The Unknown Past and Untold Future *Les Miserables Romance (Enjolras)*

Chapter VII : Warmth

Chapter VII: Warmth

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The Baron d'Enjolras' estate was located just outside the middle of the wealthiest area in Paris. Like other estates around it, the house was closed off from the streets by a large stone walls - ever so often topped with oil lamps. Between the walls and the house was a suitably sized garden, which had an array of trees, flowers and ponds. The main entrance to the estate was a tall swirling iron gate - identical to all other homes of the area. The house in general was big. Small in comparison to the Enjolras' country home - but huge in the eyes of the common people. Everything about it seemed exceptionally...tall. The windows were long, equipped with balconies, the main door was very high - the pillars surrounding it made it look even higher, the slanted roof seemed to be exceedingly tall as well. It was a surprise you couldn't see it over the walls from the street.
The carriage stopped right outside the main gate, waiting for the groundsman to let them in. Enjolras stuck his head out the window to confirm his arrival and with that - the black vehicle rumbled through and down the road to the door. It was a struggle to get out. Joleigh was passed between her friends as they each tried their best not to jostle her while exiting the carriage.
"Combeferre can you run inside and get Madame Cormier?" Enjolras asked as he jumped out, checking on the girl who was lying in the back seat. She was still breathing, but her body was shaking from cold. The snow outside was starting to come down heavier, the wind was stronger, and the city was quieter.

"God, this weather is bad." Courfeyrac whined.

"Imagine if we didn't find her." Jehan said solemnly, "Imagine living out in the street with the cold and snow..." His voice trailed off as Madame Cormier, accompanied by the house butler - Jaques, rushed through the door.

"Monsieur Enjolras what is wrong?" She asked. Cormier was his nurse from birth, and was now head of the household staff - not only could Enjolras trust her to do any task... But he could also trust that she would be able to care for Joleigh. "Where are your parents?" She babbled, "You two-" she looked at Courfeyrac and Jehan, "Come now, get inside before you freeze to death out here! Jaques, don't just stand there - get the boys some blankets to wrap themselves!" At once Jaques ran back inside. "Now, Marc, what's the fuss about. Where are your parents? And why did I have to come outside!" Enjolras opened the carriage door and showed Cormier the comatose Joleigh. His old nurse jumped back in shock. "Are you mad? What did you boys do to that poor girl! My God, is she dead?"

"No, she's just starved and sick. This is Joleigh, she's a childhood friend...you know, from when I was actually allowed to go to the streets." Enjolras explained, "My friends and I met her on the streets coming from the ball - and she just collapsed..."

"My, my, my bring her in then! What have your parents said about this?" Enjolras grabbed Cormier's hand.

"That's the thing Madame - they can't know or else they will surely cast her off to the slums again. And I know she wouldn't survive in the condition she's in now." Cormier gave him a sad look.

"I'm not sure Monsieur..."

"Please, please Madame! I have a plan," he flashed his confident smile- something he knew Cormier would give in to. He was like her son, "but I'll explain when we're inside - the cold is worsening." The old woman nodded, gathered her skirts and made her way to the door. Enjolras carefully bent into the carriage and lifted Joleigh into his arms, cradling her to his chest once again. Holding her close, he ran through the biting wind and into the inviting warm glow coming from his home.

Enjolras met his friends in the grand living room. They were each huddled by the hearth of the fireplace, stripped of their damp suit coats and wrapped in the blankets Jaques had brought them. Quickly and quietly Jaques came to Enjolras with blankets, staring wide eyed at the limp girl he had brought in. Enjolras dismissed the blankets for himself. "Put them on the lounge." Jaques placed a few blankets over the chaise lounge closest to the fire.