Paint the town

[julia]

@eloisebridgerton

It was a good turnout tonight, Theo thought, as he considered the rows of heads around him, stretching to catch a glimpse of the stage, some nodding, clapping, intervening. The air was hot and sticky inside the assembly hall with the underlying sour note of men after a hard day’s work. Theo, like many others here, had managed to sneak away from his station at the shop for a couple of hours. He knew he’d have to return afterwards to finished the overnight orders. Three had come in this morning and it’d be a late night. No point in going home after. But it was a trade-off he was willing to make. To be at this assembly, to listen to some of the brightest, most provocative minds London had to offer.

One speaker stood aside and another stepped forward on the other side of the stage. Theo shifted his weight onto his other footer, then took a few steps to the side to gain a better view, when suddenly a familiar silhouette appeared in his peripherie: Eloise Bridgerton, hovering a few rows further down, looking around curiously, yet somehow utterly…lost; and wearing a dress that was likely to have cost more than some of these men’s annual wages. And yet here she was, for the second time. Submerging herself in a place that most of her kind choose to ignore.

Theo couldn’t help the smile when he approached the back of her, dodging around the bystanders. Patiently, he folded his hands against the bottom of his spine, one still holding the pamphlet outlining today’s topics, and when the young lady didn’t turn around by herself, Theo finally spoke up. “Miss Eloise.”, he began, keeping his voice low so as to not disturb the speeches but the smile on his lips was audible. “You’re back. Might you be looking for someone?”

☽LIA☾

[Deleted]

eloise & theo.

There was something so thrilling about these rallies, about being in a room full of people who shared her ideals and values. In truth, given her entirely different position in society, she fit in as much with these people as she did with those of the ton (that was to say: almost not at all), but she’d hardly considered that. Watching people take to the stage, and speak with such a passion, she was too in awe to truly consider how they might feel if they knew the wealth her family possessed. Eloise felt trapped, stifled and oppressed, though an entirely different way. The expectations upon her, simply because she was a woman; she couldn’t attend university nor could she travel, she was expected to marry, to sire her husband an heir, to be a silent, obedient wife. Compared to those whose company she was currently keeping, she had a lot more opportunities, but her own privilege was still something of a mystery to her. Some part of her was starting to recognise it, however, for she wouldn’t usually be so quiet; she wouldn’t normally stand there in awe, allowing others to speak and taking a backseat. This, however, was a place of learning; a place where she could learn more about the fight for equality and the rights of women. It was thrilling.

So entranced by the current speaker, she didn’t notice the presence of Theo until he spoke, though she couldn’t hide her grin when she turned. Perhaps he simply thrilled her because he was so different from every gentleman she’d ever met within the ton, but whatever the reason, he enthralled her. He was clever, and understood her; he challenged her, made her want to continue to expand her mind, and learn more about his. It was funny, she cared about what he thought far more than she’d ever cared about anyone else’s views before. “Other than likeminded individuals and stimulating speeches? I certainly can’t complain about seeing you here. I was hoping you might be — I would love to hear your thoughts on today’s speeches. I was particularly thrilled to hear talk of university education for women.”

julia

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[julia]

@eloisebridgerton

The smile that spread across Eloise’s lips when their eyes met, momentarily brightened up the gloomy interior. The crowds around them seemed to fade into the background. “Oh, is that what I am?”, Theo challenged with a smirk of his own, one brow raised in amusement. “A like-minded individual? I wasn’t aware.”

Only Eloise Bridgerton could have made this kind of assessment. To anyone else, they appeared too dissimilar to share the same values. And yet, from the first time they met, they had been able to strike up conversations with ease. He could exchange thoughts and ideas with her, like he would with others at the rally; some of them he had yet to present to anyone but Eloise. Somehow, it had felt important to share them with her first.

They were intrigued by one another, he could see the curiosity in her eyes, heard them in her words - she wanted to ‘hear his thoughts’. He, too, wanted to learn more about her; what kind of lady might abandon her luxurious dwellings to spend the afternoon in a dusty assembly hall…and with him.

From the sounds of it, she’d been standing in their midst, listening to the speakers for a while. Once again, Theo was amazed at how it might not have even occurred to Eloise that she behaved so differently from all other ladies that Theo had ever seen in his part of town.

“I would have to agree.” , he replied with a tilt of his chin. His thoughts drifted to his little sister Alice and her dream of becoming a veterinarian - something she would never be allowed to do, if things remained as they were. “In a way, knowledge is the greatest equaliser. If we don’t allow everyone access to it, half of us will be left in the dark... But I’m sure you’ve read most of this already in my open letter.”, he finished with a knowing smile. Eloise wasn’t subtle in her tendencies to read everything Theo put out. He liked that about her.

“Tell me, do you have a subject in mind, Miss Eloise? Something in particular that you’d like to study at university?”

☽LIA☾

[Deleted]

eloise & theo.

If anyone had told Eloise a few weeks previously that she'd be so drawn to a man, regardless of his status or position in society, she likely wouldn't have believed a word they said. All of the gentlemen she'd met on the ton were insufferable and exhausting, but Theo was so different. Somehow, he'd gotten under her skin, gotten into her head, and she wanted to learn more. More about him, more about his thoughts, more about his beliefs. They truly were so like-minded, despite how different they were. They had completely different upbringings, were from entirely different worlds, and yet they seemed to align so perfectly. Wasn't it so bizarre how that could possibly happen? Nobody from the ton seemed to share her values, and yet a print shop apprentice she'd met entirely by chance happened to. Had she not been looking for Lady Whistledown in the shop he happened to work in, what were the chances they ever would have met?

Despite her interest in the speaker, she turned to fully face Theo, blue eyes meeting a set of brown that were becoming increasingly familiar. She was as drawn to his eyes and his smile as she was to his mind — was this what it meant to start to truly develop interest in someone? Was this what made young ladies weak in the knees, made them swoon? Eloise Bridgerton wouldn't swoon for anyone, but she would let herself get to know him better.

"Precisely! We should aim for a society where everyone can be afforded the same opportunities. The same education, the same rights!" There was always so much passion in her words when she spoke of such things, so eager to have the same rights her brothers did. She encouraged Benedict to be bold because she couldn't do the same, but it was the same, she supposed, with the different classes. He deserved the same rights, too. "Of course. I do enjoy reading what you have to say, Mr Sharpe. I would always be thrilled to hear more..."

Were she able to, she'd love to pen her own. Having read Wollstonecraft, she dreamed of being able to write something similar, but how could she? So long as society remained the way it was, how could she put her name to such a thing? Only in her dreams could she ever do that, ever publish anything, let alone anything linked to her so-called 'political radicalism'. "I imagine I'd want to study Literature, Linguistics, something to do with the written word. I have often dreamed of publishing a novel myself," she admitted. She'd only ever told her brother as such, but Theo made it so easy for her to share her thoughts, be entirely honest. "I know a woman in my position is hardly permitted to do as such, but I would if I could. Were I to have the same rights as men...I would want to make my own way, want to write as much as I could."

julia

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[julia]

@eloisebridgerton

To have Eloise Bridgerton’s undivided attention in a room full of inspiring speakers - it was truly a compliment in itself. There was a hint of triumph in Theo's broad smile; hadn’t he just outplayed a great rival in the race for the young lady’s approval?

The thought filled him with confidence, and he risked a step towards her. Attendees were debating and clapping around them; it was noisy and he thought it was reasonable to stand closer together during a conversation. His head he might have fooled, his heartbeat sped up nevertheless. ‘Precisely!’, Eloise exclaimed, loud enough to catch the eyes of a few bystanders who pulled a face at the disturbance.
Theo only laughed, enthralled by the excitement his response had lured out of her. The emotion was so unrestrained and honest, so unlike the stories he’d read about in the pamphlets penned by the mysterious Lady Whistledown. In them, a new scheme or scandal was always brewing, and Theo thought it must be incredibly exhausting to care about any of it. Perhaps if he knew the countless names mentioned, it might be more enticing. Still, it all read to him as a great waste of time for people who had too much of it. Not that he would tell Eloise of his opinion; not unless she were to ask.

“I’d like to think that’s quite ambitious of us.” Us. Theo had to admit he liked the sound of that. “The same rights for everyone. Well, we can certainly try.”, he finished, broadening the smile that was firmly stuck to his lips. No matter what she might feel for him (and Theo could only dream), they made a great partnership. Their sleuthing to track down Lady Whistledown had already yielded some results, even though Theo couldn’t say he was particularly invested in the mystery, he was in it for Eloise’s sake.

“Perhaps I’m writing more of it at the moment.” There was a twinkling in his eye, as he said it. He’d been thinking about sharing his writings with her; they were only scribbles at the moment but now, knowing that she would like to read them, he was set on completing them. Soon, if time allowed for it. “I should be finished by next Friday. You are welcome to stop by and give me your honest opinion.”, he challenged her with a smirk. Had he just proposed a time and place for them to meet? Perhaps he had.

Theo wasn’t surprised to hear of Eloise’s dreams to study Literature, it simply suited her too well. There it was again, that excitement, that fire, in her eyes that drew him in every time. But at the mention of rights and her place in the world, the flame flickered.
Quickly, before it might extinguish fully, Theo stepped closer still, and with one light touch on Eloise’s shoulder, he nudged her to face the stage again. “You see Miss Fletcher over there?”, he leaned down - his heartbeat traitorously loud - and half-whispered the question. Discreetly, he pointed towards a middle-aged woman leaning against the back of the stage. One of the earlier speakers. “She’s no published author and yet everyone in this room has read and listened to what she has to say. She doesn’t even have to write under a pseudonym like your Lady Whistledown.” He paused for dramatic effect. It also proved as the perfect opportunity to appreciate their closeness, with his arm gently brushing against the fabric of her gown, whenever he took a breath. “Publishing is no prerequisite to writing, Miss Eloise. You have something to say? Write it down. I, for one, would be interested to read it.”

☽LIA☾

[Deleted]

eloise & theo.

Despite knowing that she didn't fit in with these people in so many ways, Eloise felt more comfortable there at that rally than she did almost anywhere back in Mayfair. Nobody back home seemed to understand her in the way Theo and the speakers on the stage did. Benedict seemed to share a lot of her feelings, but even with him there was a limit. He was a man in upper class society, he had more freedoms than she did. The young ladies of the ton didn't publicly share her views; they all seemed eager to wed, to fall into the roles that were expected of them. She didn't recall ever meeting another young lady who was ready to fight for freedom, to make their own way in the world. While she'd talked to Pen as if she wanted the same things, she'd shut her down, made it clear she couldn't have that.

Here, people wanted what she wanted. Admittedly, they didn't have what she had, but it didn't feel that way while she was immersed in the speeches. Perhaps those around her could tell she was different, from the way she dressed and the way she held herself; Theo certainly knew she wasn't from around there...but she didn't have to feel any different. For just a moment, she could be surrounded by likeminded people, and that was all that mattered.

Well, that and how close Theo suddenly seemed to be. It was likely necessary in a room full of so much noise, but her heartrate quickened anyway. This certainly shouldn't be allowed, but then, she shouldn't be there unchaperoned either. It was hardly doing anything worse than she already was, simply by being in Bloomsbury. "Next Friday..." she murmured, in agreement. Thus far, their meetings had been sporadic, simply when she could get there. It was supposed to all be about finding Lady Whistledown, and she could only really head across town when footman John was able to accompany her...but she'd make it work. She'd ensure she was there, no matter what.

These meetings, in time, would likely grow more and more thrilling. No part of her was frightened just yet, no part of her wanted to pull back. If anything, she was growing more and more eager to spend as much time with him as she possibly could. If asked, she'd call it a friendship; a meeting of the minds. He was someone whose thoughts she wanted to hear, and she wished to share her own with him. Did that truly make it anything more scandalous? Was it truly any different to her friendship with Penelope? Of course it was. Her heart didn't beat like this around her, she wouldn't have sucked in a breath the way she did when he leaned close, were it anybody else. Still, she'd deny it for the moment, even to herself.

"I write in my journal all of the time, but it is hardly the same as writing in my novel. I have ideas, so many of them, but..." she trailed off. There were women who published, she knew. Sense & Sensibility and Pride & Prejudice, to name but two, were both signed simply by 'A Lady'...but what publisher would even agree to see her works? Shaking the thought off, she met his eye once more, her lips curving into an easy smile. How did he elicit them so naturally, when most gentlemen simply repulsed her? "Perhaps if I wrote some of my thoughts down, you could read them. My brothers insist I talk too much as it is, but I dare say we have hardly scratched the surface yet. There is so much more I wish to hear your thoughts upon, so many more thoughts I wish to share...with you."

julia

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[julia]

@eloisebridgerton

To have Eloise Bridgerton’s undivided attention in a room full of inspiring speakers - it was truly a compliment in itself. There was a hint of triumph in Theo's broad smile; hadn’t he just outplayed a great rival in the race for the young lady’s approval?

The thought filled him with confidence, and he risked a step towards her. Attendees were debating and clapping around them; it was noisy and he thought it was reasonable to stand closer together during a conversation. His head he might have fooled, his heartbeat sped up nevertheless. ‘Precisely!’, Eloise exclaimed, loud enough to catch the eyes of a few bystanders who pulled a face at the disturbance.
Theo held his breath when Eloise considered his proposition for another meeting. She could have more important responsibilities to attend to or she might simply not want to travel through half of London just to read his latest attempt at being clever. But when she didn’t outright decline the invitation, Theo had to take it as a good sign and smile in agreement.
He couldn’t know that this was more than almost any man had gotten out of Eloise Bridgerton so far. Neither did he have any concept of how young ladies like her spent her day.

Well, that wasn’t all true: He imagined Eloise specifically to be reading and writing. However, most other young women of her class, he believed to be spending their days by dancing at balls and staring out windows. It sounded like a dull, uninspiring life (no wonder, a few rumours in a pamphlet were able to cause so much excitement among them), and Theo could see why Eloise preferred to come to the east side of town; a place full of movement - literally and figuratively.
The rallies were loud but intellectual, fun but sophisticated. There was substance to each of the speeches - some even rebuked one another. Theo had attended a couple of afternoons that had grown into large-scale debates with audience and speakers all picking sides. Eloise would have loved it.

He couldn’t see what kind of topic could manage to hold her attention at a Duke’s ball - which was presumably why she kept finding her way here. While Theo hoped his life didn’t just serve Eloise as a fun pastime away from her duties, he was pleased to see her, every time she chose to return. And he liked her more with every visit.

The stories from his father had left Theo with the vaguest understanding of how someone like Eloise might have been raised, and by the sounds of it, people had told her throughout her life that her passions were only pipe dreams. Even at his insistence that she should simply write when she felt like writing, something invisible still seemed to hold her back. Perhaps she just needed some encouragement.

Lightly, Theo stepped around Eloise again. Now that he had stated his point about Miss Fletcher on stage, he wanted her to focus back on him. He needn’t have worried: Eloise’s eyes were already fixed on his own again. They had lit up with that intensity that he was so captivated by. "It would be pleasure to read it." He couldn’t help but lean in close until most of his field of vision was taken up by the young lady. “But I dare say, there’s no time like the present. Try me.”, he smirked. “What would you like to share?” As he spoke the words, one of his hands dove into the right pocket of his jacket, then the left, clearly in search of something. Finally, between scraps of paper his fingers found what they had been looking for and retrieved it. “Or perhaps you’d like to write it down? I brought my own pen this time.”

☽LIA☾

[Deleted]

eloise & theo.

Sometimes, it felt like he was first person to truly believe in her.  It wasn't true, not entirely, but there was a limit to what Benedict could encourage her to do — and thus far, he'd been the only one to really encourage. He was still her older brother, still knew of the duties she had, the things expected of her...they may have known their mama was gentler and more understanding than most mamas of the ton, but there were limits. She allowed them more freedoms, in that she wanted them to find love matches, not in that they could do whatever they pleased. As children of a viscountess, there were still expectations upon them. There always would be, no matter how much she frequented events such as this.

So long as she was surrounded by those who shared thoughts like hers, however, it was easier to pretend that perhaps things might change someday. There was no telling whether or not that would be in her lifetime, but so long as there were enough of them having their voices heard, it could happen eventually. Surely they couldn't all be so stifled forever? Surely there'd have to come a point where things ended? Divides would become smaller, surely? Equality couldn't remain out of reach forever.

"Here?" Eloise chuckled. She could barely hear herself think, and while it was absolutely thrilling to be caught up in such an event, it hardly allowed her to have meaningful conversation with him. She truly liked to hear Theo's thoughts, but that was easier when they were hidden away in the print shop. Were they to get any closer to each other in the crowded room, people might assume there was something untoward going on between them. While it was unlikely that Whistledown, or indeed anybody from the ton, was present...someone might still pass the message on, even in Bloomsbury, there'd likely be people who recognised a Bridgerton.

"Perhaps we should go somewhere quieter, if we are to really talk about this..." Eloise began, her cheeks tinging vaguely pink. It certainly wasn't proper to suggest such a thing, and she wasn't usually one to feel embarrassed — but there were first times for everything. She wouldn't take it back, wouldn't become coy and quiet like any other girl of the ton may have done...but she was still aware that there were lines she should not cross. 

Reaching for the pencil, while just as innocent, was the thing that probably made it all the worse. Gloved hands brushed against his, and she swallowed thickly. Could it truly be considered scandalous, when they were standing in the middle of a crowded room? "Or perhaps you're right. Perhaps I should write them down. I seldom get to show anybody any of my writing — aside from the inside of my journal, and I hardly think that counts." 

julia

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[julia]

@eloisebridgerton

Eloise’s giggle was a new sound to Theo’s ears. Soft and perhaps a little nervous. So different from the determined, witty young lady that had until now graced his presence, but Theo didn’t like it any less. In fact, in that moment he made it his mission to tease more of these shy exclamations from Eloise. He had a feeling this was a side to her she didn’t reveal often; something rare that one had to earn.

“Naturally.”, Theo grinned and shrugged one shoulder. He wanted to let her know that the setting was what made penning down her thoughts so exciting. Challenging but exciting. With shouts of progress and equality echoing off the walls, one had to be very rooted in their own beliefs to not get sidetracked. But before he had a chance to pose the challenge to her, Eloise suggested they might want to go somewhere more quiet, saw the soft flush appear in her cheeks.

Theo knew he shouldn’t. He understood enough about the rules for ladies in society to know they mustn't wander off alone together. If anyone were to see, it could have a detrimental effect on Eloise’s reputation. And the last thing Theo wanted was to cause her any harm.

But…

But Eloise wasn’t like other ladies. At least she didn’t appear that way. She was here, at the rally, which could damage her reputation just as much.
Theo had no intent to swindle himself into the Bridgerton family; he just wanted to get to know Eloise better. And ultimately, Eloise herself had made the suggestion to go somewhere else. Who was he to deny a lady?

At the prospect of getting to spend more time with her now, rather than wait until the coming Friday, Theo started compiling a mental list of suitable spots. The workshop would be quiet for the rest of the day but too far - he couldn’t expect Eloise to wander the streets of the city with him. Too dangerous for a lady, and filthy, too. Not to mention that it was likely to catch the attention of the omnipresent Lady Whistledown.
“As you wish, Miss Eloise.”, Theo delivered with a half-bow and a smirk, once he had decided on a spot. “There is an enclosed courtyard out that way.” He nodded in the direction of the stage. “It will be nice to get some fresh air. It can get rather stuffy in here.” Odds were that they would not be completely alone, but he thought that might be for the best; he didn’t want to scare the young lady.

With his pen held out, Theo watched intently as their fingertips brushed for the briefest of moments. Rough skin connecting with…was it silk? It was a sensation that sucked all the air out of the room; erased any interesting thought that had been roaming around Theo's head. “There…”, he began, for the first time in a long time thrown off-guard, with his tongue clumsy and his throat dry, “...is a table in the courtyard, too.” After a brief intermission he found his way back to the words. “Better for writing than a crowded room, wouldn’t you agree?” Along with the question, Theo tentatively offered out his arm to Eloise, his heartbeat loud enough that Theo was grateful for the noisy rally. He wasn’t sure if she would accept his offer - surely she had turned down richer, more notable men in her time. What this might mean, if she was to accept his arm instead was anyone’s guess.

☽LIA☾

[Deleted]

eloise & theo.

So many lines, it seemed, were being crossed — and yet no part of her felt the need to turn back. They’d not yet crossed so far that she was fearful of what might come of it, he’d not tried to take advantage of her, and she didn’t think he would. Unlike the men of the ton, he actually cared about women, and viewed them as more than breeding stock. He wasn’t seeking her hand or her dowry, but conversation. It was quite thrilling indeed.

In her position, being caught along with anyone could be quite devastating for more than just her reputation, for while she tried her hardest not to care what anyone (especially those of the ton) thought of her, it ran far deeper than that. She could well be forced to marry, and neither one of them needed that. Theo may have intrigued her in so many ways, but she hardly wished to trap him in a marriage; she loathed the thought of marriage in general, but it was far worse when she was presented with the notion of two people being stuck in a union against their will.

Despite that, despite it all…the touch of their hands, however accidental and brief, had been electric, and her urge to truly delve deeper into such topics with Theo had her much too tempted to go with him. The knowledge that she probably shouldn’t only pushed her forward all the more…her rebellion may not have been some costume, her beliefs may have been real, but that didn’t mean she didn’t like to push the boundaries every now and again. Besides, the likelihood of anyone from the ton being at such an event seemed slim — and surely if they were, they shared enough of her values not to tell society all about this?

“Much better,” she found herself saying, though she truly should not. Time outdoors would allow them a spot of quiet to speak, and she was quite certain they wouldn’t be entirely alone. Surely, even if nobody else was involved in the conversation, it couldn’t be classed as entirely unchaperoned? One would hardly do anything they shouldn’t with prying eyes all around.

There were prying eyes here, too, perhaps people wondering why the girl who was dressed in far fancier clothes than the rest of them was linking Theo’s arms…but she didn’t allow herself to care. At a ball back in Mayfair, Eloise’s nose would have wrinkled up in disgust, and she’d have recoiled at the prospect. Here, with him, she lit her arm slide through his. Scandalous indeed, though she wasn’t going to contemplate the consequences of such an action. It wasn’t like she was doing anything with him she wouldn’t do with her brothers…her thoughts about him were far different, but she held onto that fact regardless.

Though she’d said far less words here than she did in most situations, her mouth had gone dry, though she wasn’t going to let it hold her back. Her arm was through his now, and she was going to keep it firmly in place until they made it outside. Her feet had already started to move toward the exit, and though she’d be fascinated to hear more of the speeches…she was all the more fascinated to speak more with him. ”Come along then. There is plenty I have to share.”

julia

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[julia]

@eloisebridgerton

Her soft arm clad in glimmering fabric linked in with his own. It must have looked a stark contrast to his rough-spun, ink-dotted shirt sleeve but as he felt the light pressure of her hand against his forearm, nothing felt out of place.

Theo’s heart beat a thunderous tattoo against his chest. He looked down, secretly treasuring the sight of it, and when he looked up again, he was sure he’d see others around them watching, whispering, wondering how the two of them could ever fit together. But as he cast a glance around the room, he realised that nobody paid them any mind. And for one hopeful moment, Theo wondered if this might be a reflection of the world outside. Maybe nobody would care; maybe times had changed without anyone realising.

He dared to be naive for a moment, then was gruffly pulled out of his thoughts when Eloise practically began to pull him through the crowds. “I am.”, he laughed, amused by her impatience to share all of these thoughts that were filling her mind. He hooked his arm under a little more firmly, and let himself be dragged into the direction of the backdoor.

They sidestepped groups of people, some seated, some standing, most of them engrossed by the current speech which, Theo had to admit, he had lost all track of, as soon as Eloise had appeared in his field of vision.

He couldn’t say that anyone else had ever quite caught his eye like she had done. Never enough to rob him of his wit or forget the last page of the book he’d just read. Of course, there had been some girls. Nice enough, too. They had walked and talked like he did, and yet, even at the time, Theo had thought that they were nothing alike. In hindsight, he could say that they had been curious about one another, but nothing more. He was curious about Eloise, as well. But it was a different kind of fascination; the kind where he wanted to dive deep into her mind, to learn everything about her. Much more than one might discover in just a night or a week.

The small, private courtyard was accessible through a sturdy, wooden door - planks held together by oily black iron hinges. Theo spotted an opportunity to take the lead again and slid in front of her into the doorframe. “Allow me.” A few stubborn rattles on the rusty handle later (Theo had never been particularly handy) and the door, to his relief, gave way, pushing outwards. “After you.” Theo gestured for Eloise to step past him through the narrow exit, while he held the heavy door in place. He didn’t mind having another very plausible excuse to stand close to her.

Theo had assumed correctly - the courtyard was quiet but not fully abandoned. A small group of men were smoking in the corner to the far right, leaving the table on the left empty for them. He wandered over but couldn’t help looking back over his shoulder a few times, like he expected to be followed or watched. But once again, no one seemed to pay them much attention.

Instead of sitting down, Theo perched against the table top. The air though warm, was refreshing after being stuck inside for such a long time. At the sight of the man, Theo had remembered his own pack of cigarettes in his vest pocket. He fished for it now, retrieving one of the delicately rolled sticks from the box. Somewhere he knew he had some matches, too. As he patted himself down, he looked over at Eloise, unlit cigarette clamped between his lips. “You don’t mind if I smoke while you spill all your secrets to me?”

☽LIA☾

[Deleted]

eloise & theo.

There had never been anything or anyone like this for Eloise. The gentlemen of the ton were, as far as she was concerned, entirely insufferable. Perhaps there were some who were somewhat different, but she certainly hadn't found any of them – they cared about titles, and dowries, and which ladies had the best hips for childbearing. The one supposed 'radical' she'd danced with had been quick to talk about how empty women's heads were, and she was starting to think nobody in Mayfair thought the same way she did. There were the artsy types, like Benedict, but those who were actually potential husbands for her were exhausting. 

Every man she'd danced with had exhausted her indeed. She'd had her toes trodden on, and trodden on toes in return; she'd been forced to listen to inane, dull small talk, and men insult her entire sex, or suggest she shouldn't be filling her head with the ideas that came in books – any books. Even the most attractive of men hadn't managed to pull her in, but Theo was...well, he was Theo. 

While she wasn't about to say she was attracted to him, wasn't about to say she was feeling anything for him, that was the denial speaking. It wasn't about what he looked like, nor about his position in society, but about who he was. He had intriguing thoughts and passions, and wished to hear about hers. He didn't speak as if women were merely a thing to be owned, didn't act like he was in any way superior to her. The more she spoke to him, the more she wanted to hear his thoughts, the more she found that he was far better than almost anyone she'd met before.

Because of that, this was pretty much the first time she'd ever been so close to a man who wasn't either her brother, or someone she'd been forced to dance with at an event. He hadn't scribbled his name hastily on her dance card, and she wasn't scowling as he got closer and closer to her toes. Instead, their arms were linked together, and it somehow felt different to all those times she'd linked arms with any of her siblings, or even with Penelope. There was an electricity between them, though she was trying her hardest to pretend this was entirely normal.

Instead of saying a word (a rarity indeed, though it was loud, and she was focused), she wove her way through the crowds, relieved that nobody seemed to spare them any mind. Everyone was engrossed in the speeches being given, and while Eloise herself felt that same way when she was truly invested in what was being said, she'd gotten so distracted by him. There'd be other opportunities to come to these rallies, and hear these speakers talk...hopefully there'd be other opportunities to speak with Theo like this, as well, but she'd grab each opportunity with both hands when she could.

Her grin was broad as they headed outside, eyes sparkling. This was a quiet enough spot, and the gentlemen out there seemed to pay them no mind either. They'd be able to talk without distraction, and the smell of smoke was comforting. Eloise's grin only increased in size as she watched him take out the cigarettes. Leaning beside him, she set the pen down on the table, tugging a glove off with one hand, holding her bare hand out to Theo, palm up. "Only if you have one for me. I left my tin at home. My mama would chastise me something rotten if she knew, but my brother smokes with me on occasion."

julia

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[julia]

@eloisebridgerton

Theo had never much taken to etiquette and manners. It was true that his father had endeavoured to bring the same teachings that wealthiest families of Britain paid him good money for into his own home, so that Theo might converse with them when he was older. But his father had been taken from them far too early, and Theo had mostly been left with a quick wit and a cynic opinion of the so-called London elite.

He hadn’t talked to many ladies in his time, but he was certain most of them would not speak so candidly with someone like him. The few wealthier folk that visited the shop a couple of times a month (Theo, ever observant, could always tell by the colours of their clothes, vibrant as if freshly tailored), hardly noticed him - merely part of the furniture; a servant to fulfil their wishes. They couldn’t even conceive that he might have ideas and thoughts and dreams of his own.

Now that he had spent a good portion of time with Eloise, it was difficult to imagine that she came from that very same world. In all honesty, Theo thought he might actually offend her, if he were to remind her of the fact. Indeed, he had tried to when they had first met outside the workshop. Back then, he had thought of her very little. Nothing more than a rich young lady with her rich-lady-problems. But once she had opened her mouth, Theo had been…intrigued was the wrong word… - she had managed to throw him off-kilter. And Theo, bold and confrontational as he was, thought that no one had ever made him lose his words quite like Eloise had.

He had since gained his composure around her again, but every so often, her disarming retorts, or her smile full of unrestrained curiosity still managed to utterly empty his mind. Normally, Theo couldn’t stand to be made to feel stupid but the way she captivated him was all-consuming.
It happened again, when he watched Eloise take off her glove. It shouldn’t have taken up this much space in his mind: He saw plenty of women’s bare arms and hands every day. And yet, the movement seemed…intimate.
Stupidly, Theo stared down at it for a moment, cigarette slouching in the corner of his mouth, while his mind wandered places that were not meant for ladies.

He caught himself before the pause got too long or too obvious and determinedly directed his eyes back to the battered box he was holding, filled with a handful of cigarettes. Wordlessly, he offered it out to Eloise, his other hand still patting his vest, then his trousers for the fresh pack of matches which he had only bought this week. A handy excuse for his prolonged silence while it let him find his bearings again. “The same brother who says you talk too much?” He interrupted his search to chance a quick look over at Eloise, the free corner of his mouth quirked up into a crooked smile. “Correct me if I'm wrong, but I can’t imagine it’s that easy to keep you quiet.”

Finally, in the same pocket he had stashed the cigarettes, his fingers closed around the flat pack of matches. Deftly, he lit it on the first try, then offered the small frame out to Eloise to light her cigarette, that same half-smile still stuck to his lips. “Here. Just promise me you won’t tell your mama.” Eloise was smart enough to know that he wasn’t just talking about smoking.

☽LIA☾

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[Deleted]

eloise & theo.

It was scandalous indeed to take her glove off, but she felt comfortable enough to do anything in his presence, even those things she very clearly should not do. It seemed ridiculous, that she was expected to wear dresses that covered her ankles and gloves at all times now that she was out in society, as if the slightest bit of skin anywhere that wasn’t her face might bring shame upon her family. At least here, she certainly wasn’t the only one not wearing gloves. It was better this way, ensuring the smell of smoke wouldn’t cling to the fabric. It might still linger on her dress, but she smoked plenty at home, and her mama never seemed to notice the smell. If she had, she’d never commented. It was the one thing it seemed Eloise was able to get away with, only ever being caught by Benedict, who’d hardly minded. The only other thing that remained a secret were these illicit meetings, and she had no intention of telling a single member of her family. It would only lead to trouble, and she didn’t want to see any harm come to Theo.

"I have four brothers — they all think I talk too much," she told him, with a light chuckle. It felt odd, almost, talking about her family in this setting. Bloomsbury wasn’t that far from Mayfair in terms of its physical location, but it felt worlds away. The two aspects of her life hardly seemed to connect, they could not be more different from each other. Benedict might understand, maybe even Frannie and Colin, but the disappointment she’d bring on from her mama and Anthony wouldn’t be worth it. Still, she chose not to think too much about this — it was so much easier to pretend that all would be well, if she kept anything relating to her family away from all of this. She’d told Theo her full name, and the ‘Bridgerton’ hadn’t seemed to mean anything to him. It was quite the relief to know there were still people out there who didn’t expect her to be perfect as her sister had been. He seemed to take her just as she was, and like her just fine despite it.

Taking one of the cigarettes from the box made her feel a pang of guilt, for only a second. She could buy more with her pin money in a heartbeat (provided she go to a seller who didn’t know nor speak to her mama), but were these little luxuries for him? He worked hard, she’d seen that much, and she’d have to make a mental note to bring him a pack in the near future…make it seem casual, for she didn’t wish to seem like she was flaunting the fact she had money. Her favourite part of this side of town was feeling no different to anyone else; she may have dressed differently, been raised differently, but nobody had said anything about that, not really.

Carefully, she reached for the match, trying so hard not to let their bare hands touch. So many lines had already been crossed, and they knew it. The lack of gloves, however, allowed her to bring the match to the end of the unlit cigarette (which she’d left hanging from her lips), holding it in place until it lit. Shaking her hand to put the match out, she set it aside and let her forefinger and middle finger settle either side of the cigarette, taking a long drag. There was something so blissful and calming about smoking at the best of times, but she felt even more comfort in Theo’s presence, ridiculous as that might be.

"Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it," she assured, nose scrunching up, as she grinned. It was a tease about the cigarette, but she knew how much bigger that sentence truly was. No matter how many times her mother insisted she should marry, tried to match her up with some insufferable gentleman from high society, she could never tell her how she’d finally been drawn to someone. Nobody would understand the desire to marry below her station – it had hardly gone well for Mary Sharma, she’d been shunned from society since before Eloise was even born.

As much as she didn’t care what society thought about her, it was complicated. Besides, nobody said anything about marriage, they were simply…sharing thoughts, getting to know each others’ minds. "As much as I would like for them to, I don’t think anybody is going to understand why I come here, so I couldn’t tell any of my family. Much of the ton is perfectly fine with the way things are – at least, they claim to be. I am quite certain I cannot be the only one who loathes the way things are, cannot be the only one who longs for more…but nobody else dares to speak out. It is quite exhausting, but I suppose they are afraid. Perhaps we all are, on some level."

_julia

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