Bridgerton

Whoa. Whoa.

I just think it's important... No, no, no.

Gregory, you...

Shh! Let her come out on her own.

- Is this the plan? - Thank goodness you're here.

- She's requested time. - We do not have time. Stand back.

No offense, Sister, but you are the last person she'd like to see.

- What does that mean? - Are we sure she's in there?

- Of course she is. - Where else would she be?

- Climbed through the window, the chimney... - Quiet! She may hear you.

I left my husband and child at home for this.

I told everyone this would happen, now we're late for the queen.

I hear something.

Anthony.

If one of you utters a single word...

Let us get this over with.

I yearn for someone fresh, someone unexpected,

to turn this season on its head.

That is what we need. There is no room for indifference.

Apathy is a blight the monarchy simply cannot endure.

Of course, Your Majesty. But remember,

a young lady cannot be a diamond

until you anoint her as such.

So if for any reason you do not find one among the candidates today...

Do you think she will return?

We have heard nary a peep from Lady Whistledown

since last season ended.

Perhaps the writer came to her senses.

Perhaps she realized taking on her queen was a bad idea,

and she will never publish again.

It is a convincing theory, ma'am.

Or

she simply left for the country, as the rest of us did in the off-season,

bored by the lack of any real gossip.

Hmm.

You do know what that would make her, then?

One of us.

Hmm.

Could we not have appealed to the queen, Mama?

After having mourned dear Papa for so very long,

perhaps Her Majesty might extend a kindness

and allow us to be presented again.

I see no need to go through all of that again

when I myself am already betrothed to Mr. Finch.

Mr. Finch may very well still change his mind.

Particularly when he notices there is still no dowry.

Hush! The new Lord Featherington shall see to that,

when he finally decides to show his miserly face.

Just remember to remain composed.

And control your emotions.

Her Majesty does not take kindly to any hint of hysterics.

I found a small smile worked best to appear open and approachable,

but not too eager.

Now, let us see it.

No.

She's practically melting.

- Here. Allow me. - And your curtsy, dearest.

Tell your sister how you managed such balance.

Simply locate a stationary object and keep your eyes set.

I used a painting nearby. We practiced it.

Several times.

- You have natural gifts... - Do not patronize me.

- And give me that! - Oh!

My task this season cannot be exceptionally difficult.

Hastings did it after all. How hard can it be?

- Ah. Spoken with such feeling too. - I do not need feeling.

What I need is what I have, and that is a list.

Tolerable, dutiful, suitable enough hips for childbearing,

and at least half a brain.

And that last part is not so much a requirement but a preference, in fact.

Miss Cordelia Patridge.

The Lady Abigail Evans.

Miss Mary Ann Hallewell.

Miss Margaret Goring.

It is not too late.

You could say I collapsed.

That I got something unmentionable on my gown.

All the feathers affected my senses.

Anything, Mama, to get me out of doing this.

My darling girl.

No matter what, you will always be a diamond to me.

If Penelope were here...

Penelope? How many times must I warn you to be wary of that window?

Do you wish to appear like a befreckled beggar

spending all day in the sun?

Of course not, Mama.

My apologies.

The Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton

and Miss Eloise Bridgerton.

It is here.

Smile.

What is the meaning of this?

I've seen enough.

- But Your Majesty, there are still... - I have seen enough!

Does this mean I can go?

I don't know what this means.

Eloise.

Truly, I cannot say I will long for any of this.

Best of luck to you, Brother.

You shall certainly need it this season.

Dearest gentle reader.

Did you miss me?

As the members of our esteemed ton lazily sojourned

in their rustic retreats,

this author was doing but one thing.

I knew she would return!

Honing my skills.

Increased her price too, I see.

Or should I say, hatching my plans?

Is she truly that good a writer?

No, even better.

I was sharpening my knives...

- "For all of you." - ...for all of you.

How do you think she does it?

Certainly not by herself. How could she?

Oh.

Eighteen? We agreed on 20.

My mistress changed her mind.

You're new to this arrangement, so I'll say this only once.

What my mistress wants, she gets.

For whatever reason, that would be you at the moment.

That doesn't make you special, Mr. Harris.

Printers in this town are ten-a-penny.

But there's only one Lady Whistledown,

and she could just as easily take her business elsewhere.

So it's 18,

not a penny more.

And the delivery boys need a wage increase.

They're running around town while you get to sit on your lazy arse.

Yes, ma'am.

Then my mistress thanks you for your services.

Questions abound as to this author's identity and means.

Seeking those answers shall prove fruitless, indeed.

I am off to the market with my maid, Mama.

I have just a tiny bit of pin money left, and I...

There is, of course, another unknown identity at present.

Though, this one you will be able to unearth.

I speak of the season's diamond, wherever she may be.

Your move, Your Majesty.

One and two. One and two.

I do not think she's very good.

- I believe she can hear you. - I can hear you.

- Ow! Watch my feet! - Might we be done?

If you are to catch the queen's eye after that interruption, you must be perfection.

I believe it was the interruption that was perfection.

Shocking that Eloise Bridgerton was not named the season diamond, was it not?

Was anyone else aware that dear Colin has decided to add Albania

or some such place to his itinerary as he gads about the world?

No. But how happy for him that he can simply decide to do that.

Joining us for tea, Anthony?

Uh, I'm afraid I must pass. Too many calls on my funds today.

Now that the season has started,

I need to fill your coffers at the modiste and oversee the hiring of extra staff.

Your ring. When you get the chance, I need it.

The fields by Ferryhallow. I was thinking we might hold off

on leasing them due to the hard frost.

I beg your pardon?

The frost hardens the soil, saps it of nutrients.

That is very well. But you requested my ring?

Father's betrothal ring.

Did someone catch your eye at the presentation, Brother?

I thought all the young ladies looked beautiful.

Not particularly. And all the young ladies looked the same. Like ladies.

I'd simply like to be prepared for when the opportunity presents itself.

The opportunity?

I've compiled an index of the season's eligible misses and arranged interviews.

Interviews!

Dearest, I shall be more than happy to give you my ring when you find someone

with whom you are very much in love.

Besides, it is in safekeeping at Aubrey Hall.

- Very well. - See that he is quite well.

Me?

I'm not in need of coddling.

I assure you all, everything is in order.

Are you looking forward to being a mother?

Oh, very much. I am quite close with my brothers and sisters.

I love children.

What number do you have in mind?

Of children?

Four. Or five. No. Perhaps six.

Three children is what I have always wanted, my lord.

If your daughter had a penchant for overspending,

how would you deal with that?

We must secure a new lady's maid for Eloise, now that she is out.

Ensure she is even more strong-willed than the last.

What are those?

Uh, accounts requiring your signature, my lord.

The harp is a wonderful instrument, my lord,

teaching one patience, strength,

and an appreciation for beauty, of course.

But do you read?

Books?

I am fluent in French, Italian, Latin.

And your Greek?

Apologies, my lord. I much prefer a quadrille.

I ride. I paint.

I sing. I dance.

I can divide and multiply.

I even construct my own hats.

Five and twenty more, my lord.