Eloise Bridgerton had been distracted and agitated the entire off season. Her family members tried as much as possible to keep her calm and not make things worse for her.. So they tried to speak to her and when that did not work.. They let her have her time and privacy. The only one she would be a little comfortable with or talk to was her brother, Ben was the only one she would lighten up around or spend her days huddled with a book Or writing letters.. to whom they wondered. Eloise's mood swings became worse as the days to return back to Mayfair came closer and would soon be forced to face her best friend whom she wasn't speaking to but still worried for.

Penelope Featherington had not reached out to her over there off season except for one letter that was sent just before they were heading back to Aubrey Hall. Eloise was mad at her. She felt hurt betrayed for several months over their big blown fight at the Featherington Ball. She had expected Penelope to write to her relentlessly and Eloise was determined to never answer them. The only thing Penelope did not write to her at all. She was worried, confused and overwhelmed to face Penelope after so many months.

It had been over a week they were back in Mayfair in preparing for the new season. Eloise and Benedict were taking a walk in Hyde Park where they had set up tent with family for a public appearance to smoothen any ruffles with Anthony's marriage to Kate.

"Sister may I ask you something that has bothered me? " Benedict tried to carefully ask his sister to not agitate her.

"Since when do you need my permission? " Eloise mocked him.

"Well you know El.. but tell me why are you being friend with Cressida Cowper.. you have written to her all off-season? " Benedict watched Eloise eyes fire up and then calm down.

"I'm just following mothers wishes and making friends" Eloise rebutted.

"Well...were they no one else.. Penelope perhaps! " Benedict suggested trying to find out what might have happened between the two.

"I've said this too many times we are no longer friends. " Eloise replied with a blunt tone.

They were walking when Benedict saw Lady Featherington being approached by his mother and family when they head back to their tent.

"Thank you Dowager Bridgerton but we really need to get along! " Portia was declining same offer his mother made.

"Good Day Lady Featherington, Miss Featherington what a fine, day isn't it? " Benedict smiled at the two woman

"Good Day Mr Bridgerton. It most certainly is. " Portia replied to him with a smile and followed with a scowl at Eloise. Eloise found this strange.

" Eloise why don't you and Penelope go for a walk? " Violet nudged her daughter.

"I'm sure Miss Bridgerton is tired and would like to rest after her walk already. Thank you for your kindness Lady Bridgerton.. I'm afraid I must get back home... Don't we Mamma? " Penelope said with a polite tone and smile at Lady Bridgerton, till she looked at her mother and then at Eloise for a few seconds.

Eloise was glued to her spot mum at what had just happened. Penelope had called her by her title and there was no look of love, pain or distress when there eyes met. It felt like the girl whom she had known all her life had vanished and Lady Whistledown's persona had completely over Penelope Featherington.

'What the bloody Hell was happening' she said to herself.

"Was it just me or did you feel that there was a change in Penelope's attitude" Violet thought out aloud.

"She most definitely has changed!! " Eloise agreed.. Afraid for her 'PEN'.