Eloise x OC / penelope x collin

The second ball

The bell rang as Eloise entered the modiste. 'Good afternoon, Lady Bridgerton, Miss Eloise. Are you here for a new dress for the upcoming ball?' Madame Delacroix appeared from the back of the store.

'Good afternoon Madame Delacroix. Yes, we were hoping you had some time left. It must be very busy around this time of year.'

'But of course, I'll always have a spot for you Lady Bridgerton. I heard the second ball will be hosted by the Duke and Duchess of Hastings. Did you have anything specific in mind?'

What about something that feels good to wear for once.

'Yes, I was thinking about a very soft pink dress.' Mom said while she sat down on a chair in the corner of the room.

'Very well. I have a lot of different types of fabric. Perhaps Miss Eloise would like to choose one in the back?' Madame Delacroix gestured to the back.

That was easy. Eloise followed Madame Delacroix who grabbed a book and showed her some patterns. 'Personally I think the finer patterns would suit you best.'

Eloise grabbed the paper from underneath her dress and showed it to her. 'I believe Miss Penelope informed you what to do with this.' Eloise whispered.

Madame Delacroix frowned. 'I was not informed about this. What makes you think I'm going to help her again?'

'Well, you don't have to if you do not want to of course, but perhaps you should read it first before you make your decision.' Eloise emitted pure confidence, Madame Delacroix did not expect that.

Eloise spoke louder now. 'This print would be delightful.' Eloise walked over to the fabrics. 'This silk would be most agreeable as well.' Meanwhile Madame Delacroix's eyes went from left to right.

'Of course Miss Eloise. I'll make sure the dress is ready in two days from now.' She nodded, indicating she would take care of the paper.

Eloise had to suppress a big smile while she walked back to show her mother the fabric she had chosen.

Penelope descended the stairs covered in white flowers and entered the open air ballroom of the Hastings. Penelope did not mind the balls, there was more than enough to entertain her, but at the same time everything felt empty. She almost never got invited to a dance while Colin did nothing other than that. And even if she got invited for a dance, her thoughts kept dwindling to him. Perhaps it would have been better if he had gone on his travels.

Penelope looked around if she could spot Eloise. Daphne dragged her across the dancefloor and introduced her to a young gentleman. As they started to dance, Eloise's and Penelope's met each other. Her lips formed two words: help me. Penelope made an encouraging gesture, when suddenly someone tapped her on her shoulder. Penelope turned around.

'Colin,' she laughed awkwardly, 'you're here too.'

'But of course, why would I not?'

Penelope smiled. 'Yes, of course. Please excuse me.' She turned around and walked towards the refreshments. She had to get away from him. "I would never court Penelope.", that is what he said. He did not want her anyway.

'Penelope, is something wrong?' Colin quickly caught up with her. He looked worried.

She put up a fake smile. 'Not at all, I am just in dire need of some refreshment.'

'Perhaps I could fetch a lemonade for you?'

Penelope kept staring forward and said: 'Perhaps not.'

Colin grabbed her arm and stopped her. 'What is wrong with you? You are never like this.'

Penelope snatched back her, her eyes spitting fire. 'Why don't you tell me? What is so wrong with me that you would absolutely never court Penelope Featherington.'

Colin fell silent and took a step backwards. The guest started to notice and made disapproving sounds.

'Well?' She folded her arms.

'P-Penelope, I did not mean that.'

'Yes you did. I thought you were my friend. I never would have thought that you could be so cruel.' Penelope turned around and fled up the stairs.

Eloise, who was dancing with lord Wildshire saw Penelope run off in the corner of her eyes. 'My lord, please excuse me, but a friend needs me right now.'

'Of course, but you still owe me a dance sometime.' He actually was interested in her? Well that was a surprise.

As Eloise walked up the stairs she saw her mothers worried look. Eloise begged her with gestures not to follow her and walked up the stairs. Penelope leaned against one of the pillars, heavily breathing.

'Pen, what happened?' Eloise placed her hand on Penelope's shoulder. 'I saw you talking to Colin and suddenly you ran off.'

Penelope wiped away her tears. 'Since you already know it has to do with him I might as well tell you. I overheard him saying he would never court me to the other gentleman. I thought we were friends, but then he makes fun of me in front of his friends.'

'That must have really hurt. Colin does stupid things sometimes, but I am sure he does care about you.'

Penelope looked up. 'Then why would he say something like that.'

Eloise made a reassuring smile. 'Because he is insecure. People do stupid things when they pretend to be someone they are not. I understand you are mad right now, but I hope you can forgive him.' Eloise gave Penelope a big hug. 'You don't want to know how often he has made me furious.'

Penelope laughed. 'Thank you. We should return before my mama catches us.'

'Your mama? We should run then!' Eloise grabbed Penelope's hand and they waddled away, running was impossible with these dresses.