Where You’ll Be

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/58178215.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Categories: F/M, F/F, Gen
Fandoms: Bridgerton (TV), Bridgerton Series - Julia Quinn
Relationships: Eloise Bridgerton/Phillip Crane, Anthony & Benedict & Colin & Daphne
& Eloise & Francesca & Gregory & Hyacinth Bridgerton, Eloise
Bridgerton & Penelope Featherington, Colin Bridgerton/Penelope
Featherington, Daphne Bridgerton & Eloise Bridgerton, Francesca
Bridgerton/Michaela Stirling
Characters: Eloise Bridgerton, Phillip Crane, Daphne Bridgerton, Benedict
Bridgerton, Francesca Bridgerton, Penelope Featherington, Colin
Bridgerton, Anthony Bridgerton, Amanda Crane, Oliver Crane
(Bridgerton), Michaela Stirling, Edwina Sheffield | Edwina Sharma
Additional Tags: One Shot Collection, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2024-08-17 Updated: 2024-10-07 Words: 29,566 Chapters:
9/?
 Where You’ll Be
by Rileywinters

Summary

And it was always going to be you.

On going collection of Philoise one-shots and what-ifs.

1. U Up? (Eloise sets up a dating profile for Pen and Phillip makes one for Colin) - T Rating
with Polin antics
2. End of the World (Raider Eloise and Prepper Phillip) - E Rating - 2 Parts with spice and
angst
3. PTA Wars (Single Mum Eloise & Ollie vs Single Dad Phillip & Amanda) - M Rating - 2
Parts with family drama and Daphne
4. Revival (Divorcing you Eloise and the hell you are Phillip) - E Rating with Franchaela
meddling
5. Riptide (Best friend’s sister Eloise and I’m totally cool with casual my eye isn’t twitching
Phillip) - M rating - 2 parts with Polin, Ben and Edwina
6. As Per My Last Message (Maid of honour Eloise and Flower Man Phillip) - T rating -
Group Chat

Notes

A series of unrelated one-shots about Philoise. Open to suggestions in the comments.

 U Up
Chapter Summary

Annoyed at Penelope’s non-existent love life, Eloise makes her a dating profile.
Desperate to get his sofa back, Phillip forces Colin to make a profile of his own. If only
they knew Penelope and Colin were already together.

U Up?

"Just one date?"

"No." Penelope said, not bothering to lift her eyes from her work. "Not interested."

"But it's been ages Pen." Eloise complained from where she was sitting at her desk. "What
happened to my romantic best friend?"

"She grew up." Penelope replied with a sigh, putting down her notebook. "Why are you so
obsessed with this?"

"Because I want you to be happy." Eloise said softly. "I know it's been a hard year with your
mum getting ill."

Penelope glanced at the time. "Well as sweet as that is, why don't you focus on your own love
life? I'm not the only one sleeping in her own bed every night."

Eloise waved it off. "No thank you."

"Right." Penelope said doubtfully. "Spinster forever."

"Don't you forget it." Eloise said with a resolute nod, opening up her latop. Penelope stood
up, reaching for her purse, "Going out?"

"Car service," Penelope explained, grabbing her keys off the hook.

"Again?" Eloise asked in concern. "Are you sure you don't want Kate to have a look at it?
She knows her cars."

"Thank you but no. My mechanic is waiting on a part." Eloise nodded, distracted by
something on the screen. “Might stay at Pru's if I have to drop it off."

Eloise looked up. "I could-"

"Bye!" Penelope said quickly, pulling the door firmly shut behind her.
"Oh god." Penelope said, scrolling through the chain of text messages Eloise had sent while
her phone was in her purse.

Colin rolled over, "What?"

"Eloise signed me up for a dating app." Penelope opened the profile, her mouth falling open
at the rather forward introduction.

Colin snatched the phone out her hand, reading it over. "She does have a way with words."
Colin paused. “And photo editing. Is that a beach picture from your Spain trip last year?”

Penelope flipped through the images in horror. “I can’t believe…we need to tell her Col.”

"We will." Colin assured, pulling Penelope towards him in attempt to calm her down. “I just
need some more time to finalize my job. Then the whole family can know.”

Penelope sighed, still staring at her phone. “How do I delete this?"

"You don't." Colin said with grin, pulling out his own phone. "You accept my friend
request."

Penelope froze, "Why are you on a dating app?"

"Because," Colin pulled up his own profile. "Phillip told me he wants me to get a girlfriend
so I‘ll leave him alone. “Colin grabbed Penelope’s phone and sent the request. "He set it up
for me last week. Little does he know it's an app where only women can message men.”
Colin held up his screen as proof. “He wrote a single sentence and neglected to add a picture.
I assure you no woman will be messaging me."

Penelope couldn't help but laugh. "Is Phillip eighty?"

"No." Colin said with a grin of his own. "Just Phillip."

Penelope sent Eloise several middle finger emojis before turning her phone off and tossing
onto the side table. "Your sister has no boundaries."

"None." Colin agreed, turning his off as well. “Good thing I’m your new friend.”

"Pending review," Penelope reminded, before pulling him into a kiss full of laughter.

Eloise grinned as she accepted The Lonely Traveller’s friend request for Lady Whistledown.
Within seconds, a joint message window popped up.

Traveller: Good afternoon

Eloise waited, hoping Penelope would respond but the message remained unanswered.
Pushing aside her seminar notes, Eloise began typing.
LW: Is it?

Traveller: Of course. I'm talking to you.

LW: Pic?

Eloise waited as a picture came through.

LW: I meant of you. Not flowers.

Eloise waited as dots appeared, then disappeared, then reappeared. When nothing else came,
Eloise tried again.

LW: What do you do for work?

Traveller: Between jobs right now. I'm a writer.

Eloise grinned, exactly up Penelope's alley.

LW: Favourite author?

On the other side of London, Phillip looked around his office in a panic. Colin rarely had a
book in his hand, and their conversations didn’t exactly revolve around literature. Phillip set
eyes on his personal collection and went with a safe bet.

Traveller: Brontë. Yourself?

LW: Austen. Are you from London?

Phillip sighed in relief, an easy one.

Traveller: Born and raised in Mayfair

Eloise blinked. Despite being in London, Mayfair still felt like a small place and there was a
chance she knew who this was.

Eloise glanced at her phone, wondering whether she should call Penelope to take over.
Clearly this man was able to hold the basics of a conversation but the lack of picture was
concerning.

LW: Give me a pick up line?

Traveller: Guess what I’m wearing?

Eloise sighed, there it was.

Traveller: The smile you gave me

LW: Let me guess. And only a smile?

She waited, her finger hovering over the block button.

Traveller: Button down. Beige slacks.

Eloise squinted. Surely he wasn’t this…

Traveller: Sorry, not very good at this.

LW: Not many men are

LW: What do you do for fun?

The dots appeared, then disappeared. Then reappeared.

Traveller: Travel?

Eloise sighed. Penelope had to be over travel stories after Colin’s endless tales.

LW: Anything else?

Traveller: Food

LW: Making it or eating it?

Traveller: Both?

LW: You don’t sound very sure

Traveller: Why don’t we go on a date and you can find out?

Eloise bit her lip, hesitant to send Penelope out on a date with an unknown man with no
picture from the internet.

LW: Tell me more about what you’re reading

It went on all evening, a back and forth between Lady Whistledown and The Lonely
Traveller on books, and then politics, and then scientific theories. Eloise logged off
somewhere around midnight, belatedly remembering she had a paper to finish, then found
herself logging back on the next morning to see if The Lonely Traveller was there.

He was.

By mid-morning Penelope was back home and Eloise knew it was time to put the pressure
on.

LW: About that picture

Traveller: Only interested in my looks I see

LW: No. But I’m not saying yes to anything until I can recognize you in a room
Traveller: Like a restaurant? For our first date?

LW: A restaurant? What kind of underwhelming date is that?

LW: Picture please

Phillip sighed, knowing he was out of excuses. Lady Whistledown seemed normal, if a little
chatty, and he really needed his fridge back. Phillip scrolled past the many shots of Geranium
Pratense in his photo album until he found a picture. Quickly cropping out himself, he moved
it to the dating app and hit send.

Halfway accross London, Eloise yelped and threw her phone across the room in a way that
very much voided the warranty.

Penelope jumped up, startled by the noise. “El?“

”It's Colin." Eloise said, pointing accusingly at her phone. “The Lonely Traveller is Colin."

Penelope swallowed nervously. “Oh…how shocking?”

Eloise spun to face Penelope, "No, you don’t understand. I've been talking with my brother."
She paused, looking like she was about to throw up. "My brother."

“But Colin…” Penelope walked over and picked up Eloise’s phone, terrified Colin had
assumed it was her and messaged accordingly. “These have punctuation.” Penelope scrolled
through many messages, growing increasingly confused. “And most of them are from last
night?"

"Yes." Eloise said, sitting down on a chair with a decided thump. “I’m never going to talk to
anyone again. Not a single word. Nothing.”

Penelope frowned at rather researched approach to making the perfect cup of tea. “This
doesn’t seem like Colin.”

But Eloise wasn’t listening, “…and the therapy bill alone. I guess that was my last
Christmas.”

“El.” Penelope tried to reassure her, “I really don’t think it was Colin.”

“It was.” Eloise said in complete despair. “I’m now an orphan. Colin can have mum, he was
always her favourite anyway.”

”It was not Colin.” Penelope repeated, but Eloise was lost in a series of increasingly
disjointed ramblings. “I was with him last night and his phone was off.”

Eloise ignored Penelope, “God, we-“

“Hold that thought.” Penelope hit call on her phone and pressed it to her ear.
Colin picked up immediately. “Hi Pen.”

”I’m with Eloise.”

”Heartfelt apologies.”

“Has Phillip been using your dating profile?” Penelope asked as Eloise finally went quiet.

“Maybe?” Colin said in confusion, before opening up the app on his phone. “It appears to be
yes and he’s been talking to…you?”

“Not quite.” Penelope said, giving Eloise’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “There has been-“

”Hold on, he’s being saying all this?” Colin paused, reading through the long history of
messages. “You want to do what in a greenhouse?” Penelope raised an eyebrow at Eloise,
still only privy to one side of the conversation. “I’m going to kill him. Stab him to death
with-“

“Phillip has been talking to Eloise. Not me.”

”…one of his stupid little gardening tools. Sorry, say that again?”

”It was Eloise.” Penelope repeated as Eloise looked at her hopefully.

Colin took a second to process this. “Well then I think I might need to kill him harder.”

Penelope snorted, pressing speakerphone and dropping the phone onto the table in front of
Eloise. “El, you’ve been talking to Phillip.”

”Inappropriately to Phillip.” Colin chastised on the line.

“It really wasn’t you?” Eloise asked, needing to be sure.

”Absolutely not!” Colin confirmed in disgust.

”Thank god.” Eloise said, slumping in her seat. She took a moment then spun on Penelope.
“Sorry, did you say you were with Colin last night?”

Penelope swallowed, ”Uh…”

Eloise’s eyes narrowed. “Colin, do you have something to say?”

”Phillip is ugly.”

”Really? No! You’re not distracting me. You two were together? Like together together?”

Penelope nodded slowly. Eloise and Penelope stared at each other for a beat, before Eloise
burst into laughter, nearly toppling off her chair.

”Everyone okay over there?” Colin piped in, somewhat warily.

“Eloise is…” Penelope eyed Eloise. “Is this good laughter?”

Eloise wiped at her eyes, still laughing. “Yes.”

”So you’re all right with this?”

“I’m now all right with anything that isn’t me hitting on my own brother.” Eloise snorted in
the least lady-like way possible and suddenly Penelope was laughing too, the absurdity of the
situation too much.

After a few moments, they got it together, Eloise reaching out to squeeze Penelope’s hand. “If
you’re happy I’m happy.”

”I’m happy.” Penelope assured softly, not letting Eloise’s hand go.

”If the two of you are done,” Colin said impatiently, putting his phone on speaker. “There is
someone who wants to say hi.”

“Um, hello?” A voice said, sounding exceptionally confused.

”Eloise, this is my friend Phillip. Phillip, this is my sister who you are taking on a date.”

“Eloise would love that. Thank you Phillip.” Penelope replied before Eloise could say a
single word.

”You two have lots in common.” Colin continued, sounding suspiciously like he was
smacking Phillip on the back. “A love of books. Second child syndrome. Impersonating
people on dating apps.” Colin cleared his throat. “Let’s see. 3:54 pm. Phillip says good
afternoon. 3:55 pm, Eloise says is it?”

Eloise grimaced. “Don’t you have a girlfriend to annoy?”

“3:55 Phillip continues with of course, I’m talking to you. Nice touch buddy. Very genuine.”

“Please stop.” Eloise begged, unsure whether listening in or leaving Colin alone with Phillip
was worse.

”Skip to the conversation on vegetables.” Penelope suggested. “I particularly like the part
about the size of cucumbers.”

“Oh yes. Isn’t that where Eloise was asking about labour in fields?”

Eloise dropped her head to the table, “Name your price.”

”You meet Phillip for dinner. Tonight.” Penelope insisted without the slightest hesitation.

”Fine.” Eloise muttered, wanting the whole thing over with.

“No.” Phillip said quietly on the line. Eloise lifted her head. “Not a restaurant. What kind of a
underwhelming date is that?” Eloise tried, but couldn’t hide a small laugh. “Planetarium?”
Phillip offered, sounding less than enthused.

”Too romcom.” Eloise said, thinking it over. “Picnic?”

”Too windy.” Phillip concurred, “Library?”

”Too quiet.” Eloise complained. “TED talk and sex on the sofa Colin sleeps on?”

”TED talk and sex on the sofa Colin sleeps on.” Phillip confirmed. “See you at 7.”

”It’s a date.” Eloise said, before hanging up.

Penelope squinted at Eloise. “You really like him.”

”I’m merely entertaining the idea of him.” Eloise corrected airily. Penelope picked up her
phone and took a photo of Eloise. “What are you doing?”

Penelope dropped the imagine in the dating app and grinned. “Giving Phillip a preview.”
Almost immediately, the phone vibrated and Penelope checked the message. “You’re about to
be pissed.”

Eloise eyed her warily. “Why?”

“Colin just sent a picture of Phillip.”

”That bad?” Eloise asked with a heavy sigh.

“No,” Penelope slid the phone towards her, “Colin had a friend for years who looked like that
and never introduced you.”

Eloise lifted the phone, “Sorry Pen, but I’m going to have to kill him.”
 End of the World - Part 1
Chapter Summary

It’s the end of the world and I have no idea what this is except it was addictive to write.
This one got away from me so it will have two parts.

Smutty because Phillip and Eloise deserve nice things. Mentioned character death.

Not usually a E writer so good luck to us all.

The End of the World

Eloise knew it was a trap.

But a tomato.

Real and ripe. Unheard of in what would forever be known as the after. After the sun
disappeared. After the crops failed. After the rebellions started.

Eloise pulled out her knife, shielding it from view as she crept forward. A footstep, silent on
the grass but Eloise heard it all the same.

“Don’t move.” A voice commanded, a pair of rusty shears against her neck.

”You don’t move.” Eloise shot back, her own blade pressed against his neck.

”I don’t want to hurt you.”

Eloise considered it, Anthony would be furious if she got hurt again but it wouldn’t take
much to take this man down.

But a tomato.

“Not without food.” Eloise said as she twisted her knife to draw a drop of blood.

The man withdrew his weapon. “All right.”

Eloise blinked, still holding her knife to his neck. Surely a trick, and not one she could afford
to fall for.

A small child burst out of the bushes, her hair wild and tangled, a small spaniel at her side.
“Leave my Daddy alone!”
The man tensed, the shears still clutched in his hand. “Amanda, go back to the house.”

”No.” Amanda said, planting her hands on her hips as she glared at Eloise. “That isn’t nice.”
The dog barked, but at a bird, instead of the intruder on the property.

Eloise glanced at the man, surprised to see a blush creeping up his face. “Amanda.” He
warned, and even Eloise recognized the fluster in his voice. “Take Bessie and go back
inside.”

Amanda marched up to Eloise, “You’re not supposed to hurt people.”

“Amanda.” The man grit out, still under Eloise’s knife. “This woman is dangerous.”

”Are you dangerous?” Amanda asked Eloise in a rather disbelieving tone.

”Very.” Eloise said plainly.

“Oh.” Amanda said, thinking it over. “Then you can teach me to fight.”

“Amanda, I told you you’re not-“

”She should know how to fight.” Eloise blurted out without meaning to. Both the man and
the girl turned to her. With an eye roll, Eloise pulled her knife back. Eloise thought of Bella,
grappling with Anthony as he drilled kill techniques into her. Thought of Augie, a gaunt boy
of seven, who had become the head of his family after his father’s death. “Your daughter
should know how to fight.”

“See Daddy.” Amanda said haughtily.

Eloise inspected the girl. “She’s well fed.”

The man bristled, as if insulted. “Of course she is.”

A haunting image of Caroline flashed in Eloise’s mind, the newborn barely surviving her first
two months when Daphne’s milk never came in. “Not all children are.”

The man’s eyes softened. “I’m sorry.”

Eloise straightened up, horrified at her slip. “Then I propose a trade. I will teach your
daughter to fight and you will provide me with food.”

“I can teach her to fight.” The man said, seemingly uninterested. “I boxed in university.”

Without hesitation, Eloise leapt forward, stabbing her knife into the loose material of his
pants as she knocked him to the ground with a untelegraphed foot sweep. “If you try to
resist, I will stab my finger into your eye and slash your throat.” Eloise jammed her knee
painfully into his groin as she pressed her forearm into his trachea. He struggled for air as she
held him down. “Your daughter should know how to fight.”
The lessons were simple, the basics of sparing and weaponry the same way Anthony and
Benedict had trained her after London fell. Amanda and Oliver took to them quickly,
committing the movements to memory as they practiced on each other under Eloise’s careful
direction. The parental reprieve gave Phillip extra time to spend in the greenhouse, forever
tinkering with his set up.

Each evening, Eloise would return to Aubrey Hall with a sack of fresh fruit and vegetables. It
was astounding what Phillip had figured out. A collection of mirrors and glass to capture
what little sunlight made it through the ash clouds to grow berries, cucumbers, tomatoes, and
peas and even a collection of flowers that Eloise was unabashedly in awe of after two and a
half years of endless grey.

She listened to his theories on what caused the eruptions, and soon brought a notebook to
take notes for the purpose of re-starting the garden at Aubrey Hall. Her mother had tried of
course, desperately planting seeds in an effort to grow food for her malnourished
grandchildren, but without a greenhouse and the right mix of fertilizers to combat the poison
in the soil it was a fruitless endeavour.

Her meetings with Phillip weren’t meant to be a secret, but she worried that Anthony would
think the arrangement foolish and storm Phillip’s little piece of paradise for the food. Eloise
couldn’t blame him, they would all do anything for the family. Had done it. But Phillip was
such a gentle soul, hibernating while he desperately tried increase crop yields, and Eloise felt
protective of him and his dream.

“Amanda is finally listening to my corrections.” Eloise reported, watching as Phillip

inspected the roots of some blooming seedlings in the greenhouse. Phillip looked up, waiting
for more, and Eloise continued her summary on the children’s progress. “So I’ll start on
firearms tomorrow.”

”Are you sure that’s wise?” Phillip asked, fearing both his children around guns and his
children with guns.

“Yes.” Eloise said without the slightest hesitation, knowing the knowledge had saved Augie’s
life.

“I trust you.” Phillip said, then went back to his work.

Eloise couldn’t ignore the dread that had been gnawing at her for weeks. “You shouldn’t.”
When Phillip merely looked at her, a smear of dirt on his cheek, Eloise sighed. “Phillip, I am
a stranger. Who you let into your home.” Eloise hopped up onto the workbench beside him.
“Who you let see your very valuable stockpile of food. You really should not have done that.”

Phillip was silent for a moment, before he put down his trowel. ”Close your eyes.”

”What?” Eloise said, baffled by the command.

“Close your eyes.” Phillip repeated, waiting expectantly. Eloise glanced at the visible blade in
her belt before slowly closing her eyes. “I’m not the only one trusting someone they
shouldn’t.” Eloise’s eyes flew open and Phillip was suddenly standing in front of her, far too
close. “I see right through you Eloise. You’re not nearly as fierce as you pretend to be.”

”I am.” Eloise argued, but even she knew it sounded ridiculous when she was letting a man
put his hands on her thighs. “What are you doing?”

”What I’ve wanted to do since I saw you for the first time.”

”You mean when I nearly slit your throat?” Eloise asked, determined to make her point.

“I mean when I put down my weapon.” Phillip leant in. “For you.”

”You really should not have done that.” Eloise repeated, unable to take her eyes off his lips.

”But I did.” Phillip said, a breath away from kissing her. Eloise growled, out of annoyance or
fear or need she didn’t know, but then she was kissing him, grabbing at his shirt as she hauled
him tightly against her. Her legs wrapped instinctively around his waist and suddenly kissing
wasn’t enough. “Tell me to stop and I’ll stop.” Phillip muttered into her mouth, his hand
already slipping into her bra.

”Knife.” Eloise warned, unable to control the way her hips rolled against his.

Phillip dropped the weapon to the floor and returned to her breasts, yanking her bra down so
he could brush a hand over her hardening nipples.

In return, Eloise tugged at his shirt, no longer content with using it to hold him close. Phillip
obliged, tossing it clear across the greenhouse. Eloise ran her hand down his chest,
marvelling at his hidden strength, until Phillip leaned down to kiss her, reigniting the heat
burning inside her. Phillip pushed her back, sending a tray of dirt crashing to the floor. “Your
seedlings.”

Phillip unhooked her weapons belt, tossing it to the side. ”Fuck the seedlings.”

“Fuck the seedlings.” Eloise agreed, trying and failing to get her feet free from her boots.
When nothing budged, Phillip dropped to the floor to help unlace them.

“Pocket knife.” Eloise informed as he pulled her right boot off, tipping it so the small blade
fell to the floor. “Razor.” Eloise insisted when he moved to the left. Finally past the boots,
Phillip impatiently tugged off her pants and underwear, tossing them somewhere near the
door.

Phillip ran his eyes down her body and dropped to his knees. “We-” Eloise’s mind and mouth
were silenced when his tongue landed against her.

Eloise dropped her head back against the bench as Phillip got to work. It was good, the way
he ran his tongue down her slit, opening her up enough to push inside, before returning to
lick at her clit, over and over.

From where she was lying she could see through the the roof of the greenhouse, the forever
grey sky hovering over them as Phillip‘s stubble against her thigh felt unbearably human and
real. Her life was terrible. The whole world was terrible. But somehow the white hot heat
curling in her stomach as Phillip brought her closer and closer to the edge was the opposite of
terrible, and as Eloise tumbled over, she instinctively reached for Phillip’s hand to get her
through.

The trysts continued. Staggered between training sessions with the twins and work in the
greenhouse, they found stolen moments in the tool shed, down by the lake, and once when
the children fell asleep in the afternoon, in Phillip’s bed surrounded by his dizzying collection
of books.

His sexual appetite was insatiable, and Eloise matched it, wondering how she made it through
the last two and half years with only her hand for company.

All of which was how she ended up here, throwing up in the bushes outside Aubrey Hall.
Kate and Gregory were on patrol, but Eloise had seen them on the west side of the property
and knew she had time to get back inside before anyone noticed.

”Are you sick or pregnant?” Daphne asked from where she had been observing silently,
sitting on the front steps wrapped in their mother’s worn robe.

Eloise wiped at her mouth, exhausted by the endless nausea. “Pregnant.” Eloise admitted,
knowing the truth would be out one way or another.

”Good.” Daphne said with a shakey breath. Eloise understood. They had tried everything,
searched every town, raided every group, bribed and begged any doctor that was still alive,
but the antibiotics that could have saved Violet’s life were never found.

“Is it?” Eloise asked, slowly sitting down beside her. “Women were at risk during childbirth
before. Now…”

Daphne grabbed Eloise’s hand, giving it a tight squeeze. “I will get you through it.”

Eloise nodded because what else was there to say. It was done. Her fate was sealed one way
or another, and after the last few years it was a wonder any of them were alive at all. “What
do you think Fran and Ben are doing?”

Daphne smiled, although it was strained. “Being tortured artists together in a magnificent
Scottish castle.”

“What losers.” Eloise said, but couldn’t quite hide the waver in her voice. 17 months ago Ben
and Sophie had left to bring Francesca home from Scotland. No one had returned.

Daphne wrapped her arm around Eloise. “Are you going to tell me who he is?” Daphne held
her tight, knowing every possibility.

Eloise stared at the sky. “Phillip. He taught me about gardening.” What she wouldn’t give to
see stars again.
“We have all been very confused by your sudden green thumb.” Daphne said with a small
laugh. It was magic, something unheard since Simon’s death almost a year ago.

Eloise nudged her gently. ”You would like him. He has children. Twins, Amanda and
Oliver.”

Daphne took this in, no longer surprised by much. “Do you trust him?”

Eloise rested her head on Daphne’s shoulder. ”With our lives.”

The sickness got worse. Terrible bouts of night nausea. Dizziness, an inability to keep food or
water down. Eloise’s declining health was impossible to hide, and Anthony and Kate forbid
her from leaving the compound to do any kind of patrol or gathering.

“Is this normal?” Eloise asked Daphne in near tears after another round of
vomiting. Daphne’s hesitation was answer enough. “Maybe we’re wrong. Maybe I am sick.”

”Two months?” Eloise nodded tiredly, knowing that was how long her period had been
missing. “I really think you’re pregnant El. My friend had this.”

”When will it end?” Eloise asked more pitifully than she meant.

“I don’t know.” Daphne admitted carefully, having spent most of the last week reading
medical books on hyperemesis gravidarum. “Certainly when the baby gets here.”

”Seven months? I won’t survive that.” Eloise said, and she meant it. Already she was
dropping what little weight she had to shed, unable to keep any food and barely any liquids
down for the last eight days. Daphne couldn’t argue, already worried enough for the both of
them. “I need to see Phillip. I haven’t been there in over a week and he’ll know something is
wrong.”

”El, you’re in no state to travel. I know you can usually hold your own but this is too risky.”

“If they try to look for me…” Eloise trailed off, voicing the fear that she carried every
moment of every day. Phillip and the twins could now fight, but they had never killed, and
the trails between Romney Hall and Aubrey Hall were rife with violent gangs, traps and
predators. Daphne said nothing. What could she when her own husband had to give his life to
save their son.

Decision made, Eloise pushed herself off the ground and made her way back inside.
 End of the World - Part 2

The End of the World - Part 2

“I’m pregnant.”

The usual mealtime chaos fell silent, Anthony’s spoon dropping into his oatmeal.

Kate sat back in her chair, her small bump jutting out from underneath the table, looking
rather unrattled by such news.

Anthony stood up. “What?”

”Pregnant.” Eloise repeated, focusing on Kate. “And I need to get to the father.”

Hyacinth’s eyes bounced between Anthony and Eloise, a reminder of the girl she had once
been. Sensing the incoming tension, Gregory quickly lifted Caroline out her chair and lead
Augie, Bella and Edmund out the room, but not before giving Eloise’s shoulder a reassuring
squeeze. The final person at the table sat silently, a red headed boy in his lap.

Eloise clutched at the edge of the table, the dizziness already creeping back. “I will go at
night. No one will-“

“Absolutely not.” Anthony cut in, furious at the very idea. “Not after…” Anthony took a
steadying breath. “Who?”

“A botanist who lives in Gloucester.”

”Gloucester?” Anthony echoed. “Gloucester? What were you thinking?”

“That it’s quite lovely this time of year?” Eloise tried but Anthony merely glared. “I was
careful.”

Anthony’s eyes flicked to her stomach, “Not careful enough.”

Kate put a warning hand on Anthony’s arm, before turning to Eloise. ”You’re not going
alone.”

“I’ll go.” Anthony volunteered immediately, and clearly not with the intention of just being a
chaperone.

“No.” Eloise replied, already two steps ahead. “You have to stay here to protect the children.”
The unspoken because Benedict is no longer here hung between them all. Hyacinth was
fierce with a sword and Kate, Gregory and Daphne were not to be tested, but the true warriors
of the family were Anthony and Eloise. But Amanda and Oliver were children too, and if
Phillip tried to bring them- “It’s important Anthony. I wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t.”
“I could…” Hyacinth trailed off at the look she received from Anthony. “Well the offer is
there.”

“Colin.” Kate offered after a moment. “Colin will go.”

Colin looked up from where he had been feeding the child, his eyes dark and heavy.

Eloise shook her head, “No. I promised her I’d keep him safe. I promised her Thomas
wouldn’t be alone.”

“And?” Daphne prompted from where she had been silently observing from the door. Eloise
looked away from the table, away from the brother and child she hadn’t been able to face
since Penelope’s death all those months ago.

“You promised her would stay safe.” Colin finished, the words sounding pained. He had not
left Aubrey Hall since Penelope died, never letting Thomas out his sight.

”Colin…” Eloise started, but what could be said. I’m sorry she died. I’m sorry I’m here.

Colin took a deep breath before lifting Thomas from his lap and walked him over to Daphne.
“Guard him with your life.”

Daphne placed a loving hand on Colin’s cheek, before taking Thomas into her arms.
“Always.”

Colin kissed his son’s forehead and turned, “Let’s go.”

They reached Romney Hall by sheer determination as Eloise put one foot in front of the
other. Weary and dehydrated, Eloise could only nod when Colin offered to piggyback her the
rest of the way, the silence between them unending as Colin clutched a loaded gun in his
hand.

When Eloise woke, she was in Phillip’s bed, his arms wrapped protectively around her.

Phillip reached for a cup on his bedside table. “Drink.” Eloise did, before rearing back at the
unpleasant taste. “A tonic for morning sickness. Colin is out collecting fennel but I had most
of these ingredients on hand.” Eloise nodded, sipping at the concoction. The second taste was
only slightly less terrible than the first, but when it stayed down, Eloise went for another.

Phillip lifted the cup out her hand when she finished, settling back down on the bed behind
her. “You’re pregnant.” Eloise waited, unsure of what to say, and Phillip placed his hand on
her stomach. “It’s wonderful.”

Eloise laced their fingers together and held on tight. “Is it?”

”Yes.” Phillip insisted, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Without a word, Eloise moved their hands down, sliding past the band of her underwear.
“Eloise…” Phillip said warily. “You’re not well.”

”I want to feel good.” Eloise explained, and when Phillip hesitated, Eloise pressed his fingers
down. “This is a good thing and I need it to feel that way.”

After a moment, Phillip nodded, allowing her to lead his fingers through her growing
wetness. Eloise leaned back against him, her body tired and sore, but alive as she lifted her
hand away.

“Feel good now?” He whispered, dipping down to collect more wetness to drag it back up
and over.

“Yes.” Eloise confirmed, closing her eyes.

Phillip continued, soft and slow, studying Eloise’s face. “You’re so beautiful.”

“My pregnancy glow is unprecedented.” Eloise said, well aware of how she must have
looked after a day’s travel and two week of constant vomiting.

“It is.” Phillip assured as he ghosting his fingers up and around, touching her exactly how she
wanted it. Her climax came slowly, built by Phillip’s gentle pace and the smell of his bed, and
when she came it was with a quiet exhale instead of the usual moans.

“Thank you.” Eloise said once Phillip’s hand stilled.

”Anytime.” He offered, leaving his hand in place. “Can you eat?” Eloise shook her head, the
very thought making her queasy. Phillip sighed, resting his chin on her shoulder. “How bad?”

”Bad.” Eloise revealed, knowing there was a very real possibility she or the baby weren’t
going to make it.

Phillip kissed her shoulder, “I’m not losing you. I will find something that helps.”

Eloise closed her eyes, knowing life no longer worked that way and gave into the exhaustion
deep inside her. “Don’t ever come looking for me.” Eloise said sleepily, rolling over in
Phillip’s arms to see his face.

Phillip pressed his forehead against hers, “Don’t ever leave.”

Eloise didn’t, unable to make it out of his bed as the nausea and vomiting stretched on and
on. Within the week, Colin trekked back to the family to report on Eloise’s condition, and
quickly returned to Romney Hall with Thomas escorted by Hyacinth and Gregory.

It wasn’t perfect, Colin guarding Eloise, Amanda, Oliver and Thomas, but it allowed Phillip
to scavenge wild plants in an effort to find new leads that would help with Eloise’s failing
health.

Some helped, some made it worse and one almost allowed her to eat an entire bowl of stew.
Every sip of water was a battle, every bite of food a war, but the baby in her belly continued
to grow unconcerned with the woes of its mother.

Against all odds, Penelope Violet Crane entered the world healthy and screaming, graced
with her father’s eyes and her mother’s desire to be heard.

The birth was long and hard, and despite assurances to Eloise it was going well, Daphne and
Phillip remained silent as Eloise screamed through contractions that seemed to go nowhere.
At last, when it seemed like Eloise wouldn’t survive any more, the baby presented feet first
and Daphne was able to wrench her from her near demise.

It was only once the newborn was placed on her mother’s breast she soothed, and then only
when pressed against Eloise’s heart, as if knowing how tenuous a world she had been brought
into.

Eloise stared down at her daughter, unable to believe she was here.

“She has your nose.” Eloise looked up and found Colin lingering at her door. “Can I come
in?”

”Of course.” Eloise whispered, her voice wrecked from her screams.

Colin crept forward, taking in the sleeping infant. “Hello Penelope.” Eloise’s breath caught in
her throat. “I’m your favourite uncle.”

Eloise held her baby, unable to stop the tears. “I’m sorry.”

Colin looked at her, startled by her emotion. “For what?”

Eloise took a shuddery breath, “For Penelope not being here.”

”El…” Colin sat down on the bed, “Pen sacrificed her life.”

Eloise looked away, ”I should have-“

”On purpose.” Colin cut in, placing his hand on Eloise’s. “For you. So don’t you dare
foresake what she willingly gave.”

Eloise watched the baby’s chest rise and fall. “How am I supposed to do this without her?”

“You hope that you get to see her again.” Colin gave Eloise’s a tearful smile. “And you live.”
Colin brushed his finger over baby Penelope’s forehead. “For Penelope.”

“Penny.” Eloise said softly. “Her name is Penny.”

“Knock knock.” Eloise and Colin turned and found Ben standing at the door. “I heard the
gruesome part was over and I have a new niece to corrupt.”

Eloise wiped at her eyes, gesturing for Ben to come in. Fran pushed past him, rushing over to
Eloise’s side. “She’s beautiful.”
Phillip followed them into the room, “And smart.” Fran moved to step away but Eloise
grabbed her tight, needing both Phillip and Fran at her side.

”And strong.” Amanda insisted, standing at her father’s side. “Can I hold her?”

”Of course.” Eloise said as Amanda slid onto Fran‘s lap, allowing her aunt to help her
support the head.

Eloise felt Phillip squeeze her shoulder at the image.

“I’m your big sister.” Amanda declared with the confidence such a statement naturally
conveyed. “And together we’re going to save the world.”

They did.
 PTA Wars - Part 1
Chapter Summary

When Oliver Bridgerton and Amanda Crane clash at school, their parents are pulled into
a meeting that changes their lives forever.

Chapter Notes

Just something short (not short) and simple (not simple) I threw together (this one took a
week) because modern AU Philoise is my favourite Philoise. These idiots who love
oversharing at school functions earned themselves 2 parts as well. So much for one
shots.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

PTA Wars - Part 1

"...so you can understand why I felt it was necessary to bring you in today."

Phillip sighed, eying his daughter, "Amanda is very sorry. Aren't you Amanda?"'

Amanda squirmed on the adult-sized chair, looking three times as dirty as when he dropped
her off in the morning. "Yes, Daddy." Phillip nodded, wondering how she had outgrown her
school blazer already. He waited for the other parent to begin the familiar apology routine,
hoping he could get out of the school in time for his next zoom call.

"While I fully support a girl standing up for herself, I'm not sure I equate name-calling with
physical assault."

"She pushed him." Phillip said in confusion.

"She shoved him off a slide." Eloise argued, gesturing at her son’s bruised face.

"Actually she pulled him into the slide and refused to let him out." Headmistress Danbury
corrected, "But l think we can agree that Oliver had a part to play.” Danbury paused, unable
to stop the pointed look she sent Eloise’s way. “I do believe his inability to think before he
speaks is something you maybe be familiar with.” Eloise’s mouth twitched but she didn’t
address to many years of history that had taken place between them.

“He called me a despot!” Amanda complained loudly.

”She told me I had to play the Daddy!” Ollie replied at the same volume, turning to his
mother. “That’s a harmful gender stereotype.” Oliver pouted. “And stupid.”

Eloise narrowed her eyes, “We don’t say stupid.”

”Not smart.” Ollie relented with a huff. Eloise sent him a warning look and he slumped in his
chair.

Danbury cleared her throat, “While I do appreciate that Amanda and Oliver are exceptionally
bright, their constant fights are disrupting their peers and their own learning.”

Eloise sighed, “Agatha, I need to be sure Ollie isn’t being singled out because of my
situation?”

Danbury reached across her desk and gave Eloise’s hand a squeeze. “I meant what I said. A
Bridgerton will always be welcome in my halls.” Eloise nodded, just once. “And in fact, I
think you’ll find Oliver and Amanda are quite similar in that regard.”

Eloise eyed Phillip, still sitting silently. “What do you mean?”

Danbury smiled conspirally, “Well what I find works best in these situations is providing a
chance for the children to find common ground. A playdate perhaps? Somewhere neutral
where everyone can get to know each other better.” She paused, running her eyes over both
children and then their parents. “In fact, yes. I am officially issuing a playdate for today’s
offences.”

”A playdate.” Eloise repeated slowly. “That’s the punishment you’re giving them?”

Danbury grinned, “I do believe it will be an important learning opportunity for you all.”

“I swear Daph, she still treats me like a rebellious child and not an adult.”

Daphne took a sip of her tea, “Well…”

Eloise grunted as she watched Ollie and Augie fight with sticks.

“Not the eyes!” Eloise and Daphne called out at the same time.

Daphne sighed in relief as Augie’s stick landed on the playground structure and not Oliver’s
face. “You know I love Ollie, but he is a handful. Even Augie has told me about his fights
with the Crane girl.”

Eloise finally picked up the lukewarm coffee that had been sitting on the bench beside them,
“Do you know anything about her?”

”Only that she started the same time as Ollie. I’ve never seen a mother, only the dad.”
Daphne paused. “The hot dad.”

Eloise rolled her eyes, “You’re married.”

”I have eyes Eloise.” Daphne replied dryly. “As do you. Is a playdate really that awful? God
knows you need to make some friends.”

”Why? I have you.” Eloise said, nudging her sister.

“You do.” Daphne assured, “But you’ve been back in Mayfair for six months and I’ve yet to
see you do anything but work.”

Eloise fiddled with her the lid on her coffee, “You know why.”

“And you know I would fund far more than Ollie’s school fees if you asked.” Daphne
informed her. “Why don’t you-“

“No.” Eloise cut in, ending the discussion. “We’re perfectly fine where we are.”

Daphne sighed, finishing the last of her drink. “You better tell me if you need another grocery
delivery El. I won’t stand for you being hungry.”

“That was just a tough month.” Daphne eyed her and Eloise held a pinkie up. “I pinkie
promise.”

Daphne snorted, “And you wonder why Danbury thinks of you like a child. When is your big
date anyway?”

“Tomorrow. Might as well get the torture over with.”

“So.” Eloise said, sitting on yet another bench at yet another playground. “Term going well?”

Phillip’s eyes were glued to the children playing in the sandbox. Well whispering, which did
nothing to quell his anxiety about the whole affair. “Amanda seems to be enjoying Mayfair.”

Eloise nodded, looking around the green space. It had changed a lot of the years, including
the development of a skate park where a tennis court used to be. “Are you from London?”

”Kent.” Phillip replied, watching carefully as Amanda abadoned the sandbox for a swing.

“My family has a seat in Kent.” Eloise said without thinking.

Phillip turned to her, “Yes, the Bridgertons. I’ve heard it’s a lovely property. Great gardens.”

“They are.” Eloise admitted. “My father was quite the gardener. Although I haven’t seen
them in a long time.”

Phillip studied her, “Family trouble?”

”Is there a worst kind?” Eloise asked with a pained smile.

”No.” Phillip confirmed with a sigh of his own. “There is not.”

Eloise looked over at Oliver and Amanda, now hanging from the top of the swing structure
very much not using swings. “I had Ollie when I was 17. It went over as well as you would
expect.”

”I’m sorry.” Phillip said, “It’s hard being a single parent.” Eloise turned back to him.
“Amanda’s mother died last year. She wasn’t…” Phillip trailed off. “Well, it’s been just the
two of us for a long time.”

”I’m sorry to hear that.” Eloise said, her heart breaking for Amanda and her loss. “It’s terrible
losing a parent. My father died when I was a child.”

“I’m glad he was missed.” Phillip replied, without realizing what he said. He cleared his
throat, looking over at the children. “They seem to be getting along. Oliver has quite the
vocabulary for a seven year old.”

Eloise smiled fondly, watching her son hang upside down. “He’s certainly got a mouth on
him.”

”Amanda is…” Phillip searched for the right descriptor. “Spirited.”

”A spirited girl is a gift.” Eloise informed him.

”Yes.” Phillip agreed, “She is.”

Eloise looked over in surprise, hearing the pride in his tone. “Fight for her.” Eloise advised
softly. “The world isn’t kind to girls who don’t follow the rules.”

“I try.” Phillip said, before letting out a tiny laugh. “Although I wouldn’t say no to her
following some of the rules.” As if on cue, Amanda’s angry voice carried across the
playground.

Eloise and Phillip exchanged a look, “Well they lasted…” Phillip checked his watch. “22
minutes.”

”Sounds like a full and complete playdate to me.” Eloise said, heading towards the growing
fight. “I won’t tell Danbury if you won’t.”

Phillip grabbed onto the back of Amanda’s shirt and hauled her away. “Deal.”

“I owe you.” Daphne said as she shoved the cashbox into Eloise’s hands. “Anything you
want. Just assure everyone they are nutfree and take their money.” Unable to resist, Daphne
straightened a bake sale sign above Eloise’s head. “The flower volunteer should be here
soon.” Daphne gave Eloise a rushed one-armed hug as she passed by towards the
gymnasium. “You’re the best!”

As Daphne disappeared down the hall, Eloise surveyed the baked goods and covered plastic
pails in front of her.

”We meet again.”

Eloise looked up and found Phillip standing in front of the table. “Cookie?” She asked,
holding up a cinnamon raisin.

”No, I’m the flower man.” Phillip explained, taking a seat at the table. He reached over and
uncovered the pails, revealing a stunning display of bouquets, all of them unique.

“Damn.” Eloise said, checking the price on the sheet in front of her. “£10? Deal of a century.”

Phillip rearranged the bouquets, checking the water level at the bottom. “At cost.”

”No way. These are expensive flowers. If you bought them at a shop they would be…” Eloise
trailed off when she caught sight of the Crane & Sons logo on the bucket. “…an amount you
know because you provided them.”

Philip blushed, “They were asking for parent support.”

Eloise plucked a bouquet out the bucket. “Did you make these?”

”You don’t make flowers, you grow them.” Phillip pointed out. “But yes, they came from our
Kent farm.” He leaned in closer. “Actually, no, a few of these Geraniums are from up north,
but most of them are Romney stock.”

”I meant arrange them.” Eloise said, unable to tolerate Phillip thinking she thought flowers
were made in a factory.

”Oh, then yes.” Phillip said, busying himself with the paperwork in front of them.

“How many farms do you have?” Eloise asked curiously.

“Seven.” Phillip said, “Mostly greenhouses with the climate.”

”Impressive.”

Phillip’s smile was tight, “Inherited.”

“Father a tough boss?” Eloise asked, remembering the logo.

”Dead.” Phillip replied plainly. “My older brother too. I’m now the sole owner of Crane
Enterprises.”

”Then why-” Eloise stopped herself. “Sorry, my family tells me I have a habit of being rather
direct.”

Phillip sighed, “The business is why Amanda and I had to relocate to London. If I had my
choice I would sell it all off and reclaim my ancestral home.”

Before Eloise could question further the doors to the gym opened and a flood of boisterous
families came streaming out.
Fifteen minutes later, out of bouquets and exhausted by small talk, Phillip turned to the other
side of the table, surprised to see most of the baked goods still sitting there. “Shouldn’t you
be…selling something?”

Eloise grinned, sitting back in her seat. “Nah.” Phillip arched an eyebrow, intrigued. “You
see, my brother Colin lives down the street and has both a sweet tooth and a sugar mummy
for a wife.”

”I see Nepotism is alive and well.”

”It’s for the children Phillip.” Eloise said dryly, feeling proud when Phillip let out an
uncharacteristically loud laugh. “And quite frankly-“ Eloise paused when she caught sight of
Daphne, leaning against the wall watching their exchange. “Hi Daph.”

Phillip swung round, startled by the company. “Hello my parent volunteers.” Daphne said,
unable to hide her amusement. “Daphne Basset, Augie and Belinda’s mother and Ollie’s aunt.

”Head of the PTA.” Phillip confirmed, offering out his hand.

Daphne took it, looking far too delighted. “My reputation precedes me.”

Phillip smiled, politely, before quickly getting to his feet. “I’m going to go collect Amanda
before she gets herself into trouble.”

“Thank you for your help.” Daphne said, watching as he walked away. The second he was
out of earshot, she spun on Eloise.

”Don’t.” Eloise warned, “We were just passing the time.”

“I didn’t say a thing.” Daphne informed her. “But if I was going to, it would be that I haven’t
seen you smile like that in a very long time.”

“This is insane.” Phillip said as he sided up to Eloise in the middle of a rented hall, filled with
inflatable bouncy castles, pastel balloon arches and three bubble machines.

Eloise nodded, chewing on a crown made of gummy jewels. “Obscene.”

”Are all birthday parties at Mayfair like this?” Phillip asked, sounding terrified.

”I hope not. Oliver’s birthday is next week.”

”Amanda too. Wednesday.”

”Birthday twins.” Eloise said with a small smile.

”What are the odds?”

Eloise laughed, far more than necessary. “My sister and I also share a birthday. So I guess
average.”
Phillip watched a hired Princess make shapes out of balloons with two kinds of glitter inside.
“I remember when birthdays were just cake and balloons. Non-sculpted.”

Eloise nodded, looking around for Ollie. “The good old days.”

”I can’t stand this extravagance.” Phillip said, sounding upset.

”I can’t stand these parents.” Eloise echoed, finally locating her son with his mouth under a
chocolate fountain. “That’s going to stain.” Eloise caught sight of Phillip’s downcast
expression. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that about the other parents. You weren’t included
by the way. It’s just…I grew up in this. And these people, and this facade of perfection is
exactly why I didn’t want Ollie to grow up here.”

”Then why is he?” Phillip asked in confusion.

Eloise sighed, putting down her crown. “I tried. Left home at 17, refused anyone’s help. Got
a shitty flat in a shitty neighbourhood and worked a bunch of shitty jobs. And it was hard
and all the cliches and it worked, for a while. But Ollie is smart. Too smart. And like all
parents I woke up one day and realized my life wasn’t mine anymore. It was his, and if I
denied him a chance at a good education I wasn’t doing my job as a mother. So I put my
pride aside and accepted money from my sister and moved to the outskirts of Mayfair.”
Eloise looked around the room. “I hate it. But it’s the life my son deserves.”

”Come to my house.” Phillip suggested rather abruptly. Eloise looked startled and Phillip
continued with his half-baked thought. “I mean for a birthday party. Homemade cake, some
balloons. It won’t be much but maybe…that’s a good thing?”

Eloise looked at Ollie, picking the raw fish off sushi so he could just eat the rice. “It’s a good
thing.”

”A good thing.” Phillip confirmed, looking pleased. “Now I have to learn how to bake a
cake.”

Phillip and Amanda’s townhouse was large, much nicer than Eloise and Oliver’s flat, but
located an unfortunate half block away from Number 5. Eloise said nothing to her son as she
hustled him past his grandmother’s door, feeling a stab of guilt she quickly pushed down.

The house was tastefully decorated, and while it was clear he had money, Phillip didn’t seem
to flaunt it in the way most new money families did. Which, Eloise realized as she helpfully
picked up a pile of post on his doorstep, was because it wasn’t new money at all. Phillip was
in fact Sir Phillip Crane and titled, something that should not have been surprising when his
daughter attended Mayfair Academy but somehow was.

“But why do we have to go to Amanda’s house?” Oliver complained for what felt like
hundredth time.

Eloise bit back the because I said so on the tip of her tongue. “We have been invited and it
would be impolite not to go.”
“Why?”

”Because Amanda will be sad if you don’t come to her party.” Eloise warned losing her
patience.

“Amanda is mean.” Oliver retorted, sounding uncharacteristically upset. “And I hate her.”

Eloise paused, her hand already raised to knock on the door. “Why do you think Amanda is
mean?”

“She hits me and it hurts.” Oliver said, holding back tears.

”That’s not okay.” Eloise said, moving away from the door to pull him into a hug. “No one is
ever allowed to hurt you.” Ollie nodded into his mother’s shoulder. “But-“ Eloise said,
pulling back just enough so she could see Oliver’s face. “I need you to understand words can
hurt too. Some of the biggest mistakes I’ve made have been using the wrong words against
people I love. And the things that hurt the most are what other people say to me.”

Oliver’s lip wobbled, “I’m sorry mummy.”

”For what?” Eloise asked, growing in increasingly concerned.

“For saying you were corrupt when I was mad at you.” Oliver admitted, looking at his worn
shoes.

Eloise held back a laugh, wiping the tears off Oliver’s cheek. “Thank you. Then you already
know the most important thing about words is that you can use them to apologize. Maybe
you could try tonight. Apologize to Amanda for the things you say when you are mad?”
Oliver nodded, looking very serious. “Words are your superpower Ollie. Use them to make
good people feel good. Then you feel good too.”

“You look really pretty tonight mummy.” Oliver said in reply. “And I’m going to tell Amanda
she has nice teeth.” This time Eloise did laugh, pulling him into another hug.

The birthday party had gone smoothly, as smoothly as any party with eight year olds could,
and even although it was just the four of them, pizza from the expensive place Eloise and
Ollie hadn’t tried and some paper ribbons and balloons the birthday twins seemed to be
enjoying themselves.

Phillip had provided good wine and as he brought his rather slanted homemade cake out the
kitchen with eight simple candles Eloise couldn’t help but feel like it was the kind of birthday
party she and Ollie belonged at.

“Make a wish.” Phillip reminded, then watched as Amanda and Ollie blew out the candles, a
somewhat cooperative venture that only turned competitive when it was down to the last one.

”What did you wish for?” Ollie asked Amanda, eagerly waiting for his cake.

Amanda looked alarmed, “Wishes are secret.”

”That’s illogical. How can someone help you make them come true if no one knows?” Ollie
said, baffled by the notion.

Amanda looked to her father, very upset. “Do I have to tell people Daddy?”

Phillip cut into the cake, distracted. “No sweetheart.”

”But-“

”No!” Amanda screamed in Ollie’s face before getting up and running from the room.

Phillip dropped the knife, distressed, “I wasn’t thinking…of course she wished for that.”

Eloise reached out and squeezed his hand, “It’s not your fault. Birthdays are always going to
be hard.” Ollie looked lost in the adult conversation but Eloise couldn’t help but focus on
Phillip, seemingly frozen in place. “Can I try to talk to her? I remember what it was like with
my dad.” Eloise gave Phillip a sad smile. “I wished every year until I was 14.”

Phillip nodded, silent as a balloon bounced off the table.

Eloise found the pink bedroom at the top of the stairs, impressed by the mess within and the
little girl sitting at her desk instead of crying on her bed.

”Can I come in?”

Amanda looked up, frowning at her visitor. “No.”

”Fair enough.” Eloise said, leaning on the door. “What’s that?” Eloise gestured to the pink
elastic clutched tightly in Amanda’s hand.

”Nothing.” Amanda said sulkily.

Eloise looked at Amanda’s hair, one braid already out and the other well on its way. “I could
help you fix it if you want?”

“My hair isn’t straight like yours.” Amanda said sourly, clearly indicating that was deficit on
Eloise’s part. “Or like everyone else’s at school.”

Eloise took in the hurt in Amanda’s words. “Actually that’s not true.” Eloise pulled out her
phone and scrolled through her pictures until she landed on the right year. “Who do you think
this is?”

Amanda slowly cross the room to look at curly haired toddler on the screen. ”Ollie has curly
hair?”

Eloise gave her a small smile. ”He chooses to wear it short. But when he was little I liked it
long.”

”Long hair is for girls.” Amanda said with all the confidence in the world.
Eloise smiled, “I have four brothers and at one point or another they all had long hair.”

”You have four brothers?” Amanda asked in awe.

”And three sisters.” Eloise added, nodding as Amanda’s eyes widened. “I even had to share a
room with two of them.” Amanda didn’t seem to know what to do with that information. “So
I‘ve braided a lot of hair.” Amanda’s eyes teared up again and Eloise bent down so she could
see her face. “Are you feeling extra sad because your mum did your hair best?”

Amanda bit her lip, trying not to cry, “Daddy has been practicing but it always falls out
and…”

“It’s not the same.” Eloise finished when Amanda couldn’t, pulling her into a tight hug.

”I wished I could have her back.” Amanda admitted into Eloise’s shoulder.

Eloise pulled back so she could see Amanda’s face. “That’s a really good wish.” Eloise said,
allowing the girl to see the tears on her own face. “And it’s a very sad thing to lose a mummy
or a daddy. My daddy died when I was 8 years old.”

Amanda swallowed, “Did your mummy die too?”

”No.” Eloise reassured softly. “She’s still alive.”

”Do you still get to hug her?” Amanda asked timidly.

Eloise‘s heart sped up, the question hitting far too close to home. “Are you scared your daddy
is going to die?” Amanda nodded, the tears threatening to spill over again. “No one knows
the future, but your Daddy is healthy and there is no reason to think he won’t live a long life
with you.”

Amanda nodded, unconvinced, but seemed to settle with idea. “Could you help me with my
hair?”

Eloise reached for the hair elastic in Amanda’s hand. “Let’s try something a bit different.
How about a birthday style?”

By the time they got downstairs, the cake had been cut and four rather plentiful helpings were
sitting on plates waiting for them. Amanda’s hair was in a twisted bun, colourful ribbons
scavenged from her arts and crafts bin cascading down her back.

“You look beautiful Amanda.” Phillip announced, unexpectedly caught out by how grown up
she looked.

”I’m sorry Amanda. Your wish can be a secret.” Ollie offered from beside him, “I guess.”

Amanda nodded, pleased with her win, and Eloise slipped her arm around Ollie, giving him a
proud squeeze. “What have you two been up to?”
Phillip passed out the plates, throwing Ollie a wink as he received his second piece. “Talking
about sports.”

“Sports?” Eloise questioned in amusement. “Ollie hates sports.”

”Then why have we been talking about them?” Phillip asked the little boy, before letting out a
laugh. “Me too. Except boxing.”

“Oh.” Ollie said, looking very relieved. “What do you like?”

“Well plants.”

Amanda nodded, ”He really likes plants.”

”I like rocks.” Ollie added excitedly. “Especially metamorphic ones.”

Eloise settled in for a long speech on mica and felt the prick of tears as Phillip did the same.
She hadn’t realized how much fear she held for her son, who despite his bravo and stunning
intellect never truly seemed to fit in anywhere except with her.

It was quiet. Too quiet and Eloise and Phillip noticed at the exact same time, abruptly putting
down their wine glasses mid-conversation.

”Where are they?” Eloise asked, immediately on her feet.

“Not fighting with each other, so maybe a good sign?” Eloise said nothing, heading towards
the kitchen, the last place the children had been seen. “I’ll check upstairs.” Phillip said,
already halfway out the room.

He made it up three steps before he heard Eloise‘s scream. Phillip raced down the stairs and
into the kitchen, fully unprepared for what greeted him. Eloise stood in the doorway, covered
head to toe with flour while two children rolled around on the floor overcome with laughter.

Eloise turned to him and exhaled, sending a cloud of flour into the air. “Phillip.” Eloise said,
rubbing her white nose with her white sleeve. “I think they found common ground.”

A long shower later, Eloise stepped out of Phillip’s ensuite bathroom wearing one of his
button downs and not much else.

“Better?” Phillip asked, very much regretting sitting on his bed as he tried to look anywhere
but her exposed legs.

”Much.” Eloise said, rubbing her wet hair with a towel. “Flour ended up in places we won’t
talk about.” Phillip’s left hand gripped his sheets, wondering how on earth he was supposed
to continue with a child’s birthday party when Eloise looked like that. “Where are double
trouble?”

”I put them to work cleaning up the kitchen.”

 Eloise finished drying her hair and moved on to running her fingers through it, tugging at
some knots. “Is that advisable?” Eloise looked up when Phillip didn’t say anything. “Leaving
them in charge of a crime scene?”

”Absolutely.” Phillip said, not even slightly following along.

Eloise paused, well aware that he was staring. “Is this a good idea?”

Phillip caught himself, straightening up. “What is?”

Eloise dropped the towel to his bedroom floor. “This.” Eloise walked towards the bed,
watching as Phillip followed her every step. “You and me.” Eloise stopped in front of him,
his button down and everything it held directly at his eye level. “Together.”

Tentatively Phillip reached out and rested his hand on her hip, using every bit of strength he
had not to slide the bottom of the shirt upwards. “I’m sorry to say but I think our children got
it from us.”

“Got what?” Eloise asked puzzled.

Phillip grabbed his shirt and pulled Eloise forward, grinning when her knees landed on the
bed. “An utter and total disregard for the rules.”

Eloise’s hand found it’s way into his hair, tipping his head back so she could see his face.
“Are we going to be punished?”

Phillip leaned up to kiss her, tasting his cake on her lips. “Maybe.” Phillip‘s hand slid down,
finding bare skin. “But won’t it be fun to find out?”

Chapter End Notes

4k+ words for a kiss? We’re all working hard in this one.
 PTA Wars - Part 2

PTA Wars - Part 2

“Do anything fun on the weekend?” Daphne inquired as they watched the boys play after
school.

”The usual.” Eloise replied, accepting the takeaway coffee Daphne passed her way.

Ollie came running, “Mummy, I’m starving.” Eloise opened her bag and riffled around for a
snack, failing to find anything but empty wrappers.

”Here Ollie.” Daphne said, magically producing three bottles of yogurt. “Give one to Bel and
Augie.”

”Look mum, these are the same kind Amanda has.” Ollie turned to Daphne, “I went to her
house for my birthday.”

“Aren’t you lucky.” Daphne said, trying, and failing to keep the surprise out of her voice.
“All by yourself?”

”No, mum came too.” Eloise took a sip of coffee, avoiding Daphne’s gaze. “We even got to
stay for a sleepover!” Ollie added, before bounding off to find Augie.

Eloise waited, counting in her head.

“Do you usually spend your weekends sleeping with hot widowers?”

”It’s just sex Daphne.” Eloise muttered, glancing at the Mayfair nannies on the other side of
the playground.

“Oh no, you don’t get to just with me. This is huge. You haven’t-“

”Daph, please.” Eloise said, a hint of pain in her voice. “I don’t need to be reminded of my
mistakes.”

Daphne stopped, her smile disappearing. “Hey, that mistake is my nephew.”

”Ollie isn’t a mistake.” Eloise replied heatedly, and Daphne gave her a pointed look, having
purposefully made Eloise say the important part out loud. “The good with the bad. I get it.”

”Do you? Because you have a habit of running away from your problems and as happy as I
am this is very new territory.”

“I’m not a teenager anymore.”

Daphne checked on the boys, digging in the dirt. “No, you’re not. So you better be making up
for the eight-year drought with some seriously kinky sex.” Daphne said, bumping Eloise’s
shoulder to lighten the mood. Eloise gave her a small smile in return and Daphne bit her lip,
weighed down by her fractured family. “Fran’s coming to Aubrey next weekend.” Eloise‘s
gaze dropped to her coffee. “And she could really do with seeing you.”

”Daph…”

”Her husband died Eloise. She needs her sister.”

”She knows where I am.”

“No she doesn’t.” Daphne reminded. “She thinks you’re still living in Bloomsbury.” Eloise
remained quiet. “Please? For Frannie? Just a weekend. Ollie could meet everyone and-“

”Will Ben be there?” Eloise cut in, her voice wavering.

Daphne nodded, “They’re back from their honeymoon.”

Eloise said nothing, watching Ollie and Augie laugh together on the swings.

“Sorry, why did you pick this monstrosity?” Phillip whispered in Eloise’s ear as another
animated bunny parachuted out of an airplane.

”Me? Amanda and Ollie said you…” Eloise trailed off, eying the children. “Little shits.”

“I think I preferred when they were at war with each other.”

”Shush Daddy.” Amanda chastised, her eyes never leaving the screen.

Phillip grinned, grabbing Eloise’s hand. “We’re going to get snacks.”

As expected, the children said nothing, mesmerized by their show. They made it three steps
into the kitchen before Phillip had Eloise up against the fridge, silencing her yelp of surprise
with a kiss.

“The kids,” Eloise noted, doing absolutely nothing to stop his hand sliding under her shirt.

“Love screens.” Phillip confirmed, hoisting her up against the stainless steel. “Will stare at
them for hours.”

“Phillip.” Eloise said, but what was supposed to be a warning ended up more like a plea.
Phillip took it as such, sliding his leg in between hers. “We should stop.” Eloise said, not
stopping.

“We should.” Phillip agreed, shifting his thigh higher.

"I can't think when you do that," Eloise complained, pulling him closer.

"Don’t think,” Phillip suggested helpfully, then leant down to kiss her deep and slow. "I want
you in my bed. Tonight."
"I can't," Eloise said, biting back a moan as he kissed down her neck. “I need to do laundry.”

”Bring it here. Miles can do it.”

Eloise laughed, although it was far huskier than usual. “I’m not making your assistant do my
laundry.”

”Why?” Phillip said between kisses, his hand on her fly. “He does ours.”

Eloise stopped, stilling Phillip’s hand, “I thought you didn’t like the way people in Mayfair
lived?”

”I like their laundry services.” Phillip replied with a grin, his amusement fading when he saw
the look on Eloise’s face. “I want my daughter to learn to take care of herself, but I won’t say
no to delegating tasks that eat up my time.”

Eloise bit her lip, unconvinced.

“My wealth is part of who I am. I won't apologize for it, but I will always try to use it in a
way that benefits other people. And if that includes laundry so you can take the night off then
so be it.”

”So you’re saying you only lean into your aristocratic roots when it suits you.” Eloise said
after a moment, a mischievous grin reappearing on her face.

”It would suit you too.” Phillip said, popping the button on her pants. “If you’d let it.”

Fifteen minutes and one broken butter dish later, Phillip held up a container of carrots from
his garden.

"Never," Eloise said, offering up a red pepper.

"Banned for crimes against pasta." Phillip declared, moving onto a cucumber.

Eloise squinted, "Maybe? He ate some at Daph's last week but it may have been a fluke."

"Sounds like an ironclad endorsement to me," Phillip said, pulling it out of the fridge. "What
should we do for dinner?"

Eloise opened a dip, sticking her finger in to sample it. "We really can't stay. I’m doing
laundry to pack for Aubrey Hall."

Phillip paused, mid-cut. "Oh?" While he wasn't privy to all the details of Eloise’s family
history he was well aware that it was a sore subject.

Eloise sighed, reaching over to steal a piece. “My sister and her dead husband’s cousin-“
Phillip frowned and Eloise waved her hand, “I have no idea but I haven’t seen her since the
funeral and…”
Phillip gave her a reassuring smile, “I hope it goes well.”

”It will not.” Eloise confirmed, resting her chin on his shoulder as he sliced. "But I can only
avoid it for so long. Augie talks lots about the family and Ollie has been asking more and
more questions.”

“At least it’s beautiful there this time of year?” Phillip offered, then thought on it. “Actually,
I’m due a trip to Romney to inspect some new irrigation equipment. Maybe I’ll take the
opportunity to have a weekend with Amanda while you and Ollie are gone.” Phillip turned,
pleased with the view down her shirt. “And if you manage to get away, I have a very
impressive greenhouse to show you.”

”I feel like that was supposed to be innuendo but it’s actually just you showing me a
greenhouse.” Eloise said, sounding amused.

“Mummy? Are you-“ Eloise and Phillip jumped apart, looking entirely guilty as Oliver and
Amanda burst through the door. “-here? Can we have ice cream? Amanda’s daddy said we
could.”

“No I didn’t.” Phillip said incredulously. "I’m cutting up cucumber."

”Ew,” Amanda moaned.

”Yuck,” Ollie groaned.

”Yum,” Eloise said, innocently biting into another piece. “Eating your cucumber is my
favourite thing.”

“Ollie looks younger in person,” Hyacinth remarked, draped over a chair at Aubrey Hall.

Eloise nodded, tapping her fingers on the sofa she was sitting on. If there was anything that
had remained consistent over the years at Aubrey Hall it was the never-ending chaos. It
seemed the family had decided that Eloise and Ollie’s homecoming would be equated with
Fran’s three-month absence, and they were all pretending that the fights, tears, and Eloise’s
parting words had never happened.

Anthony was avoiding Eloise, which was probably for the best, while Ben was in fun uncle
mode, not giving Eloise a single glance before he whisked Oliver and Augie away to play
football in the front field. Colin and Penelope were a united front, acting like nothing was
amiss, while Hyacinth and Gregory remained on the fringes of it all, exchanging looks and
snorts that remained ignored by the room at large. Eloise could tell Fran was just as
uncomfortable as she was, and the only positive in the whole misadventure was being able to
take some of the attention away from her sister.

"Augie's just tall for his age." Daphne offered from where she sat beside Eloise. "Even
although they are in different years, there are really only five months between them."
"Right." Hyacinth said, eying Eloise and Daphne. It was strange, seeing this grown-up
version of her baby sister. "2016 was quite a year." Although some things never changed.

"Hyacinth," Anthony warned from where he was sitting, supposedly reading a newspaper but
very clearly monitoring the situation. Hyacinth rolled her eyes but said nothing more, pulling
out her phone in what appeared to be a silent protest.

Violet put down her tea. "What does Oliver like?"

"He prefers Ollie." Eloise corrected, somewhat reluctantly.

"Ollie." Violet repeated, "What interests does he have?"

"Rocks. Geology. Dinosaurs." Eloise listed, thinking of his overflowing bookshelf. "Although
lately he's shown an interest in plants."

Daphne nudged her sister, "I wonder why."

"Why?" Hyacinth asked, looking up from her phone.

Eloise elbowed Daphne. "Someone we know is a botanist." Everyone waited, clearly sensing
more to the know. "And we’ve spent a lot of time together recently."

"Ah." Violet said, looking pleased. Eloise counted to five in her head, willing herself not to
engage. "Maybe you could go visit Fran? I'm sure there are different plants in Scotland."

Fran looked up from where she was whispering with Michaela, alarmed to be pulled into the
conversation. "Sorry?"

"I was saying Eloise should bring her botanist to see Kilmartin Castle."

"He's not my-" Eloise bit the inside of her cheek, "Maybe in the summer. Once school is out."
Fran looked relieved by Eloise's words, which stung more than Eloise liked to admit.

"How is the school year going?" Violet asked, ready to move on to a new topic.

"Well.” Eloise replied, hoping to end it there. Daphne gave her a look, a not-so-subtle threat
that if Eloise didn't do it she would. Eloise sighed, turning to her mother. "He's attending
Mayfair Academy now."

Shock, then confusion, then relief settled on Violet's face. "That's wonderful."

"How are you paying for that?" Anthony asked, putting down the paper. "Does this botanist
have money?"

Daphne squeezed Eloise's hand in warning, "Simon and I are covering Ollie's tuition this
year."

Anthony eyed Eloise skeptically, "And you're fine with that?"

"For my son, yes." Eloise said meeting Anthony's gaze head-on.

Anthony considered this, "Will he be attending Eton?" Eloise hesitated, "He should.
Although if he needs a seat, we'll have to-"

"No." Eloise cut in. "He will not be attending Eton."

Violet reached for her tea, then immediately put it back down, "Far be it for me to interfere-"

"Then don't." Eloise suggested icily.

"Eloise," Violet said gently, "I know you are angry with us, but that boy deserves-"

"That boy is my son." Eloise said, unable to take the condescension. "My. Son. The one I
raised by myself, alone."

"By choice. That was your decision." Violet said, a hint of frustration creeping in. "One we
all respected."

"Respected?" Eloise echoed, amazed. "Right. Did the respect come before or after you tried
to marry me off to some man I didn't know?"

Violet pursed her lips, "I'm sorry you feel like that's what happened. It was never my
intention to force a marriage on you. I was only trying to-

"Solve my problem. Isn't that what you called it?" Daphne reached out to calm her sister but
Eloise shoved her away.

"You were 17." Violet said, sounding hurt. "A child."

"Funny how Daphne wasn't a child."

"El." Daphne warned quietly.

"No. This needs to be said. The only difference between Daphne and I was a husband."

"And two years." Violet pointed out calmly. "She was 19, married and wanted-"

"While I was just a dumb kid sleeping around?"

"I never blamed you." Violet reminded, her composure slipping. "You can think whatever you
like about the situation but do not put words in my mouth. I tried to help you in the ways I
could. I thought that if you had a partner, someone to take care of you, you might get through
it without losing your way. Without losing the future you wanted for yourself."

"Well I lost it." Eloise said, laughing bitterly. "And I know that makes me a disappointment to
you." Eloise stood up, blinking back tears. "But I can’t let my son be as well."

"El, wait!"
Eloise stopped on the front steps of Aubrey Hall, wiping at the tears on her face.

"Don't go." Fran pleaded from behind her.

Eloise shook her head, unable to turn around.

"Mum is trying," Fran said quietly. "She really wants you here."

"She wants a version of me that doesn't exist.”

"Then I want you here.”

Eloise closed her eyes, feeling the sting of tears. "I'm sorry Frannie."

"Don't be sorry," Fran said, fighting tears of her own. "Just stop running."

Eloise turned around, destroyed by the version of her sister standing in front of her. "I have to
go.”

"Hi?" Phillip greeted as he pulled the door open at Romney Hall. "I wasn’t expecting..." He
trailed off when he saw the look on Eloise's face. "Come in."

Eloise nodded gratefully, clutching a bag of their belongings. "Amanda is watching

cartoons." Phillip said to Oliver, pointing down the hallway.

Oliver looked to his mother, knowing something was wrong. "Go Ollie." Eloise assured,
ruffling his hair. He gave her a quick hug before scampering off to find the tv room.

"What happened?" Phillip asked when Eloise deflated the second Oliver was out of sight.

"My family."

Phillip opened out his arms, “How can I help?"

"This." Eloise said, burying her face into his chest. "Just this."

After putting the children to bed, or at least attempting to, Phillip brought Eloise a glass of
wine in front of the fire.

"Trying to get me drunk?" Eloise asked with a small smile, somewhat back to herself.

"Trying to make you feel better," Phillip said, sitting down beside her.

After a pause, Eloise molded herself into his side, pulling her feet up on the sofa beside them.
"Is this a good time to ask why we're acting like a married couple?"

"It is?" Phillip asked in concern, "You've had a rough day."

Eloise took a sip of wine, "Was that a 'this has been great but' opener?”
"What?" Phillip straightened. "No, I meant we really don’t have do this right now.” Phillip
paused. “This has been very great."

"But..." Eloise said, waiting.

"But nothing. I want it to continue. For a very long time, if you're amendable."

Eloise let out a little laugh, "Yes, Phillip Crane, I'm amendable." Phillip leant down to give
her a tender kiss, smiling when she pulled him back for another. "We'll have to tell the kids."

Phillip winced, "I think they already know. I caught them fighting about who gets to be the
ungendered flower girl at our wedding."

"Oh." Eloise said, not sure how she felt about Ollie knowing. "I'll have to talk to him
tomorrow."

Phillip nodded, "I’d like to talk with him too, when you're both ready."

Eloise sat back on the sofa. "That was a lot simpler than I was expecting."

"Simple," Phillip said, sliding an arm around her. "But good."

After a round of simple and good sex, then one decidedly less simple and even more good,
Eloise lay in Phillip’s bed, slowly tracing the scars on his back. “Do they still hurt?”

Phillip looked over his shoulder, “Sometimes. When it rains.”

”You love rain.” Eloise said sadly. “Tell me about him?”

“I don’t want to.” Phillip pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “Not because of you, but because he
doesn’t deserve it. His name hasn’t been mentioned since the day he died and I intend to keep
it that way.” Eloise nodded, running her fingers over the lumps. “Tell me about your
mother?”

“She certainly never hurt us like this.” Eloise said, pulling the sheet up in case they had little
visitors. “She’s a good mum.” Off Phillip’s skeptical look, Eloise sighed. “Really. She just
wanted different things for me than I wanted for myself.”

“I don’t see how kicking out your pregnant teenager is good parenting,” Phillip said, rather
angrily.

“She didn’t kick me out.” Eloise defended. “I left. Loudly and dramatically.”

“You? Never.” Phillip teased with a small smile, but it didn’t last.

“She said I wouldn’t be able to do it alone.”

Phillip rolled over to see her. ”You did.”

”I did.” Eloise confirmed, finding her place at his side. “My brothers went after the father,
and when they found out he had no money, my mother tried to set me up with a boy who ran
in our circles. As if my rebellion and his rebellion were the same and we would magically
fit.“ Eloise rested her head on Phillip’s shoulder. “It was bad. I snapped at him, and my
mother told me he was my best chance at happiness. She’s always been obsessed with the
idea of love matches, and she couldn’t understand me wanting to be on my own.”

“Do you want to be?” Phillip asked, and suddenly it wasn’t just about a screaming match in
the drawing room eight years ago. “Alone?”

”No.” Eloise said, leaning into him. “All I wanted was my family’s support to make my own
choices, but instead they tried to make it go away. It felt like they wanted me to go away, so I
did.”

“It’s hard being a single parent.” Phillip said, thinking about Amanda, crying out in the
middle of the night for a mother that wasn’t coming. “Every day I wake up and wonder if I’m
enough. If I go too soft, or yell too loud, or overlook the wrong thing, there’s no one else
there. My greatest fear is losing her because of something I did.”

“You’re a good father Phillip.” Eloise assured, his words echoing in her head. “I had a good
father.”

”You did.” Phillip agreed, knowing he did not.

”And I have a good mother.” Eloise continued, mostly to herself. Phillip didn’t say anything
and Eloise looked up. “I do. She was trying to help. In completely the wrong ways, but she
loved me. Despite everything, there was always love.” Eloise stopped, unable to hold back
her tears. “I miss her.”

“So tell her.” Phillip suggested, reaching for her hand.

Eloise nodded, just once, then pulled the sheet back.

”What are you doing?” Phillip asked warily, watching as Eloise dressed in a burst of energy,
apparently unaware of the tears streaming down her face. “Did I-“

”I need to go.” Off Phillip’s horrified look, Eloise reached out, hopping around she pulled on
pants. “Not you, I promise. I just really need to talk with my mum.”

“Now?” Phillip asked in confusion. “I didn’t mean…” Phillip leant over to check the time on
his phone. “Can’t this wait until the morning?”

”No.” Eloise said simply, pulling her hair into a messy bun. She turned, impatiently gesturing
at his naked body. “So get moving? You’re my ride. In more ways than one.”

And all Phillip could do was laugh, powerless to resist everything that she was. “Yes dear.”

This time Eloise's return to Aubrey Hall had no welcoming party, only Ben, sitting on the
front steps smoking a joint.
"This must be laced with something, I’m hallucinating the return of the prodigal daughter."

"Funny," Eloise said, sitting down beside him.

Ben offered out the joint and Eloise took it, inspecting her brother. "You look old."

"And you look like you've been getting some." Ben said, nodding towards her neck.

Eloise lifted her hand, then paused, kicking at his foot. "You're a dick."

"That’s what you said." Ben retorted with an overly pleased grin. "You're fine. There’s no
evidence from your mystery driver.”

Eloise rolled her eyes, taking a hit off the joint. "So how much does everyone hate me?"

Ben pressed his thumb and finger together, "Teeny tiny little bit." Eloise sighed and Ben
snatched the joint out of her hand. "I'm kidding. No one hates you."

"I find that hard to believe."

Ben took a hit, staring up at the stars. "They're hurt. Confused. Wondering what they did to
deserve being cut out of your life."

"They?" Eloise asked carefully.

"Me." Ben confirmed, turning to her. "I still don't understand what happened El.“

Eloise hugged her legs, looking up at the sky. “I was angry.”

”I think we all got that part.” Ben said dryly.

”With myself, mostly. I was going to go to uni, get a journalism degree. Land some amazing
job and live an exciting life." Eloise sighed, resting her chin on her knees. "I knew Anthony
and mum would be mad, but I didn't expect them to suggest Aunt Winnie. Or invite Morrison
around for dinner.”

”But what did I do?” Ben asked, sounding hurt.

“You were on their side.”

“How?”

Eloise looked at him, “You told me to get an abortion.”

”Because I was on your side”. Ben emphasized. “You asked me what you should do and I
answered. I thought we were always meant to be honest with each other.”

”I needed your support.”

”You had it.” Ben said, sounding beyond confused. “You always have it.”
”I needed someone to tell me I could do it all."

“But you couldn’t El.” Ben said, grinding the last of the joint into the gravel with his shoe.
“And I wanted you to choose yourself.”

“I love my son.” Eloise said, needing it to be said.

”Of course you do." Ben agreed. "I don't regret what I said, but I’m glad you didn’t listen.”
Eloise nodded, and they sat in comfortable silence, nothing more to be said. “Can you please
stop screening my phone calls? I’m stuck with bloody Colin at family functions and I can’t
handle another conversation about his wife’s tits.”

”They do seem larger than I remember.” Eloise defended with a hint of a smile.

”They’re expecting.”

“Oh.” Eloise felt the sting of lost friendship. “Well, that explains it.”

“Penelope asks about you.” Ben offered in consolation. “And Ollie.” Eloise said nothing, and
Ben leant back on his elbows. “Did you just grow apart or…”

”She told Colin I was pregnant." Eloise hugged her legs tighter. "She had been trying to get
me to tell someone, but I didn't even know she was seeing him and…well, he told mum.”

”That’s shit.”

Eloise sighed, “She went away to uni, got her degree, found her dream job and I…didn't."

“Not yet.” Ben offered, lifting up an arm to pull her in. Eloise said nothing, holding onto her
brother.

Fran answered her bedroom door, flushed, and it was only when Eloise caught the blur of
dark skin disappearing into the bathroom she understood. “Oh.”

Fran swallowed, looking nervous. “I wanted to tell you but…

Eloise regarded her sister, smaller and frailer than she remembered. “I’m happy for you.”
Fran nodded, lingering in the doorway. “And I’m sorry, for leaving.”

”It’s been hard.” Fran paused, “Without you.”

“It’s been hard without you too.” Eloise said, reaching out for Fran's hand.

Fran held on, silently thinking in the way she always did. “I’m sorry I didn’t speak up.”

Eloise gave her a sad smile, “You were a 16-year-old kid, what were you going to do?”

Fran looked at Eloise, “You were 17. What were you?”

Eloise found her mother in the gardens, sitting on the small bench that had been there since
the 1800s.

"Hi Mum."

Violet looked up, entirely surprised, her eyes puffy and red.

“I'm sorry." Eloise said, unable to stand the tears on her mother's face.

"You came back." Violet said in disbelief, before pulling Eloise into a desperate hug. "I love
you. No matter what is between us, you are always my daughter."

Eloise took a shuddery breath, "Then why didn't you come?" Violet pulled back to see
Eloise’s face, not understanding. "My water broke, and I was scared and alone."

Violet reached out to tuck a piece of hair behind Eloise's ear. "You told me not to. Screamed
it actually."

"I didn't mean it." Eloise whispered.

Violet pulled her in again, holding her as tightly as she could. “I did come.” Violet gave
Eloise a heartbroken smile. "Of course I came. I sat in the waiting room and didn’t tell
anyone who I was. Eventually I heard the nurses talking and knew that you and the baby
were safe."

"You were at the hospital?" Eloise asked, her voice breaking.

"Eloise, the only thing I ever wanted was to be there," Eloise didn’t know what to say and
Violet brushed some tears off her cheeks. "I don't know if you remember, but I gave birth to
Hyacinth alone."

Screams echoed in Eloise’s head. "I remember.”

"I'm not proud of how I leaned on Anthony during those years, but it wasn't without reason.
Being a mother is hard and exhausting, and it's all that more difficult when you do it by
yourself. I’ve been a parent with a partner and I’ve done it alone. I never wanted that struggle
for you."

“But I chose it.” Eloise pointed out softly. “Not because I had no options, but because I didn’t
want those options.”

Violet sighed, "I was scared. I knew how hard it would be."

"I didn’t have a clue." Eloise admitted with a small smile.

Violet let out a watery laugh, "No, you did not. You were ever so confident that it was all
going to work out just fine. And informed us all, repeatedly.”

"I was naive."

"You were young." Violet corrected, "And permitted to make mistakes." Eloise looked away
and Violet grabbed her chin, forcing her to turn back. “You need to forgive yourself Eloise.
Your future isn’t gone, it just looks different. And we’re both going to work on accepting
that.” Eloise said nothing, her eyes full of tears. “My children do not disappoint me. Merely
astonish. And I am so proud of what you’ve done.”

“I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too darling.” Violet replied, taking in the woman before her. "But I failed
you." Eloise opened her mouth but Violet held up her hand. "The harder I tried, the more you
pushed me away, and I thought that if I let you go, if I gave you the space you asked for you
would come back to me.” Violet looked at the hyacinths that surrounded them. “But you
didn’t come back.”

”I’m back now.” Eloise offered, knowing it wasn’t enough.

“You are.” Violet said as she gripped Eloise’s hand. “You're a wonderful mother.”

”So are you.” Eloise replied, holding on just as tight.

Violet gave her a sad smile, "I'm not, but thank you for saying it."

"You are." Eloise insisted. “I didn't understand before Ollie, how much you gave to us, how
much you fought to come back after Dad died.” Eloise paused. “I should never have said that
you didn’t deserve to meet my baby.”

“We can’t change the past, but I would very much-“ Violet paused, collecting herself. “I
would very much like to give Ollie a goodnight kiss if you would allowed it?”

Eloise squeezed her mother’s hand. “Of course I’ll allow it. But he’s not here, he stayed with
a friend.”

“A botanist friend?” Eloise hesitated and Violet reached up to cup Eloise’s face, needing her
to understand. “I’m not asking because I want you to find a husband, I’m asking because you
are my child, and it doesn’t matter whether you are 8 or 28, I need to know that you are being
treated kindly. That when you are out in the world, without me at your side, someone knows
how special you are. That you are loved, and listened to, and always have a safe place to
run.”

Eloise gave her mother a teary smile, “his name is Phillip.”

Six months later

"Miss Bridgerton." Headmistress Danbury said with amusement, "What have I told you about
loitering in hallways?"

Eloise peeked into the office, "Sorry, I wasn’t sure if you were in."
"Indeed I am." Danbury said, gesturing at Oliver and Amanda's academic transcripts piled
neatly on her desk. "I believe these are what you are after." Eloise nodded, lifting them off the
table. “Did the move go well?"

"We ended up with a puppy in the process, but yes." Eloise said, catching sight of yet another
rip in her sweater. Amanda and Oliver’s bartered price for relocating to Romney Hall was a
five-month-old terror named Bessie.

Danbury smiled, reaching for a third folder in front of her. "I found this in the archives. I
don't suppose you made it to the graduation ceremony."

Eloise frowned as Danbury handed it over. "That's because I didn't graduate. Ollie came a
month early and I never finished.”

Danbury eyed her carefully, "Didn't you? I seem to recall Miss Featherington bringing in
coursework from the hospital." Eloise looked up, surprised. “While her attempt was
impressive, the slander against patriarchal systems of oppression was lacking in both vigor
and descriptive adjectives.”

Eloise opened the folder and scanned the transcript. “I can’t accept something I didn’t earn.”

Danbury folded her hands on her desk, looking just as imposing as Eloise remembered. "We
both know you were more than capable of finishing a few essays to earn your graduation.
Bring this with you to the country. You don't have to do anything with it, but if you choose to,
I will always be here to write a letter of recommendation." Eloise looked torn and Danbury
cleared her throat. "Don’t make me call your mother.”

Eloise let out a small laugh, but was fairly certain Danbury meant it. “Thank you.” Eloise
paused, holding the folders tightly. “For everything.”

Danbury nodded, “It has been quite the year.”

”It has.” Eloise agreed, turning to leave.

”I wish you well.” Danbury offered when she reached the door. “But Eloise?” Eloise
stopped, looking over her shoulder. “Please tell Oliver and Amanda's new school not to call.
I've had quite enough of you all."

”No promises.” Eloise said, and went home.

 Revival
Chapter Summary

Today is Eloise and Phillip’s one year wedding anniversary. Too bad about the divorce.

Revival

Anthony had once told Eloise she happened to life. In retrospect, he probably didn’t intend it
to mean divorcing her husband of six months.

She had tried, gave it a go, but love was for her siblings and their larger than life romances.
Eloise was simply meant for books and tenure at LSE.

She missed Amanda and Oliver but they were not her children. This was a fact, and no matter
how times she woke up in the middle of the night haunted by little voices calling out for her,
they weren’t hers to keep. Nor was Bessie, nor Romney Hall, nor Phillip.

And it was fine.

So fine she was celebrating the one year anniversary of her one and only wedding with a
vintage bottle of Dom Pérignon. She did get to keep half the money, which she did not want,
but Anthony wouldn’t let her walk away with nothing and it did turn out to be useful for
purchasing a new flat and setting up her life.

Again.

Eloise poured out more champagne, deciding next week would be the week she bought
proper glassware like a proper adult started living a proper life.

A knock sounded on her door, a rather unwelcome intrusion into her descent into drunken
research on cats to complete the aesthetic. Eloise found Penelope on the other side, her arms
full of wine and chocolate. “I bring gifts.”

”I’m fine.” Eloise said, holding her mug up as proof. Penelope eyed it warily. “It’s
champagne. To celebrate a new era.”

”Ah.” Penelope said, inviting herself in. “How apropos.” Eloise returned to her laptop,
opening up the website for a local animal shelter. “How are you doing?”

“Fab.”

Penelope sighed, “It’s all right to be upset. Today is-“

”My not wedding anniversary. I know.” Eloise squinted at the screen. “These cats have
bonded as a group. Do you think three is too much?”

”Okay,” Penelope said, reaching over to shut the laptop screen. “That was a cry for help.”

”I was using that.” Eloise complained as Penelope lifted it away.

“Eloise.” Penelope said, using the voice usually reserved for Thomas and Agatha, “You need
to talk about it.”

“I’m fine.” Eloise assured, sitting back. “It’s just a day like any other day. One step closer to
finalizing the paperwork and moving on with my life.”

”And that’s what you want?” Penelope asked, studying her best friend. “It’s completely over
and you’re ready to move on?”

”Yes.” Eloise said, sounding exasperated. “It was a ridiculous idea in the first place. Marrying
someone I got to know over texts, having a rushed destination wedding. It’s hardly surprising
it fell apart. Expected really.”

”I thought it was romantic.” Penelope said sadly.

”It was a fun adventure.” Eloise admitted, raising her mug. “But I won’t be hitting that floor
again.”

“That’s not a thing.” Penelope said, rather amused. “How much of that have you had?”

Eloise glanced at the fridge, “Half a bottle? It’s been a liberal pour.”

“Fully justified.” Penelope said, sitting down to join her at the table. She slid the laptop back
to Eloise. “But no cats.”

”Elderly one-legged dog?” Eloise tried hopefully.

“No-“ Penelope was cut off when the front door swung open.

“She’s here!” Hyacinth yelled, bursting into the room with several bags and a cake box.

Eloise frowned, confused. “Why are you breaking into my house?” Eloise paused, “Again?”

”Looking for you.” Daphne said as she and Fran materialized at Hyacinth’s side. “Your phone
is off. Do you remember what happened last time your phone was off?”

“It’s probably dead.” Eloise said, not bothering to go to find it.

“How are you?” Fran asked, crossing the room to give Eloise a hug. “This must be hard.”

Eloise gave Fran a consoling arm pat. ”I’m fine.”

“She’s fine.” Penelope echoed to them in a way that said she was not fine.
Eloise pointedly ignored it, and the look they all shared. ”You didn’t have to come.” Eloise
said, finishing off the last of her mug.

”Of course we did.” Daphne said, eying a towering stack of dog eared books.

Eloise opened the fridge, surprised to find only a drop left in her champagne bottle. “Oh.
Well, I guess it’s wine time.”

”I come prepared.” Daphne said, holding up a bottle of wine and then revealing a second in
her other hand.

”I have cake.” Hyacinth offered, lifting the lid to show Eloise ‘fuck him’ written in purple
icing.

Penelope slid her own wine contribution across the table. “Should be enough.”

”For this?” Fran said, reaching for the bottle opener. “Never.”

“You really didn’t have to come.” Phillip insisted as Michaela and Colin made themselves at
home in his study. “Really.” He emphasized, watching as Michaela pulled a book from the
shelf and inspected the title, mouthing ‘nipplewort’ to herself.

“Nonsense.” Colin said, dropping his contribution of open snacks on to Phillip’s desk.
“Nowhere else I’d rather be.”

”Nowhere?” Phillip questioned disbelievingly.

“My wife is with your ex-wife, formerly known as my sister, so I’m all yours.”

”Oh.” Phillip said, faltering. “Is she…”

”I don’t know.” Colin admitted honestly. “Pen hasn’t messaged me. I think Daph, Fran and
Hy are there too.”

Phillip nodded, unsure of what to say.

“This.” Michaela interrupted, putting the book back on a different shelf than it came from. “Is
the worst boys night I’ve been to. I was promised alcohol and a good time, and you two are
providing neither.” She caught sight of a bottle of expensive whiskey on Phillip’s shelf. “Now
we’re talking.” Reluctantly Phillip produced three tumblers from a drawer and watched
Michaela fill them to the brim.

“To those fucking Bridgertons!” Michaela toasted, before throwing it back.

Colin didn’t lift his glass. “Um, hi?”

“To fucking those Bridgertons?” Michaela tried with a grin.

Colin grunted, but took a sip. “That’s my sister you’re thinking about.”
”Sisters.” Michaela corrected, turning to Phillip, staring at his drink silently. “Cheer up mate.
This is an anniversary party.”

It was Daphne’s fault, Eloise supposed, that she was married in the first place. If her sister
hadn’t looked so stupidly happy with her stupidly handsome husband and stupidly cute
children Eloise wouldn’t have wondered what it was like to be loved. And Fran, Fran was
worse. With her inability to keep her hands off her girlfriend and their lovesick puppy eyes
and that one time she caught them kissing in the snow like they were some kind of hallmark
movie couple. It was infuriating. And Penelope. Well, Penelope had a lot-

“Are you with us El?” Penelope asked, waving her hand in front of Eloise’s face.

“Yes.” Eloise said, definitely out-loud, and with confidence, because she was and being
drunk wasn’t going to change that. Eloise had survived, and she would keep surviving, and
what she needed more than anything was to get past this. Get past him and-

“Maybe we should take her drink away.” Fran suggested, sounding concerned.

”No!” Eloise exclaimed, clutching it against her chest, oblivious to the way it sloshed over
the side. “I’m fine.”

”She’s fine!” Daphne exclaimed, turning to Penelope. “Have you heard? She’s fine.“

Hyacinth snorted, offering Eloise a sip of her bright red cocktail.

“Not helping Hy.” Fran gripped, smelling the alcohol from two seats away. Hyacinth grinned
innocently as Eloise tried, and failed, to keep the straw in her mouth.

“Can I buy you lovely ladies a drink?”

They all turned to take in the man standing in front of their table. Young, tall and handsome,
Eloise tilted her head as if considering the offer.

”I want to dance.” Eloise announced, rather abruptly, before grabbing his shirt and marching
him towards the dance floor.

”Okay, now I am actually worried.” Daphne said, watching as Eloise started dancing in a way
few people would have credited her with.

”I’ll go.” Fran volunteered, getting off her stool.

“Don’t leave her alone.” Daphne warned, leaning to the side to try to get a better view. “Is
she…”

Penelope nodded, watching as Eloise grinded down, wrapping her arms around his neck as
they pressed up against each other on the dance floor. “This is bad.”

“I think it’s good.” Hyacinth argued, her eyes on the man. “Exactly what she needs.”
”It’s like watching a slow motion wreck.” Daphne said, cringing as they started kissing, all
tongue and teeth. “Go save her.” Daphne nudged Fran forward. “Or him? I can’t decide.”

Fran sighed, “You better all be there if she starts a bar fight.” Fran walked through the crowd,
sidestepping several handsy couples, until she landed in front of Eloise and her new friend. It
was a spectacle, and certainly not something she had any desire to be part of, but Fran knew
what she was required to do.

Michaela pulled out her phone to check the latest message from Fran. It was blurry, over
saturated with the flashing lights, but there was no mistaking Fran’s thumbs up selfie, and
what was happening behind her. Michaela put her phone on the desk, reaching for her drink.

“What are they up to then?” Colin asked beside her.

”Out. At some club.” Michaela said, reclining in her seat.

Colin blinked, “I thought it was supposed to be a girls night in.”

Michaela shrugged, “Now it’s a girls night out.”

Phillip said nothing, nursing his whiskey.

Michaela downed the majority of her glass, getting to her feet. “Top me up Phil.”

Phillip did, reaching over to fill her tumbler and froze, catching sight of the picture in
Michaela’s messages.

“What’s wrong?” Colin asked noticing the look on Phillip’s face. “Get snared by a Fran sext?
You wouldn’t think it but-“

Phillip stopped filling Michaela’s cup.

They found Penelope first, holding the table while Daphne was taking a call outside and Fran
remained on Eloise duty.

Penelope jerked up, surprised by the trio. “What are you…” Her eyes darted to the dance
floor, relieved to see that neither Eloise nor Fran were there. Penelope turned back to Colin,
eying Phillip. “Not a good idea Colin.”

”Where is she?” Phillip demanded, scanning the crowd.

Daphne arrived back at the table, “Well this is going nowhere good.”

Suddenly Fran popped up, sweaty and breathless. “I lost her. She was right there and then-“
Fran drew up short, noticing Michaela, Phillip and Colin. “Oh hi.”

”Hi.” Michaela said, leaning in for a kiss, a kiss that went a lot longer and deeper than anyone
else would have liked.
“Eloise?” Phillip reminded, impatiently.

Fran turned to him, looking sorry. “I don’t know. She can’t have gone far?”

Phillip gave a grunt of disapproval before storming off into the crowd.

With every dark corner Phillip searched, he felt his world closing in.

He did this.

He caused this.

He deserved this.

Phillip burst out the side door, needing to get out of claustrophobic club. Somewhere inside
was Eloise, alone with some man, kissing her and touching her in a way that should have
belonged to him.

Phillip put his hands on his knees, willing back the tears. It had gone so wrong. A stupid
fight, a misunderstanding about the children, and she had gone to Ben.

And he hadn’t gone after her.

Determined not to leave without her, Phillip steeled himself and stood up, prepared to search
every bar in London until he found her.

But there, sitting against the brick wall, was Eloise. Sobbing into her hands.

Phillip raced forward, dropping to his knees. “Did he hurt you? I swear to fucking god, if
he-“

”Phillip?” Eloise looked up. “What are-what?”

Phillip grabbed at her, checking for damage. “Are you hurt?”

Eloise stared at him in total confusion, “No, I’m not hurt.” Phillip hauled her against him, not
caring that it was the first time they had touched in months. “What are you doing here?”

Phillip leant back and grabbed her hands. “I came for you.” Something painful flashed in
Eloise’s eyes but Phillip held on. “I saw you with that man and I just-“

”So you’re jealous.” Eloise said slowly.

”So fucking jealous. I want to box the life out of him.” Philip growled, squeezing her hands.

“We’re not together.” Eloise said, “I can kiss-“ And then he was the one kissing her, pressing
his tongue into her mouth, stealing her words and her air with his desperation.

Eloise reared back, looking like she was about to swing. “We’re getting a divorce Phillip.”
“Fuck the divorce. Fuck that asshole. Fuck everything that isn’t you. I want you.” Phillip
kissed her again, frantically. “I need you.”

Eloise knocked him to the ground with a violent shove. “I’m not yours.”

Phillip stared up at her, hovering over him. “You are.” Phillip said, feeling her hand tighten
around his arm. “And I’m not going home without you.”

Eloise pinned him to the pavement with a kiss, angry, hot, and tasting of alcohol and
cigarettes. Phillip flipped her over, reaching under her dress. Eloise’s arched up, giving
Phillip access, and he wasted no time in claiming her with his fingers.

Eloise groaned as Phillip dropped his mouth to her neck, relentless in his effort to make her
come as hard and as fast as possible. Eloise grabbed at his hair, yanking him upwards as she
unexpectedly tumbled over the edge, moaning into his mouth as a sudden climax overtook
her. Phillip bit at her bottom lip, drawing it out with his fingers. “Again.”

”Phillip-“ She breathed, overstimulated and overwhelmed by the intensity in his eyes. “I-“

“I love you.” Phillip said as he restarted his efforts, holding her in place as she shuddered
against him. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

Eloise closed her eyes, focusing on the feeling of him inside her, his words in her ear, and his
weight pressing her into the pavement. “Mine.”

“Yours.” Eloise said, then let go, grabbing at him as another wave of pleasure ripped through
her, longer and stronger than the first. When she came back down, Eloise was surprised to
find her face wet with tears. She opened her eyes and was startled to find that Phillip was the
one crying. Eloise reached up to cup his cheek, “What-“

“I meant every word in that message. I should have-“

”What message?” Eloise questioned softy, stroking his cheek with her thumb.

“The text I sent this afternoon?” Phillip said confused. “I know it was too little, too late but-“

Eloise leaned up to silence him with a kiss. “It’s enough.” Phillip went to speak but Eloise
kissed him again. “You’re enough.” Eloise hooked her leg around his hip and rolled them
them over so she was on top. “We are enough.” Eloise searched his face, seeing the pain.
“What?”

“Did you…” Phillip took a shaky breath.

Eloise smiled, “It was a drunken snog. Fran stepped in before anything even happened.”

“You still wanted it.” Phillip said, sounding broken.

“I wanted you.” Eloise said, leaning down. “I was thinking about you.” Eloise kissed him
again, deepening the kiss as she tugged his shirt from his pants. “All I ever want is you.”
Phillip caught her hand before it made it to his fly, “I don’t want to fuck you in an alleyway. I
want to take you home and do it properly.”

Eloise freed her hand from Phillip’s grip and continued. “Isn’t it great we have our whole
lives to do both?”

“Do you think they’re going to make it?” Michaela asked Fran later that night as they lay in
bed.

“Yes.” Fran said, smiling as she thought of her sister. “Eloise acts tough but she’s as simple as
the rest of us. She just wants to know she’s worth fighting for.”

Michaela gripped Fran’s side. “I would burn the world down if you tried to leave.”

Fran laughed, leaning for a kiss. “I’m counting on it.” Fran settled back on the bed. “I don’t
think I want to know what happened between them.”

”I do,” Michaela smirked. “Did you see those marks on your sister?”

Fran decided to change the subject, “How much extra did you pay Gareth? Eloise’s tongue
down his throat wasn’t part of the deal.”

Michaela rolled over. “Don’t worry, he went home with a bonus.”

Fran narrowed her eyes, “What bonus?”

“You’ll find out soon enough.” Fran opened her mouth but Michaela was already there,
distracting her with a kiss that moved downward, and then downward some more.

“You’re not subtle.” Fran accused as she gave Michaela one more downward shove.

“Am I meant to be?” Michaela asked, laughing against Fran’s thigh. Fran glared,
unimpressed. “You’re hot when you’re angry.”

”And you’re hiding something.” Fran said, dropping her knee to the side.

Michaela simply grinned, “Let’s just say Christmas is going to be really fun this year.”
 Riptide - Part 1
Chapter Summary

Secret relationship best friend’s sister vacation fic. Eloise, Phillip, Ben, Edwina,
Penelope and Colin head to Greece for a hen/stag do weekend.

All the tropes, all the fun.

Riptide - Part 1

”I really think Phillip and Edwina would be good together.”

Eloise glanced at the pair, sitting together two seats ahead on the plane. “I don’t see it.”

”They’re both quiet, loyal, kind.” Penelope said, reaching into her bag.

Eloise accepted the mint that was offered her way, “I wouldn’t say Edwina is quiet.”

“Okay, reserved.” Penelope corrected, settling in for the three-and-a-half-hour flight. “Colin
says Phillip has been hiding in his room a lot. He thought he was seeing someone but when
he tried to catch them in the act, Phillip’s room was empty.”

”Sounds like rather unhinged behaviour.” Eloise replied with an unimpressed look in her
brother’s direction.

Penelope nudged Eloise, “You know I’d do the same to you.”

Eloise caught the mint with her teeth, biting down, “Don’t start.”

”I’m just saying, we’re taking a 4-day trip to Greece. Surely you could find someone to fill
your days?”

”My days spent sharing a room with Edwina?” Eloise pointed out. “By your decree.”

“Who knows, maybe she’ll be sharing with Phillip by the end of this.”

”Colin has not been good for your meddling.” Eloise observed, reaching for her headphones.

Penelope beamed at her fiancé sitting with Ben across the aisle. “It’s it wonderful?”

“Shots! Shots shots shots!” Ben chanted as they unlocked the door of their villa, a quaint
three-bedroom townhouse on the edge of the Ionian sea.
“Aren’t you the oldest person here?” Edwina asked in amusment.

”Wisest.” Ben agreed, “And as the elder of the group, I intend to start as we shall go on. Coke
and strippers.”

Eloise rolled her eyes, “Can we start with margaritas instead?”

”Only if you’re making.” Ben replied, ruffling her hair as he passed with his duffel bag.
Eloise swatted at him but it was too late, leaving her swinging at empty air.

Phillip laughed and Eloise turned on him, "Just for that you're helping."

"Phillip and I get this room!" Ben called out from somewhere upstairs as Edwina attempted
to drag her overstuffed suitcase up the stairs.

"I'll do that." Colin offered, reaching out to add it to the two he already had in his hand.

"Vaguely sexist," Eloise commented, abandoning her own suitcase. "But since you offered,
mine too."

Penelope pushed Colin towards the stairs before he could respond. "Call us when the drinks
are ready. We're going to unpack."

“Ew.” Eloise muttered to Phillip as she followed him into the kitchen. It was spacious,
modern and fully stocked as per their specifications. Anthony had insisted they spare no
expense for the joint hen and stag adventure, and Colin had taken the time to write out an
extensive grocery list. Eloise and Phillip found a display of top shelf alcohol, a fruit bowl and
pantry supplies with relative ease, but the blender was a mystery as they riffled through the
perfectly organized cupboards.

Finding success under the sink, Eloise turned and was startled to find Phillip standing directly
behind her. "Need something?”

“Yes.” Phillip lifted the blender out of her hands and put it on the counter behind her.

Eloise glanced at the open doorway, "We shouldn’t-" Eloise's protest died in her mouth when
Phillip kissed her, pressing her back into the counter.

"I've been wanting to do that all day." Phillip whispered against her lips.

"You mean when you handed me my coffee order in front of everyone?" Eloise replied,
although more breathlessly than she would have liked. "You're lucky they were all half
asleep."

"Maybe I'm very observant." Phillip defended, slipping a hand up her shirt.

"Maybe you're-" Eloise and Phillip jumped apart as footsteps sounded on the stairs, Eloise
spinning towards the fridge as she pulled her bra back into place.
"Jesus Christ El. Did you have to pack so many books?" Colin complained from the foyer
before his heavy footsteps retreated back up the stairs.

Phillip glanced at Eloise, doing a particularly bad job of hiding his smile, and she chucked a
lime at his head. "Get to work Crane."

Phillip caught the lime with a grin, “Yes boss."

"Pretty damn good." Eloise declared as she toasted margaritas with Edwina and Penelope by
the pool. The villa came equipped with an outdoor kitchen, rooftop patio, pool and stunning
sea views.

"Excellent choice." Edwina agreed, tipping her oversized sunhat back to glance at Ben, Colin
and Phillip crowding around platter of saganaki. “Think they will leave any of that for us?"
Penelope had declined housekeeping staff but had welcomed a chef, well aware of how
unbearable Colin be without one.

"No." Penelope said, rather used to it. "But I asked her to save a platter of the best stuff for
us."

Eloise held up her glass in respect, "I can't believe you're getting married in two weeks."

"I can't believe you agreed to be my maid of honour," Penelope replied with a toast of her
own. "And you." Penelope turned to Edwina. "Thank you for doing all the things Eloise is
rubbish at."

"So everything?" Edwina said, sticking out her tongue at Eloise.

Eloise kicked at her foot, "I picked flowers."

"You mean you bummed a ride with Phillip to watch Phillip to pick flowers." Edwina
corrected with a smirk.

"Now I remember why we haven't hung out as much since we graduated." Eloise said
reaching for a book at her feet, “You two gang up on me."

"Or maybe it's because you became a total recluse with your Ph.D. and Penelope started
living a fairytale." Edwina glanced at the boys. "Speaking of, someone can't keep their eyes
off you and your bikini."

"I will send you a therapy bill.” Eloise warned, pointedly not looking in their direction.

"He's not the only one," Penelope said, ignoring her dramatics. “Have you noticed that Phillip
keeps looking over here too?"

"Subtle," Eloise muttered around a sip of margarita.

"What do you think of him?" Penelope asked Edwina. "This is the first time you met, right?"
Edwina lifted her sunglasses, "I sense plotting Ms. Featherington."

"Soon to be Bridgerton thank you." Penelope replied, "I'm just saying, he's single. You're
single. Maybe that age-old story about bridesmaids and groomsmen could come true?"

Edwina sat back in her chair, "He's very nice."

"Nice?" Penelope questioned in dismay. "He's hot." She turned to Eloise, "Back me up here
El."

"He's...all right? Eloise offered, "If you're into that type of thing."

Penelope snorted, "God forbid you date a nice man."

"Who said anything about dating?" Eloise replied, throwing back a significant amount of
margarita. “You know I don't do relationships."

“I'm with you. After Freddie, I'm done with nice. Bring on the bad boys." Edwina said,
turning back to the pool.

Eloise clinked their glasses together, "I will most certainly drink to that."

The club was hot, filled with a lively mix of locals and tourists, and Ben had taken his role of
best man seriously by plying them all with exotic drinks and flaming shots of sambuca.

"I just love you so much." Penelope lamented as she hung off Eloise in the middle of the
dancefloor.

Eloise pressed a kiss to her forehead, not nearly as drunk, but just as happy to be out
celebrating her best friend's happiness. "I love you too Pen. You're my girl."

"I am." Penelope confirmed, "And I just love you so much. And I love Colin so much. And
Benedict so much. And Edwina so so much. And Phillip. I really really love Phillip so much.
Do you really really love Phillip so much?” Eloise nodded towards Colin, standing at the bar.
Penelope was about half an hour away from puking her guts out, and Eloise would rather it
be back at the villa.

"She's fine," Eloise assured as she passed Penelope to Colin. "Just drunk."

Penelope tried to kiss Colin, but ended up somewhere near his shoulder. "What about you?"
Colin asked, wrapping his arm around Penelope.

"I'll grab a Uber back with Eds.”

Colin looked torn, but Penelope dipped, her legs momentarily giving out. "Bring Phillip back
with you. He's not great in crowds." Colin passed Eloise his half drunk beer and scooped
Penelope up, laughing when she hooted in delight.
Eloise reached out to squeeze Penelope's hand as Colin carried her away. It didn't take Eloise
long to find Edwina, making out with someone in leather pants at the back of the club, and
even less to find Phillip, standing awkwardly at the edge of the dance floor nursing a blue
shot. "You know you're supposed to shoot that, right?"

Phillip glanced down at the concoction with a grimace. "Have you tasted it?"

"Yes. That's why." Eloise said in amusement.

Phillip glanced at her, before throwing it back, wincing as the sweet mixture burned down his
throat. "Vile."

"The Benedick special." Eloise confirmed, plucking the glass from his hand to put down on
the bar.

"Where is everyone?” Phillip asked, looking around the club.

"Drunk, drunk, drunk and taking home a drunk."

Phillip grinned, reaching out to pull Eloise towards him. "Does that mean I'm allowed to
touch you now?"

"Nope." Eloise said, dodging him. "Ben and Eddie are lurking around somewhere."

"Rather unfortunate," Phillip said, his eyes trailing down her body. "As I really want to see
what's under that dress."

"Nothing,” Eloise said with a well timed sip of beer. "I forgot to pack underwear."

Phillip's eyes jerked up, "Tonight or..."

"The entire trip." Eloise said, "I spent the time I was supposed to be packing in some fuck
boy‘s bed. Total rush job, forgot some key items."

Phillip groaned, "How do you expect me to sit beside you at the breakfast table after hearing
something like that?”

Eloise patted his chest, "That sounds like a you problem."

He caught her hand, tugging until she landed against him, "If I asked you to meet me
downstairs in ten minutes, would you?”

"Make it five and you earned yourself a maybe."

The bathroom sex was as cramped and awkward as expected, but they powered through,
coasting off tipsiness and Phillip's arm strength after a summer spent hauling bags of soil.
After a big finish, that nearly took the automatic soap dispenser off the wall, Eloise made a
half hearted attempt at salvaging her makeup.
She caught Phillip’s eye in the mirror, startled by his intensity as she tried to wipe lipstick
from her cheek, “What?"

Phillip dropped his eyes the back of her dress, "Nothing."

"That was convincing," Eloise said, giving up to fix her hair.

Phillip sighed, lifting his eyes to look at her through the mirror. "It's just...Colin is my best
friend." Eloise turned around to see him. "And you're his sister."

"Well he had no qualms about sleeping with my best friend so I'd say we're about even."

"It's different."

"Is it?" Eloise asked with some annoyance, “Or is there some preconceived notion that my
brothers are supposed to be protecting my honour and this goes against a stupid bro code you
have?"

"I don't like lying to him."

"So tell him." Eloise offered, "But understand that my family is obsessed with the idea of
love and romance. And Colin is probably the worst offender of all. So you and me fucking
for the sake of fucking isn't going to go down very well. We’re two weeks away from their
wedding so I'd really rather not kick that hornet's nest." Phillip looked away and Eloise
sighed, "Look, if it’s too hard for you we can stop.”

"I don't want to stop." Phillip replied, rather forcefully.

"Me neither." Eloise agreed. They stared at each other in tense silence before someone
pounded on the door. "I should really go vet Eddie's new bff."

"Ben wants to buy me more shots." Phillip replied with a pained smile.

Eloise nodded, reaching for the door. “Ask for green. Just as deadly, but it tastes better.”

"Wait," Phillip said, tugging her back. "I..." He trailed off, then bent down to kiss her,
exceptionally soft and slow. Eloise leaned in, not quite able to stop the way her hands ended
up in his hair as he backed her into the edge of the sink.

"Ow." Eloise complained, pulling back to look at where the metal faucet had speared her.

“Sorry.” Phillip said, stepping back in alarm. “That was…sorry.”

Eloise looked up, confused. “Phillip, I’m fine.”

But he had already bolted out the door.

Breakfast was a muted affair, with Penelope missing in action, Edwina hungover as hell and
Ben and Colin in painfully chipper moods as they planned out a fishing trip. Eloise
exchanged an amused look with Phillip as they started arguing about bait sizes.

”I’m not much for boats.” Philip said, passing Eloise a carton of oat milk. “I get sea sick.”

”What?” Colin said in dismay. “But you said you used to fish with your dad.”

”Hated it.” Phillip confirmed, stirring regular milk into his own coffee.

”But-“

”Don’t be an ass.” Eloise warned, reaching for a pastry. “He doesn’t want to go.”

Colin huffed, turning back to Ben. “I guess it’s just you and me.” Eloise cleared her throat
pointedly. “You want to come?” Colin asked warily.

“No.” Eloise replied biting into the bougatsa. “Couldn’t think of anything worse than being
stuck on a boat with you two. But thanks for the heartfelt invite.” Phillip let out a little laugh
and Eloise held her coffee up in a toast.

Colin stole the rest of her pastry while she was distracted and shoved it in his mouth. “Early
bird gets the worm!”

“It’s 10 am you lazy fucks!” Eloise yelled as they both disappeared out the door.

Edwina winced, slumped against the breakfast bar, “I’m going back to bed.”

Eloise laughed, “I hope he was worth it.”

Edwina looked over her shoulder, “He was.”

An hour later; Phillip sat on the edge on the edge of the pool, kicking his feet as Eloise
paddled around on a ridiculously oversized unicorn float. “A whole pool to ourselves.”

”A whole pool in view from the upstairs windows.” Eloise reminded, doing very little to stop
herself floating towards him.

”They are sleeping. We should probably pick a quiet activity.” Phillip said with a
mischievous grin.

Eloise splashed him, which had the predictable effect of Phillip grabbing onto the float and
dumping her into the pool. Eloise let out an undignified squeal as she went under, making
sure to take Phillip down with her. He tried to resist, but she was one of eight, and he was just
as vulnerable to a nipple tweak as anyone else.

When they surfaced, coughing up water, Phillip rubbed his chest, “That hurt.”

“Want me to kiss it better?” Eloise mocked, treading water in front of him.

Phillip grabbed the floatie and moved it until it effectively blocked the view from the upstairs
windows. “Yes.”

Eloise grabbed onto a handle above his head, their bodies making contact under the water.
“Do you actually get sea sick?”

“Why? Are you about to rock this boat?” Phillip asked, trying to steal a kiss.

“Maybe.” Eloise hedged, leaning back. “If you answer my question.”

Phillip wrapped his legs around hers, using her hold to keep them afloat. “No. I don’t get sea
sick.” He paused. “But I did hate fishing with my dad.”

In return for his answer, Eloise kissed him, bringing their bodies closer together. “My
brothers and I used to see how long we could hold our breath underneath water.” Phillip
nodded distractedly, trying to figure out the clip system on her bikini top. “Guess who won?”

”You.” Phillip said wondering if she would care if he just ripped it off. Probably, seeing as
the damn thing was the only thing she seemed to wear since they arrived.

”Me.” Eloise confirmed, before dipping under the water.

”Oh.” Phillip said, finally understanding as she reached his swim shorts. “Tell her.” Phillip
chided himself as he gripped onto a giant pink unicorn for dear life.

“Sorry we didn’t make it out.” Penelope said as they lounged the by the pool after a fish
dinner with very good wine.

”Nonsense. My favourite people in all of Greece are right here.” Eloise paused. “Minus my
brothers of course.”

”Of course.” Edwina echoed in amusement.

”You laugh but think if Kate and Anthony were here and you had to endure their loved up
displays.” Edwina made a face just thinking about it.

“We’re not as bad as them.” Penelope complained, nursing a small glass of wine and Eloise’s
face said it all.

Edwina laughed, “Fine. You win the little sister Olympics. Have my drink.” Edwina poured
what remained of her wine into Eloise’s glass.

”I don’t know if I want it. It has Greek god contamination. You didn’t give him a blowie,
right?”

”Ew.” Edwina said, “What, get on my knees in a gross club bathroom?”

Eloise took a sip of her wine, “Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it.”
“What she said,” Penelope echoed, sitting back.

Eloise gagged on her wine, “On that note, I’m heading to bed.”

Penelope grabbed her arm, “Don’t go. I’m joking.” She paused, “Mostly.

“Thin ice Pen.” Eloise warned holding up her fingers.

“It’s my hen do. I’m supposed to talk about sex." Penelope complained with a pout.

”With Debbers, sure. I would love to know all the kinky things bird boy did to you. But
tragically, once you got with my brother, your sex life ended. Haven’t done a thing since.”

“Just for that we’re playing never have I ever.” Penelope replied, looking rather pleased with
her idea.

”Are we 12?” Eloise asked in confusion.

”No. But it’s my party and I want to expose all your secrets. Colin!” Penelope yelled, trying
to attract his attention from where she could see him inside. “Colin Bridgerton!”

“I’m not playing with my brothers.” Eloise warned seriously.

Penelope shushed her, waiting until Colin popped his head through the archway. “We need
more wine.”

Colin saluted and disappeared inside.

“I’ll start.” Penelope said, sounding far more lively than she had all day. “Never have I ever
given a blowjob in a club.” Eloise flipped her off, and drunk. “Eds, you’re up.”

”Never have I ever kissed a friend's sibling." Edwina said with a grin.

"Sorry El." Penelope said, taking a sip.

"You’re absolutely not." Eloise replied knowingly, "But I get cake out of the whole deal so
whatever."

"Aww." Edwina cooed, patting Eloise's cheek. "She's gone soft."

Eloise pushed her away, “Never have I ever been in love.”

Penelope held her glass up proudly and drank. As if on cue, Colin appeared with two bottles
of chilled wine. “There he is. The love of my life. The ying to my yang. The-“

”You want snacks.” Colin finished, passing her the bottles.

“Cheese please.” Penelope requested sweetly.

Colin turned to Eloise, “Let me guess, this is your influence.”

Eloise leaned over to grab a bottle, “Nope. Penelope is truly spreading her wings.”

Colin sighed, “Anything else? Keeping in mind the chef went home an hour ago."

“Blankets.” Eloise requested, reclining on her chair. “And ice cream wouldn’t go amiss.”

“Yes Your Highness.” Colin mocked, but dutifully trudged back inside.

Penelope finished refilling her glass, “Never have I ever kissed a sibling's friend."

"Direct hit." Edwina complained, taking a sip. "Although do we consider Anthony Kate's
friend? More like frenemy who-" Edwina caught Eloise’s casual sip out the corner of her
eyes. "No way."

"What?" Eloise said, as both Penelope and Edwina turned on her. "I have a lot of siblings."

"Who?" Edwina demanded, far too pleased with this development.

"Why would I tell you that?" Eloise said in amusement.

"Because if you don't, I will call each and every one of your siblings to get them to list their
friends until we find the winner."

Eloise turned to Penelope, "Still think she's kind?"

"Name or we start with Colin." Penelope threatened.

Eloise rolled her eyes, "Whatever. Michaela. Well before she got with Fran."

"Oh,” Edwina said, sounding disappointed. "Everyone has kissed Michaela."

"Indeed." Eloise said, putting down her wine glass. “So are we done with this stupid game?”

“No.” Penelope and Edwina said together, before Edwina cleared her throat officiously.
“Never have I ever had sex in this villa.” Penelope sipped at the same time Eloise raised her
glass to her mouth. “What?” Edwina said, staring at Eloise with wide eyes.

Eloise blinked, “Forgot we were playing. Ignore that.”

”I was going to say…” Edwina laughed, picking up her glass. “Your turn.”

Eloise sighed, “Never have I ever faked an orgasm."

"Girl, what?" Edwina said, bursting into laughter. "That's not even slightly true."

"It is," Eloise insisted. "Never faked it."

"Never?" Penelope asked doubtfully. "Keeping in mind we share a thin wall and I was around
for the radical era."
"Never.” Eloise confirmed. "I refuse to ever fake my pleasure with a man. Every noise I’ve
ever made during sex has been 100% real."

”Oh hey Colin.” Penelope said, doing a particularly terrible job of holding back a snicker.

”I didn't hear that.” Colin paused, “Because I'm deaf. Forever altered by what I just didn't
hear."

"Women are allowed to enjoy sex too." Eloise muttered into her wine glass, not looking at her
brother.

"Can't hear you." Colin said, shoving his rather well-assembled cheese and olive platter into
Penelope's hands and backing away. "And I will continue to not hear you far far away from
here."

”You both knew he was there.” Eloise hissed as soon as Colin was back inside.

”We did." Penelope confirmed happily. "Never have I ever had sex in a pool.”

Eloise eyed Penelope, but she was too busy refilling her glass to notice. “What counts as
sex?”

”Anything that finishes the job.” Penelope answered with a raised eyebrow in Eloise’s
direction.

“I hate this.” Eloise muttered, taking another sip.

Edwina stretched out on her lounger, “Never have I ever had a friend with benefits.”
Penelope drank and Eloise hesitated. "I saw that.” Edwina accused. “Since when do you have
friends other than us?"

"Funny," Eloise muttered, keeping her glass firmly in her lap.

Penelope looked at her curiously, "She's right. Who you sleep with and who you consider a
friend never cross."

Eloise gestured to her glass, "Which is why I didn't drink. My go. Never have-"

"No no." Penelope said, putting her wine down to fully inspect Eloise. "This just got
interesting."

"It did not." Eloise assured, "Never have I ever left someone at the altar."

"Do I drink once or twice?" Edwina asked with a self-deprecating smile.

"Twice." Eloise and Penelope replied together. Edwina did, adding a third for the hell of it.

“Fuck him Eds.” Eloise said, reaching down to grab the wine bottles. “You’re destined for
bigger and better things.”
”Like Greeks.” Penelope agreed, settling into the lounger. “We still haven’t heard the blow by
blow minus a blow from last night.”

Eloise refilled all their glasses as Edwina started in on her tale of adventure, relieved to have
the game behind her.

"Took you long enough.”

"Your brother wouldn't stop talking," Phillip revealed, sitting down in the sand beside her.
"He finally popped some sleeping pills and passed out."

Eloise stretched her legs out, ruining the pattern she had been drawing in the sand. "Eddie's
on a FaceTime with Kate."

Phillip shifted so he was sitting behind Eloise, dropping his legs on either side of hers. She
leant back against his chest, watching the waves. It was colder than expected, and Eloise
didn't fight the extra warmth. "Did you have to send that picture? I was sitting right beside
your brother when I opened it."

Eloise turned to the side, "You're not using my name in your phone, right?"

"No." Phillip assured, wrapping him arms around her. "But it was a close call." Eloise said
nothing and Phillip squeezed. "I liked it though."

"What is my name in your phone?" Eloise asked after moment and Phillip's cheeks burned
red even in the darkness. "It's dirty, isn't it?"

"No." Phillip said slowly. "Not dirty." Eloise waited expectantly, "Baccara. It’s a type of
rose.”

"Cause I'm thorny and horny?" Eloise filled in when there was an uncomfortable silence
between them.

Phillip hesitated, "Yep."

Eloise turned back to the water, "You're big dick in mine."

Phillip snorted, "Seriously?"

"Seriously," Eloise confirmed. "Makes the sexts you send me extra fun."

"I don't sext you." Phillip replied, rather confused.

"Uh, you do. Going to take a cold shower? Wish you were here beside me?"

"I did take a cold shower," Phillip said with a laugh. "I was working outside all day. It was
really freaking hot. And I did wish you were there."
"To ravage," Eloise replied, leaning back to see his face. "See? I know what you are Phillip
Crane."

"Eloise..." Phillip said, then stopped. After a long drawn out pause, Phillip slid his hands to
the top of her shorts. "Ravage how? I might need inspiration for my next sext.”

"You could start with I want to warm you up just in case I’m sitting on a beach and forgot a
jumper."

“Warm." Phillip echoed, shifting forward so he could cover more of her with his body. "Got
it. What’s next?”

“Then an I want to fuck you through the mattress will usually suffice.” Eloise suggested,
leaning back to give him better access. “I’m romantic like that.”

"Ah huh." Phillip said, pushing past the waistband. "And if there is no mattress?"

"Then..." Eloise turned in his lap and pushed him backwards, looking rather pleased when his
back landed in the sand with a decided thump. "You go off script."

"Where did that impressive thing come from?" Penelope asked, nodding towards Eloise's
side.

Eloise looked down and found a dark bruise, exactly sink height. "No idea."

"I see your inability to navigate furniture hasn't changed," Colin said behind a pair of
sunglasses, lounging on a towel to their left. Eloise threw a beach ball at him, satisfied when
it knocked off his hat.

Edwina screamed in the water as Ben tossed her over his shoulder, Phillip floating peacefully
nearby. Penelope dropped her sunglasses down her nose, taking in the display. "Do you
think..."

"No." Eloise and Colin said together.

Penelope huffed, "I'm just saying. They seem chummy."

"Ben would do the same to you and El." Colin explained, then paused. "Well, a lot less gently
to Eloise. Which is my point, I think?"

"I loathe to admit it, but Colin is right. There's nothing there.” Eloise agreed. “Besides, Eddie
is Ben's sister-in-law's sister. Off limits."

"Fine." Penelope said, focusing on Phillip. "He isn't."

"Who isn't?" Colin asked, sitting up.

"Phillip." Penelope said, leaning back on her elbows. "He is freely available to anyone who
wants him."
Colin lay back down, "Phillip is perfectly happy on his own."

"Is he though?" Penelope said, "He seems lonely."

"That's just Phillip." Colin explained, "He's always been like that. At least since his brother
died."

"His brother died?" Eloise asked in surprise.

Colin sighed, rolling over. "He doesn't like talking about it."

"What happened?" Eloise asked, unable to help herself.

Colin glanced at Phillip, "Cancer. Their father didn't handle it well, and..." Colin stopped
himself. "Don't bring it up El. It’s a sensitive subject. What matters is that Phillip will find
himself someone when he wants to. Don't include him in your matchmaking games. He won’t
like that.”

Eloise bit her lip, "I'm going for a swim."

"Don't let Ben catch you." Penelope offered as she walked away. Once she was gone,
Penelope turned to Colin. "What do you think about Eloise and Phillip?"

Colin groaned, "Seriously Pen. Drop it. It would never work, they're complete opposites."

Penelope watched as Phillip paddled over to greet Eloise at the edge of the water, “If you say
so.”

“Did you hear something?”

”No.” Eloise said impatiently, rolling on top to get him moving again. Edwina, Penelope and
Colin had gone into town to do some shopping, something Eloise had refused to participate
in, while Ben said he was heading to the beach to enjoy more vibes. Eloise and Phillip wasted
no time in retreating to her bedroom to take full advantage of the empty villa.

"I swear I heard Ben-"

"Okay, the number one rule of this is never using my brother's name when you're inside me."
Eloise complained, sitting up.

Phillip glanced up at her. "I thought the number one rule was no feelings?"

"That can be bumped to number two for extenuating circumstances," Eloise said with a sigh.
"Are we doing this or..."

Phillip reached out to pull her back down, "Yes."

"Good." Eloise said, leaning down to kiss him. "Because-" Eloise froze, hearing agonizingly
slow footsteps on the stairs.
"Eloise?" Ben's voice echoed down the hallway.

Eloise put her finger to Phillip's lips. "What?"

"Do you have any suncream?" Ben asked, finally landing at the door.

"Are you a victorian princess? Put on a shirt and deal with it." Eloise bit back with a great
deal of annoyance.

"It's really fucking hot out there."

"For fuck sakes." Eloise muttered, before realizing. "Actually, it's by the sink. My toiletries
case."

"Thanks." Ben said, moving down the hall.

"Do you think…?” Phillip whispered, unable to tear his eyes away from where she was
hovering over him.

“No.” Eloise said, “He’s probably stoned and has his stupid headphones on.”

Phillip nodded, leaning up to give her a quick kiss. "Raincheck?"

"Raincheck." Eloise agreed, climbing off him to find her bikini.

Eloise went downstairs, just in case Ben was still hanging around, and found him sprawled
on the sofa, watching something on his phone.

"What happened to the beach?" Eloise asked, grabbing a water bottle from the mini fridge.

"Too hot." Ben said, looking up. "What have you been up to?"

"Reading." Eloise said, taking a long drink.

Phillip entered from the kitchen side, wearing a clean pair of shorts. “Afternoon.”

"Right. Reading." Ben repeated, turning his attention to Phillip. "Were you reading as well?"

"No." Phillip said, eating some grapes. “Looking at some plants outside.”

"Ah." Ben said, putting down his phone. "Was that before or after you fucked my sister?"

Eloise twisted the cap back on her bottle. “You heard then.”

"Really fucking wish I hadn't El.” Ben said, turning on Eloise. "Does Colin know?" She
shook her head. "Eloise,” Ben said, sounding worried. "You have to tell him."

"It's just sex." Eloise explained carefully.

"With Colin's best friend." Ben repeated, sounding far too much like Anthony for Eloise’s
liking.

"We're going to tell him. But not now, not with the wedding so close."

Ben looked between them, "I do not want to be part of this."

"So don't be." Eloise offered, "Phillip and I are adults. We can do what we want, and it's no
one's business but ours."

"I don't think Colin is going to see it that way." Ben pointed out with a heavy sigh. "But you
can have the room."

Phillip cleared his throat, "You don't have to-"

"I'll sleep on the couch." Ben insisted. "Tell the others it's too hot up there or something. Not
only so I don't have to walk in things best left unimagined but so you can have some time
together to figure this out."

"There's nothing to figure out." Eloise said, annoyed at the implication.

"Not involved." Ben reminded, picking up his phone. "But Phillip?"

"Yes?" Phillip asked warily.

"You hurt her and you'll have more than Colin to deal with."

Eloise rolled her eyes, "I don’t need your protection Benedict.”

Ben ignored her, focusing on Phillip. "Sort it.”

Phillip gave him a firm nod.

"Alarm set." Eloise confirmed, putting her phone down on the bedside table. She had waited
until Edwina was asleep to sneak over to Phillip's room.

Phillip wrapped his arm around her, the both of them squished in the single bed. "5 am? I
think that's a new record for how long you've stayed in my bed."

"Who says we're staying in the bed?" Eloise said with a grin. Phillip smiled, but it wasn't
heartfelt. "What's wrong?"

Phillip studied her, a long silence stretching between them. “I can't do this anymore."

Eloise's face fell. "Is this because of Ben? He's harmless. I promise, he’s-"

"It's not because of Ben."

Eloise swallowed, "Then Colin?"

"A bit Colin." Phillip admitted, but despite his words, he reached out to hold her tighter. "But
mostly us." Phillip paused. "Mostly me."

Eloise slowly sat up, "What about you?"

Phillip disentangled himself from her, leaning back against the wall. "I have feelings for you
Eloise. Strong ones. And I can't hide it anymore."

Eloise closed her eyes, "Don’t do this."

Phillip slowly reached for her hand, "I know it was stupid to pretend otherwise, but I like
you. Really like you and-"

Eloise pulled her hand away. "We laid down rules, and you are breaking them."

"I know."

Eloise stared at him, before crawling off the bed. "This isn't fair. You can't just expect me
to..."

"I don't expect anything from you." Phillip informed her. "But I needed to tell you how I
feel."

"Well I don't feel the same." Eloise said, folding her arms across her chest. "And I won't be
manipulated into changing who I am."

Phillip blinked, "Manipulated? I'm not..." Phillip pursed his lips, "I thought you would
appreciate the honesty."

"Honesty?" Eloise replied, her voice getting louder. "Because you're such an honest person?"

Phillip sat up straighter, "I am actually. Or was, until you came along."

Eloise shook her head, "Right. Because this is my fault?"

"No," Phillip replied, his own voice rising. "That's not...what I mean is, you changed me. You
made me do things I never would have done before."

"You were a willing participant Phillip. You kissed me first. So to turn this around and blame
me is really something. In fact, it's such a turn off I'm not even sure what I saw in you in the
first place."

"You're not listening." Phillip replied, a bit of frustration slipping into his tone. “I didn’t
expect it to end up this way. I didn’t want to have feelings for you.”

“So don’t.”

“That’s not the way it works,” Phillip replied lowly.

Eloise scoffed, “Go on then. Mansplain emotions to me. Since you’re so good at opening up
and sharing things about yourself.”

“I’m not…” Phillip trailed off, unsure of what to do with her sudden anger. “Just listen. I’m-“

"You know what? I don’t have to listen to anything.” Eloise interrupted, moving towards the
door. “I’m sorry I can’t be what you want but please don’t ruin this trip for my brother. We’ll
play nice, pretend like it never happened, and after the wedding you don’t need to hear from
or speak to me ever again.”

"Eloise, wait-" Phillip climbed off the bed frantically but she had already ripped the door
open, freezing when Colin was standing on the other side.
 Riptide - Part 2
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

Riptide - Part 2

Eloise tried to push past Colin but he caught her arm, holding her in place, “Why are you in
here?" Eloise shook her head, looking away to hide the tears stinging in her eyes. Colin spun
on Phillip, “Why is she in here?"

"You know why," Eloise muttered, yanking her arm free.

"No." Colin said, moving towards Phillip, standing at the edge of the bed. "I want to hear it
from him. Why is Eloise in your room in the middle of the night?”

"I'm sorry," Phillip said, not looking at either of them.

"No you're not. If you were sorry you wouldn't be doing it in the first place." Colin accused,
taking in Eloise’s tear stained cheeks. "What did you-“ Colin stopped, clenching his
fist. "You just had to go and- she’s my sister.”

Penelope and Edwina appeared at the door, looking worried.

Phillip turned to Colin. "I..."

"You what?" Colin questioned furiously, "Thought you'd get away with it? Thought you
could lie to my face?”

Penelope reached out for him, “Maybe we should-“

Colin side stepped her, barreling down on Phillip, "How long?"

“Christmas.” Phillip said, doing nothing to defend himself. “Colin, I didn’t want to-“

”Fuck my little sister?” Colin finished for him. “Because that’s exactly what you did.”

“Colin,” Eloise attempted to step between them, “Phillip didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Then why are you crying?" Colin demanded, his voice shaking with anger. “You don’t cry
Eloise, so what did he do?”

“Nothing,” Eloise insisted, putting her hand on Colin's arm to calm him down, “We were just
talking.”

Phillip locked eyes with Colin, “Hit me.”

”Colin.” Penelope warned sharply, still standing in the doorway.

Phillip nodded at Colin, “Do it. I deserve it.”

Eloise pushed Colin back, breaking up their standoff. “Enough. We didn’t mean for it to
happen, but it did, and the only thing I’m sorry about is that we didn’t tell you.”

“You know,” Colin said, turning to Eloise. “I knew you were immature. But sleeping with
Phillip to get back at me for Penelope is something else.”

“That’s not-“ Eloise’s jaw clenched, doing her best not to engage. “It’s not like that.”

“Then what is it like Eloise? Because from where I’m standing, you love breaking rules and
Phillip is someone you know you shouldn’t be with. The second the thrill of being bad wears
off you'll drop him and move on to your next attention-seeking stunt.” Eloise stared at Colin,
feeling the sting of his words. "Nothing to say? There's a first."

“I started it,” Phillip interjected quietly. “I kissed her and…” Philip trailed off painfully.
“Don’t be angry with her. Be angry with me.”

“So what now?“ Colin said, stepping away from them both, “I’m expected to play happy
families at my wedding while you two continue to sneak around behind my back?”

"No," Phillip said, finally working up the courage to look at Eloise. "Now it's done."

“You look like you could do with this,” Penelope said, offering out a beer as she sat down
beside Eloise on the rooftop patio.

Eloise wiped at her face, not acknowledging the tears, “Thanks.”

Penelope nodded, studying her. ”You okay? That was pretty intense." Eloise shrugged, taking
a sip of her beer. Penelope pushed Eloise’s legs off the lounger she was using and sat down,
squishing them together, side by side. “So Phillip, huh?”

Eloise sighed, not looking at Penelope. “It just kind of…happened.”

”Over and over and over?”

”Yes.” Eloise said, staring at her beer bottle.

Penelope nodded, twisting off the cap off a beer of her own. “I knew you were sleeping with
him, but I didn’t realize it was for months.”

Eloise whipped around, “You knew?”

Penelope smiled around a sip of beer, “Of course I knew. You really thought I wouldn't notice
you coming home at all hours?”

”Oh.” Eloise said, taking that in. “I thought you were too wrapped up in Colin.”
”In a way.” Penelope agreed, “But that doesn't mean I don’t care about you.” Penelope took
another drink, eying Eloise. "Which is why I'm pretty confused right now. What the hell are
you doing El? Phillip really likes you."

Eloise shook her head, “It was just sex.”

”And you really like him.” Penelope continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “What's standing in
your way?"

"Colin,” Eloise said sullenly.

“Bullshit.” Penelope said, “Since when do you care what your brother thinks?” Eloise said
nothing. “Colin is hurt, but he’ll get over it. And you know that. Don't use him as an excuse
to hide from this.”

“You heard Phillip. It’s done.” Eloise said, finishing off the rest of her beer in one go.

"And I'm sure you had nothing to do with that?" Penelope replied with a knowing look.

"We would never work," Eloise argued, leaning back to drop her empty bottle to the ground.
“It’s a terrible idea.”

"And sleeping with your brother's best friend isn't?” Penelope said with a raised eyebrow.
Eloise said nothing and Penelope turned her attention to the view, the crest of each wave
illuminated by the bright moon. “The scariest thing I ever did was ask Colin to kiss me. Not
only because he could have rejected me but because I was terrified I would lose you in the
process. It’s not easy putting it out there but you are the bravest person I know. Why is
admitting you like him so hard?”

"I can’t be someone’s girlfriend," Eloise said after a long pause.

Penelope frowned, trying to make sense of the despair on Eloise' face. "I don't think that’s
true."

Eloise pulled her legs to her chest, hugging them. "Can you imagine me in a relationship? I
don’t share well, I always say the wrong thing, and I can’t let anything go. All we would ever
do is fight. Phillip isn’t going to stick around for that.”

“Eloise,” Penelope said, unable to stop herself from smiling fondly at her best friend.
“Whether you like it or not, that boy has done nothing but follow you around this entire trip.
Relationships aren’t about being perfect, they’re about not being perfect and choosing to be
together anyway.” Eloise looked at Penelope, unable to hide the tears burning in her eyes.
“Phillip already likes you for who you are. All you have to do is let him.”

“You really think so?”

“I know so,” Penelope assured. “Because if he doesn’t, I will be the one punching him in the
face.”

Eloise looked up at the sky, covered with stars. "I don’t even know where to start fixing it.”
"Just be willing to try." Penelope advised softly. "That's always the first step."

Eloise nodded, still looking up. After a moment, she turned back to Penelope, "If you knew,
then what's with all this Edwina and Phillip nonsense?"

Penelope grinned, "Got to you, did it?"

"No,” Eloise muttered, not meeting Penelope’s eyes.

“Ah huh," Penelope nudged her, “I know what I do.”

“How did you know it was Phillip?”

Penelope snorted, ”I spent five minutes in a room with you. You are many things Eloise
Bridgerton but subtle is not one of them. It’s a wonder Colin never noticed, but your family
does have a knack for missing what’s right in front of them. Even Edwina put it together after
your abysmal never have I ever performance.”

Eloise grunted, "Yeah, fuck you for that one. You could have just asked me Pen."

”I was waiting for you to tell me, and when you didn’t, I figured we needed to get it out there
somehow.”

Eloise sighed, hearing the hurt in Penelope’s voice. “I wanted to tell you. I just didn’t want to
put you between me and Colin.” Eloise offered out her hand and Penelope took it, the both of
them holding on tight.

“I get that, but no more secrets. The whole thing with Colin nearly wrecked us the first time,
I cannot go through it again.” Eloise dropped her head to Penelope’s shoulder and Penelope
kissed the side of her forehead. “I love you El. And I’m always here for you, even when you
contaminate the pool with your not boyfriend.” Eloise jerked up and Penelope nodded. “Oh
yes. I saw."

Eloise buried her face into Penelope's shoulder. "Sorry."

"Totally my mistake for looking out my own window in the middle of the day," Penelope
said, fighting a laugh. “That poor unicorn.”

Eloise groaned louder, not lifting her head. “You can’t judge me. Not all of us had our own
room to desecrate."

"You do now." Penelope pointed out, "So get your shit together and go use it.”

When Eloise returned to the room, Phillip was on the bed, still sitting in the same spot she
had left him in. Colin was at his side, a heavy silence between them as they stared at nothing
on the opposite wall.

Eloise cleared her throat, "Got room for one more in the I hate Eloise club?"
Colin looked up, his eyes softening when he saw her red eyes. "I could never hate you El."

Eloise glanced at Phillip, now looking at his hands. "Can I have a moment with Phillip?"
Eloise paused, "Alone?"

After a tense beat, Colin slid off the bed. He stopped in front of Eloise, looking torn, before
turning and pulling her into a hug.

Eloise clung to her brother, “I’m sorry.”

“Me too.” Colin whispered, holding her tightly, “I shouldn’t have said those things.”

“You were angry.”

“I was. I am.” Colin said, pulling back to see her face. “I don’t know what happened between
you.” Colin glanced at Phillip, doing his best to look like he wasn’t listening. “And truthfully,
I’m not sure I ever want to, but don't walk away because of me.”

“It was never about you," Eloise replied, needing her brother to understand.

Colin nodded, just once, before stepping back. “Then I’m going to bed.” Colin gave Eloise's
shoulder a loving squeeze, before giving Phillip one last look. “You know where Pen and I
are if you need us.” Colin pulled the door shut behind him, leaving Eloise and Phillip alone in
their silence.

"You were right." Phillip offered with a pained smile. "He is a romantic."

Eloise nodded, leaning against the door. "Genetic weakness.”

They stared at each other for an uncomfortable beat, before Phillip looked down at the bed.
“I’m sorry, I should never have-“ Eloise crossed the room and put her hand on his mouth.

“So I do this thing where I overreact when I’m surprised. I did it with Pen and Colin, took it
out on him because I thought I was being replaced. I was hurt, and I was scared, but most of
all I was worried that no one else would ever want like Penelope did. Because I’m a lot
Phillip. Most people barely tolerate me, and the ones that do love me have a limit.” Eloise
slowly pulled her hand away, studying Phillip. “I lied tonight. When I said I didn’t feel the
same, but I’m terrified of ruining this.”

After a long pause, Phillip reached out for Eloise’s hand, pulling until she had no choice to
put a knee on the bed, and then her other, finally landing in his lap. “The only thing that
would ruin this is not having you.” Phillip placed their intertwined fingers on her chest, over
her heart. "I don't tolerate you Eloise, I delight in you. I always have, since the moment we
met. Colin is the only person in my life who was there for me when I needed it. He means
everything to me, but I was powerless to resist you.”

"Colin was wrong.” Eloise said, leaning back just enough to see his face. “I don’t do things
because I enjoy being bad, I do them because I know what feels right to me no matter what
anyone else says.” Eloise reached out, enjoying the feel of Phillip’s three day stubble under
her thumb as she traced his jaw. “You feel right.”
"You feel right too." Phillip replied, leaning in to kiss her. "We don’t have to change much.
You can live your life however you want, do the things you want to do, but maybe with me?
Not all the time, but sometimes, more than just when we’re drunk or lonely?” Eloise nodded,
not able to put her hope into words. “I don’t want to hide you anymore.”

“I liked that it was just ours. Not because I was ashamed of you but I don't have much that's
just mine.” Eloise explained softly.

”Well I’m yours.” Phillip said, wrapping his arms around her. “If you’ll have me?”

“Okay.”

”Okay?” Phillip asked, unable to stop a laugh from slipping out, the vibration doing a lot for
Eloise in her current position. “That’s what I get for that smooth line?”

Eloise moved her hand to his fly, "No, that’s not all you get.”

Phillip's hand dropped to hers, "Wait." Eloise slid back like she'd been burned. "No, don't-"
Phillip grabbed her and pulled her back against him. "That's not what I meant. It's not that I
don't want you, I do, but I want this to be about more than just sex."

"Oh." Eloise said, dropping her hands to the bed. “That’s…I mean, sure, we could try that?"

Phillip laughed, leaning in to kiss her and her rather poorly concealed pout. "I'm not taking a
vow of celibacy. I'm just saying we can do other things as well." Without warning, Phillip
slipped his arms under her knees and lifted, throwing her towards the pillows. Eloise yelped,
in a decidedly undignified way, and Phillip landed at her side, the mattress bouncing with
their movement. They both waited, expecting Ben or Colin to burst in, but when nothing
happened, Phillip stretched out, patting the space beside him.

Eloise cleared her throat, "You want to cuddle?"

"I want to lie with you in my arms, yes." Phillip said, tugging until she yielded, laying down
beside him, the both of them fighting for space on the twin mattress. Phillip ended up on his
back, Eloise pressed into his side, her head on his shoulder as he pulled the blanket over
them. “I want to fall asleep with you beside me and know that you'll be here in the morning."

"I will," Eloise promised, leaning into the embrace, enjoying Phillip's fingers trailing up and
down her back. She tried to relax, but the feel of him pressed up against her, squeezed
together in the narrow bed was too much.

Phillip looked down, sensing her discomfort. "What?"

"Nothing,” Eloise muttered, reaching for his hand as a distraction.

“Tell me.” Phillip said gently, “If this is too much, we can-“

“It’s just hard being beside you,” Eloise explained, dropping his hand in frustration. “And
not…”
Phillip smiled, then rolled onto his side, sliding his leg across hers until they made contact.
“The feeling is mutual.”

Eloise hit his chest, “You had me feeling like a sex fiend and you’re hiding that?”

"You are a sex fiend," Phillip informed, latching onto the outside of her thigh to drag her
closer. “But I'm always hiding that. Why do you think I’m in the water so much?”

Eloise groaned, shoving him back. “Take it away or I won’t be held responsible for my
actions.”

Phillip grinned and pulled her closer, "Is that a promise?”

”You said no sex.” Eloise accused, face to face with him, his knee placed precariously close
to ruin.

”I said not only sex.” Phillip clarified, barely finishing before Eloise was on him, knocking
him into the wall as she kissed him, her hand already tugging at the bottom of his shirt,
desperate to get at what was underneath. "Do you have any idea what you do to me?" Phillip
asked, sitting up so she could drag it over his head.

"No," Eloise said, whipping off her own shirt. "You should tell me. In detail."

Phillip pushed her back on the bed, hooking his thumbs under the waistband of her shorts,
"How about I show you instead?" Eloise nodded, watching as he pulled them past her ankles
and tossed them across the room, not caring at all where they landed. Phillip moved under the
blanket but Eloise grabbed at his shoulder, keeping him in place. "It's not just sex."

Phillip placed a gentle kiss on her lower stomach. "Not just sex." He confirmed, locking eyes
with her. “But this part is.”

Eloise woke up sprawled across Phillip, his hand on her thigh, his hair in her mouth and
someone pounding obnoxiously on their door.

"Get off my sister." Ben yelled with a forceful bang, "It's go time."

Phillip blinked, trying to make sense of the abrupt awakening.

"Fuck off Ben!" Eloise yelled, pulling the blanket over her head.

"You fuck off!" Ben said with a door slap, "Get up lover boy. We have places to be."

"Oh." Phillip said, the events of last night slowly coming back to him, "I agreed to go riding
with Ben and Colin today." Phillip paused, "But I don't know if..."

"Colin will want you there," Eloise assured, peeking out the blanket. "Even if he's a bit of an
ass about it." Phillip said nothing, staring at the door. Feeling his unease, Eloise put her hand
on his face and forced him to look at her, rewarding his attention with a kiss. A sleepy kiss
that deepened as Phillip's tongue slipped into her mouth, his hand disappearing under the
blanket towards her-

The opening bars of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ blasted through the door, the song so
obnoxiously loud that Eloise's forehead bounced off Phillip's when she flinched.

"Jesus fucking Christ!" Eloise swore, rolling out from under Phillip at the same time she
violently kicked off the blanket. Phillip rubbed his forehead, unable to hear anything but
Celine Dion remembering her dreams at full blast. Eloise wrapped the blanket around herself,
stormed across the room, and ripped the door open to reveal Ben and his shit eating grin.

Ben hit pause, taking in her ensemble. "I thought I'd set the mood."

Eloise snatched the portable speaker out of his hand and threw it down the hallway. "Go
drown on the Titanic." Colin, Penelope and Edwina stumbled out of their rooms, looking just
as bleary-eyed.

Edwina took one look at them all and turned around to go back to bed, “I’m not Bridgerton
enough for this.”

“What in the actual fuck is going on?” Colin demanded, glaring at his siblings. “It’s 6 o’clock
in the morning.” Penelope waved at Eloise who waved back, holding the blanket tightly
against her chest.

Ben looked over Eloise's shoulder at Phillip, covering himself with a pillow, then to Colin,
fuming in his boxers. “Seize the day, dicks away. Bus leaves in ten.”

"Nu uh," Penelope said, withholding Eloise's mimosa. "Just figured it out does not pass the
girl talk test." After several hours more sleep, Penelope, Edwina and Eloise had converged on
the kitchen to enjoy a self-serve brunch laid out by the chef.

Eloise crossed her arms, eying the uncorked champagne bottle on the kitchen counter. "What
do you want to know?"

"Everything." Penelope and Edwina said together.

Eloise grunted, "Well you're not getting that. It's between Phillip and-what are you doing?"
Eloise asked as Penelope picked up her phone.

"This one," Penelope said, looking through her album. "And this." She tipped it towards
Edwina, "Yeah?"

"Oh yeah," Edwina confirmed, leaning it to watch over her shoulder. "Big tit energy in that
one."

"What one?" Eloise asked warily.

"Oh, just putting together a little holiday post. Lots of Colin, lots of scenery, lots of Phillip all
over you. Should I tag your mum or do you think Hyacinth will forward it to the group
chat?"

"Funny," Eloise said, stealing her mimosa back while Penelope was busy.

"And post," Penelope said, putting down her phone.

"You didn't actually..."

"Oh I did." Penelope said, reaching for a muffin. "But I'm willing to delete a photo of your
choosing if you give us the details."

"You have been hanging out with my sisters far too much," Eloise muttered resentfully.

"Speaking of, should we FaceTime Daphne? She did say she was sad to miss the fun."

"Do it and I'll object at your wedding," Eloise said, entirely seriously.

"Tick tock El. You know your whole family follows my socials." Eloise grunted and held out
her hand, gesturing for Penelope's phone. "No takebacks," Penelope reminded, sliding her
phone across the table.

"Yeah yeah." Eloise said, checking the post. "Oh come on, these aren't-" Eloise stopped when
she found a picture from the beach. Phillip and Eloise were sitting on a towel while she
laughed at something her brothers’ were doing. Nothing Phillip was doing was incriminating
in its own right, but there was no mistaking the awed expression on his face as he stared at
her.

“See?" Penelope said softly. Eloise looked up, rather stunned. "I will take it down if you
want, but it’s not every day someone adores you as much as I do."

“Leave it.” Eloise said after a moment. “The truth will be out soon enough.”

”So you’re together?” Penelope asked excitedly, “I can use the word boyfriend and not fear
for my life?”

“Yes.” Eloise agreed, grabbing the champagne to top up their mimosas.

“There goes £20.” Edwina lamented, holding her flute out for better pour. “You couldn’t have
held out for one more day?”

“I’m willing to pretend for a cut?” Eloise offered with a grin.

“I’m so proud of you El," Penelope said, sounding far too much like a Bridgerton for Eloise’s
comfort. "Phillip is a good one.”

“Yes, very smart, excellent abs, probably saves orphans.” Edwina said. “But how is he in
bed?”

”She’s been sleeping with for months Eddie,” Penelope pointed out. “Months.”
”Not going to let that go huh.” Eloise said in amusement. Edwina and Penelope stared at her,
unyielding in their expectation for sordid details, and Eloise rolled her eyes, “It’s not like I’m
keeping count but-“ Eloise stopped when her phone went off, Anthony’s name onto the
screen. Edwina held up hers, buzzing away with Kate’s picture.

Penelope sipped her mimosa, looking mighty pleased with herself. “Uh oh, Phillip’s in-laws
are calling.”

”Yours too.” Eloise reminded, “And they still doesn’t know what happened to their mirror.”

“Ha.” Edwina said, picking up the FaceTime call. “Never gets old. Hi Kate.”

“Hi Edwina,” Kate said at the exact same time Eloise accepted Anthony’s call. “Don’t tell
Anthony but-“

”Eloise?” Anthony asked, sounding exceptionally confused. “Why is Kate on your phone?”

”Anthony?” Kate returned warily.

”This seems like a healthy marriage.” Eloise commented, drinking the last of the champagne
out of the bottle.

“Don’t tell Anthony what.” Anthony said, his voice starting to echo on Kate’s line.”

“Don’t come to the kitchen.” Kate warned, walking out of view from the FaceTime video.
“The distortion.”

“Fine. I’ll move to the study to have my private conversation with my sister with an audience
of two other people.” Anthony bit out, and Eloise recognized his trainers as he powerwalked
by the kitchen.

”Three,” Penelope corrected, “Hi Anthony.”

”Hi Penelope. Hope you’re having a good holiday.”

”Super fun conversation.” Eloise noted, staring at the empty kitchen on Edwina's phone. “We
definitely all need to be here.” Anthony was silent on the line and Kate remained missing in
action. “Hello firstborns?”

”Sorry, we were texting each other.” Kate explained, appearing back in frame. “And I have
been delegated as the asker of the question. What’s going on with you and Phillip?”

Eloise glanced at Penelope and Edwina, both of them nodding encouragingly. “Stuff.”

“What stuff?” Anthony demanded immediately.

“I thought you were suppose to be eavesdropping?” Eloise said in annoyance.

“Does Colin know?” Kate asked carefully, lifting a boiling kettle off the stove.
”Yes.” Eloise said, “It’s…a work in progress.”

“He’ll come round.” Penelope added, giving Eloise a reassuring arm squeeze.

“Well, I’m happy for you.” Kate offered, reaching into the fridge for a carton of milk. “We
like Phillip.”

Anthony scoffed, ”We most certainly do not-“

“Need to give opinions on our sibling’s relationships.” Kate finished, loudly enough that
Anthony could hear it in the study.

Edwina held up her mimosa, "In that case, you’re going to love my new Greek fiancé.”

”Smack her Penelope.” Kate urged, “It’s my wedding gift.”

“Who told you?” Eloise asked curiously, wondering how many minutes she had until all hell
broke loose.

“Hyacinth.” Anthony replied, as if it were a particularly stupid question, at the same time
Kate offered up an obvious, “Gregory.”

"Figures," Eloise muttered, shoving a strawberry in her mouth.

"Well we’ll let you go.“ Kate said, making an art of pouring chai into two mugs.

Anthony's huff was audible, “What? No, I need to-“

“Enjoy the rest of your trip.” Kate cut in, waving to them as she reached for her phone, and
then she was gone, the video disappearing off Edwina’s screen.

”Good,” Anthony continued now he was the only one left, “Eloise, I really don’t think
that-“Anthony let out a startled noise, followed by loud rustling, Newton barking and finally,
something breaking as Kate's breathless voice appeared on the line. "Love you. Bye!”

Edwina and Eloise clinked their flutes together in solidarity, silently agreeing never to set
foot in Anthony's study again.

Ben, Colin and Phillip spent most of the motorcycle ride up the Greek coast in silence, the
views better than the company as Colin and Ben raced and Phillip followed, chasing
adrenaline and thrills as the roads became narrower and the drop-offs all the more precarious.
Finally hitting the summit, Ben ditched his motorcycle and headed for the nearest tree.

Phillip sat on his bike, taking in the view. It was a postcard perfect, white rocks and turquoise
sea, but Phillip wasn’t in the mood for any of it, bracing himself as Colin parked his bike at
his side.

They sat in tense silence, waiting for Ben to return

“You can throw me off?” Phillip offered, leaning forward to see the jagged rocks at the
bottom of the cliff.

“Don’t think Eloise would appreciate it.” Colin said, finally pulling off his helmet.

Phillip did the same, the both of them climbing off their bikes to walk to the edge. "I don’t
know what to say Colin.”

“How about sorry I fucked your sister?” Colin replied, rather seriously, not looking at Phillip
as he bent down to pick up a rock.

Phillip opened his mouth but the words didn’t come, “I’m sorry.”

”But not about that.” Colin said, studying Phillip.

“Not about that.” Phillip echoed quietly.

Colin took that in, “You hid it from me. And she’s my sister. Pretty unforgivable." Phillip
nodded, agreeing. “But she’s my sister, and I want her to be happy. If that’s with you then…”
Colin threw his rock off the side of the cliff with an angry swing.

“I want to.” Colin turned to Phillip in confusion, “Make her happy.” Phillip explained,
picking up a rock of his own.

Colin hurled a second rock, this time waiting until he heard a satisfying splash before he
moved on to the next one. “Good luck with that one. Eloise isn’t easy to please.” Phillip
tossed his own rock, further out but with less height than Colin’s. “But don’t let her fool you.
She loves hard." Phillip said nothing, searching for another rock at his feet. "And you deserve
to be loved Phillip,” Colin said, throwing again, this time focusing on speed instead of brute
force. "Just nowhere near me."

Phillip accepted the blow of Colin's words, clutching a rock tightly in his hand. “I‘m sorry. I
am, but I can’t give her up. Not even if it means our friendship is over.”

Colin paused, halfway through a throw. "I meant I don’t want to see your tongue down my
sister’s throat. Not that we're no longer friends.”

"Oh," Phillip said, suddenly looking anywhere but Colin.

Colin finished his throw, a ghost of a smile on his lips, “But it's nice to know where I stand.
Usurped by Eloise, I guess I deserve that karma." Phillip glanced at him, looking nervous.
“Oh relax. You have my blessing. Or understanding. Or whatever it is you both want. Just…
don’t hurt her. I know relationships are messy and it’s not going to be perfect, but she’s not as
tough as she likes to pretend. Take care of her.”

”Always.” Phillip vowed solemnly.

Colin nodded, then handed Phillip a rock. “Biggest splash shouts drinks.”
They ended their Greek trip where it began, downing shots in celebration of Penelope and
Colin‘s bright future. No one was quite as drunk as the first night, but it was nice, gathering
together in an outdoor bar as a full moon moon shone brightly above them.

Ben, Penelope and Edwina made it to the dance floor, while Colin fetched another round of
drinks and Phillip stood with his arm around Eloise, looking miserable in the middle of the
revelry.

”You can join them?” Phillip offered, trying his best to enjoy the view of the sea and the view
down her shirt.

“Nah,” Eloise said, leaning into him. “I’m good where I am.” Phillip nodded, attempting to
relax, but the music was loud, the group around them growing in numbers, and everything
becoming a bit too much. “What’s wrong?”

”Nothing.” Phillip said and Eloise pursed her lips, looking annoyed. And she had a right to
be, they were there on their first official outing as a couple and Phillip was barely able to
make conversation, overwhelmed by the crowd and everyone’s eyes on him as he tried to be a
good boyfriend but not overstep around Colin and Ben. Lost in his thoughts, Phillip barely
noticed Eloise pull away until she was gone, abandoning him in the middle of the bar.

Phillip stood motionless, the familiar feeling of never being enough overtaking him.

“Let’s go,” Eloise said, suddenly back at his side. Phillip blinked, unsure of what had
happened and Eloise held up her purse, “I had to get this but we can head back.”

“It’s early,” Phillip said, knowing it was barely 9 pm. “We can’t-“

”We can and we will.” Eloise interrupted forcefully. “Penelope and Colin are wrapped up in
each, Ben promised to get Eddie home safe, and you need to leave."

”I just…”

”Don’t like crowds.” Eloise filled in when Phillip didn't. Phillip looked away and Eloise
stepped forward, slipping her hand into his. “It’s okay Phillip.”

”It’s ridiculous, a grown man being overwhelmed by people,” Phillip muttered, unable to face
her.

”What’s ridiculous is that you think that way. My sister hates crowds. Always has. We used
to hide away at family parties, eating chocolate on the roof.” Eloise squeezed his hand. "I
want to be where you are, but that only works if you’re truthful with me.” After a long
drawn-out pause, Phillip turned to look at her. “I don’t have chocolate, but I do have a roof
with a view that seems like a pretty good place to have sex?”

“Well when you put it that way…” Phillip said, but his words didn’t match the tension in his
voice.

Eloise tugged on his hand, forcing him to take a step, "We’ll do it together."
"Together." Phillip echoed, allowing her to lead him through the crowd. Just before they hit
the exit, Phillip caught Colin’s eye at the bar. Colin nodded, understanding the escape, his
arm wrapped tightly around Penelope.

Phillip saw Eloise and Colin share a nod of their own, before she pulled Phillip out the door
and towards the cab ready to take them home.

“Five minutes.” Eloise agreed, sitting back in her seat. Phillip undid his seatbelt and squeezed
past her, smiling at Ben and Edwina sitting a few seats behind them. After a wonderful send-
off brunch and boozy coffees around the pool, everyone had made it onto the plane, tired but
happy as they settled in for the journey home. Eloise flipped through her book, barely reading
a word, restless and bored with her own company. Deciding three minutes was close enough,
Eloise stood up and started making her way to the toilet at the back of the plane.

”No.” Colin said, not looking up from the in-flight magazine as she passed.

Eloise stopped, leaning on Penelope’s headrest, “No what?”

”No you are not getting him arrested," Colin explained. “We have a fitting tomorrow.”

”What?” Eloise said, glancing at the occupied sign. “Why would-“

Colin pointed at the lavatory at the front of the plane, “That one is free.”

“But-“

”No.”

”I-“

”No.”

Instead of answering, Eloise spun on her heel and stomped back to her seat, flipping Colin off
over her head. Penelope snickered from where she had pretending to be asleep, “Can’t take
them anywhere.”

”Certainly not Greece,” Colin said, shuddering at the memory of what they had walked in
after returning from the bar.

Penelope smiled, leaning her head on Colin’s shoulder as he started to look through vacation
photos on his phone. “I’m proud of you. You’re a good friend and a good brother.”

”Hopefully.” Colin showed Penelope a picture of Phillip sitting on his motobike.

”Send that to El.”

”Absolutely not.” Colin said, “My best friend is not a piece of meat for her to objectify." He
flipped through a few more, "Here, she can have this one instead.” Colin held up a picture of
Eloise and Phillip smiling proudly on the unicorn in the middle of the pool.
 Penelope laughed, loudly and uncontrollably enough that Ben and Eloise looked over from
their seats, lifting the phone from Colin’s hand to inspect it up close. “You’re right. It’s a
good one. I think I’m going to get it framed.”

Chapter End Notes

(For the plot)

 As Per My Last Message
Chapter Summary

Eloise is tasked with the flowers for Pen and Colin’s wedding. Group chat fic detailing
the downward slide of propriety and sanity as she works alongside a certain flower shop
owner.

One shot (actually!)

Chapter Notes

Sorry for anyone who got a post and delete. AO3 before the second coffee hit 😅.
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