04x04 - An Offer from a Gentleman

[bunniefuu]

- [horses neighing]
- [breezy carefree music playing]

- Hello.
- Good day.

[chattering]

- We're not far now.
- Very well.

[music fades]

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.

[sighs deeply]

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.

[sighs deeply]

I know you,

Sophie.

[bright music rises steadily]

[Violet laughs kindly]

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.

- [Benedict] Did you not receive my letter?
- [Violet] 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. [inhales deeply]

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.
- [Violet] 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.

[chuckling] 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.

[sweet music builds slowly]

[sweet music fades slowly]

[light stately music plays]

{\an8}[Lady Whistledown] 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.

{\an8}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.

{\an8}[Charlotte] 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?

[Lady Whistledown] 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.

[slowly sweeping music plays]

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.

[spirited music playing]

Kitchen.

[bell jingling]

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.

[music fades]

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.

[John gasps lightly]

Right.

Jellies are ready.

Let me help carry them.

That is not your job, Sophie.

I could use with the help. Honestly.

- [bells ringing]
- [lively music playing]

[Hyacinth] It is so good to see you.
You look different.

- Come here.
- [Eloise laughing]

[Hyacinth laughs]

Were you not shorter before?

He might be taller,
but he remains scraggly.

The best thing about Eton
is that sisters are not allowed.

- [scoffs]
- [laughs]

- Gregory!
- We missed you!

Welcome home.

[all laughing warmly]

Notice anything different?

Um… is your hair darker?

[all chuckling]

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.

[family exclaiming]

Very mature.

[Violet] Very well.

Everyone to the drawing room for tea.

- [chuckles]
- [light music playing]

[indistinct overlapping chatter]

…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.

- [music fades]
- I thought you had given her up.

I-- [scoffs]

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.

[energetic string music builds]

[stifling laughter, chatting quietly]

[gasping]

[laughing]

Hey… Hey, hey. Hey!

[laughing]

Now this lady here, she seems very nice,
and she's got dark hair…

- Mm-mm. It's not her.
- No? Are you sure?

[bell jingling]

[gasps] Miss Sophie!

Hazel!

- [music ends]
- [both gasping and laughing]

- [Sophie] 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. [chuckles]

- Um…
- [glass shatters]

We shall speak more soon.

[background chatter]

[bells jingling]

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.

[light intriguing music plays]

I… I have read the book.

See?

[clicks teeth]
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.

[Hyacinth huffs softly]

[music fades out]

Good morning.

Are you… intent on practicing
pianoforte in private?

No, that is not…

[curious music rises slowly]

John?

Yes?

[music picks up]

- [grunting]
- [music halts]

[John laughs]

- My apologies.
- Uh, forgive me. Uh…

To what do I owe that surprise?

Nothing. I…

[chuckles] I was only wanting to

spontaneously…

uh…

enjoy our tea together.

Shall we?

[calm notes play out in steady tempo]

The spirits are speaking.

They are telling me…

mmm…

- Four.
- [group laughs]

That cannot be! You must have seen.

I have the gift.

If the gift is a sly piece of trickery.

[chuckling]

If you truly have
the gift of second sight,

perhaps you can tell us
who our new neighbors are?

[inhales sharply]

I believe…

[gasps]

It is me,

after I marry a well-to-do gentleman.

[scattered laughter]

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?

[light music plays]

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.

[music fades]

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… [exhales]

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.

[poignant music plays softly]

[music fades]

Quite dashing, brother.

Oh, good evening, Sophie.

Mr. Bridgerton.

- Oh, excuse me.
- Oh… [chuckles] Forgive me.

- We might be here all night.
Truly.

[Benedict chuckles]

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. [chuckles lightly]

- 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. [sniffs]

Are you in need of assistance?

It is a slippery thing,
and I cannot find my valet.

May I?

[Benedict] Mm.

[piano and strings ebb and flow]

There you are.

Thank you, Sophie.

[music fades]

[Lady Danbury] 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.

[both chuckle]

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.

[intriguing notes play and fade]

My dear,

what would you think
about hosting a dinner?

Do you not think it time
we all saw your new home?

[sighing] 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…

- [Hyacinth] 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?

[Eloise] Oh, she's remarkable.

She knows more about art than our brothers
and she has an aptitude for the sciences.

[men laughing]

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!

[men laughing]

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.

[sighs sharply]

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.

- [Virginia] The pleasure is all mine.
- Excuse us.

[John] 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?

[Will] 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.

[Colin] Mm.

I need another round.

[indistinct background chatter]

[Colin sighs]

[soft music rises and fades]

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. [laughs]

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.
- [soft chuckle]

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.

[Sophie lightly chuckles]

- 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.

[tender music plays]

Thank you, Lady Bridgerton.

- I shall consider it.
- Good.

Now… please.

Have some cake. [chuckles]

- They are so much better when warm.
- [laughs softly]

[indistinct overlapping chatter]

[shopkeepers bell jingling]

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?

[Violet] Oh, she is fantastic.

- [chuckling]
- Rather pleased she joined our evening.

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.
- [chuckles]

- 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.

[laughing] 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?

[chuckles shyly]

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…

[gentle music plays]

…expressive together,

I should be happy to comply.

[heavy breath]

I believe I should… comply

as well.

- [music fades]
- Oh… Apologies.

I… I was about to leave.

No. Or…

I mean, you do not have to.

Not on my account, at least.

[chuckles] 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.

[tender music builds slowly]

[Benedict inhales]

[exhales] Good night.

[Benedict exhales deeply]

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.

[Benedict exhales deeply]

[tender music rises softly]

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.

No.

Good night, Mr. Bridgerton.

[takes a deep breath]

[door closes]

[snapping]

[music fades]

[exhales sharply]

[sighs heavily]

[exhales]

[sighs]

Mm.

[exhales]

[breathing deepens]

[light moan]

[soft gasp]

[breath quickens]

[huffs]

[sighs]

[warm music builds slowly]

[bells tolling]

[breath quickens]

[music swells]

[music fades out]

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.

[Lady Danbury] 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.

[Alice] 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. [lips smack]

Let us hope your theory is correct,
Mrs. Mondrich.

Your Majesty?

Yes, yes.

I suppose she may be
my new lady-in-waiting.

- [Lady Danbury] Thank you, Your Majesty.
- You--

[intriguing music plays]

You may withdraw now.

You are just in time for tea

and the latest Whistledown.

- Ah.
- [music ends]

[soft music plays]

[Lady Whistledown] 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?

[music ends]

- [button clatters]
- [inhaling deeply]

[Benedict] Mm?

Am I interrupting?

- Never.
- [Violet chuckles]

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.

- [chuckles]
- 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.

[Violet chuckles]

[driver] Watch yourself there.

Whoa there.

Whoa.

[Violet] Oh, she has new premises,

and her designs this season
are absolutely beautiful.

Well, we can visit, but don't tell Papa.

[women laughing]

Oh, my apologies.

I did not know you had company, Mother.

Benedict, please let me introduce
Lady Hollis and her daughter, Miss Hollis.

[Benedict] Mm.

Would you join us?

[stirring music plays]

[Violet] Did you grow up
in the countryside?

We live between the two. I make sure
I'm here for the season, of course.

[muffled] But… I do miss
the fresh air when we're here…

[music swells]

[continues speaking indistinctly]

[music fades]

…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?

[Benedict] 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?

[speaking in French]

[chuckles] Uh… Hmm.

[speaking in French]

[chuckles]

Some tutors have said
that my pronunciation could be improved,

that, uh, my jaw moves too rapidly.

[Miss Hollis] I would happily disagree.

I think you speak perfectly.
Whoever told you that is a fool.

- [Violet] So, France?
- [Miss Hollis] Yes.

[Violet] Colin has been to France
many times. He says it is wonderful.

[gentle music rises softly]

[Lady Hollis] Maybe he can
show me sometime.

[chuckles] 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.

[Violet] Whereabouts in France?

They say the weather in Paris
is very lovely.

- Very sunny.
- [Lady Hollis] Mm.

[music grows tense]

- [Violet] I suppose the coast.
- [Miss Hollis] We've traveled extensively.

[Lady Hollis] The south of France
is a little warm.

Oh, really, no more for me.

- [Sophie] Oh…
- Ah! Damn it!

- Benedict.
- [music halts]

Forgive me, I'm so… Forgive me.

[Benedict sighs] Leave it.

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. [chuckles]

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… [scoffs]
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?

[hesitates] 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?

[somber music plays]

[scoffs] Well…

Perhaps I should start
spending more time there,

if it would make you more comfortable.

Perhaps you should.

Please.

[scoffs] I… I will go, then.

[sighs] 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.

[music fades out]

[driver in distance] Whoa.

[bittersweet music plays gently]

Certainly, sir.

That should do it.

[driver urging horses]

[music rises]

[carriage departing]

[music peaks and fades]

[rousing music plays]

[moaning and panting]

[gasps]

John!

- John!
- [music halts]

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… [sighs]

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.

[soft music plays]

How did you feel before the…

Pretend pinnacle?

[both laugh]

I felt…

lovely…

tingling sensations.

Warmth.

[John] 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.
- [laughs]

[John laughs]

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.

[music fades]

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.

[scoffs]

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…

[pensive music plays]

Friends with the Queen?

[Alice sighs deeply]

I cannot fill your shoes, Lady Danbury.

[chuckling] 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.

[uplifting music plays]

[music ends]

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.

[breathes deeply]

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.

[scoffs] 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.

[solemn music playing]

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.

[music fades]

[John laughing]

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.

[staff exclaim]

The family is all at Kilmartin House
or otherwise occupied.

But you cannot stay here.
I want everyone out of the house.

[scattered exclamations and chatter]

- Okay.
- Thank you.

Sophie.

Perhaps it is finally time
for you to join us at the tavern.

I think I shall.

[chuckles softly]

Guess who I convinced to come?

[John laughs] Yes!

[Hazel] Sophie!

Oh… [laughs]

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.

[indistinct chatter]

Are we to say anything? [chuckles]

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.

[poignant music plays softly]

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.

[music fades]

I do hope you have missed me.

Michaela! [chuckles]
Why on earth are you driving?

Apparently my coachman's stomach
cannot handle long journeys.

[John and Michaela chuckling]

- Do fetch him some water and a bucket.
- [footman] Yes, ma'am.

[chuckles lightly]
What a wonderful surprise.

Is it? You look as though
you've seen a ghost.

Come here.

[Michaela laughing]

[intriguing music builds slowly]

[indistinct conversation ensues]

[dynamic string arrangement playing]

[tense note holds]

[strings playing lightly]

[knocking at door]

[dynamic strings pick up again]

[tense note holds]

You may enter.

[strings playing tensely]

Mrs. Wilson told me
you were serving tea somewhere new.

This is new.

It is. [chuckles]

Am I to understand that this means…

I am the tea that you are having.

[dynamic music builds]

- We can take it slowly.
- Get undressed.

[sharp note holds briefly]

[low note rising]

- [horse neighs]
- [dynamic string arrangement continues]

[music ends]

We have a night off. [laughing]

[chattering continues indistinctly]

- 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?

- [muffled footfalls]
- [high-pitched ringing]

[both gasping]

What are you…

I thought you…

[both breathing deeply]

[classical rendition of Olivia Rodrigo's
"Bad Idea Right?" playing]

[panting and moaning softly]

[inhales sharply]

[panting softly]

[intense strings playing vigorously]

[both panting]

[sharp musical note whines]

[moaning]

Mm… [whimpers]

[Benedict breathes deeply]

[music winds down]

If you wish me to leave, I will.

But the truth is

I stay away because you consume me.

[exhales]

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.

- [softly] Benedict.
- [chuckles lightly]

I meant it when I said you deserve better,

and I am determined
to give it to you, and more…

Sophie…

[music winds up]

…be my mistress.

[silence]

[Celia] Are you coming, Sophie?

We're waiting for you.

[somber instrumental music builds]

[Lady Whistledown] 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.

[breathing heavily]

[breathing contentedly]

[chuckling]

What? What is it?

[laughs] Nothing.

Nothing, I'm-- I'm just…

happy.

[Lady Whistledown] But what happens
when one decides to play a new game?

[complex instrumental music rises]

Will it create something unexpected?

[faint chatter]

- Hey.
- Ready?

About time, though.

[chuckling]

[lavish music rises]

[Lady Whistledown] Or will it create…

I have always wanted to live
on Grosvenor Square.

[intense music swells]

Welcome back, ma'am.

…something worse
than one could have ever imagined?

[music fades]

[closing theme music playing]

[music fades out]