?"

"We know that, Cosette, but out is a big place," Fantine said, rearranging the little girl's hair ribbons. She noted some smudges on her daughter's dress, and she rubbed the dirt off as best as she could.

Cosette squirmed in Fantine's grip. She stared at Gilles intently before pointing to his eye.

The young boy laughed and shook his head. "It's not nice to point, Cosette."

Suddenly, a heavy knock sounded on the door. Fantine nodded to Bernadette before going to greet the caller.

A tall man in a greatcoat stood outside. His stern face was made almost terrible by the grim look in his eyes. "Madame Bernadette Feuilly?" he asked gruffly.

Fantine stepped aside as Bernadette came forward. "Monsieur?" the housewife asked anxiously. "Who are you?"

"Merely an inspector," the caller said. "I regret to inform you, Madame, that your husband has been taken into the infirmary. He was injured while working with the other artisans."

Bernadette would have fallen to the floor if Gilles and Fantine had not rushed forward. "How? What happened? Can I see him?" she asked frantically as she grabbed on to Fantine's arm for support.

"I do not know, Madame. I was only asked to inform you. I am sorry," the Inspector said, somberly tipping his hat. "Good evening."

For one silent moment, the stunned trio watched the man leave. Fantine stirred first and tugged on Bernadette's arm. "We must see him right away," she said.

Bernadette nodded. "You're right. Gilles, dear, fetch my shawl and my hat. And get your coat," she said weakly.

"Will you need my help?" Fantine asked Bernadette kindly.

"Thank you, but I think I need someone to manage here for a while—just a few hours, Fantine," Bernadette said distractedly.

The younger woman nodded. "I do not mind. And I hope M. Jerome is safe when you find him."

"Thank you!" Bernadette murmured just as Gilles returned with the shawl and the hat. She self-consciously wrapped the darned shawl around her shoulders before straightening out her son's coat collar.

Fantine waited till they were out of sight before going to check on the lamp. She wiped it with a handkerchief of hers before sitting down on the chair again.

Cosette climbed into her lap. "I'm sleepy," she murmured.

"I know," Fantine said, kissing the top of her daughter's head. She took a deep breath as she tried to figure out what to do next to alleviate her worry. The only sensible solution however was inaccessible at the moment, but she knew it would be worth one last try. "I have to write to Felix. And please, God, let him listen to me this time!"