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°¤.~ 𝐀𝐂𝐓 𝐈: 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐎 ~.¤°
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Astoria observed the market curiously as she paraded around with Eloise Bridgerton and Penelope Featerington, another friend of hers. The three ladies had been inseparable for years, and although Eloise and Penelope were much more similar in their interests, the two still included Astoria in whatever conversations they engaged in.
"Daphne provided me a list of recommendations for a successful season." Eloise said mockingly to them as they walked around, smiling at the thought that 'the' Daphne Bridgerton had given her sister a physical list to follow as if it was going to be that easy for Eloise, especially considering her personality. "Private advice regarding the top ten ways in which to entrap a man. I'm telling you, the season has barely begun and already I feel touched in the head."
Penelope let out a laugh as she pulled away from Eloise to look at a display nearby. It had been a few days since Lady Whistledown made her debut back into London and while things had settled slightly, everyone was still very much beaming at the thought of their favorite source of gossip provided them what they needed for the season.
"Another quill? You do get through them at an extraordinary rate." Eloise commented as she turned towards Penelope, making Astoria glance at her as well.
Penelope shrugged before responding, "I have been busy with my correspondence."
"To the new heir? Is he here yet?" Eloise asked curiously, but only received a simple 'no' in response. All of them were positively excited at the idea of meeting the new Lord Featherington, hoping he would be better than the previous one and tolerable to be around.
Eloise and Astoria both made sounds of acknowledgment as Penelope continued speaking. "I only mean, Colin has been keeping me informed of his adventures in Greece." She paid for the feather and they were soon on their way once again.
Eloise's expression etched into one of boredom, "In fairness, I have stopped reading his letters. He rambles, does he not?"
"He's certainly no Lady Whistledown." Penelope commented, a full smile on her face, making Astoria giggle.
"No," Eloise sighed. "But, then again, Colin has, in fact, been somewhere, unlike her." Annoyance laced her voice and Astoria could only wait patiently before the ranting began.
"Well, I thought you revered Whistledown." Penelope commented, curious as to why her opinion had changed. "Did her arrival not save you from your presentation to the queen?"
"I was delighted by the diversion, to be sure, but I sat with her paper all morning, and in truth, all she does is repeat what she wears." It was becoming evident that as more time passed, Eloise was growing more and more unimpressed with Lady Whistledown, but Astoria had a feeling that she felt more frustrated she hadn't been able to unmask her identity.
