Chapter Text
Dear Lady Crane,
congratulations on your wedding with Sir Crane.
Do you still think about me? I do.
Do you still remember how I feel? I do.
Do you still know how I look? I do. I remember every inch of you.
I hope you are well.
With love,
Yours, Cressida Cowper
“What are we doing?” Eloise asked while pacing. She seemed stressed. Cressida sat on a bench in the garden and watched Eloise intensely. Before she could say anything, Eloise continued.
“Surely it’s quite common for young ladies to feel like this with a close friend” she said. Cressida wanted to correct her. Wanted to speak of love. But Eloise seemed to deny everything that had to do with this particular feeling.
“I’m sure we are not the only ones” she said instead. Deep down Eloise must knew, however. That they were more than friends. That friends didn’t kiss each other. That friends didn’t long for each other. It hurt that Eloise tried to deny her feelings, but she could not stay away from her.
“I feel like I need a drink” Eloise muttered and finally sat down on the bench. Their hands gravitated towards each other, and they intertwined their fingers.
Dear Lady Cowper,
Thank you for your lovely letter! I must say I was surprised by it. But it was a pleasant surprise. I did not know you were back in London.
I am very well, Sir Phillip and the children are delightful to be around. I am still getting used to be their new mother figure, but I love them already.
Please send me the newest news from London’s Lords and Ladies. I must confess I am a bit bored, Sir Phillip’s library is not to my taste yet.
Yours, Eloise Crane
Dear Lady Crane,
How pleasant exactly?
And what about Phillip? Do you love him? Like you loved me?
London is boring, no scandals so far. But without Lady Whistledown we may be left in the dark about them. I ran into your brother Benedict the other day. We were invited to the same party. I would like to think you would have had your fun here. If you’d only been braver.
I can send you some books. The ones we used to read.
If you need any books, I am more than happy to send you some.
Yours, Cressida Cowper
Their naked bodies were pressed together in Eloise’s bed. Cressida put a kiss on her shoulder.
“I love you” she whispered softly. Eloise didn’t answer. Of course, she wouldn’t say it back. In her mind they were still friends. Just friends. Very good friends. Who’ve just been inside each other.
“If I were a man, you’d have to marry me now” Cressida said because she couldn’t stand quiet Eloise. Eloise turned to face her.
“If you were a man, I would marry you. But you are not” she said. That was the closest thing to “I love you too” Cressida would get. She’d take it happily anytime. Before any of them could say anything stupid, Cressida moved forward to kiss Eloise.
Dear Lady Cowper,
my brother, Benedict, said, he’d seen you the other day, but he wouldn’t tell me where. Are you sure that London is so boring after all? I would give so much to be part of society right now. Living here is quiet, and you know how much I hate quiet. The only distraction are the children. They are so lovely. I would like for you to meet them some day. Maybe you could visit when you are in the country?
Thank you for your offer on sending me books. Do you have any recommendations? Do you still enjoy reading?
Yours, Eloise Crane