TO CARVE AN ANGEL FROM MARBLE act one, chapter eight
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( november 1831 )
THE CLOCK ABOVE THE bar read just past ten o'clock when Madeleine caught one of the Amis on their way out of the cafe. It was Combeferre; the bespectacled man had just dismissed himself from his conversation with Feuilly, stating that he wanted to get a good night's rest before his class early the following morning. As he neared the table where she sat with Enjolras (who once again had his face buried in his notes) Madeleine stood to her feet and greeted him with a smile.
"Care to escort a lady home, monsieur?"
Her question grabbed the attention of both Combeferre and, much to her surprise, Enjolras. The former mirrored her grin and nodded. "It would be my pleasure, dear Madeleine," he said to her.
"I was preparing to leave, as well," Enjolras suddenly spoke up. He hurriedly began to gather his things, despite showing no sign of leaving prior to Madeleine's request. This left her curious. "Do you mind if I join?"
"Not at all!" Combeferre swung an arm around the blonde's shoulder, causing Enjolras to groan softly (although the amused gleam in his icy eyes didn't go unnoticed.)
He glanced expectantly towards Madeleine. "Mademoiselle?"
It took her a moment to realize that he was waiting for her to accept company, as well. "You are welcome to join us, Enj," she said with a grin. Together, the three of them began to head towards the exit, and she couldn't help but laugh lightly as she walked between them. "Being escorted home by two strong men? My, how safe I feel!"
"Yes, you most assuredly scream damsel in distress," Combeferre teased, snickering.
"It's all I ever wanted to be, you see!" Madeleine reached over and pulled Combeferre's handkerchief from his pocket. With a dramatic sigh, she used it to wipe away imaginary tears that fell from her eyes. "Just a dainty lady waiting patiently for her knight in shining armor to come take her away!"
Combeferre quickened his pace and turned around so that he was walking backwards in front of her. His eyes shone playfully as he cried out dramatically: "I am here, m'lady! I have come to take you away so that we may marry and live happily ever after!"
Madeleine pretended to swoon, leaning into Enjolras, who still walked beside her and watched on in amusement. "You guys are ridiculous," he said, but he was unable to stop the breathy laugh that fell from his lips.
"Oh, did you want to be the knight, mon ami?" asked Combeferre innocently. Enjolras only shook his head, saying nothing.
By now, they'd reached Madeleine's home, and she slowed her pace as they neared. She handed Combeferre his handkerchief, then, with a theatrical curtsy, she said: "This is where we part ways, gentlemen."
