The idea of this wife training frightened Celeste. In her lonely days of toil she began thinking about it more and more. It was a fate she despised but had accepted. Celeste had not entirely mastered being a proper lady, but she had perfected the taking orders part. However, the last thing she wanted was to disappoint her father. As unfair as it all seemed it was the way of modern society. But the idea of marriage haunted her. Like any young girl, she dreamed of being whisked away by a handsome romantic and living happily ever after like a fairy tale. But obedient house wife did not sound like a happy ending for her.
Gringore had always spoken of change. How Celeste longed for it. That only reminded her of how she abandoned her friend what felt like ages ago at the Festival of Fools. She had wished to seek him out and ask forgiveness, but she was forbidden to leave the house until her punishment was through. After this she was certain she would never defy her father again.
News had reached her threw her father one night at dinner that La Esmeralda had escaped Notre Dame. Celeste found it hard not to smile. She was so proud the clever gypsy was able to give them the slip again. Now there was a desperate search for her and her arrest was crucial. The chase kept her father and his regiment very busy. This was fine by Celeste because it only meant she could see less of the disappointment and sharpened strictness in his eyes.
The end of mass that Sunday marked freedom for Celeste. Once she left the big cathedral doors her debt will have been paid. After they sang the last hymn her father escorted her to confession. There was so much more she felt guilty for other then disobeying her father, such as not helping the tortured hunchback and never sending word to Gringore. But all she confessed was only what her father knew of her sneaking to the festival and dressing improperly. The priest forgave her as well as God, and she exited the church with her family.
Her parents were talking with another couple and talking about the latest society gossip as Celeste and Ninette held hands standing further away. Celeste smelled the morning air. It smelled like freedom. Celeste would be able to leave the house freely for the first time in days. It was the first surge of joy she had had in a while.
In the square across from the church was a single gypsy cart. A curtain had opened in front of the window and children from the mass had gathered around. From the small stage, puppets arose and performed for the children. Ninette tugged on Celeste's sleeve. "A puppet show! Look Celeste! May I go watch?"
"Ask Mama and Papa." Hearing themselves being mentioned the chanting couple turned to their children.
"Mama, Papa, may I go watch the puppet show?" They glanced where their youngest was pointed. Seeing the common cart and all the peasant children they tried to hide their disgusted faces. They then looked at Celeste.
"Celeste will take you darling. We will be going home for a terse meal and conversation with the Roulettes. Understood?" Their father instructed.
"Celeste, you will take me?" Ninette smiled.
"Of course Ninette. Anything you want." Celeste couldn't help but smile at the little girl. She adored her. Ninette let out another squeal of satisfaction before parting with their parents and heading over to the puppet show.
When they joined the audience. The show had just barely started. A prince was searching the land for his princess and had to face many dangers. Children responded to every situation and cheered the prince on until he puppet prince finally found his puppet princess and they lived happily ever after. The children clapped and cheered at the end, even Celeste. It was quite an entertaining experience, or at least the most she has seen in days.
The puppeteer stood up to take a bow with his "actors." Celeste recognized him. It was the gypsy who hosted the Festival of Fools. She was amazed she even remember him it seemed like such a long and depressing time ago. But he looked and was dressed exactly the same. She was even more amazed by this addition to his performing talents.
The crowd began to disperse. The puppeteer had exited the cart to begin packing up. Ninette had walked to the front to get a better look at the puppets. Celeste approached her, "Come now Ninette. We should get going." Hearing a voice, the puppeteer looked up. Smiling and laughing he spoke, "Well if it isn't the cross-dressing festival goer. I must say, as different as this attire is, it suits you all the same." Celeste was surprised he recognized her, and was just as shocked the he would talk to her. Strangely at the same time she was honored. In her mind this handsome man was much like a celebrity. The fact he acknowledged a common festival goer such as herself flattered her. His performance was something she very much admired.
"You remember?" was all she could think of saying.
"It was my favorite costume I must say." he shrugged and at the same time was closing up his wagon.
"Thank you kind gypsy. And I shall admit in turn, you were my favorite performer. Even a simply puppet show deserved vigorous applause."
"You are too kind mademoiselle. Merci," he bowed and removed his hat reveling all of his smooth glossy black hair. Celeste was amazed at how equal she was to a gypsy. Her parents always talked about how much lower they were. But he seemed just as mannered as duke. But the warnings all seemed to come rushing back to her. He was still a gypsy and was to be untrusted, talented or not. She knew she had to leave remembering she still had her beloved innocent younger sister there.
"Well we thank you for your entertainment. Good day monsieur, au reviour."
"Anytime time madam. A good day to the both of you." Celeste smiled at him then took Ninette by the hand and then began the walk home feeling very proud of the handsome gypsy's compliments. It was if she was being praised by someone of higher class or talent, like an idol.
"You know the nice puppet man sis?" Ninette asked with glistening eyes as if in disbelief. Celeste had expected this after the way he had addressed her after the show with her sister standing right there.
"Merely acquaintances Ninette. We have only met once, and it was quite the informal meeting."
"I like him," she smirked, "He's nice." A look of concern and curiosity filled Ninette's face as she looked to her sister again. "Is he a gypsy?" Celeste looked down at her, "Yes, he is."
"Are gypsies really bad Celeste?" Celeste felt unsure how to answer. But she did not want to confuse or mislead her younger sister. She felt she should continue as her parents had taught them. "It is true." Ninette reached into her pocket with her hand that wasn't still grasping her sisters. "The franc Papa gave me is still there. Mama and Papa say all gypsies do is steal. It is really true Celeste?" She went on with her curious child-like questions. Celeste would often get annoyed by this, but she found herself wondering the same thing.
"I honestly can say I am not entirely sure dear. But it is best to listen to Mama and Papa." Celeste had learned this lesson the hard way and found it best Ninette knew the same. Her little sister smiled again. "Maybe he is a good gypsy." This statement made but such a young child made her wonder for a moment.
But it was then Gringore ran up to Celeste. Even though it had been less then a week, it felt like years. Still, he looked the same, and very excited and surprised to see Celeste.
"Celeste Orvelle!" He shouted.
"Gringore!" He embraced her tightly and suddenly. She couldn't even return the gesture he held her so tightly.
"Long have a pondered your whereabouts! Where have you been hiding? I have afraid you had eloped with some handsome gypsy. Their life would suit you well; I was afraid you gave into temptation and left me."
"Far from in Gringore. I was locked away from the outside world since the Festival. My father discovered my treachery and had be repent for numerous days. But I am free now, yet still under his strict power. I will never defy him again."
"My poor Celeste, what has come over you?"
"Only the truth, something you speak of often."
"This is not my truth."
"No, but the truth of my noble father, for which my sister and I must obey. We were just out for a while and now we must be getting back before my father in turn suspects me be taken and wooed by beggars."
"Very well then. Au revior my dear friend. And to you too young Ninette. I am just glad to see you are still alive and well." They waved good bye and continued home. Celeste would agree she was alive, but not well.