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Chapter Text

Derry, Ireland January 2008

Clare Devlin was sitting alone in her living room, she had brought a bit of work at home but she didn’t mind she loved her work.

She was an accountant, all her friends thought it was a boring job, but what’s wrong with boring? Boring means predictable, borings means controllable, boring means safe, the numbers were boring and Clare loved boring.

She had her mind in the work when Eloise arrived, they had been living together for the last five years, Eloise went to law school, she was interested in politics, she already had her Irish citizenship, and she intended to get a high position in the Irish government.

“Hi El, how was work? Did you made anyone cry today?”

“what?... Oh fine I guess.”

Eloise seemed distracted, nervous even, which was odd, Clare was usually the nervous one and Eloise was the one calming her down.

“Is everything alright?”

“um.. yes of course sorry I got a lot of stuff in my mind. Hey how about we change into something fancy and we have our dinner in a nice restaurant?”

“I already asked for pizza, maybe another time.”

“Of course, sorry I should have discussed with you before.”

She didn’t say anything for a minute but Clare could feel the tension between them.

“What is going on?”.

“Nothing.”

“Eloise Bridgerton, tell me what going on or I’ll assume the worst case scenario, and then I’ll have a panic attack, is that what you want?”

Eloise looked at her for a second.

“You’re right I cannot delay this any longer, I must do it now that I feel courageous.”

She then took Clare’s hands.

“Listen Clare, you’re the first person I have ever loved, you have supported me through all these years like no one else before, I love the life we have built together but I think we need a change…”

“Oh my god…” Clare interrupted her guessing what Eloise was going to say. “You are breaking up with me.”

“What?”

“I can’t believe it, I have invested 10 years of my life in this relationship.”

“Clare, listen to me.”

“I gave you all my youth!!!”

“You’re not even thirty.”

“Why do you want to break up with me?!!”

“I…”

“Are you no longer attracted to me?!!”

“What? No…”

“Is there someone else?!! Is it John Paul?!”

“No, Clare…”

“THEN WHY DO YOU WANT TO BREAK UP WITH ME?!!!”

“I DON’T WANT TO BREAK UP WITH YOU, I WANT MARRY YOU.”

They immediately remained in silence.

“It’s my fault,” Eloise admitted. “I should have gotten straight to the point, but I never realized how similar a breakup speech was to a proposal.”

“I’m sorry, It’s just when I first met you, you said you never wanted to get married.”

“Yes, but back then I was teenager who lived in an environment were everyone was pushing me to get married. I always thought that giving into love would mean giving up my dreams and my ambitions . But then I met you, and I followed you here and you changed my whole world, you made me realize that I could have it all.”

Clare had to hold her tears, everything single word that came out of Eloise beautiful mouth made her heart skip a beat.

“And lately I realized I don’t like to call you my girlfriend, it feels that it doesn’t make enough justice to our relationship, to everything we mean for each other, I guess what I’m trying to say is that there is nothing I wish for more than to call you my wife.”

“I want to call my wife too.”

They smiled and kissed each other.

“Alright, now let me ask properly: Clare Devlin, Will you marry me?”

“Yes Eloise Bridgerton, I will marry you.”

Derry, Ireland August 2008

Erin was working tirelessly, she was inspired and when that happened she needed to write it immediately or else the idea would get away, she couldn’t be interrupted, not in such an important moment.

And of course her phone rang in that exact moment.

“Not now Anna I’m working.”

“Aren’t you in maternity leave?”

“That only means I can’t go to the studio, I can still write in home, I mean what are they going to do? take away my laptop? My pens and paper? I’m a writer, I can’t stop writing anymore than I can’t stop breathing.”

She heard her sister sighing.

“Why are you always so dramatic?”

“How dare to accuse me of being dramatic? Why did you even called?”

“I just wanted to say hello to my favorite sister, and remind you that my birthday is coming soon.”

“I’m not going to buy you a cell phone.”

“Oh come on, I’m literally the only girl in school who has not cell phone, I’m isolated, this is the kind of stuff that turns people into serial killers.”

“And you called me dramatic, listen how about I give you an special set of my tv show, with the autograph of the main cast.”

“Ugh! No thank you.”

“I thought you loved my show.”

“Yes I loved it, but then ma started to love it, so I started to hate it.”

Erin worked as the head screenwriter of a tv show called “The secret of Midnight.” James was the director, it told the story of a girl named Anabelle Evergreen, a who had lived her whole life in the private boarding school “Midnight” where her father was the principal, however her life changes when her father dies under very mysterious circumstances, and is replaced by a man called Victor Blackwood, who is accompanied by his son Dorian who keeps a great secret… he was a vampire, it didn’t take to be Sherlock Holmes to figure it out but it was success among teenagers. At least most teenagers.

“But if it makes you feel any better I won’t tell any of my friends or classmates that I don’t like it.” Anna mentioned.

“Thank you, I really appreciate it.”

“Do you appreciate it enough to buy me a cell phone?”

“No, ma says you’re still too young and I won’t go against her wishes.”

In that moment she could hear her mother in the background.

“Who are you talking too? Is that Erin?”

“Don’t tell her is me.” Erin whispered.

“Yes ma is Erin, sorry I won’t go against her wishes.”

“Vindictive little brat.” Erin thought.

“Hi ma, How is it going?”

“A van Helsing? Anabelle is a Van Helsing and you didn’t tell me, I have to find out on my own.”

“You mean watching the show? Like everybody else does?”

“What use is to be the mother of the head writer if I don’t get to know about this stuff before everyone else?”

“Well ma, you have to respect my work ethic.”

“I can forgive you if you tell me what is Dorian’s secret.”

“Ma…”

“Is that Erin.” She heard her aunt Sarah in the background. “My psychic told me Dorian is a werewolf, ask her if she’s right.”

“Is Dorian a werewolf?”

 Fortunately James appeared in that moment to point out it was time to leave.

“Sorry mom, James and I have to go to the airport.”

She hung up before her mother could answer.

“Is your mom trying to make you tell her Dorian’s secret?” He asked.

“Aye, she asks me more about the show than I don't know my pregnancy.”

“Aunt Deirdre is also trying to make me say Dorian’s secret.”

“Jesus Christ, the mothers are invading our audience.”

Erin and James were waiting for Michelle at the airport, she had lived in America for the last four years, she was corporate lawyer who worked in a enterprise with dubious reputation.

Michelle didn’t cared as long as she got paid.

“Why is taking so long for her to get off the plane?” Erin asked.

“I don’t know, I’m sure she is coming any time now.” James replied.

“Well she better, I have to pee.”

“Again?”

“James, the day you have a little invader growing in your tummy smashing every single one of your organs, that day you’ll be allowed to complain about the number of times I have to pee.”

“Sorry dear.”

Fortunately for James, Michelle appeared in that moment, the second she saw them a wide smile appeared on her face, she dropped her bag and ran towards them.

“I’ve missed you.” She said as she hugged them.

“We missed you too.” Erin replied. “How was your flight?”

“Ugh, it was awful, the guy sitting next was such a dick.”

Michelle caressed the Erin’s belly.

“How is little Michelle?”

“We are no calling her that, but she is fine, she is getting bigger every day.” James replied.

“You know what James? You might go to history as the only pussy that managed to impregnate another pussy.”

“Very funny Michelle.”

In that moment Erin noticed a complete stranger taking Michelle’s bag.

“Hey that fella just took your bag!!! He is stealing it!!! He is a bag thief!!!” She screamed.

Michelle looked at him for a second.

“Quick James, punch him.”

“What? I’m not going to punch him.”

“So do you expect your pregnant wife to punch him.” Erin asked him.

“I don’t expect anyone to punch him, we should call the police.”

“By the time the police is here he will be gone with my stuff.” Michelle scolded him.

“He is not  even running away”

And James was right, the stranger was actually walking towards them looking at Michelle with annoyance.

“Why is he not running?”

“Because I’m not a bag thief,” The stranger said while he gave  Michelle her bag back. “I came with her.”

“I have never seen this man in my entire life.”

“Oh nice to meet you Michelle, I’m your boyfriend.”

“He is clearly a stalker.”

He sighed and pulled out his wallet where he had a picture they had taken in a photo booth making funny faces.

“Alright, he is fella with whom I hooked up once and now he follows me around claiming I’m his girlfriend.”

“We’ve been together for  three years.”

James and Erin understood this was probably Michelle being Michelle.

“It’s not really that serious.”

“Sounds pretty serious to me.” James said.

“Aye, we’re really sorry.”

“I’m  Michelle’s cousin, James.”

“And I’m his wife, Erin.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Mike Reese.”

“Enough with the introductions, let’s go home.” Michelle interrupted them.

“No yet we still have to wait for Orla and Benedict, they’re also returning today.” James said.

“Where are they coming from?” Michelle asked.

“Venice.” Erin and James replied.

“We’ll be a little tight in the car.” James warned them.

“See? This is why I didn’t wanted you to come, you haven’t been in Ireland for even 5 fucking minutes and you’re already a burden.” Michelle scolded Mike.

“Don’t talk to him like that.” Erin scolded Michelle, then she looked at Mike. “Don’t worry, we’ll just leave Benedick behind.”

“She was looking for an excuse to do that.” James added.

“So how did you guys met?” Erin asked them while they were waiting for Orla and Benedict.

“He is a one night stand that stick around way to long.” Michelle replied.

“You’re so romantic.” Mike said sarcastically. “But yes we were only supposed to be together one night, but then the very next day, we had to face each in court.”

Erin and James looked at them confused.

“He was trying to put my boss in jail.” Michelle.

“That’s because your boss is criminal, Michelle, that’s criminals are supposed to go. We’ve talk about this.”

“Of course you’re talking with the Irish as she was a retarded, you’re so fucking racist.”

“How can I be racist with you? You’re a white European woman, your continent invented racism.”

“Those were the English and don’t you dare to compare us with them.”

“You’re all British to me.”

They look at each for a second.

“American Prick.”

“European trash.”

After the trial was over Michelle thought she would never see Mike again, however he went to her place shortly after to tell her that he thought she was the worst person he had ever met, but he also found her attractive and since he was recently divorced, he didn’t want anything serious, so she was the perfect choice to have a casual relationship.

Michelle found his reasoning sound so she agreed and then both started something strictly casual with no strings attached…

They moved in together six months later.

Benedict and Orla arrived about 40 minutes after Michelle, ever since Benedict moved to Ireland those two seemed to forget the meaning of personal space, they were pasted to each other  and they constantly creeped Michelle out and pretty much everyone around them.

Nonetheless she missed them a lot, Orla was one of her closest friends and Benedict was pretty much the only English man Michelle liked, and yes that included James.

They all hugged each other.

“How is Venice?” Michelle asked.

“It stinks.” Both answered.

“Well, that’s disappointing.” James replied.

“And they didn’t even let me fishing there.” Orla complained.

“With that smell my love, I doubt there was anything alive down there.” Benedict added.

“So was it all bad?” James asked.

“It was a bit romantic, we got on the gondola.” Benedict replied.

“And I fell asleep.” Orla added.

“And you looked so beautiful I couldn’t help but draw you… from every single angle.”

“It was a long nap.”

“Yes it was.”

And they kissed.

“Yes, you and your little drawings, when are you going to get a real job?” Erin asked Benedict.

“My drawings are sold for millions Erin.”

“I’m sure your wee rich family are only ones who buy them.”

Benedict sighed.

“Why don’t you leave Orla alone?”

“Because we’ve been together for ten years and we’re in love.”

“Ill find dirt on you yet, I’ve got people working on it.”

In that moment Benedict noticed Mike, who was surprisingly quiet, his eyes were set on Orla, he was looking at her as she was a ghost.

“Who owns the fella?” Benedict asked.

“Me.” Michelle replied, she knew she couldn’t deny it. “Well come on then ball ache. Are you going to introduce yourself or what?”

“Hi, I’m Michelle’s boyfriend, Mike”

“Why is he making that funny noise.” Orla asked.

“He is American Orla. That’s the way they talk.”

“Well enough talking, we have to get out of here or we’ll be stuck in traffic.” Erin intervened.

Everybody proceed to leave but when Michelle was going to follow them she was suddenly stopped by Mike.

“That’s Orla McCool.” Mike pointed out.

“Yes, what about it?”

“You never told me you know Orla McCool.”

“We’ve been friends since we were little wains”

“You are friends with the leader of one of the most proficient cults in modern history?”

“Alright first off, we dislike the word cult, it’s a new exciting religion that Orla started… by accident.”

“How do you accidentally start a cult…”Michelle gave him a warning look. “… a new exciting religion?”

 Michelle snorted.

“It’s actually a very funny story, you see, when we…”

“Michelle, Mike!!! What are you doing there? Hurry up you don’t want to be stuck in traffic with an 8 month pregnant woman.” Erin Interrupted her.

“I’ll tell you later.”

There was nothing in the world Eloise enjoyed more than sleeping with Clare, her cuddle gave her life, she was so soft and so warm, heaven was Clare Devlin’s arms.

That’s why it pissed her off so much to hear the knocking on the door that morning.

She checked out the clock.

“It’s 7:00 am, who the hell wakes up people at 7:00 am on Sunday?”

They knocked the door again.

“Open the door El.” A half sleep Clare said.

“If it’s Erin I swear I’m going to rip her head off.”

When Eloise got engaged to Clare, people often joked that it would be two bridezillas, she didn’t think she would be a bridezilla, and she hopped  Clare wouldn’t be either, but not even in her wildest fantasies she could imagine it would be Erin.

Apparently her own wedding wasn’t enough excuse to terrorize everyone around her, she also needed to do it with Eloise and Clare’s wedding.

Eloise sighed as she opened the expecting to see an hysterical Erin , but instead it was her mother, siblings and siblings in law.

Eloise couldn’t breath.

“What are you doing here?”

“What do you mean?” her mother replied. “Eloise you didn’t seriously expect us to miss your wedding.”

Chapter Text

Eloise was doing her best to not freak out, in all those ten years she never had the courage to come out, and if she had to be honest with herself she was set on keeping it that way.

“How did you find out? How did you get here?”

“Sister Michael was so kind to tell us, and she brought us here.”

“Damnit sister Michael.”

Before Eloise could say anything else a very sleepy Clare appeared.

“Who is it?”

Her eyes opened wide and all the desire to sleep disappeared.

“Hi Mrs Bridgerton how is it going?!” She practically screamed.

“Oh Miss Devlin is so good to see you, did you sleep here? I am so glad to see you are still such a good friends.”

A laugh escaped Gregory’s mouth which he tried to hide unsuccessfully with cough.

“How did you get here?” Clare asked.

“I was telling Eloise that sister Michael brought us here in the most extraordinary carriage, how is it called again?”

“A school bus.” Francesca replied.

“That is not a carriage.” Colin replied.

Up until that moment Eloise hadn’t noticed how utterly disturbed her brother was.

“It moved by its own with no horses, why is nobody talking about it? Why is nobody talking about how different this place is from London?”

“Well Colin, it is  a different country, of course we did not expect it to be exactly like England.” Penelope replied.

“But not this different.”

“Why are you so distress? Of all of us you are the one who has traveled you should be used to it.” Hyacinth said.

“Yes, I have travel the world, and I have been on Ireland, and this is not the Ireland I have been on.”

“Oh I understand what’s happening.” Clare said much to Eloise surprise. “You probably went to the south part of Ireland, it’s like a complete different country down there.”

“That explains it all.” Dafne said.

“It explains nothing. This does not even feel like our own time period.”

Eloise took Colin’s hand to calm him down, he reminded her of herself and Benedict in the first months they were in Derry, thank God James was there to explain everything to them.

They thought only the English could tell they time travelled, but looking at most of her family being oblivious she realized they were wrong.

“Its alright, I understand you perfectly, you’re not crazy.”

“What is happening?” Colin asked breathless.

“I’ll explain you later, now take this.” She handed him a paper bag. “Put it in your mouth and try to breath in and breath out.”

Colin obeyed her and sit in the couch.

“Is he alright?” Penelope asked.

“He will be.”

Her mother caught her attention again.

“Oh Eloise I am so happy for you, this is everything I ever wished for you.”

“Of course, a husband.”

“True love, that is the key of happiness, but  tell me about him, what is his name? Where did you met him?”

Eloise took a deep breath, she looked at Clare, in all those years she had never pressured her to come out to her family, she always understood, Eloise knew if she lied and invented a fake fiancé Clare would go along with it.

But she didn’t want that, she was not ashamed of her love, she didn’t want to hide it, their wedding was a celebration of their love, because they deserve to have everything other couples had, they deserved to have a wedding with their friends and family, all of them.

“My fiancé is right here mom.”

“Eloise that is completely inappropriate, but I suppose since you are getting married we can let it slide, but it cannot be repeated. Now where is he?”

“Right here.” She took Clare’s hand.

“I do not understand.”

“My fiancé is Clare Devlin.”

Her mother laughed a little.

“I see, it is a fun little joke, but I would really like to met him.”

“It’s not a him mother, it’s a her, I’m deeply in love with Clare Devlin and I’m going to marry her.”

The smile disappeared from her mother’s face.

“Eloise, miss Devlin is a girl.”

“I’m well aware.”

“Two ladies cannot be in love. I am afraid you have mistaken love with friendship.”

“I have no mistaken anything mother, I know the difference, I have been friends with Penelope for years and I can assure you that not even for a second felt anything even remotely close to what I feel for Clare.”

Eloise feel the air abandoning her lungs but she knew she had to go on.

“I’ve heard the way you describe your love for our father, I’ve heard the way Dafne, Anthony, Colin and Benedict describe their love for their Simon, Kate, Penelope and Orla and that’s exactly what I feel for Clare, I love her, I’m done trying to hide it.”

Her mother walked across the room.

“This cannot be true, this cannot be happening.”

“Seriously mother?!!” Colin said. “This is freaking you out, this, not the fact we probably time traveled?!!”

“Go back to the bag Colin.” Eloise ordered him.

Before anyone could say anything else Anthony appeared dragging a very sleepy Benedict and Orla, Kate was behind them.

Up until that moment, Eloise hadn’t noticed they weren’t around.

He was scolding Benedict.

“TEN YEARS!! You’ve been courting miss McCool for ten years, you have not even proposed and yet you dared to lay with her with no clothing on!!!!”

Orla went straight to the couch to keep sleeping.

“I told you brother, Orla and I are as committed as any married couple, at this point marriage is unnecessary.”

“Wow, I never thought it would come the day I would have to duel my own brother.”

“Anthony.” Their mother called him “Your sister is marrying this lady.” She pointed out at Eloise and Clare.

Anthony looked at them for a moment and Eloise prepared herself to hear his disapproval, but instead his attention returned to Benedict.

“See, Eloise found the person she loves, and What does she do? She marries her, Why can’t you be like Eloise?”

Eloise and Clare looked at each other confused.

“Anthony! Your sister wants to marry Miss Devlin.”

“Yes I know mother, Who else would she marry?”

Their mothers eyes opened wide with the realization.

“You knew about this?”

“You did not? Mother they have no been subtle.”

“We have actually tried to keep it a secret.” Eloise replied embarrassed.

“Really?”

“Who else knew about this?” Violet Bridgerton asked.

All her siblings and siblings in law raised their hands.

“Dafne, even you.”

“Well Eloise has always been odd, so of course her choice for a person to love would be odd, besides I have never seen Eloise as happy as she is when miss Devlin is around.” She then approached Eloise and caressed her cheek. “And I really like a happy Eloise… because sad Eloise is mean.”

“So mean.” Simón agreed.

“She is the worst.” Hyacinth added.

“She is a monster.” Gregory concluded.

“I cannot believe this.” Her mother said.

“What kind of relationship you thought those two had?” Anthony asked.

“A close friendship, like Eloise and Penelope or Francesca and Michaela.”

This time it was Hyacinth who tried to hide her laughter with cough.

“Its not really a big deal mother, I myself had a quite large number of male and female lovers before meeting Orla.” Benedict intervened.

Eloise noticed how Anthony discreetly pulled some money out of his jacket pocket and paid Kate.

“I told you so.” She whispered with a satisfied smile.

Anthony rolled his eyes.

“I cannot deal with this right now.” Her mother said and walk out of her apartment.

Eloise sat trying to hold her tears when she felt Clare’s arms around her.

Anthony kneeled in front of her and took her hands.

“Do not let this affect you, she is just surprised, she will come around.”

“We really did try to hide it.” Eloise replied.

“And you failed miserably.”

 Mike and Michelle had come to  breakfast with James and Erin in their home, however, in that moment there was just Mike  showing James a picture of his nephew Hunter who had born just a few days ago.

Erin was sitting in their couch putting some music for the baby and Michelle had just come out of the bathroom, apparently she didn’t felt well.

“I think I ate something bad in the plane, I’ve throwing up all morning.”

“I don’t think it was something from the plane, you’ve been throwing up a lot since America, you should probably see a doctor.” Mike said.

Erin and James exchanged a surprise and acknowledgement look.

“So…” James tried to change the subject. “You’ve met aunt Deirdre, what did you thought of her?”

Mike shake in horror.

“Oh boy, and I thought Michelle was mean.”

“Don’t blame my mother, it’s not her fault you came unannounced.”

“Its true, is your fault, I can’t believe you never talked with your family about me.”

“Have you talked to you family about me?”

“Yes! We have lunch with them every Sunday.”

“I honestly just go there for the free food.”

“I know, but the point is, they know about you.”

In that moment Mike’s cell phone started to ring.

“Sorry I have to take this call.”

As he walked to another room the entrance door opened introducing Clare, Eloise, Benedict, Orla, Colin, Penelope, Anthony and Kate.

“Kate!!!” Michelle jumped into her friends arms and her friend received her with a wide smile. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“Miss Mallon.” Anthony greeted her with animosity.

“Ugh, you’re still around? Why?”

“Unfortunately I still happen to be very much in love with him.” Kate replied.

“You are a wonderful woman with terrible taste in men.”

“I know.”

They hugged even tighter and Anthony sighed.

“What are you doing here?” James asked confused.

“Dragging us through all Derry.” Benedict replied annoyed.

“We came to Eloise wedding.” Anthony replied.

“And by we you mean…”

“All the Bridgertons.”Eloise replied.

“And Featheringtons.” Penelope added.

“Aunty Portia is here?” Clare asked.

“Yes, she and my sisters are going to stay with aunty Geraldine.”

“I’m really glad to see you again Pen.” Erin said.

“Me too, congratulations on the baby.”

“Thank you.”

“How far are you?”

“8 months.”

“That is great. I am with child too, but I am only 4 months.”

Erin smiled excited.

“Is it your first one too?”

“It is our fourth.” Colin and Penelope replied.

Erin and James eyes opened wide with horror.

“I don’t want four children.”

“Aye me neither.”

In that moment Penelope noticed the device Erin had around her stomach.

“What is it?”

“Earphones, I’m putting some music for the baby.”

“Oh I’m so glad you listened my advice.” Clare said excited, she then looked at the rest of them and started to explain. “Classical music help to stimulate the baby’s brain.”

“Aye, is not exactly classical.” Erin replied.

“Then what is it?”

Erin gave her the CD box, where it appeared a young girl with blonde curly hair.

“Taylor Swift? Who’s that?”

“Is an American singer, honestly I don’t think she’s is going to be anything more than a one hit wonder.”

“Then why do make your baby listen to her?”

“Because sometimes it seems like my baby wants to find her way out of my belly through kicking and for some reason, Taylor Swift is the only thing that calms her down.”

“Yeah, I think she likes her.”  James agreed.

“How does it works.” Penelope asked.

Erin put the earphones on Penelope ears.

An expression of surprise appeared in Penelope’s face.

“Oh my god, Colin is like someone is signing in my ear.” She practically screamed.

Erin removed the earphones.

“Wow Irish are really advanced.” Penelope said.

“It is truly fascinating.” Anthony agreed.

“Yes, almost like they come from the future.” Colin said sarcastically.

“Exactly.” His brother and wife.

Colin made a gesture of incredulity.

“Unbelievable.”

“Go back to bag.” Benedict ordered him.

Colin pulled a paper bag and started to breath with it.

“Wait, so only Colin noticed it.” James asked.

“Aye.” Benedict answered.

“How is it possible that only he noticed?”

“No idea.”

“Noticed what?” Anthony asked.

“Nevermind.” James and Benedict asked.

Erin noticed Eloise was strangely quiet.

“Are you alright El?”

“Well, as you can see, I came out to my family, turns out everyone knew, but my mother.”

“How did she took it?”

“Not well.”

“I’m really sorry to hear that El.” James said.

“It shouldn’t bother me so much, I mean is just one person who doesn’t accept me.”

“Its your mother it’s normal if it bothers you.”

“It just… I’ve been so sensitive lately, and I can’t stand my breast, and… Am I smelling pancakes? I’m really in the mood for pancakes.”

Everyone was staring her silence and in shock.

“How?” Penelope was the first to talk. “You are two girls.”

“I also want some pancakes with jelly.” Orla said.

“You’ve been having a lot cravings lately my love, not that I mind, I love to spoil you.” Benedict said.

Suddenly he felt the murdering looks of Erin and Anthony.

“What?”

“I am going to kill you.” His brother said.

“Get in line.” Erin added.

Clare hugged Eloise.

“I’m so sorry El. I’m sure you mother will come around and accept us.”

“Clare I love you, but I don’t think you understand my situation, I mean everyone in your life accepted you immediately.”

“Not everyone.” Clare said looking at Erin, who just looked down embarrassed.

Eloise was in shock.

“Seriously?... Erin? But she has been torturing us for the last six months to make sure we have the perfect wedding.”

“Aye, is not something I feel proud of, it just…it took me by surprise, I couldn’t believe my best friend was a lesbian and I didn’t noticed, so I took it out on her.”

“She even told me to go back to the closet and that she wasn’t interested in me like that, you should have seen the state of her.”

“Aye, it almost cost us our friendship.”

“So how did you fixed it?” Eloise asked.

Erin got up and walked towards Orla, she cupped her face in her hands and  looked at her lovingly.

“Someone we love dearly reminded us, how strong was our bond.” Erin answered.

Orla smiled.

“Who?”

Erin didn’t reply, just kissed her forehead.

“I know you feel sad Eloise, but right now you are surrounded by people who love and accept you no matter what.” Anthony said.

Right at that moment, Mike returned to the living room.

“Sorry it was… what is happening?”

“Oh right Mike, they arrived just when you left the room,” Erin explain. “These are Eloise and Clare, they are getting married, Colin, Penelope, Anthony and Kate, they also came for the wedding.”

Mike smiled politely.

“I see.”

He got closer to Michelle.

“Is there like a Jane Austen convention or something?”

“What are you about? Of course not.”

“Then why is everyone dressed like they just came out of the movie set of pride and prejudice?”

“Because they’re English, that’s how they dress.”

“Yes, two hundred years ago, they don’t dress like that anymore, you know that right Michelle?… Please tell me you know that.”

“Don’t try to act like you’re smarter than me, I’ve been in England and everybody was dressed like this.”

“What England did you go to?”

Then he felt a pad in his shoulder.

“Don’t bother, we’ve tried to explain it, several times, they just don’t get it.” James said.

“What is happening?”

“I’ll explain you later.”

“I would also like an explanation.” Colin said.

“And who is this gentleman?” Penelope asked.

“That’s Mike Reese, He is Michelle’s wee American boyfriend.” Erin replied.

“Boyfriend?” Kate asked.

“It means he is courting her.” Eloise answered.

Kate looked at Mike with disgust and then looked back a Michelle.

“Michelle… An American?”

“I know!!!” Michelle replied holding back her tears. “I’m so ashamed!!”

“Oh it is alright dear, I cannot judge you, remember you are a wonderful woman with a terrible taste in men.”

“I know!!”

Mike stared at his girlfriend incredulous.

“Seriously Michelle?”

This time it was Anthony the one who padded Mike’s shoulder.

“Welcome to hell.”

Portia Featherington and Geraldine Devlin were in the living room drinking tea.

“Thank you Geraldine, for allowing us to stay here.” Portia said.

“Oh no problem, I’m really glad to have you here, the house has been so lonely since Clare moved out.”

“I understand how you feel, If I had known how lonely I would feel, I would not have pressure my daughters so much to get married, but you know, society is not nice to unmarried ladies.”

Geraldine sighed.

“It’s so hard.”

In that moment the heard a knock on the door.

“Do you expect company?” Portia asked.

“Just some friends.”

However when Geraldine opened the door she found two unknown ladies who were dressed like Portia, so she assumed they were also English.

“Mrs Devlin?” One the ladies asked.

“Aye, who asking?”

She could hear Portia walking behind her.

“Oh Geraldine, this is Lady Danbury and Lady Bridgerton, she Eloise’s mother.”

Geraldine’s face lighted up and without further notice she pulled Violet Bridgerton into a hug.

“I am so happy to finally met you, Can you believe our little girls are getting married?”

“Well…I…”

“It feels it was yesterday when my Clare confessed her father and I she fancied girls, she was so scared we would stop loving her, my sweet girl, and then she was always so afraid she would never find love, but then she met your daughter…”

“About that…”

“It always worried me that when she got her first girlfriend she would completely forget about school, as teenagers do, but Eloise was even more obsessed with her studies, it’s too bad you missed her university graduation, I was so proud of her…”

“I… I think….”

 Portia couldn’t help but noticed something odd in Violets behavior, she was usually more excited about love matches, the redhead got closer to lady Danbury.

“Is she alright?” She whispered.

“She did not know about the nature of Eloise and Miss Devlin relationship.”

Portia looked at her surprised.

“Really? she is usually very skillful noticing her children feelings.”

“I suppose everyone has their blind spots.”

At that moment a woman appeared in front of the doorframe.

“Why is your door open?”

“Deirdre, this is my cousin Portia, and Mrs Danbury and Mrs Bridgerton, she is Deirdre Mallón, she is Michelle’s mother.”

“You daughter is the spawn of Satan.” Portia said before anyone could stop her.

“Aye I know, what can I say? One does their best to raised them right, but they do whatever they want, I mean just yesterday she brought home an American, can you imagine it? An American.”

“We are so sorry to hear that.” Lady Danbury said.

“It must be hard.” Lady Bridgerton agreed.

A few seconds after Deirdre arrival, two other  women appeared.

“Why are so many English women here?” One of them asked.

Geraldine introduced them.

The other woman approached Portia.

“Oh my god, I love your style.”

Portia smiled with pride.

“Thank you, actually the queen herself has asked me fashion advice.”

Lady Bridgerton and Lady Danbury exchanged a skeptical look.

“You have to tell me who does your hair.”

“Well my housekeeper, Mrs Varley does it with my instructions.”

“Its magnificent, and the color how did you get that color? I have several products but it never looks this good.”

“This is the hair color God has given me.”

“You’re a natural redhead? I didn’t knew those existed, apart from leprechauns of course.”

“Leprechauns don’t exist Sarah.” The blonde woman intervened.

“Yes they do, I dated one for six months, don’t you remember Harold?”

“Harold wasn’t a Leprechaun, he was just a short man.”

Geraldine stepped up.

“These are Mary Quinn and Sarah McCool, they’re Erin and Orla’s mothers.”

“I can see the resemblance.” Lady Danbury said.

Lady Bridgerton got closer to Sarah McCool.

“Mrs McCool is an honor to finally met you, I am Benedict’s mother, and I want to apologize on his behalf for his behavior towards your daughter, when he followed her here we thought he would propose and marry her soon after. I truly do not understand how they still not married.”

Sarah looked at her sister confused.

“They’re not married?”

“Jesus Christ Sarah.” Mary replied.

Geraldine changed the subject.

“So did they tell you?”

“No, she still refuses to tell, apparently I have to “wait like everybody else” Can you believe it?” Mary replied.

“Aye, James won’t spill anything either, I’m not sure if I should be mad at him for being such an ungrateful brat, or proud of him cause I didn’t raised him to be a snitch.” Deirdre added.

“Why are they doing this to us? I haven’t been able to sleep, all I can think about is Dorian and Anabelle, I cannot wait to the season finale.” Geraldine said.

“I’m telling you, he is a werewolf, is the only logical explanation.” Sarah argued.

Portia looked confused at Lady Danbury and Lady Bridgerton hoping the would understand but they were just as confused as her.

“Excuse us, but we do not understand what are you talking about?” Violet Bridgerton asked.

“We are talking about Dorian’s secret.” Geraldine replied.

“Who is this gentleman Dorian?” Portia asked.

“From the TV show ‘The secret of midnight’”

“What is a TV show?” Lady Danbury inquired.

“Jesus Christ, Michelle was right these English are savages.” Deirdre said.

“It doesn’t matter,” Mary said as she pulled a box out of her purse. “I have all the episodes that have come out so far, being the mother of the head writer has some benefits.”

“Ill make some popcorn.” Geraldine announced.

“Ill pour some wine.” Deirdre added.

Sarah took and strange device and with it pointed at the black mirror in Geraldine’s living room.

“Oh my goodness!” Violet Bridgerton almost screamed when a lot images started to appear in it.

“How is it possible?” Lady Danbury.

“My nephew directed this.” Deirdre mentioned.

“And my daughter wrote it.” Mary added. “The whole plot was her idea.”

At that moment, on the screen, a man more handsome than Adonis emerged from what looked like a lake showing off his well-built body.

“It seems to have a very intriguing plot.” Lady Danbury said and Lady Bridgerton and Lady Featherington nodded in agreement.

Mike received a message from James at midnight asking him to meet him when everyone were sleeping.

He was waiting for him in front of a mansion, a huge mansion.

“I suppose you asked to see me to explain what’s going on with the other English.”

“Yes but not here, we’ll talk inside.”

“What is this place?”

“Is Orla’s and Benedict’s home.”

“Speaking of Orla, I think Michelle forgot to tell me, how did the cult… I mean the ‘new exciting religion’ started?” Mike asked when they were standing in the front door.

James face suddenly shifted into a horrified expression.

“It was the most traumatic experience of my life, like it came out of horror movie, I still have nightmares about it, I think I got PTSD.”

“But… Michelle said it was a funny story.”

“Of course Michelle would say that, she’s a sociopath.”

“Right… So what happened?”

James took a deep breath.

“You see, when we…”

“What are you doing standing there?”

Eloise was behind them accompanied by her brother Colin.

“I’ll tell you later.”

They knocked the door and Benedict opened it a few seconds later.

“Wow.” Mike and Colin said once they where inside the mansion.

The walls were murals of landscapes of a world that seemed a mix between wonderland and Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory, and in the center of the living room there were two portraits of Benedict and Orla made of macaroni.

“Let’s go to my studio.” Benedict said.

“Where is Orla?” James asked.

“She is already sleeping.”

Benedict took them to a room with a lot of paintings of Orla.

Eloise pointed at the two chairs in the room.

“Please take a sit.”

Mike and James obeyed, and Benedict removed a curtain that hid a wall full of pictures connected through red strings, and different words formed with newspaper letters like those boards done by people obsessed with conspiracy theories.

Mikes attention was caught by one of those photographs.

“Is that a nun?”

“Please save your questions until the explanation is over.” Eloise asked.

“James please, proceed…” Benedict said.

James cleared his throat.

“10 years ago…”

And he started to tell them how they were going on a plane to England when there was a bit of turbulence and a very paranoid Clare took the parachute and jumped off the plane followed by James, Michelle, Erin and Orla and somehow they ended up in 1800s England.

They stayed with Featheringtons because everyone just assumed Clare and Penelope were related giving how much they looked alike.

“I thought Clare and Penelope were twins.” Mike commented.

“Yes, Well a lot of things happened while we were on England.” James continued.

“Like you trying to steal the love of my life.” Colin accused him.

“Or you trying to steal the love of mine.” Eloise called him out.

Mike looked at Benedict confused.

“There was a… well I was going to say love triangle, but it was more like love hexagon situation that involved these three and Clare, Penelope and Erin. Not me and Orla our love has been nothing but perfection since day one.”

Mike felt more confused, but he decided that was something for later.

“And how did you return here?”

James told him about how sister Michael simply arrived, exchanged some books with the queen, and just brought them back with no further explanation.

“Any questions?” James said.

Both Colin and Mike raised their hands.

“What is a plane?” Colin asked.

“Is like the school bus, but it flies.” Eloise explained.

Colin nodded.

“I am going back to the bag.”

And he pulled another paper bag out of his jacket pocket to help him breath.

“Are you sure this isn’t a village situation?” Mike asked.

“Village?” Colin looked at his siblings confused.

“It’s… something like a theater play, where the audience is led to believe that the main characters live in the a village in the 1800s and there is a monster that would not let them leave, but later is revealed that there’s no monster and is actually the elder people in the village pretending to be monsters so the younger wouldn’t find out they live in 2000s, I cannot recall why.” Eloise explained.

“Is not like that,” Colin told Mike. “I have been out of our England, I have been in different countries, including Ireland, I highly doubt a scam like this could cover that much land.”

“Okay? But why did you make Michelle and the other girls that’s how England is like?”

“I didn’t.” James replied. “They have always thought that?”

“Why?”

“Apparently every single movie and TV show set on England looks like it.”

“That’s ridiculous, how about James Bond.”

“He is a secret agent he doesn’t count.”

“And how about… Holy shit I can’t think of anything from England that isn’t a period drama.”

“So you do not really know how is it possible the fact that we time traveled.” Colin intervened.

“I mean, we have theories, but don’t really have a answer.” Eloise replied.

“The only thing we know is that the person who has the answer is her.” Benedict added while pointing at the picture of the nun in the center of the wall.

“She is the key.” James added.

Colin stood up.

“Well I cannot accept that, I came here for answers and I am not leaving this Ireland without them.”

“What are you suggesting?” Mike asked him.

“I said we go after this sister Michael make her tell us the truth.”

“You think we haven’t tried that?” Eloise replied.

“For the last ten years we have done everything to make her tell us.” James intervened. “We have beg.”

“We have offered her money.” Benedict added.

“We have offered a night of passion with Benedict.” Eloise said.

“YOU DID WHAT?!!” Her brother asked her.

“Nothing works.” Eloise continued ignoring Benedict.

“Well something must be done,” Colin argued. “I will find the truth. Tonight. Who is with me?”

James gave a step forward.

“I’m in, ten years is far too long to live in doubt.”

“Yes!” Benedict and Eloise agreed

The four of them proceed to walk away when they noticed Mike was still sitting in the chair.

“You’re not coming?” James asked him.

“Nah, I still think you guys are crazy.”

“Well too bad, you already know too much.” Eloise said.

And they dragged him with them.