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The late sky was a canvas of vivid colors, the sun hanging low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the scene. Hues of pink, orange, and purple blended seamlessly, creating a breathtaking masterpiece for those who thought to spare a glance. Seagulls flew overhead, their silhouettes stark against the glowing sky. The gentle sea breeze carried the scent of saltwater and the distant promise of night-blooming flowers.
Violet Bridgerton walked arm-in-arm with Marcus Anderson, her heart light with the warmth of an early summer evening. The boardwalk stretched before them, vibrant with the sounds of laughter, music, and the distant roar of the ocean. This was a rare evening out for Violet, one she had been looking forward to for weeks. Edmund will always hold a part of her heart, but lately, she has come to realize that letting him go and finding another source of happiness for herself does not tarnish his memory or the love they had shared together in any way. Edmund would want her to be happy, she’s sure of it.
"Have you ever seen a more beautiful sunset?" Marcus asked, his deep voice resonating with genuine admiration as he brought Violet out of her thoughts. He paused to take in the scene, his eyes reflecting the myriad of colors painted across the sky.
Violet smiled, her eyes reflecting the soft hues of the descending sun. "It's truly breathtaking," she agreed, her voice a whisper of contentment. "I think we chose the perfect spot."
As they strolled further, their footsteps in sync, a playful commotion caught Violet's attention. She turned her head to see two figures darting around further down the boardwalk, their laughter infectious and bright. She squinted at the familiar voice before her eyes widened slightly in surprise as she realized who it was.
"Eloise?" she whispered, incredulous.
Eloise Bridgerton, her second eldest daughter known for her sharp wit and independent spirit, was dancing around, always just out of reach of none other than Cressida Cowper, who chased Eloise with an ice cream cone extended like a playful threat. Cressida's determination was matched only by the joyous laughter that erupted from both girls as they circled around benches and weaved through the crowd. Eloise at one point had even swung around one of the lampposts, not unlike the scene from Singin’ in the Rain.
"Is that your daughter?" Marcus asked, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he followed her gaze, knowing how much Violet adored all of her children. Even if she did express concern over Eloise now and then.
"It is," Violet replied, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and delight. "But I had no idea she and the Cowper girl were so…close."
Violet's mind raced with memories of Eloise's childhood. Eloise had always been different from her siblings, preferring the company of books and the pursuit of knowledge over the typical interests of her peers. She was fiercely intelligent, with a curiosity that seemed insatiable. Love and dating had never seemed to capture her attention; instead, Eloise found joy in learning, in spending time with (or more often than not messing with and teasing) her siblings, and in the company of her lifelong friend and neighbor, Penelope Featherington.
All Violet really knew about the Cowper girl was that she had been in her eldest daughter Daphne’s year, and she was sure that the Cowper family owned a summer home near the Bridgerton’s own property out in the country. Other than that, Eloise had never brought Cressida up in conversation before. Although she supposes it might only be because their friendship is still new.
"I've never seen her this happy," Violet murmured, more to herself than to Marcus. She felt a pang of guilt for not knowing about this part of Eloise's life, even more so at the thought of her daughter not feeling comfortable enough to share it, but it was quickly overshadowed by the joy of seeing Eloise so genuinely content and carefree.
"Sometimes, the most beautiful things are the ones we stumble upon unexpectedly," Marcus said gently, squeezing Violet's hand. "Just look at them. They're radiant, are they not?"
Violet nodded, her eyes misting with unspoken emotion. She had come to the boardwalk to enjoy a quiet evening with Marcus, but witnessing Eloise and Cressida's playful antics had filled her heart in ways she hadn't anticipated. She watched as the two girls finally collapsed onto a bench, breathless and smiling, their hands intertwining with an intimacy that couldn't be ignored.
Okay, so maybe it was not a friendship as Violet had originally thought. That’s okay. She can show her support for it another day. With how happy Eloise looks, Violet is sure that it would only be a matter of time before Cressida is a regular at the Bridgerton house.
"I think we should keep our presence a secret," Violet suggested with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "For now, at least."
Marcus chuckled. "Agreed. Let's give them their moment."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the boardwalk, Violet and Marcus found a secluded spot to sit. They continued their own quiet conversation, but Violet's thoughts remained with Eloise and Cressida, grateful for this unexpected glimpse into her daughter's happiness.
The little bell above the door jingled as Eloise Bridgerton and Cressida Cowper entered the quaint little ice cream shop near the boardwalk. The air inside was cool and filled with the sweet aroma of freshly made waffle cones, which only excited Eloise even more. A date with the most gorgeous girl she has ever had the pleasure to lay her eyes on and ice cream? What more could she ask for?
Over the past few months or so, the two had grown unexpectedly close. What had started as a friendly rivalry in class together, marked by sharp words, competitive banter, and constant debates that even their professor couldn’t stop them from, had blossomed into a new relationship full of warmth and genuine affection. They had known each other since they were children, but they never did get along. Especially since Eloise had been so adamant that she only needed Penelope as a friend.
It wasn’t until they shared a class together in university had they really clashed. But their differences soon revealed a deeper compatibility and understanding. Cressida had tempered Eloise's cynicism while Eloise had softened Cressida's rough edges. Something about the other just really brought out their sweet side.
So it wasn’t surprising when Eloise suggested that they go on a fun little date. Normally, just the thought of going on such a thing would have made her feel ill but with Cressida? With Cressida, she’d wear a damn matching outfit and bunny ears if it meant making Cressida happy. They made their way to the counter, eyes scanning the colorful array of flavors displayed behind the glass.
Eloise's face lit up as she spotted her favorite. "Mint chocolate chip!" She pointed with a grin.
Cressida wrinkled her nose in mock disgust. "Mint chocolate? Eloise, that's a horrid flavor!" Cressida rolled her eyes because of course Eloise would choose that.
Eloise laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "You just don't appreciate the finer things in life, Cowper."
"Oh, please," Cressida scoffs, a playful glint in her eye. "Chocolate and mint together is like brushing your teeth and then drinking orange juice afterward. It's just wrong."
"You're just jealous because your taste buds aren't sophisticated enough to handle it," Eloise teased, sticking out her tongue.
Cressida rolled her eyes dramatically but couldn't hide her smile. "Fine, if you say so. But I'm sticking with a classic strawberry." She says before ordering for the both of them, no matter how painful it was to give Eloise’s order.
As they received their cones, Eloise took a triumphant lick. "Mmm, perfection."
Cressida watched her with a mixture of fondness and exasperation. "You're impossible. Do not expect any kisses from me."
They found a cozy corner of the shop and settled into a booth, their playful banter continuing as they enjoyed their ice cream. Eloise savored every bite of her mint chocolate chip, while Cressida relished her strawberry. And of course, continued to make fun of Eloise’s choice of flavor.
"You know," Eloise said between bites, “You ought to be more bold and spontaneous with ice cream flavors. You never know what you might end up liking.”
"And you," Cressida replied, "Ought to develop some taste buds."
Eloise grinned mischievously. Cressida really shouldn’t forget that Eloise is a true Bridgerton. And sometimes, being a Bridgerton meant being an absolute menace. And so, without warning, Eloise leaned over and swiped her cone across Cressida's nose, leaving a smear of mint chocolate chip behind. "How’s that?"
Cressida gasped in mock horror, eyes wide. "Eloise Bridgerton, you are going to regret that!"
Eloise laughed and made the smartest decision of her life— run.
She sprang from her seat and darted towards the door. "Not if you don’t catch me!" She called over her shoulder as she bolted out of the shop and down the boardwalk.
It didn’t take long before Cressida was hot on her heels, determined to take her revenge. Eloise forgot that those damn model legs of hers could do so much more than just strut around in heels. She should find other uses for those legs soon. Preferably, later that night. In bed.
The evening air was nice and cool and filled with the sounds of laughter and the distant waves crashing against the shore. Eloise effortlessly weaved through the crowd, always just out of reach thanks to her many years of playing with her older brothers.
"You can't run forever, Eloise!" Cressida shouted, a grin spreading across her face despite herself.
Eloise glanced back, her eyes sparkling. "Looking a little slow there, Cowper!" Eloise sticks her tongue out for good measure.
Their chase continued down the boardwalk, past vendors and street performers, blissfully unaware that they were being watched by none other than Violet Bridgerton.
"Okay, okay! Fine! You win!" Cressida eventually calls, stopping by the railing so that she can catch her breath. Her ice cream was starting to melt and clearly, it would be impossible to try and catch Eloise while making sure to keep the dripping mess away from her sundress. The sundress that Eloise insisted she wears "just because" as if Cressida didn’t already know that Eloise just wanted her legs to be out on display. Not that Cressida minded since she quite enjoyed Eloise’s eyes on her at all times.
Eloise looks back as she hears the words, a triumphant grin on her face. "And once again, I reign victorious. That’s Bridgerton one, Cowper zero." She teased, confident as she turned back to approach her girlfriend.
Cressida’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she held her ground, waiting for the perfect moment. "Whatever. Who’s to say that I didn’t just let you win?"
Eloise’s grin widened as she closed the distance between them. "Because I always win," She smirks, leaning in for a playful kiss.
But before Eloise could savor those perfect lips, Cressida took the opportunity to shove the remainder of her melting ice cream cone right into Eloise’s face. The strawberry ice cream smeared across Eloise's nose and cheeks, leaving her stunned for a moment as she stared at Cressida with wide eyes.
"There! Now we’re even!" Cressida declared, bursting into laughter at the sight of Eloise’s shocked expression.
Eloise wiped the ice cream from her face, her expression quickly shifting from surprise to amusement. "Oh, you are so going to pay for that, Cowper!"
Cressida laughed, her eyes sparkling with delight. "You wish, Bridgerton!"
Eloise lunged forward, and now the chase was on again. Both girls were laughing and dodging around the people, taking care not to take anyone down or annoy them too much. Their laughter mingled with the sounds of the evening, a testament to their playful, budding love. If Eloise were to watch from the sidelines, she would have thought that the sight was absolutely sickening. But then again, is it really? Especially if someone as beautiful as Cressida is involved?
Finally, they both collapsed onto a bench near the end of the boardwalk, breathless and grinning from ear to ear. Eloise looked at Cressida, her eyes filled with affection. "I’m willing to call it a tie if you are."
"Deal," Cressida nods, still trying to catch her breath. If someone had told her last year that she’d eventually be running around with Eloise Bridgerton, falling in love, she would have dumped a drink over them. But here she is now, and she has never been more happy.
"You know, I wouldn’t trade this for anything," Eloise said softly, her eyes refusing to leave Cressida’s.
Cressida smiled, reaching out to brush a loose strand of hair from Eloise’s face before tucking it back behind her ear. "Neither would I. Even if you do have terrible taste in ice cream."
Eloise laughed, leaning in to press a quick kiss to Cressida’s lips, thinking to herself that mint chocolate chip was no longer her favorite ice cream flavor. It’s strawberry now.
"You’ll come around to it eventually. I have faith and we have time."
They smiled at each other before turning their heads and watching the sunset over the horizon together, the golden light casting a warm glow over the boardwalk. Eloise reached over without hesitation and intertwined her fingers with Cressida's. The simple gesture sent a wave of warmth through them both.
Cressida squeezed Eloise’s hand gently before leaning in and resting her head on Eloise’s shoulder, always finding comfort in Eloise’s touch.
For Eloise, this was everything she had never known she wanted. She turned her head slightly to press a soft kiss on Cressida’s forehead. "I adore you," She whispered, though in the back of her mind, the word ‘love’ lingered instead. One day. One day, she’ll be brave enough to say it.
Cressida looked up at her, eyes shining. "I adore you too, Eloise." She responds. One day, she’ll be able to the three words she really meant to say. One day. But for now, this was their moment of simple, undeniable happiness. And it was perfect.