For the next few weeks, Javert looked over Eponine. She soon was able to walk with assistance from Javert. She seemed happy and content, but even someone who had grown up in the gutters of Paris had weaknesses. Eponine's was the fear of being left alone. So, for several nights, Javert stayed at her bedside and held her hand.
One day, Eponine and Javert sat in the parlor. Eponine was wearing a fitting blue dress, and looked like a proper lady. Not that she minded it, it felt wonderful to not feel like a beggar in rags. She was reading a book, or acted as though she were reading; she couldn't read but didn't want to appear simple-minded in front of Javert. He, meanwhile, was sipping a glass of brandy and resting in his chair.
When there was a knock on the door, Javert went to answer it with Eponine following close behind. To their surprise, it was Cosette and Marius who were standing at the door.
"Monsieur Javert, my wife and I received word that Eponine Thenardier is residing in your home."
Javert nodded. "She is."
"If she is well enough for travel, we would like to extend our hospitality." Marius explained.
Javert looked over his shoulder. "Mademoiselle?"
Eponine, who had been standing behind Javert, stepped into the line-of-view for Marius and Cosette. They both seemed to be in a state of shock; this was a far-cry from the street urchin they knew.
"Eponine, you look beautiful." Marius said.
"I feel like a lady. I owe everything to Monsieur Javert."
"Are you feeling better?" Cosette asked.
Eponine shrugged. "My strength has returned and soon my stitches will be removed."
"That's wonderful, then you are able to travel!" Marius said.
"Yes, but I don't wish to leave."
Javert stared at Eponine with wide-eyes. Wondering if he had heard her correctly or if his imagination had been playing tricks on him.
Marius shook his head. "Eponine, wouldn't you be happier amongst friends?"
"Perhaps, but I don't wish to be a burden to you and Cosette. Besides, Monsieur Javert has taken good care of me. If he allows me, then I wish to stay where I am."
"O-Of course." Javert stammered. Something he hadn't done before.
"Then if you have nothing more to say, Monsieur Pontmercy, I'm tired and wish to rest. Goodbye."
Eponine closed the door and couldn't help but smile at Javert, who still seemed pretty surprised by her decision.
"You did say that you didn't mind."
"Yes, but I hadn't thought that if given the opportunity to leave, you would still wish to remain here."
"Perhaps if I were asked a month ago, I would have refused. Monsieur, don't you see what you've done? I could walk into the streets today and not one friend would recognize me. People won't spit on me, they will envy me. There's no dirt on my skin, but soap and water. I'm not wearing rags, I'm dressed for an evening on a gentleman's arm."
"You do look beautiful." Javert mumbled.
"I beg your pardon?"
"You look beautiful, Mademoiselle." Javert said.
Eponine, not knowing what was possessing her, kissed Javert on the cheek. His face was blank, and Eponine knew he was only waiting to laugh at her. No matter if she looked like a lady, she wasn't. She was still beneath Javert and making physical contact with him would be unheard of in society. He'd probably tell his friends of the common girl who thought herself a lady enough to kiss him.
"I'm sorry, monsieur."
Eponine walked as fast as her body would allow and went into her room, closing the door behind her. All Javert could do was wonder why Eponine hadn't kissed his lips and why he wanted her to in the first place.