Hers was the childhood, the youthful abandon he’d never allowed himself to have. All he could do was trail along dazed in her wake, in awe just a little bit and certainly in admiration. She was beautiful in her simplicity, the open nature of her joy. Javert followed her through the door, replacing his hat as was custom. It minimized the need to squint against the sun, which he’d observed in others as unattractive.
“Well, it is rare enough,” he said wryly as he glanced up at the sky. “We should take advantage, if—” He stopped. Obviously he was the only question here and even that was no question, when faced with her desire. In willing surrender Javert offered up his arm for her to take. “I don’t see why not. Your uncle is finished with me for the day, now you can take your turn.”