Phillip Crane is a botanist. He spends his days covered in dirt, talking to plants. Eloise spends her days dismantling the patriarchy. She walks into his greenhouse and says, “Your flowers are boring.” He should be furious. Instead, he’s intrigued.
They bond over being outsiders. He doesn’t fit in with the ton. She doesn’t fit in anywhere. It’s a match made in a very odd heaven.
And their first kiss? It happens in a library. Of course it does. Eloise would never settle for a garden tryst.
The Quirky Facts You Didn’t Know
Here’s a funny detail: In the book, Phillip proposes by saying, “I know you don’t love me, but I think we could suit.” It’s the least romantic proposal in history. Eloise says yes anyway. She appreciates the honesty.
Another gem: Eloise learns to take care of Phillip’s children by bribing them with sweets. She becomes a chaotic stepmother. She lets them eat cake for breakfast. Phillip is horrified. The children adore her.
And get this—their wedding is a quiet affair at a registry office. No frills, no flowers, no hundreds of guests. Just two weirdos signing a piece of paper. It’s the most un-Bridgerton wedding ever.
