#celestine about

[mostardentlyinllamaswithyou]

"I wouldn't usually be so forward, but since it is the end times..."

"Ask away."

"When you said earlier that you wouldn't dream of going further than this, did you mean it?"

"Oh, that. I did, actually. I enjoy the company of an interesting, pretty woman, but I've never wanted more. I know that must sound rather strange; Men aren't typically that way, I guess."

"Perhaps not, but I can relate to that sentiment. I've always loved a pretty face - and if I am to be so bold - regardless of whom it belongs to. But it ends there. Perhaps I would have been better suited to be a nun than on the silver screen."

"Wait, you are like me then?"

"It seems so."

"Dear Ms. About, I would sincerely appreciate your company again."

"Mr. Wright, I think I would like that very much."

[mostardentlyinllamaswithyou]

🖤🤍💜

[mostardentlyinllamaswithyou]

Back in England, twins Ruth and Helen are as close as can be. They turn out to be completely identical save for their hair colors, though Ruth is more confident and outgoing than the timid Helen.

The twins get along well with their younger "brothers", Hugo Marie and Jean Basile. When they are older, Edmund and Celestine will tell them the story of their birth, but for now the twins happily play the role of older sisters.

[mostardentlyinllamaswithyou]

As the Great War comes to an end, Edmund Wright and Celestine About are married in France. They mutually agree to move back to England to Edmund's family farm.

Celestine readily retires from her career as a silent film actress to live a quieter life in the countryside with the man she loves. Having grown maddingly tired of the sexualization that came from being an actress - especially one that is Romani - she is more than ready to spend time away from the spotlight.

While forever changed by his experience as a soldier and of losing two of his brothers, Edmund looks forward to beginning this new chapter of his life. If only one good thing came of the last few years, he is glad it was finding Celestine, someone he shares a deep mutual respect and love with.

[mostardentlyinllamaswithyou]

In the year 1919, the twin daughters of Benjamin and the late Eugenie Wright are christened Ruth and Helen Wright at a local church in Henford-on-Bagley.

[mostardentlyinllamaswithyou]

"We'll have to take them in, yes?"

Edmund nods. "They have no where else to go. Francis and Virginia have their hands full, Eugenia is unmarried, and my father is growing old and is burdened with grief."

"Are you alright with it, Celeste?"

"I am. I just feel so sorry for the poor girls. They'll never know their true mother."

"We'll tell them more about her when they're older. I don't think it would be wise to keep this from them."

"I agree."

"For now, we can arrange their christening."

Edmund and Celestine decide to raise the twins as their own for now, with the intention of revealing the truth when they are old enough to understand.

[mostardentlyinllamaswithyou]

A few months prior in Paris, France.

"Good evening, miss."

"Bonsoir."

"Are you here all alone tonight?"

"Vous êtes américain, n'est-ce pas?"

"Sorry, miss. I...don't speak any French, as I guess you've figured out."

"Yes, well that was rather obvious."

"Do you need an escort home? It's rather late to be out all alone."

"You really aren't familiar with the city, are you? Well I'm in no need of an escort, sir. Just came out for a smoke...before you came along"

"Well, I'm terribly sorry to have interrupted you. Would you care for a drink, though? You seem like an interesting person to know."

"Hmm, I do? Well, a drink wouldn't hurt, so long as it is just a drink."

"Wouldn't dream of more." I'm Edmund Wright, and you?

"Celestine About."