A/N: No, this fic was not on hiatus. RL just had to take over for a while.
To Care and be Cared for
Sister Simplice was the first to regain her composure. "My, you must have come a long way. There is something to eat in the next room—how would you like some currants and bread? Or some milk?" she said distractedly to Cosette.
Cosette furrowed her brow. "I'm not hungry."
"She'll take care of you, Cosette. Maman needs to speak with the gentlemen for a while," Fantine said firmly to the little girl. She swallowed hard as she watched Cosette amble out after Sister Simplice, who was crossing herself.
As soon as the door shut, Madame Victurnien glared at Fantine. "You did not show up at the workshop today," she said accusingly.
Fantine's face colored. "You can see Madame that I have been injured."
M. Madeleine held up a hand. "This is no time for an argument. I can vouch for this woman; she was trapped under a cart in an accident," he said, glancing at Fantine. "However, we have yet to hear your side," he added, nodding to Madame Victurnien.
The crone took a deep breath. "The purse was empty when I checked on it this morning. Accounts have to be settled up as you know, M. Mayor. I asked some of the women to help me comb the factory premises for it. I didn't want to suspect a thief, till I came to the workspaces," she said in a low voice. "I found all the missing money, every last farthing of it at her space on the table."
"There must have been some mistake," Fantine said, looking at everyone. "What would I have to do with the purse?"
Javert's eyes narrowed as he looked from M. Madeleine to the two women. "Who else, besides you, Madame Victurnien, has access to the women's accounts and the funds?"
Madame Victurnien looked at him haughtily. "No one else, but myself."
Javert turned to Fantine. "And you, when were you last at the factory?"
"Yesterday," Fantine replied primly. "Just for work. I never stay long there after hours."
M. Madeleine cleared his throat. "Surely you will not bring them to the Prefecture, or take Madame Fantine into custody?"
"For now, I can do nothing, not without witnesses or the proof." Javert said dutifully. He made a motion as if he was reaching for his snuffbox but decided against it.
"Monsieur Inspecteur!" Madame Victurnien protested. "I demand that this thief be arrested!"
"I am not a thief, and you know that," Fantine said, rising from the bed. She smoothed down her hair, which had become a little unruly. "I do not know what reasons you have, Madame, but I do my work, care for the children, and nothing more."
Madame Victurnien's terrible gaze grew cold. "You impertinent girl!" she hissed. She looked at Javert. "I will bring my witnesses tomorrow."
"Their names will be enough. I or another inspector will take charge of asking them," Javert said brusquely.
Sister Simplice reappeared in the doorway. "Gilles Feuilly is here. He is asking about Madame Fantine," she said.
"Tell him I am alright. Can he stay here too for the night with Cosette?" Fantine asked Sister Simplice.
"I don't see harm in it," Sister Simplice said.
M. Madeleine nodded to Javert and Madame Victurnien. "We should finish discussing this matter outside, lest we disturb the other patients," he said firmly.
Javert nodded curtly. "After you Madame," he said, opening the door for Madame Victurnien, who did not even look at him on her way out.
Fantine sagged against the bedstead as she watched them leave. "Sister, I know I am innocent," she said to the nun who was still standing in the room
"Let God be the judge of that. He is kinder and more merciful than man," Sister Simplice said with an amiable smile. "I'll bring you some supper in a while."
Fantine winced as her head throbbed slightly. She decided it was better not to try to listen in on the hushed voices in the foyer. After a few minutes, the infirmary door opened again to admit M. Madeleine.
"That is settled, at least for the evening," he said with a reassuring smile.
Fantine sighed with relief. Though she dared not read too much into M. Madeleine's tone, she knew that she had no reason for the time being to fear Madame. Victurnien. "Once again you have helped me, Monsieur," she said to M. Madeleine.
"Tell me Madame, how are you faring? Are you having difficulties with your situation?" M. Madeleine asked Fantine calmly.
Fantine thought of saying that she had no problems, that she was doing fine on her own efforts, but she felt the truth tugging at her lips. "It is not easy."
M. Madeleine nodded. "You have no help from Cosette's father?"
Fantine sat up stiffly. "I manage well enough—" she blurted out before she noticed M. Madeleine's serious look. "Well, I wish I could."
M. Madeleine brushed some dust off his lapel. "You need a different situation now that matters have grown so difficult. I will help you find it, if that is what you wish."
"Where?"
"Some of the other businesses perhaps. I don't want you to go into service. It will not be easy on you or the children," M. Madeleine said, almost as if he was thinking aloud. "A solution will present itself. You need not worry."
"I do hope he's right" Fantine thought as she forced herself to smile for him.