Philloise Re-Written

Chapter Nine

. . . we all miss Father, especially this time of year. But think how lucky you were to have had eighteen years with him. I remember so little, and I do wish he could have known me, and all that I've grown up to be.

—from Eloise Bridgerton to her brother Viscount Bridgerton, upon the occasion of the tenth anniversary of their father's death.

A week had passed since the incident at the lake and still there had been no response from Sir Phillip to any of Eloise's notes.

The first note had simply enquired after his wellbeing, though she spoke only of his rash outburst. Not that there was anything else to mention, of course.

Each following morning she slipped a note under Phillip's bedchamber door – the location of which she had bribed from Mrs Smith, knowing there was no hope of her finding it herself. He continued to avoid joining her for meals, so each note would update him on the children's progress. Occasionally she would describe how they reminded her of her own siblings or she would share some amusing answer one of them gave during a lesson, picturing how he would smile at the anecdote.

One night Eloise chose to slip her latest note under his door before she retired for bed, rather than waiting until morning. The decision had been on the spur of the moment and hadn't thought to change into something more appropriate. Her heart had pounded so hard in her chest as she pushed the letter under the door; she was convinced at any moment the door would open and Phillip would catch her in nothing but her nightgown.

The idea thrilled her more than it probably ought.

* * * * * * *

The next morning, Eloise was rushing to get the children out of the door. It was not in her nature to be tardy, especially since it was a trait she didn't care to tolerate in others. They had dwelled for too debating the merits of riding astride versus side saddle (Oliver was adamant side saddle was best for the protection of his crotch, but Amanda argued a strong case for the control riding astride would afford the rider).

She was herding them down the stairs only to find Sir Phillip standing at the base, fidgeting with his overcoat.

Eloise blinked.

He turned to face her and lit up when he saw her and the children. The children were nervous to approach him and in fact Oliver chose to cling to her and obscure his face in her skirts. Phillip smiled gingerly as he tried and failed to adjust his cravat into an appropriate shape, clearly unaccustomed to wearing something other than his work clothes.

Eloise took pity on him and moved to help, swiping his hands away so she could move the cravat the way it should be. She tried not to notice how their brief touch sent shivers along her arms and down her spine. She felt a familiar, warm feeling pool in her belly.

Luckily she was saved from further embarrassment when the twins shook off their initial nerves and descended on their uncle with excitable giggles.

"Oh, I am so happy you will be coming with us, Uncle!"

"Yes! You will get to see I have become quite excellent with my mental sums!"

"Not as good as me though," Oliver protested, giving his sister a little shove. Phillip's eyes widened, thinking he was about to witness another spectacular battle between the two children. He was surprised when Amanda's only response was to stick out her tongue at her brother who did not seem at all bothered. Phillip was speechless.

He looked at Eloise, trying to comprehend the miracle he had just witnessed. "Sums?"

"Yes," Eloise said, a proud grin spread across her face. "We are hoping to try out our arithmetic and money handling skills at the market. They are quite determined." She took a step closer so only Phillip could hear, "I am glad you decided to join us."