Chapter 44: Seeking the Crown's Ear
The atmosphere in Bridgerton house was thick with anticipation and subdued tension. Violet, fraught with maternal concern, had summoned Lord Anderson and Lady Danbury, hoping their influence and wisdom could guide Eloise through the turmoil that had enveloped her since the harrowing incident at Sebastian's estate.
Eloise had remained cloistered in her room, a self-imposed exile that had everyone worried. Thus, when she unexpectedly entered the drawing room where the gathering awaited, her sudden appearance elicited a mix of relief and surprise from everyone present.
Without preamble, Eloise's voice, though steady, carried an urgency that immediately drew their attention. "I need to speak to the Queen," she declared, cutting through any preliminary courtesies.
Marcus, ever pragmatic and cautious, responded with a hint of skepticism. "Eloise, gaining an audience with the Queen is challenging under the best circumstances," he reminded her gently.
Undeterred, Eloise turned to Lady Danbury, a well-known confidante of the Queen. "You are close to her, aren't you? I must speak with her about what I've witnessed, about what Sebastian has become under her favor."
Marcus, perhaps trying to shield her from further distress or to protect Sebastian, interjected softly, "Eloise, you did not see everything. I made sure you were out of sight before anything... final happened."
His words, meant to reassure, only fueled Eloise's resolve. "Marcus, I saw enough," she countered, her voice firm. "And I continue to see it every time I close my eyes. The image of Lord Greenwood... it haunts me."
The room fell silent, the gravity of her words settling over the group like a heavy shroud. Lady Danbury, sensing the depth of Eloise's distress and the potential implications of her request, finally spoke. "I will see what I can do. The Queen values my counsel, but even so, I can make no promises."
Eloise nodded, understanding the delicacy of the situation but grateful for Lady Danbury's willingness to help. The conversation shifted towards practicalities, discussing potential reasons and strategies for the audience with the Queen. Each suggestion, each plan, was weighed with the seriousness it deserved, given the stakes involved not just for Sebastian, but for the reputations entangled in his actions.
As the meeting drew to a close, Violet approached Eloise, her expression a mixture of worry and motherly affection. "Eloise, are you sure about this? Confronting the Queen could have significant repercussions."
Eloise met her mother's gaze, her determination clear. "I must do this, Mother. It's not just about Sebastian anymore. It's about justice, about understanding the forces that shape such drastic actions. It's about seeing that those who wield power are accountable, even if that power comes from the crown."
The others exchanged looks, their expressions a mix of admiration and concern. Lady Danbury, in particular, seemed to understand the fiery spirit that drove Eloise—a trait she had always respected.
"I will arrange what I can," Lady Danbury reiterated as she prepared to leave. "Be ready, Eloise. If the Queen grants you an audience, it will not be an easy encounter."
With the meeting adjourned, Eloise retired back to her room, not to seclude herself, but to prepare. She reviewed notes, rehearsed arguments, and steeled herself for what might be the most challenging conversation of her life. The support of her family and friends bolstered her resolve, but as night fell and the house quieted, Eloise found herself facing the daunting reality of her decision.
Alone with her thoughts, she contemplated the myriad outcomes of her impending audience with the Queen. Each scenario played out in her mind, from dismissive rejections to receptive acknowledgments, and she meticulously prepared for each. By the time sleep finally claimed her, Eloise was resolute, her course set, her spirit prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead in the royal court.