As far as sisterly moments went, it had been something wonderful.wWell," Penelope said, chewing on a bite of biscuit, "I believe she said that if I married a Bridgerton, it would be the end of the world as she knew it, and as she wouldn't be able to make heads or tails of such a world, she would have to retire immediately."

Eloise stared at her for a moment. "That's not a precise recollection?"wOne doesn't forget things like that," Penelope demurred.wHmmmph." Eloise's nose wrinkled with disdain. "Well, that was rather horrid of her, I must say. Now I doubly wish she were still writing, because she would have to eat an entire gaggle of crow."wDo crows gather in gaggles?"wI don't know," Eloise replied promptly, "but they should."wYou're a very good friend, Eloise," Penelope said quietly.wYes," Eloise said with an affected sigh, "I know. The very best."

Penelope smiled. Eloise's breezy reply made it clear that she wasn't in the mood for emotion or nostalgia.

Which was fine. There was a time and a place for everything. Penelope had said what she wanted to say, and she knew that Eloise returned the sentiment, even if she preferred to joke and tease at that moment.wI must confess, though," Eloise said, reaching for another biscuit, "you and Colin did surprise me."wWe surprised me as well," Penelope admitted wryly.wNot that I'm not delighted," Eloise hastened to add. "There is no one I'd rather have as a sister. Well, aside from the ones I already have, of course. And if I'd ever dreamed the two of you were inclined in that direction, I'm sure I would have meddled horribly."wI know," Penelope said, laughter forcing her lips up at the corners.wYes, well"—Eloise waved the comment away—"I'm not known for minding my own business."wWhat's that on your fingers?" Penelope asked, leaning forward for a better look.wWhat? That? Oh, nothing." But she settled her hands in her lap nonetheless.wIt's not nothing," Penelope said. "Let me see. It looks like ink."wWell, of course it does. It is ink."wThen why didn't you say so when I asked?"wBecause," Eloise said pertly, "it's none of your business."

Penelope drew back in shock at Eloise's sharp tone. "I'm terribly sorry," she said stiffly. "I had no idea it was such a sensitive subject."wOh, it's not," Eloise said quickly. "Don't be silly. It's just that I'm clumsy and I can't write without getting ink all over my fingers. I suppose I could wear gloves, but then they'd be stained, and I'd be forever replacing them, and I can assure you that I have no wish to spend my entire allowance—meager as it is—on gloves."

Penelope stared at her through her lengthy explanation, then asked, "What were you writing?"wNothing," Eloise said dismissively. "Just letters." Penelope could tell from Eloise's brisk tone that she didn't particularly want to subject the topic to further exploration, but she was being so uncharacteristically evasive that Penelope couldn't resist asking, 'To whom?"wThe letters?"wYes," Penelope replied, even though she thought that was rather obvious.wOh, no one."wWell, unless they're a diary, they're not to no one," Penelope said, impatience adding a short tinge to her voice.

Eloise gave her a vaguely affronted look. "You're rather nosy today."wOnly because you're being so evasive."wThey're just to Francesca," Eloise said with a little snort.wWell, then, why didn't you say so?" Eloise crossed her arms.wPerhaps I didn't appreciate your questioning me."

Penelope's mouth fell open. She couldn't remember the last time she and Eloise had had anything even remotely approaching a row. "Eloise," she said, her shock showing in her voice, "what is wrong?"wNothing is wrong."wI know that's not true."

Eloise said nothing, just pursed her lips and glanced toward the window, a clear attempt to end the conversation.wAre you angry with me?" Penelope persisted.wWhy would I be angry with you?"wI don't know, but it's clear that you are."

Eloise let out a little sigh. "I'm not angry."wWell, you're something."wI'm just... I'm just..." She shook her head. "I don't know what I am. Restless, I suppose. Out of sorts."

Penelope was silent as she digested that, then said quietly, "Is there anything I can do?"wNo." Eloise smiled wryly. "If there were, you can be sure I'd have already asked it of you."

Penelope felt something that was almost a laugh rising within her. How like Eloise to make such a comment.wI suppose it's..." Eloise began, her chin lifting in thought. "No, never mind."wNo," Penelope said, reaching out and taking her friend's hand. "Tell me."

Eloise pulled her hand free and looked away. "You'll think I'm silly."wMaybe," Penelope said with a smile, "but you'll still be my very closest friend."wOh, Penelope, but I'm not," Eloise said sadly. "I'm not worthy of it."wEloise, don't talk such madness. I'd have gone right-out insane trying to navigate London and society and the ton without you."

Eloise smiled. "We did have fun, didn't we?"wWell, yes, when I was with you," Penelope admitted. "The rest of the time I was bloody miserable."wPenelope! I don't believe I've ever heard you curse before."

Penelope gave her a sheepish smile. "It slipped out. And besides, I couldn't possibly think of a better adjective to describe life for a wallflower among the ton."

Eloise let out an unexpected chuckle. "Now, that's a book I would like to read: A Wallflower Among the Ton."wNot unless you're given to tragedies."wOh, come, now, it couldn't be a tragedy. It would have to be a romance. You're getting your happy ending, after all."