~ 12 ~

                                    

                                          

Pen had been visiting Eloise. They were both in the garden laughing and giggling with one another. Though a bit of curiosity gathered in Penelope's mind, she wondered about the other night on the dance floor where Eloise was dancing away with Valerie Harrington, she wondered if there was more to the story so she had to ask her best friend. 
"The both of you looked quite stunning...on the dance floor..you know it caught the eye of so many!! Although it was a beautiful sight to see, I was a little curious..about the two of you..Are you both hiding something..you know like..a crazy secret..the ton would go absolutely feral over?" Pen smirked. 
Eloise chuckled, feeling a sense of amusement at Penelope's curiosity.
"Nothing too exciting, I'm afraid. Valerie and I were simply enjoying ourselves on the dance floor, having a bit of fun at the expense of the ton's expectations."
She looked at Pen, gauging her reaction to this information.
"Did you see the look on their faces? I've never seen such shock and scandal in one room before." Pen replied. 
"Indeed pen—I cannot believe such a night ever even happened. I cannot wait to see Valerie again.." 
Pens eyes lit up when Eloise said this, "are the two of you going to court..?" 
Eloise shook her head with a soft laugh.
"No, Pen, my friendship with Valerie is purely platonic. We simply share a mutual dislike for the social conventions of the ton and enjoy teasing the ton with our outrageous behavior."
She gave Pen a conspiratorial smile.
"Though I must admit, it is rather amusing to see the ton in such a stir. The look on their faces when we stepped onto the dance floor together was priceless."
Although, pen had been becoming suspicious of maybe there being more behind Eloise and Valerie. She certainly knew her friend. "Quite priceless indeed, you two of have shocked the ton and I am not so sure Karina was pleased.." Penelope looked concerned. 
"Yeah Valerie has a complicated relationship with her mother Karina, they never much got along. When I was at the Harringtons she got along so well with all of her kids except for Valerie..if you ask me it is quite unfair.."  Eloise replied. 
"Well, just be careful Karina isn't..an easy woman." Pen replied though the curiosity still affected pens mind. Did Eloise have feelings for Valerie? 
"But have you fallen? Come on Eloise I've watched the both of you on the dance floor, so many of the ton did, I see the way you look at each other and it does not look like purely friendship to me, if you were to court this girl you'd tell me right? We agreed no secrets, and I would be there for you always..even if you shall court her you shall have my full blessing as your best friend." Penelope said anxious about this entire thing.
Eloise blushed slightly at Penelope's implication.
"I shall always tell you..it is no secret but, well, it's true that Valerie and I do seem to share a special connection. And yes, there is a strong sense of camaraderie and understanding between us..."
She paused, looking down at her hands.
"But as for romantic feelings, I do not know. My feelings towards her are confusing and complex, and I have yet to fully untangle them."
Penelope smiled softly, seeing the conflicted look on Eloise's face.
"Oh, Eloise, it sounds like you have quite the predicament on your hands. Could it be that you have feelings for Miss Harrington that you haven't quite realized yet?"
Eloise's brow furrowed as she considered Penelope's words.
"I must admit, I've never thought about the possibility of having feelings for a woman. Especially not one as bold and independent as Valerie. But the more I spend time with her, the more I find myself drawn to her."
She looked down, fiddling with a lace on her dress.
"But it's all so new and strange, I don't know what to make of these feelings."
Penelope reached over and placed a comforting hand on Eloise's arm.
"It's understandable that you feel confused and overwhelmed. But take your time to explore these feelings, and don't be afraid to listen to your own heart."
She smiled warmly at her friend.
"And know that no matter what, I will always be here to support and listen, without judgment."
Eloise nodded. "that is why you are my dearest friend pen..I know that in these times I can count on you."
Penelope squeezed her hand, a look of sincere affection on her face.
"Always, Eloise, always. You are my dearest friend as well, and I cherish our friendship more than anything. You are not alone, and I will always be here for you no matter what."