#eloise.

                   ‘ your majesty — ! ’ awkwardly, eloise gives a curtsey, bowing her head and only stumbling slightly as she stands straight once again on her feet. still, the younger bridgerton is not entirely comfortable in dresses like these, in places like balls, among finer society. regardless of her surname, eloise felt as if she didn’t belong. that notion was staring her in the face now that she stood in front of a princess. ‘ how — nice of you, to join us this evening. generous, even, i’m — my family, they will be more than flattered, ’ fidgeting with the dance card around her wrist, eloise clears her throat, wide eyes unable to meet princess persephone’s own, but instead her cheek or chin. ‘ you’re here for the season, yes? ’ breath is caught at her words. ‘ i — my apologies, your majesty, i did not mean to question — please forgive me, you owe me... no answer at all! ’     @contrariian​.

'with the exception of going to university, controling my own property, having any money to my name, remaining unmarried without being called a spinster...' eloise was sure she could go on and on about the rights of women in this day and age ( or, more accurately, the lack there of ), but she wouldn't. kate only meant the best by saying it, trying to make eloise feel better, to help her believe that she really could do whatever she set her mind to. it was a lovely sentiment, to be sure, and she couldn't fault the new viscountess for trying. 'colin gets to travel, benedict gets to... well, do whatever it is he's doing. but as a woman, i must find a husband who wants me to rub his feet and cater to his every whim,' eyes roll, but a close lipped grin presses against her mouth, eloise reaching over to place a hand over kate's, squeezing thoughtfully before letting go again. 'despite my sulking, i suppose i should consider myself lucky to have a sister in law who believes i really can do anything. not everyone could be as privileged as i,' eyes wrinkle a bit as she grins, leaning her head against her hand as arm rests against her chair. @viiscountess.

there's a moment, when eloise catches benedict taking a turn around the room with lady danbury, that she must stifle her laughter. it seemed the second born son always found himself at the mercy of the lady, most times without meaning to. anthony was away on an elongated honeymoon with kate, and colin was surrounded by a wall of women who happened to find him interesting this season ( eloise saw right through his charade, of course ). benedict was the only bridgerton candidate left. though, as amusing as it was, eloise also felt sorry for him. clearly, all he wanted to do was hide around corners from whatever woman decided to look his way. could eloise not relate in that capacity? so she gives a sigh, rolling her eyes toward the ceiling before she walks across the room, giving the proper courtesy to their elder before looking knowingly at benedict. 'apologies for barging in, lady danbury, but i am afraid i need some assistance, in which my brother is the only one who may help me,' arm attaches to benedict's elbow, beginning to pull him away. when they're out of earshot of most others, eloise gives a small snort. 'i believe you are in my debt now, brother. how many times must i save you on evenings like these?' cheeky grin is given, as if she does it often. @bndct / sc.

a caller. of course - it is francesca's first season out, and she had been making some sort of impression on this year's eligible suitors. eloise doesn't give a single glance up at the announcement - not until her name is mentioned. head snaps upward, the woman a bit bewildered by the news as she sits up in her seat. 'perhaps you are mistaken. i should not have any visitors this afternoon,' words are interrupted by the title that is finally given to the caller, and eloise jumps up from where she had previously been sat, book clattering to the floor with such a sudden movement.

in walks nathaniel, the man she had spoke with the night before, the two of them smoking and laughing together in private, though they should not have been alone together, at all. looking at him caused a flashback to the way he laughed when she said something witty, the way he talked of his passions, the questions he had freely asked about hers. eloise gulps, trying to smile, though regardless of what she attempts, she looks stunned. 'nath - lord packington! what a surprise!' eyes glance at her mother, who seems to be in shock in the corner of the room. 'i can say with utmost honesty that i did not expect to see you this afternoon,' she chuckles, clears her throat. 'to what do i owe the pleasure?' she tries not to wobble on weakening legs. @mrquess.

'yes,' the singular word is elongated. it's a spur of the moment response, out before eloise could catch it, the woman turning the page of her book without glancing up at her sister, at all. should every single woman in the ton be so brainwashed as to believe that finding a suitor and settling down was all that they were alive for? it seemed that way. though eloise knew that francesca wasn't exactly like that. no, indeed, she seemed to want to play her music, and that's all. so much so she had been hoping to find a quick match, in order to get back into the routine of things. thinking better of her comment, eloise sighed and closed her book, glancing sideways at her sister, pursing her lips for a moment before speaking again. 'oh, you should know the answer i would give. why ask it, anyhow? you are allowed to feel how you feel, and no one is to take that away from you,' curt nod is given before eloise ventures back into the pages of her book. 'though if you are asking me, it does not seem as if you enjoy it as much as you say. unless you are only referring to that caller you barely talked to, the other day,' again, eloise would need to try that trick, should someone ever call on her. @francescca.