[light music playing]
[horses neighing]
- Remind me of your name again? - I did not give it.
[Sophie clears throat]
Sophie Baek.
Well, Sophie Baek,
we are only a few hours away from London,
but if you wish to continue sitting in silence,
I believe we can stretch this ride out into eternity.
[Sophie] We are not so near to London. Look at the constellations.
Also, it is going to rain.
- I do not think so. - It is going to rain.
It is not--
That was mist.
And that?
A collection of mist.
[thunder rumbling]
[steady rainfall]
I fear we cannot go any faster in this weather.
I have a cottage not far from here. We can wait out the rain there.
Oh.
[groans]
Are you well?
I'm well.
Excellent, in fact.
- You are injured. - I'm not injured.
[thunder cracking]
[groans]
I may have earned a small bruise from my conversation with Cavender.
[light music fades]
And here we are.
- [Sophie] Is this your cottage? - [Benedict] That is my stable.
My cottage is farther up the way.
- [thunder rumbles] - [curious music rises]
[Sophie] "Cottage" feels somewhat
misleading.
[music peaks and fades]
[thunder rumbling]
[knocking at door]
The Crabtrees should be here. They take care of the house and grounds.
You do have the keys to your own cottage, do you not?
I do not need to carry keys.
Someone simply is here.
[knocking continues]
Perhaps the Crabtrees keep a spare key somewhere.
I am certain they will return at any moment.
[groans]
If they did leave, it is likely they got caught in the storm as well,
in which case, we can always retreat to the…
Sophie?
[door opens]
[intriguing music plays]
- How did you… - I climbed through the window.
Servants are resourceful.
[Benedict] Hmm.
- [music fades] - [closing door echoes]
We need to get warm.
I shall build us a fire.
You… you do not have to do the housework.
I shall do it.
Have you ever lit a fire before?
It does not take a genius.
Wood, meet flame.
A fire…
Oh.
…needs kindling.
Hm.
I see.
[flames whoosh softly]
[exhales]
[thunder continues outside]
Very well.
Where are the servants' rooms?
That is where the Crabtrees stay.
- You will be sleeping in a guest bedroom. - That is unnecessary.
I am happy to sleep upstairs.
If you knew Mrs. Crabtree,
you'd know she would not be happy with a stranger in her part of the house.
Follow me.
[exhales sharply]
[clears throat] The bed is decent enough.
And you are welcome to wear anything in the wardrobe.
[gentle music plays]
You did not mention there was a lady of the house.
It wouldn't be right for me to wear her clothing.
Those dresses belong to my sisters. And they are old. They will not mind.
Oh.
Thank you.
I am going to bed.
Your injury. I can make a compress if--
Thank you, but I assure you, it is nothing. Good night.
[door shuts]
[gentle music continues]
[music intensifies]
[music turns grim]
- [thunder rumbling] - [steady rainfall pattering]
[Benedict groaning]
[loud grunt]
[groaning continues]
[knocking at door]
- Mr. Bridgerton? - [groaning heavily]
- Sir? - [panting]
Are you unwell?
[Benedict panting]
- Sir? - [groaning deeply]
[grim music intensifies]
Mr. Bridgerton, you are burning up.
This is hardly a bruise. Why did you not say anything?
[Benedict panting]
[strained grunt]
[loud groaning]
[tense music rises]
[Benedict moaning]
This will hurt.
[crying out]
Forgive me.
[breathing shakily]
[tense music playing]
Thank you.
[music calms and fades]
[thunder rumbling]
[steadfast music rises]
Kiss me.
[echoing] What?
What did you say?
[Benedict] Do not leave me.
Do not leave me again.
My lady.
[music softens]
[thunder rumbles lightly]
[steadfast music builds]
Kiss me.
- [thunder rumbling] - [music peaks and fades out]
- [rainfall fades] - [winds swirling]
- [winds calm] - [birds singing]
[Lady Whistledown] Dearest Gentle Reader,
like a butterfly that flaps its wings in London,
causing a tempest at Land's End,
it seems that the dismissal of a single housemaid
from Penwood House some months ago
has invited disorder even this author could not have anticipated.
So skilled was this maid, apparently,
that Lady Penwood was in need of four new maids to replace her.
[lively music playing]
And where better to find new maids…
than amongst the well-trained staff of neighbors and friends.
Lady Penwood is said to have enticed Lady Keswick's lady's maids
with promises of better pay,
one of Lady Hamilton's laundry maids with the allure of prettier dresses,
and poached not two but three housemaids from the Marquess of Leicester.
With a shortage of capable staff already plaguing the ton,
it seems Mayfair has fallen into disarray.
I hear Lady Keswick has even resorted
to asking her scullery maid to do her hair,
leading to rather unpleasant results.
Now, the demand for the best help has soared to new heights,
the tempest growing as each household attempts to replenish their ranks.
And so, the Great Maid War has begun.
Who could have imagined that so very much would be upended
by one unassuming maid.
[music fades]
Perhaps the lady came over for tea,
but the tea made her drowsy.
Too drowsy to retire to her own room?
[light snoring]
[clears throat]
[edgy music plays]
Oh. Good morning.
Pay me no heed.
Oh… Mm…
Good morning, Mrs. Crabtree.
Oh. This is Sophie.
An unchaperoned lady and unidentified injuries.
He is on the mend, I assure you.
Mr. Crabtree, Sophie, would you give us a moment?
[music fades]
[Mrs. Crabtree] If your mother knew how you were conducting yourself…
We went to visit our daughter, but we got caught in the storm.
But had we known Mr. Bridgerton was here, well… we would have returned at once.
[Benedict] …she was nearly assaulted at her house and then let go of.
Oh!
Oh, that poor dear girl.
And she came to my aid last night, so she should be treated as our guest.
Of course. Of course.
Mrs. Wilson. A moment.
You are happy here, are you not?
- Of course, my lady. - This Maid Wars business…
You have nothing to worry about, ma'am.
This is my household.
If there were ever any rumblings, they would be dealt with by me.
- Thank you. - Mm.
Francesca, would you and Lord Kilmartin like to accompany me in my carriage
to the garden party tomorrow?
We would, but we have planned an outing with Penelope and Colin.
Have you?
I hope you do not feel left out. It is simply that--
- You are both married. - Is that what you were going to say?
If Mama has her way, I will also be by the end of tomorrow's party.
Well, in fact, I did not accept the invitation on your behalf.
Benedict spoke to me before he left,
and he convinced me to give you some respite from suitors.
Mother… thank you. [chuckles]
You are sensible and truly ever-wise.
I am glad you think so.
I hope you will agree with me, then, that if you're not going out into society,
it is perfect timing to chaperone Hyacinth's finishing lessons.
- [snickers] - [light music plays]
[clears throat]
No?
What a delightful idea, Mama.
Unless, of course, you would prefer to speak to suitors today?
Very well. I do have some reading to get through.
Well, perhaps you will benefit from the lessons too, Eloise.
Certainly the tutorial on posture.
[Lady Featherington] And she said, "My dear, that is not a feather duster."
[Philippa] It is madness out there.
Yesterday, I watched Lady Abercorn trip over her own dress
because her maid quit before hemming her garments.
- [laughing] - She fell over on Rotten Row.
[Lady Featherington] It is all rather amusing,
not that I would laugh at another's misfortune.
Oh no, of course not.
May I have some more tea, Varley?
Another?
Thankfully, that disorder will never affect our household.
That is why we treat our staff as members of our family.
Is that not true, Varley?
As a matter of fact, there is something I must discuss with you, ma'am.
But… in… in private.
We're all women here.
Um…
I have received an offer to work for another household.
[laughing heartily]
Oh, I'd have loved to have seen the looks on their faces when you rejected them.
[both laugh and stop]
You did reject them, did you not?
- Oh, of course. - [light music plays]
Um, but the offer,
the… the rate for housekeepers has gone up in 20 years.
And… and I…
I hoped that you might consider,
well, um…
increasing my salary.
Varley, it is unseemly to discuss matters of money amongst family.
Of course, ma'am, but it is only because I know you know how often I go beyond
my ordinary duties.
Varley, you do not need to cheapen yourself
by selling yourself to me.
I know your value.
If it will make you happier,
I will take your request into consideration.
- Is that satisfactory? - [Varley] Oh, quite.
Oh, thank you, ma'am.
Oh, another?
Uh, please.
Ah.
[music fades]
That is a lovely pendant.
Is there a story behind it?
Oh.
No. I'm not accustomed to such a low neckline.
- I usually tuck it behind my collar. - Mm.
Come along for breakfast, dear.
[Sophie] Good day.
Thank you.
This looks excellent.
[Mr. Crabtree] It's no trouble.
We shall stay while you eat with your guest.
Mm. How thoughtful of you, Mrs. Crabtree.
Please, sit.
The Crabtrees have been with me 20 years.
[Mrs. Crabtree] Twenty-three.
I was a maid at Bridgerton House when Mr. Bridgerton was little.
[stifles laughter]
[Sophie] Yes?
I've never seen anyone eat a meal with such enthusiasm.
- This is delicious. - [Benedict] Mm.
It has been far too long since I've had Mrs. Crabtree's breakfast.
[Mr. Crabtree] What has kept you away?
He loves his time here in the country.
Oh. Um, well, I suppose I have been…
consumed by my obligations in London.
Various… affairs.
In fact, will you prepare the carriage? We should be making our way back--
Oh no.
No, no, no. You are injured and in no condition to travel.
I'm keeping you in bed until you have made a full recovery.
Mrs. Crabtree, you are being unreasonable. I am feeling much improved
with every bite.
If your wound does not heal properly, it could become infected again.
You need rest.
I've learned it's best to do as she says.
I shall assist Mrs. Crabtree.
Mm-mm-mm! You will do no such thing.
I've already said, you are my guest.
[light music plays]
[gasps] My guest.
- Then what do you suggest I do? - Are you incapable of leisure?
[scoffs]
I know how to leisure.
I know how to leisure perfectly.
Perfect.
[charming music plays]
[tense notes hold]
[upbeat music plays]
[grunts] Oh!
Goodness.
Ugh.
[calm music plays]
[light music plays]
[groans]
Why is Lady Whistledown writing of maids?
I am not interested in maids.
I do not even think we have them here.
Brimsley?
We have 142 maids and manservants, Your Majesty.
Well, Lady Whistledown should not be concerning herself with maids.
I want gossip.
Maids are gossip.
It is all anyone can talk about.
These Maid Wars are wreaking havoc in every household of the ton.
[laughs] Yours?
[chuckling] No.
I pay my maids well and treat them with respect.
Hmm. Brimsley.
The royal household is royal, Your Majesty.
Maids clamor to get in, not out.
Hm. Of course.
Imagine wanting to leave here.
- Imagine. - What shall we do today?
Another game of chess?
I have a rope dancer standing by.
- And there was also a flautist. - Whatever amuses Her Majesty most.
Rope dancer, then.
Ah.
[gentle moaning]
[panting]
[John sighs]
That was very nice.
[both laugh]
[John exhales]
John?
Yes?
Do you think it unusual we are not yet with child?
We are not yet even a year married.
And we have only been recommitted these last few months.
Do you think there is anything I should be doing?
[chuckles softly]
Look, I…
Well, I have heard a woman is more likely to conceive if she achieves her pinnacle.
[light music rises]
You are achieving a pinnacle, are you not?
Of course.
Yes.
[John] Good.
[Francesca chuckles]
- [music fades] - [insects chirring]
Oh.
Pardon me.
Please, take any book that interests you.
Unless you cannot read. Oh, forgive me.
I know how to read.
Ah… Forgive me.
Again.
It is rare to encounter a maid who reads.
The first family I worked for
allowed me to be present during their children's lessons.
Are you not supposed to be in bed?
Know what is interesting about spending all day in bed?
- What? - Nothing.
If I do not die of infection, I shall die of boredom.
A terrible fate indeed.
But I did manage to send word back to London
in search of work for you and your friend,
Hazel.
- Thank you. - No…
And thank you for your help with the situation
at Cavender House, Mr. Bridgerton.
Please.
We are past the formality.
Call me Benedict.
If we are past the formality, then…
perhaps you could tell me more about this fine library.
Eh… [chuckles]
What is the story here?
[Benedict] Hm.
I have not seen this in ages.
I told my brother Gregory I would mend it for him, but…
never got round to it.
- I think little Gregory would love this. - Gregory is at Eton now.
- Oh. - [chuckles]
And these paintings?
[hesitantly] Uh…
Unfortunate.
It was a passion of mine,
for a little while anyway.
[Sophie gasps softly]
This is the one.
The style is unrestrained, but it gives the impression of real feeling.
Yes.
[chuckles] That was my intention.
You are an artist.
What… No. I…
No. All my paintings are unfinished, and most of them aren't even any good.
I… dabble.
I am no artist.
You need not be so modest.
Consider Michelangelo.
We may know him for his great works,
but he made so many sketches that he deemed inferior
that he had them destroyed in a bonfire, two bonfires in fact.
I never met a maid who knew so much about art.
Tell me then about this family who gave you art and reading lessons.
Ah. There is not much to say, really.
Eh, do not grow sheepish now.
I do intend to learn your secrets while we're here.
I should retire to my room.
Mm. Sophie.
That is my French grammar book.
[speaking in French]
[speaking in French with British accent]
Hm. [stifles laughter]
My pronunciation is exquisite.
What is wrong with my pronunciation?
It'd be better if you keep your jaw perfectly still and rely on your lips.
- I do not even know how that would-- - Here.
Focus on the lips.
[speaking French]
[both chuckling]
[speaking French]
[soft music rises slowly]
Mr. Bridgerton, my good wife is bringing your dinner shortly,
and if she sees you out of bed,
she may force you to stay in there till next year.
Thank you.
Good night, Mr. Bridgerton.
Will you please call me Benedict?
- [lively music playing] - [indistinct chattering]
You called for me, ma'am?
[Lady Featherington] Yes.
[chuckles]
Well, go on, then.
Open it.
[music ends]
A gift.
For me?
I've considered your request conscientiously,
but unfortunately,
there is a precedent in this household, and if we raise your wages,
we'll have to raise the wages of everyone underneath you,
and, well, we simply are not in the financial position to do so.
Um…
I understand, ma'am.
But I wanted to give you a token of my appreciation,
a gift to let you know how valued you are.
[sighs softly]
[light music plays]
I do not know what to say.
I knew it.
You love them so much that you're speechless.
That is quite all right.
There is no need to thank me. Thank you.
- Your old dresses, ma'am. - Only two seasons out-of-date.
You will be the star amongst your peers
on your day off when you…
do what you do.
Now, I know you must be eager to try it on,
but would you please first fetch me my tea?
I'm exhausted from sorting through the back of my wardrobe.
Of course, ma'am.
Mm.
[grunts]
[strains]
["Prim and Proper" by Patrick Hawes plays]
[driver] Giddyap.
[panting and moaning]
[carriage thudding]
[both chuckle and sigh]
[driver] Gunter's!
[both panting]
- [sighs] - [chuckling]
Francesca, Lord Kilmartin.
- There you are. - Our sincerest apologies.
- We were delayed at home. - We got caught behind a broken carriage.
[light chuckling]
Shall we head inside for ice cream?
I must say, I could use a cool refreshment.
- [John] After you. - [Colin chuckles]
[song fades]
[laughs]
Is it terrible how obvious we are?
Never mind, of course you understand.
You and John are newlyweds after all.
Yes.
And what is it exactly
that all newlyweds understand?
Well, thankfully for me, it is what keeps Whistledown in business.
Constant desire for one another.
That sensation when two bodies…
Yes, thank you, Penelope.
Forgive me. Sometimes I do forget that I am indeed married to your brother.
Without… going into details,
do you experience the…
[whispering] …um…
pinnacle?
[shop bell jingles]
Well, yes, of course.
- Do you not? - [John] Here we are.
Ice cream all round. Your usual.
Vanilla.
[Colin] Mm.
[Alice] You are most quiet today.
[Lady Danbury] My apologies, my dear.
I have much on my mind.
I can be a discreet ear, if you wish.
Hm!
Her Majesty.
She likes to keep me close.
We spend our afternoons together.
It is pleasant.
She's my friend.
But I am no longer one of her ladies-in-waiting.
I have not been for years.
She has many ladies-in-waiting.
And yet, you remain her only lady-in-waiting.
It is no secret the Queen enjoys little familiarity with her ladies.
I wonder why she keeps them.
Being a lady-in-waiting is an honor, Alice,
one that most would only ever dare to dream of.
- Of course. - Mm.
It is only…
Well, if she does not enjoy them, how can they be useful to her?
How can they hope ever to fill your shoes?
Hmm.
[intriguing music plays]
[music fades out]
No.
Absolutely not.
I am nearly finished.
Put down that pot.
Mr. Bridgerton says you are his guest,
and so you are his guest.
That is the comfortable chair.
Put yourself in it.
Not accustomed to leisure time, are you?
I am the same.
Sit.
- How far is the walk into the village? - Much too far.
Especially with the mud after the storm.
I'd like to see if there's a mail coach
that can take me to town to seek employment.
If Mr. Bridgerton told you he would find you work,
I assure you he will.
He is a man of his word.
I suppose if he uses his charm, he may be successful finding me something.
Hm.
He can be rather…
compelling.
Has Mr. Bridgerton been improper toward you?
No. No.
The opposite.
Mr. Bridgerton is most kind,
but I would not mistake his kindness for familiarity.
It is important for all of us to remember our place.
[pleasant string music playing]
[indistinct conversations]
[man] Yes, I'll take one.
We almost had to cancel when Lady Hamilton poached our footman.
I, in turn, had to poach the footman from our neighbor's estate
just to carry up the heavier furnishings.
I hear it has been mayhem.
But today shows no indication of it.
Your garden is lovely.
Ahh…
Dearest, I should like to introduce you to Lady Radstock.
What a delightful surprise.
I did not know that you would be here today.
- I was hungry to see your smiling face. - [laughs cheerily]
And I wished to know if you were avoiding me.
Avoiding you?
I've heard little from you since I suggested we spend time alone.
Oh, well, I…
Um, I… I have been contemplating it.
[chuckles]
It is not my wish to compel you.
You need not avoid me if you are not ready.
[loudly] I am ready!
[quietly] But I am… I'm ready.
I am not… ready.
It has been some time.
It is warm, is it not?
Like to move to another subject?
Yes, please.
[Violet chuckles]
There is nothing like a garden in full bloom, is there?
[laughs, then sighs]
[lilting string music plays]
[indistinct murmurings]
[in British Sign Language] It is her.
[in BSL] Her nerve.
Lady Penwood. Welcome. [polite chuckle]
We did plan this so long ago.
The invitations went out before you stole my coachman.
He was a wonder finding the place, by the way.
He is quite clever, is he not?
[music ends]
[pensive music plays]
[intriguing music plays]
Mr. Bridgerton.
Benedict.
Mr. Bridgerton.
You know, you do not have to wear the same dress every day.
There are plenty in that wardrobe.
I do not wish to dirty any of your sisters' other frocks.
May I help you?
I have been staring at the same wall for days.
I have committed the cobwebs to memory. Ah! I am going outside.
Absolutely not. Mrs. Crabtree will not like it.
You need to heal.
You may not condemn my actions, but you'll have to keep my secret.
- No. - No?
- I suppose you'll have to come with me. - I do not think it prudent.
Is fresh air not meant to be restorative?
I'm strong enough to manage standing outside.
And I have an idea.
Come.
[leaves rustling]
Are kites not for children?
Perhaps.
But how will I know if I have fixed this one if I do not fly it?
- Do you know where Mrs. Crabtree is? - You worry far too much.
There we are.
- [stifles laughter] - [light music playing]
Well, perhaps I prefer it this way.
When it is in the air, it is much too far away to admire.
May I have a look?
I have humiliated myself in front of you enough.
I will mend it. Just give me a moment.
Oh…
[quietly] Ow.
There.
That does… not look right.
Is this your secret?
That you are in fact an expert in kite making?
I know kites. Do you know how many kites I have flown?
I have seven brothers and sisters.
It will fly.
Mm-hm.
[light music rises]
Whoa!
[both laughing]
Hm!
[wind whistling gently]
Ha.
My apologies for doubting you.
Mm.
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this.
I have not flown a kite since I was a little girl.
It is good to be reminded of such happy memories.
Go on, then.
Oh no, I am content to observe.
I insist.
I fixed it for you.
Unless…
- What? - [sighs]
…you are concerned you might have a bit of fun.
[intriguing music plays]
Go on. You have to run with it.
Go on. If you do not, I will, and I'm injured.
Go on. Go!
- [Sophie laughs] - [Benedict grunts] Oh!
[both laughing]
You were right. [laughs]
This is wonderful. Thank you, Mr. Bridgerton.
Benedict! Keep going.
- [Benedict repeating] Go, go. - [Sophie repeating] No, no, no.
[both exclaiming]
[Sophie] No, no, no!
[both laughing]
Do you see what I am seeing?
There. [groans]
[both laughing]
I imagine there's a kite at the end of that string.
Not the kite.
[chuckles lightly]
What is happening between him and her?
[Mr. Crabtree] The maid?
[Mrs. Crabtree] He certainly does not treat her like a maid.
Well,
perhaps he likes her.
He cannot like her.
Do you know what happens to a maid if word spreads
she has been defiled by a gentleman?
My God, woman, who said anything about defiling?
Even the rumor of such a thing could ruin her reputation for life.
What lady would want to employ such a maid in her home?
While your servants may set the table,
it is your duty as a hostess to ensure all is in order.
An elegantly laid table can be as important to the success of your dinner
as the guests who have been invited.
Because one could never be real friends with someone with poor taste in spoons.
Exactly correct, Miss Bridgerton.
And do you know what is even more important
than what goes on top of your table?
The seating plan?
The seating plan
is the best way to display your exquisite discernment and refinement.
It is imperative to know the rank of each guest beforehand.
[Hyacinth] The host is sat at the head,
with the two highest-ranking ladies on each side of him.
The husbands of these ladies are next to the hostess at the other end of the table.
[teacher] Correct, and everyone else?
Married couples are to be seated near one another,
as well as eligible bachelors and debutantes
active in the marriage mart to encourage conversation.
Spinsters and the elderly are sat somewhere in the middle.
Do you mean I would have to sit with Great Uncle Eli?
Could you hand me the last cards, Eloise?
Ah.
[chuckles] Well, at least the spinsters get to be the flashy silver tassel.
Miss Bridgerton, that is gray.
[Hyacinth] Thank you.
[Eloise] Mm-hm.
In fact, we hardly ever use the west sitting room anymore.
If you want to take some paintings from there for your entrance hall,
I'm sure Mrs. Wilson could help.
Mother, what is a pinnacle?
- A… - A… pinnacle?
In… Are you speaking of…
- In the bedroom. - Oh.
[light music playing]
Well…
Um…
I wish to explain this as…
best I can.
I did your sister Daphne something of a disservice in this matter.
I simply need information.
It has been quite some time for me,
but…
uh, a pinnacle?
It is pleasant.
Well, it is more than pleasant. It is…
a de-- a delightful, um…
[chuckles shyly]
…closeness…
uh, that is, um…
Oh, it is nearly impossible to describe.
It's like a shared language,
and… when you speak the same language,
you are able to… feel…
[clears throat]
…a…
magical, special… feeling…
ahem… inside.
[music fades]
[bright cheerful music plays]
[music fades]
Who's there?
[inquisitive music plays]
I'm not famed for my patience, though my curiosity is rather strong.
So I can wait here forever.
[breathes deeply]
You might as well show yourself.
[sighs deeply]
[laughing]
What are you doing out here?
I am taking my daily walk.
How convenient that your daily walk
should take you right to where I happen to be swimming.
Would you?
You are finally wearing a new dress.
It suits you.
Thank you.
Sir.
You know, I would not be offended if in fact you followed me here.
I didn--
Of course I did not follow you.
I wished to take a walk, and Mr. Crabtree informed me there was a lake nearby
to which he provided directions,
and, as I am a keen listener, I…
found it.
Mm… A thorough explanation is not always the most convincing one.
You should not have been in the lake. The water is freezing.
It is quite temperate.
And you should not be swimming when you have been unwell.
If we are so concerned with shoulds, you should not be spying.
- I was certainly not spying. - I think you were.
- I was not. - You assuredly were.
- So you did not notice me? - I cannot help but notice you.
[gentle music stirring]
[soft music rises elegantly]
Oh, I… I apologize.
- I… I should not have… - No, I-- I apologize. I should…
- Please. - [both chuckle]
After you.
[light music plays]
Thank you.
I shall continue my walk,
and we shall
later convene.
Indeed.
Good day, Mrs. Crabtree.
Good day, Sophie.
[door opens]
[door shuts]
[footsteps approach]
Mrs. Crabtree.
A sublime day in the country, is it not?
Indeed.
[exhales]
[quietly] What are you doing?
[music fades]
Thank heavens you are healing quite nicely,
even though you disobeyed direct orders to stay out of that lake.
Yes, Mrs. Crabtree?
I have tried to hold my tongue.
You need not silence yourself. You are like a mother to me,
in that it's impossible for you not to share your opinions as well.
[scoffs]
You bring a maid to this house, yet you do not treat her as such.
[scoffs]
Sophie has been through an ordeal. It is only right we treat her as a guest.
Is that all you are treating her as?
She is merely a friend, Mrs. Crabtree.
Well, you may see her as a friend,
but her station does not allow her a choice in the matter, does it?
Whatever there is between the two of you, she must acquiesce,
because it is what you wish.
[poignant notes play slowly]
Of course.
[poignant music plays gently]
You are a fine young man, Mr. Bridgerton.
And one day you will meet a suitable young lady.
Mm. I did, in fact, meet one.
In London.
Oh.
- What is she called? - Uh… Well.
I met her at the masquerade ball my mother hosted,
but she left before I could learn her name.
Ah, yes.
I was searching for her,
but since I have been held hostage at my own cottage…
If this lady is important to you,
do not let her be like one of the projects in your study,
something you are passionate about today but forget about tomorrow.
You owe it to yourself
to dedicate yourself
to something.
[door shuts]
[music fades]
Oh.
- A pleasing color, ma'am. - Thank you, Varley.
Since I made room by giving you some of my old dresses,
I've had to purchase a few replacements.
Ma'am,
I thought you said that money was scarce.
And I thought I made myself clear that discussing money with family is unseemly.
But we are not family. I…
I am your employee.
I assist Mrs. Bridgerton with Lady Whistledown.
I keep your many secrets. I have seen us through the worst of times,
and my reward is witnessing you disport yourself in your new wares
while I can barely afford to buy anything practical to wear on my rare day off.
[somber music plays]
I care dearly for you
and your girls,
but in spite of all that I do,
I am not a member of this family, ma'am.
Well.
If you believe that you will be happier in another household,
then I shall not beg you to stay.
If you wish to leave… go.
[somber music continues]
These are from Switzerland.
- And these are French. - Hm.
I do not know where these are from,
but I had those brought to me from Germany.
- They are delightful. - [chuckles]
Your Majesty, have you replaced Lady Baird,
the lady-in-waiting whom you dismissed?
I was sharing my bonbons.
And they are exquisite. Your taste is discerning.
I was only thinking that perhaps it is time
to find you a new lady-in-waiting?
You deserve a full court.
Yes. I shall talk to the royal secretary.
If you do not mind, Your Majesty,
I should very much like the honor of choosing your new lady-in-waiting.
I believe I may have some idea of what you might need.
Do you?
- Agatha. - Mm.
I do not need any of them.
They are all dull.
Then let me find you someone who is not.
If you wish, you may make the attempt,
but you will fail.
I believe my taste in ladies
may be as discerning as your taste in bonbons.
I shall bring you someone whose presence you will enjoy.
Mm!
Heavenly.
[laughs wryly]
Sophie.
Mr. Bridgerton.
It is good to see you at the easel.
Yes.
I am finally starting to feel more like… myself.
You will be relieved to know
Mrs. Crabtree gave me a clean bill of health.
I am glad to hear it.
For I have been thinking that I should like to return to London.
Oh.
[gentle music plays]
I woke up thinking the same thing.
Well then, we are agreed.
I am eager to see what employment you are able to find for me.
Idle hands and all.
Yes, I am eager to help you and… return
to my affairs.
Of course.
Sophie, I, um…
Yes?
I hope you do not…
I apologize.
It was improper.
I regret it.
You need not apologize.
As soon as we're on the road, we need not speak of it ever again.
[music fades]
[faintly] Thank you.
It is not that I do not enjoy your company, Francesca,
but… we have been sitting here for quite some time.
Apologies. I simply… uh…
Thank you.
At Gunter's, the…
pinnacle we were speaking of…
Yes.
I do not know what the pinnacle is, or means,
or where to find it, or how to acquire it or…
What is a pinnacle?
Have you discussed this with John?
My husband?
I cannot very well admit I have not known this entire time.
Francesca, it is common.
- Think about learning pianoforte. - I beg you.
No similes, no analogies, no sentimentalities. I just need answers.
Very well.
Um… It is a…
sensation that…
occurs between your legs and spreads throughout your entire body.
Your heart will begin to race.
You may gasp for air or shout into the night.
It'd feel like the height of pleasure.
Oh.
It cannot always only be achieved through the action of love.
It can help to be spontaneous to create a sense of excitement or anticipation,
like a bird staring at a warm biscuit.
Forgive me. No more similes.
- [Eloise] Hm. - [Penelope] Oh.
Francesca.
What a surprise to see you here.
Eloise. [chuckles politely]
- Yes, we were… just discussing-- - Marriage.
Tedious married people things.
Oh, do not tell me.
Are you exhausted by the terribly onerous task
of selecting the right spoons?
[Penelope laughs]
Biscuits, actually.
Yes, how to keep them warm.
[stifling laughter]
Sir.
Ah.
Lady Bridgerton.
Apologies for the intrusion.
It is anything but. I am delighted to see you.
[both chuckle lightly]
I, uh…
wanted to tell you… Well, I feel it would be best if I shared with you--
- Violet… - No. Let me say this.
Or I shall swoon from embarrassment. I may swoon regardless.
It has been a long time since I spent time alone with someone,
a man.
I have never… Edmund was my husband, and there was no one after him,
so I put that part of myself away when he died.
- If you do not wish-- - No, I wish to. I wish to very much.
Oh, very much.
Very much. It's…
Well, there are the children. My children, and they are marvelous,
but all of them, they are like dogs on a fox,
and I cannot be their fox.
We would need to be discreet,
and I cannot cause them any harm.
I cannot answer the questions they'll have.
I can barely speak to you, and you are the person-- I cannot be their fox.
- If I may-- - No, there is more. I…
No, I am… uh, mature now.
My body… Well, I have had eight children with this body, and I am different now.
All of me is different.
How will that be?
Well, it worked with Edmund very well,
but I do not know if it was because it was my Edmund, or…
Will it feel like that with another? How could it? But perhaps it can.
I want it to. I want to be seen and…
touched…
by you.
I…
I am nervous.
[both chuckle]
I understand if this makes you wish… I will not blame you if hearing all this,
you do not want me.
["All I Wanted (Paramore cover)" by Vitamin String Quartet plays]
I want you.
If possible, I want you more.
You've shown me yourself.
I'm grateful.
We need be in no hurry.
I am content
as long as I'm in your presence.
[both chuckle softly]
[Lady Whistledown] Of tempests and butterflies,
this author does believe in the power of a little thing
to change the circumstances of the world.
But sometimes, no matter how hard a little thing flaps its wings…
I assume you have a route to London you wish to offer?
…if the wind blows the wrong way…
No.
It would not be my place.
…everything goes back to exactly the way it was.
["All I Wanted (Paramore cover)" playing]
[song fades]
[closing theme music plays]
[music fades out]