[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

marlenemckinno-n‌:

As they entered the bar, Marlene felt the woman pull her arm away. It worried her for a moment, before she felt the woman’s hand grasp her own. It seemed that Mary had a way of warming her heart with even the simplest of sentences, and she felt her cheeks start to warm as she glanced away. 

Settling herself on the barstool before turning back to the woman, her smile only growing. “I care about you too, Mary. More than words can say,” she whispered, her free hand coming up to brush a few curls from the woman’s eyes. She wanted to be able to see the light in Mary’s eyes, something she’d become so accustomed to in the past few weeks. “I don’t think I mentioned this yet, but you…you look absolutely stunning tonight,” she said, unable to meet Mary’s eyes as the words tumbled from her lips. 

This moment between the two of them-electric and too intimate to be friends, just friends-sent Mary’s heart beating rapidly. Her face heated as Marlene’s hand tucked a lose curl out of the way, the other woman’s gaze avoiding her own as she offered up the compliment. “Oh, thank you,” Mary said, her voice soft and her cheeks warm. “You look lovely, Marlene, but-you always look so beautiful,” she responded, looking up to try and meet Marlene’s eyes.

She wasn’t certain of much, when it came to the woman in front of her. Mary knew three things beyond a doubt: that Marlene was mixed up in a world Mary did her best to avoid, that the other woman felt at least a sense of friendship for her, and that she was utterly, completely, irrevocably head over heels in love with Marlene and if Mary didn’t tell her she would explode.

Suddenly, Mary was nervous. Petrified because she could have been reading the signs wrong, or maybe Marlene was just toying with the poor girl with the unfortunate crush, though Mary was hard pressed to consider Marlene doing something so malicious. She bit her lip, unable to look at the woman next to her. “Marlene,” she started, voice cracking from the sudden dryness in her throat. “Marlene, I-I just-you know that I value-this-our-friendship,” Mary’s voice shook, the words coming out disjointed as she tried to keep herself from losing the little courage she had. “But I just-sometimes it seems like maybe it’s-we’re-not friends.” She blinked, rapidly, her own words coming back through her ears and sounding off. “Sometimes I think you look at me the way I know i must look at you,” she admitted, glancing up but not letting her vision rest on Marlene long enough to try and read her expression. “But Marlene, I just, I can’t keep living like this, so uncertain. I just-Marlene, what are we to you?”

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

tedsdefiance‌:

Nights where he and Mary both worked always seemed to spark his nerves. He never felt as if he was burning, but his muscles tensed at the thought of someone connecting dots he did not wish for them to connect. Mary and Dora did not deserve a life of fear, not from the Death Eaters. And if one of those mob members witnessed Dora and Mary together, and then Ted and Mary, they could —-

He bit his lip. There was nothing he could do about the fact that they couldn’t hire anyone else to watch his child. This was a necessary decision, having Dora at the Boulevardier. And he had to hope that nothing devastating would ever occur.

Swallowing, he pulled his lips into a bright smile as the door opened. “Work was surprisingly uneventful today,” he said as he walked through the door, his gaze immediately finding Dora asleep. His smile softened.

“She wasn’t a little monster today, was she?” he murmured as he looked to Mary.

Her smile was bright as she flashed it at Ted, and her laugh quiet so not to wake up Dora from where she slept quite yet. “Oh, no more of a monster than usual,” Mary informed Ted, “But she’s cute enough that I don’t think I even minded one bit.” 

And it was true, really. Dora had Mary so wrapped around her little fingers that it was hard for Mary to find fault in any of Dora’s more energetic behaviors. The girl had managed to wear herself out that night, and Mary had found every moment of it endearing. She glanced at the girl, still sound asleep, turning her attention back to Ted.  “Do you want me to grab you something from the bar?” she asked, her voice still quiet so not to wake the child. “I have a sandwich I packed earlier if you’re hungry, and I could grab you a drink fast if you want to sit down a moment before heading home.”

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

c-elestinawarbeck‌:

“Of course, darling, of course,” Celestina says with a genuine smile. It made her heart feel full, that she had a small part in this woman’s presence on the stage tonight. Of course, she was used to people falling all over her. However, Mary seemed just as cheerful and genuine offstage than she had on. 

The next statement gave her pause, however. There was nothing wrong with performing in bars, in getting your start on a smaller stage. Celestina could tell that this woman was made for something more. “Oh, of course. From what I’ve heard, Evelyn sounds absolutely lovely. But you have something special, dear. It would be a shame to waste it,” she said, hoping the words didn’t come out too harshly. “Anyone would be lucky to have you. Evelyne sure is,” she said, her voice softer. 

Mary didn’t think the high of meeting Celestina would ever fade-but it certainly wouldn’t occur in the duration of this meeting between them. Her heart felt a bit calmer now, her nerves steadier, than they had when Celestina had first approached her, but it was still an overwhelming situation to be in. 

“Evelyn is truly lovely,” Mary said, her voice soft. “I really don’t think there are words but-she’s a good person, and the first friend I really made when I moved to New York,” she admitted. It had been hard, those first few months before she met Evelyn, started singing at the club regularly and gaining a source of income. “Really, Celestina, you flatter me. I’m really not sure my voice is good enough for anything much bigger than this,” she confided in the other singer. “I know I have talent, and your compliments are so appreciated, but I don’t think I’m really made for the big leagues.”

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

marlenemckinno-n‌:

Marlene couldn’t seem to shake the nerves even now that Mary was here. As they linked arms, however, her smile grew and she knew that even if she was unsure of how the night would go, it had to be good with Mary by her side. It felt as if she was revealing a new side of herself to Mary; She was sure the woman knew that she was involved in the Prewetts, but Mary would finally be seeing that aspect for herself. 

“Yeah, I’m…I’m doing okay,” she said, her voice wavering for only a moment. Perhaps not the most convincing statement she could have made, but she was doing a little bit better. “I’m sorry about…well, about everything that happened that night. I just don’t want you to have to worry about me too much,” she said, glancing over to the woman. Mary was a good friend, perhaps her best friend as of late. She just didn’t want the woman to feel overwhelmed by it all. 

Mary let Marlene led the way into the bar, their arms still linked. It was a lovely place, truly, Mary could admit that as she looked around, but it couldn’t hold a candle to the Boulevardier, as far as she was concerned. Mary knew she was biased-the club was her home as much as the apartment she shared with Ted and Dora, and there was an energy in  “Marlene,” Mary said, slipping her arm out of the other woman’s in order to grab her hand, “I’m always going to worry about you, no matter what knowledge I have of what you have going on,” she explained, doing her best to keep the emotion from overtaking her voice. “I care about you.” Mary offered the woman a smile as they took a seat at the bar, hands still linked.

[crownedglcry-blog]

takexshelter‌:

SEND ME A SYMBOL FOR ANGST;

☔: my muses reaction to opening their front door and seeing yours drenched in rain

⚡: how my muse calms yours in a lightening storm while they’re pulled over on the side of the road

☆: my muse comforting yours while they get a tattoo

☏: my muse’s reaction to getting a phone call from the hospital about your muse

☯: what my muse says to yours after they haven’t spoken for five hours since a fight

✏: my muse’s letter to yours that they left after they passed away

⚰: my muse’s reaction to watching yours die from afar

✿: my muse’s reaction to leaving a cut on your muse’s body

♒: my muse’s reaction to finding your muse bruised and beaten on their doorstep

⚈: my muse’s reaction to finding drugs in your muse’s handbag

✺: my muse protecting yours from a sleaze at the club

☠: my muse’s reaction to being told that your muse is missing, and presumed dead

☺: my muse finding yours on the side of the road, hours away from home

✖: the last thing my muse says to yours before leaving for good

⌛: the voicemail my muse leaves on your phone when your muse hasn’t been heard from for the fifth night this week

☕: my muse comforting yours after the death of a loved one

⚱: my muse’s reaction to waking up to yours muse, beaten by mine, but my muse has no recollection of the night before

☉: my muse’s reaction to finding yours in a public bathroom, drugged and almost unconscious

SPECIFY WHICH MUSE ON MINE AND YOUR BEHALF

[marlenemckinno-n]

date: june 1925 location: swish n flick availability: closed to @syncopatedsongbird

Marlene was still surprised that Mary had agreed to a night at the Swish n’ Flick; an invitation offered before she left the woman’s dressing room only a few nights ago. It was silly, she knew, but she wanted to make sure she’d be seeing the woman again sometime soon. Perhaps it would be a nice change of scenery for them both, as Marlene found herself at the Boulevardier more and more often lately.  

The nerves had already started to consume her when she stopped by earlier to ask for the password, but she told Mary she’d wait out front so they could walk in together. She didn’t know why tonight was any different, but she wanted to make sure the night was good for both of them. As Mary appeared in view, Marlene’s face practically lit up. Giving the woman a small wave before they were close enough to speak, she couldn’t help the smile growing on her lips. “C’mon, we have to go around back,” she said as Mary grew closer, offering her arm to the woman. “How’ve you been?”

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

It was odd, heading towards the Swish n Flick. She had only really ever spent time at the Boulevardier as far as speakeasies went, until her visit to the Felix Felicis not too long ago. And now she found herself going to yet another bar-but this one was more than worth the trip. She was practically beaming as she walked towards Marlene.

Mary slipped her arm through the other woman’s as they walked towards the back. “I’ve been good,” she replied, distracted by the contact between them. It felt different, after the other evening in her dressing room, more intense, and Mary knew that tonight she would have to say something-she couldn’t keep existing this way, the uncertainty of what they were causing Mary to second guess their interactions more than ever before. “How about you? Are you doing okay?” she asked, worried after the little Marlene had revealed a few nights before.

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

marlenemckinno-n‌:

Even now, just sitting with Mary, Marlene felt herself relaxing. There was something about the woman that made her feel calmer; whether the woman had that effect on people or if Marlene was just in too deep already was yet to be seen. However, she found herself dreading the idea of letting go. “I don’t know what I would do without you,” she said, her voice soft as she gently squeezed the woman’s hand once more. 

There was still a part of her wondering if she was asking for too much from Mary, giving her too much information about a world she wanted to stay far away from. But she did offer to listen, and Marlene appreciated that more than she could say. “Thank you,” she said, her voice more even now than moments before. “I know you can’t really do much, but…thank you for listening,” she said, a small smile returning. “I’m sure I’ll figure it all out,” she finally said, wondering if that was more of a reassurance for Mary or for herself. She didn’t want the woman to worry too much; it was her own burden to bear, after all. She had chosen this life, and all the complications that came with it. 

Her hand squeezed Marlene’s of it’s own accord, offering support and comfort to the woman next to her without words. “You’ll never have to find out,” Mary promised, her voice fierce for all it was soft. “I’m here for you, no matter what.”

Mary wondered if Marlene was just a physical person-if her way of finding comfort was in touch, if it didn’t matter who the other person was, or if their current position and the intimacy of the moment implied something more between the two of them. She shook the thought from her mind, knowing now wasn’t the time to dwell on it. “I have faith in you,” Mary told Marlene. “You’re so much stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

where: the boulevardier

who: @tedsdefiance

Mary’s dressing room at the Boulevardier was quiet, which normally was it’s default. But today had been a deviation from the norm-like any evening where both Mary and Ted had to work, Dora’s presence at the  club was a given. Someone needed to watch the girl, still too young to be left unattended, and babysitters were out of the budget that their little family could justify with the frequency of these evenings. Dora had only fallen asleep maybe a half hour ago, curled up on the chaise lounge Mary had shared with Marlene recently. She couldn’t help but blush as she recalled the evening, only to be startled out of it by a knock at the door. “Ted!” she greeted warmly when she opened the door. “How was work?”

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

c-elestinawarbeck‌:

Celestina knew it would take some time to find her place in the city, even if she had called it home years and years ago. She figured the best place to start would be with the locals, and the Boulevardier seemed to be safe enough.  

“Well, I think she made the right choice. You were just marvelous tonight,” Celestina said, offering the woman a bright smile. It was always nice, to see new artists get their start. There was something special this girl had, and Celestina could tell already. “Oh, really?” she asked, her eyes seeming to light up at the mention of being an inspiration to the younger woman. “Well, that’s simply brilliant. There’s no use in letting all this talent go to waste,” she said with a shrug. “Did you have any plans for…well, for after this?” she asked, raising a hand to gesture to the stage the woman had graced a few moments before. 

It was wild to Mary, that she was sitting here casually talking to the woman who had influenced her with one singular performance to go into music. If she hadn’t stumbled across that Celestina performance all those years ago, she wouldn’t be where she was now-and Mary could admit to herself that she wasn’t sure where she would have ended up if not for that. 

“Oh thank you!” Mary gushed, her smiling so broad it was almost painful. “Really, that means so much coming from you, Ms. Wa-Celestina,” she corrected hastily.  It was wonderful, to get her skills validated by someone of so much talent and experience in the industry. “After this?” Mary repeated, chewing her bottom lip lightly. “Well, I’ve never-never really thought about that,” she admitted. “I owe Evelyn everything, really, and it’s hard to imagine ever leaving here,” she said, with a shrug. Mary looked away from Celestina as she confided, “I do wish the pay was a bit better, but I really do love it here-the Boulevardier is my home.”

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

tcbedestroyed‌:

“interesting is a way to put it, yes.” he said. it wasn’t that hard, following regulus around since that’s usually what he did anyway. even if the man was all the way across the room, rabastan would watch him from afar. “but yes, i’m their go to, i’d say.” rabastan said. “my, uh-” his brow crinkled as he tried to think of the correct word. “loyalties usually lie with them. being over the top is their nature.”

“it’s no problem at all,” he said, although he would have to go out of his way to deliver. “i’ll be seeing you next week then?”

She nodded, following along to the little explanation Rabastan was offering. “That would make sense, for them to have you do it at various events like that. You’re familiar to them and they trust you, which I’m sure is helpful in those types of situations!” Mary offered him another smile, taking note of the polite dismissal he offered. “Oh, yes, next week, just a bit earlier. Thanks again, Rabastan, truly. It was lovely meeting you!”

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

marlenemckinno-n‌:

As Mary pulled Marlene a small distance closer, she felt her own heart flutter. James’ comments from less than an hour ago rang in her mind, and she wondered if it had a semblance of truth. She hated that he could be right, though every moment she spent with Mary left her wanting something more. For now, she’d have to be content with this- her head on the woman’s shoulder and their hands still gently clasped together. A soft smile grew on her lips, and she was unsure of how to respond. “You’re the best person I’ve ever known, without a doubt,” Marlene said, the words tumbling out of her mouth before she could stop them. However, it was true. She wasn’t used to such kindness, but with Mary in her life things seemed to become a little softer, a little easier.

“I helped someone with a task,” she said softly, still unsure of how much she could say, how much the woman wanted to hear. “I didn’t really have a choice. It had to do with those police files that were stolen, and I’m…I’m just worried that it’s going to come back to hurt me,” she said, her voice wavering. 

Mary was fairly certain she was drunk on how close Marlene was. Being wrapped up in her like this was making Mary giddy, and she couldn’t quite calm the fluttering in her chest. This moment, regardless of the events that had led up to it, was perfect. She was certain now wasn’t the time to broach the subject of what exactly  the two of them were, not when Marlene was clearly so distressed, but Mary resolved to do so soon. She could feel her face flush at Marlene’s kind words, not bothering to hide the smile that formed. “Thank you, Marlene. Your opinion means the world to me, you know.”

She listened, worry intensifying with every word Marlene was saying. Those police files were no joke-Mary didn’t know what they contained, but she knew that it was something she should keep her distance from. But Marlene trusted her enough to speak about it, and that touched Mary’s heart. “Oh Marlene,” she said, biting her bottom lip, “I know there’s not much I can do to help, but I’ll be praying for your safety even more now. Whatever happens, if I can help you in any way, please, let me know?” she asked, squeezing Marlene’s hand a bit extra. 

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

marlenemckinno-n‌:

Marlene wasn’t entirely sure if she was keeping Mary as safe as she could be. After all, James had noticed they were speaking more and more often, and that made her fear that someone more dangerous would notice whatever was happening between them. She couldn’t imagine her life without Mary now, and she didn’t want to ever have to. “Oh, I know,” Marlene said with a chuckle, her hand squeezing Mary’s a bit tighter. Her life was becoming far more complicated recently, but Mary had become a constant. “I don’t deserve you,” she said with a sigh, letting her head rest on the woman’s shoulder. It was true; plenty of people seemed to even say it to her face.

“Evelyn’s probably the least of my worries right now, if I’m being honest,” she said with another short laugh. Even saying that, however, felt like she was talking far too much.

There was something between the two of them that Mary thought might be more than simply friendship. It was hope, really, that her feelings might be reciprocated by the woman at her side. The two of them had been spending an increased amount of time together lately, largely one on one, but still, Mary wasn’t sure. As Marlene laid her head on Mary’s shoulder, she couldn’t help but allow her own head to rest on top of Marlene’s, pulling her just the smallest bit closer. Mary’s voice was soft, serious, as she disagreed, “I think you deserve the world, Marlene. You’re one of the best people I know.”

Mary hesitated, not wanting to push, but not wanting Marlene to carry whatever burdens she had alone. “A worry shared is a worry halved-or so the saying goes,” she said, her thumb rubbing small circles on Marlene’s hand.

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

tcbedestroyed‌:

“yes, actually. they hire me on for security sometimes, for the extra pay.” rabastan was proud of how fast he came up with that lie, but he had been getting awfully good at it lately. diverting the conversation and covering up his tracks were two things he didn’t expect to have a knack for. “but if the blacks do know how to do one thing, it’s throw a party.” he nodded.

“she was here earlier, so i’m sure that would work out fine.” rabastan slung his towel over his shoulder. it was hard to be rude to someone who hadn’t even been annoying, as many cheery people are when they approach. “and if you swing by and she’s not here, i’ll have a better answer on a time that works.”

“Oh, that must be such an interest line of work!” Mary exclaimed, not really knowing much about hired security. “It must be different, doing private events like that-have you done it much in the past? Do you only do it for the Blacks?” she asked, throwing questions out as they formed in her mind. “It was such a lovely evening-really just a beautiful event. I don’t think i’ve ever been to something so...grandiose,” she confided in Rabastan.

“You’re such a doll, Rabastan, thank you so much!” Mary said, smiling brightly at him. “You’ve been so helpful, I really appreciate it!”

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

c-elestinawarbeck‌:

Celestina was used to the fans stumbling over their words and just about everything else in the book when meeting someone new. The kind words from Mary, however, brought a cheery smile to her lips. “Oh, sweetheart, please. Call me Celestina,” she said, tugging the woman over to empty seats at the bar. “If I’m asking, would it really be an imposition?” the woman said with a laugh, offering one of the seats to the other singer. 

“So, how long have you been performing here? All of the regular customers kept raving about you, so I just had to catch a show,” she said, settling herself back in the chair. She wasn’t exactly in a rush to get a drink, and the bar seemed quite busy anyway. For now, she was content with speaking with the woman who she’d been watching all night. 

Mary couldn’t stop herself from beaming up at the older woman, too awestruck and overwhelmed at the way she had been offered such familiarity with someone she had admired for so many years. She laughed, a little breathless from her nerves, as the two made their way to the bar. “I do suppose you have a point there,” Mary demurred.

She sat down in the seat next to Celestina-Celestina!-letting herself get comfortable before answering the questions posed by the other woman. “Oh, a few years now,” Mary explained, fingers tapping gently on the bar. “Evelyn-the owner-she saw something in me worth hiring, and I’ve been here ever since.” The smile on her face was find as she thought back all those years ago, to the chance Evelyn took on her and the way it had shaped her entire life. “This is actually a bit embarrassing, but when I first moved to the city, I actually saw you perform,” Mary admitted, blushing as she spoke, “And you’re really what inspired me to get into performing-before here I really only ever sang at church.”

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

tcbedestroyed‌:

rabastan himself had only been at the event to serve as a guard luckily, and didn’t have to stay for the whole affair. “ah, yes. i remember the event quite well.” he said. his small talk had never been impressive, nor had he ever been too social. he could always… tell her to go away, but the last thing he needed was bellatrix mad at him if they were truly friends. “she took off tonight, y’know. when it’s slow. she keeps the place running.”

rabastan didn’r understand how this woman kept her tone so cheery, especially in a den like this. she was awful brave for coming down here, especially since this didn’t seem like her scene. “people who hold galas have plenty of generosity to go around, i assure you.”

“Oh, were you at the gala, too?” she asked, her tone still bright. “Did you have a pleasant evening? The space was lovely, truly,” she recalled happily. Rabastan wasn’t particularly chatty, but Mary had come out with the intention of being social, and the Felix Felis made her nervous enough to start babbling a bit. “Good for her to take off when it allows,” Mary commended, “I’m sure it get busy here frequently, and it gets tiring to work so late-I hope you get the chance to rest as well!” she said? offering a wide smile to him. “Would this day work next week if i come a bit earlier, do you think?” Mary asked him, biting her bottom lip as she tried to recall her schedule the next few weeks. She didn’t think she had to watch Dora then, but she should double check that when she saw Ted next.

“I suppose you’re right, Rabastan,” she admitted, “though i still don’t think I would feel right about taking advantage of it, really.”

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

marlenemckinno-n‌:

Marlene knew that she didn’t deserve any kindness from this woman, especially after she disturbed the singer’s set and had to be taken to her dressing room. However, there was something about Mary’s smile that allowed her to relax. She felt so at ease with the woman, and even now Mary words only brought a soft smile to her lips. She wished she could offer the woman more, but she knew that Mary didn’t need to be pulled into much of anything Marlene was a part of.

“It isn’t that I don’t want to tell you. I just…I want to keep you safe,” she finally said, pulling the woman’s hand up to her lips so she could press a quick kiss into the back of it. Not letting go of the other’s hand, she glanced towards the corner of the room, wondering what else really needed to be said. “Sometimes, I just wish my life was…I don’t know, simpler,” she said, her voice soft. This wasn’t even something Mary needed to hear, but it felt good to say it to someone. “Perhaps you won’t get in trouble, but I’m sure Rosmerta isn’t happy with me,” Marlene said with a laugh, hoping to lighten the room. 

For all Mary might have initiated the contact, she couldn’t help but blush as Marlene’s lips brushed the back of her hand, the moment feeling more intimate than any the two had previously shared. “I appreciate you trying to keep me safe, Marlene,” she said, her voice quiet as her hand stayed wrapped around Marlene’s. Neither woman was looking at each other, and for that Mary was grateful. It was easier to talk to her like this, when she couldn’t find herself lost in Marlene’s eyes. “Life is rarely simple,” Mary sympathized, her mind swirling around her family, both past and present, and the person she was before she moved to New York. “We’re all entitled to our secrets, and I won’t push you for yours. But Marlene? You’re my friend. No matter what....complications you might have in your life, never doubt that.”

Marlene’s laugh was infections, and Mary couldn’t help but let out a giggle in response. “Don’t you worry about Evelyn,” she insisted, “I’ll protect you from her wrath.”

[c-elestinawarbeck]

date: may 20th, 1925 location: the boulevardier status: closed to @syncopatedsongbird

Still trying to get used to the city that used to be her home, Celestina figured there was no harm in sussing out the nightlife. For her, that usually meant seeing local talent, though having a drink or two certainly didn’t hurt. It had been a good night, and the performance by the woman onstage left her with a satisfied feeling she hadn’t entirely expected. 

She wasn’t entirely under the impression that she was the best singer in the country, though she was starting to realize that she had been missing out on talent in her own backyard. It didn’t take long for the woman who had been singing to reappear among the crowd, and Celestina didn’t hesitate to find her way to her side. “Hello, darling. You were simply amazing tonight. Mary, was it? I was wondering if I could grab you a drink,” she said, her hand settling on the woman’s arm.

[syncopatedsongbird-blog]

Mary wondered if she would ever be able to breathe again. If the whispers she heard backstage were true, the Celestina Warbeck had seen her perform, and there suddenly seemed to be a lack of air in the Boulevardier. It had been years since Mary, wide eyed and new to the city, had snuck into a club and saw the Celestina perform for the first time. It had sparked her own passion for performing, and her heart fluttered at the thought that a woman she so admired had heard her sing. Before she could even look around the crowd to try and find the older woman, she appeared beside her.

“Ms. Warbeck!” Mary exclaimed, “This is-what a-an honor, really, to meet you, Ms. Warbeck,” her voice breathless as she stumbled over her words. Celestina Warbeck knew who she was and she thought Mary was amazing? This was the greatest moment of her life. “I, I would, that would be lovely, if its not too much of an imposition,” Mary agreed, still not entirely sure what was happening.