I think Eloise's plot in the first half of the season makes sense - it's understandable that she'd be in a bit of a lull, a bit tired and weary, after all that happened with Theo and with Pen, which is leading her to be a bit more resigned (at least for now!) to the realities of being a regency era woman. She's also helping us see a more multi dimensional Cressida which I'm enjoying. But totes agree with how fab the Pen and Colin story is so far this season, culminating in that carriage scene! 

A lot of it is the fashion and styling too - someone today who is balding like George C would likely shave his head, have more up to date glasses and clothes etc 

but her dad was hardly even married to his mother and that was like 5 years ago 😜