In most love stories, romance blossoms from the very first meeting. However, the love story between Eloise Bridgerton and Sir Philip Crane begins in tragedy. Philip Crane wasn’t a man seeking love, nor was he interested in finding a wife. In fact, he was already married to Marina Thompson, a distant cousin of Eloise. Despite being a father of two, Philip never truly formed a connection with Marina, a melancholic woman weighed down by depression.

Their marriage was more of a responsibility than a bond, a duty forced upon Philip after the sudden death of his elder brother, George.

The story takes a dark turn one fateful day in February, when Philip found Marina walking toward the lake, only to witness her submerging herself beneath the cold water.

Though Philip managed to pull her out, she passed away days later, leaving him with the daunting task of raising their two mischievous seven-year-old twins, Oliver and Amanda.

A Letter That Changed Everything

In the wake of Marina’s death, Philip received a letter of condolence from Eloise Bridgerton. Eloise, known for her habit of writing letters to distant acquaintances, had no idea this small gesture would set her on a path toward an unexpected romance.

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