Work Text:
“Stupid Colin. Stupid wedding to Penelope. Stupid Anthony needing to visit the countryside to check on the crops and taking Kate with him. Stupid vacation that Daphne and Simon just had to go on and now Mama and the others are stuck babysitting their stupid babies. Stupid Benedict for leaving me here, bored.” Eloise muttered angrily to herself as she stomped up the stairs towards her room.
When Benedict initially offered to stay behind after Violet, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth left to see Daphne’s children, Eloise couldn’t be more thrilled. An empty house with no one but her favored sibling for company? No balls or soirées or promenading or countless hours at the modiste that she’s forced to go to for the next couple of weeks? That sounded like absolute heaven. A dream, honestly.
But a few days in with her newfound freedom, Eloise realized how utterly boring it is to not be out and about or not have anyone to talk to. Sure, she had her endless supply of books and she could go out and meet up with the other ladies of the ton but why the hell would she want to do that?
Besides, even if Eloise had gone mental and suddenly decided that she wanted to expand her circle with marriage-obsessed young ladies, everyone is most likely busy preparing for the masquerade ball being hosted by the Cowpers this evening.
And that alone takes out her best option, which is to call on Cressida since she’s the only person Eloise can stand to be around these days. But the only way to see her would be to go to the ball. And if Eloise were to go there then she’d have no escape from the suitors and expectations and standards of the marriage mart. And she’d be unchaperoned, no less. No thanks to Benedict, really. Wherever he is at the moment.
“Then again, it is a masquerade ball…” Eloise thinks aloud as she glances over at her wardrobe, knowing there are a few masks in there somewhere that she can use. And her mama did like to plan ahead, so she had more than a few new gowns and dresses to choose from.
But was she really going to subject herself to a whole night at a ball of all places just to see Cressida?
Apparently, the answer is yes.
Her ladies maids were surprised when she told them of her plans but they didn’t fight or discourage her. They got her dressed and ready, even accommodating her request to give her a bit of a change from the usual before sending her off. Although she may have lied and said that Benedict would be meeting her there as her chaperone for the night. Whatever, it’s not like they’re ever going to find out the truth. She just had to get to Benedict first.
And before she knows it, she’s being dropped off at the venue that the Cowpers have acquired for the ball. People were already pouring in, and Eloise took great care not to be too noticeable or near her mother’s usual crowd so she didn’t get recognized. The mask she wore did a good job of hiding most of her face, and she wore her hair a different style than she normally does. Plus, she opted out of the classic Bridgerton blue color scheme and chose to wear white. A color she has not worn since her debut.
She finds a way to sneak in through one of the back doors instead of the main ones, not wanting to be announced or greeted by anyone. If she can pretend that she’s been here a while then no one would question why she’s coming in alone. She just needs to blend in, try to avoid engaging in any sort of conversation, find Cressida and—
“There you are!” A woman calls before stepping in front of Eloise to block her path. “Where are you going? We agreed to settle our dispute as soon as we arrived and found each other. Do not think you’d be able to get away.”
Eloise looks around confused, unsure if she’s the one who’s actually being spoken to since she’s never even seen this woman before in all her life.
“What, have you gone mute all of a sudden? You weren’t so silent when you tried to lure Lord Redmont away from me with your wiles and—”
That instantly made Eloise scoff. “I’m sorry, my wiles? I assure you that I’ve done nothing of the sort. I do not even know this Lord Redmont that you speak of.”
“Do not play dumb with me! I know what I saw. The Lord and I are in love and if you do not step away from him I will find a way to get your reputation of stealing men out to Lady Whistledown.”
Eloise’s hands balled at her sides at the mention of Penelope’s alter ego, though she tries her hardest not to cause a scene.
“Steal him? Darling, you must be mistaken. The only thing I intend on stealing tonight is a few moments of solitude. Besides, if talking to another woman is enough to turn his head, then perhaps you ought to question him instead of someone you don’t even know.”
The woman looked indignant, clearly not about to let the conversation go.
“Oh you think you’re so clever, don’t you? I’ll have you know, he doesn't find that charming at all.”
Eloise pretends to think about it as she hums. “Yes, well, cleverness is certainly more reliable than the affections of a man who seems easy to sway with how angered you are at the thought of him having conversations with other women.” Eloise rolls her eyes, not one to let things go without getting the last word in.
“Harlot!” The woman accuses, managing to capture some attention from a few passersby.
Eloise actually let out a laugh at that, unable to believe how ridiculous this situation is. She hasn’t even gotten a drink yet and already she’s reminded why she hates these things.
Meanwhile, Cressida Cowper turns her head at the sound of familiar laughter. She’d recognize that laugh anywhere. How could she not when it’s her most favorite sound in the world?
She quickly excuses herself from the conversation she’s having before turning around and heading towards the direction she heard the laugh come from. She didn’t think Eloise would be able to make it tonight since she knew most of her family were away from Mayfair and Eloise absolutely detested these kinds of events.
“That’s the best you can do? Or do you have any more baseless accusations you’d like to throw in my face?”
Luckily, Cressida reached them before the woman could say anything in response to Eloise.
“There you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” Cressida says as she wraps her arm around Eloise’s, gently tugging her away in case she gets the itch to punch the other woman. Cressida had to think of something quick to redirect the conversation. “You’re right in time, Sister.”
The last word was entirely too effective as both Eloise and the woman turned to look at her with bewildered expressions even with the masks on.
“Sorry, excuse me? Sister?” The woman asks.
“Yes! She is an honored guest tonight. We met in a convent out in the country. Isn’t that right, Sister Maria?”
“Convent? Sister?” Eloise continued to stare at Cressida, her mouth hanging open slightly before she got pinched in the side, Cressida trying to make it look as subtle as possible.
“Sister! Yes, Sister. A nun. I am a nun. We met in a convent. A real child of God, this one. Bless her.” Eloise nods, clearing her throat as she goes along with Cressida’s story. “So, as you can see, miss, your man is quite safe from my supposed charm and wiles.”
The woman started sputtering out her apologies, clasping her hands together and bowing her head multiple times.
“My sincerest apologies, Sister. I’ve clearly mistaken you for someone else. Truly, I do not know what came over me.”
Cressida nudges Eloise to say something, the look in her eyes screaming a warning for the shorter girl to play nice.
Eloise takes a deep breath, forcing out a fake smile. “All is forgiven, my child. Go forth and be blessed.” She says before awkwardly signing a cross over the woman. It seemed to work though, the woman breathing out a sigh of relief before bowing one more time and taking her leave.
“What was that?!” Cressida hissed as she dragged Eloise to a more secluded corner so no one could see or overhear them. “Go forth and be blessed?!”
“Well, I don’t know! You made me a nun, I don’t know what nuns actually do or say!”
They stare at each other for a moment before dissolving into laughter, naturally gravitating closer before wrapping their arms around each other. Cressida quickly grew to love the hugs Eloise gives and now she takes it whenever she can.
“Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing here? I didn’t think you’d want to come. Is your family back?”
Eloise was the first to pull away, shaking her head. “No. I came alone, actually.”
“Alone? Eloise, you’re unchaperoned?” Cressida asks worriedly, her eyes showing nothing but concern even behind the mask she wore. “What would people say if they found out?”
“They’re not going to find out. No one knows who I am here and I don’t plan on revealing myself anytime soon.” Eloise assures before smiling at Cressida. “I just wanted to come and see you tonight. And this was the only way how.”
Cressida’s eyes softened at that, damn near to the point of melting. Eloise had such a kind way with words. Cressida sighed before nodding and wrapping her arm around Eloise’s arm again so they could start walking. “Alright, fine. But you’re sticking with me for the rest of the night so I can keep an eye on you. You were damn near ready to fight the woman from earlier if I hadn’t intervened.”
“Yeah, by telling her I’m a nun . Where did you even pull that?”
“I panicked, okay? Let it go. We’ll come up with a better fake persona for you later—”
“Miss Cowper! Miss Cowper—oh. Who’s this?” A gentleman asks as he and his companion walk up to Cressida and Eloise, freezing both in their tracks.
They turn to look at each other with wide eyes, trying to silently come up with a new identity for Eloise.
The two gentlemen await their response, the other one clearing his throat. “I’m Steven Desmond, Baronet of Eswen.”
“And I’m Noah Wigram, Baron of Taunway.” The first man bows his head.
Cressida recovers first, remembering her manners. It’s a pleasure to meet your acquaintances, my lords. It seems that you already but this is my friend—uhm. Miss…Miss Clarissa Weston. She’s…a professional ballet dancer.”
Eloise’s eyes widened, slowly turning to look at Cressida with the deadliest look she could muster. First, she’s been made a nun, and now suddenly she’s a ballet dancer?
“A dancer? Ballerina?” Lord Desmond raises an eyebrow, clearly delighted by that.
Cressida smiles and nudges Eloise to answer and go along with it. Eloise smiles, though she’s pretty sure that she looks in pain while doing so. “Yes. That is…who I am. A ballerina.” Eloise fixes a quick glare at Cressida.
“Ah, yes. I think I recognize you. Desmond, you simply must see one of her performances. They’re truly legendary. I think I saw you in France, was it?”
Now Eloise was really starting to regret coming here. Whatever hole this man pulled that out of, she’d never know. But it’s not like she can give up the farce now.
“Yes, indeed. That had been my last tour, though my arabesque is renowned across the continent. It’s been said that I can outdance even the most enthusiastic of swans.”
Lord Desmond’s eyes light up at that, seeming to be entranced by the concept of Eloise being a ballerina. Cressida bites the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing because as much as she loves and admires Eloise, she’s not exactly known for her grace and poise on the dance floor. Let alone a whole stage.
“This is perfect! We simply must take a turn on the dance floor.” Lord Desmond nods, holding his hand out for Eloise to take.
Lord Wigram nods and does the same for Cressida. “We were hoping to take turns to escort you for a dance, Miss Cowper. But seeing as you have Miss Weston with you, it presents the perfect opportunity for all four of us.”
“Oh, uhm…terribly sorry gentlemen but I am afraid that I’m unable to take the dance floor tonight,” Eloise says as she takes a step back.
“Why not?” Lord Desmond asks, looking slightly discouraged.
Eloise looks to Cressida, clearly asking for some help. “She has injured herself,” Cressida says before she can really think about it. She’s pretty sure Eloise is ready to kill her right about now. “Yes, her last performance involved spirited grand jetés and an untimely pirouette. Her knees are still recovering.”
“Indeed they are. My knees have suffered greatly for the art, but my feet are practically celebrities in their own right so I can’t complain too much.” Eloise says with a fake laugh, hoping to turn these gentlemen off. “Even with the endless blisters, I assure you that you will never see a more graceful limp.”
“....right. Well, what about you, Miss Cowper? Would you care to join us?” Lord Wigram asks, to which Cressida politely shakes her head.
“My deepest apologies, my lords. But I am to keep Miss Weston company at the moment, she needs a bit of assistance getting around.” She answers before nodding to Eloise, who had no choice but to pretend to walk a few feet with the daintiest of limps, really trying to sell her performance. Then maybe later she could use the same foot to stomp on Cressida’s for making her do this in the first place.
Both gentlemen nod before bowing their heads and walking off, whispering about the strange encounter.
“Eloise—” Cressida starts once they are alone again, though she is quickly cut off.
“A ballerina. A ballerina! Have you gone mental?”
Cressida takes Eloise’s hand, shushing her before tugging her along so they can make their way outside to get some fresh air. “Shh, I’m sorry! I didn’t exactly have time to plan out your new fake identity! And how was I to know that Lord Desmond would practically be foaming at the mouth when it comes to a dancing woman?”
“You couldn’t have come up with an identity more suited to me? Perhaps a mute widow, or a spinster, or, I don’t know! A woman who has sworn to celibacy in protest of something.”
“Well, we could make you a nun again.”
Eloise shoots her a deadly look. “Over my dead body.”
“You come up with your next fake identity then. I promise I will go along with whatever—”
Once again, Cressida was caught off as soon she and Eloise had stepped outside. They both turned to see a line of ladies heading towards them, all looking excitable. Eloise panicked a bit, unsure if she needed to play a nun or the ballerina or if she had to make up a whole new identity.
“There she is, there she is! Miss Duffey, how are you tonight? Is it true that you’re here to do your work?” One of the ladies asked as soon as they surrounded both Eloise and Cressida. The two turned to look at each other, unsure of what was happening.
It’s clear that these ladies have mistaken Eloise for someone else, so now she just has to figure out who it is they’ve got her confused with and then play along.
“Uh…yes,” Eloise eventually answered, seeing where this was going and if it could be swayed in her favor. “I am here to work, yes. Not here for pleasure, I am here simply as a professional.”
The ladies all practically squealed, causing Eloise to wince and instantly regret what she had just said.
“Oh, I can’t believe the great Madame Duffey is here to play matchmaker! I need to go and find my mama.”
“Madame Duffey, do you think my perfect match is here tonight?”
“How much for a reading?”
“Can you please give me love advice?”
“The man I’m set to marry, he wants me to bear twelve children. Will we have such luck? Do you know how we can achieve it?”
“Madame Duffey, is a matchmaker like yourself able to find her own love match?”
“Matchmaker?” Eloise repeats, her mind blanking for a moment as the questions come flying at her like relentless wasps. Cressida covers her mouth with her hand as she tries her hardest to hide her laugh, even turning to step away from Eloise for a moment. Truly, Cressida has never had so much fun as she did whenever she was with Eloise.
Of course, that fun was short-lived when she heard her mother clear her throat, grabbing everyone’s attention.
“What’s going on out here?” Araminta asks, her eyebrow raised as she looks around before her eyes settle on Cressida, clearly expecting an answer while Eloise does all that she can to look away from the mother and daughter. She doesn’t need to be recognized and have Lady Cowper gossip about this since it would surely reach Violet in no time. Or worse, Lady Whistledown.
Cressida composes herself, holding her chin up before answering. “It seems that the ladies are all wanting some advice from Madame Duffey, the Matchmaker.”
“Matchmaker?” Araminta repeats, not recalling hiring such a person for the ball.
But before Cressida could explain further, the other ladies jumped in again. “Yes, she has the highest success rate in matchmaking all throughout Europe!”
“Lady Cowper, how ever have you managed to secure her for tonight?”
Araminta looks at her daughter again, her expression neutral since she has no idea what is happening. But she wasn’t about to reveal the fact, nor the fact that she didn’t actually bring on a seemingly famous matchmaker. If this Madame Duffey is as good as they say she is, then it could only do wonders for the Cowper family’s reputation.
“Yes, well, only the best for our guests. Cressida, dear, do ensure that Madame Duffey is taken care of for the night, will you? Get someone to clear that table, she shall use it for her work.” Araminta gestures to one of the outside tables and chairs, all the ladies rushing to fall in line as they wait for Eloise to take a seat.
Cressida couldn’t do anything but nod, leading Eloise towards the table. “I owe you. I owe you absolutely anything you want, I owe you my first child if that is what you wish but please, please play along for now.” Cressida whispers in a hurry, taking her seat beside Eloise.
At least the good thing about this is that her mother had specifically told her to take care of their guest. She doesn’t have to worry about finding a potential husband, at least for tonight. She could just be with Eloise.
“Oh, you definitely will owe me. Once we clear this crowd, you’re all mine for the night, Miss Cowper.” Eloise whispers before putting on a fake smile and motioning for the first woman to come up to the table, leaving Cressida with no time to answer. She could only look away to try and hide her blush at the implication of Eloise’s words.
The first young lady to come up to the table bowed her head. “It is such an honor to meet the legendary matchmaker. Tell me, Madame Duffey, what should I look for in a husband? My parents wish me to marry a prominent figure.”
“Ah, yes. You’ll definitely need a gentleman with the largest estate and an impressive family crest.” Eloise smiled so sweetly that she didn’t know how it could not be perceived as fake. “After all, what’s true love without a solid lineage, am I right?”
The young woman smiles widely, nodding and thanking Eloise over and over again before walking off, blissfully unaware of Eloise’s sarcasm. It continued like that for a while, Eloise spewing out nonsense while Cressida desperately tried not to groan or bury her head in her hands out of frustration at Eloise’s sarcasm and passive aggressiveness.
“You know what? I see you meeting a fella while it’s raining. So definitely look out for someone with a solid umbrella.”
“Hmm, I sense that your ideal partner will always bring you tea in the morning. The stars don’t lie, you need someone who knows the importance of a good cuppa.”
“Look for the one who boasts the loudest about his achievements. Nothing says ‘lifelong happiness’ quite like a man who never stops talking about himself. Because clearly, he’s confident and knows what he wants to go after next. A trait every woman should dream of in a husband, really.”
“You must find a man who preens himself endlessly in front of a mirror, one who will tell you how to look and dress and how to look your best. After all, what’s the foundation of a good relationship if not self-love, hm?”
“You will meet your perfect match at the dessert table. Or the bar. The stars are feeling flexible tonight.”
“The best match is surely one who expects you to smile and nod at all of his thoughts and opinions. One who sees you as an excellent manager for his household. Who needs intellectual equality when you have a life of marital bliss and endless domestic duties to keep you busy?”
“The man of your dreams loves to dance. One who wears eccentric hats. Bonus if they’re willing to make a fool of themselves on the dance floor for you. Now that’s a real keeper.”
It went on and on like that, no one ever questioning Eloise’s words even if Cressida gave her a few glares and nudges to tone it down. The crowd of ladies eventually runs out, and Eloise lets out a sigh of relief before slumping down in her chair.
“Well, that was exhausting,” Eloise mutters as she turns to look at Cressida.
“Coming from someone who loves to talk all the time? Now that truly is something.”
Eloise laughs, shaking her head. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten what I’ve said to you earlier. You’re mine for the rest of the night now, Miss Cowper. The stars have said so.”
“I suppose if the stars said it, I cannot possibly argue,” Cressida sighs before laughing softly and holding out her hand. “Come on. My parents usually stay all night when we host and won’t be home until tomorrow so I’m free to leave whenever I wish.”
Eloise’s eyes light up as she takes Cressida’s hand. “You mean you can come and stay with me for the night?”
“Provided that you get me home early in the morning, yes.” Cressida nods, pulling Eloise along so they can get to the carriages. Eloise happily follows, squeezing Cressida’s hand.
“Thank you for going along with my scheme tonight and for not blowing my cover.”
Cressida smiles, turning to look at Eloise. “I’ll always have your back, you know that.” They say as they walk hand in hand before stopping to wait for their carriage. Once they were seated inside and no one could see them, Cressida leaned in and kissed Eloise on the cheek.
“And thank you for giving me such a memorable night. I’ve never had so much fun than when I’m with you. So, thank you. I look forward to our next performance together.”
Eloise couldn’t help but blush, and she suddenly felt absolutely no regrets about coming out tonight. Not anymore, at least. She takes off the gloves from her hands before doing the same with Cressida’s, simply tossing them aside and intertwining their fingers together.
“Darling, as long as you’re my scene partner, I’d be happy to do this forever.”
In the next few days, everyone has been talking nonstop about the infamous Cowper Masquerade Ball. It turned out to be one of the most popular events this season, what with people talking about such a diverse guest list.
The more spiritual and religious ones talked about the great Sister Maria and her deep devotion to the church, and how it was nice of her to drop by and grace people with her wisdom and spread her blessings.
Others have talked of the world-renowned prima ballerina, and they wondered how the Cowpers could get a celebrity of such caliber to attend their ball. A lot of people claimed that they had already secured their tickets for Miss Clarrisa Weston’s next performance, and how it was sure to be magical.
Most of the ladies and their mamas talked of the famed Madame Duffey, of course. And whatever advice that the wise woman gave was taken to heart. All the ladies took it seriously, finding potential husbands that fit the description of their perfect match according to Madame Duffey.
Lord and Lady Cowper soaked up the praise and attention, not questioning how the talk of such guests started, much less how they ended up at the ball. Cressida of course had to pretend not to know anything, though nowadays she needed to excuse herself whenever Sister Maria, or Clarissa Weston, or Madame Duffey were brought up in conversations in order to stop herself from dissolving into a fit of laughter.
She and Eloise swore to take that little secret to the grave, though now and then as the years pass, they’d agree to make for one of Eloise’s alter egos to make an appearance just for entertainment purposes, and they always somehow manage to get away with it.
And that’s how Cressida Cowper, despite being a very prominent spinster, becomes known throughout London as a famed hostess for every upcoming season, notably for her procurement of renowned guests, and doing it all alongside her companion and fellow spinster, Eloise Bridgerton.
And if there were rumors of them being roommates, well, surely those were just rumors.