My dear and noble Reader, it giveth me the greatest pleasure to proclaim that within this present chapter of our tale, the foremost strains shall be played not by one, but by two several attachments. Whilst the one hath passed into memory and recollection, the other — though but presumed — remaineth no less true in its essence. And herein we speak of our dear Eloise, and of a certain handmaid, who hath become exceedingly esteemed and of great consequence unto both the Second and the Fifth Bridgerton in succession.
For as the saying goeth, when one door closeth, another standeth open. But what if the next prove not so easily unbarred, whilst the former remaineth yet ajar?