Bridgerton
Season 4 – Episode 1
Episode title: The Waltz
Original release date: January 29, 2026
Plot: Despite pressure from the ton, Benedict Bridgerton isn’t one to settle down, until a masked woman in a ball unexpectedly captures his heart.
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Bridgerton – S04E01 – The Waltz | Transcript
Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.
[bright and lively music plays]
[horses neighing]
[bustling street chatter]
[music calms and continues casually]
The platters more to the left.
No, those flowers off to the side.
Yes, ma’am.
[Violet] Um…
Mrs. Wilson? I–
There is another batch in the oven.
The girls will need something warm after a fortnight in a carriage.
Precisely. Thank you, Mrs. Wilson.
[music picks up and intensifies]
Very well, then, I need scones and the napkins–
Scones are just out, and napkins are pressed and ready for you.
[bell jingling]
Our Princess Hyacinth has risen.
I noticed a bootprint in the entry hall.
[kitchen staff] Dammit!
Ma’am.
[bell jingling]
[music comes to a halt]
They’re here.
[up-tempo music resumes]
[light instrumental music playing]
Welcome home, Miss Bridgerton.
Good day, John.
Oh, it is good to be home.
Have you forgotten Scotland so quickly?
I am sure we all miss Kilmartin Castle greatly.
Oh.
Though I am glad to be home as well.
[laughs lightly]
Is that Daddy?
[Colin chuckles] Yeah.
Oh, thank you.
That’s perfect, just like you.
Are you not perfect, Elliott?
Just like his mother.
[laughs] [Violet chuckles] Aww…
Come here.
[exclaiming] I shall hold Lord Featherington.
We do not want anyone spilling tea on the heir to our great name.
[chuckling]
And there you are!
You have returned just in time to break our fast.
Oh, Penelope, I have missed you.
Oh, El! Oh… how was Scotland?
[clears throat]
There are not nearly enough people in Scotland, Pen.
I had to take to talking to sheep.
[both laughing] Could you not just eat his cheeks?
They’re sweet as long as you are not the one who has to look after them and mind their cries.
I, for one, am glad the viscountess had her baby in India.
Mrs. Wilson!
I cannot wait to meet the little heir when they return.
We have certainly needed more boys.
It’s getting rather girlish around here with Gregory off at Eton.
As if you mind.
I would not count on Miss Bridgerton to have young men around, but if Miss Hyacinth has her way, she shall make her debut any day now.
Mama finally let me lower my hems.
Did she?
[baby cooing]
[Colin exclaiming and laughing]
[Penelope] Say hello. “Auntie Eloise, hi!”
Hello.
Is everything well, ma’am?
Oh, everything is perfect.
It should be perfect.
It would be perfect ifWhere is Benedict?
Please, fetch my carriage.
Of course.
[uptempo music playing]
Stop! Whoa!
Lady Bridgerton, are you sure you wouldn’t prefer for me to fetch him?
You’ve had to fetch him for me one too many times these last months.
Perhaps if he is awakened from his inebriated slumber by the face of his mother, he will learn to be on time for once.
Lady Bridgerton.
I require an audience with my son.
Unfortunately, the room is in a state of disarray, ma’am.
Perhaps we should send a maid in first.
I assure you, I have often witnessed Benedict’s disarray.
Move!
On second thought, do fetch a maid.
Or two.
Benedict Bridgerton!
Oh, my word!
[Benedict groans]
Where is your chaperone, young lady?
Mother? How are you here?
Good Lord, Hatch, draw back the curtains.
It is time for my son to wake up.
No, please do not. [groans] Ugh, that is so bright.
Dear God.
Who are you?
I am…
We really should not…
No, it does not signify who I am, because I am leaving.
Mother!
That is your mother?
Mmhm.
We shall have a discussion later. John?
[music ends]
[sighs]
[theme music playing]
[music ends]
Come on, boy!
A letter from the solicitor asking if you should like to continue the family’s investment in copper.
I remember the viscount was quite insistent it was a wise investment.
Very well, then.
Letters from the tenants.
Mr. Boyle writes to ask for a loan to reinforce his cattle fence.
Of course.
Are you certain, Mr. Bridgerton?
The viscount would not usually grant such a request until the finances for the tenants are on secure footing.
I shall be…
elsewhere.
Mother.
I apologize.
For what?
For constantly missing family events or turning up late?
Usually smelling of liquor?
Taking advantage of my forgiving nature?
Or for debauching yourself so much so this summer that apparently you have ended up with not one but two mistresses.
What happens if one of these mistresses gets with child?
They are not my mistresses.
They are simply acquaintances.
That is even worse!
Mother, I am careful.
The fact that you find this a laughing matter.
You still have two sisters who must marry, and their fate depends on the family reputation.
Do you not even consider it?
Anthony must consider it.
Anthony is the viscount.
His reputation secures the Bridgerton name.
I am merely a second son.
Who also must marry someday.
Who will need to seek approval of the father of an eligible young lady.
Which requires you to be a gentleman and not a…
A rake.
Language, Mother.
You will make yourself unwell if you carry on as you have.
My health is my concern, and you needn’t worry about my reputation.
It is unlikely I will ever marry.
Benedict Bridgerton!
I am only saying the eligible ladies of the ton, many of them are lovely, but they all have the same dream of marriage.
They display no true animation, no zest for life, no personality.
I am charting a more venturesome course outside good society.
In doing so, I am being true to myself.
Is not that the point?
Should not that be enough for you?
Please.
[solemn music rises slowly]
No, absolutely not. You simply have not met the right young lady yet.
And you never will if you don’t settle down and join society.
Enough is enough.
Mother!
Enough, Benedict!
You wish to be true to yourself, then be who you are, a member of this family.
[soft music playing]
All the eyes of the ton will be on us hosting the first ball.
So, please, do not humiliate me.
And, um… be on time.
[music ends]
[door shuts]
[inquisitive music playing]
Where is she?
[dog yips] You have only just sent for her, Your Majesty.
[music stops]
[huffs] Have you yet decided whether you will attend Lady Bridgerton’s ball?
It is a masquerade.
[sighs] I have no interest in dressing as someone other than myself.
[huffs] How long does it take for one to arrive at the palace?
She is late.
[Lady Danbury] Well…
[barks] …your presence would mean a great deal to Lady Bridgerton in confirming her as the new hostess of the season’s first ball.
Why is Lady Bridgerton hosting the first ball instead of you?
Well… [scoffs] Lady Whistledown, Your Majesty.
[light music playing]
Your Majesty.
Mrs. Bridgerton, you are late.
You have only just sent for me.
Late!
My deepest apologies.
Well, we begin another season, this time as great friends.
And it shall stay that way as long as you bring me great gossip.
I shall certainly try.
Very well.
I should like a foretaste before your first issue is distributed today.
I…
Of course, Your Majesty.
Tomorrow night, the social season shall begin, but things might look a little different–
No, Mrs. Bridgerton.
You must begin how it begins, the proper way.
Oh.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Dearest Gentle Reader…
[giddy laughter]
[Lady Whistledown] Dearest Gentle Reader, tomorrow night, the social season begins, but it might look a little different from what our fair ton has come to expect. Because tomorrow night is Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball, an event sure to transport its guests into fantasy.
[light music playing]
And the Luton footman told me that Lord Harley has a weekly rendezvous with Lady Luton every Friday.
Oh, the Queen will relish that.
And if I print it, Lady Luton’s daughters will be ruined.
[sighs]
[knock at door]
Am I interrupting?
[Lady Featherington] No, not at all.
My dear son.
How was the Queen?
Terrifying.
She made me recite my column from memory.
I’m certain you were superb.
[chuckles] Now, can I help you take your mind off Whistledown for a little while?
That is most kind of you.
[Lady Whistledown]
Behind the cover of a mask, we are free to be anyone we so choose… I’m feeling rather powerful tonight.
Perhaps I shall go dressed as the Duke of Wellington tomorrow.
Well then, I shall have to overpower you and go dressed as the Queen.
Which queen could possibly overpower our great war hero?
Perhaps Queen Margaret, the one who said, “Off with his head.”
[Lady Whistledown] …and free to make the acquaintance of anyone we so desire.
[energetic music playing]
All that is certain is that a masquerade is like no other event. Prepare yourself, gentle reader… for anything can happen.
[expectant music rises]
[music fades]
[relaxed upbeat instrumental plays]
Port?
[indistinct chattering]
[glass shatters]
[laughing men cheer] Louis.
Hmm. You look well.
Of course I do.
As do you.
Mmmm. I cannot tonight.
[scoffs] Of course.
You are meant to attend some sort of shocking society event, surely?
My mother’s shocking society event.
Ah.
I’ve only come for a dose of merriment to sustain me.
I cannot stay long.
Well, I do not need you for a long time.
And much merriment can be had in a rather short time.
[up-tempo strings playing]
[sizzling]
[quick string music builds]
Those bouquets…
Upstairs, flanking the musicians.
The navy linens on the small tables and–
Oh dear.
Where the devil is that going?
On the dessert table by the door.
The one I told you not to put so close to the…
Why have the dance cards not been laid out upstairs?
We decided not to bring them up.
We thought the point of the evening was concealment.
The point of the evening is to try to hide one’s identity by costume or mask.
Not that many succeed, but they still must dance.
[chuckling] But Mrs. Wilson…
They will write down their costume names.
Will they stay masked all evening?
Until the clock strikes midnight.
Sounds thrilling.
Thrilling for them.
Chaos for us.
[music ends]
[sighs softly]
[buoyant tune playing lightly]
[music fades gently]
[exhales sharply]
I can do this. I can do this.
[driver] Gate!
[uplifting instrumental music builds]
[“Life In Technicolor (Coldplay cover)” by Vitamin String Quartet plays]
[light chatter and laughter]
We have arrived, my lady.
There is a large group arriving.
Just conceal yourself behind them.
And just be out by midnight.
[“Life in Technicolor (Coldplay cover instrumental)” continues]
[song fades out]
[distant voices echo]
[elegant ballroom dance song plays]
[tensing note holds]
[music resumes tempo]
My lady.
My lady?
Yes.
Forgive me, I came in with that rather large group.
Of course.
I am certain we have given them their dance cards as well.
Oh.
Yes, of course.
Would you like me to tie it on, instead of your chaperone?
Oh, no. [quick laugh] I have lost them.
There are many, but I will…
Thank you.
[laughs sharply]
Is this what a ball is like?
I did not expect so many shoulders.
How many balls exactly do we attend this season?
I think I shall like society.
Young ladies are not meant to ramble on, Posy.
[elegant ballroom dance song continues]
Glorious.
Thank you so much for coming.
And please, enjoy yourselves.
[polite chuckle]
Violet Bridgerton.
[Violet laughs]
[chuckling warmly] This is a very fine party.
Lady Danbury.
Hmm.
[chuckles lightly]
Are you certain you have no regrets?
Not one bit.
Hosting the first ball of the season has always meant a great deal to me, but I am looking forward to stepping back.
Mmhm.
Who is missing?
[both] Benedict.
It seems he is late again.
Ah.
[both laugh] Ladies.
[laughs incredulously]
Are we…?
You are matching.
Who exactly do you think you are?
I am Zeus.
[Lady Danbury laughs]
Are you Hera?
I most certainly am not.
I… am Zeus.
Perhaps the Greek gods would still be in charge up there if Zeus had been a woman.
I think we look rather good.
I could not agree more.
[both chuckle softly]
[elegant ballroom dance song continues]
[indistinct conversations]
Mm, this will be an amusing night.
Indeed.
Though, if you see any vipers, let us make haste for home.
[stifled laughter]
Are those Bridgertons I see behind those masks?
[dance music ends]
Pardon me, I unfortunately must find my son.
[all laugh politely]
[indistinct chattering]
[mouthing] Benedict.
Her Royal Highness, the Queen.
[hushed silence falls]
[quick, bright string music plays]
Bring her to me.
Your Majesty.
Oh, well done.
Bridgertons, where might I locate the Honorable Mrs. Colin Bridgerton?
Mrs. Bridgerton, I am here.
It is so generous of you to grace us with your presence tonight, Your Majesty.
[music ends]
Well?
[hesitates] Your Majesty, the season has only just begun.
But I am… sure we will find a debutante or two tonight for you to champion.
I tire of debutantes.
They have been so unreliable in the past.
Let us turn our attention this year instead to offering up a leading suitor to fire the competition.
Oh. Uh…
[hesitates] Certainly. Uh…
[inquisitive music plays]
[Penelope] Oh, um…
Lord Napier has said he will marry.
He is rather handsome.
But also exceptionally dull, unfortunately.
Ah… Who else?
[Penelope] Mr. Frye might be eligible.
If one squints.
What of him?
Baron Hamilton.
[scoffs] Not nearly rich enough, I fear.
Is there anyone here worthy of my interest?
[Penelope] Um…
[music fades]
[scattered talking]
Coming through.
Has anyone seen Mr. Bridgerton?
[spirited music playing]
Good evening, ladies.
[lady] Good evening.
[hushed chatter and giggling]
[lady giggles] Mr. Bridgerton.
Thank you.
Thank you.
[music fades]
[midtempo classical dance music playing]
[overlapping conversations]
Benedict.
Hello, Mother.
You are two hours late, yet again.
You were meant to chaperone Eloise.
I have been here.
Perhaps you did not recognize me in my mask.
I do not believe that we are serving gin, and yet I can smell it all over you.
Good to see nothing has changed here.
Eloise!
[laughs] How is it you are the one late and rumpled when I traveled from the Highlands?
I had to go to my bachelor lodgings to change.
Are timeliness and neatness not old-fashioned?
Same old Benedict.
Perhaps not tonight.
Tonight we can be anyone we want.
Well, if by anyone you mean someone who will speak to those debutantes…
Mother!
I have planned this carefully.
Your very presence here implies to the ton that you are back in society.
Now you must make it a fact by speaking with the debutantes.
I have only just
Debutantes.
Now.
Good evening, ladies.
You all look exceptionally lovely tonight.
Mr. Bridgerton, your disguise tonight is superb.
Is it?
And yet you recognize me immediately.
Well, I could discern the Bridgerton build from anywhere.
You brothers do all look so much alike.
Ah.
Yes. [chuckles] You are number two. Yes.
That is my name.
[chuckles] And yet you are the last unmarried.
Have you any thoughts of that ever changing?
You must not forget about Gregory. Mm?
In fact, are you quite certain I am not him?
[chuckles]
[clears throat]
There… There
There is Mr. Lewis.
He might be a catch, but, um… he tends to smell, so…
[woman] Lady Bridgerton.
Oh…
Lady Penwood.
Welcome.
It is a fine evening.
Oh, indeed. [chuckles]
[clears throat]
We have not seen much of you lately.
No. I have absented myself from society since my husbands’ deaths.
The first and the second.
Husbands, that is.
Of course.
Viscount Li and then the Earl of Penwood.
I am so sorry for your losses.
And are these your daughters?
[Lady Penwood] They are.
They have recently made their debuts.
May I present my daughter, Miss Rosamund Li.
It is a fine evening.
And this is Miss Posy.
I am very much enjoying your party.
You are most kind.
How are your children?
Oh, very well, thank you.
Anthony is off in India with his bride.
Colin and Penelope…
Do you think you will succeed this season?
Excuse me?
In persuading your second son to take a wife.
I… cannot say. [chuckles] Well, you know how young men are.
So unpredictable. Well, please.
[laughs]
Enjoy yourselves.
Did you study your miniatures this morning?
[Rosamund] Mm.
There he is.
[light classical tune plays]
He is so handsome.
[Lady Penwood] Do not be shallow.
What matters most is his surname.
There are rumors of rakish behavior, but everyone knows reformed rakes make the best husbands.
Cheers.
Do you think the fairy with Lord Arliss is his mistress?
He’d have to be rather bold to bring her right under the nose of Her Majesty.
And his wife.
[quiet chuckling]
I had thought that the news of Lord Arliss bringing his mistress would be the most scandalous gossip I would overhear from the wall.
But Miss Eloise Bridgerton eagerly chatting with debutantes is the most scandalous news of all.
Why is Penelope Bridgerton keeping to the wall to begin with?
Penelope Bridgerton is not, but Whistledown is.
The Queen insists on great gossip this year.
Then I am surprised you have not had Lady Whistledown write about Benedict.
She is looking for a gentleman to champion this year.
The last thing this family needs is for her to choose Benedict.
She will never win, which will outrage her, and your mother…
My mother will explode and burst into flames at the feet of an outraged monarch.
For your sake, I do hope you’ve overheard something better on the wall. Hm.
I’d thought that after last season you had your fill of pretending to be engaging with debutantes.
I do not pretend.
Pen, there may not have been enough people in Scotland, but time spent amidst so much astounding natural beauty did give me considerable time to reflect, and what I realize is that there is no need for me to antagonize suitors or debutantes.
I can be entirely pleasant to all.
It matters not, because I have made a decision.
I am on the shelf.
You? On the shelf?
Oh!
Here we are.
Why, thank you.
Here.
[light chuckle]
How are you?
[chatting indistinctly]
[man clears throat]
[upbeat music plays]
[exhales sharply]4 What if we were to stay for the season?
What about Scotland?
What about… your cousin?
Yeah, I noticed the two of you kept your distance from one another this summer.
Which is understandable.
We are newlyweds, and yet we began our married life together in a home that Michaela considers hers as much as ours.
Perhaps I should have thought of that before suggesting it.
We will eventually return to Scotland, but I should like to make a contribution to Parliament this year.
We could set up Kilmartin House, make it just ours, and you can be closer to your family.
Yes, I would love it. Thank you.
Benedict Bridgerton is here.
He is?
[lady 1] Oh my, I think he’s my favorite of all the brothers.
[lady 2] Wait, which one is he again?
[lady 3] Mr. Bridgerton, a moment.
[lady 4] Mr. Bridgerton!
Mr. Bridgerton, over here!
[music fades]
[dreamy music plays delicately]
Pardon me, young lady.
Could I trouble you for the next dance?
[lady in silver] Uh, sir…
You see, I would love to, but I have misplaced my dance card.
Oh… That is unlucky.
Lord Napier, forgive me for interrupting.
I have just found this young lady’s dance card.
But unfortunately, my name is up next.
[soft music playing]
That is true.
What is your name?
Why did you rescue me?
It is rare to see someone beaming with joy at one of these things.
It is positively spilling out of you.
[breathy laugh]
[gentle notes rising softly]
I’ll have you know I was doing rather well fending off the gentleman on my own.
Does he not possess the qualities you seek?
Qualities?
In a suitor. [chuckles] Oh, I am not looking for a husband.
You are not?
No.
Huh.
[up-tempo classical piece starts]
Excuse me, I am meant to be somewhere.
Have I offended you?
Oh, no.
I do not mean to pry.
Do not concern yourself.
Have you lost your chaperone?
No…
Is it that we’ve met?
No, I… I cannot dance.
That is the truth. I cannot… dance.
A lady who cannot dance?
[classical rendition of Usher’s “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” playing]
Huh.
Is this a part of the character you are playing tonight?
A silver ingénue?
You have seen through me.
[both laugh]
Clearly, this is my first masquerade, and what role are you playing?
Evidently, that of your dancing master.
Ah.
As much as we are all pretending here tonight, the ton might be bewildered by the sight of us conducting dance lessons in the center of the ballroom.
Well, there is always the private terrace.
I mean nothing untoward.
I am simply avoiding my mother.
Of course, I could ask for a chaperone if it would make you comfortable.
Surely there is a maid nearby.
I shall have to trust you for tonight.
[classical cover of “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love” continues]
What of him?
Um… Must he be kind?
Of course.
Mm. Then no.
[Charlotte sighs]
[indistinct chatter]
He is a fine choice.
[Penelope chuckles] Oh…
No. Uh, that is Benedict Bridgerton, Your Majesty.
Excellent.
He is rich, handsome, and a Bridgerton.
But… perhaps there are other gentlemen.
We have talked enough.
[deflated] Oh…
[instrumental song continues]
[chuckles quietly]
Pardon me a moment. Could you…
Thank you. [polite chuckle] Ow!
That is my arm.
[music continues faintly]
You are mistaken.
Right.
Excuse me.
[music stops]
A clever attempt, but I would recognize my busybody sister anywhere.
No one else will ever know who I am in the mask.
Please… can I have just one dance with a suitor?
One dance will be your last if Mama gets so much as an inkling that you are in attendance.
Upstairs.
I wish you had stayed in Scotland.
[sighs]
Looking for me, I hope?
[Violet chuckles]
It is certainly a pleasant surprise to find you.
[both chuckle]
[tender music plays]
[voices approaching]
[light music plays]
Lord Anderson, thank you for attending.
Pleasure to be had, Lady Bridgerton.
[music fades]
Shall we approach?
She did make quite the compliment for our ball last season.
[Alice] Do you remember what she said?
[both] Not bad.
[chuckling quietly]
She likes us. And Lady Danbury is there.
Let us present ourselves.
Mr. and Mrs. Mondrich, Your Majesty.
[both] Your Majesty.
Where is that Bridgerton boy?
[mouthing] I’m sorry.
Are you enjoying the party, Your Majesty?
Like the Greeks, your torch has been passed.
Lady Bridgerton has hosted the first ball, and I have graced it.
You are welcome.
Indeed, and I am most grateful you chose to attend.
I hope next time Mr. Bridgerton will show more of his face.
Or the other gentlemen need to be more interesting.
Where is the fun?
I would like for you and me to enjoy ourselves this season.
In fact, on that, Your Majesty, I have been meaning to speak with you.
There is a reason I handed over the first ball of the season.
I am…
I am considering playing less of a part in society this year.
As you know, I have contributed much to society and to our young couples, and I have enjoyed it deeply.
And your friendship.
[solemn music plays]
It has been the honor of my life that you chose me.
I treasure every moment.
But it is time.
I… long to travel… to visit my ancestral home.
I have not been there since I was four years old.
So, I would like to leave at the end of this season.
Of course, you and I shall write, and I will be back for visits, but I am leaving.
I… should like to leave.
For a time.
No.
[music halts]
[“Never Let You Go (Third Eye Blind instrumental cover)” by VSQ plays]
[lady in silver] Thank you.
[laughing]
Are you laughing at me?
No.
No, it is all just so…
[sighs deeply]
It is a spectacular night.
[Benedict] Hm.
You are not like the other young ladies.
It is a relief.
What is wrong with the other young ladies?
Well… [chuckles] [hesitates] I am only…
They are…
Constantly pursuing you?
[chuckling]
While I can imagine that is taxing for you, you must remember that those young ladies have spent their entire lives preparing for the pursuit.
Hundreds of hours acquiring their accomplishments, endless fittings, not to mention the three hours alone it takes to do up their hair for the five or six hours they will be at this ball.
All in the hope that you might simply notice them.
Them?
Are you not also hoping to be noticed?
Truly?
Truly.
I am merely hoping to enjoy myself.
And you seem to be very much.
Or… not?
It is a lovely evening, but in truth I… cannot help but feel a little out of place at a society function.
[chuckles]
How can that be true?
Perhaps I feel more comfortable appreciating the details of an event than I do participating.
Well, do not worry.
I will not tell my mother.
[chuckling]
Your mother?
[gasps softly]
So this is your home, then, which… makes you a Bridgerton?
Wh… [scoffs lightly]
You really did not know who I am?
Not until now.
Well?
If I cannot have your name, you cannot
Benedict, I presume.
You are just as Whistledown describes, both in appearance and nature.
You know me from Whistledown but not from society?
You are at a ball but cannot dance, and you are singularly self-possessed, and yet you do not feel as if you fit in?
Who are you? Where did you grow up?
Here. In England.
City or countryside?
Between the two.
Who are your parents?
Mother and Father.
You have managed not to tell me a single thing about yourself.
Is that something you do?
Put all the attention on others so no one might see beneath your surface?
[chuckling scoff]
Sometimes it is easier to stay in shallow water.
Warmer. More pleasant.
I like warm and pleasant.
It is dull to swim in the same waters day after day, even if they are warm and… pleasant.
Will you not wade out deeper with me?
Well, while your point is well-taken about the efforts made by tonight’s young ladies, I cannot help but feel their pursuit has very little to do with me.
So, perhaps the reason I stay in shallow water is that I too feel like an imposter.
But this is your family home.
[laughs uneasily]
Even more so here.
I believe I still owe you a dance lesson.
Why me?
Why is it that you wish to dance with me?
Uh, because I am a mere mortal, and I do not question what the dance card tells me to do.
Very well.
First, we bow.
[laughing]
[Benedict laughs]
Then… you put your hand in mine.
[gentle instrumental music plays]
Now you move a little closer.
Then… a simple box step.
[lady] Mm.
[inhales sharply]
[Benedict] Mmmm.
[lady] Oh…
Mmhmm.
[gentle music builds slowly]
Mmhmm.
One, two, three.
One, two, three.
One, two, three. Good.
You are quite the teacher.
[chuckles] And you are quite the pretend student.
[quick inhale]
[lady] Oh! Oh, forgive me.
[Benedict] Do not worry.
Please, do not worry.
[soft chuckle]
My sisters have done far worse.
One, two, three.
…two, three.
One, two, three.
One, two…
Mm. Impressive.
Dancing already with your eyes closed.
I am trying to remember this moment exactly, so that if I wish…
I can escape here.
You are perhaps the most intriguing person I have ever met.
If I can’t know your name or where you live, however am I meant to call on you tomorrow?
That will not be possible.
[Benedict] Mmm…
A silver ingénue who can never be seen again.
[Benedict chuckles softly]
Oh, we should not.
We should not what?
[inhales deeply]
Please tell me your name.
[bell dinging]
[people cheering]
What does it mean?
Well, it is midnight.
Time for everyone to reveal themselves, including you, at last.
I must go. My…
My chaperone will be looking for me.
Please, do not leave.
[curious music playing]
[lavish instrumental flourish plays]
Wait!
[music fades out]
[bell dinging]
[overlapping chatter]
[bell dinging]
[chattering dies down]
I can whisk you out of here, if you like.
I shall have to face everyone eventually.
[soft gasps]
That’s her.
[lady] Penelope Bridgerton.
Oh. Ooh…
Excuse me.
Watch where you are going.
[intriguing music playing]
That is Lady Whistledown.
Go and make it known that there is a diamond here tonight.
[exhales briskly]
Mrs. Bridgerton. Miss Rosamund Li.
I am pleased to make your acquaintance.
Wonderful to meet you all.
Hello.
Oh. Hello.
Benedict, how are you?
It has been an age since I have seen you.
[musical pace quickens]
I must go.
[music halts]
[somber music plays]
[breathes deeply]
[music ends]
[woman] Well, how was it?
[excitedly] Well, tell me everything.
Something.
Did you enjoy yourself?
It was the most extraordinary night of my life.
[sighs]
It was…
They are here.
[brisk music plays lightly]
I’ve set everything exactly as you would’ve done it.
You have nothing to worry about.
Sophie Baek.
Thank you.
Both of you, I cannot thank you enough.
Oh.
[music fades]
How horrible it is to be on one’s feet all night.
There is nothing so taxing as being a debutante.
It is better than sitting at home.
Sophie.
You must have had a pleasurable evening.
My evening was like any other.
Then why is it that you were not waiting here with our tea?
My apologies, ma’am.
Your beds have been turned down, hairbrushes cleaned, nightwear readied, and the tea is here for you now.
Please forgive the delay.
And how were your evenings?
Have you heard of such a thing as a toga?
I wish you could have seen…
Mr. Bridgerton showed considerable interest in me.
Did he?
[Rosamund] Or he will, once his time is not monopolized by that woman he was with.
I would not worry, Rosamund.
You are my daughter.
Whomever he was talking with tonight, she cannot possibly compete.
You are excused, Sophie.
[indistinct conversations]
Your Majesty, um…
I really must tell you, I do not think Benedict Bridgerton is your pick for the season.
But he is.
Of course.
It is just… half of the young ladies I observed tonight had their eyes on him, and mamas are wondering about his intention for the season, but… I know Benedict.
Are you saying I do not?
[Penelope] I’m saying that… of all the men of the ton, I would wager that Benedict Bridgerton is the least likely to marry.
The very least?
And you would wager on that?
[curious music plays] Oh, well, I do not mean…
Um… [gasps softly]
When I said wager, I was
We have a wager. Yes.
[laughs] How thrilling for us all.
Now, how much are you willing to settle on this bet?
[sighs]
[music fades]
[Eloise] Looking for Benedict, I assume?
Well, unfortunately, yes.
I fear he may have left early.
But you seemed to enjoy yourself tonight.
In fact, I did.
And I should continue to do so, now that I can enjoy it from, well, the shelf.
Which shelf, exactly?
The shelf. I’ve decided to be a spinster.
Oh, Eloise, that is not something you simply get to decide.
It has been three seasons since I’ve been out with absolutely no prospects.
It is true. There are certain young ladies who’d be considered on the shelf if they have no prospects at your age, but you’d surely have no trouble securing a husband if you simply tried.
I do not want to try.
Well, you will, once you meet the right gentleman.
I gave you and Benedict free rein last season because I had my hands full with Colin and Francesca.
But this season, you are both at the very top of my matchmaking list.
I think I shall go to bed now.
[sighs]
Hm.
[music ends]
There you are.
[Benedict] Mother.
I… I’ve only–
Thank you for speaking to the debutantes.
I could do with a rest myself.
There is so much enthusiasm at the start of the season. [chuckles] It was a tremendous evening.
Was it?
Have you taken an interest in a young lady?
[chuckles lightly]
No.
Oh.
But… I can now respect what they are all up against.
I mean, hundreds of hours of preparation, all in the hope of simply… being noticed.
[dry chuckle]
You sound as if you have been made a new man.
I will not say that.
[Violet chuckles] In fact, I’m going out for a few drinks tonight.
But I promise to be in bed before the sun comes up.
Hyacinth Bridgerton, go to bed this instant.
What harm can it do for me to simply observe?
Did Eloise speak with you?
About what, exactly?
[Lady Whistledown] If anyone were holding out hope…
You come here, young lady.
…that Benedict Bridgerton would take a wife this season, this author should make it known that she does not wager it will happen.
[brisk classical tune playing]
But believe what you might wish, dear reader, this author knows best that a small amount of make-believe often has the power to remake reality, to lift us up from the drudgery of a humdrum existence.
[quick classical tune rises]
With a little imagination, the impossible seems possible. Dreams seem tangible. And yet, gentle readers, one must eventually wake up.
[uplifting music builds slowly]
[music fades out]
[closing theme music plays]
[music fades]
