Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"I cannot believe it."
"What is it, Sister?" Carlotta rushed to her sister on the couch, holding the newest Lady Whistledown.
Fleur pushed the paper into Lola's hand and pointed at one of the first subjects in it. Carlotta started reading out loud. "The ones we love have the power to inflict the greatest scars. For what thing is more fragile than the human heart? Blah, blah, blah, the bond between man and bride, I understand . . ." Her eyes scanned the paper impatiently. "I have learned that a grave fraud is afoot. As if the Featheringtons did not have enough to be dealing with, Miss Marina Thompson is with child and she has been from the very first day she arrived in our fair city. Oh, my God!"
"Poor Colin. Poor Eloise. Poor Bridgertons," Fleur shook her head in sympathy. "I shall need to visit them, see how they are dealing with the news. And maybe Penelope as well."
"As much as I love how much you care for your friend's family, we have an appointment with Madame Delacroix this afternoon," Zahara looked up from whatever it was she was doing. "I assure you that you have plenty of time to do so afterwards."
Mama was right. She couldn't abandon this appointment. But she made sure to remind herself to visit both her friends right after.
Walking into the modiste, Fleur spotted a brunette standing on the platform. She could've seen from miles away that it was Eloise, not to mention her Mama was standing next to her. The Viscountess was the first to see her and waved elegantly. It made Eloise turn her head as well and wave.
Fleur walked towards them, since Madame Delacroix couldn't help her now anyway. "Good afternoon, Eloise. Lady Bridgerton," She made a quick curtsy, then looked at Eloise's dress. "Are you finally dropping your hems? Is it finally happening?"
Eloise turned, which made Madame Delacroix (who Fleur had not yet seen) say. "Hold still, ma chérie."
Fleur's sentence had clearly started up a thought in Eloise's head. She smacked her lips, looking at her Mama. "This scandal could very well tarnish my debut, Mama. Perhaps we should delay my coming out altogether a few years."
"Hush, child, all will be well," Lady Bridgerton was already used to Eloise's attempts to convince her not to make a debut. "Just keep smiling."
"How are you holding up? How is Colin?" Fleur asked, her tone hushed. Seeing as there were others in the shop who were not allowed to hear anything.
Lady Bridgerton answered. "Recovering. Confused. But he's absolutely shattered."
"So I can imagine." Fleur said. Lady Bridgerton was not afraid to share this information with Fleur and Zahara, who had now joined them. Their family had proven themselves loyal to the Bridgertons long ago. And their mouths had kept close about any business revolving a potential scandal. Besides, Lady Bridgerton knew Fleur would never do anything to intentionally harm Eloise, even if it was through her brother.
