To Sir Phillip, With Love is the fifth book of the Bridgerton series, by Julia Quinn. The book follows Eloise Bridgerton, the fifth Bridgerton child and second daughter, as she looks for love.
Synopsis[]
My dear Miss Bridgerton,
We have been corresponding now for quite some time, and although we have never formally met, I feel as if I know you.
Forgive me if I am too bold, but I am writing to invite you to visit me. It is my hope that we might decide that we will suit, and you will consent to be my wife.
—Sir Phillip Crane
Sir Phillip Crane knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he’d proposed, figuring that she’d be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except… she wasn’t. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her… and more.
Did he think she was mad?
Eloise Bridgerton couldn’t marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking… and wondering… and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except… he wasn’t. Her perfect husband wouldn’t be so moody and ill-mannered, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled… and when he kissed her… the rest of the world simply fell away, and she couldn’t help but wonder… could this imperfect man be perfect for her?[1]
Plot[]
Prologue
February 1823
Gloucestershire, England
Sir Phillip Crane is mourning the death of his wife, Marina. He had gone out to work in his greenhouse. He saw Marina walking outside and followed her, eventually realizing that she was going to kill herself in the lake. Phillip jumped in to the lake after her, and managed to pull her out before she could drown. However, Marina developed a fever, and died three days later. Phillip is haunted by that day, especially telling their twins, Oliver and Amanda.
A month later, Phillip receives a letter of condolence from Eloise Bridgerton, Marina’s cousin. Phillip decided to write back to Eloise.
Chapter 1
May 1824
Somewhere on the road from London to Gloucestershire
The middle of the night
Phillip writes back to Eloise, and they start corresponding. Eloise keeps it a secret from her family. About a year later, Phillip sent a note, inviting her to have a chaperoned visit to see if they would suit to marry. Shocked, Eloise didn’t reply.
After Penelope married Colin, Eloise was shocked, but happy for both of them. Without Penelope, though, Eloise felt very alone. She reconsidered Phillip’s proposal and made an impulsive decision, deciding to go visit Sir Phillip to meet him and see if they would suit. Eloise fled from Daphne’s ball in secret, without letting her family know, and headed to Gloucestershire alone to meet Phillip.
A month after sending his proposal letter, Phillip is disappointed to not hear from Eloise. Suddenly, his butler, Gunning, tells Phillip that he has a caller. Phillip heads downstairs to meet the visitor. When he sees Eloise, he’s immediately captivated by her beauty.
Chapter 2
Eloise writes a letter to Colin, explaining that she’s nervous about her debut into London society.
Phillip stands there, too shocked to speak, while Eloise nervously starts rambling. Phillip finally speaks, and asks who she is. She tells him that she’s Eloise Bridgerton. Phillip is shocked that Eloise is there. Phillip says he’s glad to let her stay and has Gunning set up a room for her to stay in. They finally head into his drawing room while Gunning arranges for a tea tray to be brought.
As they sit down in the drawing room, there’s an awkward silence, and Eloise finally breaks it by apologizing for showing up unannounced. Eloise is still surprised that he’s not what she expected him to be. Eloise then hears a scream that rattles her, and Phillip meekly says it’s from his children. Eloise is surprised, saying he never mentioned them. Phillip believes he did, but Eloise knows he didn’t and Phillip is surprised to learn that Eloise saved all his letters.
Eloise suggests Phillip go settle the twins, but Phillip is reluctant to. He finally goes, and calls for Oliver and Amanda, who show up and admit that Amanda screamed because she forgot that she put a toad in their bed. Phillip fruitlessly admonishes them, and when they ask to spend time with him, he refuses. Eloise appears at that moment. She introduces herself to the twins, who immediately say they don’t want her in the house. Furious, Phillip yells at them to leave. Eloise lets him know the breakfast tray is ready, but Phillip tells her to enjoy it on her own, and goes outside.
Chapter 3
Eloise writes a letter to Penelope after rejecting her first marriage proposal.
Eloise is upset that Phillip is not how imagined him to be. When Eloise goes to get lunch, she finds Oliver and Amanda outside her room, and they make it clear they don’t want her here. Eloise, though, meets their challenge, and says she’s not going anywhere. The two walk off, leaving Eloise wary of how they might meet her challenge.
Phillip is upset with how he fumbled his speech with Eloise because he found her more beautiful than he believed. Phillip finds her to be smart and pretty. Phillip decides to rectify his behavior with Eloise and goes inside to have lunch with her. He finds Eloise eating in the kitchen before he has a chance to change. She invites him to have lunch with her. Phillip joins her with his lunch, and Eloise mentions her second encounter with the twins. Phillip inquires as to why she came here, and Eloise points out that he offered marriage. Phillip admits that he wasn’t expecting her to be so pretty, and Eloise is rather pleased with the compliment. Eloise notices he doesn’t have the same demeanor as the men of London, which she likes.
Eloise tells him she’s still looking to get married, even after rejecting several proposals. Phillip admits he needs a wife and mother for his children, who have scared away every other woman in the area. Eloise decides to let it drop, and they continue their meal. Phillip realizes he wants Eloise to be his wife, and has to win her over.
Chapter 4
Eloise writes a letter to Daphne after the birth of her third child, Caroline.
Phillip is in a better mood after spending the afternoon with Eloise. Phillip goes to meet her so they can go down to dinner together. When he gets there, he finds Eloise doused in flour because of Oliver and Amanda’s prank. Phillip quickly goes to tell the servants to get more water for Eloise’s bath, and then promises Eloise he’ll deal with his children. Eloise, though, tells him to let her handle it, since she knows about pranks. Phillip is wary at her words, but Eloise promises not to hurt his children. Phillip decides to let Eloise handle them her way.
During dinner, they hear Amanda scream, and Eloise reveals she put a fish in her bed. Eloise points out that the children need Phillip. Phillip is annoyed by Eloise’s comment, firing back that she doesn’t know him or his children. Eloise stands up to leave, but Phillip begs her to stop, apologizing for his outburst. Amanda comes down, and immediately complains to Phillip. Phillip points out she dumped flour on Eloise. She points out Oliver wasn’t punished, but Phillip says Eloise will punish him too. He tells Amanda to treat Eloise respectfully before she begrudgingly goes to bed. Phillip is impressed with himself for handling his children. Phillip watches Eloise, and hopes she will agree to take on the role of running his household, willing to hand over duties that she can manage.
Chapter 5
Eloise writes a letter to Violet when she is ten, complaining about her mother punishing her more harshly than Daphne.
While spending time with Phillip, Eloise realizes he’s not the typical husband that women search for, but he could be the right match for her. Phillip shows her portraits of his family, and shows her one of him and his brother, George, who was killed in the battle of Waterloo. Phillip tells Eloise that Marina was George’s fiancée. Phillip brings her over to Marina’s portrait, and Eloise recalled how they were very different as children. Eloise wonders if Phillip loved her, or still does. She knows Phillip is hiding something, but doesn’t know what. He turns to look at her, and Eloise is awestruck by his handsome face. She eventually turns away, slightly embarrassed, and asks if Amanda and Oliver miss their mother. Phillip says they have “for a long time,” which Eloise notes. She mentions how she lost her father when she was young, and they bond over losing a family member.
Eloise asks to see Phillip’s greenhouse, and they head out during the night. Eloise is fascinated by the greenhouse, and Phillip is happy to see her curiosity. As she’s admiring his plants, Phillip admires her, and eventually comes close enough to kiss her. He asks for her permission, and she gives it, which leads to them kissing. She breaks the kiss and apologizes, but Phillip says he enjoyed it. The two enjoy some banter before heading inside.
Eloise is distracted by Phillip’s kiss the next morning, and trips, bruising her face. Phillip immediately tends to her, and Eloise is touched by his care. They both realize that the twins set a trip-wire. Phillip is furious, despite Eloise’s attempts to calm him. Phillip helps her back into her bed, and calls for a maid. Eloise again tries to calm Phillip, but Phillip says he should punish them. Eloise realizes Phillip is angry with himself, not his children.
Chapter 6
Eloise sneaks a letter under the door to Francesca after she is kissed by the Earl of Kilmartin.
Phillip has Amanda and Oliver come into the room, and see how they’ve hurt Eloise. Though they insist they didn’t mean to hurt her, Phillip is too angry to believe them. A maid brings a piece of raw meat in, and Phillip puts it on Eloise’s face to soothe her skin. Upset with what they’ve done, Phillip finally has the twins leave the room with him.
Eloise is concerned and curious about what Phillip will say to his children. Oliver and Amanda come in with Phillip, and somberly come next to Eloise’s bed, and apologize to her. Eloise accepts their apology. Amanda says that their father insisted they have to make amends to Eloise, and Eloise finally relents, and says they will spend an afternoon with her once she’s feeling better. They agree, and leave the room.
Phillip asks about her bruises, and Eloise complains about the meat on her face. Phillip lets her remove it, and examines it. She’s surprised by him being familiar with bruises, and Phillip explains he did boxing at university. Eloise moans about having a black eye for a while, saying how she’s seen them on her brothers. Phillip bonds with her about having brothers.
Phillip helps her wash her face, and mentions how they need a chaperone. Phillip says he wrote to his great-aunt, but she probably won’t be there for another four days. He wonders what happened to make Eloise leave London “in haste.”
Phillip offers to let Eloise rest, but she would prefer to walk outside with him. However, Phillip is too upset over having to discipline his children again, and his inability as a father. Despite his growing desire for Eloise and wish for her company, he walks away, wanting to forget about all his concerns.
Chapter 7
Eloise sends a letter to Colin during her fifth season, asking him to come home.
Eloise is sitting out in the garden, bored and upset that Phillip didn’t want to spend time with her. Phillip shows up next to her, and scolds her for walking around. Eloise then suggests she join him in his greenhouse, but Phillip refuses. She outright asks if he’s the same man she spent time with last night. Phillip is thrown by her question, but eventually says he enjoys spending time with her, but what happened with his children has put him in a foul mood. Eloise knows he’s lying, but says she’s going to go for a walk. Phillip protests this, then surprises her by picking her up and dropping her back on the chaise in the garden she was sitting on. Fed up with her stubbornness, he leaves her there, confounded.
Phillip eats dinner alone that evening, after Eloise decides to eat in her room. Phillip knows it is because he hurt her, but he still misses her presence. Phillip wants to apologize to Eloise, but is afraid of making the situation worse.
Eloise is annoyed by her decision to dine alone. She wants to get to know him better, but she doesn’t find him at breakfast, as he’s already left. She goes to Oliver and Amanda, and asks them to go swimming with her. Nurse Edwards objects, but Eloise convinces her to take a morning off. The twins are impressed by Eloise’s handling, saying they hate Nurse Edwards. Eloise lets this comment go. Amanda starts to warm to her, but Oliver is distant, though Eloise understands. The twins enthusiastically change and lead her to the lake as she starts getting them to practice arithmetic.
Chapter 8
Eloise writes a letter to Gregory during his first year at Eton, complaining about the new governess.
Phillip comes back to his house with a bouquet of roses for Eloise. He goes to the breakfast room to give them to her, but she’s not there. A maid comes in, and he asks her where Eloise is. She tells him that she went with Amanda and Oliver down to the lake. A terrified Phillip immediately runs out of the house.
Eloise plays in the lake with the twins, who have started to warm up to her. Suddenly, she hears Phillip yelling and falls into the lake, ruining her dress. Phillip immediately pulls his children out of the lake, and scolds them for going in. He sends them away, and turns to Eloise, upset. Phillip is surprised when Eloise says Amanda and Oliver know how to swim. Phillip feels that he has failed as a father. Eloise tries to calm him, and he quickly pulls her into an embrace, and kisses her. It quickly becomes even more passionate, but Eloise pulls back, and so does Phillip. He leaves, while Eloise wonders what is troubling him.
Chapter 9
Eloise writes a letter to Anthony on the tenth anniversary of their father, Edmund’s death.
Eloise purposely comes late to dinner that night, thinking Phillip might not be there. However, he’s waiting for her, and he immediately apologizes for his behavior. He explains that Marina nearly drowned in that lake. Eloise is understanding, thinking about how she lost her father. Phillip takes her into dinner, and says he’s upset that he didn’t know his children could swim. Eloise sympathizes, realizing he wants to be a good father, but doesn’t know how.
They continue to talk while having dinner, but are suddenly interrupted by a commotion in another room. Phillip is confused, but Eloise is horrified as she realizes that her brothers have arrived. Phillip ends up nearly getting strangled by Eloise’s brothers until she intervenes. Anthony notices Eloise’s black eye, and ask if Phillip is responsible. Eloise denies it, and Anthony finally lets Phillip go. Eloise tends to him, while arguing with her brothers. They ask about her eye, and Eloise, with Phillip's encouragement, tells them about Amanda and Oliver.
Anthony then tells Phillip to explain his side, and Phillip explains their correspondence by letters. Anthony then says he wants to talk to Phillip further. Phillip doesn’t argue, and suggests he should talk to Eloise first. Anthony agrees, and he and Eloise head to Phillip’s study. Phillip stays with Benedict, Colin, and Gregory in the dining room. Phillip finally says that if they want to break his legs, they should just do it.
Chapter 10
Eloise writes a letter to Penelope about the joy of having brothers.
Anthony tells Eloise she can either marry Phillip in one or two weeks. Eloise isn’t intrigued by either prospect, but Anthony says she needs to save her own honor. Eloise is upset, but Anthony is furious, saying how upset everyone has been since she suddenly disappeared. Eloise insists she left a note, which surprises Anthony, but it doesn’t make him any less angry. He explains that Penelope figured out where she was after finding a letter from Sir Phillip.
Anthony tells Eloise that if she believes Phillip is a cruel man who will abuse her, then he won’t force her to marry. Eloise admits that she doesn’t have a reason to not marry Phillip, but she was hoping for a love match, like Anthony and her siblings have found. Anthony reminds her of the circumstances that led to him marrying Kate. When Eloise admits that he’s lucky, Anthony just silently replies that he knows. Eloise tells him how she felt lost after Colin and Penelope got married. She’s happy for them, but she just felt alone. She kept thinking about Phillip, and his offer to have a chaperoned visit to decide if they would suit, and Eloise made a choice. Anthony softens after hearing this, and tells Eloise that she is in charge of her own life, and he trusts her to make the best choices for herself. He thinks she’s made the right choice to marry Phillip, and Eloise mocks her brother for attacking Phillip.
Anthony tells Eloise that they will head to Benedict’s house nearby, and Phillip will visit them for a week. At the end of the week, if Anthony decides Phillip will suit, they will marry. Eloise is surprised by the short time frame, but Anthony says it’s sufficient. Eloise realizes she has a week to decide if she wants to marry Phillip. They head back to the dining room, hoping the other four have not killed each other.
Eloise is horrified to see her brothers and Phillip talking about a tavern wench who works nearby. They stop when she comes into the room, but the tension has broken, to Eloise’s relief, and her brothers are getting along with Phillip. While Anthony joins them, Eloise asks to talk to Phillip privately. They step aside, and both agree they have to marry. Eloise realizes he’s drunk, and he admits that he was trying to appease her brothers. Appalled, Eloise leaves with her brothers to Benedict’s house.
Chapter 11
Eloise writes a letter to Benedict after refusing her second proposal.
Eloise and Sophie talk about Phillip and her brothers. Phillip arrives, and Sophie is impressed by his features and flowers he brings. Sophie says that if their marriage ends up working out, despite them never meeting, it could be a very romantic story. Phillip greets Eloise, and presents her with the white orchids he brought from his garden. Eloise accepts them with gratitude, and introduces Phillip to Sophie. Eloise realizes that Phillip is hungover. Sophie heads inside to get Phillip a refreshment, leaving him alone with Eloise.
Phillip apologizes for his behavior the previous day. He also says that they will have to marry, and he thinks she’ll be a good mother to his children. Eloise is annoyed at this statement, wanting a love marriage. Phillip asks why she’s upset, but Eloise refuses to answer. Phillip is annoyed, saying something about women being insufferable. Eloise fires back about him insulting her gender. However, Phillip says he doesn’t feel that way about her whole gender, just Eloise. Eloise is surprised by his directness. She finally apologizes to him, saying she’s been in a bad mood, which is why she’s behaving this way.
Phillip admits that though her brothers have sped up the wedding, he doesn’t regret that the wedding is happening, which surprises Eloise. They see Colin and Anthony coming towards them, and Eloise asks why Phillip believes they would suit. He is thrown by the question, and doesn’t answer. Colin and Anthony join them, as breakfast is served. Anthony notices their argument, and says Phillip and Eloise suit each other. Anthony gives Eloise a letter from their mother. Phillip requests to speak to Eloise alone, and Anthony agrees.
Phillip brings Eloise into the house, and they end up in Sophie’s writing room. Eloise is bewildered when he tells her to shut the door, and doesn’t move. He finally shuts and locks the door, telling Eloise she didn’t think they would suit, and he wants to show her that they do.
Chapter 12
Eloise writes a letter to Daphne after refusing her third proposal.
Eloise is surprised by Phillip kissing her, and by his abrupt end. Phillip tells her how when he first saw her, he thought he could drown in her eyes. Eloise is stunned by his declaration. Eloise finally kisses Phillip. He responds back, and eventually wraps his arms around her. The two fall onto the couch nearby. The desire flares between them as Phillip’s hands make their way up Eloise’s legs, and eventually touch her intimately. Eloise is consumed by desire, and finally climaxes, too exhausted to move. Phillip says he’s hoped that he’s convinced Eloise that they would suit. Phillip is even more shocked by how much desire he felt for Eloise. Phillip hopes for a quick wedding as he cleans up in the washroom.
Phillip joins the Bridgerton brothers who are getting ready for target practice. They all take turns shooting. As they start the second round, Eloise shows up and wants to join them, despite her brothers’ protests. Phillip eventually hands his gun to her. Eloise shoots, and Phillip is impressed when she hits the target dead center. Her brothers start losing interest. Eloise says it’s deliberate so that she will lose interest, and leave the game. Phillip takes his turn, and also shoots dead center, impressing Eloise. Anthony tells Phillip he’ll double Eloise’s dowry if he agrees to marry her and let her shoot with him. Phillip agrees to his request, though he already wanted to marry Eloise.
Chapter 13
Eloise writes a letter to Penelope after beating six men in shooting match.
Eloise returns to Romney Hall with Anthony, Benedict, and Sophie. Phillip is impatiently waiting with an equally impatient Oliver and Amanda. They start fighting, and Phillip tries stop them, but they mess up the room just as Eloise arrives with her family. He quickly introduces Oliver and Amanda, and tries to send them off, but both children want to stay. Phillip tells them that he’s asked Eloise to marry him, but he still needs her family's approval. Eloise comes over and offers to talk to them. Eloise says something, and they quickly leave.
After lunch, Eloise and Phillip walk around the grounds with Anthony, where he compliments her handling of the twins. Eloise says she tried to emulate her mother, and Phillip admits he didn't have a parent to look up to. Eloise asks which of his parents was difficult, and Phillip admits it was his father. Eloise asks him about what he did the previous day. Phillip says because she was asking him many questions, he wanted to show her that they would suit. Eloise says that passion isn't enough, but Phillip believes it’s a good start. Eloise is hurt that he’s saying he doesn’t love her; even though she doesn’t love him, but feels it is possible she could grow to.
Eloise asks Phillip about Marina; he admits that he didn't feel love or passion for her, but married her to do the right thing. Phillip then asks Eloise why she left London. She says to meet him, but Phillip says that’s why she came, not why she left. Phillip asks if she had a lover, but Eloise fervently denies it. He assures her that his intentions haven't changed if that's the case. Eloise finally tells him everything, pouring her heart out, until she simply becomes too exhausted to talk anymore. Phillip takes her hand, and assures her that it’s all right.
Chapter 14
Eloise writes a letter to Hyacinth after refusing her fourth offer of marriage.
Phillip and Eloise are married four days later, with Eloise’s family present. After the ceremony, Eloise is with Violet in her room. Violet is happy for Eloise finally being married. Eloise figured her mother had given up on her marrying, but Violet says she always thought Eloise would surprise her. Violet tries to have an “intimacy talk” with Eloise, but fumbles, and Eloise finally says she doesn’t need anything explained. Violet is relieved. Violet hopes Eloise will be happy, and Eloise thinks she will be. Violet simply tells Eloise that it “takes time.” Eloise wonders what she means. Violet asks Eloise to not become impatient, and to “not push too hard.” Eloise is stunned at Violet’s words, realizing how much she needed to hear them. Her mother leaves, and Eloise starts to feel the weight of now being Lady Crane. Eloise is still determined to embrace her new role.
Phillip comes in, and asks Eloise if she would like more time, but Eloise says no, and Phillip kisses her in relief. He has been impatiently waiting for their wedding night. Phillip starts complimenting Eloise as he undresses her. He takes off his shirt and he turns around, and Eloise reacts in shock. He has whip marks on his back, and Phillip admits they’re because of his father. When Eloise expresses her fury and outrage, Phillip is warmed by her reaction. Phillip and Eloise eventually undress and make their way to the bed. Seeing Phillip unclothed, Eloise becomes afraid, but he helps her forget her fear through his intimate caresses. They finally consummate their wedding night.
Chapter 15
Eloise writes a letter to Francesca two weeks after her wedding to the Earl of Kilmartin.
A week later, Eloise is trying to go over household accounts, but is frustrated at not seeing her husband outside the bedroom. Eloise decides to go attend to Amanda and Oliver. When she gets to the nursery, she finds Amanda and Oliver have been crying. She asks Nurse Edwards, who says they were punished for talking disrespectfully. While Eloise knows they need discipline, she’s still suspicious. She tells Nurse Edwards to take till lunch off. Nurse Edwards reluctantly complies, and leaves. Amanda and Oliver immediately hug her. Eloise realizes Nurse Edwards needs to be replaced, and decides to talk to Phillip about it.
Phillip is working in his greenhouse. Eloise comes by, and tells him about Nurse Edwards. Phillip doesn’t take her suspicion seriously, and tells her to handle the situation. Eloise says he should handle it as their father. Phillip says she’s their mother. He pulls her close, and starts kissing her neck. Eloise pushes him away, shocking Phillip. She says their marriage can’t be solely based on a physical relationship, and they need to talk about a problem. Phillip says he’s not been with a woman in eight years, arguing he’s enjoying himself. Hating himself for what he said, he leaves.
Chapter 16
Eloise writes a letter to her sister-in-law, Kate, after rejecting her fifth proposal.
Eloise is shocked by Phillip’s sudden departure. She feels alone, and realizes she needs her family. She decides to go see Benedict and Sophie, since they’re the closest. Phillip is frustrated over their fight. He heads back to Romney Hall to find her, but Gunning tells him that Eloise went to Benedict’s house, making him even more upset. Not wanting to go after Eloise, he decides to instead go and spend time with his children, taking Eloise’s advice.
When he gets to the nursery, he finds Nurse Edwards beating both Amanda and Oliver with a book. He bursts in and yells at Nurse Edwards, furious at her actions. Initially taken aback, Nurse Edwards says that she was disciplining the twins for talking disrespectfully. Phillip yells at Nurse Edwards to leave immediately. She leaves, but insults Amanda and Oliver while leaving. Furious, Phillip yells at her to get out and Nurse Edwards finally flees.
Amanda and Oliver immediately run up and hug Phillip. Phillip comforts them, and apologizes. Amanda is quick to say it’s not his fault. Phillip says he’ll find them a new nurse, and Oliver asks if Eloise will help out, which Phillip confirms, to their delight. They both say they like Eloise, and Phillip says he hopes so, because Eloise will be staying with them. He hugs his children and says he loves them and always will.
Chapter 17
Eloise writes a letter to Daphne after she separates from Simon shortly after they married.
Eloise arrives at Benedict’s house, and meets Graves, the butler. He tells her that Charles, Sophie and Benedict’s eldest son, is sick. Benedict comes to Eloise. Eloise asks about Charles, and Benedict says he’s had a fever since Saturday. Eloise suggests he and Sophie get some sleep, and she’ll watch Charles. Eloise goes to Charles’s room and stays by his side, helping the maids take care of him through the day till sunset. When Sophie wakes up and asks about Phillip, Eloise sends a note to Romney Hall so he won’t be worried.
Phillip is worried when Eloise still hasn’t returned that evening, and finally heads to Benedict’s house. When he reaches, Graves greets him, and wonders if he received Eloise’s note. Phillip says no, and Graves tells him to come in and get comfortable because he is going to be there for a while. Phillip immediately becomes filled with dread. Eloise is praying by her nephew’s bedside when Phillip comes in, and she immediately runs into his arms, crying in relief. Phillip says he thought it was her, but Eloise is too overwrought to understand. Sophie says Charles has been unwell for two and a half days. Phillip checks on Charles himself, who is still feverish. Sophie breaks down as they explain that everything they’ve tried is not working. Phillip suggests they try giving Charles willow bark tea to help reduce the fever. Eloise brings it up to Benedict and Sophie. They say that Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree's cottage might have it, and Benedict leaves with Phillip to find the willow bark.
Charles’s fever breaks by the following morning, and Eloise and Phillip leave around noon. In the carriage, Eloise thanks Phillip for helping Charles. Phillip says they don’t know if the willow bark tea helped, but Eloise is sure that it did. They both admit that they would've been terrified it had been Amanda or Oliver in Charles’s position. Phillip tells Eloise about dismissing Nurse Edwards. He confesses that he has pushed his children away because he was afraid becoming like his father. Eloise assures Phillip that he will never be like his father. She says he's more angry at himself than them, and he realizes that she's right. Phillip confesses his fear that Eloise had left him the night before, and realizes that he's in love with Eloise, and doesn't want to lose her. They arrive at Romney Hall, and Eloise suggests they take a nap. Phillip says he’ll join her later, but he wants to first go hug his children.
Chapter 18
Eloise writes a letter to Violet after rejecting her sixth proposal.
Eloise wakes up from her nap, and sees that Phillip was never there. That night, she finds Phillip in the portrait gallery looking at Marina’s portrait. She watches him looking at Marina’s face and realizes she loves Phillip. She thinks about their past conversations, and realizes he and Marina stopped being physically intimate, but Phillip didn't have an affair either, which makes Eloise love him even more.
Eloise asks Phillip about Marina, who admits he doesn't feel any emotion about her, not love or hate. He tells her how he tried to help Marina with her depression, but he couldn't, and it made him feel hopeless. He feels like he failed her and his children, but Eloise denies this, saying Marina wasn't happy as a child, either. Phillip reveals to Eloise how Marina really died, and how he felt trapped because he couldn't help her. He doesn't feel that way with Eloise, and begs her to say she's not unhappy. Eloise says she's not, and Phillip confesses that he loves her. Eloise immediately replies that she loves him, too. Phillip pulls her into a passionate embrace and kisses her. The two get to their bedroom, and affirm they love each other as they make love again.
Chapter 19
Eloise writes a letter to Phillip six months into their correspondence, telling him about her life in London.
A few days later, Phillip surprises Eloise by suggesting they go out with Amanda and Oliver, and she immediately agrees, thrilled. Phillip then admits he doesn’t know what to do. Eloise says it doesn’t matter, because they just want to spend time with him. The family goes to a dressmaker and tailor, where Phillip and Oliver stand outside miserably while Amanda and Eloise shop inside. Eloise eventually tells Oliver to come in, as well as Phillip. She tells them to compliment Amanda when she comes out in her new dress. Eloise tells Oliver to get fitted by Mrs. Larkin, but Oliver insists on going to Mr. Larkin, the tailor, and asks Phillip to accompany him. Touched, Phillip agrees to accompany his son. Eloise stops him just as Amanda comes out. Phillip is moved again by how much his daughter has grown. He tells Amanda that she’s the most beautiful girl. Amanda asks about Eloise. Phillip says he’ll say Amanda is the most beautiful, and she can say Eloise is the most beautiful.
That night, Phillip tucks his kids into bed, and they both say that it was “the best day ever.” After dinner, Eloise finds a note from Phillip and follows his scavenger hunt notes, which tell her how he can't express himself in words, so he's trying through letters, like how they first started talking. She heads to the bedroom, per his instructions, and finds that Phillip has written “I Love You” with flowers on the bed. Eloise is speechless at his gesture. He tells her that the twins said today was the best day ever, but any time he spends with Eloise is the best. They kiss, and affirm their love for each other.
Epilogue
Eloise is expecting her first child, and writes a letter to them, saying this is her way to best convey her feelings. She hopes they'll be strong and overcome challenges, love their siblings, be happy, and go after what they want. Eloise promises her child that she and Phillip will always love them. She gives birth to a daughter named Penelope.
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