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ACT ONE chapter three
In preparation for Lady Danbury's upcoming ball in which the Queen will be in attendance, Gregory has been tasked with being Eloise's dance partner while Francesca plays at the pianoforte.
Hyacinth watches with her chin on the chaise lounge armrest, benedict sprawled out on the one opposite with his sketchbook. Mabel sits a little away at the tea table, writing a letter to her parents that she'd been putting off until Violet made the suggestion she let them know she arrived to them safely.
"One and two. One and two." The dance instructor emphasizes in between Eloise's rather awkward steps around her brother.
"I do not think she is very good." Hyacinth says, looking over to Benedict.
"I believe she can hear you." He retorts.
Eloise proves his point as she echoes, "I can hear you."
Mabel smiles in secret amusement down at her parchment, dipping her fountain pen into the pot of ink at her side.
"Ow!" Gregory grits, halting their dancing as he says, "Watch my feet!"
Eloise looks pleadingly at her mama, "Might we be done?"
"If you are to catch the Queen's eye after that interruption, you must be perfection."
"Then why isn't she up here with me?" She gestures blindly to Mabel, brows raised at Violet pointedly.
Mabel clears her throat, looking over at them, "I could step in for Gregory if you'd like?"
"Nevermind." Eloise shoots down immediately, taking her brothers hand in hers once more with the mutter under her breath, "I believe it was the interruption that was perfection."
"Shocking that Eloise Bridgerton was not named the seasons Diamond, was it not?" Benedict drawls with a smirk.
Anthony strides into the drawing room then with the greeting words of, "Was anyone else aware that dear Colin had decided to add Albania or some such place to his itinerary as he gads about the world?"
"No. But how happy for him that he can simply decide to do that." Eloise smiles sarcastically, her statement bringing Mabel back to the only proper conversation they've had between each other.
"Joining us for tea, Anthony?" Violet asks, holding back an eye roll at her daughter's words.
"Uh, I'm afraid I must pass. Too many calls on my funds today." Anthony denies, pacing, "Now that the season has started, I shall need to fill your coffers at the modiste and oversee the hiring of a few extra staff... And your ring." Mabel shares a surprised look with Violet, "When you get the chance, I shall need it. The fields by Ferryhallow. I was thinking we might hold off on leasing them due to the hard frost."
