Eloise x OC / penelope x collin

Grace

'Mom, it is not too late, we are still perfectly able to return home.' Eloise looked around nervously.

Lady Bridgerton looked her in the eyes and smiled. 'Darling, I know balls are not really your thing, but you must not worry. Every young gentleman will realize soon enough that you are the real diamond of the season.'

Eloise looked at the ground and laughed. 'Of course they will.'

Lady Bridgerton lifted up Eloise's chin. 'Just be yourself. Someone out there will be your match and whoever it may be, I will welcome him with open arms. Remember, you're a Bridgerton.'

Her mom always knew to lift her mood. Without her, this ball would have been impossible. It was hard to show up again after the allegations, the allegations made by her dearest friend.

Eloise shook her head. This was not the time to think about it. She stepped through the big wooden doors and entered the ballroom. Most ladies and gentlemen were already dancing on the decorated dancefloor of Lady Danbury. Everywhere gold and silver with the best orchestras of London. She always made sure everything was perfect.

'Just ask me if you want me to set you up with someone. I have mastered the art after all those years with Anthony.' Lady Bridgerton said, shaking her head. She had introduced so many ladies, but he had turned all of them down before looking twice.

'Yes mama, I know. I'll look around, alone.' She emphasized the word alone.

'Yes yes, I'll be upstairs with the ladies, good luck dearest.'

Great, upstairs. Eloise already felt mom's eyes burn in her back. Well, time to walk around and hope no one would notice her. Would any of these men truly be interested in someone like her? Not like she hated herself, but she was... well how should she put it, quite unconventional? If you wanted an elegant and agreeable wife, Eloise would be your last pick.

Penelope was leaning against the wall near the door towards the gardens. Eloise quickly turned around, but Penelope had already seen her and approached her. For the love of god, as if Eloise hadn't enough on her mind. What should she do?

She hated to admit it, but she had Missed Penelope so, so, so much this off season. She didn't want to admit it at first, but what did Eloise expect? She was her best friend. But after ruining her, how could Eloise ever forgive her. She wanted to so badly, but the wound still hadn't healed. Now Penelope was going to beg her for forgiveness and try to explain everything. Eloise really couldn't deal with that right now. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes

'How are you doing?' Penelope asked calmly with a sad undertone.

Penelope was calm, Eloise really hadn't expected that. She was preparing to get mad and send her away, but she changed her mind. Eloise looked at Penelope while trying to not give away any signs of how she was feeling. 'Could have been better, I suppose.'

'Same here. I wanted to stay home, but I knew a very important person would be attending today.'

'Who? The queen? A prince?'

'Well you are right that they are very important, but not to me.'

Eloise nodded and looked away. 'I wish this was easier.'

'I wish I hadn't made this so difficult. You have been my best friend for sixteen years and look what's left of it.' Tears started building up in Penelope's eyes. 'I am so sorry.'

Eloise stared into the distance of the gardens and focussed on her breathing so she would stay calm. 'I know. It's just... just... I can not. But... at the same time...' Eloise took a deep breath. 'I could really use a good friend right now. Someone I know I can trust.'