polite conversation

[Deleted]

eloise & philomena.

“Lady d'Harcourt—“ she cut in, gently touching her arm to get her attention. Eloise wasn’t usually one to seek out people to socialise with at events, preferring to stick the sidelines and mutter snide remarks, avoiding dancing with suitors as much as possible. Philomena, however, wasn’t some insufferable gentleman seeking her out for a dance, and was instead someone who intrigued her greatly. Given her eldest brother’s closeness with Philomena’s intended, it would have been hard not to have heard of her, and as such she wanted to learn more. What a boon for a woman in her mid-twenties to have travelled so much…Eloise could only dream of such things, and while she was clearly getting married now, she’d gotten to six and twenty on her own. That, too, appealed greatly to the eighteen year old, so eager to make her own way in the world.

Few managed to capture Eloise’s attention in such a way, though she could and would talk her ear off now she’d approached. She never was one to be quiet, or keep anything to herself, though she’d be happy to listen to what she had to say about her travels. Unlike Colin, who drove her absolutely mad rambling about his trips to Greece and how much it ‘changed his life’, she actually wanted to hear about other ladies getting to view the world. Perhaps, someday soon, she could do the same. Surely things couldn’t stay the way they were forever? “Eloise Bridgerton. I believe you’re familiar with my brother?”

Philomena D'Harcourt

tag

[attr="class","mizocredit"]

MADE BY MIZO

[newclass=.mizocredit a]font:bold 6pt calibri;letter-spacing:1px;color:#b5d1f1;[/newclass]

[Philomena D'Harcourt]

As he had promised, William had spoken with her father with no delay, and shortly thereafter, their engagement had been announced to the public. Of course, Lady Whistledown — whose hold on society Philomena was just beginning to understand — had beat them to it with her own suspicions based on their behavior at Apsley House, but with their own confirmation, it seemed Philomena’s life had turned into a non-stop frenzy.

Social calls, invitations to promenade, dinners, balls, even a horse race. In truth, it was exhausting. Philomena could hardly turn down an invitation without causing offense, and as tired as it left her, she could not help but be a bit grateful. Sitting alone with her thoughts gave way to crushing grief, and her elder brother — fool as he was — would not have wanted her to succumb to the darkness.

So, invitations. This particular event was a crush, people hardly able to move with how tightly they were packed in. Philomena, regrettably, could not recall the names of her hosts nor could she recall the names of the couple currently describing in great detail the dimensions of their countryside property. It was all she could do to nod politely and add in some breaths of awe. When Eloise Bridgerton touched her arm, Philomena was all too eager to give her apologies and turn her attention.

“Miss Bridgerton!” She smiled. “Yes, Lord Bridgerton is a dear friend, and he speaks so fondly of you. I understand you are in possession of quite the intellect, non?”

@eloisebridgerton

★fai

WHAT IS THE POINT OF LUKEWARM LOVE?

IF I AM NOT DROWNING IN IT, I HAVE NO DESIRE FOR IT.

[Deleted]

eloise & philomena.

It was likely no secret that Eloise loathed events such as this one. Since her debut into society, however, she wasn't given much of a choice. She had to stay for at least a few hours, but at least this evening she wasn't expected to dance with any gentlemen...at least, she hoped she was able to avoid men, for she'd filled her dance card with enough names as of late, and dancing was hardly her thing. It never had been, and neither was the prospect of marrige. Speaking with someone like Philomena was more appealing, she could only hope she wasn't like most of the young ladies who came to Mayfair. At least she didn't have the same vibes as Cressida, and she'd trust Anthony's judgement. 

"Oh, well. I suppose you could say that — I do like to read, and learn, and would love to attend university, if only I could. Did Anthony say that?" The idea that her eldest brother would speak about her in such a way was honestly quite touching. She did adore Anthony, she truly did, but she never did show it as well as she should. 

Perhaps he hadn't said that in quite so many words, but that was alright. She appreciated the complimented from Philomena, regardless. "And you are from France, correct? Have you travelled much?"

Philomena D'Harcourt

tag

[attr="class","mizocredit"]

MADE BY MIZO

[newclass=.mizocredit a]font:bold 6pt calibri;letter-spacing:1px;color:#b5d1f1;[/newclass]

[Philomena D'Harcourt]

Eloise Bridgerton was a breath of fresh air, and Philomena sank easily into comfort in the young lady’s presence. Hardly every woman in Mayfair was as insipid as they seemed, but as a woman who had never been able — or, indeed, willing — to stifle her true self to satisfy the men around her, she could greatly appreciate Eloise’s spirit in the face of the ton’s pressures. In any case, Philomena was happy to help Eloise avoid the attentions of men wishing to secure her hand in a dance. Dancing far too easily led to marriage in Philomena's opinion, and lifelong commitment was not meant for eighteen-year-old women with desires of their own.

“University?” Philomena’s eyes lit up at the very idea. “No, he did not say as much, but I am enraptured by the notion.” Her mind went to the trunk of journals and books at the foot of her bed, compendiums of botany taking up so much of her heart. "Did the accent give me away?" She joked. “Yes, my father’s duchy is situated near Normandy, by the coast. Not so very far away. I‌ grew up in Rouen, and my elder brother used to tease me so for running about pretending as a young Jeanne d’Arc.” She smiled at the memory of Étienne’s frown at her macabre — if not sacrilegious — performance of the young saint’s end. “Mais c’était il y a longtemps. With the war and my father’s loyalty to the French crown, I have been all over the continent, never in one place very long. Until now.”

@eloisebridgerton

★fai

WHAT IS THE POINT OF LUKEWARM LOVE?

IF I AM NOT DROWNING IN IT, I HAVE NO DESIRE FOR IT.

[Deleted]

eloise & philomena.

Most women in the ton, in Eloise's experience, seemed far too content with the way that things were. Nobody was particularly eager for change, nobody shared her strong desires, her urge to do anything other than get married. People looked at her with pure distaste when she spoke of making a way for herself, attending university...Philomena was different, that much was clear.

Perhaps it was because she hadn't been raised in Mayfair, hadn't been raised in England at all...perhaps they were simply in a small bubble, where everyone refused to accept that things could be any different. As far as all those around her were concerned, seventeen was the perfect age for a woman to wed, and she'd already sat one season out. She had no excuses anymore, no reason not to marry...except, of course, she did not want to. Did that really matter to anyone other than herself?

"I envy you, I must admit," she told her wistfully. How wonderful it must have been to travel, to only settle down when she wished to, not because she was told to. At least, it seemed that way; she seemed to be happy enough, unlike most young women who were married off against their will. "And now? Are you happy here?"

_{Philomena D'Harcourt}

_{MADE BY MIZO}