Bridgerton (2020) s02e04 Episode Script
Victory
1
[Lady Whistledown.]
If the Ancient Greeks were members of the ton, they might have added to their Olympic pentathlon one additional event.
The hosting of a country visit.
This, of course, is the week of Lady Bridgerton's annual Hearts and Flowers Ball, the year's most coveted invitation in the country, and no event better designed to show the might and mettle of its host.
Miss Patridge requires large amounts of sugar for her morning tea, and Lord Abernathy, he will refuse to eat any meat that is not well-cooked, while Lady Abernathy will only consume her meat bloody, I am told.
[chuckles.]
And make sure you put an extra blanket on Lord Weston's bed.
I hear he feels the cold.
The roses and carnations have arrived, ma'am.
You may wish to add in lilac, Mama.
Symbolic of first love.
And perhaps make the bouquets even bigger.
I have taught you well.
If there is truly to be a proposal before the week is out, Anthony will need all the help he can get.
Hmm.
[chuckles.]
Right.
[crunches.]
I was painting that.
Do you think all of this was a mistake? This business of inviting the Sharmas out early? It has made the whole affair so fraught with difficulty.
The whole marriage-mart business seems entirely too difficult to me.
But if one must participate in it, why not do it in the fresh air? [birds chirping.]
[sighs deeply.]
Didi? Is it the sting? What? Whatever do you mean? Is it still bothering you? It seems ever since the awful creature pricked you, you've been keeping to yourself.
No.
[chuckles.]
No, not at all, Bon.
And, uh, how are you? Are you Are you still feeling upset by the viscount's lack of action? [sighs.]
His mind seems elsewhere lately.
I thought I'd be announcing an engagement at tomorrow night's ball.
We return to Mayfair in a few days, where there will be many other suitors, as I told you.
Suitors who will only suspect that there is something lacking in me when they discover the viscount is no longer interested.
Bon [scoffs.]
He is the one I want, Kate.
The viscount.
His family, this home, the life he offers me.
I've been thinking, and I am now quite certain I know why he has not yet made his declaration.
It is because of you.
You hate one another.
[sighs.]
Uh, hate is probably too strong a word.
It is clear from your exchanges with the viscount that he shares your feelings.
All this time, I thought I needed your help getting him to fall in love with me.
But I have realized what I need is your help getting him to fall in love with you.
Edwina, I certainly can't Can you really not see anything engaging about him? Yes.
I suppose I can see how he might engage a person.
Yes.
Then you'll still help me encourage him to propose? Because I have not given up.
I will not give up.
[uptempo classical music plays.]
[shopkeeper bell chimes.]
[sighs.]
It is hotter than a pepper patch out here in the country.
I do not believe it is any hotter here than it is in London.
We are simply stuck.
- What is the delay? - I'm sure someone lost an axle.
Oh, there's the Cowper carriage just ahead of us.
[driver.]
Walk on.
Finally.
[pleasant classical tune playing.]
[indistinct chatter.]
[Violet.]
Welcome.
Lovely to see you again.
Thank you.
I fear I still hardly know the lady my brother is planning to marry.
[Violet.]
I fear he hardly knows her either.
Though something tells me that is how your brother would like it to remain.
Mm.
Well, perhaps I should get to know her for him.
[Eloise speaking indistinctly.]
Oh, Pen! Oh, you are finally here.
With only my own family to speak to, I've begun talking to the trees.
- Is she calling me wooden? - I don't think so.
I could call him worse.
Is there not another pamphlet on women's rights to read somewhere? - [Penelope.]
El is quite done with that.
- She has brought one with her here.
Prepare yourself for many a quotation, Pen.
The printer's pamphlet? I thought you'd realized he was not connected to Lady Whistledown.
Those letter K's have not been smudged for some time now.
I am just as much interested in their new letters now.
It is a rather radical publication, which is why I seem to like it so much.
- The apprentice there, Mr.
Theo Sharpe - You know his name? Don't think you're getting into dangerous waters? - That side of town? - I've tried to dissuade her from it.
Perhaps you can convince her while I am gone today.
- Where are you going? - Are you joining the men on the hunt? I am not.
I have decided to pay your cousin a visit, in fact.
- Marina? - [Eloise.]
Miss Thompson? I rather think I am not the only one getting into dangerous waters.
[Violet.]
Eloise, Penelope.
I think you will find we have much to offer the young ladies today.
Yes, well, Pen is a young lady, and we do have so much to catch up on, so Eloise I hope you will behave yourself this week.
We We are hosts.
Perhaps you and Penelope might like to spend some time with the other young ladies in attendance.
Hmm? Or, at the very least, there will be some good gossip to absorb.
We'd not dream of doing anything different, Lady Bridgerton.
[Eloise chuckles awkwardly.]
Kate! Come sit with us.
Miss Sharma.
Lord Bridgerton.
[Anthony clears throat.]
Did you tell the viscount about your beesting? [chuckles softly.]
I got stung.
Ah.
I am well.
Ah.
Kate was telling me how she is eager to see more of the grounds of this magnificent estate.
I was? After having spent the last few days on her own.
Might you give her a tour today while I spend time with the other ladies? I am certain Lord Bridgerton is occupied with other guests.
Shooting, in fact, with the other gentlemen.
The party is to leave quite soon, I'm afraid.
Did you know Kate is an excellent shot? Of course she is.
[Anthony chuckles.]
- Are we all set for the hunt, Brother? - Indeed we are.
Kate, tell him how you used to shoot all the time.
- Miss Edwina [chuckles.]
- Kate is being modest.
Do you not think it true? Perhaps your sister aims straight on the field, but surely she would have some trouble managing Why would you assume I had any trouble managing at all, my lord? - I only mean to say - Because I am a woman? No No.
I did not say that.
But you thought it.
[chuckles.]
Ladies do not hunt.
Do not, or are not allowed to? I am certain Lady Danbury can spare a maid to act as chaperone.
Oh, what fun you will all have.
Getting to know each other all the better.
[Benedict.]
What an excellent idea, Miss Edwina.
[Edwina.]
Hmm.
Surely we can make an exception, just this one time.
We are on our private lands, after all.
 And who knows? Perhaps Miss Sharma can teach you a thing or two.
[Edwina chuckles.]
[Benedict.]
Hmm? [driver.]
Whoa, there! [exhales.]
[door opens.]
- Colin.
- [Colin.]
Marina.
Uh, Miss Thompson.
Lady Crane.
I'm so pleased to see you.
[baby coos.]
Oh, this is Oliver.
Amanda is sleeping.
There are two of them? - Twins.
- [Colin.]
Twins.
Well [Oliver cooing.]
Good day, Oliver.
[chuckles.]
He is rather wiggly, it seems.
Yes.
Very.
Sir Philip is not here.
He is out, studying his flowers.
- If I had known you were coming - No, of course.
I must offer my apologies for the surprise.
I was staying with my family when I discovered you lived so nearby.
I thought that I should come to see that you were well, after well, everything.
I am well.
Very well, in fact.
I'm pleased to see you, Colin.
Would you like some tea? Very much.
Hello.
[soft classical tune playing.]
Hopefully, the festivities are living up to your expectations, Miss Edwina? Very much, Your Grace.
You and your mama are such diligent hostesses.
I so look forward to hosting my own gatherings one day.
Well, there is certainly pleasure to be had in acting as hostess.
Though, between you and I, I think you will find there is no greater pleasure than enjoying your home alone with your family.
With your husband, as long as you choose the right one.
I do think I know what I desire in a match.
And what is that? I should like to be with someone kind and gentle.
[Lady Danbury chuckles.]
- [Mary.]
Mm.
- Someone like your brother.
He's so even-tempered.
[chuckling.]
Anthony? Even-tempered? - You would not describe him as such? - Well, not exactly.
Well, perhaps I bring out the very best in him.
And is that not what a good marriage should mean? Bringing out each other's best? It is indeed, Miss Edwina.
Has your sister gone off somewhere? - Hunting.
- Hunting? With your brother, in fact.
I am having them spend the day together in the hopes of their finally finding common ground.
It seems the two of them do not exactly see eye-to-eye on occasion.
A good plan, is it not? Well, certainly an intriguing one.
- [Edwina chuckles.]
- [Daphne.]
Hmm.
- [chuckles.]
- If this goes wrong, it'll be your fault.
[sighs.]
You must play along, Brother.
Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to win her over.
- [Anthony.]
Or to be shot dead by her.
- [Benedict chuckles.]
- [Jack.]
To the right, gents! - [men chattering.]
Where are they going? Toward our camp, I believe.
There are tracks going off to the left.
Look.
In the moss.
You can see the cloven shape.
If we go to our camp now, we may miss our quarry entirely.
[horse snorts.]
Let us stay with the group.
If we find nothing, I shall offer myself up for your target practice.
Very well.
- Where did you learn - It is a rather My father was a secretary for a royal family in India.
A family gracious enough to let me hunt with them.
- Even as a young lady.
- Then it seems you'll manage quite well.
Much better than your maid on her horse, let us hope.
- [maid gasps and sighs.]
- [both chuckling.]
- Lord Bridgerton - Yes? - [Jack.]
Here we are! - [Benedict.]
Brother! I made some friends in Athens, then continued along with them to Marousi and Chalcis.
That is, after a quick swim in the Petalioi Gulf, which is a word I now know how to say.
Well, it sounds like a remarkable journey.
Remarkable, yes, in that I seem to have many remarks about it, do I not? I like your remarks, Colin.
- It was good of you to come by.
- It was good of you to have me as well.
[exhales.]
Everything is well with Sir Philip, then, I take it? I suppose you can ask him yourself.
My lord, you have caught our visitor before he departs.
- This is Mr.
Colin Bridgerton.
- [Philip.]
Ah.
Mr.
Bridgerton.
Sir Philip Crane.
- A pleasure to meet you at last.
- Ah.
Yes.
Your wife has been kind enough to let me drone on about my recent Grecian adventures.
- [Philip.]
You were in Greece? - Mm-hmm.
Did you visit the olive orchards in Lesvos? I certainly did.
I oiled my way right in.
- That was an olive joke.
- [Philip.]
They are wonderful.
You know, those trees have been there since the third century BC.
- Have they really? - It is extraordinary.
 As is the botany.
I must show you my copy of Flora Graeca.
You will join us for dinner? I am sure Mr.
Bridgerton is eager to return to his family.
[Colin.]
Not at all.
My family can wait.
- I should very much like to stay.
- Good.
We shall set you a place, then.
Very well.
It seems our stag may be eluding us.
The elusiveness is part of the fun.
- And you cannot fault the sunshine.
- No, certainly not.
The men out enjoying the sunshine.
A sign of a great hunt.
I suppose you prefer the darkness, Miss Sharma? [chuckles.]
What I would prefer is to be allowed to follow my own instincts on this hunt instead of blindly following the guide.
You are still convinced we have lost our prey? [Kate.]
I am convinced that deer prefer the edge of the forest.
This is much too open out here.
Uh, yes, well, perhaps you are right, but we should carry on.
Certainly there'll be other deer on other paths.
They do not always keep together.
And if there are not, then Miss Sharma? [maid sighs and grunts.]
Keep her with you.
[exhales.]
[gasps.]
Ooh.
I quite like Lord Westbridge, though his hands certainly do wander when he dances.
At least he is young.
My mama has fixed on Sir Derryworth for me.
His breath is excruciating.
- Why do you not just say no? - To our mamas? - I do not think it is that simple, El.
- I do everything my mama says.
[chuckling.]
Yet you still wonder why you're so miserable.
Oh, I [chuckles.]
I know how to find my happiness, Miss Bridgerton.
There is always Lady Whistledown.
[soft chuckling.]
Though I doubt she'll publish anything of note this week.
What can you mean? We are all here, enjoying the countryside together.
Anything she might print, surely we will already know.
Is that so? Uh, is it not my turn, Mama? Your turn will come tomorrow night at the ball.
It may be your very last chance to charm Lord Featherington before Cressida Cowper becomes your new mama.
- Ooh.
- Oh.
I would rather move to Cornwall than compete with Cressida.
She is vile.
Do you know what is vile? Fish head pie.
It's a Cornish delicacy.
Ew.
I fear you are not taking this as seriously as you need to, Prudence.
After everything last year with Miss Thompson, Mr.
Bridgerton, and then your father, we cannot afford any more scrutiny should you finally wish to secure a match this season.
Oh, Mama, it is not as if anyone truly knows what Miss Thompson attempted.
And is entrapping a man in marriage really so uncommon? [Prudence exclaims.]
I won! Look at that.
[chuckles.]
Look at me, everyone! - Miss Sharma! - [whispers.]
Shh.
Get down.
Are you quite serious? You cannot just go off like that with your gun.
- Your maid is having a terrible time.
- Would you be quiet? It is rather like you, leaving everyone behind.
No one wishes to hear what you think you know about me.
I do not need to think.
I know.
From the moment I saw you riding alone in that park, it was obvious that rules are meaningless to you.
Oh, you and your rules.
Perhaps if you had not been out once again the other morning, we might not have been put in such a difficult situation.
Exactly which difficult situation are you referring to, my lord? Your - The other morning.
- When I was stung? After which you put my hand to your bosom.
To show you I was unharmed.
You were overcome.
- Indeed I was not.
- You then looked at me.
- You looked at me! - Not the way you did.
And how exactly did I look? [exhales.]
[exhales.]
- [exhales.]
- [foliage rustles.]
[softly.]
There is something there.
It'll signify little if you mean to hold your gun in that way.
- I know how to hold a gun.
- Evidently not a British one.
- [exhales.]
- You have to - I require no instruction.
- Here.
Just hold it like this.
[exhales.]
[Jack.]
This way, boys.
I saw movement over here.
There the two of you are.
Well, you better rejoin us before the rain ends our pursuits.
[thunder rumbling.]
[rain pattering.]
[Philip.]
Sibthorp brought his illustrator along for a grand tour, like your own, and came back with these marvelous drawings.
Oh, these are coronopifolia.
I saw so many of those in Paxos.
Yes.
Oh! Paxos is beautiful.
And did you see the mastic trees on Chios Island? I am sure Mr.
Bridgerton did not only go to Greece to see plants.
No.
But I'm grateful to you for indulging my desire to talk about my travels, Sir Philip.
Well, Lady Crane is right.
I am often carried away by my interests.
How was your day, my dear? Apart from the arrival of our interesting visitor.
It was very pleasant.
Thank you, my lord.
It is getting late and, Mr.
Bridgerton, won't you need to return to your family? Oh, yes.
Yes, of course.
I lost track of time.
Thank you for your hospitality, Sir Philip.
You are always welcome.
Marina, I shall look in upon the babies as you bid each other farewell.
He is most amiable.
Did you come all this way to form your opinion of my husband, Colin? - No.
- Then why did you come? I I came to apologize.
Throughout my travels, I kept pondering how I left things between us.
All of those terrible things I said to you.
- Colin, there is no need - I want you to know that I am sorry.
And that I forgive you as well.
I do not need your apology any more than I desire your forgiveness.
All of this, you and I, is in the past.
[Colin.]
So it seems.
But do you not look at your life and wonder what may have been if we had conducted ourselves differently? [Marina.]
That is a fool's form of torture.
I have left the past behind.
You should do the same.
Marina, he is truly amiable.
But well, you do not seem happy with him.
You have only been here a few short hours.
- I do not mean to offend you.
- I am not offended.
Nor am I angry.
You are a boy caught up in his own fantasies.
In truth, I once thought that would be enough to save me from my reality.
But what I learned is, I do not need saving in that way.
What I need is to face up to my life and make my own practical decisions.
So you choose to be unhappy? We are not all guaranteed a fairy-tale ending.
I am perfectly content with my children.
And Sir Philip cares for me.
He is a good father.
We have built a life together.
I am not the same woman you once knew.
And I refuse to be thrust back into such a world of fantasy.
That dream has long since passed.
- Marina - You need to wake up, Colin.
Perhaps I have been a fool.
I thank you for your time, Lady Crane.
If you would simply open your eyes to what is in front of you, then you might see there are those in your life you already make happy.
- And who would that be? - You have your family.
You have Penelope.
Penelope? You have many people who care for you.
Seek them out, because your future will certainly not be found in the past with me.
Very well.
Goodbye, Marina.
- [door opens.]
- [dog panting.]
[exhales.]
- How did it go? - Edwina, you frightened me.
Tell me everything.
We did not successfully shoot anything.
Perhaps if the men had listened to me Oh, I do not care about the hunt, Didi.
How did it go with the viscount? Well.
It went well, I think.
Did the two of you finally warm to one another? [thunder rumbling.]
We did.
[sighs softly.]
Oh! You must keep doing whatever it is you are doing.
At the ball.
Tomorrow night.
[giggles softly.]
[sighs.]
[thunder cracks.]
[exhales deeply.]
[thunder cracks, rumbles.]
- [thunderclap.]
- [gasps softly.]
[thunder crackling.]
- [thunderclap.]
- [gasps.]
[door opens.]
[door closes.]
[thunder rumbling.]
[door opens, creaks.]
- Lord Bridgerton.
- I did not mean to startle you.
I saw a light and thought I might have left a candle lit.
No.
Only me.
Could you not sleep? - If your lodgings are not comfortable - No.
It is the storm.
I have always found them unsettling.
My father used to read to me during the monsoons.
Now the rain makes me think of him.
[Anthony.]
This is my father's library.
These books were some of his most treasured possessions.
How did he die? [exhales deeply.]
He was stung by a bee.
My lord, I [sighs.]
I am so sorry.
I To see a great man felled by such a small creature, it was, um It was humbling, to say the least.
- [thunderclap.]
- [gasps.]
Oh! - This is not No.
- It is all right.
I shall bid you good night.
[footsteps departing.]
[sighs.]
How was your conversation with Miss Edwina yesterday? - She is certainly a diamond.
- [chuckles.]
Knows exactly when to smile and exactly what to say at all times.
It is just that I've always imagined Anthony to be with someone more like him.
[scoffs.]
Sharp, quick, a little too exacting? [both chuckle lightly.]
You know, every time I think my marriage has become simple, Simon and I find some new stone to turn over, a new foible that one of us needs the other to tease out and inspect.
It is decidedly irritating.
[laughs.]
Yet incredibly gratifying at the same time.
Miss Edwina is nearly perfect, but Anthony is a Bridgerton.
Is there not something in all of us that requires a challenge? Indeed, there is.
Brother.
Sister.
Mama has her ball all set for you.
Just her? Are you to tell me you have had no hand in it? Well, we have both been planning, certainly.
But our plans do not require yours to be set.
Miss Edwina, she is lovely.
I am certain she will make a perfect wife.
- Do you still not like her? - I never said I did not like her.
I only wonder if you truly know each other well enough.
Is that not what marriage is for? Well, yes, but it helps if you share similarities.
Truly, Brother, is there really no one you share similarities with? No one at all? How was your hunt with the elder Miss Sharma yesterday? You have not mentioned anything about it.
I certainly miss His Grace.
In the Duke's absence, you've become quite meddlesome, have you not? Do not concern yourself.
[classical instrumental ensemble playing.]
Miss Edwina, might I have your first dance? Certainly, my lord.
Have you been enjoying your time alone with the viscount? Yesterday's hunt.
It went well, I take it? Oh, yes.
Of course, yes.
Quite well, indeed.
[Lady Danbury.]
Mmm.
Lord.
She She's coming towards me with a suitor.
And what if you said yes? - To a dance? - I only mean to say It'd entertain me so much for you to say yes to the dances you are offered so I might hear about them.
There is only so much more I can hear about a pamphlet.
Never mind.
Have you spoken to Colin about his visit - [Eloise.]
No, no, no.
- Eloise.
[chuckles.]
I would like to introduce you to Lord Morrison.
Miss Eloise.
A pleasure.
Might I have the honor? Of what? - [chuckles.]
- [Violet chuckles.]
A dance, Eloise.
Yes, I think you shall, Lord Morrison.
Remember, hosts? - You wished to be entertained.
- [chuckles.]
[chuckles softly.]
Miss Eloise Would you mind keeping quiet? I am counting my steps, so [chuckles.]
- "What worries you, masters you.
" - Ah.
You have read Locke? I have.
- Have you? - Yes.
It is required of all men past a certain age, surely.
Not so much for young ladies.
Because our feeble minds might collapse if we put too many ideas in them.
For most of the ladies I have met, that seems to be true.
Many of them cannot even articulate a thought.
Don't you think it's because they haven't been offered the same opportunities? [sighs.]
I understand that you scorn this farcical performance that is good society.
What do you say we quit the dance floor and add some brandy to the punch? [Eloise chuckles.]
You'd rather alter the punch than engage in meaningful conversation? And you would rather count your steps.
Perhaps I shall quit the dance floor, now.
I do think we should finish this dance.
People are looking.
- [chuckles.]
- I see what masters you.
Next time you compliment a woman, at least try not to insult her entire sex in the process.
[breathing heavily.]
Eloise.
- [Violet.]
Eloise.
- [Eloise.]
What? I invited Lord Morrison specifically for you.
He is known to share your rebellious spirit.
My rebellion is not some party dress I put on to play a part, Mama, and it's certainly not some accomplishment I've developed, like singing or painting to help me attract a suitor.
I know I am a disappointment to you.
So just allow me to take my leave and go to bed.
[sobs softly.]
- El! - [Eloise.]
I wish to be alone.
[indistinct conversation.]
[Cressida chuckles.]
[all chuckling.]
Cousin Jack has not looked twice at me all evening.
You are excited.
You need to calm yourself if you are to attract interest.
Why do you not take a walk to the orangery? Breathe in the fragrant air.
It has always helped me.
Mmm.
I am hungry.
Perhaps I shall purloin an orange? Yes, of course.
Now, make haste, dear.
I hate to interrupt, Miss Cowper, but Lord Featherington, I believe Lord Fife is looking for you in the orangery.
Something about business, or your mines.
I do not know.
It sounded important.
Pardon me, Miss Cowper.
Of course, my lord.
[classical ensemble continues.]
[song ends.]
Lord Bridgerton has gone to get me a lemonade.
- How very thoughtful of him.
- We've just finished our second dance.
I'm certain he'd not have asked me for two if he did not have intentions for the evening.
I am pleased to hear that.
- I need you to dance with him.
- What? If he is going to declare himself before the end of the ball, as I hope, he shall need to ask you for your blessing.
And you are ready to grant him your blessing, are you not? This may very well be my last chance.
[Anthony.]
Miss Edwina.
Lord Bridgerton.
My sister and I were just speaking.
- She wishes to take to the floor.
- Ah.
- Well, I am certain that - [Edwina.]
With you.
Miss Sharma, may I have this dance? [Kate.]
You may, my lord.
[classical rendition of "Dancing On My Own" playing.]
Do you have something you wish to ask me, my lord, regarding my sister? If I were to ask for her hand, would you give me your permission? I want my sister to be happy.
- And do you think I can make her happy? - That is a better question for you.
Can you make her happy? If your silence is any indication you are reconsidering your declaration Is that what you want? For me to reconsider? It does not matter what I want.
I do not think that is true.
I am to return to India the moment my sister marries.
You will abandon her? Far from it, my lord.
She will be married.
She will not need me.
There'll be no more reason for me to stay.
It was the plan all along.
- Where is the viscount going? - I I do not know.
Well, what did you say? I [sighs.]
I shall find him.
Give me a moment.
I took a tour earlier, and you must see the orangery.
The scent of the jasmine is absolutely ambrosial.
[gasping dramatically.]
Lord Featherington, what are you doing in a room with my unchaperoned daughter? [clears throat.]
I found Prudence in here, and neither of us were Do not blame her.
She is but an innocent girl, unknowing of the ways of an older gentleman.
- Mama, you - I assure you nothing untoward's occurred.
I was to meet with Lord Fife.
Featherington? How can you deny what is plain to the eye? I saw you remove your arm from my Prudence's waist as I walked in.
It is a scandal! Well, are you to marry the girl, then, Featherington? - What? - As a man of honor He is hers in honor, should she wish it.
Oh! [panting.]
Oh my! Oh, I would be delighted to marry you, Cousin Jack.
[laughs.]
[laughing.]
Yes! [Prudence laughing excitedly.]
[Prudence gasping, sighing.]
[Prudence giggles.]
[echoing laughter.]
Why are you so distressed? [breathing deeply.]
When will you leave? Immediately, once your sister is married? I presume so, yes.
And you'll not concern yourself with finding a match of your own? Why would that concern you? It seems to me you will find any excuse you can to keep me away from your sister.
That is it, is it not? You simply do not like me.
- Of course I do not like you - Then tell me why.
Have I done something to you? Why is it that you dislike me so? Because [panting.]
Because you vex me! And what is it, do you think, you do to me? What? What do I do to you? [both panting.]
You You hate me.
[softly.]
Yes.
I do.
I hate you.
[Anthony exhales.]
I am a gentleman.
[softly.]
And your heart is with my sister.
[softly.]
And my heart is with your sister.
[softly.]
What are you doing? Say you do not care for me.
Tell me you feel nothing, and I will walk away.
[exhales.]
I feel I feel [door opens.]
Oh! - I am so sorry.
- Daphne.
- [door closes.]
- [exhales deeply.]
[breathing heavily.]
[door opens.]
It is not what you think.
I am trying very much not to think about it at all.
- Daphne - You are courting her sister.
And I have every intention of bringing it to a point.
- Why? - Why? Because I am courting her.
Because I've decided.
And I had decided last year that I'd marry the prince until you caught me in the garden with Simon at the Trowbridge Ball under very similar circumstances.
Similar only in that I am a man and Miss Sharma is a woman.
And you were alone.
Quite close to one another.
Only there is one significant difference.
Nothing, in fact, happened.
[scoffs.]
It is clear that you have affection for Miss Sharma.
The two of you cannot seem to stay away from one another.
Because she is aggravating! Oh, is that what I just witnessed? [Anthony breathes deeply.]
There is obviously something between you.
And I know that this is not as you would wish it, but you must be honest with yourself.
Because, one way or another, these kind of feelings always have a way of coming to the surface.
And what kind of feelings are those? Well, love.
[exhales.]
Then I know what I must do.
[chuckles softly.]
[door opens.]
I cannot believe you are now betrothed, Sister.
And to Cousin Jack.
- [Prudence.]
Do not be jealous.
- I am not jealous.
Prudence.
How did it happen? I walked up, and Mama was saying Did he compromise you? No.
But I suppose it looked that way.
- Did Mama send you there? - Oh, what a scandal.
Do you think Whistledown will write about it? Of course she will.
- How could she not? - If she does Prudence, if Whistledown writes the full story, it's not some insult about our citrus dresses.
It could ruin our family.
It could ruin you.
It could ruin Mama.
We could be run out of town.
Oh my.
- You truly are jealous.
- [scoffs.]
If this was Mama's doing, there is no way Whistledown could know.
Now my name will appear in Whistledown, and you You will be just as you are now.
- Prudence - Ah-ah.
I believe it is "Lady Featherington" now, to you.
[sighs sharply.]
[cane taps.]
Lady Danbury.
Uh, what are you doing still up? I could ask you the very same.
It's cold out here.
I am merely trying to let my sister sleep.
I have been tossing and turning far too much.
Have you yet told your sister? About the inheritance scheme.
I have not.
Mmm.
[Kate.]
At this point, I fear there is no point in telling her.
Lady Danbury, I fear there may be no proposal from the viscount.
I fear I have ruined it for Edwina.
Because you two cannot get along? Yes.
And why, when you are so close to getting what you want, what you need for your family's survival, and what Edwina so clearly wants for herself, are you getting in the way? I do not know.
I do not know what to do.
There is only one thing to do.
Be honest with your sister, with yourself.
You must tell her how you feel.
About my dislike for the viscount? About whatever it is you feel.
I am going inside.
Careful.
Or you shall catch a chill.
[door opens.]
You cannot just come in here.
Why? Because it's improper for a lady and gentleman to be alone together? You arranged it all.
I did what I had to do to secure my family's future.
And now And now you've secured yourself a future of poverty.
You cannot just cast us out now, my lord.
No, I cannot.
I shall indeed marry Prudence.
But you should know she is marrying a penniless man.
If you intend to hurt me with your empty threats The only empty thing I have are those mines, Portia.
They are a failure.
I have nothing.
You paid Philippa's dowry.
I held off the Finches with a promise of payment and a counterfeit ruby necklace.
The only way for me to provide for all of us was to marry wealth.
Someone like Miss Cressida Cowper.
[exhales softly.]
Colin.
We, uh, missed you at the ball last night.
Yes.
I fear I was not feeling up to it.
After seeing Marina? How is she, Colin? She is content.
[sighs.]
Good.
I am glad.
Perhaps seeing her was what you needed.
To leave the past behind.
To no longer feel the need to forswear women.
Lady Crane said she was content, but I cannot help but feel like Well, we were all so hard on her.
Myself included.
Perhaps if Lady Whistledown hadn't rushed to print her gossip, things may have turned out differently for her.
For all of us, in fact.
But, I suppose, there is no use dwelling on the past.
I am, indeed, thinking of the future.
Pardon me, Pen.
[Lady Whistledown.]
 Dearest gentle reader, while much occurred at the Bridgerton country visit, this author feels not all is fit to print.
Especially when so much is already known by far too many members of the ton.
But if you thought we would reach the end of this journey without this trusted author finding a truly delectable morsel of gossip, then you are sorely mistaken.
I am sorry things did not go as planned, Bon.
It is not your fault, Didi.
We both did everything we could have done.
The viscount's feelings are clearly not there for me.
Perhaps they are elsewhere.
[Lady Whistledown.]
While Prudence Featherington seems to have secured her match, it was not the only occurrence of note.
[Kate.]
Edwina? There is something I must tell you.
[Anthony.]
Wait.
Lord Bridgerton.
Might I speak with you? Of course.
- [Anthony.]
That was meant for Miss Edwina.
- My lord? Miss Edwina Sharma.
Will you marry me? Yes.
[laughing.]
Yes! Yes! I shall be your viscountess.
I shall marry you.
[Lady Whistledown.]
Anthony Bridgerton is now betrothed to Miss Edwina Sharma.
Victory, indeed.
If the Ancient Greeks were members of the ton, they might have added to their Olympic pentathlon one additional event.
The hosting of a country visit.
This, of course, is the week of Lady Bridgerton's annual Hearts and Flowers Ball, the year's most coveted invitation in the country, and no event better designed to show the might and mettle of its host.
Miss Patridge requires large amounts of sugar for her morning tea, and Lord Abernathy, he will refuse to eat any meat that is not well-cooked, while Lady Abernathy will only consume her meat bloody, I am told.
[chuckles.]
And make sure you put an extra blanket on Lord Weston's bed.
I hear he feels the cold.
The roses and carnations have arrived, ma'am.
You may wish to add in lilac, Mama.
Symbolic of first love.
And perhaps make the bouquets even bigger.
I have taught you well.
If there is truly to be a proposal before the week is out, Anthony will need all the help he can get.
Hmm.
[chuckles.]
Right.
[crunches.]
I was painting that.
Do you think all of this was a mistake? This business of inviting the Sharmas out early? It has made the whole affair so fraught with difficulty.
The whole marriage-mart business seems entirely too difficult to me.
But if one must participate in it, why not do it in the fresh air? [birds chirping.]
[sighs deeply.]
Didi? Is it the sting? What? Whatever do you mean? Is it still bothering you? It seems ever since the awful creature pricked you, you've been keeping to yourself.
No.
[chuckles.]
No, not at all, Bon.
And, uh, how are you? Are you Are you still feeling upset by the viscount's lack of action? [sighs.]
His mind seems elsewhere lately.
I thought I'd be announcing an engagement at tomorrow night's ball.
We return to Mayfair in a few days, where there will be many other suitors, as I told you.
Suitors who will only suspect that there is something lacking in me when they discover the viscount is no longer interested.
Bon [scoffs.]
He is the one I want, Kate.
The viscount.
His family, this home, the life he offers me.
I've been thinking, and I am now quite certain I know why he has not yet made his declaration.
It is because of you.
You hate one another.
[sighs.]
Uh, hate is probably too strong a word.
It is clear from your exchanges with the viscount that he shares your feelings.
All this time, I thought I needed your help getting him to fall in love with me.
But I have realized what I need is your help getting him to fall in love with you.
Edwina, I certainly can't Can you really not see anything engaging about him? Yes.
I suppose I can see how he might engage a person.
Yes.
Then you'll still help me encourage him to propose? Because I have not given up.
I will not give up.
[uptempo classical music plays.]
[shopkeeper bell chimes.]
[sighs.]
It is hotter than a pepper patch out here in the country.
I do not believe it is any hotter here than it is in London.
We are simply stuck.
- What is the delay? - I'm sure someone lost an axle.
Oh, there's the Cowper carriage just ahead of us.
[driver.]
Walk on.
Finally.
[pleasant classical tune playing.]
[indistinct chatter.]
[Violet.]
Welcome.
Lovely to see you again.
Thank you.
I fear I still hardly know the lady my brother is planning to marry.
[Violet.]
I fear he hardly knows her either.
Though something tells me that is how your brother would like it to remain.
Mm.
Well, perhaps I should get to know her for him.
[Eloise speaking indistinctly.]
Oh, Pen! Oh, you are finally here.
With only my own family to speak to, I've begun talking to the trees.
- Is she calling me wooden? - I don't think so.
I could call him worse.
Is there not another pamphlet on women's rights to read somewhere? - [Penelope.]
El is quite done with that.
- She has brought one with her here.
Prepare yourself for many a quotation, Pen.
The printer's pamphlet? I thought you'd realized he was not connected to Lady Whistledown.
Those letter K's have not been smudged for some time now.
I am just as much interested in their new letters now.
It is a rather radical publication, which is why I seem to like it so much.
- The apprentice there, Mr.
Theo Sharpe - You know his name? Don't think you're getting into dangerous waters? - That side of town? - I've tried to dissuade her from it.
Perhaps you can convince her while I am gone today.
- Where are you going? - Are you joining the men on the hunt? I am not.
I have decided to pay your cousin a visit, in fact.
- Marina? - [Eloise.]
Miss Thompson? I rather think I am not the only one getting into dangerous waters.
[Violet.]
Eloise, Penelope.
I think you will find we have much to offer the young ladies today.
Yes, well, Pen is a young lady, and we do have so much to catch up on, so Eloise I hope you will behave yourself this week.
We We are hosts.
Perhaps you and Penelope might like to spend some time with the other young ladies in attendance.
Hmm? Or, at the very least, there will be some good gossip to absorb.
We'd not dream of doing anything different, Lady Bridgerton.
[Eloise chuckles awkwardly.]
Kate! Come sit with us.
Miss Sharma.
Lord Bridgerton.
[Anthony clears throat.]
Did you tell the viscount about your beesting? [chuckles softly.]
I got stung.
Ah.
I am well.
Ah.
Kate was telling me how she is eager to see more of the grounds of this magnificent estate.
I was? After having spent the last few days on her own.
Might you give her a tour today while I spend time with the other ladies? I am certain Lord Bridgerton is occupied with other guests.
Shooting, in fact, with the other gentlemen.
The party is to leave quite soon, I'm afraid.
Did you know Kate is an excellent shot? Of course she is.
[Anthony chuckles.]
- Are we all set for the hunt, Brother? - Indeed we are.
Kate, tell him how you used to shoot all the time.
- Miss Edwina [chuckles.]
- Kate is being modest.
Do you not think it true? Perhaps your sister aims straight on the field, but surely she would have some trouble managing Why would you assume I had any trouble managing at all, my lord? - I only mean to say - Because I am a woman? No No.
I did not say that.
But you thought it.
[chuckles.]
Ladies do not hunt.
Do not, or are not allowed to? I am certain Lady Danbury can spare a maid to act as chaperone.
Oh, what fun you will all have.
Getting to know each other all the better.
[Benedict.]
What an excellent idea, Miss Edwina.
[Edwina.]
Hmm.
Surely we can make an exception, just this one time.
We are on our private lands, after all.
 And who knows? Perhaps Miss Sharma can teach you a thing or two.
[Edwina chuckles.]
[Benedict.]
Hmm? [driver.]
Whoa, there! [exhales.]
[door opens.]
- Colin.
- [Colin.]
Marina.
Uh, Miss Thompson.
Lady Crane.
I'm so pleased to see you.
[baby coos.]
Oh, this is Oliver.
Amanda is sleeping.
There are two of them? - Twins.
- [Colin.]
Twins.
Well [Oliver cooing.]
Good day, Oliver.
[chuckles.]
He is rather wiggly, it seems.
Yes.
Very.
Sir Philip is not here.
He is out, studying his flowers.
- If I had known you were coming - No, of course.
I must offer my apologies for the surprise.
I was staying with my family when I discovered you lived so nearby.
I thought that I should come to see that you were well, after well, everything.
I am well.
Very well, in fact.
I'm pleased to see you, Colin.
Would you like some tea? Very much.
Hello.
[soft classical tune playing.]
Hopefully, the festivities are living up to your expectations, Miss Edwina? Very much, Your Grace.
You and your mama are such diligent hostesses.
I so look forward to hosting my own gatherings one day.
Well, there is certainly pleasure to be had in acting as hostess.
Though, between you and I, I think you will find there is no greater pleasure than enjoying your home alone with your family.
With your husband, as long as you choose the right one.
I do think I know what I desire in a match.
And what is that? I should like to be with someone kind and gentle.
[Lady Danbury chuckles.]
- [Mary.]
Mm.
- Someone like your brother.
He's so even-tempered.
[chuckling.]
Anthony? Even-tempered? - You would not describe him as such? - Well, not exactly.
Well, perhaps I bring out the very best in him.
And is that not what a good marriage should mean? Bringing out each other's best? It is indeed, Miss Edwina.
Has your sister gone off somewhere? - Hunting.
- Hunting? With your brother, in fact.
I am having them spend the day together in the hopes of their finally finding common ground.
It seems the two of them do not exactly see eye-to-eye on occasion.
A good plan, is it not? Well, certainly an intriguing one.
- [Edwina chuckles.]
- [Daphne.]
Hmm.
- [chuckles.]
- If this goes wrong, it'll be your fault.
[sighs.]
You must play along, Brother.
Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to win her over.
- [Anthony.]
Or to be shot dead by her.
- [Benedict chuckles.]
- [Jack.]
To the right, gents! - [men chattering.]
Where are they going? Toward our camp, I believe.
There are tracks going off to the left.
Look.
In the moss.
You can see the cloven shape.
If we go to our camp now, we may miss our quarry entirely.
[horse snorts.]
Let us stay with the group.
If we find nothing, I shall offer myself up for your target practice.
Very well.
- Where did you learn - It is a rather My father was a secretary for a royal family in India.
A family gracious enough to let me hunt with them.
- Even as a young lady.
- Then it seems you'll manage quite well.
Much better than your maid on her horse, let us hope.
- [maid gasps and sighs.]
- [both chuckling.]
- Lord Bridgerton - Yes? - [Jack.]
Here we are! - [Benedict.]
Brother! I made some friends in Athens, then continued along with them to Marousi and Chalcis.
That is, after a quick swim in the Petalioi Gulf, which is a word I now know how to say.
Well, it sounds like a remarkable journey.
Remarkable, yes, in that I seem to have many remarks about it, do I not? I like your remarks, Colin.
- It was good of you to come by.
- It was good of you to have me as well.
[exhales.]
Everything is well with Sir Philip, then, I take it? I suppose you can ask him yourself.
My lord, you have caught our visitor before he departs.
- This is Mr.
Colin Bridgerton.
- [Philip.]
Ah.
Mr.
Bridgerton.
Sir Philip Crane.
- A pleasure to meet you at last.
- Ah.
Yes.
Your wife has been kind enough to let me drone on about my recent Grecian adventures.
- [Philip.]
You were in Greece? - Mm-hmm.
Did you visit the olive orchards in Lesvos? I certainly did.
I oiled my way right in.
- That was an olive joke.
- [Philip.]
They are wonderful.
You know, those trees have been there since the third century BC.
- Have they really? - It is extraordinary.
 As is the botany.
I must show you my copy of Flora Graeca.
You will join us for dinner? I am sure Mr.
Bridgerton is eager to return to his family.
[Colin.]
Not at all.
My family can wait.
- I should very much like to stay.
- Good.
We shall set you a place, then.
Very well.
It seems our stag may be eluding us.
The elusiveness is part of the fun.
- And you cannot fault the sunshine.
- No, certainly not.
The men out enjoying the sunshine.
A sign of a great hunt.
I suppose you prefer the darkness, Miss Sharma? [chuckles.]
What I would prefer is to be allowed to follow my own instincts on this hunt instead of blindly following the guide.
You are still convinced we have lost our prey? [Kate.]
I am convinced that deer prefer the edge of the forest.
This is much too open out here.
Uh, yes, well, perhaps you are right, but we should carry on.
Certainly there'll be other deer on other paths.
They do not always keep together.
And if there are not, then Miss Sharma? [maid sighs and grunts.]
Keep her with you.
[exhales.]
[gasps.]
Ooh.
I quite like Lord Westbridge, though his hands certainly do wander when he dances.
At least he is young.
My mama has fixed on Sir Derryworth for me.
His breath is excruciating.
- Why do you not just say no? - To our mamas? - I do not think it is that simple, El.
- I do everything my mama says.
[chuckling.]
Yet you still wonder why you're so miserable.
Oh, I [chuckles.]
I know how to find my happiness, Miss Bridgerton.
There is always Lady Whistledown.
[soft chuckling.]
Though I doubt she'll publish anything of note this week.
What can you mean? We are all here, enjoying the countryside together.
Anything she might print, surely we will already know.
Is that so? Uh, is it not my turn, Mama? Your turn will come tomorrow night at the ball.
It may be your very last chance to charm Lord Featherington before Cressida Cowper becomes your new mama.
- Ooh.
- Oh.
I would rather move to Cornwall than compete with Cressida.
She is vile.
Do you know what is vile? Fish head pie.
It's a Cornish delicacy.
Ew.
I fear you are not taking this as seriously as you need to, Prudence.
After everything last year with Miss Thompson, Mr.
Bridgerton, and then your father, we cannot afford any more scrutiny should you finally wish to secure a match this season.
Oh, Mama, it is not as if anyone truly knows what Miss Thompson attempted.
And is entrapping a man in marriage really so uncommon? [Prudence exclaims.]
I won! Look at that.
[chuckles.]
Look at me, everyone! - Miss Sharma! - [whispers.]
Shh.
Get down.
Are you quite serious? You cannot just go off like that with your gun.
- Your maid is having a terrible time.
- Would you be quiet? It is rather like you, leaving everyone behind.
No one wishes to hear what you think you know about me.
I do not need to think.
I know.
From the moment I saw you riding alone in that park, it was obvious that rules are meaningless to you.
Oh, you and your rules.
Perhaps if you had not been out once again the other morning, we might not have been put in such a difficult situation.
Exactly which difficult situation are you referring to, my lord? Your - The other morning.
- When I was stung? After which you put my hand to your bosom.
To show you I was unharmed.
You were overcome.
- Indeed I was not.
- You then looked at me.
- You looked at me! - Not the way you did.
And how exactly did I look? [exhales.]
[exhales.]
- [exhales.]
- [foliage rustles.]
[softly.]
There is something there.
It'll signify little if you mean to hold your gun in that way.
- I know how to hold a gun.
- Evidently not a British one.
- [exhales.]
- You have to - I require no instruction.
- Here.
Just hold it like this.
[exhales.]
[Jack.]
This way, boys.
I saw movement over here.
There the two of you are.
Well, you better rejoin us before the rain ends our pursuits.
[thunder rumbling.]
[rain pattering.]
[Philip.]
Sibthorp brought his illustrator along for a grand tour, like your own, and came back with these marvelous drawings.
Oh, these are coronopifolia.
I saw so many of those in Paxos.
Yes.
Oh! Paxos is beautiful.
And did you see the mastic trees on Chios Island? I am sure Mr.
Bridgerton did not only go to Greece to see plants.
No.
But I'm grateful to you for indulging my desire to talk about my travels, Sir Philip.
Well, Lady Crane is right.
I am often carried away by my interests.
How was your day, my dear? Apart from the arrival of our interesting visitor.
It was very pleasant.
Thank you, my lord.
It is getting late and, Mr.
Bridgerton, won't you need to return to your family? Oh, yes.
Yes, of course.
I lost track of time.
Thank you for your hospitality, Sir Philip.
You are always welcome.
Marina, I shall look in upon the babies as you bid each other farewell.
He is most amiable.
Did you come all this way to form your opinion of my husband, Colin? - No.
- Then why did you come? I I came to apologize.
Throughout my travels, I kept pondering how I left things between us.
All of those terrible things I said to you.
- Colin, there is no need - I want you to know that I am sorry.
And that I forgive you as well.
I do not need your apology any more than I desire your forgiveness.
All of this, you and I, is in the past.
[Colin.]
So it seems.
But do you not look at your life and wonder what may have been if we had conducted ourselves differently? [Marina.]
That is a fool's form of torture.
I have left the past behind.
You should do the same.
Marina, he is truly amiable.
But well, you do not seem happy with him.
You have only been here a few short hours.
- I do not mean to offend you.
- I am not offended.
Nor am I angry.
You are a boy caught up in his own fantasies.
In truth, I once thought that would be enough to save me from my reality.
But what I learned is, I do not need saving in that way.
What I need is to face up to my life and make my own practical decisions.
So you choose to be unhappy? We are not all guaranteed a fairy-tale ending.
I am perfectly content with my children.
And Sir Philip cares for me.
He is a good father.
We have built a life together.
I am not the same woman you once knew.
And I refuse to be thrust back into such a world of fantasy.
That dream has long since passed.
- Marina - You need to wake up, Colin.
Perhaps I have been a fool.
I thank you for your time, Lady Crane.
If you would simply open your eyes to what is in front of you, then you might see there are those in your life you already make happy.
- And who would that be? - You have your family.
You have Penelope.
Penelope? You have many people who care for you.
Seek them out, because your future will certainly not be found in the past with me.
Very well.
Goodbye, Marina.
- [door opens.]
- [dog panting.]
[exhales.]
- How did it go? - Edwina, you frightened me.
Tell me everything.
We did not successfully shoot anything.
Perhaps if the men had listened to me Oh, I do not care about the hunt, Didi.
How did it go with the viscount? Well.
It went well, I think.
Did the two of you finally warm to one another? [thunder rumbling.]
We did.
[sighs softly.]
Oh! You must keep doing whatever it is you are doing.
At the ball.
Tomorrow night.
[giggles softly.]
[sighs.]
[thunder cracks.]
[exhales deeply.]
[thunder cracks, rumbles.]
- [thunderclap.]
- [gasps softly.]
[thunder crackling.]
- [thunderclap.]
- [gasps.]
[door opens.]
[door closes.]
[thunder rumbling.]
[door opens, creaks.]
- Lord Bridgerton.
- I did not mean to startle you.
I saw a light and thought I might have left a candle lit.
No.
Only me.
Could you not sleep? - If your lodgings are not comfortable - No.
It is the storm.
I have always found them unsettling.
My father used to read to me during the monsoons.
Now the rain makes me think of him.
[Anthony.]
This is my father's library.
These books were some of his most treasured possessions.
How did he die? [exhales deeply.]
He was stung by a bee.
My lord, I [sighs.]
I am so sorry.
I To see a great man felled by such a small creature, it was, um It was humbling, to say the least.
- [thunderclap.]
- [gasps.]
Oh! - This is not No.
- It is all right.
I shall bid you good night.
[footsteps departing.]
[sighs.]
How was your conversation with Miss Edwina yesterday? - She is certainly a diamond.
- [chuckles.]
Knows exactly when to smile and exactly what to say at all times.
It is just that I've always imagined Anthony to be with someone more like him.
[scoffs.]
Sharp, quick, a little too exacting? [both chuckle lightly.]
You know, every time I think my marriage has become simple, Simon and I find some new stone to turn over, a new foible that one of us needs the other to tease out and inspect.
It is decidedly irritating.
[laughs.]
Yet incredibly gratifying at the same time.
Miss Edwina is nearly perfect, but Anthony is a Bridgerton.
Is there not something in all of us that requires a challenge? Indeed, there is.
Brother.
Sister.
Mama has her ball all set for you.
Just her? Are you to tell me you have had no hand in it? Well, we have both been planning, certainly.
But our plans do not require yours to be set.
Miss Edwina, she is lovely.
I am certain she will make a perfect wife.
- Do you still not like her? - I never said I did not like her.
I only wonder if you truly know each other well enough.
Is that not what marriage is for? Well, yes, but it helps if you share similarities.
Truly, Brother, is there really no one you share similarities with? No one at all? How was your hunt with the elder Miss Sharma yesterday? You have not mentioned anything about it.
I certainly miss His Grace.
In the Duke's absence, you've become quite meddlesome, have you not? Do not concern yourself.
[classical instrumental ensemble playing.]
Miss Edwina, might I have your first dance? Certainly, my lord.
Have you been enjoying your time alone with the viscount? Yesterday's hunt.
It went well, I take it? Oh, yes.
Of course, yes.
Quite well, indeed.
[Lady Danbury.]
Mmm.
Lord.
She She's coming towards me with a suitor.
And what if you said yes? - To a dance? - I only mean to say It'd entertain me so much for you to say yes to the dances you are offered so I might hear about them.
There is only so much more I can hear about a pamphlet.
Never mind.
Have you spoken to Colin about his visit - [Eloise.]
No, no, no.
- Eloise.
[chuckles.]
I would like to introduce you to Lord Morrison.
Miss Eloise.
A pleasure.
Might I have the honor? Of what? - [chuckles.]
- [Violet chuckles.]
A dance, Eloise.
Yes, I think you shall, Lord Morrison.
Remember, hosts? - You wished to be entertained.
- [chuckles.]
[chuckles softly.]
Miss Eloise Would you mind keeping quiet? I am counting my steps, so [chuckles.]
- "What worries you, masters you.
" - Ah.
You have read Locke? I have.
- Have you? - Yes.
It is required of all men past a certain age, surely.
Not so much for young ladies.
Because our feeble minds might collapse if we put too many ideas in them.
For most of the ladies I have met, that seems to be true.
Many of them cannot even articulate a thought.
Don't you think it's because they haven't been offered the same opportunities? [sighs.]
I understand that you scorn this farcical performance that is good society.
What do you say we quit the dance floor and add some brandy to the punch? [Eloise chuckles.]
You'd rather alter the punch than engage in meaningful conversation? And you would rather count your steps.
Perhaps I shall quit the dance floor, now.
I do think we should finish this dance.
People are looking.
- [chuckles.]
- I see what masters you.
Next time you compliment a woman, at least try not to insult her entire sex in the process.
[breathing heavily.]
Eloise.
- [Violet.]
Eloise.
- [Eloise.]
What? I invited Lord Morrison specifically for you.
He is known to share your rebellious spirit.
My rebellion is not some party dress I put on to play a part, Mama, and it's certainly not some accomplishment I've developed, like singing or painting to help me attract a suitor.
I know I am a disappointment to you.
So just allow me to take my leave and go to bed.
[sobs softly.]
- El! - [Eloise.]
I wish to be alone.
[indistinct conversation.]
[Cressida chuckles.]
[all chuckling.]
Cousin Jack has not looked twice at me all evening.
You are excited.
You need to calm yourself if you are to attract interest.
Why do you not take a walk to the orangery? Breathe in the fragrant air.
It has always helped me.
Mmm.
I am hungry.
Perhaps I shall purloin an orange? Yes, of course.
Now, make haste, dear.
I hate to interrupt, Miss Cowper, but Lord Featherington, I believe Lord Fife is looking for you in the orangery.
Something about business, or your mines.
I do not know.
It sounded important.
Pardon me, Miss Cowper.
Of course, my lord.
[classical ensemble continues.]
[song ends.]
Lord Bridgerton has gone to get me a lemonade.
- How very thoughtful of him.
- We've just finished our second dance.
I'm certain he'd not have asked me for two if he did not have intentions for the evening.
I am pleased to hear that.
- I need you to dance with him.
- What? If he is going to declare himself before the end of the ball, as I hope, he shall need to ask you for your blessing.
And you are ready to grant him your blessing, are you not? This may very well be my last chance.
[Anthony.]
Miss Edwina.
Lord Bridgerton.
My sister and I were just speaking.
- She wishes to take to the floor.
- Ah.
- Well, I am certain that - [Edwina.]
With you.
Miss Sharma, may I have this dance? [Kate.]
You may, my lord.
[classical rendition of "Dancing On My Own" playing.]
Do you have something you wish to ask me, my lord, regarding my sister? If I were to ask for her hand, would you give me your permission? I want my sister to be happy.
- And do you think I can make her happy? - That is a better question for you.
Can you make her happy? If your silence is any indication you are reconsidering your declaration Is that what you want? For me to reconsider? It does not matter what I want.
I do not think that is true.
I am to return to India the moment my sister marries.
You will abandon her? Far from it, my lord.
She will be married.
She will not need me.
There'll be no more reason for me to stay.
It was the plan all along.
- Where is the viscount going? - I I do not know.
Well, what did you say? I [sighs.]
I shall find him.
Give me a moment.
I took a tour earlier, and you must see the orangery.
The scent of the jasmine is absolutely ambrosial.
[gasping dramatically.]
Lord Featherington, what are you doing in a room with my unchaperoned daughter? [clears throat.]
I found Prudence in here, and neither of us were Do not blame her.
She is but an innocent girl, unknowing of the ways of an older gentleman.
- Mama, you - I assure you nothing untoward's occurred.
I was to meet with Lord Fife.
Featherington? How can you deny what is plain to the eye? I saw you remove your arm from my Prudence's waist as I walked in.
It is a scandal! Well, are you to marry the girl, then, Featherington? - What? - As a man of honor He is hers in honor, should she wish it.
Oh! [panting.]
Oh my! Oh, I would be delighted to marry you, Cousin Jack.
[laughs.]
[laughing.]
Yes! [Prudence laughing excitedly.]
[Prudence gasping, sighing.]
[Prudence giggles.]
[echoing laughter.]
Why are you so distressed? [breathing deeply.]
When will you leave? Immediately, once your sister is married? I presume so, yes.
And you'll not concern yourself with finding a match of your own? Why would that concern you? It seems to me you will find any excuse you can to keep me away from your sister.
That is it, is it not? You simply do not like me.
- Of course I do not like you - Then tell me why.
Have I done something to you? Why is it that you dislike me so? Because [panting.]
Because you vex me! And what is it, do you think, you do to me? What? What do I do to you? [both panting.]
You You hate me.
[softly.]
Yes.
I do.
I hate you.
[Anthony exhales.]
I am a gentleman.
[softly.]
And your heart is with my sister.
[softly.]
And my heart is with your sister.
[softly.]
What are you doing? Say you do not care for me.
Tell me you feel nothing, and I will walk away.
[exhales.]
I feel I feel [door opens.]
Oh! - I am so sorry.
- Daphne.
- [door closes.]
- [exhales deeply.]
[breathing heavily.]
[door opens.]
It is not what you think.
I am trying very much not to think about it at all.
- Daphne - You are courting her sister.
And I have every intention of bringing it to a point.
- Why? - Why? Because I am courting her.
Because I've decided.
And I had decided last year that I'd marry the prince until you caught me in the garden with Simon at the Trowbridge Ball under very similar circumstances.
Similar only in that I am a man and Miss Sharma is a woman.
And you were alone.
Quite close to one another.
Only there is one significant difference.
Nothing, in fact, happened.
[scoffs.]
It is clear that you have affection for Miss Sharma.
The two of you cannot seem to stay away from one another.
Because she is aggravating! Oh, is that what I just witnessed? [Anthony breathes deeply.]
There is obviously something between you.
And I know that this is not as you would wish it, but you must be honest with yourself.
Because, one way or another, these kind of feelings always have a way of coming to the surface.
And what kind of feelings are those? Well, love.
[exhales.]
Then I know what I must do.
[chuckles softly.]
[door opens.]
I cannot believe you are now betrothed, Sister.
And to Cousin Jack.
- [Prudence.]
Do not be jealous.
- I am not jealous.
Prudence.
How did it happen? I walked up, and Mama was saying Did he compromise you? No.
But I suppose it looked that way.
- Did Mama send you there? - Oh, what a scandal.
Do you think Whistledown will write about it? Of course she will.
- How could she not? - If she does Prudence, if Whistledown writes the full story, it's not some insult about our citrus dresses.
It could ruin our family.
It could ruin you.
It could ruin Mama.
We could be run out of town.
Oh my.
- You truly are jealous.
- [scoffs.]
If this was Mama's doing, there is no way Whistledown could know.
Now my name will appear in Whistledown, and you You will be just as you are now.
- Prudence - Ah-ah.
I believe it is "Lady Featherington" now, to you.
[sighs sharply.]
[cane taps.]
Lady Danbury.
Uh, what are you doing still up? I could ask you the very same.
It's cold out here.
I am merely trying to let my sister sleep.
I have been tossing and turning far too much.
Have you yet told your sister? About the inheritance scheme.
I have not.
Mmm.
[Kate.]
At this point, I fear there is no point in telling her.
Lady Danbury, I fear there may be no proposal from the viscount.
I fear I have ruined it for Edwina.
Because you two cannot get along? Yes.
And why, when you are so close to getting what you want, what you need for your family's survival, and what Edwina so clearly wants for herself, are you getting in the way? I do not know.
I do not know what to do.
There is only one thing to do.
Be honest with your sister, with yourself.
You must tell her how you feel.
About my dislike for the viscount? About whatever it is you feel.
I am going inside.
Careful.
Or you shall catch a chill.
[door opens.]
You cannot just come in here.
Why? Because it's improper for a lady and gentleman to be alone together? You arranged it all.
I did what I had to do to secure my family's future.
And now And now you've secured yourself a future of poverty.
You cannot just cast us out now, my lord.
No, I cannot.
I shall indeed marry Prudence.
But you should know she is marrying a penniless man.
If you intend to hurt me with your empty threats The only empty thing I have are those mines, Portia.
They are a failure.
I have nothing.
You paid Philippa's dowry.
I held off the Finches with a promise of payment and a counterfeit ruby necklace.
The only way for me to provide for all of us was to marry wealth.
Someone like Miss Cressida Cowper.
[exhales softly.]
Colin.
We, uh, missed you at the ball last night.
Yes.
I fear I was not feeling up to it.
After seeing Marina? How is she, Colin? She is content.
[sighs.]
Good.
I am glad.
Perhaps seeing her was what you needed.
To leave the past behind.
To no longer feel the need to forswear women.
Lady Crane said she was content, but I cannot help but feel like Well, we were all so hard on her.
Myself included.
Perhaps if Lady Whistledown hadn't rushed to print her gossip, things may have turned out differently for her.
For all of us, in fact.
But, I suppose, there is no use dwelling on the past.
I am, indeed, thinking of the future.
Pardon me, Pen.
[Lady Whistledown.]
 Dearest gentle reader, while much occurred at the Bridgerton country visit, this author feels not all is fit to print.
Especially when so much is already known by far too many members of the ton.
But if you thought we would reach the end of this journey without this trusted author finding a truly delectable morsel of gossip, then you are sorely mistaken.
I am sorry things did not go as planned, Bon.
It is not your fault, Didi.
We both did everything we could have done.
The viscount's feelings are clearly not there for me.
Perhaps they are elsewhere.
[Lady Whistledown.]
While Prudence Featherington seems to have secured her match, it was not the only occurrence of note.
[Kate.]
Edwina? There is something I must tell you.
[Anthony.]
Wait.
Lord Bridgerton.
Might I speak with you? Of course.
- [Anthony.]
That was meant for Miss Edwina.
- My lord? Miss Edwina Sharma.
Will you marry me? Yes.
[laughing.]
Yes! Yes! I shall be your viscountess.
I shall marry you.
[Lady Whistledown.]
Anthony Bridgerton is now betrothed to Miss Edwina Sharma.
Victory, indeed.