Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Fresh air, thank heavens.” Eloise escaped to the terrace off of the ballroom and dug through her reticule for her cigarette. Once in hand she lit it over a torch and basked in the sweet relief smoking brought her after hours of being stuck inside the crowded masquerade ball. It seemed no one rejected an invitation tonight so Eloise was forced to mingle with more people than usual, a task she despised. The only upside was that every guest was wearing a mask which at least made conversation less dull as people were more likely to authentically express themselves under the guise of anonymity. But it also meant they were more likely to indulge in excess drink which she found less amusing.

Tired of the mask hindering her sight, Eloise yanked it off and placed it on the stone ledge before she pulled herself on top of it to rest her aching feet. Her pale yellow dress was probably going to be stained but she couldn’t find it in herself to care. Her less than graceful nature resulted in at least half her dresses returning home in some state of disarray. Although this was her most expensive dress of the season thus far, her mother would probably let this stain slide as masquerade balls were notoriously a more debauched affair than others.

But mother didn’t have to know this stain resulted from her sneaking off, something she was strictly prohibited from doing.

Eloise took another puff of her cigarette and exhaled, staring up at the starry night sky. The vast wonder of the natural world reminded her there was more to life than parties, reputations, intrusive siblings, and idiotic suitors. For just a moment, she felt free from the stress of it all.

“I thought masks were mandatory on this night?”

Eloise startled at the sound of the German-esque accented stranger and clutched the potted plant beside her to keep from falling back off the ledge and into the thorny bushes below.

“Sorry!” The stranger hurriedly approached to help steady her before she stopped him with a steely glare. Like most guests he was wearing a mask to hide his identity but that typically didn’t stop Eloise from deducing rather quickly who the person was based on height, build, and voice. But with this intruder, she couldn’t place a finger on who he was. There weren’t many German or Prussian young gentleman residing in the Ton year round that she could compare him to.

“You almost startled me to my death,” Eloise exclaimed after catching her breath.

“I did not intend to. I apologize very much, my lady.”

“I am not a lady,” Eloise scoffed and hopped off the ledge. “But I will accept your apology because my mother says I need to act more graciously… even to complete strangers who like to sneak up on unsuspecting women.”

“Thank you for your forgiveness,” He bowed chivalrously and Eloise squirmed under his unconcealed sincerity.

“Alright. Simply do not go making a habit of sneaking about again, sir.”

“I will try, but I might have to make exceptions if it allows me to meet women as interesting as you,” He smiled warmly. It wasn’t unattractive.

“What are you doing out here exactly?” Eloise burned her cigarette out and tossed it into the plant that saved her life.

“I desired a moment to myself. It has been some time since I last attended a ball and I forgot how crowded those in England could be.”

Eloise mentally patted herself on the back for being right about him not being from the Ton but that only puzzled her more as to who exactly he was. Not that I care, she insisted to herself.

“Well so far this is the most attended ball this season so I do not blame you for wanting time alone. I too needed fresh air.”

“Were you not just smoking?”

“Exactly.”

The mysterious man looked confused but then started laughing uproariously and Eloise was surprised to feel her cheeks grow warmer. No one besides Penelope and Benedict understood her sense of humor but even they never laughed as joyously as this stranger. Unlike most men of the Ton, this man did not hide what he felt.

It was refreshing.

“You certainly speak whatever is on your mind, Miss…”

Eloise raised a brow, feeling amused as he waited for her to reveal her identity.

“Now how is that fair? I am mask-less, yet you still have yours on. I believe I am entitled to some anonymity if you are maintaining yours, sir.”

She watched him ponder her words, his mask not covering the crease between his brows as he scrunched his nose. He didn’t contemplate long before he shrugged and flashed her a boyish grin.

“Then I will take mine off.”

“No, don’t!” Eloise stepped forward and he stopped removing his mask once they were close enough to see the blue of each other’s eyes. “Keep it on.”

“Whatever for? Your mask is off.”

“But you obviously don’t know who I am and as long as you keep that mask on then we don’t have to introduce ourselves and I won’t know who you are.”

“You do not want to know who I am?” He frowned. Eloise wanted to curse. Why did he have to look like an adorably lost puppy?

“It’s not that I do not, but do you not think it’s better like this; not knowing? This way we will not know each other’s statuses and be forced to stick to the rules of societal polite conversation and etiquette. Not knowing allows us to act freely and without the pressure of perfection.”

He pondered her words again which resulted in another of his charming smiles.

“Yes, you are correct.”

“I know,” Eloise preened. If only everyone else in her life grasped the concept that she was always right as quickly as this stranger did.

“It is fun acting without the scrutiny. It is not often I can act ‘free’, as you say. This is why I like the masquerade balls; I feel at one with the people!”

Eloise found his enthusiasm amusing but it also made her wonder how high ranking his title must be for him to find relief in anonymity. Her instinct to always be in the know pushed her to dig deeper and find out who this man was, but it was late, she was tired, and for some reason she was fascinated by this stranger. If he really was above her in station their easy banter would be lost. She didn’t want that.

“My lady,” The blonde stranger bowed after her stretch of silence, his smile ever present. “Would you do me the honor of sharing a dance?”

“I don’t have my card on me,” Eloise hid a smirk. “And there is no music out here.”

“We have already broken the rules of propriety. And music is not necessary for dancing.”

“I am a contrarian to many ideas but even I must disagree with you on that point.”

“Allow me the chance to prove you wrong,” He offered his hand, his smile so dashing and blue eyes so gleeful that Eloise decided to put her skepticism aside. It wasn’t like anyone would catch them looking foolish when she inevitably proved him wrong.

She put her gloved hand in his and was surprised by his strength in pulling her close and putting them in the first position of a waltz. The waltz was a relatively new dance, far more intimate than Eloise was used to, but despite her general apathy for dancing she was never one to turn down trying something different.

“Follow my lead.”

“That goes against my very nature, sir,” Eloise raised a brow. “But since I have not perfected the dance just yet I will acquiesce to you this once.”

“You truly are remarkable,” He beamed and Eloise was suddenly aware of his gentle yet steady hold on her lower back and her left hand gripping his right. Why was his touch making her so warm?

The dance steps were awkward to follow at first but Eloise watched Benedict and Colin do the waltz enough times this season that she knew what was expected of her. It also helped that the masked man was a very good dancer and she wondered how much better he would be with actual music to accompany him.

“We must look very ridiculous,” Eloise commented but the stranger’s smile grew.

“Perhaps. But are we not having fun?”

“I think that remains in debate.”

“Admit I have proven you wrong; you are smiling.”

“I am not!” Eloise instinctively scowled which only made him chuckle. She dismissed the butterflies in her stomach and put her focus back into the steps. She was so caught up in getting the dance right that she didn’t notice when he suddenly let go of her back to twirl her out of his arms.

His hold was apparently too strong for when he brought her back into position she stumbled and collided into his chest. She clutched his shoulder to regain balance and he held her arm tightly to help her stay upright.

She looked up at him, ready to defend herself despite her embarrassment, but was caught off guard to find nothing but deep concern in his blue eyes. Most men Eloise danced with either laughed at or chided her whenever she missed a step which resulted in her stomping on their feet in retaliation and marching off to find Benedict to take her home. Right now, she had no desire to find her older brother at all.

“I apologize. Are you well, my lady?”

“This is the second time I’ve almost been injured in your presence,” Eloise brushed off his earnest worry with a joke although it was technically true.

“I would not allow that to happen,” There was a firmness in his gaze that Eloise didn’t expect and she hoped to heavens she wasn’t blushing like a silly young girl.

“Well, you almost did. Twice.”

“A mistake I will not make again.”

“I admire your confidence,” Eloise stepped back to smooth her dress, not catching his hurt expression from the loss of her touch. “But I think I have proven dancing requires music. I would have completed the steps perfectly otherwise.”

“Of course. Although, I did enjoy our dance together. I hope to be your partner again but with music next time.”

“How will I know it is you?” Eloise half smiled. “I do not know your face. Well, half of it I suppose.”

“But I know yours. And I will seek you out, if that is acceptable?”

“I suppose so,” She tried to hold back the curiosity she felt at the thought of meeting him again.

“Excellent!” His smile was radiant and Eloise was shocked that any person could wear their emotions so freely. “I wait with baited breath until the day I know your name, my lady.”

“Do not suffocate on my behalf. I am no one too special, I assure you.”

“I doubt that,” The blonde stranger took her hand, bowed, and laid a gentle yet lingering kiss on her knuckles. For once Eloise was grateful she took her mother’s advice and wore gloves because she had no doubt her hands were sweaty both from the heat and the nerves she had under this man’s charming spell. Perhaps it would be wise not to meet him again; she was not used to feeling so awkward and didn’t like it at all.

But then again, the thought of not seeing him brought up another feeling, one she did not like.

She had to get away from him.

“Well, until we meet again, sir. Goodbye,” Eloise hurried to perform a small curtsey just in case the gentleman was of higher rank and practically ran to the balcony doors to find her brothers. She needed to go home so she could sleep and not think about a shining pair of blue eyes anymore.

Eloise did not look back so she did not see the besotted expression behind the stranger’s mask. For a while the gentleman stood in place, mentally reliving the most riveting conversation he had with a woman since his first official trip to London last year. His conversations with a certain red-head came close but this one was different. He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face while in the presence of the blue eyed brunette. Not only was she a classic beauty in every sense, but she was smart and witty and not blinded by his title. She stayed in his company for so long because of who he was and not what he had.

It was refreshing.

“Your highness!”

Prince Friedrich held back a sigh as one of his aunt’s footmen approached him. The footman was put in charge to watch over him and he tried all night to lose the glorified babysitter. He was lucky that when he finally escaped his guard he was able to meet the mysterious and beautiful woman in the pale yellow dress.

“I have been looking for you, sir. Her majesty sent word she wants you back at the palace as soon as possible.”

“How fortuitous because I need to speak to her right away.”

“Whatever for, sir?”

“Because I think she will be happy to know I finally found the woman I intend to marry.”

Chapter Text

One week later Eloise had yet to uncover the identity of the masked stranger, for which she was both grateful and annoyed by. His mere existence distracted her, and the thought of his smile and broad shoulders made her already tight dresses feel twice as uncomfortable. She knew it could not be normal to think of a man and act this way, it simply did not make sense, and she feared meeting him again would make her condition grow worse.

But at the same time she felt a strong need to know the name of the man who had this unnatural effect on her. Perhaps if she knew who he really was, the spell he had on her would be broken. Then she would become her normal self again and be able to focus on her academic pursuits in literature, women's rights, and politics.

How was she to grow her mind if all she could think of were a pair of kind eyes behind a stranger’s mask?

So Eloise was stuck in limbo on whether or not unmask to his identity while keeping Penelope company at the Queen’s ball. Just about the entirety of Mayfair was shocked when 5 days ago invitations were sent out from the Queen that she was hosting a ball to welcome her nephew back to London, with a clear demand that all eligible young ladies of the house must attend. Eloise had a half a mind to feign sickness so as to not be a part of whatever scheme Her Majesty had planned, but mother seemed to catch onto her idea and watched her like a hawk so she could not back out. She had no choice but to participate.

“I am not used to being a wallflower,” Eloise commented as another dance started. “It is quite boring. Wouldn’t you rather sneak off with me instead, Pen?”

“We cannot sneak off,” Penelope giggled. “It is the Queen’s ball and the Prince is in attendance. Do you not want to know who he has his eyes on this year?”

“Well, we know it’s not Cressida any longer according to Whistledown. And Daphne ended their courtship once Simon proposed. This prince clearly has a preference for perfect, beautiful women who enjoy the horrendousness of the social season.”

“Perhaps he will set his sights on Miss Edwina next since her courtship to your brother is over now that he is engaged to Miss Sharma.”

“Her Majesty would certainly be thrilled for the matchmaking of Miss Edwina and her nephew. It would be just like last season; the Diamond and the Prince… the encore.”

The best friends giggled together until a hush overtook the room as the Queen rose from her throne. She looked especially regal in her lavender tinted wig and there was a gleam in her eyes, a look Eloise knew well from dealing with her so many mischievous siblings.

“It is my honor to welcome back and declare, after one year away from our great country, that my nephew has officially returned to us. And…” The Queen paused dramatically which had the crowd on their toes but had Eloise wanting to roll her eyes. “My beloved nephew, Prince Friedrich, has declared his intentions to find his bride. So expect an extravagant, royal wedding by this year's end!”

Everyone immediately began to speculate, the sounds of chattering gossip overtaking the ballroom. The Queen looked incredibly pleased with herself and Eloise leaned down to Penelope’s ear.

“It seems Her Majesty is basking in her victory to finally have news that Lady Whistledown did not know first.”

Penelope smiled but Eloise found it too wide and strangely forced. “Yes… poor Lady Whistledown.”

The playing from the trumpeters finally quieted everyone as the double doors opened. The crowd watched in rapture as the Prince entered the ballroom, but being so far in the back had Eloise straining to get a good look at him. All she could make out from the top of his head was that he had coiffed, golden hair. Judging from the ‘oohing’ and ‘awing’ of the many ladies in attendance, she had to assume that he was as handsome as Daphne once described.

How one man could have this effect on so many intelligent women, Eloise did not know and did not care to find out.

“This is ridiculous. The ballroom is far too crowded and I cannot see a thing. We might as well leave. It is not like us being here has any effect on the prince’s party.”

Penelope shook her head, looking more distracted than Eloise had ever seen her. “You go ahead. I need to, um, eat an eclair.”

“Well get me one too, I’m starving!” Eloise called out as Penelope made her way to the other side of the ballroom. She crossed her arms as she waited for her friend to come back but as the minutes ticked on and couples returned to the dance floor, she was growing restless in her need to escape and have a smoke.

The possibility that her mystery gentleman might find her again on the terrace also crossed her mind, but she did not want to be too hopeful. It was equally as possible she might never see him again and their one night alone would remain just that.

Eloise sneaked over to the terrace doors but stopped as there were footmen guarding each exit. In all her months since her debut, she had never been to an event so well guarded even with the Queen in attendance. Was there a burglar on the loose?

“Excuse me,” She smiled at one of the footman and hoped she looked halfway charming. “But I need to be let out. I believe I left my shawl outside and desperately need to find it.”

“Apologies, but we were put on strict orders by His Royal Highness that no young lady is to leave this ballroom until his say.”

“So we are trapped?” Eloise scowled. “What kind of society is this that we have to follow every rule a royal gives us and ignore the rights of citizens?”

The footman did not respond which only made Eloise all the more frustrated.

“You must allow me to leave. I am may be just a woman to you, but I am still a human being with inalienable rights and cannot be forced to remain in a place I no longer wish to be.”

The footman remained silent. Eloise grit her teeth in preparation for another rant when suddenly the stoic footman’s eyes widened as he looked over her shoulder. He hastily bowed.

“Your Royal Highness.”

Taken aback, Eloise hesitantly turned and sure enough there stood who could be none other than the Prince based on his decorated uniform. She immediately curtsied before she could make out more than his general appearance, so when she looked back up she was surprised to see the Prince gazing upon her with such unbridled intensity. He had the same look in his eyes that she saw Simon have for Daphne, and that Anthony now had for Kate.

What was going on?

“It is you, schatz. I knew I would find you again.”

His accent was so familiar, it took her right back to one week ago with the conversation she had with her masked stranger. But the Prince could not be him.

It had to be a coincidence.

“Forgive me Your Royal Highness, but I believe we have yet to be introduced.”

His smile was so joyous and hopeful and Eloise felt light-headed because she knew that smile. She had restless and fitful nights of sleep because she could think of nothing but that smile.

The Prince was her mystery stranger.  

The universe was out to get her, she knew it.

“But I believe we have been introduced,” He bowed slightly so his eyes were still on her as offered his hand. “Please do me the honor of the next dance… with music this time, my lady.”

Eloise’s first inclination when being put in a confusing circumstance was always to run. She quite liked running from her problems, it never steered her wrong in the past. But with more of the crowd turning their attention to her and the Prince, it was not as if she could run away now; The Queen and all of Mayfair were watching, as well as her family who were all probably frozen in shock. She wished she could find them in the crowd just to see the looks on their faces.

Despite her disorientation by the night’s turn of events, Eloise accepted the Prince’s hand and marveled at his larger size as he guided her gracefully to the dance floor. The string quartet began performing a whimsical yet passionate song, but all she could focus on was her former mystery man staring at her. Just like she guessed during their first meeting, he was an excellent dancer and was completing all his steps perfectly. Feeling so overwhelmed and not being a proficient dancer to begin with, Eloise overdid her next turn and bumped her shoulder into his.

“Your Highness, I am so-”

“Friedrich. Address me as Friedrich, please, my lady.”

She felt her anxiety slip away and could not help but smirk at his charm.

“Well then, I will need you to also stop addressing me as ‘my lady’, and use my given name.”

“I would like that very much,” He smiled teasingly. “As you know, I have been waiting with baited breath to hear your name come from your lips.”

“And I told you not to suffocate on my account, sir.”

“I could not help it. I fear if you do not tell me soon, I might faint on my aunt’s floor. She would be very angry, I think.”

Just to tease him a bit more, Eloise stayed quiet as they transitioned to the next part of the dance where he held her closely with her back to his chest. Now she felt like she was the one who might faint.

“Miss Bridgerton... Miss Eloise Bridgerton.”

“Miss Bridgerton?” He spun her out so they were facing again. Eloise found the confused crease in his brow amusing although this situation wasn’t humorous in the least.

“I bet you are thinking of my sister, the new Duchess of Hastings. I assure you, I am not she.”

“Miss Daphne Bridgerton is your sister?”

“Indeed she is. Is that a problem?”

“I was going to ask that of you,” He squeezed her hand gently. “I hold no romantic feelings for your happily married sister. The only Bridgerton I have my eyes on is the one in my arms.”

Eloise opened her mouth to retort but found herself completely speechless.

“Fate must be on our side,” He said after she gathered her thoughts for longer than expected. “It was my greatest hope to find you again, Miss Eloise Bridgerton.”

Eloise stifled a laugh. “You are too much of a romantic with such beliefs of fate and destiny, Prince Friedrich. You and my brother Benedict have that in common.”

“I cannot live any other way,” His eyes blazed with passion. “The world has much beauty to offer us if we only look close.”

“And you are a poet too,” She quipped which garnered a chuckled from him.

“Perhaps only with you.”

Eloise bit her lip as she missed a step. How he could make her feel so at ease yet nervous was not the effect she was used to men having on her. She was used to feeling nothing but disdain when forced to dance with gentleman, yet here she was, willingly dancing with a prince who made her happier than she could ever remember.

He was too good to be true.

“You are far too complimentary, sir. I know I am not the typical woman you find yourself dancing with,” She admitted.

“Why do you assume?” He frowned.

“I assume based off evidence; You dance and flirt with diamonds. Despite my love for the Duchess, as sisters we could not be more different.”

“Nein. You are beautiful, the rarest treasure I have ever seen.”

“Is that all you think of about me? My beauty?”

“Not all, but-”

“Because I have more to offer this world than fitting into a pretty blue dress,” She raised a brow. “I am passionate about literature and writing, and enjoy discussing philosophical and political ideas that effect society; the rights of women.”

“You assume I think so little of women that this would scare me away?”

“Most men run after hearing me talk this way. You cannot be so different.”

Eloise knew she was being a bit harsh, but she was not going to allow herself to become so transfixed by this seemingly perfect prince without revealing her true self. If he was to lose his good opinion of her, then she would be able to do the same as well. Without him invading her every thought she could go back to being independent and alone.

A sinking feeling in her gut told her that was not what she truly wanted.

She ignored it.

“You doubt my affections?” He accused, his tone possessing a spark of anger that she did not think him capable of. It caught her so off guard that she did not realize the song was at its end. The few other couples on the dance floor bowed to their partners and Eloise realized she must do the same, especially since she shared a danced with His Royal Highness.

Mustering all the grace she could under the circumstance, Eloise curtsied. This was no doubt the last time Friedrich would ever wish to speak to her now that he knew she was no longer the mysterious diamond of his fantasies, but was instead the inelegant and opinionated Eloise Bridgerton that disappointed everyone.

It was time to leave the mystery behind and face reality.

Once she lifted her head from her curtsy she was expecting to find the Prince looking down at her with that all too familiar look of pity she was used to seeing from her mother.

But gasps overtook the ballroom and Eloise’s eyes grew to the size of saucers as she witnessed Prince Friedrich get down on one knee.

“Miss Eloise Bridgerton, since the moment we met I have thought of nothing else but you. You have plagued my mind because of your wit, your passion, and enchanting spirit which is unlike anyone I’ve known. You are my treasure, my schatz. It would be the greatest gift of my life if you do me the honor of becoming my princess.”

Wonder, astonishment, shock, happiness, joy, and fear assaulted her emotions and all Eloise could do was stand frozen in place. She could feel every single pair of eyes on her and noticed her family had made their way to the front of the crowd; Her mother looked in disbelief, Anthony’s fists were clenched, Benedict was on the verge of laughing, and Colin was eating a pastry.

Typical.

Not knowing where else to look, Eloise gazed down at her prince. He looked determined and sure, and she could almost swear the affection in his eyes was identical to the way she remembered her father looked at her mother. He was everything fairytales said a romantic hero should be. He could not be more perfect.

So Eloise Bridgerton did her favorite thing to do when confronted with her feelings...

She ran.

Chapter Text

Three days was how long Eloise locked herself in her room for after fleeing from the Queen’s Ball and her rejected proposal. To her relief Friedrich did not chase her down, but her family were hot on her heels as she escaped to their carriage in a frenzy. Although Anthony complained about how disrespectful it was of the prince to not ask for his blessing, the Bridgerton’s remained silent on the ride home as they could tell Eloise was on the verge of tears.

That night she cried herself to sleep and woke to her mother and Benedict knocking on her door to comfort her and to make sense of the evening’s spectacle. Eloise allowed Benedict to wrap her in his arms as she gave them the shortened version of events of the past week before asking for more time alone. They let her be but only if she promised to not wallow for so long in her misery and rejoin the family on Monday afternoon.

So that morning, and with great reluctance, Eloise allowed her ladies maid to make her look presentable before she opened the doors the Bridgerton drawing room. Her family immediately went quiet at the sight of her and Eloise forced away a scowl, knowing full well she was the topic of their conversation before her arrival. Ignoring their stares, even Benedict’s, Eloise sat in her favorite spot on the right side of the sofa and picked up the book that she kept on the side table. She opened to where she left off and tried her best to read as if this were any other ordinary day and not as if she publicly rejected the marriage proposal of a handsome prince mere days ago.

“So why did you-”

“Don’t,” Eloise snapped at Hyacinth before she could finish her sentence. The younger girl was not discouraged.

“But he’s a prince! I understood why Daphne rejected him because she had a Duke in love with her, but you have no other suitors that call on you.”

“Hyacinth!” Violet warned.                                                                       

“I was only curious…” She mumbled, but returned to her needlepoint.

“I admit, we are all a bit curious as well…” Kate said delicately to break the tension in the room. Eloise snapped her book shut.

“There is nothing to the story; we met anonymously at the masquerade, we danced at the Queen’s Ball, he proposed, and I said no. There, the end.”

“But why?” Francesca asked.

“Why does a lady need a reason to say no?” Eloise could feel her temple throbbing. “Can it just not be enough for the world that she wishes not to jump right into a marriage in which she will be shackled to for the rest of her living days?”

“Not when a lady says no to a bloody prince,” Colin objected which earned him a punch from Benedict. “Ow!”

Violet set down her tea with force. “Will everyone please settle? With Anthony and Miss Sharma’s upcoming nuptials, the Ton will have something else to discuss where it concerns this family. Eloise’s rejection of the prince will soon be forgotten; miraculously, even Lady Whistledown did not write much of the proposal and advocated on Eloise’s behalf for a lady’s right to choose. Now then, all that is important is that Eloise followed her heart.”

“Thank you mother,” Eloise said, surprised yet genuinely grateful for her words.

“Of course, dear. And although your heart told you not to become a princess, and live in a grand palace, and raise children in the line of royal succession…” Violet looked away wistfully as if her dream was shattered. “Well, who are we to tell you what your heart desires?”

“Thank you, mother,” Eloise deadpanned, feeling significantly less grateful this time.

Their footman entered the room before any more discussion could be had and handed a calling card to Anthony. He opened it, his eyes widened, and then he stood up straight to compose himself.

“My Lord?” Kate prodded.

“It appears Prince Friedrich is waiting for an audience with Eloise.”

“The Prince is in our home?” Violet almost screeched in her panic. Eloise’s blood ran cold as everyone started talking over each other in excitement and confusion.

“I cannot believe it!”

“I thought he left the country?”

“Why would he dare come here?”

“Does he want to be rejected a second time?”

“Perhaps he enjoys public humiliation.”

“Enough!”

Everyone quieted and turned in surprise to Benedict. His usual laisse faire disposition was gone and replaced by a seriousness the family were only used to seeing on Anthony.

“Here is what is going to happen; we are all going to leave this room, keep one of the doors ajar for propriety, and allow for Eloise and her prince to have some time alone to talk.”

Anthony and Violet looked as if they were going to argue but Benedict continued on before they could.

“Our sister should be afforded privacy to settle her affairs with the prince; it is not healthy to end these matters on a sour note, especially with someone of his rank. And we will be waiting just footsteps away in the next room should anything happen. Understood?”

The family was too stunned to argue, and even Anthony held his tongue as Benedict ushered them all out of the drawing room.

“Benedict, wait,” Eloise called and ran up to him before he was out the door. “You planned this… didn’t you?”

Her brother shrugged, a twinkle in his eyes coming back. “Perhaps I intercepted a letter the Prince sent here that night in hopes to see you again… and perhaps I wrote back and asked him to give you time to sort your feelings out.”

“I appreciate your concern, but I fear you thought wrong. I am quite content in how I left matters with Prince Friedrich.”

“You do not need to put up a front with me sister,” Benedict settled his hand on her shoulder and Eloise wondered how he was able to read her so well. “You once told me to not be afraid to shoot for the stars… and so it is my turn to advise you to not be afraid to open your heart.”

“But-”

“Just think on it.”

Benedict left and Eloise was stuck wrestling with feelings of hesitation and anxiety. In moments the prince would arrive and she had no idea how it would play out. Would he be angry? Embarrassed? She would not blame him if he were. He was likely the only prince to ever be spurned so publicly even though he was a good man who did not deserve it in the least.

She lied to Benedict, she did not like how she left matters with Friedrich, but despite collecting herself for 3 days, she still felt unsure of her own emotions.

How was she to explain herself?

This was just another reason why she would never be the perfect princess for him; a true diamond would know the exact right thing to say and how to act, or at least have some sort of clue to their feelings.

The click of the door opening startled Eloise and her beating heart fastened as the Prince entered. He looked as regal as ever in his decorated military uniform and she could hardly will herself to breathe at the sight of him. Once the footman partially closed the door on his way out and they were finally alone, they could do nothing but stare longingly at one another from across the drawing room. The air grew heavy as Eloise tried to decipher Friedrich’s emotions, but his usually expressive countenance only portrayed a stoicism that made her nerves multiply.

“Your Royal Highness,” Eloise curtsied to get propriety out of the way.

“Miss Bridgerton,” He bowed his head. She cleared her throat before gesturing to Anthony’s favorite chair.

“You may sit. Shall I ring for refreshment? Tea?”

Slowly he stalked forward, and Eloise held her breath as she witnessed the grim determination in his eyes up close.

“Nein. I do not want tea, Miss Bridgerton.”

Her mouth went dry. “Oh? And what is it that you want then?”

His eyes darted to her lips. Eloise did not dare to move or speak as a tingling sensation ran through her body. She hated the way he made her feel, like her body was on fire with every intelligent thought leaving her head. She wondered if she made him feel the same.

“I want...” He paused as his gaze left her lips in favor of her blue eyes. “I want an explanation. Please.”

“Well I can give explanations on a great many subjects,” Eloise looked away to prolong his inquiry as she was not ready to answer. “I am proficient in modern literature and two other languages, including latin. And although I am not musically inclined, do not ask me to sing, I can play the piano-”

“My lady.”

She stopped, the pleading in his tone causing her to look back up. In that moment she could not despise herself more to see the anguish in his eyes and to know she was the cause of it.

“You must tell me what I have done to warrant your rejection. If there is something I may do to change your mind then it will be done. If I must shave off my sideburns because you do not find them attractive, then I will do so.”

Eloise felt her lips upturn. Her prince was ridiculous in the best way possible.

“Your facial hair is not the problem, Friedrich.”

“Then what is the problem, Miss Bridgerton?”

“Well, there are a few, although I must regrettably shoulder most of the responsibility. But I will blame you for this one transgression.”

“Tell me,” He urged.

“You asked for my hand too fast!” Eloise finally exclaimed after holding back her worries for days. “I won’t deny I feel a spark between us, a romantic connection I did not think I could ever feel, but I do not care what Benedict or you believe; love at first sight does not exist! I could not marry a man I knew for but a total hour and shared only two dances with. One should know their fiancés favorite author or dessert or color at the very least before walking down the wedding aisle.”

“Apple strudel.”

“Pardon?” She asked, and he gave a slight shrug.

“You said you should know your suitor’s favorite dessert; my favorite is apple strudel.”

Eloise blinked owlishly. “Oh. Well… that is nice. I myself enjoy chocolate candies.”

“You should visit my homeland, we specialize in chocolates.”

She shook her head, amused by the turn of the conversation but still frustrated. “Thank you, but knowing each other’s favorite desserts was not the main point I was trying to make!”

“I understand,” Friedrich blushed. “Perhaps I was too hasty in my courtship.”

“It was hardly a courtship, sir. My brother was very angry that you did not ask for my hand, although it would be my preference to erase that requirement entirely when it comes to an engagement. I am not some cattle to be haggled over at auction between my brother and suitor.”

“Very well, I accept responsibility for the haste in my proposal. A lady such as yourself deserved a proper courtship.”

“Yes, thank you,” Eloise felt relief to have this conversation over with. “I accept your apology.” 

“But I will not apologize for following my heart,” He took another step forward, close enough so that if he were any closer they would be touching. “For me it matters not if I knew you for one year, one week, one day, one hour, or one minute; I knew from the moment when I caught you with your cigarette that you were my only one, Miss Eloise Bridgerton.”

“You cannot say such a thing so carelessly,” Her cheeks grew warmer. “You do not know me enough to know it is I that you want.”

“How can you say you do not know who I want when you admit to not knowing me well enough?”

“Because you are a prince! You marry princesses who care nothing but for marriage and babies and wearing beautiful gowns at grand balls! I cannot be that princess for you, it would never work between us.”

“So it is my title that makes you fear?” He shook his head, disappointment evident on his face. “You wanted me to keep my mask on at the masquerade so we could be our true selves… but now you see me so differently because you know I am a prince. Eloise, I am the same man you met that night; the man who danced with you when there was no music under the stars, and who caught you when you stumbled in my arms. I have not changed from the man who fell in love with you.”

“Friedrich…” Eloise struggled to find words. “You cannot-”

“Do not tell me what I can and cannot feel,” He let out a breath before reaching into his inner jacket pocket to take out something small and shiny. When she got a better look at it she realized it was her mask, the one she left forgotten on the ledge at the masquerade.

“You kept this?” She asked, confused yet in awe by his gesture.

“This must prove to you of my affections since the beginning, Miss Bridgerton. Even after your rejection, I asked my aunt if she knew of you because I wanted to know more, I could not get enough of you, and this is what she said to me; you are rebellious, determined, opinionated, and clever… all of these traits of yours that you think I will not like, were the reasons I was so enchanted by you from the start. So do not push me away out of fear I will change my mind.”

“Do not be so sure,” Eloise felt her eyes water but she felt she had to test him one last time before she put her heart in his hands. “You do not yet know how much of a challenge I can be. Even my family is already betting on who will be stuck with me when I enter spinsterhood.”

Friedrich smiled brightly in such a way like he already knew he won. Eloise suspected he was probably right.

“I am an only child and a prince, all my life I have never been challenged… I think I will like this change of keeping up with you, Miss Bridgerton.”

“If you insist,” She whispered as she gazed up at him, lost in his eyes as she felt herself let go of the heavy burden of all her fears and insecurities.

She felt lighter.

She felt free.

“I insist,” He declared.

Eloise could hold back no longer and flung herself into his arms. Her lips met his and he seemed surprised for just a moment until he kissed her back with more intensity. Being kissed was like nothing she ever imagined, which was not much since she rarely fantasized romance, but now she at last knew why fairytales always ended with a kiss.

Her senses felt heightened as he pulled her closer by the waist and she tightly gripped those broad shoulders of his that she was always so drawn to. Eloise could not bring herself to care that she was breaking the rules of propriety in her own home because for once she did not want to pretend she was above such romantic urges... she just wanted to follow her heart.

She really liked Friedrich… she wanted Friedrich, and she was finished denying herself that.  

Her first kiss felt like she could have continued on for hours, but Eloise pulled away and basked in Friedrich’s smile as they recovered from their high. Once her breathing returned to normal she tried her best to look stern although she suspected she was smiling like smitten fool.

“Now, this does not mean I accept your proposal. This just means I am willing to give us a try, to see if we truly are compatible in our hopes and dreams and wants for the future.”

“Ah, you plan to put me through the rigors of courtship, Miss Bridgerton?” Friedrich asked teasingly, his eyes shining. She grinned mischievously.

“I do. Daphne told us you gave her a diamond necklace and I expect twice as many jewels if you want a chance to win me over, sir.”

“You are teasing, but I will gift you one-hundred jewels and wait a one-hundred years if that is what it takes to have you, schatz.”

Eloise wanted to kiss him but restrained herself from acting so improper again. Instead she smiled sincerely up at him and hoped he would understand how deeply she felt for him already. She was not always the best at expressing herself with words but she wanted him to know her feelings were true.

“Perhaps it will not take one-hundred years… I suspect your charm will ware me down sooner than that.”

“So my aunt will have her royal wedding by the years end?”

Eloise laughed and he along with her. “Do not wait for that with baited breath again.”

“I will always suffocate on your behalf, my lady.”

Just as Eloise thought Friedrich might kiss her one more time the doors opened revealing Anthony standing not so patiently on the other side and the rest of her family looking nosily on behind him. The Viscount succinctly bowed to the Prince before starring daggers at their closeness. Eloise admired the way Friedrich did not flinch.

“We wanted to check up to determine whether matters were resolved. The noise level coming from this room was becoming alarmingly low.”

“Not that we were eavesdropping,” Colin added casually.

“It’s very hard to eavesdrop in this house,” Hyacinth complained and Gregory nodded.

“These walls are unfortunately too sturdy and soundproofed.”

An argument immediately broke out as the adults started chastising the youngest Bridgerton’s for their lack of tact. Eloise used this distraction to lean up and whisper to her prince.

“You must know, if you plan on courting me, my family will be part of the equation. And they can be annoyingly meddlesome.”  

Friedrich grinned with so much joy that Eloise knew without a doubt they were in for an interesting adventure.

She could not wait.

Chapter Text

1824, 10 Years Later

It was just past midnight when Princess Eloise escaped to the terrace off of her ballroom in Mayfair. Her grand home and grounds always felt too opulent for her own taste, but when she and Friedrich returned from their year long honeymoon and The Queen was gracious enough to gift them property as a gift, there was little choice but to accept it without complaint. At least the courtyard was quiet and secluded, so Eloise relished a chance to breathe in the early autumn air after hours of hosting a masquerade ball indoors. She could not wait for the cold weather to arrive so most of society would flee to the country and invitations to balls became a scarce commodity.

“I hope I am not catching you smoking again.”

Eloise turned around although she knew who it was by voice alone. Still, she smirked as her masked gentleman approached her with mirth filled eyes.

“You know I cannot smoke anymore,” She protectively cradled her ever growing stomach. “I thought you would trust me by now considering this is my third and final time going through the trials of being with child.”

“I was content in us having one daughter and son,” Friedrich gently laid his large hand over her bump. “But it appears destiny had other plans for our family, yes?”

“Was it destiny, or us not being careful after drinking too much at Penelope and Colin’s wedding?”

“It was a very romantic occasion,” Eloise chuckled as her husband wrapped her in his arms and whispered in her ear. “And you looked so very beautiful that night, like the rarest of treasures.”

“So because I looked beautiful, I now have to suffer through months of back problems?”

“And it will all be worth it when our baby girl comes into this world.”

Eloise wanted to argue with him for the hundredth time that it was impossible to know a babies gender before they were born, but her husband was unfortunately accurate when it came to his predictions. He was correct with their first two children, Christina and Freddie, and had an 80% success rate on whether they were to have a new Bridgerton niece or nephew.

Instead she kissed his cheek before leaving his embrace to take off her mask and slip off her shoes. Her relief was instant as a moan escaped her lips to have her toes finally free, although the chill from the stone floor was seeping through to her thick stockings.

“Ah, this is a familiar sight,” Friedrich grinned and Eloise raised a brow as she stretched her ankles under the hem of her gown. He continued, “You; sneaking away and without a mask at a masquerade ball.”

“And you are still following me out of masquerade balls without me knowing. Perhaps you are the one with the problem,” She countered and was rewarded with another of his smiles. Even after almost a decade of marriage, Eloise liked that she could still surprise him and they were never bored of each other. Her past fears of being shackled into a dull marriage built on the foundation of mere tolerance was a fate she was glad did not exist.

“Of course I followed you. How could you expect me to not keep my eyes on my wife and follow wherever she goes?”

“Well, normal husbands ignore their wives and let them be.”

“Normal husbands do not love their wives as much as I love mine.”

Eloise hated how he could make her blush like a besotted youth, she was too old for him to still have this spellbinding effect on her. She hid her amusement while she slipped her shoes back on and looked towards the ballroom windows, the thought of going back inside to the dancing crowd making her stomach roll.

After years of having to host these events she was used to the role of being a Princess and mingling with the influential members of the Ton, but that did not mean she enjoyed it all that much. Eloise never imagined she would marry so high up on the peerage, she was even higher ranking than her eldest brother and sister, but with her choice came responsibility and expectations that tired her easily. If doing so would not cause a massive scandal she would simply send everyone out of her home at once, make sure her children were safely tucked away in bed, and eat chocolates while her husband made her laugh as he rubbed her aching feet.

That was her idea of a perfect evening.

“You are in distress,” Friedrich frowned. Eloise forced herself to look reassuring.

“No, I am simply tired, darling. Growing a human life is not as easy as you gentleman like to assume.”

He still looked worried and seemed deep in thought before his expression became brighter than the sun. It wasn’t fair how astonishingly handsome he still was.

“I know what will cheer you up,” He bowed deeply and with reverence. “Princess, would you do me the honor of sharing a dance?”

Eloise snorted back a laugh. “Oh, wow. You are right, this is starting to feel very familiar.”

“It was a night I will never forget,” He got into a waltz position and held out his hand invitingly. “So, do you accept?”

She took his hand and could not hide her smile. “Fine. But you are lucky I have grown to love you so very much, my mystery gentleman.”

“And you are lucky I have always loved you right from the very start, my lady.”

Eloise leaned up on her toes and kissed her husband for that. If she occasionally had to put a pause to her passions of writing and fighting for the rights of women to suffer through hosting a few balls and performing Princess duties for the Ton… then it was well worth it just so she could be with the man who still swept her off her feet.