Work Text:
Eloise entered the bedroom of her temporary townhouse, already wearing her afternoon dress – which would soon be replaced by a ballgown for the first time in almost two years – as she halted inside the doorframe, shaking her head.
Cressida was still lying inside the bed, giving her a soft smile.
“Should you not be up by now?” Eloise asked with a curious smirk. “Your hair alone will take three hours to prepare.”
“Do we truly have to leave?” Cressida asked – stretching her arms as the blanket slid down, revealing her bare breasts.
Eloise tried to ignore her obvious attempt to lure her back into bed.
“Did I hear that right?” she asked in return, crossing her arms. “Lady Penwood does not wish to attend a ball?”
“Which is not as absurd as Miss Eloise Bridgerton deciding to prepare for a ball several hours in advance.”
Eloise chuckled. “I promised Mama to make a good appearance,” she replied as she sat down at the side of the bed, casually lifting the blanket to cover Cressida’s body as Cressida laughed. “It is the first time in a long while that the entire family will be present,” she continued then. “I don’t want to be late.”
“I know,” Cressida replied with a smile as she took her hand, caressing it softly. “And I am looking forward to it. I merely wished to assure you that I would completely support you, if you changed your mind after all.”
Eloise returned the smile before leaning down, kissing her gently. She would not change her mind, however. Because things were different now. She was not an innocent debutant anymore. She was a respected author, sharing her beliefs and fighting for the rights of women. Perhaps not every lady or gentleman attending her mother’s ball tonight would be celebrating her accomplishments. But she could live with deprecating remarks and hostile stares. She had chosen this life, fully aware of its consequences. And she had never been happier.
And the ball was wonderful – quite grand and pompous, but Eloise was mostly just glad to be spending time with her entire family again. So she stood by the side, talking to her siblings or to the few ladies who dared approaching her, as they did indeed admire her work.
Most ladies stayed away, however. Though, Eloise would hardly complain about that.
Left to herself for a moment, she took the opportunity to watch Cressida dance with her husband. Of course, Lord Penwood was here as well tonight – and him and Cressida liked using opportunities to make people believe how deeply in love they were. And they certainly did love each other – sharing respect and a deep affection for one another.
Lord Penwood was quite aware of the nature of his wife’s relationship with Eloise. He did not care, however. He, too, did not mind the company of his own sex. Truly, they fit each other perfectly.
And Eloise was glad that Cressida had someone to dance with.
“Are you enjoying yourself?”
Startled, Eloise turned around. It was her mother, approaching her with a soft smile.
Eloise returned the smile with a nod “Truly, I cannot remember ever attending a more enjoyable ball,” she replied. “No man wishes to marry me; no lady wishes to share a shallow conversation. But don’t worry,” she added immediately. “I will be on my best behaviour tonight.”
Her mother chuckled. “I’m just glad that you and your siblings are here tonight,” she said, placing a hand on Eloise’s arm. “It’s become too rare – as everyone always has somewhere else to be. But I don’t mean to complain,” she added. “I completely understand why you and Lady Penwood prefer to stay away from society.”
“Cressida,” Eloise reminded her.
It was not an accusation. She was incredibly glad that her mother had accepted her relationship with Cressida. But she could tell how flustered her mother often seemed whenever she mentioned their life together. So she merely wished to ease the tension.
“Of course, Cressida,” her mother repeated with a smile. “And I truly am happy for you. I just…” she sighed, still smiling as she was brushing across Eloise’s arm. “I just wish you did not have to hide.”
“We’re not hiding,” Eloise assured her. “Everyone I care about is aware of my love for Cressida. That is all that matters.” Her mother nodded – and Eloise then added, “You should visit us.”
Her mother’s eyes widened at that – but hesitantly, she gave her a smile as she told her that she would think about it.
Eloise would love for her mother to visit. Truly, she believed that it might be good for her to escape society every now and then.
She owned a house by the seaside – very calm and quiet. It was not too far from town, however, and so she and Cressida constantly had guests over. Their book club, specifically, was a huge success. They even had Mary Shelley visit them a few times.
In need of a refreshment, Eloise went to fetch a glass of lemonade. But just as she had grabbed a glass for herself, a young girl suddenly appeared at the lemonade table next to her.
“Miss Eloise Bridgerton?”
Eloise turned towards the strange girl, surprised – but immediately, the girl muttered, “Please, do not look at me. My Mama cannot see that we are talking to one another.”
So Eloise’s eyes shot down at the glass of lemonade in her hand, remaining quiet.
“But … I read your book,” the girl continued quietly. “My maid gave it to me. So … I just wanted to say how inspiring it was. Especially the part about the illusion of a woman’s choice.”
And with that, the girl turned around and rushed off.
Eloise stared after her, baffled – but slowly, she felt a smile appear on her face.
Whoever that girl had been, Eloise was certain that she would cause her Mama a lot of trouble.
“Who was that?”
Cressida had suddenly appeared next to her, eyeing her curiously.
“She did not mention her name,” Eloise told her, taking a sip from her lemonade with a smirk. “But she wanted me to know how inspiring my book had been for her.”
Cressida gave her a smile – looking at her quietly for a moment. “You truly are an inspiring woman, Miss Eloise Bridgerton.”
Eloise chuckled – and she could feel the heat rush into her cheeks as the smile in Cressida’s eyes turned into sweet desire.
“Oh, I can see how inspired you are,” she retorted with a smirk. Then, she took a look around the room before adding in a whisper, “I am certain Mama would not mind us leaving for a moment. I could show you my old room, if you want.”
Cressida bit her lip, a tender smile on her face. “Please, lead the way.”
Eloise chuckled before quietly, they snuck out of the ballroom and hurried upstairs.