Linger in love

(9) Eloise

I do not wish to continue this silly tradition of being introduced to society and by the Queens expression last year at my sister, Daphne's, I do not believe she would like to either.

She clearly hates the barbarity as much as I. For she is a woman, and no doubt had to do something similar when she became of age.

I do not want or need a husband. I have Pen to be a spinster with me. To enjoy a life filled with enjoyment and books. A perfect life indeed.

These stupid maids are fussing over me like a china doll. Apparently my growls and refusal has done nothing for me.

I still have this blasted feather on my head, I only hope I choke on this damn thing before my arrival.

I glared out the window hoping for Pen to be on a horseback, sword in hand ready to come to rescue me from this madness.

Benedict may be my favourite sibling.

But today, they are all my enemies. I growled as I flung the door open.

There they all are staring at me.

God, I want to throw up.

All these girls and their anxious mama's fussing like this ridiculous day is an achievement.

I wish that Penelope's mama would have held her back for a year, the same as my mother had done for me. I wish she was here. Then at least if we truly blundered it up, we could laugh about it after.

Why in gods name thought Daphne would help ready myself for today, I am unsure. We are so different. Even her being at the house this morning frustrated me so. I did not need mother comparing the both of us. I am my own person. And that person doesn't flawless walk in front of the Queen with a feather protruding out of my head. Like some sort of peacock squawking for attention.

I was so relieved when her mama finally let me recieve her at my home. It had been weeks. Lady Featherington had her reasons, I know that. There is some sort of mourning period one must go through. But Pen. Would it really have been the end of the world to attend. My family would have, no deed, watched over her.

The fact of the matter would be that my mother would relish in Pen assisting with my comfort. Take some of the pressure off of her, no doubt.

Miss Penelope Featherington looked out of the dining room window.

Waiting.

Watching.

A glimpse of a young boy running, made her smile "It is here"

Penelope hoped Eloise was still in that crowded back room and not already on her way to be paraded like a bird in front of her majesty, the Queen.

Eloise's shoe squeaked on the hard floor. Her breathing grew more erratic. Stupidly her eyes flew to the queens who was scowling at her like she expected her to spread out a pair of wings and take flight.

Suddenly, the Queen was getting a copy of Whistledown. Smiling. Declaring she had seen enough.

Oh my god. Thank the heavens, I was hoping that everyone didn't see my excitement on leaving the hall. But the moment I turned around. This bird took flight.

Eloise was frightfully frustrated when attending her first ball being out in society.
Lady Danbury's Roses Conservatory Ball. Benedict already had me whisked away immediately after entering, from the youngest suitor I had ever seen.

No one could miss my mama declaring my eldest brother's intentions this season, the whole ball must have heard. Best keep the attention on him and not myself.

Benedict rushed over to greet some friend when an extremely unfamiliar man took my notice. Pen spoke of a travelling companion. An old friend. Similar to Colin in build. His hair a little longer and nicely kept facial hair. Her descriptive words did not do him justice. He is rather handsome.

I chose to speak with him before I see Pen. Size the man up. See if he is trying to up his title and rank to best friend.

"You are Mr Fairaway, are you not"

His smile was handsome. His whole face seemed to light up. No wonder Pen referred to him as a bit of a looker.

"I am, and you must be Miss Bridgerton" he leaned in a little "Miss Penelope speaks of you often as the only worthwhile entertainment of the ton"

"Well she is not wrong!" I declared "But I would like to hear how you and Pen became acquainted"

"She would never tell you yourself, but Miss Featherington saved my life" he spoke calmly and without humour.

Eloise could feel her eyes getting bigger "Are you being earnest"

"Indeed, I was riding on a cart, when my horses were startled and before I knew it I was head first in a stream. When I opened my eyes, a young red headed girl was pulling me up a bank, drenched through"

I can't believe Pen saved a man. How could she not tell me?

"I'm sure her mama wasn't very happy about that!"

"She had to lie of course, I had no title. That was before my father earned a title of Lord"

Eloise paused "I still can't believe Pen was your knight in shining armour. More so, that you openly admit it. Most men in the ton would bow their head in shame"

"She is wonderful, beautiful and possibly the smartest person I have ever met"

Eloise smiles to herself "Well thank you for not being as blind as all these other fools"

"Speaking of fools, if I am to be so bold to ask. Is your brother Colin interested in Miss Featherington. Because I may be wrong but Pen speaks of him a lot and I do not want to tread in their path"

Speaking of fools. I already feel like this man is armed. Ready for battle. I love it.

"Colin and Pen" Eloise laughed loud "I assure you that is not the case. They both had a difficult year, but they are friends"

"I see. Very well. So Miss Bridgerton, may I fetch you a glass of lemonade?"

Eloise eyes bulged "Apologies sir, I feared you were going to ask me to dance"

Thomas's voice lowered "Two left feet I'm afraid, but please do not hold it against me" then he strolled off leaving a rather surprise look on Miss Bridgerton's face.

I'm going to like this man. He's going to have to up his game on my brother's return. Colin will not like being another man other than her favourite. A snigger left her lips.

My brother may not have feeling for Pen, but always appreciates her insight and humour. Much like me in that sense. Thank god she has not found a female friend out there in Surrey or I would, no doubt be a nightmare.

I do look forward to my brother's return. Now even more so now that there may be confrontation. As always I do enjoy being entertained mostly when it comes to the frustration of my brother.

She eventually got to see her most special friend in the world and all three of them giggled together as they took a turn of the room. Mr Fairaway had not really spoken to many ladies. Just politely nodded. He found himself too interested in his present company to entertaining.

Miss Cressida Cowper, started a conversation with him. He looked so uninterested and even used wanting to spend time with Miss Featherington and Miss Bridgerton as an excuse.

I had to hold my tongue down tight before a large laugh could escape me.

This is to be a great friendship, indeed.