Bridgerton (2020) s03e06 Episode Script

1
[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He has rescinded his offer of marriage.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]