Celeste Writes a Letter

Here is an epistolary short story that turned into the short story Celeste.


My Dearest Nicole,

      I hope this letter finds you well. I write to you with my kindest regards. I long to see you see Nicole. I hope this letter finds you doing well. I am faring quite well myself. 

I will inform you of my latest plan to continue lessons. As you know, my Father is not in favor of my desire to be a pianist. My mother has been able to arrange a most ingenious plan to allow me to continue my lessons. 

My teacher has a son, you might remember him, André Devereux, he has always been like kin to my family and me. Our mothers have always been trying to arrange something between us, and they feel as though the opportune moment has arisen. They have arranged for André and me to begin courting. They both used their womanly wiles to convince André and myself that this is the only way my promising talent (as  Mademoiselle Devereux has do delicately stated) to be cultured. At first we felt very dishonest, but they did convince us.  André’s letter asking for permission was very beautifully written. I dare say his mother wrote the letter for him. Pray I do want to allow him some credit. He is playing the part so well. I only hope that we do agree to something more definite than mere courtship, for I am beginning to enjoy the company of Mademoiselle Devereux’s son and piano equally well. You know I always jested at the idea of André being my gentleman friend, and thought it was out of the question. It is ironic how life comes about. However, why I am surprised, I do not know; My parents desired it I believe. 

My father thinks I have come to my sense and have rejected piano for André. I laugh to think my father is being fooled. Nicole, am I doing right?

Please visit me soon and tell me how you fare.

Yours Truly,

Celeste

      My Dearest Celeste,

Your letter does find me well and in good health, but I do long to see you my friend. I would be most happy to see you at your earliest possible convenience. May I be so bold as to ask you to allow Gaston to come as well? He becomes restless when I am not at home, and I am certain he would be charmed to see you again. 

It would be splendid for André, an excellent connection for him to have when he is finished with his studies, if I do say so myself. I am getting most exciting thinking about seeing you. I miss you ever so much my friend. 

Oh your plan is most ideal. You must let me come to one of your lessons so I may hear you play. I am so glad you continue to play the pianoforte. 

Gaston and I have been very busy recently. He is trying to help this crazy République Française of ours. I do not see how he is able to understand such falderal as what is in those courts, the espionage scandals still causing so much…forgive me Celeste. I mustn’t talk of that, we leave that to the men, no? 

Send your reply with the fastest courier so may arrange to meet.

Your truly,
Nicole


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