Bridgerton
Season 3 – Episode 6
Episode title: Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Original release date: June 13, 2024
Plot: Pen is distressed after Cressida’s claim to be Lady Whistledown, pondering how to respond. Meanwhile, Colin Bridgerton’s affection for Pen grows, further complicating her secret. Eloise Bridgerton, initially advocating for Pen to reveal her secret, begins to reconsider after witnessing Colin’s love for Pen. Eloise advises Pen to let Cressida take over the Whistledown persona, but Pen is unwilling to surrender her hard-earned work. Her mother, Portia, emphasizes traditional expectations, urging Pen to prioritize her future husband over personal dreams, reflecting the societal norms of 1815. At church, the reading of the marriage banns makes Pen’s impending marriage to Colin official, and she confesses her love to him without revealing her secret identity. Francesca and Lord Kilmartin secretly engage, and Francesca urges her mother to announce their engagement to the Queen, but Violet hesitates, not thrilled with the match. Pen decides to end Whistledown but faces opposition from her dressmaker, Genevieve Delacroix. Cressida’s attempt to write as Whistledown falters, prompting her to seek help from Eloise, who refuses. At the Mondriches’ ball, Cressida and her mother distribute a false Whistledown column, and Pen and Eloise are alarmed by Cressida’s successful writing attempt. Determined to protect her identity and friends, Pen writes a new Whistledown column. However, Colin discovers her secret, confronting her directly. The episode ends with the revelation of Pen’s true identity to Colin.
* * *
[birds chirping]
[horses whinnying]
[indistinct conversation]
[light instrumental music builds]
My dear, I can’t say I am surprised.
It has not been delivered. No one has it.
Perhaps the queen has finally discovered her.
I had hoped she’d report on my betrothal.
I had hoped she’d report on my new dress.
I should have liked…
Cressida Cowper?
That blonde backbiter!
Do we really believe it is her?
It makes perfect sense.
I, too, might turn to writing vicious slander
if I were practically an old maid like Miss Cowper.
She is cruel.
The poor child has clearly been badly brought up.
I would cast her out if I were her mama.
She is hell-born.
I think she is a genius.
I cannot wait for her next issue.
[music fades out]
[Lady Whistledown] I will not insult the devil by drawing parallels
between him and Cressida Cowper.
For one is a liar, a fraud,
a succubus of the first water,
and the other is not known to this author.
[door opens]
You have a visitor.
[door creaking]
Pen.
Colin.
Are you well? I have been worried.
I am well enough, Colin.
But perhaps you should not be here, in case it is catching.
[pensive music plays]
There is nowhere else I would rather be.
[pensive music fades]
I know there is something you wish to tell me.
But I am happy to be patient until you are ready to unfold
whatever it is you are feeling.
[floor creaking]
[pensive music resumes]
[quietly] I cannot speak about it now.
But I certainly did not swoon because of anything you did.
Because of Cressida Cowper and her insane claims to be Whistledown.
It is rather remarkable.
All the unkindnesses she has written about you and me and our families,
and then to unmask herself at our engagement party.
It’s just like Cressida to take that which is not hers.
Do you think it is really her?
[music fades]
I always imagined Lady Whistledown might be more… clever, perhaps.
I shall let you rest.
But before I go, I have something for you.
The jeweler has just finished setting it.
[Penelope gasps] Oh…
Oh, Colin, it is beautiful.
And yet, still only half as beautiful as you.
[chuckles softly]
[gentle music plays]
What is all this ink? Have you been writing?
Yes. Um… Letters.
To, uh… to share our happy news.
Of course.
I shall leave you to it.
Good day, Miss Featherington.
For now. [chuckles lightly]
[gentle music plays]
[both chuckle softly]
[chuckling sigh]
[gentle music fades]
I promised Lord Greer a debutante bride, not a gossip writer.
He has rescinded his offer of marriage.
Truly?
This is no occasion to smile, girl.
If you think you can keep working under my roof
and tarnishing my good name, you are sorely mistaken!
I am sending you to live with your Aunt Jo.
Papa, you cannot do that. Aunt Joanna lives in Wales.
Precisely. You can write gossip about the sheep!
[door shuts]
Cressida, you must take back your statement.
We can say the Lady Bridgertons gave you too much wine,
and you were overcome.
You do not believe me?
[chuckles quietly]
I know my daughter.
Lady Whistledown is an astute writer.
You have many gifts, but cleverness is not amongst them.
[tense music plays]
[door opens]
Miss Cressida Cowper,
you are summoned to the palace at the behest of Her Majesty the Queen.
[music fades out]
We have some news we’d like to share with you, Lady Danbury.
[Lady Danbury] Oh.
We are selling the club.
Ah. That is good news.
I am always pleased when people take my advice.
And it is the right decision, Mr. Mondrich.
Her Majesty’s ire is directed elsewhere,
but it can turn at any moment.
[Alice] Of course.
We do not wish to draw attention to ourselves by breaking the rules.
Nonsense!
[cup clatters]
You must draw attention to yourselves, and in the best way possible,
by throwing a ball.
[light music plays]
It is one thing to follow the rules.
But if you want to win the game,
you must lead it.
Otherwise, you will always be on the defensive.
Hmm?
Wh… Um…
[Alice sighs]
We do have a way with entertaining.
[Lady Danbury] Ha!
Mm. [chuckles]
[birds chirping]
Lord Anderson.
Lady Bridgerton. Forgive my intrusion.
I simply forgot my, uh… hat.
[both chuckle]
Thank you.
Were you just, um…
passing by?
[laughs] Yes, I suppose I could’ve sent a footman to fetch this, could I not?
[Violet chuckles]
But then I would not have been able to see you again.
Well, to thank you for such an enjoyable evening.
Well, it was quite a night.
Was it not? [chuckles]
How are you faring?
Uh… [inhales]
Besides a bit of a headache, I am well.
How are you?
I take it you sensed a chilly departure between my sister and me?
Perhaps.
Though it is none of my business.
I do believe we will work it out.
Childhood grievances have a way of lingering. Hm.
My sister was the firstborn.
But you were the first boy.
But we are adults now.
[chuckles]
Surely there is a way forward.
I have faith you will find a way.
Thank you.
[chuckles]
I shall let you nurse your headache in peace.
But I do hope to see you soon.
As do I.
[pleasant music plays]
You love the pink ones.
I love the color pink.
But I like the chocolate macarons. Benedict!
I’ve already said I wanted these two.
No. You can’t have two.
But I said…
[Benedict] You had three this morning.
I have not!
[Benedict] Downstairs. I saw you.
I’ve had one!
Not true.
[Benedict] Gregory saw you.
You are lying. Why are you lying?
[Hyacinth] I am not lying.
You are.
Gregory!
What? I like the chocolate ones as well.
I have not had…
[Hyacinth] I wanted them!
[Benedict] I have the solution.
There is no time like the present.
Your family is clearly occupied.
[Violet] Put them back. Stop.
Why are you getting involved?
Can you not just divide them?
They are always like this. You must interrupt.
I do not believe they’ll hear me.
[Benedict]…three chocolate this morning!
[Hyacinth] I have not!
Watch. Excuse me!
I have been taken ill of the plague, and you are all doomed by association.
I haven’t had…
Three banana macrons for the one chocolate.
Not a chance.
[Gregory] That is devious.
[Benedict] That’s very unreasonable.
[Gregory] Please!
[Benedict] Why not? Gregory, you cannot… Why are you getting involved?
Very well.
[overlapping chatter continues]
Family!
Thank you.
John has a small announcement to make on our behalf.
Very small, indeed.
Um…
We are to marry.
[chuckling]
[pleasant music playing]
[Eloise] Oh, my…
[chuckling]
Oh, congratulations!
[all exclaiming]
Very good. Well done.
The last macaron for you.
[overlapping chatter]
You shall be the most beautiful bride.
Well, equal to Daphne. And Kate. And Penelope.
I am so pleased. You make a beautiful pair.
Thank you, Mama.
[scattered chuckling]
[Hyacinth] We must go to the modiste today for your dress.
[Violet] Everything in its time.
[sighs]
Are you moping about the chocolate macaron?
Did you know she was Lady Whistledown?
You spoke with Penelope this morning?
Yes. She is devastated about Miss Cowper coming forward.
Tell me you did not know.
[gentle music plays]
No.
Not about Cressida.
[Colin] Hm.
The friendship was already souring, but this caper may be the final straw.
I should hope so.
I suppose it would be nonsensical for you to have befriended her if you knew,
considering everything she’s written.
You have been so angry with Whistledown.
What will you do?
There is a part of me that should like to march to her house with a pitchfork.
And if you wished me to, I still would.
But in truth,
everything that has happened of late has softened me, I suppose.
You mean everything with Penelope.
I know you do not wish to hear it, but it is truly bewildering
how quickly one person can become all that matters.
My only concern now is with her well-being.
And our future together.
[Colin chuckles softly]
Perhaps I can make Lady Whistledown go away
so she shall not be able to harm any of us again.
You will speak with Miss Cowper?
With the scribe herself.
[tense music builds]
[knocking at door]
[door opens]
[music fades out]
[sighs deeply]
I was going to tell him. I…
[music fades out]
But you did not.
[sighs] And when the time came,
neither did I.
Because I see now that the truth would destroy Colin.
Once I get this issue out, I do still plan to tell him.
No.
For whatever reason, my brother truly believes… he loves you.
And if he knew it was you all along, writing about me, our family, Marina,
if he knew how long I too have kept this secret from him…
Why tell him when the better thing is for you to put down your pen?
But I cannot stop.
Especially now.
Yes, you can. Now you have the perfect escape.
You don’t mean…
Oh, as harebrained as her display last night was,
Cressida has done you a favor. She will never write a convincing issue.
Let the column die with her name, and no one will be the wiser.
Eloise, I have worked too hard for too long.
Of all people, I refuse to let Cressida Cowper take credit!
It’d break my heart!
And what of Colin’s heart?
It’d break his to find out the truth.
But…
Lady Whistledown is my name, not hers.
Your name is about to be Bridgerton.
[solemn music plays gently]
You cannot be both.
For much of my life…
being a part of your family is all I have wanted.
And there was a time I’d’ve given anything to know Lady Whistledown. [chuckles]
You had a good run for a while.
But it is just gossip.
Let it go.
[music fades out]
[stirring music builds slowly]
Her Majesty will see you now.
[doors close]
So… this is the young lady claiming to be Lady Whistledown.
Yes, Your Majesty.
And why have you come forward now?
[music fades out]
I… I should like to claim my reward, Your Majesty.
A measly £5,000 should be nothing to the great Lady Whistledown.
You do charge, do you not?
I claim it so no one else can take what is rightfully mine.
Well, I am a woman of my word.
I will give you your reward as soon as you give me your latest issue.
The one that should’ve been published this morning.
Forgive me, Your Majesty. You see…
with the bounty on my head, my publisher has grown wary.
But I should have an issue forthcoming… very soon.
“Know thine enemy,” Miss Cowper.
[tense music builds slowly]
I know Lady Whistledown as well as I know myself.
Her greatest strength is that she is an observer.
What have you observed in your life other than yourself?
I observe.
[tense music fades]
Just last night, I observed Miss Francesca and Lord Kilmartin.
Together all night at Bridgerton House.
[light instrumental music plays]
But I am sure there is still time
to sway Miss Francesca
towards the marquess.
Hm. Miss Cowper, the real Lady Whistledown
would never make such an easy offer of assistance.
Without a worthy opponent, I no longer care what mediocre match
Miss Francesca chooses to make.
Unless you can print a convincing issue,
I do not wish to see you in my court again.
[tense music builds slowly]
[whispers] Cressida.
I forbid you from attempting to publish.
I do not have a choice, Mama. She’ll cast me out of society.
Your father has already cast you out of society.
I will not live with Aunt Joanna.
And when the real…
the real Lady Whistledown decides to publish again?
Well, she did not publish this morning. Perhaps I have scared her away.
What else am I to do?
Printing an issue may be my only chance of winning back the queen’s favor.
If you publish and cement your reputation as Whistledown,
no one will marry you.
No one will marry me now.
[sighs deeply]
[tense music fades out]
[exhales sharply]
Well, I should love to have the wedding breakfast here.
Unless your mother wishes to host it, Lord Kilmartin.
If I had an only child, I might fight for my chance. [chuckles]
We are yet to announce the betrothal, Mama.
Let us settle on that first.
The only thing my mother might fight for is the chance never to be hostess.
We should talk about announcing your betrothal.
As far as the queen is conc…
In fact, we have discussed this.
I realize I was not the queen’s first choice
for your daughter.
Well, only because she gave so much attention to Francesca.
I simply think it might be wise to, uh, wait
until nearer the end of the season before announcing your intentions.
That way, we can all slink off to our country homes for the wedding,
and the queen can pick a fresh diamond at the start of next season.
[Francesca] It is only that…
Hm.
…we do not wish to wait that long.
We should like to start setting up a home together.
We think speaking to the queen may be the wisest decision.
Well, if you think you are up to it.
We would like you to speak to the queen.
[pensive music plays]
Oh.
[Violet hesitates]
Mm-hmm.
[music fades]
I am thinking yellow ribbons across all of the banisters
and… gilt flowers covering the carriage
from the church to the reception.
Very tasteful, my lady.
And what shall we ride in? A cart?
[huffs]
I did not get gilt flowers when I was wed.
Because you were not marrying a man with unlimited funds.
I will carry you, my love.
No.
I’d rather a gilt carriage.
I do not see why Penelope should get such treatment.
Weddings are surely not as important as pregnancies.
Where is Penelope?
She cannot still be unwell.
Penelope?
[mocking] “Penelope.”
[door opens]
What are you doing up here?
Hm?
Oh. Reading old issues of Whistledown.
I am still not feeling well.
Penelope.
You have managed to capture the affections of a man of great name and means.
You’ve the rest of your life to lie around and do nothing.
But for now, until you walk down the aisle and settle into this marriage,
your duty is to make Mr. Bridgerton feel
as if he is the most important person in the world.
To cater entirely to your husband.
His dreams, his wishes.
At least in the beginning.
What about my dreams?
[solemn music plays gently]
What dreams?
Ladies do not have dreams.
They have husbands.
And if you are lucky and you fulfill your role,
sometimes what you wish for
may come true… through him.
[sighs deeply]
Your father could be cruel.
A weak man.
I chose a match for security,
and he could not even provide that.
But he gave me you girls.
And my greatest wish has always been for you three to do better than I did.
[softly] And you have.
You are lucky, Penelope.
Do not take that for granted.
[breathes deeply]
[distant laughter]
Mmm.
Mm-hmm.
[laughing]
It is pleasant sharing a meal with you.
Our first, I believe.
Mmm.
Well, if you like my cook’s scones, I do think you’d love her whole spread.
Are you trying to push me off onto your cook?
[chuckles]
I am hosting a dinner party later this week.
For you and me and my dear friend Paul.
Will you come?
Are my intentions towards you being peer-reviewed?
Mmm. Something like that.
After all, I met your family.
It is only fair you meet those dear to me.
Mm.
[chuckling]
Mmm.
Wonderful. Mmm.
[laughing]
You…
Mmm.
[laughing]
[both moan softly]
[Benedict] Wow.
[Colin chuckles] Cheers, Lord Kilmartin.
To having you join our family very, very soon, I hope.
A pleasure to have you out with us.
The pleasure is mine.
Ah. Your spirits seem high tonight. Have you gone all simple with love?
Gentlemen! One of my finest bottles of brandy.
Ah!
I cannot have it going to the new proprietor.
Another? You’ll have us wish you closed the club every week.
Sadly, this is the very last bottle.
Ah…
[exclaiming]
Damn. I thought there were at least a few more pours.
Surely the drink is yours, to celebrate your last night
owning this fine institution.
You mean to mourn my last night.
[Colin] Mm.
I refuse your pity drink.
Well, if it is a pity drink, then perhaps I deserve it.
[laughing]
What?
You?
You are right.
Love has made me so simple I cannot even write a sentence this week.
It is torture, really.
[mutters] What do you need to write?
I am writing a manuscript, in fact.
Oh…
Are you?
Yeah.
Yeah?
What is it about?
I am editing the story of my travels.
Or, in principle, I am.
No! No, no, no, no, no, no, no. No.
Why? You think you deserve it?
You at least have a direction for your life while I am floating,
purposeless, with no discernible path forward.
[all chuckling]
[Colin] What?
And are you not the happiest you have ever been?
Oh, right. That is true, yes.
I think the drink is mine.
Mm?
If I am correct in reading
that the winner of this game is whoever is the most fortunate.
No! Please do not start saying sentimental things about our sister.
I was going to say I am the most fortunate amongst us
because I have spotted another bottle.
[light music playing]
[all chuckling]
He has!
He has!
[laughing and clapping]
Fortunate, indeed!
Hawkeye.
Yeah.
Beautiful.
Thank you.
To Mr. Mondrich’s fine club.
To the club.
To the club.
Mm.
Oh.
[sighing]
Wow.
Another.
We must finish it.
You have to. You are in the family.
[solemn music plays]
No. I’ll say no.
One for you, Mondrich.
There’s enough for one more.
[bells tolling]
[bright music playing]
Whistledown.
[gasps]
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Now, today,
I publish the banns of marriage
between Mr. Colin Bridgerton
and Miss Penelope Featherington.
This is the first time of asking.
If any of you know cause or just impediment
why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony…
ye are to declare it.
Very well.
Mr. Bridgerton
and Miss Featherington
shall be married here in three weeks’ time.
Today, I also publish the banns
for Lord Charles Cho and Miss Emma Kenworthy.
This is the second time of asking.
If any of you know cause or just impediment
why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony,
ye are to declare it.
Very well.
Lord Cho and Miss Kenworthy shall be married here
in two weeks’ time.
That brings me to the end of my words today.
Now, go forth in peace
to love and serve the Lord.
[music fades out]
I will join you in a moment.
It is good to see you looking well.
I am feeling much better.
And soon, we shall officially be married.
If you will still have me?
Colin, in what world would I not?
Mm.
I know there is something you have been meaning to tell me.
There is something I’ve been meaning to tell you for a very long time.
[gentle music rises slowly]
That I have loved you since the moment we met.
An embarrassingly long time, really.
Even the years I pretended to be your friend, I was, but…
I loved you in secret.
I have always loved you, Colin.
[Colin chuckles softly]
I will spend a lifetime
begging your forgiveness for not seeing you sooner.
There is no need.
There is nothing in the world that makes me happier than being with you.
[chuckles softly]
[gentle music picks up]
Colin, what are you doing?
Mm, dancing
with my future wife in the church where we will be married.
[both chuckling]
Were you ever punished as a child?
[both chuckling]
[music fades out]
[indistinct chattering]
[man chuckles] On that note…
Uh… Brother?
Sister.
May I present Lady Keswick.
Have you two met before?
I do not believe we have.
Lord Anderson. A pleasure.
I was about to speak with someone…
The pleasure is all mine.
Your arrival has been the talk of the town.
I have been so eager to meet you.
[chuckles] I’ll let the two of you… get acquainted.
[chuckles]
[tense music plays]
Your sister tells me you are widowed, like me.
Ha.
Well…
[Violet chuckles] Oh…
Hello, Eloise.
No. No.
[both chuckling and chattering]
[Eloise clears throat]
You know, if you wish to repent, you must go inside the church.
Eloise, I’ve slipped out. Do not tell anyone I am here.
I’d think you’d relish the attention.
I did not come forward for attention.
Why, then?
Perhaps because… it is a lonely life, living in secret.
And I wondered if, possibly, you would like to join me.
You do so enjoy words. Reading, at least,
and perhaps you might like to help me write the column?
Cressida, do you not remember what was written about me last year?
What you wrote in Whistledown?
Of course.
Forgive me. I do not know why I wrote it, really.
But together, we can right the wrong,
with high praise of your character in our very first issue.
I do not wish to be your collaborator. And I cannot be your friend any longer.
I am sorry.
Is this truly about Whistledown?
It is no wonder Penelope abandoned you.
All you ever do is talk.
You are clearly just envious that I have made something of myself.
[somber music playing]
Perhaps I am envious of Whistledown.
It is quite a feat.
And after spending a season feeling nearly invisible,
I almost understand why one might be driven to write it.
Congratulations on your hard-earned success.
[music fades out]
Clearly you are having a girl.
That is the reason you are so lacking in sparkle lately.
What do you mean?
It is said baby girls steal one’s beauty.
Can you not see it, Mama?
They make such a charming couple, do they not?
Mm.
I think you look as charming as a chocolate box.
I suppose you will be back for the next reading of the banns.
Yes.
[both chuckling]
They wish for me to speak to the queen on their behalf.
Yes, better you than them. The queen will expect a performance.
And with these two… Do they still sit in prolonged silences?
Well, they do talk more now.
Mm.
I have grown to respect their match.
I am simply worried if the queen presses too much, then…
She may see that you still have some doubts.
Oh, my doubts do not matter if Francesca is happy.
But they do if the queen suspects them.
She may feel emboldened to oppose their match.
Ah. [chuckles]
Aww…
Come here. Oh, my dear.
Lady Danbury.
Wasn’t that wonderful?
Yes!
Oh, marvelous!
In a way, the portico seals the vista from the square,
which is rather clever.
[pensive music playing]
[Lord Kilmartin] Mm.
[music becomes solemn]
[music fades out]
[up-tempo music playing]
The queen’s seat should be raised higher, right in the center of the windows.
Oh. And make sure nothing hinders her view as she comes in.
[Will chuckles lightly]
Are you enjoying yourself?
Mmm!
I am enjoying the idea of giving the best ball Mayfair has ever seen.
The green napkins are rather fine but a little understated,
so I am leaning towards the silver.
A very nice pairing with our cake plates. Or do you think they’re too much?
Never. Let us plan the greatest wedding Mayfair has ever seen.
Mmm! That is music to my ears.
Now, for the cake, Varley suggested four tiers,
but with our guest list, we shall have to have five.
[music fades out]
[chuckling]
Thank you, Madame Delacroix.
And such short notice. Thank you.
[Delacroix chuckles]
Ah!
Miss Penelope!
[in British accent] It has been too long.
It was not until your delivery boy dropped off your last column
that I learned you are engaged.
[chuckles] Yes. I am very happy.
Forgive me. These last weeks have been a whirlwind.
I am happy for you.
And when you sneak out to write your column,
I assume you will tell Mr. Bridgerton…
That is what I’ve come to tell you.
I am letting Miss Cowper take credit for the column.
The issue about my engagement will be my last.
Penelope, that column’s your life’s work.
I cannot continue writing.
I’ve found a love match, Genevieve. I do not wish to take that for granted.
[gentle music plays]
My mama has sent me for some fabric samples for my wedding dress.
You know my favorite part about dressmaking…
is seeing the glow on a woman’s face when she puts the dress on.
I can’t imagine ever giving that feeling up.
At any rate,
we will make you the most beautiful dress.
[Penelope chuckles softly]
[Lord Cowper] I was just ousted from my club.
[Lady Cowper] Why?
[Lord Cowper] Because of your daughter!
Why else do you think? I am pulling her dowry.
[Lady Cowper] My lord, she will lose all prospects.
[Lord Cowper] I do not care. Clearly, no man in London will have her now!
[distant door slams]
Mama, what is wrong?
What are you doing in here? Why are you not in your room?
There is no desk in my room. I am writing a Whistledown.
Good.
[sighs] Your father was just ousted from his club because of all of this.
He is withdrawing your dowry.
£5,000 may not be much to live on,
but as a dowry,
it may be enough to help lure you a husband from the continent.
Or the countryside.
Someone.
We must get that reward
before the real Whistledown decides to publish again.
Read me what you have written.
[Cressida clears throat]
“Dear Reader, it is I, Lady Whistledown.”
“Today, I bring you much gossip from about the many lands.”
“Near and far… far and wide.”
Is that all?
So far.
[sighs deeply]
Oh, dear.
[tearfully] Mama… I am frightened.
[somber music plays]
[music fades out]
Hm.
“Of all bitches, dead or alive, a scribbling woman is the most canine.”
“If that should be true, then this author would like to show you her teeth.”
Clever.
[chuckles lightly]
So, you are second son?
And trying my best to fit the ne’er-do-well reputation.
[chuckles lightly]
Do you fill your time with any creative pursuits?
Do you write? Or draw? Or… paint?
No. I…
Uh… [chuckles]
I…
[chuckles]
…dance sometimes at parties.
Ah.
Uh, Paul is a patron of the arts.
He spends his time supporting the theater.
I see.
It is how Tilley and I met.
You know she is at her box every week.
I did not know that.
I shall never forget the first day I saw her.
After a performance of Much Ado About Nothing,
I walked backstage, and there she was,
ripping into the director for “bowdlerizing” the play.
[both laughing]
Am I to stand for a lesser mind’s
sanitized bastardization of a genius’s great work?
[Benedict] Let me guess.
Did she tell you to be “very, very afraid of her”?
[laughs heartily]
Exactly that.
And so you should be, both of you.
Mm.
[Paul laughs]
Mr. Bridgerton is dry.
Oh. Benedict.
Benedict.
So, Benedict,
who was Tilley lecturing when you first met her?
Oh, come on.
I believe it was an aeronaut.
Or rather, the crowd heckling him.
[all chuckling]
[pleasant classical music playing]
The music is quite pleasant tonight, is it not?
Ah. Good evening.
Ah.
[Colin] Lord Kilmartin.
[chuckling]
Absolutely, yes.
[indistinct conversation]
[chuckling]
Ah!
Marcus.
A few more friends I should like you to meet.
[woman] A pleasure.
Ladies, good evening.
Lady Keswick, Lady Gloucester, Lady Vikaspuri.
I have never liked that color, but it is winning on you.
Thank you, Mama.
Beautiful job.
[Philippa] Are you crying?
Oh, my sweet.
No.
I am pregnant.
Everyone knows a baby can push water up into one’s eyes.
Oh.
Where is your dashing fiancé?
[sighs]
Mr. Bridgerton.
Mr. and Mrs. Mondrich.
I take comfort in knowing that if we no longer have your club,
you shall at least host the season’s most exquisite parties.
[announcer] Her Majesty the Queen.
[guests exclaiming]
She is here.
[music fades out]
[indistinct whispering]
As I assumed… lackluster at best.
[crank clinking]
[soft music builds slowly]
[clanking]
[indistinct whispering]
[gears clinking]
[soft music picks up]
[guests exclaiming]
[chuckling]
Not bad.
Not bad at all.
[classical dance tune playing]
Mama?
Mm?
Shall you try to speak to the queen now?
Perhaps we should let her settle in a little more. [chuckles]
Perhaps we should try to approach the queen now,
in case she departs early.
I…
We should wait, Francesca.
Wait? She does not attend every ball. If we do not speak to her tonight…
I will speak to Lady Danbury about securing an audience.
It is all simply a little chaotic at the moment.
Does the queen not love a little chaos?
Yes, but it is important that we find her in good humor.
Mama, I… I do not wish to wait.
I know, but I do not wish to ruin things for you.
[music fades out]
[softly] Uh…
How would you ruin things?
Do you not think our match would cheer her?
I am going to look at the very fine wainscoting.
[quietly] It is not that, Francesca.
It is rather daunting, even for me.
You have gone in front of the queen before.
You are afraid you’ll ruin things
because… you still do not believe in this match, do you?
I have supported you.
[gentle music builds slowly]
You have been perfunctory in your support.
Lord Kilmartin is delightful.
But I just…
You just what, Mama?
Not every attachment must be dramatic and hard-fought.
What… What John and I have is easy, and…
I love him, Mama.
Even if it is not the love that you want for me.
[pensive music plays]
I say, I do so enjoy the country.
Excuse me a moment.
I… will go after her.
Oh… I do not wish to speak to any more eligible widows.
Speak to whomever you like,
but it is not for you to go after my friend.
You are not the only one who cares for Lady Bridgerton.
Must you take everything from me?
[music fades]
Sister… enough.
Whatever I have done to deserve this ire,
tell me so that we might be done with it.
Is this about Father?
Oh, it is about many a thing.
It is about Father treating me as the favorite,
over which I had no power.
I do not care about that!
What I care about
is that I had a chance of happiness,
and you took it from me.
[somber music playing]
How did I take your chance at happiness?
The night before I was to be married,
I very nearly escaped to freedom.
Do you think I do not know
that it was you who betrayed me to our father?
I heard him thank you.
Soma…
Soma!
Soma…
You think you can call me by my born name and right the wrong?
Your charm may work on every widow in the ton,
but I am unmoved.
Now, if you will excuse me…
I must find my friend.
[somber music continues]
[music fades out]
I do not spend much time in society.
Tilley enjoys coming and going.
I find the entire thing much too pretentious.
Judgmental, really.
I cannot imagine what anyone would judge you for.
Then Tilley has not told you all of our stories.
[laughing]
Can I ask you a personal question?
Is there any other kind worth asking?
[sighs] You and Lady Arnold have quite a rapport.
I am surprised you two have never…
In fact, do not answer that.
[chuckles]
Apparently, the wine has made me rather rude.
Well,
the wine has also made you rather charming.
[soft music builds slowly]
I should go ensure Tilley has not worked herself into a frenzy over dessert.
Of course.
[Lady Arnold] Dessert is ready.
I believe my suspicions are true.
[Lady Arnold] You are sure?
[Paul] Yes.
[Lady Arnold chuckles]
Hmm.
[sighs]
Forgive us. We were just…
Talking about you… in fact.
Would you perhaps like to join us?
Upstairs.
[chuckles]
I, uh…
Ah, I’ve forgotten, I am supposed to be somewhere.
Uh, forgive me.
[music fades out]
[“Confident (Stripped Down)” [by Archer Marsh playing]
I must say. This dance does not compare
to a private waltz in the church where we’ll be married.
Well, perhaps we shall have to add some flourish.
[both chuckling]
It is Lady Whistledown!
[in BSL] She is the Devil.
Do not speak to her.
A scandal writer for a daughter.
Can you imagine?
[“Confident” continues]
Well, this is one of the more amusing parties I have been to.
Shall I bring her to you, Your Majesty?
No.
Let her squirm a little.
I will not let her ruin our night.
Yes, you are right.
But what do we do?
We wait… for the queen to summon us,
and we hold our heads high.
[up-tempo classical music playing]
Shall we take our girls and go?
Well, I do wish to see what happens.
Do you now understand why I so adore her?
Cressida Cowper I detest.
Though, as Lady Whistledown, she is a rather clever writer.
[Colin] Ow.
Oh! Apologies.
I’m not used to dancing so much.
That is all right.
I’ve been meaning to tell you. I’ve been editing my travel diary into a manuscript.
With your encouragement.
Have you?
Very nearly.
I am still removing some of the more… personal passages.
Why? That is what I so enjoyed about the part that I read.
Well, those parts are only for you.
[chuckles softly]
Perhaps I could edit them for you.
If you wish.
Before you send them to a bookseller.
I do so enjoy writing
letters and what have you.
Well, you do write the very best letters.
But I might like to prove to myself that I can do it on my own.
And to you.
I want to be worthy of you, Pen.
Of course you are worthy.
Oh! [chuckles]
Uh… Forgive me.
It seems the queen has summoned Miss Cowper.
It may finally be time
for Lady Whistledown to meet her consequences.
Miss Cowper, perhaps I should have clarified
that I do not wish to see you in my court or out of it.
Your Majesty…
Were you invited here tonight?
No, Your Majesty.
[sighs]
[door opens]
I simply wanted to give you a gift.
[light music playing]
[overlapping chatter]
She has returned!
[gasping]
[music intensifies]
[Cressida] Dearest Gentle Reader,
it is said that there is no rest for the wicked.
If that is true, this author must be rather virtuous,
for I have been enjoying a much-needed respite
from observing all of you.
Not to worry, I am back,
and shall return soon enough with a full issue.
You may now know my name, but have no doubt,
I know you even better.
Yours Truly, Lady Whistledown.
Or forever now, Cressida Cowper.
[guests exclaiming quietly]
Well, Miss Cowper, I am intrigued.
Surprised but still intrigued.
[Cressida] May we discuss…
I shall look forward to tomorrow’s issue.
I wish to see some gossip.
[tense music playing]
Then we might discuss your reward.
[breathing heavily]
She is… We have… [panting]
And… And now…
Come with me.
[overlapping chatter]
[breathing heavily]
It is all my fault.
I convinced you to let her take Whistledown’s name.
And now she has somehow written something coherent,
not to mention published.
Eloise, breathe.
We have created a monster, Pen.
A monster who seems to have a feud with me and, by extension, my family.
I’ve put them all in danger, like last year.
That was my fault.
No. I was reckless.
As I have been now, inviting that viper into my family’s home.
A viper who now has nearly as much power as the queen.
[scoffs]
I never should’ve befriended her.
[sighs deeply]
Eloise… it will be all right.
How?
Because I’m going to publish again.
With one issue, I can discredit Cressida.
It is not just gossip.
Whistledown is power.
Pen…
Remember my first issue? What I wrote?
Yeah… [sighs] You quoted Byron.
Not that.
The part about me and my sisters.
“Three misses foisted upon the marriage market
like sorrowful sows by their tasteless, tactless mama.”
The alliteration was a little overdone, I admit, but…
the column began because I felt powerless in my own home.
I was forced to debut a year early, and I had no say in anything.
Writing was the only way I felt I could have a voice.
And I should’ve been using the column to give a voice to the other voiceless.
[tearfully] I have done plenty of damage with my pen.
[solemn music playing]
Please…
let me use it now to do some good.
You must get a full issue out right away.
Before Cressida does.
[stirring music builds]
[horses trotting]
[horses whinnying]
[driver shouting]
[stirring music continues]
[music fades]
[driver] Whoa!
[dramatic music playing]
[in Irish accent] Apologies for the late order. There’s been
some confusion with the silk delivery.
You’ll be paid handsomely for your rushed service.
Anything for Lady Whistledown.
[chuckles softly]
[panting softly]
Colin.
You… are Lady Whistledown?
[breathing shakily]
[music peaks and fades out]
[theme music playing]
[music ends]
