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𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐘 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐘'𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐕𝐄𝐋 𝐈𝐍 𝐈𝐓𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅, 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐄𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐋𝐘 𝐋𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐌. Anastasia and Rose cascaded down the stairs hand in hand with genteel smiles gracing their faces and only when they reached the end of the stair case did they depart. Angelica, still in her unusual attire, lingered at the top of the stairs, in the seat next to the queen whilst they engaged in meaningful conversation, about her choice of clothes and history as well as her daughter and sister.

Through tea the queen demanded that all the women ate together and Charlotte discovered she truly admired the two French sisters. Finding their conversation refreshing, instead of flattery she was met with realism.

Anastasia greeted them as so, eyes lingering her form wherever she trailed across the room, the entirety of the ton inspecting her as so. The princess patiently waited for a glass of lemonade that two suitors raced to get from across the room, politely nodding to those who met her eye.

"Excuse me, princess."

She turned with furrowed brows and only when she tilted her head slightly down was she met with the sight of Malcom, the Duke of Wessex. "Yes, the most handsomest man in the room?"

He grinned so widely his cheeks hurt, "would you like to dance?" He held his hand out and Anastasia could not say no to the poor boy, not even as the two men retuned with a glass in each hand.

"Er, we-"

"Sorry, gentlemen but the drink can wait," she took to the dance floor with the young boy and swayed gently to the music the extra pip in their steps at the delight of one another. "You no longer have to stand on my shoes, you are growing to be a fine young man."

Malcom blushed lightly but puffed his chest and stood tall as he looked up at her, "thank you, princess I have missed you a lot." His words touched her heart and she cooed at him gently before looking round for his mother. "My mama is somewhere," he shrugged looking entirely unbothered and Anastasia let out a laugh at his mannerisms.

The song slowly came to an end and she curtsied whilst he bowed, "you will have ladies flocking to your arm once you come of age, little Duke." She stroked her finger on his cheek and he giddily giggled before pushing through the crowd of giants as he trudged through to find his mother.

"My princess," she once again turned to see Benedict Bridgerton and arched a brow at his open palm, "may I have this dance?" Anastasia allowed him to take her hand and once again she felt an embarrassment as she danced with another Bridgerton, she planned on writing her wrongs.

"You must forgive me for the last encounter I had with your family, it was impolite and arrogant of me to do so in a home that is not mine, I am sorry." Benedict gave her a soft grin, it appeared slightly sad but warm and comforting as he wished to settle her but also reveal the turn of sadness his dear sister was in.

"Your reaction was understandable, princess and trust me when I tell you that none of my family hold a grudge against you." The twisting of her stomach suggested otherwise as she thought of the girl who's necklace she ripped from her neck. Benedict gently twirled her and connected their eyes, reassurance in them clear as day, "none of them."

The undertone clear in his voice and Anastasia found herself sucking a breath in gently before nodding, "you must thank your family for their patience with me and I plan on apologising to each and every one of you."

Benedict gave her a musing smile, "if you wish to apologise to us all then a day at the Bridgerton house would be most appropriate."

Anastasia furrowed her brows in suspicion, "that is the exact words of what your mother said."

He simply shrugged before they stepped away from one another, once again him bowing and her curtsying before he gave he a sly look, "what are the chances."

Anastasia caught sight over his shoulder of Rose who appeared to be getting surrounded by many men and she leaned up to Benedict. "As a small token of our friendship would you be able to save my friend from certain doom?" She gave him a pleading smile as he turned to see the French woman becoming overwhelmed and turned back to the princess before saluting and marching over.

Anastasia watched as he soon fled with the girl and only when another call of her title was made did she let out a sigh of tiredness. The warring of holding up expectation slightly showing as she turned with a tight smile, once again another Lord whom she allowed herself to parade with.

Only after the other two did she see that of a cue forming and ordered the musicians to stop playing whilst she snatched a drink from the table and gulped it down with eagerness.

"Are you quite alright?" A softer and sweeter voice came from behind her and the fresh smell of flowers encased her instead of the roughish hands.

She turned and was met with the sight of Penelope Featherington, the girl seemed the same except from the touches to her hair and colour of her dress. Anastasia nodded and passed her a glass before coming to stand next to her, "Penelope, I find myself once more apologetic to you," the girl looked baffled, "and foolish of me that I did not request your friendship."

"No, no you could not be more wrong, it is blasphemous that you are apologising to me," she let out a scoffing laugh and the redness from shame of her mistakes swallowed her whole. "I was that of a spoilt girl with a favourite doll."

Anastasia smiled sweetly to her, "and I the same," she touched their glasses together in a clink and Penelope felt on the verge of tears, what had she don't to such a beautiful thing?

Eloise once again found herself staring at her from across the room, pinning herself in Anastasia's line of sight but as she watched her talk with Penelope her anger was rising. How dare she, she'd out her in front of the whole ton right this moment of Anastasia laughed at another thing she said. It had been her, it had been Penelope who stole the only good thing in her life.

"Excuse me," she all but seethed to Cressida who's eyes followed her figure. She rounded the dance floor with her heels digging into the marble enough to leave a mark as she glared daggers into the girl with red hair.

"Eloise," Anthony gently pulled on her arm and she whipped round to him like an eager bull. "Careful, I'm sure the princess would not like it if you caused a scene." Eloise sucked her teeth harshly and met her brothers eye whom gave her a sympathetic look, Kate flocked to her other arm.

"It is alright, Eloise you will have an opportunity to talk just not in such a rushed fashion," she soothed gently and Eloise felt her shoulders sag as the realisation that she was in the mids of the ton hit her.

"My princess, would you do me the honour of having this dance?" Anastasia gave Penelope an exasperated look before turning with a forced grin that turned into a teasing one as she was met with the open palm of Angelica.

"What are you doing?" She eyed her suspiciously but nonetheless took her hand as she was lead to the dance floor.

"Your mother ordered me to sweep you off your feet for all the suitors to admire you in all of your glory," Anastasia snorted mockingly as they laced their fingers together. "And I wished to reminisce our dances in Pari mademoiselle."

Eloise watched from being wedges in between both Kate and Anthony who refused to dance to try and keep her at bay. She stared at Anastasia in such misery half the ladies and gentlemen around he were wondering what sorrow drifted through the air. As she watched her be so carelessly humoured, recounting or adding in the odd step whilst their bodies remained linked with one another.

She couldn't bare the sight anymore and felt the breath be taken from her lungs and replaced with am overbearing sense of deprivation. "Excuse me," she mumbled almost drunkenly before manoeuvring her way through the bodies, a cloud of grief hanging over her.

Anastasia felt the smile slip from her lips as she watched Eloise hurriedly slip away and into one of the hallways that lead to many rooms. The dance ended and Angelica raised her hand to her lips before gently kissing it. "You rake," the princess snatched her hand away with a hummed laugh that Angelica returned tenfold.

The smile soon slipped from her lips as she furrowed her brows in worry before gently excusing herself to the eager gentlemen. The queen watched from her perch and nodded to Brimsley whom returned it with a giddy look. He positioned himself in front of the hallway, hand being held in the air as he stopped any from entering through the hallway.

Anastasia opened the door, "get out," Eloise's back was turned as she said this, fumbling with the patterns on her gloves before she threw them to the floor. It shut and her footsteps passed softly towards her on the carpeted floor, "did you not hear m-"

Her words where sniped from her lips as she stared into the dark eyes that gazed back at her with a frightening softness instead of their old sneer. A genuine, cheeky quirk of her lips passed her face, "telling the princess to leave her own study, how deviant of you, Miss Bridgerton."

It would have made Eloise erratic in behaviour at having the princess speak at least a sentence to her, especially in the lighthearted manner she did so in. Though, at the intimacy she shared with those two women, the fondness in either face when they looked to one another it struck at her heart and cut her strings.

"I apologise, I did not realise, I shall take my leave," she rounded the chairs in order to keep a large distance. If she allowed herself to indulge in her scent she would find herself rooted in her step and head hidden in her neck.

"Eloise," she called out softly with more urgency and the Bridgerton, "please, tell me what is wrong?"

She turned, "I do not believe you are of sane mind as I have betrayed your trust in Whistledown's words," she gritted out like her name was poison. "And you have far more agreeable friends, new relations and such, so if you'll excuse me."

Eloise put her hand on the door knob, "I am sorry," her grip on the gold tightened as well as her chest. "For how I handled things in your family's home, it was dishonourable of me and I am sorry for making you upset, it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do." She still hadn't turned her back facing Anastasia as she carefully walked towards her not wanting to scare her prey away. "Eloise, please," Anastasia placed her palm on top of Eloise's hand that gripped onto the door tightly.

A sharp intake of breath came from Eloise as she felt the heavy hand resting gently on hers, a gentle pressure in her back that she leaned into. She could turn and catch Anastasia by the neck before bringing her in a solidifying, heartfelt kiss where she would be claimed as hers and hers alone.

Yet, that was not the case anymore, she had been traded up, outcasted and left to be the scorned woman from the princesses past. The thought brought tears to her eyes and she willed herself not to cry, "I forgive you." A rushed response left her before she jerked her hand back to open the door, Anastasia's hands sliding off from her body as she left with a swoosh of air and a quickness in her step.

She passed Brimsley whom took several double takes  behind and in front of him before he sighed, looking up to the queen whom eyed Eloise as she rushed across the floor to her mama.

Anastasia was quick to chase after her, the familiar scent traipsing up her nose that had her at a temporary standstill. She lurched herself from the posterior she was froze in before following after the gaps in the crowd her body left.

"Mama, I wish to return home early," Violet looked from Benedict whom was introducing Rose to her and the pair were a grinning mess. Eloise did not even notice their linked arms and flushed cheeks as she eyed the double doors with an eagerness.

"Dear, whatever is the matter?"

Eloise flashed her gaze over her shoulder and saw the woman in red and gold searching from the archway. "I have simply grown tired, may I take my leave?" She did not wait for her mothers nod whom looked at her retreating figure at a loss for words, Violet peered behind her to see the princess with a confused and saddened expression as she looked around.

Rose patted Benedict's arm gently, "perhaps it is best I too retire but Lady Bridgerton, may I indulge you in an idea of mine?" Her eyes darted to Anastasia's dejected form and the Dowager had a knowing look as she hummed.

"I think that will be the best decision."

Anastasia found the gathering no longer necessary as she pardoned herself from the genteel suitors who offered their hands. She left by herself, wanting to wallow and freely frown on her own without the concerning glances of Angelica or Rose. Their were several more carriages but as Anastasia stared at the grounds and the sounds of chitter grew faint her soul felt ten times smaller.

She pulled her legs up to her chest and rested her chin on her knees, Anastasia had thought that she had truly changed. That she had matured and was finally growing into the boots of royalty but as Eloise was no longer besides her she realised how truly alone her life would soon be.

No more promenades with her hand held, dancing till her feet ached with only the one she wished to be with and no freedom to scour the seas. The princess curled into the cushioned seat with fear, the same fear brewing in her gut since last season retuned. With only one woman who's touch would settle her mind and ease her tense shoulders and now Anastasia had pushed her too far, she'd driven her away and fretted she'd be alone forever.

𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐀 𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐈 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐋 𝐔𝐏𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐋𝐀𝐏 𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐍𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐀 𝐂𝐔𝐏 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐄𝐀 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐒𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍. The queen seemed to hum endearingly, "she lavishes you with praise, perhaps the fear of your return has struck sense into her at last."

The princess furrowed her brows at the idolisation her name seemed to imply, stating how her return had flourished her into a distinguished young woman. "It seems so yet, she does not seem to share the same sentiments about Mr Bridgerton."

They eyed each other out the corner of their eye, it seemed he had ruffled the woman's feathers and she nipped at his new countenance. A silence fell between them until Charlotte placed the pamphlet down prompting her daughter to do the same with an odd look. "Though, I do still wonder what caused your rather hasty departure at last nights ball," the queen stared at her pointedly, she knew but she wished for Anastasia to say as much.

The princess pinched her eyes shut whilst toying with the cuticle of her nail, a hobby that made the queen slap her fingers away. "Oh, mother I simply felt myself tiring, the journey took a larger toll on my body than I had anticipated." Her eye contact was futile and the turned over her shoulder to look at Brimsely whom squinted back at her knowingly.

"Ah, so it has nothing to do with Miss Bridgerton?"

Anastasia ran her fingers through the dogs fur and gritted her teeth together, "no, mama it did not but if you'll excuse me I believe Nectar is in need of stretching his legs." She had no intention of riding the horse but if she were to escape this rather uncomfortable setting she would do so gladly.

She was halfway through standing when her mother tutted, "I do not think you will have any time for riding, my dear as I was informed that you are having tea with the Bridgerton's."

Anastasia halted in her step and slowly turned to her mother whom peered over the rim of her cup with a twinkle in her eye. "And where, pray tell, did you hear such news?"

Charlotte simply shrugged and the princess flared her nostrils before turning on her heel and headed for both Angelica and Rose. Those two had meddled with her affairs and somehow made her outing the very next day her and Eloise had the altercation last night.

"What is wrong with you two?" She fumed as she opened the door and furrowed both of her brows to see them proper dressed.

"Ah, Anastasia lovely to see you on this fine morning, come or we will be late," as quick as she opened the door the two slipped past her but she stood straight with a hand on her hip.

"I think not."

Angelica and Rose shared a glance, "then all of the gifts you purposefully purchased for said family will go to waste and that would be unfortunate now, wouldn't it?" Anastasia looked to the floor with her tongue running laps over her teeth as her gaze flickered from her cloak to the gifts wrapped nearly in the corner of the room.

A grumble left her lips before she snatched her dark satin cloak from the bedside and nodded to the servants to retrieve the gifts. "Come then," she weaved past them and the two sisters smiled to one another, the first step of the plan was complete.

As the princess of England Anastasia shouldn't have felt as diminished as she did as she stepped out of the carriage and peered up at the tall building. Rose and Angelica looped an arm at either side of her, grounding her whilst also acting as two splints as they walked her up the steps. With a bashful nod of her head to the footmen who graciously bowed and opened the door.

Her breath trembled as her eyes caught sight of the scratch marks on the wooden floor from the heavy necklace she had ripped from Eloise's neck. She was brought forth to the Bridgerton drawing room and was taken aback slightly to see everyone already stood and too lowering themselves before beaming at her.

"Princess Anastasia, it is so lovely of you to join us," Violet warmly told her and Anastasia had to have Roses nails dig in her arm for her to reply.

"Wouldn't miss this for the world, Lady Bridgerton and I know that you do not take easy on the gifts I bring but consider it only a step in my forgiveness." She slipped out of the girls hold and ushered in the servants whom carried the gifts, Kate and Anthony's was conjoint which she set to the side, they seemed to have retired to a separate estate for a few days. Though, from the moment she stepped through the sitting room she was greeted without the pair of ocean eyes she was so familiar with.

She held Eloise's gift in her hand, a rather large and thick black box that sat neatly in her palms, the clasp itching to be unlatched.

"A telescope!" Gregory rejoiced, "thank you, I shall see the balloon with this." He held the gold in his hands with such a tight grip before standing closer to Anastasia who gently pet him on the head.

"A new gown," Haycinth gasped loudly as she looked at the scribbles in the corner of the box that were engraved. "From France! Oh, thank you," she seemed to forget all manners as the excitement made her nerves tingle and voice tighten into a squeal as she threw her arms round the princesses waist. Violet looked to turn pale and went to reach forth for her but Anastasia just laughed and waved her off whilst holding her back.

"I am glad you like it, little one," Haycinth toothily grinned up at her and Anastasia looked to Francesca who happily held her gift quietly. "Is it to your liking?"

Francesca looked to her and nodded eagerly, "I find this far more appealing than any other jewellery I own, truly." She glanced between the princess and Angelica with a tint to her cheeks that left her quieter than before but she shuffled closer to the woman in imperfect clothing.

Benedict stared at the old bottle of wine with a very impressed look, "Italy, very impressive Anastasia." They shared a long look that left the impression that they would be sharing the wine with one another before his gaze fazed to Rose whom peered to him kindly.

"And this pocket watch seems far beyond its time, founded from gold in America," Colin looked to her with his mouth ajar once more. She smiled to him and turned to Violet whom looked at the pair of lilac gloves that were made from the finest of silks, the softness tickling her fingertips.

"We cannot thank you enough for always managing to shower us in gifts, princess," she strode forwards and held her arm with her eyes glancing down to the box.

She was quick to shake her head, "I believe your thanks is the only gift I shall ever need and I hope this is a showing of my search for forgiveness?" The family looked to one another before turning to her and instantly nodding with Haycinth practically jumping up and down.

"All is forgiven," they all hummed and nodded but Anastasia still was not convinced as she drummed her fingers alone the leather.

"Children, would you be so kind as to show the princess to the study for a moment," Violet implied and Angelica winked to the two as she took their gifts in her hands.

Anastasia looked confused as the air seemed to become laced with something she was unaware of but they took her by a hand and lead her into the room. They did not follow and instead ran back out giggling with the shut of the door, leaving Anastasia to stare at it in bewilderment.

Instead, as she went to turn the handle she found it to be locked and sighed, tricked by mere children. Though, as she turned round to face the desk there was another door to the left and in came a squabbling Eloise whom threw her arms up and shuffled ungraciously at both Colin and Benedict's prodding.

She went to tug at the door knob and let out a groan of defeat with a bang on the wood as she could not get out. Until finally, she turned and the two met each others eye, it was quiet for a bit, no either party sure of what to say as their family entrapped them in a room together and were clearly not letting them out until all was well.

"We appear to be hostages under your families hand," Anastasia mused amidst the quiet and the girl wrung her hands.

"They will surely face ruin for such a childish act," she rather yelled the last words into the wood and Anastasia bit her lip to stop a smile.

"You look radiant, Eloise," she complimented with a nervousness to her tone that Eloise paid back tenfold with her constant shuffling.

"Thank you, princess," it seemed she began to sweat under her gaze and moved to stand in front of the desk so she could grab it. "As- as do you."

Anastasia's eyes lingered on her neck and found no sign of silverware and seemed to contemplate before walking forwards with the box in hand. "You left rather abruptly last night and I understand that you had forgiven me but it will only truly mean something if you take my gift." She lifted the lid and Eloise's mouth fell ajar as her own reflection stared back at her in the shade of green.

It appeared to be an exact replica of the emerald that had been gifted to her long ago, a small sweat dowsing Anastasia's brow as she watched Eloise stare at it.

"Anastasia," she began as a whisper and the sound made the princess jaw clench. "This is- that is-"

"Please take it," they met one another's eye and Eloise became a slave to the dark orbs that pleaded. "I don't know how you may truly see my shame so please," she held the box further out, "take it."

Eloise stared at the green piece a while longer before nodding slowly, turning round and gripping the fabric of her dress as she felt her body press against her back. The curve of her bosom and the dip in her lower back where Anastasia stepped unlawfully close, the scent of sea clouding her senses that left her aching for a taste. The cool metal was dragged from the top of her chest and she let out a sharp breath of air along with a shiver at the feeling that made Anastasia stutter her movements.

Fingers uncharacteristically twitching as they stupidly fumbled with the clasp before she released it and stepped back. Eloise looked down with a hand holding the gem in place and a calmness washing over her much like those of the waves. It felt as if a pice of her, a soothing weight had been restored and the object flashed against the light in unashamed triumph.

"It's beautiful," she sighed out gently with her eyes looking up towards Anastasia who stared to her with her gaze flickering from her neck to her face. "Thank you."

"Of course," she added quickly and without missing a beat she said, "I would do anything for you."A pregnant pause fell between them before Eloise seemed to look ashamed at taking such a gift.

"I suppose you would do anything for the women you showed up with too," her words held a bitterness as she strode out of Anastasia's embrace and went to retreat behind the desk.

The princess furrowed her brows, "I beg your pardon?"

Eloise shrugged her shoulders mockingly with her hands resting on her hips, "did you bring them back just to jest at me? Or perhaps you have a deeper interest in them, perhaps all the women in Paris have." The jealousy seeping through her words scorched the bridge of truce that had began to slowly form between them.

Anastasia looked taken aback, her mouth slightly ajar before a stern look crossed her face. She straightened and narrowed her eyes with a countenance of complete calm, "you have no right to accuse me of being some whore, Miss Bridgerton. I am the princess of England, until the day comes of my coronation I may bed whoever I please and that is no longer a concern of yours."

Eloise's anger seemed to dissipate and instead a sadness drowned her heart, so she had been with other women. "Anastasia- "

"Have your family open the door I should like to take my leave," her words were sharp and curt.

"I did not mean-"

"No, I have decided. You will do as I say, I am your princess!" Her voice rose with every word until eventually it reached a shout and it echoed off the walls of not just the study but the rooms around them.

Their eyes met and Eloise sucked her tongue to keep the tears at bay, "my mistake," she crossed her arms in front of her to shield her heart. "I thought you were just, Anna."

Regret flushed Anastasia and she let out a small sigh, "Eloise-

"Perhaps it's for the best," every nerve deep within her soul argued otherwise as the two stared into one another's eye, hearts quickening at the reality that they could not find it within themselves to forgive the other.

The door creaked open and a slightly sweating viscountess stepped through the room, anxiety twisting through her blood as the tension in the room was thick. "Is everything alright?" She thought the plan was unbecoming, it was her children's idea and she should not have agreed to it, matters had been made worse and Violet took the guilt as a heavy burden. The brightest star for her daughter had become a constellation in the sky, flowing in the sea of gas and fire and slowly burning out until the shine dissipated, it was unknowing wether it would ever return to its radiant self or simply flicker and die out.

It was Eloise who spoke, "yes, mama, the princess was just leaving." Her fingers dug into the skin on her arm which left small bruises in its wake.

Anastasia clenched her fists so tight that crescent shaped marks had formed from the
intensity of her nails, she cleared her throat and swallowed her original pleas to wish to make up with the girl in front of her. "Thank you for allowing me into your home, good day to you and your family," she said out loud to the viscountess behind her but her eyes remained on Eloise whom she spared a second look at before making her way past Violet.

Eloise let out a heavy breath, the air around her nearly crushing her rib cage and stopping her breathing whilst she put a hand to her stomach to stop the queasiness she felt. Anastasia strode past the doorway and without even looking to the side in the hallway she commanded, "let's go," Rose and Angelica quickly straightened up before sharing a concerned glance between one another.

She walked eerily calm out the door as the Bridgestone's loomed from the staircase with saddened features, Francesca clutched Benedict's arm and Colin had to hold Haycinth by her arms to stop her from running down and pulling the princess back to her sister in haste. Gregory watched with a deep frown as he held the telescope in both of his hands, eyes drooping low as he felt undeserving of such a gift if Anastasia was not happy herself.

Rose and Angelica silently clamoured back into the carriage and sat on the opposite side of Anastasia who looked out the window with perfect posture and steely eyes, "never do something like that again."

The sisters looked down to their palms in their lap with embarrassment and guilt clinging to their looks, their plan had been a train wreck and they might have ruined any chance of the two women finally rekindling.