A scene from “Unfinished Business”

Eloise Bridgerton: When you spread gossip about someone, it will inevitably end up in Whistledown. You must know that. But perhaps that was your goal in communicating the secret I told you in confidence. Or can you really just not help being cruel?

Cressida Cowper: I did not communicate your secret. But I did notice Miss Livingston whispering around the room after hovering nearby. You were rather indiscreet when you told me about Penelope. Perhaps if you were more decided about your former friendship, you would not have felt the need to gossip. I do appreciate your concern about cruelty, but perhaps you should like to find a looking glass rather than looking at me.