Education of Pleasure

Day 4: Facesitting – "Education of Pleasure"

The warm, opulent glow of the ballroom greeted Eloise and Cressida as they slipped through the doors, the laughter and music filling the air, almost washing away the heady memory of what had transpired between them in the gardens. Almost.

Eloise's pulse still raced beneath her calm exterior, and she could feel the lingering heat of Cressida's fingers, the ghost of her touch as she stood beside her, composed and graceful, as though they hadn't just shared something intimate and irrevocable.

Taking a breath, Eloise straightened her gown and cast a glance at Cressida, who met her gaze with a subtle smile, the kind that made Eloise's heart flutter with anticipation. But there was no time to dwell on that now. They were back among the ton, and appearances had to be maintained.

"Your mother is over there," Cressida murmured softly, nodding toward Lady Bridgerton, who stood among a circle of ladies, all of whom seemed deeply engrossed in conversation. Eloise nodded, steeling herself as she led Cressida toward her mother.

The ladies' conversation stilled as Eloise approached, Lady Bridgerton turning with a welcoming smile. But Eloise noticed the curious flicker in her mother's eyes, a gaze that seemed to sweep between her and Cressida with more interest than usual.

"Mother," Eloise began, her voice steady but touched with the careful decorum the situation required, "Cressida and I have caught something of a chill while taking the air outside. I think it best if we retire for the evening."

Lady Bridgerton's brow arched delicately. "A chill, you say?" She glanced toward Cressida, her eyes sharp with curiosity. "I thought you two were… well, not entirely on the friendliest of terms lately."

Eloise felt the faintest hint of a blush creep into her cheeks but managed to maintain her composure. "It seems that has changed, Mother. We spoke and… resolved matters."

Lady Bridgerton's gaze lingered for a moment longer, her perceptiveness evident in the way her eyes flickered between them, before she finally nodded. "I see. Well, it is good to hear that harmony has been restored."

Eloise dipped her head in gratitude. "Thank you. If you could be so kind as to let Lady Cowper know that Cressida will be staying the night with us? It would be greatly appreciated."

For a moment, Lady Bridgerton hesitated, her gaze narrowing ever so slightly in that way mothers do when they suspect something more than what is said. But after a beat, she nodded graciously.

"Of course, my dear," she said with a smile that did not quite reach her eyes. "I'll see to it that Lady Cowper is informed."

Eloise thanked her mother with a polite nod, aware of the unspoken curiosity that lingered in the air between them, before turning to Cressida. "Shall we?"

Cressida smiled, a polite curve of her lips that belied the intensity of what lay beneath, and together they left the grand ballroom, retreating into the quieter, darker halls of the Bridgerton estate.

The tension between them was palpable as they ascended the grand staircase, the soft rustle of their gowns the only sound that filled the air. Eloise's heart beat faster with every step, her thoughts swirling with the memory of Cressida's touch, her words, and what had yet to unfold between them.

The moment they entered Eloise's room, the door closing softly behind them, Cressida's demeanor shifted, the calm restraint she had displayed downstairs giving way to something far more primal.

Without a word, Cressida stepped forward, her hands finding Eloise's waist as she pulled her close, her lips descending on hers with a hunger that made Eloise's breath hitch. There was no pretense, no hesitation now—only the electric pull between them that had been simmering ever since their time in the garden.

Eloise's hands instinctively found Cressida's shoulders, her fingers curling into the fabric of her gown as she kissed her back with equal fervor. The taste of Cressida's lips, the feel of her body pressed so intimately against hers, sent a rush of heat through Eloise's veins, making her dizzy with desire.

"I've been waiting," Cressida murmured between kisses, her voice breathless, "for you to return the favor, my love."

The words sent a shiver down Eloise's spine, and she pulled back just enough to look into Cressida's eyes, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she tried to gather her thoughts. She had never done this before—never touched another woman the way Cressida had touched her. And yet, the thought of it, the thought of pleasing Cressida in the same way, made her pulse race with excitement.

"I… I want to," Eloise whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she gazed up at Cressida. "I just—"

Cressida silenced her with a soft kiss, her lips brushing over Eloise's in a way that made her body melt with longing. "No need to be nervous," she murmured, her hands gently sliding up Eloise's sides. "But not like this."

Eloise blinked, her mind clouded with the heady sensation of Cressida's touch. "What do you mean?"

Cressida's lips curved into a smile, her eyes gleaming with something mischievous as she stepped back, her hands reaching for the ties of her gown. "We'll need to remove these," she said softly, her voice laced with anticipation. "I want to feel you—completely."

Eloise's breath caught as she watched Cressida's fingers deftly undo the ties of her gown, the fabric slipping down her shoulders to reveal the smooth, pale skin beneath. There was something so intimate, so private about the act that Eloise found herself momentarily frozen, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared at the woman before her.

Cressida's gown fell to the floor, leaving her in only her underclothes, and she stepped toward Eloise with a gaze that left no room for doubt. "Come," she whispered, her voice low and filled with promise. "Undress, my love."

Eloise hesitated for only a moment before her fingers began fumbling with the ties of her own gown, her breath shaky as she worked to free herself from the layers of fabric that separated them. She had never been so exposed in front of another person before, but the look in Cressida's eyes—the hunger, the affection—made her feel both vulnerable and desired in a way that left her trembling.

Once their gowns were discarded, Cressida's hands found Eloise's waist again, pulling her close as she leaned down to press a soft kiss to her neck, her lips trailing slowly down to her collarbone. Eloise's breath hitched, her body responding instinctively to the warmth of Cressida's touch, the heat of her mouth as she moved lower.

"I've wanted to do this since the moment I saw you tonight," Cressida murmured, her voice filled with something darker, something that made Eloise's pulse quicken. "To kiss you here…" Her lips brushed over the swell of Eloise's breast, sending a wave of sensation through her that made her gasp softly. "And here…"

Eloise's hands gripped Cressida's shoulders, her breath coming in shallow bursts as Cressida's mouth moved over her skin, her lips teasing, worshiping her body in a way that left her feeling utterly undone.

When Cressida's mouth found her breast, Eloise's breath caught in her throat, her body trembling as Cressida's lips closed around her nipple, her tongue swirling in slow, deliberate circles. The sensation was overwhelming, a rush of pleasure that made Eloise's head spin, and she instinctively arched her back, pressing herself closer to Cressida's mouth.

"You're so beautiful," Cressida whispered against her skin, her voice filled with reverence as she kissed and sucked, her hands gripping Eloise's waist with a possessiveness that made her shiver. "So perfect."

Eloise's mind was reeling, her body a mass of sensation as Cressida continued her slow worship, her lips and tongue moving with deliberate care, drawing out every moment, every gasp, until Eloise was trembling beneath her touch.

"I… I didn't know," Eloise began, her voice trembling as she tried to make sense of what was happening, "that women could feel…"

Her words trailed off as "That women could feel this much pleasure from her breasts?" Cressida finished for her, her voice low, the question a whisper against Eloise's skin.

Eloise nodded, her breath shaky as she met Cressida's gaze. She had known of pleasure in the most distant, theoretical sense—her own explorations had given her some understanding of what it meant to be aroused—but this… this was something else entirely. Something she hadn't even realized was possible between women, something far more intimate and overwhelming.

Cressida's lips curved into a slow smile. "You have no idea, my love," she murmured, as her tongue circled one pert nipple. "But I'm going to show you."

Eloise's breath hitched, her body trembling beneath the weight of Cressida's promise. The room seemed to close in around them, the world outside forgotten as Cressida's mouth continued its slow, deliberate exploration of her body. Eloise could barely think, her mind a haze of sensation, her skin burning with the intensity of Cressida's touch. Every nerve seemed alive, her entire being attuned to the heat of Cressida's lips, her tongue, the way she moved as though she had always known exactly what Eloise needed.

Cressida pulled back just enough to catch Eloise's gaze, her eyes gleaming with a knowing light that made Eloise's heart race. "Lie down," she whispered, her voice low and intimate. "I want to show you something I read about."

Eloise blinked, her breath coming in shallow bursts as she processed Cressida's words. "Read about?" she repeated, her brow furrowing in confusion even as her body obeyed, sinking back onto the soft covers of the bed.

A soft chuckle escaped Cressida's lips, a sound that was both amused and filled with something darker, something that sent a shiver down Eloise's spine. "Yes," Cressida murmured as she positioned herself between Eloise's legs, her hands trailing up the soft skin of her thighs with a slow, deliberate intent. "Though I doubt you'll find this in Lady Whistledown."

Eloise's heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat as she watched Cressida with wide eyes. There was something deeply unsettling and exhilarating about the way Cressida moved, the confidence in her actions, as though she had known this moment would come for them all along.

Her pulse quickened as Cressida's fingers brushed higher, parting Eloise's thighs with gentle care. The intimacy of it—the sight of Cressida between her legs, her hands roaming over her skin—made Eloise's breath falter. She had no idea what to expect, and yet her body responded instinctively, her skin tingling with anticipation, her chest rising and falling with shallow gasps.

Cressida leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to the sensitive skin just above her inner thigh moving higher. Eloise's heart raced, her body trembling as Cressida's mouth descended, pressing a soft kiss just above where Eloise ached most. The sensation was unlike anything Eloise had ever felt—intimate, tender, but filled with a heat that made her gasp, her hands instinctively gripping the sheets beneath her.

She had heard whispers, of course, vague mentions of women sharing secret pleasures away from the eyes of men, but she had never imagined something like this—never imagined the softness of Cressida's lips there, never imagined the rush of pleasure that could come from such an act.

When Cressida's tongue brushed against her, Eloise's entire body tensed, a soft cry escaping her lips as a wave of sensation surged through her. Her back arched, her fingers clutching at the bedspread as she struggled to comprehend what was happening. The feeling was so intense, so utterly consuming, that Eloise could barely catch her breath.

"Cressida," she gasped, her voice trembling as she looked down at her lover, her mind reeling with the shock of it all. "What are you…?"

Cressida's gaze met hers, and for a moment, there was a flicker of mischief in her eyes, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she pressed another kiss to the sensitive bundle of nerves that made Eloise gasp. "I told you," she whispered, her voice thick with desire, "I want to show you something."

And then, with a deliberate slowness that made Eloise's pulse pound in her ears, Cressida's mouth found her again, her tongue moving in slow, gentle strokes, exploring her with a care that left Eloise trembling.

Eloise's head fell back against the pillows, her breath coming in shallow gasps as her body responded instinctively to Cressida's touch. She had never felt anything like this before—never imagined that such a thing was even possible. The warmth of Cressida's tongue, the way it flicked and swirled over her, sent waves of pleasure through her that made her mind swim, her body arching helplessly toward the source of her pleasure.

She couldn't understand it—how something so simple could make her feel so much, could send her spiraling into a haze of sensation that left her gasping for breath. What was Cressida even doing to her down there? What was it about her mouth, her tongue, that made her feel like this, made her body tremble with pleasure in a way she had never thought possible?

Her mind struggled to keep up, to process the overwhelming rush of sensation as Cressida continued her slow, deliberate exploration. Eloise could feel every movement of her tongue, every brush of her lips, and the heat that radiated from her core grew stronger with every passing second, building to a crescendo that left her trembling beneath Cressida's ministrations.

"Oh," Eloise breathed, her voice trembling with shock and disbelief. "I didn't know… it could feel like this."

Cressida smiled against her skin, the curve of her lips sending a shiver through Eloise's body. "You're beautiful like this," Cressida murmured, her breath warm and intimate. "So responsive."

Eloise's breath hitched, her body trembling as Cressida's words washed over her, the praise mingling with the sensation in a way that made her feel utterly cherished, utterly adored. Her hands gripped the sheets tighter, her mind a whirlwind of sensation and emotion as Cressida continued her slow, meticulous worship.

She could feel herself getting closer, the pleasure building inside her in a way that left her gasping for breath, her body straining toward the release she didn't even know she had been craving. Every touch, every kiss, every flick of Cressida's tongue sent her higher, her mind spinning as she teetered on the edge of something she couldn't quite name.

"Cressida," Eloise gasped, her voice trembling with both desperation and disbelief. "I—what are you even—?"

Cressida's tongue pressed harder, a soft hum escaping her lips as she continued her relentless ministrations, and Eloise's body arched in response, a low moan escaping her lips as the pleasure intensified.

It was too much, too overwhelming, and yet Eloise couldn't stop herself, couldn't pull away from the sensation that made her feel like she was being unraveled from the inside out. She had never known that women could feel this much pleasure—that there was something so intimate, so overwhelming that could be shared between them.

And yet, as Cressida's mouth moved against her, as her tongue stroked and flicked in ways that made Eloise gasp and tremble, she couldn't help but wonder how she had lived without knowing this for so long.

Her body tensed, her breath catching in her throat as she felt herself teetering on the edge of release, her mind struggling to process the sheer intensity of what she was feeling.

Eloise's hands gripped the sheets, her knuckles white as her body strained toward the sensation that was building inside her, a rising tide that would soon overwhelm her completely. She had never known such pleasure—had never imagined that her body could feel so much, that the touch of another woman could unravel her so thoroughly.

And then, with a final, deliberate stroke of Cressida's tongue, Eloise's body shattered. A cry escaped her lips, her back arching off the bed as the wave of release crashed over her, her entire being consumed by the intensity of it. She trembled uncontrollably, her breath coming in ragged gasps as her body convulsed with the force of her climax, the pleasure so overwhelming that it left her utterly undone.

Cressida didn't stop, her mouth continuing to work Eloise through her release, her tongue moving with precision as she coaxed every last tremor from her lover's body. Eloise could barely think, her mind a haze of sensation as she rode the wave of pleasure, her body trembling beneath Cressida's touch.

When it was over, Eloise collapsed back onto the bed, her breath shallow, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to catch her breath. Her body still trembled, the aftershocks of her release leaving her weak and dizzy, her mind spinning from the sheer intensity of it all.

Cressida kissed her way back up Eloise's body, her lips soft and reverent as they brushed over her skin. When she reached Eloise's face, she pressed a soft kiss to her lips, her mouth lingering there for a moment before she pulled back slightly, her gaze filled with satisfaction and affection.

"You're beautiful," Cressida murmured, her voice low and filled with admiration. "You tasted even more lovely than I imagined."

Eloise's breath hitched at the praise, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and pride. She had never felt so vulnerable, so exposed, and yet Cressida's words, her touch, made her feel cherished in a way that left her breathless.

But before Eloise could respond, Cressida's expression shifted, her eyes darkening with something more primal, more demanding. She pressed another kiss to Eloise's lips, this one harder, more insistent, before she pulled back just enough to meet her gaze.

"It's your turn now," Cressida whispered, her voice a low, sultry purr that sent a shiver down Eloise's spine. "I want you to do the same for me."

Eloise's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening as she processed Cressida's words. Her mind reeled, her body still trembling from her own release as she tried to make sense of what Cressida was asking. She had never… touched another woman like that before. The idea of doing for Cressida what had just been done to her made her pulse quicken, a mixture of excitement and fear swirling inside her.

Cressida must have seen the uncertainty in her eyes, because she smiled softly, her hand brushing lightly over Eloise's cheek. "Don't worry," she murmured, her voice gentle but filled with command. "I'll guide you."

With that, Cressida shifted, her body moving with graceful precision as she crawled up the bed, her hands pressing lightly on Eloise's shoulders, guiding her into place. Eloise's breath came in shallow bursts, her heart racing as Cressida knelt over her, her gown having long since been discarded, leaving her completely bare and breathtaking.

Cressida's thighs framed Eloise's head, her body hovering just above her, and Eloise's pulse pounded in her ears as she stared up at the sight before her. She had never seen another woman so intimately—had never been this close to such a private, vulnerable part of another person's body. The intimacy of it, the sheer rawness of the moment, made her heart race with both excitement and trepidation.

"Eloise," Cressida murmured, her voice low and filled with desire, "I want you to touch me."

Eloise swallowed hard, her mouth dry as she stared up at Cressida. Her hands trembled as they reached for Cressida's thighs, her fingers brushing lightly over the soft skin, but her voice, when it came, was higher-pitched than she intended, betraying the nervousness she felt.

"I—I don't know what to do," Eloise admitted, her voice trembling as she looked up at Cressida, her heart pounding in her chest.

Cressida smiled softly, her hand reaching down to brush a stray curl from Eloise's forehead. "You don't have to know," she whispered, her voice filled with tenderness. "Just follow your instincts."

Eloise hesitated for a moment, her mind reeling with uncertainty. But the way Cressida looked at her, the way her body trembled with anticipation, gave Eloise the courage to try. She took a deep breath, her hands steadying as they slid up Cressida's thighs, her fingers brushing against the soft, heated skin there.

Cressida let out a soft sigh, her body shifting slightly, as if offering herself to Eloise's touch, and Eloise's heart skipped a beat at the realization of what was happening. She had never imagined that she would find herself in this position with another woman's most intimate area hovering just above her face.

Slowly, hesitantly, Eloise leaned up, her breath warm against Cressida's skin as she pressed a tentative kiss to the delicate flesh between her thighs. Cressida's breath hitched, her body trembling above her, and Eloise felt a rush of excitement at the reaction. She was nervous—terribly so—but she wanted to please Cressida, wanted to return the pleasure that had been given to her.

"I'll help you," Cressida murmured softly, her voice filled with encouragement as she gently guided Eloise's head, her fingers tangling in her hair. "Just relax."

Eloise nodded, her heart still racing as she leaned forward again, her lips brushing against Cressida's skin with more certainty this time. She kissed her again, her tongue flicking out tentatively, tasting the salt and sweetness of her lover. The sensation was strange, unfamiliar, but it wasn't unpleasant. And as Cressida's body responded—her soft sighs, the way her hips shifted ever so slightly—Eloise began to find her confidence.

She pressed another kiss, then another, her tongue moving with careful precision as she followed the unspoken cues of Cressida's body. The sounds Cressida made, the way her breath quickened, gave Eloise all the guidance she needed, and soon her nervousness faded, replaced by a desire to make Cressida feel the way she had felt just moments before.

Eloise's hands gripped Cressida's thighs, her touch growing more assured as her mouth worked with increasing confidence. The taste of her lover, the sounds of her pleasure, filled Eloise's mind, pushing aside any lingering doubts as she lost herself in the moment.

Cressida's fingers tightened in Eloise's hair, her breath coming in shallow bursts as she moved against her, her body trembling with the pleasure that Eloise's touch had coaxed from her. "Yes," Cressida breathed, her voice barely above a whisper, "just like that."

The praise sent a surge of satisfaction through Eloise, and she redoubled her efforts, her mouth moving with more certainty now, her tongue stroking and teasing in ways that made Cressida gasp, her body trembling with the intensity of it all.

Eloise had never known that a woman could taste this way, could respond so powerfully to such a simple touch. The intimacy of it, the rawness of the moment, made her feel both powerful and vulnerable in equal measure. She wanted to make Cressida feel everything she had felt—wanted to show her the same reverence, the same adoration.

Cressida's fingers tightened in Eloise's hair, her breath coming in short, shallow bursts as her hips moved in time with the rhythm Eloise had set. "Yes," she breathed, her voice low and filled with raw need. "Just like that… don't stop."

Eloise's heart raced at the sound of her words, the encouragement spurring her on as she pressed her mouth closer, her tongue moving with more urgency, more intent. She could feel the tension building in Cressida's body, the way her thighs trembled, her breath catching in her throat as she edged closer to release. Eloise wanted to give that to her—wanted to be the one who brought her to the same dizzying heights of pleasure that she herself had felt just moments ago.

The taste of Cressida, the warmth of her skin, the sound of her voice—all of it filled Eloise's senses, pushing her to focus on nothing else but the woman above her, the way her body moved, the way her voice trembled with desire. Eloise's hands slid up Cressida's thighs, her fingers brushing over the soft curve of her hips as she held her in place, guiding her movements as her mouth worked with increasing fervor.

"Oh, Eloise," Cressida gasped, her voice filled with desperation as her hips bucked against Eloise's mouth. "I—I'm so close…"

Eloise's heart raced, her body trembling with a mixture of excitement and awe as she realized how close Cressida was to her release. She pressed her mouth harder against her lover, her tongue moving with precision, coaxing Cressida closer and closer to the edge. The sounds Cressida made, the soft moans and gasps, filled the room, creating a symphony of pleasure that made Eloise's own body ache with anticipation.

Cressida's body tensed, her breath catching in her throat as she reached the brink of release, her thighs trembling beneath Eloise's hands. And then, with a soft, breathless cry, she fell over the edge.

Her entire body shuddered, her hips bucking against Eloise's mouth as the wave of pleasure washed over her, her breath coming in ragged bursts as she rode out the intensity of her climax. Eloise didn't stop, her tongue continuing to move in gentle, soothing strokes as she helped Cressida through the peak of her release, her hands steady on her lover's thighs as she held her close.

Cressida's gasps slowly subsided, her body trembling with the aftershocks of her climax as she collapsed back onto the bed, her chest rising and falling with the effort of catching her breath. Eloise pulled back slightly, her breath warm against Cressida's skin as she pressed a soft kiss to her inner thigh, her heart still racing from the intensity of the moment.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke, the only sound in the room the soft rustle of fabric as Cressida shifted on the bed, her breath still uneven. Eloise lay still, her body pressed against Cressida's, her hands resting gently on her lover's hips as she waited for her to catch her breath.

When Cressida finally spoke, her voice was soft, filled with a deep satisfaction that made Eloise's heart swell with pride. "You were… perfect," she murmured, her hand reaching down to gently stroke Eloise's hair. "I couldn't have asked for anything more."

Eloise blushed, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of pride and embarrassment as she lifted her head to meet Cressida's gaze. "I—wasn't sure if I was doing it right," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. "I've never… done anything like that before."

Cressida smiled, her fingers brushing lightly over Eloise's cheek as she leaned down to press a soft kiss to her lips. "You were wonderful," she whispered, her voice filled with affection. "More than I ever imagined."

Eloise's heart swelled at the praise, her body trembling with a mixture of relief and pride as she returned Cressida's kiss, her lips lingering on hers for a moment before she pulled back slightly, her breath still uneven.

For a long moment, they lay there in the quiet of the room, their bodies entwined, their breaths mingling in the stillness. The world outside seemed so far away, the noise of the ball below a distant hum that barely registered in Eloise's mind. All that mattered now was the woman beside her, the warmth of her skin, the softness of her touch.

"I never thought it could be like this," Eloise murmured softly, her fingers brushing lightly over Cressida's arm as she spoke. "I never imagined…"

Cressida smiled, her eyes soft as she looked down at Eloise. "Neither did I," she admitted, her voice low and intimate. "But I'm glad it was with you."

Eloise's breath caught at the words, her heart fluttering in her chest as she met Cressida's gaze. There was something so profound in the way she spoke, something that made Eloise feel cherished in a way she had never felt before. She had always been independent, always prided herself on her intellect and her distance from the more emotional entanglements of her peers, but here, in this moment, with Cressida, she felt something deeper, something that went beyond physical pleasure.

She felt… connected.

Cressida leaned down, pressing another soft kiss to Eloise's lips before pulling back slightly, her eyes gleaming with something mischievous. "Though," she murmured, her voice teasing, "I do hope we haven't entirely ruined your reputation."

Eloise's eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat as she realized the implications of their actions. "My reputation?" she repeated, her voice a mix of shock and amusement. "You think of that now?"

Cressida chuckled, her fingers brushing lightly over Eloise's cheek. "Well, we did spend rather a long time in here," she said, her voice filled with amusement. "And I don't doubt your mother will have questions."