TO CARVE AN ANGEL FROM MARBLE act two, chapter sixteen
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( december 1831 )
A SKY FULL OF dark clouds cast the city of Paris into a dreary haze. The threat of snow loomed on the horizon, for a thin layer of frost had formed over the cobblestone streets overnight. Madeleine was thankful to be inside on such a dismal day, warmed by the candles that lit the room and the thick wool shawl that she kept wrapped around her body.
She currently sat at a table in the Musain with Courfeyrac, Combeferre, and Enjolras. They'd been there when she arrived earlier that morning, looking for a quiet place to read that also allowed her to get out of the foul weather, but she had expected to be left to her own devices after a quick, friendly greeting was exchanged.
Instead, however, because they were merely gathering to brainstorm ideas before that night's meeting, she was invited to join the men at their usual table. She simply couldn't object, for it gave a chance to listen in on their hushed talks of rebellion that she often found herself curious about.
She mainly kept to herself as she listened to the men speak, pretending to be invested in the drawing that she'd been absentmindedly working on since she joined them.
"The New Year is approaching," Enjolras was saying, his blue eyes scanning the notes he had in front of him. "I think it's wise that we begin discussing our plans ahead of time— therefore, when the time comes, we will have had plenty of time to prepare."
"I agree," Combeferre said with a nod. He gestured over to a stack of fliers and a portable printing press that had been left behind by Feuilly. "I believe what we are doing with the fliers is an excellent way of spreading awareness. We should continue doing so."
Madeleine was unable to hide the slight frown that appeared on her face at his suggestion. Courfeyrac, who sat across from her, noticed this and chuckled lightly.
"What's that reaction for, Madeleine? What do you wish to say?"
She looked up from her drawing, her cheeks red. She glanced at Combeferre, then Enjolras; both men seemed equally as curious as Courfeyrac to hear what she had to say. "Well, you can't expect to raise an entire army with nothing but leaflets and fliers," she pointed out.
"Wasn't it your idea in the first place?" Combeferre reminded her, chuckling.
Madeleine shrugged. "Well, yes, but I only meant for it to spread awareness. People will want more than catchy sayings and little drawings."
"I happen to like your little drawings," the bespectacled man said to her. She smiled, but before she had the chance to say anything more, Enjolras spoke up.
