- Hello. - Good day.
- We're not far now. - Very well.
Do you know my new employers well?
Very well, in fact.
Are they kind?
- I certainly think so. - Do they have any children?
Oh. Um…
Yes, many.
This is Bridgerton House.
You-- You know it?
- Everyone in town knows Bridgerton House. - Huh.
Are we leaving the carriage and continuing by foot?
Oh, it'll be a short walk.
I see.
How short, exactly?
So short, in fact, that your new job is where I live.
Well, where I reside half the time while I fill in for the viscount.
I cannot work for you!
Strictly speaking, you will work for my mother, whom you will love.
Wh-- Where are you going?
I thank you most sincerely for the ride and your offer, sir.
- But I will find a position elsewhere. - Wi-- Will you, though?
I did write to a few friends,
but for some reason their wives were told not to hire you.
Then… I will return to the countryside where they are less discerning.
And what if you do not find anything there?
Or worse, what if you end up working for someone like Cavender?
If I had known this was where I would be working,
I would never have left Cavender House.
Huh.
Well, I do have some business to transact about the estate,
this week… but I have no interest in getting in your way.
It is a large house.
We will hardly see one another.
I'm only trying to help, especially as it seems you do not have another option.
I know nothing of what your… friends' wives are talking about.
There must be some sort of misunderstanding.
Of course.
I know you,
Sophie.
Well, if it is not my son who has mastered the art of disappearing.
Hello, Mother.
Lady Bridgerton. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Sophie Baek, my lady.
Would you excuse us a moment?
- I am Mrs. Wilson, the housekeeper. - Hello, Mrs. Wilson.
- Did you not receive my letter? - Yes.
But you returned before you could receive my response, which is that, unfortunately,
there are no positions at present, and I must tell you,
Mrs. Wilson has heard rumors that this girl is not to be trusted.
Mother, I do not pay heed to rumors.
I trust her.
- She saved my life. - Are you injured?
- On the mend, thanks to Sophie. - What happened?
Oh… it is a long story.
But I am well.
And Sophie desperately needs a position.
Quite lucky to find yourself here…
I understand you saved my son's life, Sophie.
I am most grateful you were there in his time of need.
Oh, it is nothing, truly.
Do you have a letter of introduction from your last employer?
I… No, it was--
Her last employer was most unkind.
- Phillip Cavender. - Ah…
Yes, well…
I never liked that boy.
Tell me then about your qualifications.
I was just telling Mrs. Wilson I am familiar with the newest fashions.
I can clean, mend, read, write…
- She speaks French. - And Latin.
My, that is most exceptional.
Well, perhaps my girls will benefit from a lady's maid.
Eloise could use a push,
and Hyacinth, a companion.
It is settled, then.
Mrs. Wilson, will you show Sophie to her room?
Thank you, Lady Bridgerton.
Mr. Bridgerton.
Dearest Gentle Reader,
the art of portraiture
is to capture its subjects as they appear in daily life…
while allowing the subtleties crackling beneath the surface
to shine through.
To catch such detail takes an attentive eye
and would be beyond the patience of this author,
as my attentive eye is fixed on the comings and goings
of Benedict Bridgerton,
who has at last returned to society.
We are back in the hunt. Whistledown will surely be proven wrong
about Mr. Bridgerton's intentions.
Though at least she has ceased boring us with those tedious Maid Wars.
Agatha?
But a portrait captures only a single moment in time,
and whether this current portrait of Mr. Bridgerton
signifies any particular interest in the marriage mart,
this author remains uncertain,
for any return to society brings with it a number of compelling distractions.
Your charges, Miss Bridgerton and Miss Hyacinth.
Their rooms are through there.
Miss Bridgerton always has her nose in a book
and will feign illness to avoid society events.
Miss Hyacinth, on the other hand,
has tried to sneak into a ball on four separate occasions.
Laundry.
Kitchen.
Jellies are nearly ready, Mrs. Wilson.
- And Gregory? - Moments away, ma'am.
- Ahead of schedule, of course? - Mm-hmm.
Everyone?
This is Sophie, ladies' maid.
John. Footman.
- Would you like a jelly? - Uh, no. No, thank you.
Finally, someone able to resist John's charms.
I think we shall be great friends.
Oh, I too could do with a friend.
Where did you last work, Sophie?
A place like this?
No. The house where I worked most of my life, there were only eight of us.
Eight?
And who did all the cleaning and mending and washing and brushing?
Well… I did all of it.
Right.
Jellies are ready.
Let me help carry them.
That is not your job, Sophie.
I could use with the help. Honestly.
It is so good to see you. You look different.
Come here.
Were you not shorter before?
He might be taller, but he remains scraggly.
The best thing about Eton is that sisters are not allowed.
- Gregory! - We missed you!
Welcome home.
Notice anything different?
Um… is your hair darker?
And someone is ready for his first shave.
Send for the barber at once, quickly, before another one sprouts.
I had your favorite jellies prepared.
Jellies? My palate has developed.
I enjoy a Scotch egg and a stiff cup of tea now.
Very mature.
Very well.
Everyone to the drawing room for tea.
…was it long? Well, you're home now.
Before we head inside, I have omitted more important business,
which is that I've returned intent on finding the Lady in Silver.
I thought you had given her up.
I--
I would not give up so easily.
I am determined to find her,
though… it is difficult finding someone who does not wish to be found.
Perhaps given the somewhat scandalous manner of your first encounter,
a more discreet approach is required.
I can have Mrs. Wilson gather the miniatures
of all the young ladies on the guest list.
Thank you.
And the other maid I wrote to you about? I assure you she is just as capable.
If she can do the work, she is welcome.
For my son, who is eager to find a wife, anything.
Hey… Hey, hey. Hey!
Now this lady here, she seems very nice, and she's got dark hair…
- Mm-mm. It's not her. - No? Are you sure?
Miss Sophie!
Hazel!
- I was so worried for you. - Nothing to worry about now.
The heavens provide.
Or in this case, Mr. Bridgerton.
He said he made you a promise to find me employment.
Thank goodness he is a man of his word.
Um…
We shall speak more soon.
Two, two, three. Three, two, three.
Four, two, three. Five, two, three.
Very good, Miss Hyacinth.
Seven, two, three. Eight, two, three.
You are meant to be observing my progress, Eloise.
You have not looked once.
Because, if Mama thinks observing your dance steps
will inspire me to perfect my own, she will be sorely disappointed.
Perhaps a brief respite.
In fact, the idea that your lessons would have any influence on me is preposterous.
I should be influencing you.
Why must either of us influence the other?
If you do not wish to watch my lessons,
perhaps I could read to you from my book about ballerinas.
- Or I could show you my ribbon collection. - I do not wish to read about ballerinas.
And I do not wish to speak to suitors,
but if life on the shelf requires me to chaperone ever-younger relations
and listen to their babble about ribbons and ballerinas,
I do not think that I can endure it.
How do you know you will not like the book?
It is about Marie Sallé.
She is famed for inventing her own steps. She was quite a pioneer of dance.
I… I have read the book.
See?
Are you reading anything now?
Miss Edgeworth's Practical Education.
I borrowed it at your brother's cottage.
I have not read it. Oh, have you read Ennui?
Yes, though I prefer when she writes from the feminine perspective.
A point well-made. We will have to trade books sometime.
Good morning.
Are you… intent on practicing pianoforte in private?
No, that is not…
John?
Yes?
- My apologies. - Uh, forgive me. Uh…
To what do I owe that surprise?
Nothing. I…
I was only wanting to
spontaneously…
uh…
enjoy our tea together.
Shall we?
The spirits are speaking.
They are telling me…
mmm…
Four.
That cannot be! You must have seen.
I have the gift.
If the gift is a sly piece of trickery.
If you truly have the gift of second sight,
perhaps you can tell us who our new neighbors are?
I believe…
It is me,
after I marry a well-to-do gentleman.
I have seen a lady coming and going, but no man of the house.
Perhaps she is a well-to-do mistress.
Um, mistresses do not live in this neighborhood, Celia.
The ton would not like to associate with a house of… that kind.
Uh, what about you, Sophie?
Do you have any hidden talents?
Oh, I, um…
Unless you consider mending a talent, I have no others to report.
Come.
We must prepare the ladies for Lady Danbury's dinner.
The carriages are nearly ready for you, my lady.
Thank you.
Mrs. Wilson?
- Ma'am? - Mrs. Wilson.
Uh, I… I should…
Well, I was wondering--
- Are you hungry, ma'am? - No, no, no.
My appetite is, uh…
I should like to be--
Uh…
I would like to have, uh… tea,
but I do not know how to do that.
- I can have invitations made if you'd-- - Not that kind of tea.
Uh, an…
evening tea, with someone.
Alone.
How would one arrange such a thing?
I would suggest it take place here.
I can remove the servants, give them the night off,
and I alone can remain for when you need assistance with your gowns.
- You will have privacy. - Privacy?
- You do know my children. - Can they be out for the evening?
Uh, well, I have been…
I have been pressing Francesca to host a family dinner.
I could be ill?
You could.
Ma'am, I will make it my business to ensure any evening tea
goes entirely unnoticed.
Thank you, Mrs. Wilson.
Everyone drinks tea, ma'am.
Yes, that is-- Yes. That is true. Everyone drinks tea.
Life is meant to be lived.
Quite dashing, brother.
Oh, good evening, Sophie.
Mr. Bridgerton.
- Oh, excuse me. - Oh… Forgive me.
We might be here all night. Truly.
How are you finding your position?
My sisters are not wearing you out, are they?
No, not at all.
I find them to be delightfully, uh, surprising.
Good.
I think.
Uh, are you still cross at me for bringing you here?
No.
Everyone has been so generous.
In fact, I must thank you
for securing a position for Hazel.
Oh, of course.
- Are you attending Lady Danbury's dinner? - No.
It is only for the ladies, thankfully.
- Do you not enjoy this Lady Danbury? - Oh, I do, very much.
It is only, um…
Well, when we were at My Cottage,
do you remember asking me about whether I ever felt out of place?
Uh…
Never mind.
Are you in need of assistance?
It is a slippery thing, and I cannot find my valet.
May I?
Mm.
There you are.
Thank you, Sophie.
Tell me, Lady Bridgerton.
Has Benedict…
yet found his unknown lady?
So Benedict is the free-spirited reveler Whistledown wrote about?
- Indeed he is. - I thought so.
What a treat to have it straight from the author.
I have shown Benedict the miniatures of nearly every young lady
who attended the masquerade ball, and he is somehow certain none are her.
You may win your wager with the Queen after all, Mrs. Bridgerton.
Ah, your wager that Benedict would not take a wife this season?
You must know Her Majesty backed me into it.
If our search is any indication, I believe Lady Whistledown to be
a wiser woman than I, taking that wager.
Is Lady Whistledown all that wise?
Or has she--
Have I…
not simply become a pawn for Her Majesty and every eager mama in the ton?
Well, how exactly does Benedict describe this young lady?
I would quite like to search for her. I could do with a purpose.
I would love you for it,
and I think you know as much as I do, if not more.
My dear,
what would you think about hosting a dinner?
Do you not think it time we all saw your new home?
I…
I do not know if I am ready for that.
I do not know if John and I are ready.
In a week, then?
- That should give you enough time? - Oh…
- Yes, she is very intelligent. - French, Latin, and Korean.
And she's read more than half the books in our library.
- About whom are you speaking? - My new ladies' maid is extraordinary.
Sophie is my ladies' maid as well.
That is quite an unusual education for a ladies' maid, is it not?
Oh, she's remarkable.
She knows more about art than our brothers and she has an aptitude for the sciences.
What shall we toast?
Perhaps to Benedict's button, as it seems it is getting more attention
than any of us this evening.
Ah… To Benedict's button!
How is the search going for the young lady from the masquerade?
Our mother told Penelope who told me that you were back on the hunt,
but that it was not going very well.
You and Penelope and our mother are correct.
If I am being honest, she's been a memory in my head for so long now
that I can barely remember what she looks like.
Benedict!
It is good to see you back in town.
- You remember Miss Virginia? - Of course. It is a pleasure to see you.
- The pleasure is all mine. - Excuse us.
Hmm.
Friends of yours? Hm.
Yes. Both. Hiscox told me in the countryside
that he has taken a mistress, and that they are quite in love.
That life does not interest me in the least.
You realize Anthony once kept a mistress?
- Before Kate, of course. - Did he?
It does not interest me either.
It is common, though. Half the men in here keep mistresses.
We must marry according to class, but we do not always love that way.
Mm.
I need another round.
Lady Bridgerton, Mrs. Wilson said you wished to see me.
Sophie.
Please, come. Sit.
I would like you to share tea with me.
I have been wishing to show my gratitude to you for saving my son's life.
That is kind of you, ma'am, but I was simply doing my job.
No, you were not working for us then. Come.
I hear you have won over the hardest Bridgerton to impress.
Eloise will not stop talking about you.
She says you are most well-read.
Will you tell me about yourself?
Um, what would you like to know, ma'am?
We could start with how someone as educated as yourself
ended up in the countryside.
Are you from the same village as the Cavenders?
No.
I grew up in Aylesbury.
The lady I worked for was
kind enough to let me sit in on her children's lessons.
Cavender House was a more… recent move.
And this family before that, is there a reason why you left?
The lady of the house and I had a disagreement in the end.
One that I do not wish to discuss, if you do not mind, ma'am.
Very well.
And from Cavender House you went to My Cottage?
Yes.
It was not our intention,
but… on the ride back a storm broke, and then, with Mr. Bridgerton's injury,
we could not travel on.
I hope you did not find it too tedious, the pair of you, all cooped up like that.
- The Crabtrees were there, of course. - Mm-hm.
But it was anything but tedious.
In fact, it was one of the happiest weeks of my life.
I have always wanted to see that part of the country.
And your family, do they still reside in Aylesbury?
Unfortunately, my parents have both passed on.
I see.
I am sorry to hear that.
Sophie, I know you viewed this as a temporary position,
but if you would like it to be permanent… you should stay on.
My girls are most fond of you.
Well, we all are.
Thank you, Lady Bridgerton.
- I shall consider it. - Good.
Now… please.
Have some cake.
They are so much better when warm.
There is something about her that makes me want to protect her.
It seems almost as if Sophie is running from something.
Mmm… Tell me, what do you think of Alice Mondrich?
Oh, she is fantastic.
Especially now that she is helping us look for Benedict's young lady.
She thinks she may have a candidate.
She is conducting some further investigations.
I like her even more, then.
- Violet. - Mm?
I am… in a quandary.
I have a gift of sorts that I would like to give to Mrs. Mondrich,
but if I give it to her,
it is more a gift for myself.
And I know that is selfish, but can I not have something for myself?
Is it so wrong?
Will this hurt Mrs. Mondrich in any way?
On the contrary.
It will benefit her. She will not like it, but it will.
And yet,
I believe it will benefit me more.
I often worry that to want something for myself is selfish,
but I... I do want
particular things, and I should have them.
You-- You should have them.
It is not selfish to want something for yourself.
You have a right to be as happy or as free as you would like.
You have done so much for so many, Agatha.
You have earned your happiness.
I have.
Life is meant to be lived.
Higher? Lower?
They look right to me.
Hm. I should like everything to be just right
before we invite anyone to our home.
Are you ever going to tell me what motivated your visit
the other morning?
My apologies.
I do not know what came over me.
I do not know either, but…
I quite enjoyed it.
Did you?
Well, I have restrained myself in our private life out of respect for you
and your comfort,
but if you should like to be more…
…expressive together,
I should be happy to comply.
I believe I should… comply
as well.
Oh… Apologies.
I… I was about to leave.
No. Or…
I mean, you do not have to.
Not on my account, at least.
I was admiring the stars,
or attempting to.
There are noticeably fewer here than at My Cottage.
Yes… it seems the natural beauty of the world
is dimmed in Mayfair.
I do miss our time in the countryside.
Good night.
Please do not go.
I do not want you to.
Your mother asked me to stay on permanently today.
Mm…
And will you?
Ever since I was a child, I wished to be part of a family like yours.
Even to work for one is a dream.
You… deserve more, Sophie.
I do not know if it is wise for me to stay.
Because…?
Because…
If you wish to stay,
I do not want to jeopardize that for you.
No.
Good night, Mr. Bridgerton.
Mm.
Her Majesty enjoys a deep curtsy,
and I shall speak on our behalf.
You should speak only when spoken to.
I did not realize a simple tea required so much preparation.
Your Majesty.
You remember Mrs. Alice Mondrich,
whose eldest son is heir to the Kent estate?
Mrs. Mondrich, please tell Her Majesty what you told me.
Your Majesty,
I have a neighbor who fits the description of his young lady exactly,
and, after some investigating, I believe she may be the very one.
Do you?
And have you told Lady Bridgerton this?
I sent a letter informing Lady Bridgerton just this morning.
Hm.
Let us hope your theory is correct, Mrs. Mondrich.
Your Majesty?
Yes, yes.
I suppose she may be my new lady-in-waiting.
- Thank you, Your Majesty. - You--
You may withdraw now.
You are just in time for tea
and the latest Whistledown.
Ah.
Dearest Gentle Reader,
of late,
it seems Mayfair's great Maid Wars
are at last beginning to quieten down.
And with the hush,
the ton is hungry for fresh intrigue.
There has been much speculation
about which great family is planning to move in next door
to Bridgerton House.
But, truth be told,
this author finds such speculation rather stale.
Does one not crave something a little bit more… thrilling?
Mm?
Am I interrupting?
Never.
I received a note from Lady Danbury. Mrs. Mondrich has a neighbor.
She has dark hair, she left town directly after the masquerade ball
but has just returned,
and apparently her parents never gave her or her sisters dance lessons.
Well-- That is s… splendid.
It-- It must be her.
Her name is Miss Hollis.
Miss Hollis?
With your permission, I will invite her and her mother over for tea,
and you will wander in, by chance, of course.
And perhaps it is best if we avoid mention of the masquerade or the glove.
I will be the epitome of charm and grace.
Watch yourself there.
Whoa there.
Whoa.
Oh, she has new premises,
and her designs this season are absolutely beautiful.
Well, we can visit, but don't tell Papa.
Oh, my apologies.
I did not know you had company, Mother.
Benedict, please let me introduce Lady Hollis and her daughter, Miss Hollis.
Mm.
Would you join us?
Did you grow up in the countryside?
We live between the two. I make sure I'm here for the season, of course.
But… I do miss the fresh air when we're here…
…I especially love the freedom that the country allows.
It's much easier to be one's true self
without being under the watchful eye of society.
And what of your other interests, Miss Hollis? Do you enjoy swimming?
Swimming?
Yes.
In a lake, for example,
where it is calm and shallow,
or the sea
where things are vast and deep.
That sounds almost like a riddle, Mr. Bridgerton.
I do quite enjoy a good swim,
particularly in the sea.
We spent many childhood summers on the coast of France, in fact.
Did you? Do you speak French?
Uh… Hmm.
Some tutors have said that my pronunciation could be improved,
that, uh, my jaw moves too rapidly.
I would happily disagree.
I think you speak perfectly. Whoever told you that is a fool.
- So, France? - Yes.
Colin has been to France many times. He says it is wonderful.
Maybe he can show me sometime.
Would anyone care for more tea?
Where is, um, Hazel, or Celia?
They're both presently occupied, so I insisted on helping, sir.
Miss Hollis, more tea?
If it is not too much trouble.
Whereabouts in France?
They say the weather in Paris is very lovely.
- Very sunny. - Mm.
- I suppose the coast. - We've traveled extensively.
The south of France is a little warm.
Oh, really, no more for me.
- Oh… - Ah! Damn it!
Benedict.
Forgive me, I'm so… Forgive me.
Leave it.
I will return with another cup.
It is rather late, is it not?
Yes.
Perhaps we should go.
We do have a… a family event to attend this evening.
Such a beautiful home.
It has always been a dream of mine to visit Bridgeton House.
Surely you were here for the masquerade ball?
Yes, I was planning to attend, but sadly, I fell ill and could not.
Perhaps with all the disguises, I was thought to have been there.
Well, I am glad we could fulfill that dream today.
Mr. Bridgerton.
May I help you?
Do not be foolish.
Sophie, forgive me.
I did not know you would be serving tea.
What does it matter? You are a gentleman.
Gentlemen meet eligible young ladies.
And I am a maid, and I clean up after. It is the way of things.
But… But you should not have to witness it.
It is highly unhelpful when you say things like that.
Even more so when you fill my head with foolish ideas
as you did last night in this very spot.
I have no intention of pursuing Miss Hollis.
- She can never compare. - Compare to what?
Why are you always here?
Every day, everywhere I turn, there you are.
This is the very best position I have ever had,
but I cannot stay if you are living here, and you are ruining it.
You are ruining it all.
Are bachelors not meant to live in their bachelor lodgings?
Well…
Perhaps I should start spending more time there,
if it would make you more comfortable.
Perhaps you should.
Please.
I… I will go, then.
And I will try to return as little as possible.
Thank you.
It would be remiss of you not to, by the way.
What?
Pursue something with Miss Hollis.
She seemed delightful.
A perfect fantasy.
Whoa.
Certainly, sir.
That should do it.
John!
Francesca?
Yes?
You know, you do not have to do that.
Do what?
You do not have to perform for my sake.
You did not reach your pinnacle, did you?
No.
I did not.
And I lied to you. I…
I have not.
- Ever. - Francesca--
And I am certain it is the reason we are not yet with child.
Forgive me, I do not know what is wrong with me.
Francesca, there is nothing wrong with you.
How did you feel before the…
Pretend pinnacle?
I felt…
lovely…
tingling sensations.
Warmth.
Good.
Well, for me,
when we are together,
it is not only because I wish for children.
When we are together, I feel I am traveling closer to you,
in my body, of course, but…
also in my heart.
Whatever you wish for in life,
I will always endeavor to give it to you.
Children.
Pinnacles.
But I also hope you know that you are… just right
as you are.
We are just right as we are right now,
and we have all the time in the world for the rest.
She will be down any minute.
Mm.
She has not spoken a word since she last saw you.
Ah.
That is what she is like when she is angry,
and I know that she is not angry with me.
No, she is not.
It is quite early for a call, Lady Danbury.
I, uh…
I wanted to explain.
- There is nothing to explain. - I would like someone to explain.
I do not want to be a lady-in-waiting for the Queen.
Oh. That is…
Wait, you do not want to be a lady-in-waiting?
- Why? - I simply do not want to.
But why? Do you even know why?
Or are you saying no because I did not ask you
or because you are scared?
She did not ask me. She simply threw me at Her Majesty.
Because I needed you calm.
Your fear would've taken over, and you'd have walked in there
and spurned the greatest gift anyone could ever give you.
Gift?
As I said, being a lady-in-waiting is an honor,
one that most would only ever dare to dream of.
I did not dream of it.
You did not dream of Kent House, yet here you are.
You do not need to dream of something to say yes.
You need only be given the opportunity to prove you are worthy,
and you… are worthy, Alice.
You are exactly what she needs.
Look at the way you argue with me, the way you will not back down.
You are intelligent and of good character.
I am not of this world, Lady Danbury.
Exactly. You are not of this world.
You are different.
And perhaps better for having been on the other side.
I was once on the other side, but once I was in,
I refused to be anything but unstoppable.
And you can be unstoppable
standing behind the Queen.
Look at the world I have helped her to make.
You are not like those other ladies-in-waiting.
You will not wait. You will challenge her. You will tell her the truth.
And you will always remember she is the Queen,
but you will not always treat her like the Queen.
That is what she needs.
That is how you earn her friendship.
I do not want…
Friends with the Queen?
I cannot fill your shoes, Lady Danbury.
I am not asking you to fill my shoes.
I am asking you to serve your Queen and your country,
and get your own shoes.
I am telling you, Alice,
to rise.
Francesca said you declined her invitation to dinner tonight,
and you departed Bridgerton House in quite a hurry last night.
Are the two connected?
I simply could do with a little time on my own.
I am sorry that Miss Hollis is not your Lady in Silver.
It is all right.
I think it is time I end that pursuit.
I am not certain she even exists.
She may not, at least not in the way you had imagined in your head,
which perhaps is why you were so drawn to her.
You have always had a tendency to chase the imagined.
Well, you're doing an excellent job raising my spirits.
No. We all chase the imagined to some extent.
I am still expecting to see your father around every corner.
But I also know that reality is where love grows.
Reality feeds your heart.
It is all very well to dream, but, Benedict,
you can only chase the imagined.
There will be… others
with whom you will find a… a spark.
Young ladies of the ton, in silver or otherwise.
Trust me.
I lost that round on purpose because I knew I would lose it.
You are… fascinating.
I know you are on your break, but instead,
I wish for you all to take the night off.
The family is all at Kilmartin House or otherwise occupied.
But you cannot stay here. I want everyone out of the house.
- Okay. - Thank you.
Sophie.
Perhaps it is finally time for you to join us at the tavern.
I think I shall.
Guess who I convinced to come?
Yes!
Sophie!
Oh…
Mrs. Wilson,
I wanted to let you know that I have decided to stay on at Bridgerton House.
I'm very glad of that.
You are cherished around here, truly.
Are we to say anything?
Thank you all for coming.
I am sorry it took so long to invite you,
but we wanted to make sure everything was just right.
And things are just right now.
- I thought our mother was coming. - Indeed. In fact, tonight was her idea.
Apparently, she is ill.
- And where is Benedict? - Perhaps he has the same illness.
Do you not think the way Francesca has had everything arranged is perfect?
I cannot wait to have a home of my own.
Please do not start going on about accomplishments
and home decoration and marriage again. I cannot listen to any more of it.
You know, lately I have thought you are interested in everyone but me.
But I am starting to wonder if, in fact, you are only interested in yourself.
My lord, there is another guest.
I do hope you have missed me.
Michaela! Why on earth are you driving?
Apparently my coachman's stomach cannot handle long journeys.
- Do fetch him some water and a bucket. - Yes, ma'am.
What a wonderful surprise.
Is it? You look as though you've seen a ghost.
Come here.
You may enter.
Mrs. Wilson told me you were serving tea somewhere new.
This is new.
It is.
Am I to understand that this means…
I am the tea that you are having.
- We can take it slowly. - Get undressed.
We have a night off.
- I am sure I will. - It's so much fun!
Oh. I have left my coin purse in my room.
I shall meet you at the tavern.
Sophie?
What are you…
I thought you…
Mm…
If you wish me to leave, I will.
But the truth is
I stay away because you consume me.
My eyes search for you in every room I enter.
My heart beats when you are near.
The reality of you has become more tantalizing
than any fantasy ever could be,
and one I cannot live without.
Benedict.
I meant it when I said you deserve better,
and I am determined to give it to you, and more…
Sophie…
…be my mistress.
Are you coming, Sophie?
We're waiting for you.
A wise man once said
that all the world's a stage
with us each a role to play.
Certainly long-performed roles can begin, after a time, to feel stifling.
What? What is it?
Nothing.
Nothing, I'm-- I'm just…
happy.
But what happens when one decides to play a new game?
Will it create something unexpected?
- Hey. - Ready?
About time, though.
Or will it create…
I have always wanted to live on Grosvenor Square.
Welcome back, ma'am.
…something worse than one could have ever imagined?