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Eloise had her own kids, but since she wasn't on the countryside with her wife, she decided she would pick up her niece from school and her nephew from daycare and go to her mother’s house, so after Penelope and Colin had some alone time they could join the kids and her at Violet’s place for dinner.
At the school gate, Agatha was the first to appear, a bundle of energy and excitement as she skipped out of the school building with her backpack slung over her shoulder, almost as big as she was.
“Aunt Eloise!” Agatha exclaimed, practically leaping into her arms.
Eloise caught her with ease, lifting her slightly off the ground before setting her down with a warm smile. “Hello, my little scholar,” she greeted, brushing a stray curl out of Agatha’s face. “How was school today?”
“Good!” Agatha chirped “Miss Davenport said I did the best in class on our spelling test!”
“I have no doubt,” Eloise said, smiling fondly. “You’re brilliant, just like your mother.”
At the mention of her mother, Agatha beamed even brighter, clearly proud to follow in Penelope’s footsteps. Eloise took her hand, glancing at the pre-school gate next door where Thomas would soon be coming out. The little boy, barely two and a half, was still at that adorable stage where he babbled more than he spoke, and everything he did seemed cute or funny.
She always had fun with little Agatha, such a smart girl. She was already 6 and Thomas was only 2 and a half. The little lad was captivating and funny, just like his father Penelope would say.
“Okay the kids and I are on our way to mum’s now, see you in a bit. Bye.” She hangs up and turns to them. Thomas is looking at the window imitating the sounds a car can make and Agatha is telling her something about sharing toys with her friends. Such adorable little people.
As they arrived, Violet invited them in and gave them biscuits and hot chocolate. One thing about Violet, she loved all of her grandchildren. And she would always spoil them, give them all the love, gifts and often do as they wish. It’s only a matter of time after they finish eating.
As Thomas played with plastic horses and dinosaurs, Agatha got her school notebook and showed Eloise.
“Oh, you have such a talent for painting, you don't even do it out of the lines” Eloise compliments, and goes on page by page until it arrives on today's homework which Agatha has already started.
The homework was about her family tree, just spelling and handwriting the names. “So, Miss Agatha Bridgerton,” she said with a playful smile, “can you write your mum’s name for me?”
Agatha looked up, a serious expression on her face as she thought about the request. “Of course I can,” she said confidently, as though the idea of not knowing her mother’s name was completely absurd.
Eloise watched her work, noting how her small fingers clutched the pencil with intense concentration. She had always been a studious child, taking after both her parents in different ways. From Penelope, Agatha had inherited her love of stories and writing. From Colin, she had gained a natural curiosity and a flair for creativity.
Agatha wrote the name in large, neat letters on the page. When she finished, she pushed the paper toward Eloise with a proud smile. Eloise's eyes were glued on the page in which she spelled her mother’s name. She was biting her lips holding a giggle.
“What is it aunty?” Agatha looked at her.
“Um, nothing… I- Can you tell grandma to come here? And tell her to bring Thomas!” The last part came out a bit louder but she didn't care. This was one of the best days of her life
“Eloise, dear. We are here” Violet says, holding Thomas on her lap.
“Thanks, mum. Just a quick question: Thomas, what is your mummy's name?”
He seemed to think about the question for a moment, then gave a simple answer in his adorable toddler voice: “My love!” He says all happy. Eloise smiles.
“No! It's Pen My Love Bridgerton” Agatha corrects him, that made Violet's eyes widen in surprise.
“Agatha, why do you think your mum’s name is ‘Pen My Love Bridgerton?’” Eloise asked.
Agatha gave her a confused look. “Because Daddy always calls her that. He says, ‘My love, could you pass me that?’ or ‘Pen, my love, come here!’ So that’s her name!”
“Oh, my,” Eloise said, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “You two are too much. We’ll have to tell your mum and dad about this when they come to pick you up.”
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of playful banter and activities. Agatha finished her homework while Thomas kept himself entertained with his toys. When dinnertime rolled around Penelope and Colin arrived with the dessert.
Violet greeted them at the door, ushering them inside as Agatha and Thomas ran to their parents, excitedly chattering about their day.
Colin picked up Thomas, spinning him around with a grin while Penelope knelt to embrace Agatha, who was showing off the gold star she had received on her spelling test.
“Hello, Eloise,” Penelope said, standing up with a warm smile after hugging Agatha. “How were they today?”
“Absolute angels,” Eloise replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “But you’ll never guess what I learned from them.”
Colin raised an eyebrow, still holding Thomas on his hip. “Oh? What’s that?”
Eloise crossed her arms, her smile growing wider. “Well, it seems that your children are very confused about your name, Pen.”
Penelope looked confused for a moment, glancing at Colin before turning back to Eloise. “My name? What do you mean?”
Eloise motioned toward Agatha and Thomas, who were now sitting on the floor playing with their toys again. “I asked Agatha to write down your name during homework time. And do you know what she wrote?”
Penelope shook her head, intrigued. “What?”
“She wrote ‘Pen My Love Bridgerton.’”
Colin burst out laughing immediately, his laughter echoing through the room. Penelope’s eyes widened in surprise before a smile crept across her face.
“Oh dear,” Penelope laughed, her eyes twinkling. “I suppose I’ll need to teach them my actual name.”
Colin, laughing, wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Why bother? I think they’ve got it exactly right.”