Unexpected Love

Prologue

Third POV

After Miss Marina Thompson left the Ton with Phillip Crane set to marry, Eloise has secretly been writing letters. She wanted to know how she is doing, being married, and throughout her pregnancy. The two exchanged letters often, growing closer through each one. In one of the letters, Marina wrote of her husband's younger sister Duchess Lily Andrews, her husband Duke Evan Andrews and their son. They were arriving in two week's time to visit the Crane's. Eloise remembered Penelope telling her that Duchess Lily had arrived with Phillip and comforted Marina when she was told of George's death. Marina would mention her in earlier letters, telling of the letters they shared and of Lily's visits with her son. However, this would be the first time Marina would be meeting Lily's husband in person.

One day Eloise received a letter expecting it to be another letter from Marina she was surprised to see it was from Lily Andrews.

Dear Eloise Bridgerton,

Marina has told me that you first wrote to her to know how she is doing, and since then have continued to write and for that I would like to thank you. It calms me to know that she has someone else to check on her other than Phillip and I. As you must have figured out by now she and Phillip have a complicated relationship, so she didn't have anyone other than me. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to write back right away, which I hate. But my son and newborn twins have been keeping me occupied. Marina understands why I cannot visit her much and respond to her letters quickly as I used too now with the twins being here. Once again thank you Ms. Eloise Bridgerton for writing to Marina and be there for her. I do hope you write back, and we can continue to write to each other. It be nice to have you as a friend, Ms. Bridgerton.

Sincerely, The Duchess of Cornwall, Lily Andrews.

Normally Eloise would've not responded, for why she would want to befriend Lily a Dutchess who most likely is just like Daphne. But a part of Eloise couldn't help but want to reply to the Dutchess. Something within compelled her. It did not help that Marina only wrote good things about Lily and how she was there for her whenever she could visit. Also, Lily did sound apologetic that she could not be there for Marina as before, and she is thankful for Eloise writing to Marina.

Eloise grabbed her quill and began writing on a new sheet of paper.

Dear Duchess Andrews,

First, congratulations on the birth of your twins. I hope you are recovering well from the birth and do wish you luck with raising them. As for writing to Marina, there is no need to thank me for doing so. Although I did not have to, I felt remorseful that she had to marry your older brother who she has no feelings for, and how difficult it be for the baby not to know who their father is.

Eloise pauses writing setting her quill down as she remembers that her father never met Hyacinth. Just like George will never get to meet the baby. She shakes her head getting rid of those thoughts and grabs her quill to continue to write.

Normally I would've not accept that offer, but I would like to get to you more and it would be nice to have you as a friend, Duchess Andrews.

Sincerely, Eloise Bridgerton

Sealing the letter inside she addressed it to the Andrews estate and handed it to a nearby footman, who nodded politely and walked away to have the letter delivered.

Eloise and Marina still continue to write another. Eloise awaited for Lily to write back although she knew a reply would not happen quickly for she is a Duchess with three children. But to her delight and surprise she did not have to wait long for Eloise was handed a letter that was from Lily.