Bridgerton: early years

A Dancing Lesson

A/N: Please Vote and comment.

The sounds of music and lively conversation filled the air as guests mingled in Lady Danbury's grand garden. But away from the bustle, tucked behind a hedge of roses, Eloise Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington found a secret hideaway.

"Honestly, I don't see the point of it," Eloise huffed, her arms folded tightly across her chest.

Penelope, trying not to laugh, replied, "Dancing is a necessary skill, Eloise. You can't hide from every ball."

"Maybe not every ball," Eloise conceded, her face scrunched up in reluctance, "but I can certainly avoid most of them." She glanced around to ensure they were alone, then added, "

"Especially if it means avoiding any dance with the likes of Anthony and Benedict. I'd rather face a horde of ravenous geese!"

Penelope giggled, her curls bouncing as she twirled around, attempting a pirouette. "Well, I happen to think you would make a delightful dance partner, Eloise! You just need to try it with a little more enthusiasm."

"Enthusiasm?" Eloise rolled her eyes. "I could pretend to be a dancing goose instead. That sounds far more entertaining."

"Let's stick to the dancing, shall we?" Penelope replied, picking up a nearby bouquet of flowers as a makeshift prop. "Now, hold your arms out like this and try again."

Eloise sighed dramatically, adjusting her posture with an exaggerated flourish. "Fine! But if I fall, you shall be the one to explain to my mother why I'm covered in dirt and flowers."

As they began to practice, Penelope led the way, gliding through the steps with graceful determination. Eloise followed, her movements less fluid but brimming with the spirit of rebellion. The sun streamed down, dappling the ground with light as they laughed and stumbled through the steps, completely absorbed in their own little world.

Meanwhile, Colin had wandered into the garden, seeking a moment of peace from the boisterous festivities. He paused as he spotted the two girls, hidden from view, and a smirk crossed his face.

Eloise caught a misstep, nearly toppling over as Penelope giggled. "See? That's what you get for not paying attention!" she teased.

"More like what you get for having terrible footwork!" Colin called out, stepping closer.

Eloise whipped around, her expression a mix of indignation and surprise. "Colin! You're supposed to be at the party, not eavesdropping on our practice."

"Eavesdropping? I prefer to think of it as witnessing a spectacular performance," he quipped, leaning against a nearby tree. "But honestly, Eloise, you're not doing it right."

"Not doing it right?" Eloise exclaimed, hands on her hips. "I'm doing my best here!"

"Your best needs a bit of guidance." Colin stepped forward, a playful glint in his eye. "May I cut in?"

Before Eloise could protest, he gently took Penelope by the hand, guiding her away from Eloise. "Come on, Pen. Let's show her how it's done."

Penelope's cheeks flushed with surprise and delight as she was swept into Colin's confident embrace. "You dance?" she asked, incredulous.

"Of course! How do you think I've managed to evade most of the embarrassing encounters at balls?" he replied with a grin.

With Colin leading, the three of them turned the garden into a whimsical stage, twirling and spinning as laughter echoed around them. Eloise watched from the sidelines, both irritated and amused, as Colin expertly guided Penelope through the steps.

"See? You need to add a bit of flair!" Colin said, demonstrating a fancy twirl. "Like this!"

"You're showing off!" Eloise shouted, crossing her arms again but unable to suppress a smile.

"Perhaps, but at least Penelope is learning," he shot back, glancing over his shoulder with a wink.

As they continued, Penelope felt herself caught up in the joy of the moment. The sun seemed to shine brighter, the flowers around them swayed as if dancing along. "This is lovely!" she exclaimed, completely forgetting the chaos of the party beyond the garden.

"Lovely indeed!" Colin said, looking down at Penelope with an expression that held more than just playful camaraderie. "But I must admit, I'd rather see you and Eloise both join in the fun."

"Not with her leading! I'll take my chances with you any day," Eloise called back, determination lighting her eyes.

Colin laughed, the sound bright and infectious. "Alright, then let's make it a duet. Pen, why don't you try leading Eloise for a change?"

Penelope's heart raced at the idea. "Eloise, can you handle that?" she teased, her eyes dancing with mischief.

"Please, I can lead you both!" Eloise replied, stepping forward with renewed confidence.

As the three of them danced in that hidden garden, the world outside faded away. Laughter filled the air, weaving through the flowers and whispering secrets of friendship, mischief, and unspoken promises.

Colin felt a warmth in his chest, a feeling he couldn't quite place as he watched the two girls—both fierce and delightful in their own ways. He knew he wouldn't trade this moment for anything, not even the grandest of balls.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the garden, Eloise, Penelope, and Colin danced on, lost in the magic of their secret hideaway, a little world of their own amidst the chaos of Bridgerton life.

The End