Bonjour readers! I hope you are liking the story. I haven't been saying much myself because I thought no one would read this. But some people are so I figured what the hell? Plus having an author's note kind of builds the relationship between the story and writer. My reviewers have been giving me excellent critiques and I have been trying to improve and update as much as possible for those who actual read this. I thank you all. This chapter is short because I felt suspense was needed at the end for dramatic effect.

When the two sisters arrived home the company was still there. Their parents invited them to entertain the guests with them a little longer until they had to depart. Celeste was heading up the stairs to entertain herself, possibly with a good book, until she was summoned to help prepare supper. On her way up the stairs however, her father abruptly stopped her. She turned to him on the stairs upon hearing him call her name. "Your trunk with your men's wear, bring it to me now would you? I wish to dispose it."

"What? But Papa, I promised I would not wear them out again. I swore to you, I would not defy you-" he cut off her defense.

"Then don't defy me now." This silenced her. "We have kept this a secret among our family up till now, and I don't intend to do it any longer if you insist on dressing like that in public. No respected lady would be seen in such attire. Your family's reputation would be on the line along with your life. Now, bring it to me."

Celeste tried to hide her frustration and anger. She knew he was right. He was a respected member of the guard and his appearance to the public eye should not be stained by his daughter. If she was ever to be caught by anyone else, she would most likely be suspected of demon possession and burnt at a stake or hung from the gallows. Sadly it may have been for the best. She agreed and headed up the stairs.

She removed the trunk from under her cot. She had convinced herself it was for the best on the stairs but now she was full of regret and despair. It went far beyond the disposal of her treasured cloths, but deep into family values and inner emotions. All these feeling were in one trunk, a grim symbol. She was tempted to hide on of the outfits and keep it a secret, but she had vowed to be an obedient daughter.

Closer to dinner, after her father had thrown out the cloths Celeste was told to light the lamp outside the door. Celeste entered the cold air and quickly lit the lamp with a match. Before going back in, something caught her eye. Behind the barrel in front of her home was a bundle. She picked it up. It was a pair of black hose, a white large men's kirtle, a smaller grey vest with a tie string near the neck, and blue hat with a black feather. With the pile of men's apparel was piece of parchment.

"My dear friend Celeste,

I was heading down your street when I caught a glimpse of your father disposing your favorite wardrobe. I do not know if you agreed to this, but I collected my only other garments, feeling they are more needed by you then I. I hope the suit you well.

Your poet friend, Pierre Gringore."

Celeste never felt such a surge of glee. How kind of her friend! She could not wait to thank him. She understood this would be going against her vow, but she swore never to wear it in public, and no harm would come to owning it. She stashed it under her apron and cautiously opened the door. Only her mother was in the kitchen and her other two family members were upstairs. She dashed up each step and into her room where she hide the cloths under her mattress along with the kind note. Celeste was feeling slightly better now.

After they had eaten and the dishes had been cleaned all were ready for bed. Celeste had gotten into her night wear and went to wish her family a good night. Exiting into the hallway she heard whispering down the stairs. It was all three members of her family talking. Hearing her named mentioned in the discussion, she hide at the stop of the stairs.
"But I love Celeste. She is a greatest elder sibling I have ever had!" Ninette said.

"Yes, she is wonderful to you darling, but you must understand," her mother tried to calm her.

"While your sister may be a proper sibling to you, she fails to fallow the rules of society. We are working to correct this. You love your sister, and that is why we are telling you not to do the wrong she does." her father explained. Celeste felt as if your insides had shattered.

"Celeste has done wrong?" Ninette questioned.

"She had done her penance for it. And I believe she will be a proper lady from now on. But we felt we should talk to you and warn you of your sister's deeds. She is setting an example of what not to do. Currently, you are the young lady of the house, we only hope your sister will learn to be the same way." he finished.

Celeste couldn't take it anymore. She ran back in her room and closed the door not caring if they noticed her.

Everything was going wrong. She had failed her father, and now he was putting a bad image of her into her precious sister's mind. What would Ninette think of her now? Her sister was one of her only joys in Paris, and she felt as though she was taken away, like her secret wardrobe. How could her father do this to her? Could her sin really be that evil that he would continue to indirectly punish her?

Wishing not to think about it anymore, Celeste wept into her pillow silently, hoping sleep would relieve her of her grief. Time passed and all were asleep except for her. She wanted to get out of her house. She couldn't stand being there knowing the man who was her own family sought to destroy her. Drying her tears and muting her sobs, she leapt out of the sheets and grabbed the outfit from Gringore. It fit perfectly. She found it far better then any other garment she previously owned.

Quietly she stuck down the stairs and out of the house. She knew she was breaking her vow to her father, but she was far to upset with him to feel guilty. She just wanted to get away and be alone in the empty streets of Paris.