New York was crowded and busy. Azelma stuck close to her father as they walked through the crowd. Thénardier walked with purpose, knowing he'll have to build up a reputation.
"Where are we headed?" Azelma asked him.
"New England," Thénardier said. "You need schooling."
Azelma nodded quickly. She wanted to learn English; it would be fun and helpful in America. Of course, she didn't understand the "states" and "territories" of the United States and the fact that they're independent, yet all a part of the same country.
Thénardier and Azelma got a ride in one of the stagecoaches. The journey up to Boston took a day and a half. They rode with company, although it was in silence. Every 40 miles, they would transfer to a new pair of horses.
"So strange, those weak horses," Thénardier muttered.
A man, who apparently knew French, laughed, "Ah, well it's less expensive, less dangerous, and much faster than before." His wife nodded and grinned.
Thénardier grinned back, "Bonjour, I am Guerrette and this is my daughter, Gulnare."
"Welcome to America," the man tipped his hat, "A beautiful country. Of course, we share it. Not only with each other, but with the Indians and our slaves."
"I haven't seen any slaves," Thénardier said, his mind moving fast with the information.
"New York abolished slavery a while ago, as did most of the North," the man said. "We moved down south, where the slave trade is still going on. I have family up north though, so we're visiting them."
"Ah," Thénardier said. He continued talking to the couple, while Azelma just looked outside. They had stopped at an inn for the night.
Azelma glanced out the window to the stars. They seemed rotated, but still looked amazing. Azelma closed her eyes, Éponine, if you're up there, I hope you're okay. I'm in America right now! It's big and lonely. Father isn't much company and I think he has a plan. I miss you.
The next day, around early afternoon they arrived in Boston. Thénardier took Azelma over to find a dame school for her.
There was a strict old woman who ran a dame school in the main square. Her name was Mrs. Edwards and she had a rather big home for boarding. Thénardier went with a meeting for her.
"So, your daughter needs education?" Mrs. Edwards asked.
Thénardier nodded, "She has the basics down, but I would like her to know English."
"For an extra fee, she will be taught more subjects," Mrs. Edwards said. "I also take food and alcohol for tuition."
Thénardier knew that Azelma would come in handy with his grand scheme, so he wanted her as educated as possible, "Alright then."
"Thank you, Gulnare can report tomorrow morning," Mrs. Edwards said.
Azelma had nothing to bring to the school, so she just went around pick pocketing people off the streets.
"I don't want to go to school!" Azelma said.
Éponine sighed, "We have to Zelma, come on! We're going to be late!"
Azelma glanced back to where Cosette was scrubbing the floor. Cosette looked up and Azelma quickly turned away, "she's not coming, is she?"
"Of course not, only proper children get taught," Éponine said, her head held high. She and Azelma marched off to school.
The four main classes in the school were reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion. The girls in the school would also learn sewing and embroidery. The students were wealthy enough to take the privilege classes: English, French, music, and dancing.
There were many other students in the dame school, and some were boys.
Mary was around 16. She had long blonde hair that was usually up in braids. She came from a family of farmers. She had pale skin and bright blue eyes. She was incredible clumsy, and always had cuts and bruises all over herself.
Hannah was 17. She had brown hair that curled almost perfectly. She was engaged to be married soon, and her husband wanted her educated. She had warm brown eyes and a kind smile.
Bridget was young, only 13. She and her family had come from Ireland. She had bright red hair, freckles, and green eyes. She was very energetic and couldn't stop talking.
Amelia was the youngest at ten years old. She had brown hair that curled around her eyes and big hazel eyes. Her father worked in a factory, and her mother had passed away two years ago.
Susan was 15 and had black hair that looked brown in the sunlight. She was tall, thin, and graceful, and caught many male eyes in the street.
John had brown hair and brown eyes. He came from a rich family, but he was one of the younger sons, so his family didn't know what to do with him. He was 17 years old and looked out for his three younger siblings, as his older siblings had down for him.
William was 16 and had blonde hair and blue eyes. He was Mary's twin, and they both hung around each other. He was the more cautious of the two.
Benjamin was 12 and was always trying to be one of the bigger kids. He had light brown hair and blue eyes and freckles.
Daniel was 14 and was born deaf. Mrs. Edwards took him in anyway and gave him special lessons to help him learn. She also taught some of the older kids sign language so they could communicate with him.