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[la_baronne]

Cosette is sitting, alone, on the ground in front of a couch. There's a very pretty, full skirted white dress lying on the ground next to her, and she is alternating between staring at it and dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. She is a bit distressed, and it shows. She hasn't even taken the time to put up her hair, and so her curls are

Comments

[sham_marriage]

*wandering by, possibly to fetch some tea, and of course, it's only polite to ask after somebody's welfare when they seem distressed, so . . .*

Is something the matter, Mrs. Pontmercy?

[la_baronne]

Oh! Mme. Isobel! No... no, it's just.... I am trying to decide the best use to make of this dress.

[sham_marriage]

If you'll pardon my saying so, you seem a bit upset about it.

[la_baronne]

No, it's perfectly alright. *frowns and sniffles a bit* Well, you see, this is my favourite dress, and... I should hate to part with it, but I do not see another way...

[sham_marriage]

Why must you part with it? *blinks, and then, with a little "oh!" of realization--* Does it not fit quite as it used to? *trying to be tactful about it*

[la_baronne]

No, it doesn't. *sniffles some more* I don't know what I ought to do with it, now. I won't be able to wear it for months, and after that, why, who knows....

[sham_marriage]

*pats her* You might keep it anyway. After all, it's only a matter of waiting. *headtilts, examining her* I daresay your figure will recover. You don't look as if you'd run to heaviness. You may need to lace your stays quite tightly for a time after the child is born, but I should think it will fit you again without too much trouble.

[la_baronne]

Do you think so? Truly? Perhaps I oughtn't get rid of it, then, if there's a chance to fit back into it....

[sham_marriage]

I do. *smiles encouragingly* Besides, it's a lovely dress, and you seem very fond of it. I know I wouldn't let go of one of my favourite gowns so easily.

[la_baronne]

It is very lovely, isn't it? And it isn't only my favourite. I think Marius rather likes it as well, and... yes, I shan't get rid of it!

[sham_marriage]

*pats her again* Good. I won't say it will fit again before you have time to miss it, but I daresay the wait won't be quite as long as you think. You'll be thinking of the child more and more, after all, and less of your figure. *smiles*

[la_baronne]

I suppose, but I resolve that I shall fit back into that dress in time to wear it to my child's Christening. *nodnod*

[sham_marriage]

*raises her eyebrows* My, you are ambitious!

[la_baronne]

If one has no ambition, I do not think that one will accomplish much at all! Besides, it wouldn't do to look anything but my best for such a holy occasion.

[sham_marriage]

Well, if you are quite determined, then I will simply wish you luck. But you needn't worry-- I daresay you'll be so happy you won't be able to look any less than your best! New mothers always are. *^_^*

[la_baronne]

I do hope so. And despite all of the weight, I am so terribly excited! Though, we are having difficulty agreeing upon names.