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As far as sisterlywonderfulwWell," Penelope said, chewing on a bite of biscuit, "I believe she said that if I erton, it would be the end of the world as she knew it, and as she wouldn't be able to make heads or tails of such a world, she would have to retire immediately"

Eloise stared at her for a et things like that," Penelope demurredwHmmmph" Eloise's nose wrinkled with disdain "Well, that was rather horrid of her, I , because she would have to eat an entire gaggle of croDo crows gather in gaggles?"wI don't know," Eloise replied proood friend, Eloise," Penelope said quietlywYes," Eloise said with an affected sigh, "I know The very best"

Penelope smiled Eloise's breezy reply made it clear that she wasn't in the ia

Which was fine There was a ti Penelope had said what she wanted to say, and she knew that Eloise returned the sentiment, even if she preferred to joke and tease at thatfor another biscuit, "you and Colin did surprise me"wWe surprised hted," Eloise hastened to add "There is no one I'd rather have as a sister Well, aside from the ones I already have, of course And if I'd ever dreamed the two of you were inclined in that direction, I'm sure I would haveher lips up at the cornerswYes, well"--Eloise waved the co ers?" Penelope asked, leaning forward for a better lookwWhat? That? Oh, nothing" But she settled her hands in her lap nonethelesswIt's not nothing," Penelope said "Let me see It looks like ink"wWell, of course it does It is ink"wThen why didn't you say so when I asked?"wBecause," Eloise said pertly, "it's none of your business"

Penelope drew back in shock at Eloise's sharp tone "I'm terribly sorry," she said stiffly "I had no idea it was such a sensitive subject"wOh, it's not," Eloise said quickly "Don't be silly It's just that I' ink all over loves, but then they'd be stained, and I'd be forever replacing them, and I can assure you that I have no wish to spend loves"

Penelope stared at her through her lengthy explanation, then asked, "What were you writing?"wNothing," Eloise said dismissively "Just letters" Penelope could tell from Eloise's brisk tone that she didn't particularly want to subject the topic to further exploration, but she was being so uncharacteristically evasive that Penelope couldn't resist asking, 'To whoh she thought that was rather obviouswOh, no one"wWell, unless they're a diary, they're not to no one," Penelope said, iave her a vaguely affronted look "You're rather nosy today"wOnly because you're being so evasive"wThey're just to Francesca," Eloise said with a little snortwWell, then, why didn't you say so?" Eloise crossed her ar me"

Penelope's mouth fell open She couldn't re even re a row "Eloise," she said, her shock showing in her voice, "what is wrong?"wNothing is wrong"wI know that's not true"

Eloise said nothing, just pursed her lips and glanced toward the , a clear attery with ry with you?"wI don't know, but it's clear that you are"

Eloise let out a little sigh "I'"wI'm just I'm just" She shook her head "I don't knohat I am Restless, I suppose Out of sorts"

Penelope was silent as she digested that, then said quietly, "Is there anything I can do?"wNo" Eloise smiled wryly "If there were, you can be sure I'd have already asked it of you"

Penelope felt so within her How like Eloise to an, her chin lifting in thought "No, neverher friend's hand "Tell me"

Eloise pulled her hand free and looked away "You'll think I'm silly"wMaybe," Penelope said with a smile, "but you'll still be my very closest friend"wOh, Penelope, but I'm not," Eloise said sadly "I'm not worthy of it"wEloise, don't talk such ate London and society and the ton without you"

Eloise smiled "We did have fun, didn't Well, yes, when I ith you," Penelope admitted "The rest of the time I was bloody miserable"wPenelope! I don't believe I've ever heard you curse before"

Penelope gave her a sheepish smile "It slipped out And besides, I couldn't possibly think of a better adjective to describe life for a wallflower a the ton"

Eloise let out an unexpected chuckle "Now, that's a book I would like to read: A Wallflower Aedies"wOh, coedy It would have to be a ro, after all"