Chapter Text
If you really wanna leave
I'll never make you stay
Whatever you decide I will understand
T.S.
Mothers and governess alike often read fairy tales to children at bed time, lessons hidden to teach them in a kinder way. The sad tales are not often retold, not at night, not when the sky is dark, but neither in the mornings when the sky is bright, sadness is unwelcome at all times. It is unkind to dim the spirits of those who smile in the sunlight with words of the tears others shed in the past; but it is the sad tales that are often brought back to life, for how can the fate of those characters that embodied them in the past be avoided when their stories go unspoken?
***
"How long?" Theo's gaze left Eloise only for a second and settled on the lady that until he had barged into the room had been embracing her. Eloise's sister did not answer his question, she only shaken her head in denial. He could not blame her, for his words did not make sense to him either. 'How long?' What was it that he had even meant to inquire? How long had Eloise been in that state? How long was it since she called his name? Since she last spoke, or opened her beautiful eyes? How long until they expected that she would take in her last breath on this earth? 'How long?' Two words containing many unanswered questions to which he needed a response for.
The Duchess of Hasting's sat up, wiped her cheeks of the tears that she could not contain, her eyes sweeping the room, she saw her mother take a deep breath, trying to find the words to offer the young man, that had collapsed upon seeing her daughter in a state that was so unlike her; when a sob escaped her mother's lips instead, she moved her gaze to the others present in the room.
Anthony stood by the door, his gaze lost in Eloise and Mr. Sharpe, it not been a full week since he himself ran into Lady Danbury's house screaming for help, calling for a surgeon to attend to Kate. He who had been so dismissive at one point of those men who worked for a living, only to be called out by Benedict on his internalized prejudice, how twisted was fate? That now he was seeing himself reflected in the young man that was on his knees, holding onto Eloise's hand. He had backtracked of course, time and time again, when called out by Ben and Eloise, on different occasions, on the internalized prejudiced attitudes he displayed, but his denial had not made either Eloise's or Benedict's words any less true. How he wished for Ben to be in his place within the room, he had stood by his side, consoled him when all seemed lost, he would have known what to say to offer comfort the young man that his sister loved.
Emily Cowper found herself moving closer to the dowager Viscountess, she moved a hand up and down her back, hoping to bring some small comfort to the woman, to the mother. She still did not understand how was it that it all transpired to bring them to this point, but despite what the rumour mill said about her, she was capable of empathy, and Violet Bridgerton could do with some at the moment. "My daughter found Miss Bridgerton in the garden around quarter past the eleventh hour, we called for my husband soon after, and since his arrival, he has procured Eloise about every remedy known to medicine in an effort to rise her".
"It is up to her now", the Earl of Cowper took the word, his gaze moving from the young man to the Duchess, the Viscount and to the dowager Viscountess, whom seemed to be standing upward, sustained only by his wife's hands.
Theo takes a deep breath, trying to make sense of everything he has been told, he swallows thick and with his free hand swipes from his cheek the tears that fell from his eyes, those that he had not given care to stop. He settles his gaze, once more, upon Eloise's frame, "Is she? Is she suffering?"
"No, no, she is not in any form of pain, I managed to keep frostbite at bay without bringing her discomfort, but her body temperature refuses to rise beyond that, her pulse remains low", it is Peter Clavering-Cowper, the doctor, and not the Earl who is answering the young man's questions, the oath he'd taken long before the title of Earl had been bestowed upon him taking over, "she seemed to respond to her sister's voice, I am hesitant to attempt to rise her so soon, it took a great toll on her to speak the last time, I would recommend allowing her rest even if only for an hour more, keep the room warm, just as we have done so far".
"Can I?" Theo inquires, and this time is the matronly woman, who's tears do not seem to have an end, the one that replies to the question he had not been able to complete, "You may speak to her, I am sure my Eloise will draw great comfort from hearing your voice, she called your name", Violet speaks through her tears.
Theo does not ask for permission as he scrambles from his knees to sit sideways on the bed, so that his sole focus is on Eloise, "I am here Eloise".
***
Benedict had left the Fetherington' gathering feeling his inside turmoil get the best of him. He had promised to remain by Eloise's side through the night, 'impostor party of two?', had been his words, but he had at one point become distracted, and Eloise had found companionship with Penelope, surely, she was to be fine with her friend at her side. His confrontation with Anthony had done nothing to assuage his disappointment at being told by one of his classmates that it not been his talent that had gained him a place amongst the apprentice artists, but his brother's money. And so it was that he made his way to the Academy, he would be collecting his art supplies, the few artworks he managed to complete, and leave the room allotted to him to be used by someone more worthy.
Henry Granville moved through the halls of the Royal Academy at a hasty pace, as in a quest, his companions waited for him inside an ornate carriage outside the building's walls, to deliver on a bottle of French wine that he had bragged about not even the Royal wine cellars being in possession of; he could not be blamed for not paying attention to where it was that he was going, he was in hurry, after all, it was not every day that you learnt that your friend was named president of the Royal Society of Arts. How much had he laughed alongside Lucy and Princess Mary when told? That he did not know, but even though his friend knew nothing of art, nor cared for it, a new commission was always a reason to celebrate, so focused he was, on sprinting back to the carriage that waited for him, that he did not see Benedict Bridgerton until he toppled over him.
Apologies had ensued as they ought to do, "Forgive me, I seem to have my head elsewhere, I was not paying attention to my steps", Benedict forced a smile as he spoke the words to Henry.
"Granville, are you in one piece? More importantly, did the wine survive?" The jovial voice of a man broke the silence, the man who spoke the words upper body was coming out from a carriage window, prompting a chuckle from Henry, who much to Benedict's surprise replied, "Yes, your Royal Highness".
"Well then, move your sad backside, bring the chap along, the more the merrier", Prince Augustus Frederik spoke.
"I possibly cannot, I would be bad company your Grace, I am afraid my current spirits will do nothing but damp your celebration" Benedict took care to speak loud enough so his apologetic words would be heard at the distance.
"Nonsense", it was a feminine voice the one who spoke along, there was a male grunt and the frame of the Prince disappeared to be replaced by that of another Royal. "My friend Lucy says you are great fun Mr. Bridgerton, I command you to come along, I do love listening to a sad tale".
Henry laughed at Benedict's side, placing a slap on his back, "Come along Bridgerton, you have no choice now, if you are a gentleman you will do as the Princess commands".
Benedict laughed, perhaps, perhaps the impromptu party he happened on was just what he needed to forget, good wine, good company, what was it Henry had told him about two season's past? Oh yes, 'first sons have all the responsibility, second sons are allowed the fun'.
"Benedict Bridgerton in the flesh, now, please, tell us of your sad tale, so we know how to best offer you comfort", Lucy Granville's charming voice spoke, a chuckle from his Royal highnesses and Henry ensuing upon seeing him blush.
"Is it a fair maiden who broke your heart? A forbidden love tale? Please speak, Frederik and I crave entertainment, our lives are incredibly dull, well, my brother's a bit less than my own, he has after all defied father and married the one he loves without paying mind to our parent's desires, but even then, that is old history, the novelty has faded I am afraid", Princess Mary poked fun at her brother, and Benedict saw himself reflected in him, as the later laughed when his sister pushed him in jest.
"I am sorry to disappoint, for there is no fair maiden nor man", Benedict raised his brows at the implication he was making, laughter ensuing from the other occupants of the carriage, resonating over the horses hooves as they made their way through the cobblestone streets of London.
"Then pray, tell us what has brought about such a sombre mood in such a fine gentleman? Henry, have you thought of having him model for you?" Princess Mary inquired, her spirits high.
"Ah, Mr. Bridgerton is not a model, but an artist himself, may hap’s he could be persuaded by your grace to paint a self-portrait", Henry replied, Prince Frederik laughing harder than the others before inserting himself into the conversation, "not everyone is as vain as you Granville".
"Maybe when Prinny allows me to marry I shall be able to choose what to hang over the walls of my household", the Princess replied with sarcasm, and then, again, Benedict was reminded of Eloise, as the Price placed a consoling hand over his sister's knee.
"I am afraid a portrait by my hand would prove deficient your Royal Highness, for that is my sorry tale, my artistic abilities are nothing to be lauded, I am but a fraudster, my art is worth of no one's consideration, for I was only allowed into the Academy's walls at the expense of my brother's generous donation", Benedict gave his companions a sad smile, the carriage had stopped, they all made their descent from it, without a care to protocols, the need to keep to forms all but forgotten as they had just arrived to the Granville's town house.
Seriousness overtook the Royal's and the Granville couple at Benedict's confession, "I am afraid I damped the celebration mood your Graces, I shall go home from here and leave you to continue with your night", but the second in line to the title of Viscount Bridgerton apology was not welcome. Instead, Prince Augustus Frederick replied with a serious tone that until that point in the night he had not yet found a need to employ, "No, come in, we must speak, I need to know, what on heaven's earth it is you are talking about Bridgerton. I've just been appointed President of the Society of Arts, and I may care very little about art, but I agreed to take the post because Mary here is the one who's been doing the work all along through the past year. My sister has been battling with stubborn men over who deserves to grace the antiquated Academy's halls".
"Freddy's appointment was formalized just today, but we been at work since the end of last season, I personally oversaw the admission of the Academy's new students during the last admission process", her Royal Highness prince Mary spoke.
Benedict's face and that of the rest of the party as they sat on the living room of the unconventional matrimony settled on the Princess.
"Bridgerton, Bridgerton", the Princess repeated the name out loud, "I remember now, it was the maiden on the swing, that was the piece you submitted to gain entry to the Academy", a smile coloured the Princess face, she may have been deemed past her prime by gentlemen, but at thirty eight years old, she remained a beautiful woman, it was marvellous to all those present to see how she became alive as she talked of a subject she was passionate about, "I was fascinated by that portrait, so unconventional it was, as if the model was not aware that the artist was painting her, or rather she cared not for being his muse, her eyes set upon the book of her lap, her ankles on display, and yet, there was nothing conveying impropriety, or even lecherous about it. Your submission truly was a wonderful piece".
"When was it that you received the acceptance letter to the Academy?" Henry turned to Benedict as he posed the question, clogs working inside his head.
"I do not remember well, it was forwarded from London to Aubrey Hall, that is my family's State in Kent, mid-March I believe", Benedict supplied in reply.
"Oh Bridgerton, I would not call you a fraud artist, an uninformed one yes, a fraud? No", it was Lucy Granville who spoke as she placed a glass of wine on Benedict's hand, from the bottle Henry had made them all divert to the Royal Academy to procure and had just opened himself.
"I do not understand", Benedict replied confused.
"Entry admissions to the Academy such as the one you received are written and signed at the beginning of the season, there is no way to know the total amount the Academy will receive about of donations when they're posted, we do not account for them in the budget for the present term; that is, the money that comes in during the season does not affect entry admissions till the next opening of Parliament. In other words, if it were your brother's money the one to gain your admission you would not have been accepted till the next year, simply put, we do not count the money we receive until the end of the season", his grace patiently explained.
"What?" Benedict seemed as though he did not believe the words he just heard.
"You got into the Royal Academy on your own merit Bridgerton", Henry smiled and raised his glass to his friend.
"I do not", I do not know what to think, Benedict wanted to reply, it could not possibly be, he wanted to say, but he was out of words, and just managed an incredulous smile.
"His grace, Freddy for us friends, has no reason to lie to you", Henry exclaimed, rightly guessing that Benedict still held doubts.
"Henry is right, we all know my brother has no shame in telling the truth, his devoutness to religion impedes him from lying, we are well aware of how nepotism works within our family, we would not be shy about telling you if you also benefited from it, had it been your case, it is likely we'd kiss you for making us feel a bit more, how shall I phrase it? common?", the Princess replied with seriousness in her tone, and yet a mischievous smile broke across her face.
"You're anything but common sister, nor shall you ever be, no matter how you wish for it. I rather call you adept, at the farse of life we are bound to play", Prince Frederik replied to his sister before turning to Ben, "see Bridgerton, it is us who cannot keep our spirits up for long, you are not to be blamed".
"Perhaps we ought to drink more wine", Benedict found himself replying, not knowing what else to say.
"An excellent idea", Lucy seconded Benedict's proposal, standing up from her seat to hand Henry another bottle.
Somehow good humour had been restored to the group at some point, hazard sleeping arrangements made, night time turned to morning, bringing the rare group together to break their fast around noon. Discussion over artworks of Henry's contemporary's, those of old masters, and also the availability of the works to the general population outside the Ton took over the table conversation. Before they knew it, dinner was being served, and plans were being made to descend upon the Royal siblings brother's house in Brighton.
No, no, there was no point in waiting till morning to hit the roads; it is already about quarter to ten at night when the group merrily boards one of Henry's inconspicuous carriages, of course, the group is to be followed at distance by other, were those in charge of attending the Royal's needs and safety are relegated. Lucy and Henry had servants pack their trunks, when they've settled on the plan. They all insist Benedict needs nothing more than the shirt he has on to travel, but Benedict gets his way, his charm manages to convince them to make a stop at Grosvenor Square; he is sure, Anthony and his mother may have words for him, but his spirits have been restored, and their Royal Highnesses are convinced that their mere presence on the stairs of Benedict's family home, will persuade the Viscount and matriarch not to make a fuss.
***
Colin comes back to his family's home defeated, as he descends from his horse he sees the candles light shine through the windows, were he to be making his way back from a club, any other day, he would think of said light as a sign of the life within the household; of his little brother and sister making excuses to stay awake beyond their bedtime, of his mother passing her time by doing embroidery, Anthony looking at the family account books, Benedict painting, and Eloise reading. This time, he cannot bring himself to think about his family that way, as much as he would like to do so, the truth is he dreads the reality that he would be dealt with when he makes his way inside.
He hears voices coming from the drawing room, his mother's and Mrs. Cowper's, he makes out the latter’s words more clearly as his own steps bring him closer to the room, "Violet, you have not had a single bite throughout the entire day, I understand how you are feeling right now, but you need to stay strong, your children need you to be strong, all of them".
"I am aware, but I cannot bring myself to eat, you are a mother yourself, you", Violet wails as Emily Cowper closes the distance and embraces her with compassion.
"Mother", Colin walks into the room, "Eloise?", there is a question mark to the way he enunciates his sister's name.
"She remains with us, Anthony and Simon", Violet is set to commence explaining the state of affairs to her third son when he interrupts her, "I failed Mother, I failed", and the desperation in his tone, makes Violet bring her arms around him, bringing his head to the crook of her neck so he can hide away from reality as children often do when they are hurt, the maternal gesture is welcomed for a few minutes, until Colin regains his composure and reluctantly disengages from the arms that had sought to brought him comfort he is not sure of deserving.
"I could not find him, I could not find Benedict, I've searched everywhere, I was almost about to take the road to Aubrey Hall, but I could not, I could not. I know I should have, but I could not bear the thought of not being here Mama. I am sorry, I am so sorry", for over two hours and a half he had searched for his brother, Mondrich's, White's, Brooke's, and about all of the other not as well reputed abodes his brother is known to frequent, from time to time, he had pleaded with each and every patron of all the establishments he set foot in, for them tell his brother he is needed at home if he were to walk through their doors.
"Tis alright my dear boy, Anthony brought Mr. Sharpe so that he can be with your sister, she did not rise, but she smiled upon hearing his voice", and as unlikely as he would of have believed it to be just some hours prior, the platitude his mother offers him actually brings him some relief.
"Daphne remains in the room with your sister, same as the Earl", before he can inquire of Anthony's and Simon's current whereabouts, Colin's thought's go to Gregory and Hyacinth whom although he had sought to reassure as he left, he was afraid had felt his short replies as nothing but him dismissing their distress, "The children?"
"With Miss Cowper in the dining room, she has persuaded them to have some tea, the poor dears could not bring themselves to down anything of substance earlier", Violet explains, the concern in her voice cannot be dissimulated, for Hyacinth, for Gregory, for Colin, for Benedict, for Anthony and Daphne. She aches for all of them, but more so for her eldest son and daughter, for she knows it is them who will need to, once again, take over the parental duties from her and see to the welfare of their younger brothers and sisters, because were the worse to happen and Eloise to perish, Violet is sure she will die right alongside her daughter.
"I overheard Mrs. Cowper tell you that you also needed to eat mother. To be honest, I do not think I can bring myself to down any food either, but surely, you could do a cup of tea", Colin tries to persuade his mother, Mrs. Cowper's nod in his direction, reassures him that he is doing well, he manages somehow to stir Violet into the hall with direction to the dining room, there is no need to cause more trouble to the servants who have run themselves ragged thru out the day.
They barely made their way to the table, when Hyacinth who had been standing by the window turns to exclaim, "he is here", and he cannot miss the tone of relief in his little sister's voice, "Benedict's home", Gregory turns to face his mother.
Colin finds himself hurrying alongside his siblings and mother, Mrs. And Miss. Cowper few steps behind them to the main entrance, pondering in his head how they are to break the news to Ben that his favourite sister currently lies between life and death.
***
The front door to the Bridgerton's home opens before Benedict even has the chance to knock, he is surprised to come head-to-head with both Anthony and Simon's concerned gazes over his frame. Good natured as usual, he exclaims, "there was no need to come open the door for me brother".
"Ben", Anthony speaks his brother's shortened name.
Benedict frowns his forehead, when his mother, Colin, the Children and Mrs. Cowper appear in the parlour, he turns back over his shoulder, his companions have stepped down from the Carriage according to the plan hatched beforehand, as they make their way up the steps it becomes apparent, even to them that something is not right.
He sees past the concerned faces of his family, Daphne is running down the stairs, he knows Francesca to be healthy and safe at Bath, per the last letter Eloise read to him a couple days earlier, and then the clogs in his head clear, "El, where is Eloise?" His question goes unanswered.
"Mother, Doctor Cowper says it is time to try to rise her again, if she does not wake now, it is unlikely she will do so again, we should go, soon", Daphne speaks the words to her mother and Anthony, she cannot bring herself to look into the faces of the children, of Colin, and much less that of Benedict, they all have favourites amongst their siblings, and his, his is Eloise.
After the Duchess speaks, everything happens in haste, Benedict wants to run up the stairs only to be detained by Anthony's arms, who tries his best to console him, to explain that their sister is still alive, that they need not lose hope, not yet. There will be another time to require explanations, for Ben to reminisce on the words he had exchanged with her on the swings:
"You seem to have the melancholy of heartbreak about you'...
What would you know about heartbreak?'
...Nothing truth be told, but I've seen it, in paintings, in Turner's skies...
And how does heartbreak look in a Bridgerton?
...Like disappointment"
But at present, even Anthony's strong hold over him is not enough to detain him, disengaging from his hold he runs up the stairs towards Eloise's room.
Colin sees his mother take to the stairs running after Ben, Daphne and Anthony not far behind her. Cressida and Mrs. Cowper struggle to contain the children, and only his promise of calling for them when Eloise is awake, keeps them in place. Henry and Lucy Granville help matters, by coming in, they both have something calming about their presence, reminds him of Benedict. He does not dally too long in the parlour before he finds himself also running up the stairs.
***
Unbeknown to the family that had gathered in the parlour of the Bridgerton's home, the Earl of Cowper bid Theodore Sharpe to speak to Eloise, in attempt to rise her. The young man had not dared to speak to Eloise beyond the four words he uttered last to tell her that he was by her side, he had taken the doctor's words on her needing rest to heart. What prompted the Doctor to gift the young man before him a few minutes to speak to the lady without the presence of her family? That he could not pinpoint, a combination of factors, perhaps? The tenderness with which the young man held Eloise's hand, the way in which she had called for the man to be protected, above all. Yes, it was all of the above; but also, the fact, that he would rather spare the family, of the pain, of that one that was sure to come if they failed in their attempt to wake her.
"It is time Mr. Sharpe", he does not say the words but they are implicit, 'you may speak to her, try and persuade her to respond, before her family comes'.
9:45 p.m.
The clock marks quarter to ten at night, Theo has not moved from the position he was when the Duchess of Hasting's had gone to call on her mother, he still sits sideways on Eloise's bed, his hold on her hand unwavering. He watches the doctor move to the other side of Eloise's bed and pull her hand carefully from beneath the covers, he sees the doctor frown after having turned her hand upwards and take a hold of her wrist, it is Eloise's pulse that he wants to feel, words leave from his throat, at the Earl's nod.
"Eloise wake up, please", Theo speaks.
Again, there are the faint traces of a smile on Eloise's face, but her eyes remain closed, the doctor nods at the young man, silently ordering for him to not give up and try once more.
"Come on Eloise, I need you to open your pretty eyes for me", Theo speaks again, this time he moves his free hand to caress her cheek, just as she stirs, and then, finally, her eyes set on him.
"Theo", her voice sounds weak, and there is surprise and longing in her tone, "You came".
"Of course, I did", he replies, and he is overcome, there are tears falling from his eyes.
"I am sorry Theo, I am so sorry, for leaving, for pulling away, it was not what I wanted, please believe me, she told me they would hurt you, she lied to me", and there are tears streaming down Eloise's cheeks as well, ones Theo swipes with his fingers, as delicately as he can.
"I know", he replies, and does his best to offer her a small smile, as to let her know that he does not begrudge her for what had transpired, after all, he himself had sought to protect her, much in the same way as she did him.
Benedict who has made it to the door, comes to a standstill, his worse fears assuaged as he listens to his favourite sister speak to a young man with complicity; Daphne, Anthony and his mother have reached him, but with a move of his hand he signals for them not to irrupt into the room, Eloise deserves time to speak, and share her thoughts with someone that even from his place at the door, he can see values her thoughts and her words, above all.
It is as if Eloise had been able to read into Theo's eyes, the memories are further brought back with her next words, ones he spoken to her, what seems ages ago, "I owe you an apology Mr. Sharpe, for everything", she pauses, "thought you deserved to know the truth".
A chuckle escapes Theo, his hand only moving from Eloise's cheek so he can wipe his own tears, before coming back to her face, there is a hint of rightful indignation combined with sadness, as he delivers his answer to her apology, "I deserve more than that".
Eloise in turn smiles weakly, at the knowledge that he carries their conversations with him, just as she does, she speaks then, "I love you Theo", for how could she not love a man who cherishes her words such.
In the hall a contained cry is heard, they've all listened to the conversation, Eloise holds with Mr. Sharpe; Daphne soothes Violet, passing her hand gently up and down her back, they cannot bring themselves to walk inside the room yet.
Theo tries his best, for his voice not to break, he tries to smile to diffuse her concern, "I owe you an apology too, I should of have never let you go, pray tell me Miss Bridgerton, how may I make it up to you?"
"You must run away with me, of course", Eloise replies, she smiles at him, in the periphery of her view, she sees an older gentleman who is smiling at the words exchange, one who delicately places her hand back down upon her bed, a doctor, why? She does not understand, she does not care enough to find out, she barely pays mind to how he walks out of the room, her attention is only for Theo Sharpe as he offers her a reply.
"Is that so?" his eyebrows raise. Theo feels as though he is about to cry, he does not allow Eloise to reply, before he adds, "Where is it that would you like to go?", implicit in his words his acquiesce to her request.
"To the sea, I would very much like to swim in open waters", and where had her desire for such stirred, she did not know, but this was what she wanted.
'You dipped your toes into my waters; Now, you can go back into your life and I can go back to mine', Theo closed his eyes, willing the sad memories, those which had come to the forefront of his mind, away; she had never deserved such cruelty from him, he was hurt and lashed out, like a wounded animal, now all he felt was regret.
"Is there anywhere in particular you would like to go to Eloise?", Theo posed the question, willing for her to keep talking, to stay awake.
"One of my brothers could not cease speaking about the turquoise waters in Greece, but I would settle for the beach at Cornwall", Eloise smiled as she spoke, her voice was sounding tired,
"Shall we go in the morrow?", and Eloise could not help but nod in response, she was growing tired, "I would like that".
Benedict, who till that point had been standing at the doors frame walks in, something in him tells him that the young man with whom his sister is speaking is about to break the charade he is putting up, and fall apart.
"I shall help you pack sister", Benedict speaks, not bothering to hide that he had been listening to the conversation she had been holding with a man who’s name he learnt before, but never had ventured to guess as the one who held Eloise's heart.
"Ben, why do you look so somber?", Eloise frowns at seeing her favorite brother's forehead drawn with concern.
"It is the light sister, I am sure to be as handsome as I have always been", he replies in an automated motion, as if they were seated in the dining hall.
Eloise chuckles, but moves her head in denial, she will not take his answer for a good one, "Are you still sad about the Academy?"
"No, I am just sorry, for not being here before, as a matter of fact I learnt I got in on my own", Benedict forces himself to smile.
Eloise closes her eyes, this time when she opens them, there is genuine happiness in her eyes as she speaks, it is almost as if she were beaming, "See, I told you, all you needed to do was shoot for the stars"
"You did, you were right", Benedict concedes.
"As I often am", Eloise's banters in reply prompting a chuckle from both, her favourite brother and the man she loves.
Next time Eloise speaks, the smiles on both Theo and Benedict banish, there is no more hiding, "I am tired".
The dowager Viscountess walks into the room, she wants to comfort her children, but she can barely contain herself from crying, Daphne follows her mother inside, she brings Hyacinth with her, keeping the girl in place, pulling her close, her back to her chest, she is still sufficiently taller than her, so that the position is not uncomfortable. Gregory walks inside the room on his own, he has no qualms in reaching for his mother's hand, and finally, Colin awkwardly walks in, staying to the side.
For as loud a family as they can be, none of the Bridgerton's within Eloise's room dares to speak, instead they listen to the words she exchanges with Theo.
"You should sleep Eloise, we shall continue to speak when you wake", Theo's tears are falling freely again.
"Will you stay with me?", Eloise cares not for hiding her fear at him leaving her side.
"Of course, of course I will", the devotion he feels for Eloise overtaking his voice.
"I love you Theo, I am truly sorry", Eloise apologizes once more, speaking her truth into the room.
"I love you too Eloise, you got nothing to apologize for", he leans over to move the bangs from her forehead to place his lips there, kissing her chastely, he cannot deny himself from doing so, regardless of her family standing at his back and bearing witness to it.
"I am tired", Eloise repeats the words, much like a child who does not wish to comply when told its bedtime.
"I know my love, you can sleep now, I will be here when you wake up" Theo promises. It is only after hearing his assurance that Eloise closes her eyes with a smile, she presses her hand into his, neither let go in the hours to come.