Повеса

СЕРИАЛ NETFLIX

Думаю, нужно…

Грегори, ты…

Пусть она сама выйдет.

- Таков план?

- Слава богу, ты здесь.

- Ей нужно время.

- У нас его нет. Отойдите.

Без обид, но тебя

она точно не захочет видеть.

- Что это значит?

- Она точно там?

- Конечно.

- Где еще ей быть?

- Вылезла в окно?

- Тише, вдруг услышит.

Я приехала, оставив мужа и ребенка.

Я предупреждал.

Мы опоздаем к королеве.

Я что-то слышу.

Энтони.

Если вы хоть слово скажете…

Покончим с этим.

Я мечтаю, что кто-то новый,

неожиданный, перевернет

этот сезон с ног на голову.

Это то, что нам нужно.

Здесь нет места посредственности.

Монархия не терпит

тлетворного влияния апатии.

Конечно, Ваше Величество.

Но молодой леди не стать бриллиантом,

пока вы не удостоите ее этой чести.

Если сегодня по какой-то причине

вы не увидите ее среди кандидаток…

Думаете, она вернется?

От леди Уислдаун не было ни словечка

с окончания прошлого сезона.

Возможно, разум возобладал.

Возможно, она поняла,

что не стоило тягаться с королевой.

И больше не станет писать.

Убедительная теория, мэм.

Или

она всего лишь уехала за город,

как и все мы по окончании сезона,

затосковав в отсутствие

реальных слухов.

Знаете, кто она в таком случае?

Одна из нас.

Мама, неужели нельзя

попросить королеву?

Мы так долго были в трауре

по дорогому отцу.

Может, она позволит нам

снова быть представленными ко двору.

Для меня в этом нет смысла.

Ведь я уже помолвлена

с мистером Финчем.

Мистер Финч вполне может передумать.

Особенно когда заметит,

что приданного так и нет.

Тише! Новый лорд Фэзерингтон

позаботится об этом,

когда скряга наконец посетит нас.

Сохраняй спокойствие.

И контролируй эмоции.

Ее Величество не приветствует

любой намек на истерику.

Сдержанная улыбка лучше всего

выражает открытость и дружелюбие,

и без излишнего рвения.

Улыбнись-ка.

Нет.

Да она вся взмокла.

- Позволь-ка.

- А еще реверанс, милочка.

Поделись с сестрой секретом равновесия.

Найди неподвижный объект

и смотри только на него.

Например, картину. Мы же тренировались.

Несколько раз.

- У тебя врожденный талант…

- Оставь свои наставления! Дай сюда!

В этом сезоне

у меня несложная задача.

Гастингс справился. Пара пустяков.

- Прочувствованная речь.

- Чувства мне ни к чему.

Я найду ту, что мне нужна.

Вот ее качества.

Сносная, добропорядочная,

с широким тазом для легких родов

и капелькой мозгов.

Последний пункт желателен,

но вовсе необязателен.

Мисс Корделия

Патридж.

Леди Эбигейл Эванс.

Мисс Мэри-Энн Халливелл.

Мисс Маргарет Горинг.

Еще не поздно.

Скажешь, я упала в обморок.

Запачкала платье.

Или перья повлияли на мой рассудок.

- Что угодно, лишь бы избежать этого.

- Моя дорогая девочка.

Что бы ни случилось,

для меня ты всегда бриллиант.

Была бы здесь Пенелопа.

Пенелопа! Сколько раз повторять?

Будь осторожнее с окном!

Тебе нужны веснушки,

как у попрошайки, торчащей на солнце?

Нет, мама.

Прости меня.

Вдовствующая виконтесса Бриджертон.

И мисс Элоиза Бриджертон.

Он здесь.

Улыбнись.

Что это значит?

ФЕЛЬЕТОН ЛЕДИ УИСЛДАУН

Довольно.

- Ваше Величество, еще…

- Довольно!

Я могу идти?

Я не знаю.

Элоиза!

Не могу сказать,

что буду по этому скучать.

Удачи тебе, братец.

В этом сезоне она тебе понадобится.

Дражайший читатель,

соскучились по мне?

В то время как уважаемое общество

придавалось отдыху на лоне природы,

автор этих строк посвятила себя делу.

Я верила, что она вернется!

Я оттачивала мастерство.

Еще и цену подняла.

Или будет точнее сказать,

что я вынашивала планы?

Неужели она и правда так хорошо пишет?

Нет, еще лучше.

Я точила зуб

на всех вас.

Как ей это удалось?

Не без посторонней помощи.

Как же иначе?

Ну…

Восемнадцать?

Уговор был на 20.

Госпожа передумала.

Вы ее не знаете.

Так что повторяю один раз.

Госпожа получает всё, что захочет.

По какой-то причине сейчас это вы.

Это не делает

вас особенным, мистер Харрис.

В городе полно печатников.

А леди Уислдаун - одна.

Она легко может сменить типографию.

Даю 18.

Ни пенни больше.

И повысьте жалованье разносчиков.

Они бегают по городу,

пока вы здесь зад плющите.

Хорошо, мэм.

Госпожа отблагодарит вас.

Всех интересует

личность автора этих строк

и источник ее средств.

Но поиски ответов на эти вопросы

окажутся бесполезны.

Мама, я на рынок, с камеристкой.

У меня осталось немного карманных…

Есть еще одна неизвестная личность.

Но это ненадолго. Скоро вы ее узнаете.

Я о бриллианте этого сезона,

кем бы она ни оказалась.

Ваш ход, Ваше Величество.

Раз и два.

Не блистает.

- Она тебя слышит.

- Я тебя слышу.

- Аккуратнее!

- Закончим?

Чтобы королева выделила тебя

после инцидента, нужно быть идеальной.

Тот инцидент как раз и был идеален.

Элоиза Бриджертон не стала

бриллиантом сезона. Шокирует, да?

Кто-то еще в курсе,

что Колин включил Албанию

в маршрут своих странствий по миру?

Хоть он может

сам распоряжаться своей жизнью.

Выпьешь чаю, Энтони?

Простите, я должен идти.

Сегодня очень много дел.

С началом сезона

нужно пополнить ваши счета у модистки

и проследить за наймом прислуги.

И мне понадобится твое кольцо.

Поля в Феррихаллоу.

В этом году воздержимся

от аренды из-за морозов.

Прости?

От морозов почва твердеет, скудеет.

Прекрасно. Но при чём тут мое кольцо?

Обручальное кольцо отца.

Заинтересовался кем-то

на церемонии, братец?

Все настоящие красавицы.

Не особенно. Все абсолютно одинаковые.

Я хочу быть готовым,

когда представится возможность.

Возможность?

Я составил список достойных девушек

и назначил собеседования.

Собеседования?

Дорогой, я с радостью

дам тебе кольцо, когда ты найдешь ту,

в кого ты по-настоящему влюбишься.

А сейчас оно на хранении в Обри-холле.

- Хорошо.

- Присмотри за ним.

Я?

Мне нянька не нужна.

Уверяю вас, всё под контролем.

Вы мечтаете о материнстве?

Конечно. Я очень близка

со своими братьями и сестрами.

Я люблю детей.

Скольких планируете?

Детей?

Четыре. Или пять. Нет. Может, шесть.

Я всегда мечтала о трех, милорд.

А если ваша дочь будет мотовкой?

Как поступите?

Элоиза вышла в свет,

нужна новая камеристка.

Еще строже, чем бывшая.

Что это?

Счета на подпись, милорд.

Арфа - чудесный инструмент, милорд.

Игра на ней развивает силу и терпение,

учит ценить красоту.

Разумеется.

Вы читаете?

Книги?

МИСС ГОРИНГ

Я свободно владею

французским, итальянским и латынью.

А греческий?

Простите, милорд.

Я предпочитаю кадриль.

Лошади. Живопись.

Пение. Танцы.

Еще я умею делить и умножать.

И сама мастерю себе шляпки.

МИСС ХОЛЛВЕЛЛ

МИСС ИТОН

МИСС КЛИФТОН

УЖАСНО ТАНЦУЕТ

ПОИМУЩЕСТВЕННЫЙ НАЛОГ

Еще 25, милорд.

Тпру!

Мисс, вам помочь?

Пошла!

Пошла!

Осторожно!

Тпру!

Торжествуете?

Да чтоб меня.

Уверяю, на этот раз

я вам такую фору не дам.

Простите, сэр.

Мне жаль, что я вас потревожила.

Камеристка знает,

что вы ездите по-мужски?

- У меня ее нет.

- Так вы замужем.

Простите.

Вы заплутали.

Вовсе нет. Я возвращаюсь в Мейфэр.

- Он в той стороне.

- Мейфэр?

Что ж…

Благодарю за заботу, сэр. Но не стоит.

Притворимся, что этой встречи не было?

Каждый поедет своим путем.

Вы против огласки?

Я против встреч

на заре в парке с незнакомцами,

донимающими расспросами.

Не волнуйтесь. Я никому не скажу.

Премного благодарна.

Проиграть скачки

незнакомке в парке на заре.

Меня бы засыпали вопросами.

Так вот в чём дело?

- Скачки?

- Разве нет?

В этих скачках я не увидела соперника.

Нужно было условиться о финише.

Увы, мы этого не сделали.

Вы не привыкли проигрывать.

Я бы с вами…

Это случается крайне редко.

И я умею признавать

проигрыш или неправоту.

А вот о вас этого не скажешь.

- Простите?

- Мейфэр не там.

Он там.

Говорите, вы не заплутали?

Доброго вам дня, сэр.

Пошла.

- Но мы не представились.

- Боюсь, это невозможно.

Наслажусь триумфом в одиночестве.

Что значит, она не у себя?

Утром я пошла к ней, но не застала ее.

Леди Мэри.

Леди Данбери.

Как же я рада вас видеть.

Взаимно.

Столько лет прошло.

Прекрасно выглядите.

Позвольте представить.

Моя младшая дочь,

мисс Эдвина Шарма.

Для меня это честь, леди Данбери.

Благодарю вас за гостеприимство.

У вас великолепный дом.

На этот сезон он ваш.

Я ожидала увидеть кое-кого еще.

Да, мою старшую дочь.

Кейт.

Кейт. Да.

Она вчера сошла

вместе с вами с корабля, верно?

- Прошу прощения.

- Кейт!

- Наконец-то.

- Надеюсь, я не заставила себя ждать.

Здесь такой чудесный сад.

После долгого путешествия

мне захотелось подышать

свежим воздухом. Но…

Но теперь я здесь.

Леди Данбери, моя старшая дочь.

Мисс Кейт Шарма.

Теперь, когда мы все в сборе…

Почти.

Прошу прощения?

Почти все в сборе. Есть еще Ньютон.

Он еще наверху?

Леди Данбери, мама говорит,

вы всегда устраиваете первый бал.

Да. В этом году

я арендовала для этого консерваторию.

Ты слышишь, Эдвина?

Прекрасная новость.

Отличный повод

для первого появления в обществе.

Вы не представляете,

как молодые леди ждут начало сезона.

Как и я.

Я бы устроила так,

чтобы их представили Ее Величеству.

Но я предпочла

сначала самой оценить их манеры

до первого выхода в свет.

Ее Величество очень щепетильна

в этом вопросе.

Королева будет присутствовать на балу?

Не беспокойтесь, леди Мэри.

Ведь вы мои гости.

Конечно.

Я всё устроила.

Фортепьяно настроено, учитель нанят.

В полдень уроки танцев.

Затем краткий, но емкий визит

милейшего учителя французского.

Что ж, вставайте.

Обе. Могли бы вы?..

Восхитительная осанка.

Красивые улыбки.

Да, они милы.

Возраст старшей может

оказаться проблемой.

Любого мало-мальски годного кавалера

придется убеждать,

нравится нам это или нет.

Ведь она уже перешла в категорию

старых дев, достигнув возраста…

Мне 26, мэм.

Но это вовсе не проблема, уверяю вас.

Я здесь не за тем,

чтобы найти мужа себе.

Речь о моей сестре,

обладающей отличной осанкой

и милой улыбкой.

Особенно, когда говорит по-французски.

Она владеет латынью и греческим.

А также маратхи и хиндустани.

Она играет не только

на ситаре и мурали, но и на фортепьяно.

Что касается танцев…

Осмелюсь сказать,

что у нее отличные способности.

Уж я-то знаю,

ведь именно я учила ее

котильону, кадрили и вальсу.

Мы самоучки,

но это не умаляет ее успехов.

Кейт полна надежд в отношении

перспектив ее сестры в этом сезоне.

Мне жаль, что вы потратили время

на поиски преподавателей.

Не страшно.

Мама очень точно вас описала.

Вы невероятно добры и любезны.

Уверена, мы многому у вас научимся.

Например, приготовлению

этого восхитительного чая.

Кейт, дорогая. Думаю,

Ньютон нуждается в прогулке,

пока он не набезобразничал

на этих великолепных коврах.

Конечно. Была рада

познакомиться с вами, леди Данбери.

Мы с сестрой рассчитываем

на вашу поддержку в этом сезоне.

Дафна дала мне список рекомендаций

для удачного сезона.

Десять верных способов

заполучить мужчину.

Говорю тебе, сезон только начался,

а я уже немного не в себе.

Опять перо? У тебя они летят

с невероятной скоростью.

Я веду оживленную переписку.

- С наследником? Он уже здесь?

- Нет.

Я про Колина. Он пишет мне

о своих приключениях в Греции.

Я забросила его письма. Один сумбур.

- До леди Уислдаун ему далеко.

- О да.

С другой стороны,

Колин, в отличие от нее, видел мир.

Она тебе не по вкусу?

Ее фельетон спас тебя

от представления королеве.

Это оказалось очень кстати.

Я просидела с ее фельетоном всё утро.

Знаешь, она лишь повторяет то,

что слышала.

Кто-то должен это делать.

Признай, у нее талант.

Но на что она его расходует?

Я даже рада ее молчанию

последние десять месяцев.

Я успела прочитать

несколько дельных статей.

«Надеюсь, женщины простят мне то,

что я причисляю их

к разумным существам,

а не восхищаюсь

их великолепной грацией».

Уолстонкрафт.

Довольно заносчиво.

Вот бы Уислдаун так писала.

А не перемывала косточки

каждой новенькой дебютантке.

Так у нас была бы передышка

от нудной череды чаепитий и балов.

Думаю, Уислдаун пишет

о подобных вещах лишь потому,

что сама не принимает в них участия.

Думаю, у каждого своя версия.

Мэм,

мне приготовить картофель для леди?

Картофель? Опять?

Почему мы вечно едим картофель?

Потому что сейчас я экономка,

камеристка, кухарка

и судомойка в одном лице.

Неужели все слуги ушли?

Я неплохо справляюсь с варкой овощей.

Спасибо, миссис Варли.

Картофель подойдет.

Сезон без новых платьев, без слуг.

Ночные горшки тоже сами выносить будем?

- Мама, я не смогу.

- Тихо.

Я же сказала, как только приедет

новый лорд Фэзерингтон, всё будет.

И где же он? Почему так задерживается?

Он хочет заставить нас страдать.

Занимается своими делами,

наслаждается нашим несчастьем.

Он очень жестокий человек.

Отослал единственного сына

в Америку за неподчинение своей воле.

Боюсь думать, куда он пошлет нас,

если сочтет нужным.

Возможно, в Корнуолл.

Корнуолл?

Вы сможете навещать

нас с мистером Финчем.

Денег нет на платья и слуг.

Не то что на приданое.

Он не даст мне выйти замуж?

Конечно же нет.

Хоть он и старый скряга,

но он джентльмен.

И сдержит свое слово.

Поэтому нельзя терять времени

с поисками женихов.

Вы все должны быть посватаны,

когда кузен вступит

во владение имуществом.

Иначе мы окажемся в его власти.

Всегда можно продать серебро.

За столовый сервиз дадут хорошую цену.

Собираешься это надеть?

Очень красивое.

Нет, это тебе, сестренка.

Мы в Лондоне,

чтобы найти мужа тебе, не мне.

Ну да, а ты просто старая дева.

И я с радостью посвящу себя

воспитанию многочисленных племянников.

Ты же знаешь,

я буду их безмерно баловать.

Что такое?

Я…

Надеюсь, я им понравлюсь.

Как может быть иначе?

Мама ведет себя так,

как и всегда, когда нервничает.

О ней столько судачили,

когда она вышла за папу. Бедняжка!

Ты из-за этого переживаешь?

Это было очень давно.

Вопросы никуда не делись.

О нашей семье.

О нашей с тобой степени родства.

Мы сестры.

Мы далеко от дома.

Но это не изменит то,

как мы друг к другу относимся.

Ты же слышала леди Данбери.

Она всё устроит.

Она на нашей стороне.

Она еще величественнее,

чем я представляла.

Если узнает о твоей утренней прогулке,

тебе несдобровать.

Тебя точно никто не видел?

Да. Не бойся ее.

Она не так грозна,

как сама себя считает.

Ты радоваться должна.

Это начало счастливой истории.

Главное - помни о том,

что ты ищешь.

Очаровательного мужчину.

Конечно же красивого.

Принца или герцога.

Ухаживать за тобой

будет не внешность и не титул.

Речь о его разуме и духе.

Его слова должны

отозваться в твоем сердце.

Вот, что ты должна искать.

Именно такой любви ты заслуживаешь.

Такого

они никак не ожидают.

Не забывай дышать, сестренка.

Маркиз Эшдаунский.

Молоко на губах еще не обсохло.

Но имеет 10 000 фунтов в год.

Граф Глостер.

Его жена недавно скончалась от гриппа.

Он станет ценным дополнением

к вашей бальной карточке, мисс Шарма.

Сегодня я не буду

танцевать, леди Данбери.

У вас кто-то остался на родине?

Что вы, всё это в прошлом.

Меня интересует лишь

достойная партия для сестры.

Она безоговорочно мне доверяет.

Что насчет герцога Саффолка?

Говорят, это завидная партия.

Он не скрывает своих любовниц.

Уверяю вас, мисс Шарма,

я знаю всех достойных кандидатов.

А вот и она.

Столько цветов.

А мне нужен истинный бриллиант.

Так скоро, леди Данбери?

Леди Данбери.

Великолепный вечер, как и ожидалось.

Через пару дней состоится мой бал.

Гораздо более закрытый.

Ваше Величество, вас никому не затмить.

Верно замечено.

Ваше Величество, позвольте представить.

Леди Мэри Шарма.

Уверена, вы ее помните.

А это ее дочери,

мисс Шарма и мисс Эдвина Шарма,

мои почетные гости на этот сезон.

Какая честь.

Говорят, вы проделали огромный путь,

чтобы вернуться

спустя столько лет, леди Мэри.

Жаль, вы не были столь любезны,

чтобы попрощаться

с вашей королевой перед отъездом.

Я предвкушаю нелегкую задачу.

Перестань вертеться.

Ты очень хороша.

Я как племенной бычок на аукционе.

Даже Дафна очень робела

на своем первом балу.

А какой ее ждал успех.

Верно.

Идем, сестра.

Здесь подают отличные пирожные.

Какой скудный выбор.

Уверена, здесь найдется та,

кто тебя очарует.

Ведь в этом сезоне

виконт ищет себе жену.

- Неужели ты это сделала?

- Как видишь.

Леди Бриджертон.

Лорд Бриджертон.

- Потанцуем, лорд Бриджертон?

- Добрый вечер.

Это леди Мэри Шеффилд Шарма?

Не верится,

что она осмелилась вернуться.

Мама, что за скандал?

Леди Мэри была

бриллиантом нашего сезона.

Но она влюбилась в клерка

и вышла за него. Так говорили.

Они вдвоем сбежали в Индию.

Я могу понять,

если бы он был индийским принцем.

Но ради простолюдина,

у которого уже есть ребенок.

Должно быть, это она.

Старшая дочь.

Родители леди Мэри

так и не смогли пережить позор.

Они не осмеливаются

появиться в Лондоне.

Не все семьи могут похвастаться

нашей безупречной репутацией.

Не так ли, леди Фэзерингтон?

- Дорогой!

- Любимая!

Мистер и миссис Финч.

Леди Фэзерингтон.

Приятный сюрприз видеть вас здесь.

После столь продолжительного траура.

Он длился столько же,

сколько наш сын ухаживает за Филиппой.

Да.

Это был непростой период.

В последние месяцы

над нами сгустилась тьма.

Вы пришли одна?

Или наследник наконец-то приехал,

чтобы уладить вопрос с приданным?

«Уладить».

Верно сказано, мистер Финч.

Я сейчас переживаю

такой сложный период.

Горе потрясло всё мое существо.

Я так тоскую по покойному супругу.

Говорила, рано еще!

Ты сама хотела

женить его как можно быстрее!

Простите нас, леди Фэзерингтон.

Дайте знать, когда всё уладится.

Хорошо?

- Восьмой?

- Да.

Я знаю того джентльмена.

- Кого?

- Виконта?

Не думаю, что я вас уже представила.

Конечно.

Я ошиблась.

У вас острый глаз.

Виконт Бриджертон богат,

у него хорошее положение,

он принадлежит

к одному из лучших семейств страны.

Планирует жениться в этом сезоне.

Без сомнений

это один из самых завидных холостяков.

Он очень красив.

Да.

Полагаю, это так.

Лорд Корнинг, я надеялась,

что вы почтите нас своим присутствием.

Позвольте представить. Мисс Шарма.

И мисс Эдвина Шарма.

Очень приятно.

Мисс Эдвина, окажете мне честь?

Корнинг?

Барон Корнинг.

С удовольствием, милорд.

Не припомню, чтобы мне попадалась

фамилия Корнинг.

Неважно, попадалась она вам или нет.

Здесь недопустимо,

чтобы леди не приняла приглашение,

если только она уже не обещала другому.

Вижу, вам нужно многому научиться.

Испанский танец?

Говорят, у Миллерсона

в деревне есть ублюдок.

Вылитый папаша.

Вот ты где.

Рада тебя видеть.

Мама уже просто невыносима.

Тебя хоть не вырядили подсолнухом.

Не дай бог, пчела спутает с цветком.

Мисс Бриджертон, можно вас на танец?

Может, хотите выпить лимонада?

- Освежиться?

- Она что, поникла?

Или пунша?

- Как цветок.

- Простите, джентльмены.

Моя карточка уже заполнена.

Лорд Байрон? Веллингтон?

Элоиза, это вымышленные имена!

Я следую совету сестрицы.

Она сказала, что крайне важно,

чтобы карточка была заполнена

нужными именами.

Элоиза?

Вот ты где, дорогая.

Идем. Хочу тебя кое-кому представить.

Бриджертон!

С меня выпивка.

За что?

Ты главная добыча для мамаш,

желающих пристроить дочерей.

В этом сезоне

мы получили передышку.

Так наслаждайтесь свободой.

Скоро и вас втянут

в эту брачную канитель.

Будете бегать

за каждой достойной девушкой.

Разве они чем-то отличаются?

Выбираешь наиболее приемлемую,

исполняешь свой долг.

- И возвращаешься к прежней жизни.

- И к приятным партнершам.

Нет, если я вынужден

сковать себя цепями брака,

девушка должна соответствовать.

- Рассчитываешь на любовь?

- Это последнее, что мне нужно.

Чтобы иметь достойных детей,

их мать должна быть безупречна.

Миловидная, разумная,

с манерами, подобающими виконтессе.

Я многого прошу?

Но эти дебютантки

проигрывают по всем параметрам.

Тебе нужна лучшая.

Может, королева-таки выберет бриллиант.

Облегчит тебе задачу.

Хотя бы с выбором.

Останется ее завоевать.

С этим проблем не будет.

- В курительную?

- Я к вам присоединюсь.

Кто здесь?

Я слышу…

Вы?

Простите, милорд.

Я не знаю вашего имени.

Я надеялся на нашу встречу.

Чтобы оценить мою разумность и манеры?

Вы подслушивали?

Не было нужды.

Вы говорили так громко,

что любой мог слышать

ваши многочисленные требования.

Что с ними не так?

Для вас женщина -

движимое имущество, рожающее детей.

Это не для ваших…

Виконт Бриджертон, верно?

Что заставит этот образец благодетели,

если вы ее найдете,

принять ваше предложение?

Неужели лондонских леди

так легко завоевать

одной лишь милой улыбкой?

А она у меня милая?

Вы слишком высокого о себе мнения.

Вы никудышный человек

и никудышный наездник.

Хорошего вечера.

Пен!

- Куда-то собралась?

- Подышать свежим воздухом.

Здесь так душно.

От скучной болтовни?

Вот единственный плюс выхода в свет.

Мы можем сбежать вместе.

Никогда не будем одни.

Читаешь мои мысли.

Видел брата или сестру?

Смогли от тебя улизнуть? Молодцы!

Леди Данбери. Прекрасный вечер.

Преимущественно.

Отсутствие парочки гостей

очень бы меня порадовало.

Надеюсь, я не в их числе.

В этом сезоне

у нас с вами общие интересы.

О да. Ваши подопечные.

Жду встречи с ними.

А я жду возможности

показать этим мамашам,

как нужно вести игру.

Хотя я вижу, вы уже сделали первый ход,

сообщив им о намерениях виконта.

Сын сказал, что готов.

Не мне ему перечить.

Всех ждет этот удел.

Леди Данбери, мы уезжаем.

Мисс Шарма, позвольте представить…

Очень приятно. Мама уже в карете.

Увидимся дома.

Дорогая, люди смотрят.

Очевидно, что вы расстроены…

Очевидно то, что мы абсолютно не готовы

к этому испытанию.

Уверена, отсутствие Эдвины

лишь сделает ее более желанной.

Это был прекрасный вечер, леди Данбери.

Мы очень вам благодарны.

Что ж,

похоже, в этом году

нам обеим нелегко придется.

Вовсе нет, если дело касается меня.

Как вы знаете,

я никогда не останусь в стороне.

Хорошего вечера, мама!

Доброй ночи, сестры!

Спокойной ночи, девочки!

- Быстрее можете?

- Хорошо, мисс!

ТИПОГРАФИЯ

Думал, вы уже не придете.

Госпожа сожалеет о задержке.

Вот. Напечатайте к полудню.

Выручка за прошлый выпуск?

Так, 800 копий по пять пенсов штука,

проданы по восемь.

Минус плата разносчикам.

Должно быть 11 фунтов и два шиллинга.

Госпожа возьмет ровно 11.

Остальное вам за расторопность.

Задержки будут случаться регулярно

из-за непредвиденных обстоятельств.

Так что берите.

Ничто не сравнится

со сладостным запахом успеха.

Но после вчерашнего бала

стало очевидно,

что сезон не для всех

будет столь благоуханным.

Хоть мать виконта Бриджертона

лично возвестила о намерении

своего старшего сына вступить в брак,

все мы задаемся вопросом,

готов лишь бывший повеса

наконец-то остепениться.

Возможно, виконт, как и все мы,

лишь ждет, пока королева

наконец-то назовет имя бриллианта.

Или, возможно, ваша покорная слуга

должна взять дело в свои руки.

Никто не смеет торопить меня с выбором.

Никто.

- Конечно, Ваше Величество.

- Унесите.

И принесите мне список пэров.

Еще чаю, милорд?

Думаю, он предпочитает молоко.

Шарики? Здорово!

Я могу почитать?

В этом году нам представили

вполне подготовленных

и тщательно выпестованных девиц.

Но автор этих строк задается вопросом,

не ждет ли нас всех

гораздо более неожиданный выбор.

Младшая вполне ничего,

если убрать старшую.

Она просто ужасна.

Только не на мое кресло!

Какая бы милая леди

не удостоилась этой высокой чести,

будем надеяться, что найдется

достойный жених с острым умом.

Иначе его бесплодные раздумья

приведут к увяданию нашей розы.

Она мастерски использует

цветочные каламбуры.

Согласна!

Узнайте цену подсвечников.

Да, мэм.

Вон. Видишь?

Леди Горинг понравилось

вчерашнее платье Элоизы,

мадам Делакруа.

Она сказала,

оно превосходно оттеняет цвет ее лица.

Говорит, ты похожа на Дафну.

Я не Дафна.

Вот эта.

Конечно, леди Бриджертон.

Элоиза, тебе может

понравиться следующий бал,

если ты хоть с кем-то потанцуешь.

Новые знакомства могут быть приятными.

Да, Энтони определенно

приятно провел время.

Он сражен изяществом юных танцовщиц.

Мне все ноги отдавили.

Разве их не учат танцевать?

Разве юноши не должны

уметь связать два слова?

Жаль, наши надежды не оправдались.

По-моему, Элоиза - настоящий бриллиант.

Абсолютно согласна, Джасинт.

Возможно, королева заметит это

на завтрашнем балу.

Не выношу тебя.

Мадам Делакруа.

Вы вернулись.

Ну конечно!

Кто еще сможет одеть

дебютанток к этому сезону?

Увидимся вечером?

Я слышал, будет прием.

У меня много работы, мистер Бриджертон.

Для меня мое искусство на первом месте.

Приятного вечера.

Брат.

Ты всё еще крутишь шашни с модисткой?

Вовсе нет. Подыскал себе жену?

Или продолжишь оскорблять всех подряд?

Мама знает?

- О чём?

- Я к поверенному.

Удачи с рисунками, братец.

Энтони?

На вчерашнем балу было несколько

милых девушек, не так ли?

У леди Делайлы прекрасные манеры.

Говорят, мисс Гудрум блестяще вышивает.

Узнай их поближе.

Леди Делайла не может

двух слов связать.

А мисс Гудрум считает,

Наполеон на стороне испанцев.

Все, кого ты мне сватала, - невежды.

Глаза бы мои их не видели.

- Энтони.

- Мне нужно совершенство. Пойми.

Моя жена станет виконтессой Бриджертон.

Хозяйкой этого дома.

Ответственной за моих сестер

и моих детей.

Хочешь, чтобы их мать не знала,

как правильно пользоваться картой?

В этом я вижу свой долг.

С подобными требованиями

ты останешься один.

Хорошего дня, мама.

Почему здесь так тихо?

Так я здесь одна.

Читаю, как всегда.

Какая же ты скучная.

Я буду порежена,

если Филиппа сумеет выйти за Финча.

«Поражена».

Ты хотела сказать «поражена».

Что это?

О чём ты?

- Что пишешь?

- Я не пишу.

Писала.

Пруденс. Не смей… Верни!

Ах вот оно что, бесенок!

Вот чем ты занимаешься в тишине?

Почему вы еще не спите?

Пенелопа писала.

Колину Бриджертону.

Понятно, почему все руки в чернилах.

Прошу, Пенелопа!

Колин - мой друг!

Он не станет

тратить чернила на такую, как ты.

- Сколько за них дадут?

- Что?

Твои книги.

Они чего-то да стоят, верно?

Не думаю, мама.

Жаль.

Перестань тратить драгоценное время

на написание глупых писем.

Колин Бриджертон такой же друг,

как я Екатерина Великая.

Отмой руки.

А то тебя примут за простолюдинку.

Мэм.

Вам письмо.

Ваш чай совсем остынет.

В отличие от моих лошадей.

Завтра утром снова поедете

кататься верхом?

Я в курсе всего,

что творится в моём доме.

Поскольку вы намерены таиться,

я сэкономлю нам время.

Письмо от Шеффилдов,

ваших бабушки и дедушки.

Я написала им.

Они мне не родня, леди Данбери.

Между нами нет кровных связей.

Похоже, вы не были со мной откровенны.

Признаю, не стоило отправляться

на прогулку без сопровождающего.

А как насчет истинной причины

вашего приезда в Лондон?

Это беспокоит меня гораздо больше.

Мы приехали найти мужа Эдвине.

И это всё?

Проявите благоразумие

и перестаньте

скрывать правду, мисс Шарма.

Мало кто пытался меня перехитрить.

А удалось это лишь единицам.

Вы живете в моём доме,

на моём попечении,

полагаясь на мое доброе имя,

мои связи, мои средства.

Я поручилась за вас с сестрой

перед Ее Величеством королевой.

Всё потому,

что я решила

проявить доброту к старому другу…

И мы за всё вам признательны.

Ваша мать тоскует

по вашему отцу, это естественно.

Но она вовсе сюда не стремилась, верно?

Это была ваша идея!

Я не хочу быть пешкой в чужой игре.

Вы ошибаетесь.

Тогда поведайте мне,

каковы условия Шеффилдов

в отношении брака Эдвины.

Полагаю, выполнив их условия,

вы и ваша семья получите

целое состояние.

Супругом Эдвины должен стать

английский дворянин.

За браком вашей матери

не смогли уследить.

Решили вмешаться в дела вашей сестры.

Да.

Они так и не смирились с отсутствием

у отца титула и положения.

Уверяю вас, леди Данбери,

я вовсе не преследую собственные цели.

После смерти отца

мы с мамой сделали всё,

чтобы Эдвина ничего не знала

о наших проблемах.

Но наши средства иссякли.

Последнее ушло на дорогу сюда.

Шеффилды согласны выделить

моей сестре приличное приданое

и позаботиться о маме.

Но только в случае достойного брака.

А как же вы?

Если мой брак мог бы помочь семье,

я бы на это пошла.

Но между мной и мамой

нет кровного родства.

Эдвина - ее родная дочь.

Последние восемь лет я посвятила тому,

чтобы научить сестру

правильно ходить, говорить,

блестяще играть на фортепьяно.

Я вкладывала в нее всю душу

и требовала полной отдачи.

Даже научила заваривать

мерзкую бурду, обожаемую англичанами.

Ненавижу английский чай.

Но если это обеспечит

будущее моей сестры,

я готова пить его,

мило улыбаясь и вежливо кивая головой.

Ваша сестра имеет право знать.

Вы сами сказали - это ее будущее.

Именно поэтому я и ограждаю ее.

Ведь я ее знаю.

Если она всё узнает,

то тут же выскочит замуж ради нас.

Примет предложение любого,

кто снизойдет до нее.

Эдвина заслужила шанс найти любовь

без подобного груза на плечах.

Прошу, никому не говорите.

Сформировавшийся под давлением,

желанный многими,

но доставшийся

лишь избранным счастливцам.

Ничто на земле

не вызывает столько зависти,

сколько бриллиант.

Сочтет ли королева возможным

наконец погасить ожесточенные споры ,

милостиво удостоив высочайшей чести

самую удачливую из молодых леди?

На кону стоит столько судеб.

Уверена, не только автор этих строк

ждет ее решения, затаив дыхание.

Надеюсь, в этот раз

город пришелся вам по вкусу,

леди Мэри.

О да, Ваше Величество.

Ну хоть на этот раз.

Думаю, вашей матушке

не помешает свежий воздух, мисс Шарма.

Думаю, леди Мэри

всё-таки заслужила признание, мэм.

Она выразила подлинную преданность,

решившись представить дочерей

на ваш строгий суд, Ваше Величество.

Уверена, младшая

сделает партию,

о которой будет говорить всё общество.

Леди Данбери, я чувствую,

вы на что-то намекаете.

Вы хотели сделать сезон интересным.

Вот ваш шанс.

Есть те, кого ты еще не отверг?

Ты у нас художник.

Кто-то вызывает у тебя вдохновение?

Сегодня мы узнаем бриллиант,

а я обрету жену.

Леди Бриджертон. Мисс Бриджертон.

Жаль, ваше представление ко двору

было столь грубо прервано.

Верно, жаль.

Я чуть не забыла

про ваш выход в свет в этом сезоне.

Ваша старшая сестра блистала при дворе.

Возможно, удача - это у вас семейное.

Прекрасный бал, Ваше Величество.

Настоящий бриллиант среди балов.

Хотя сама я предпочитаю изумруды.

Милочка!

Мое любимое ожерелье - изумрудное.

Блестящее замечание.

Вижу, за этот год

вы расцвели, мисс Бриджертон.

Если королева выберет

бриллиантом Элоизу,

на ком же ты женишься?

Замолкни.

Пен!

Скорее отсюда.

Королева…

Каким-то образом я ее очаровала.

- Похоже, я ей нравлюсь.

- Элоиза, успокойся.

Элоиза Бриджертон. Бриллиант.

Теперь перестанешь коротать время

с серыми мышками

и выберешь себе друзей получше.

- Предлагаю…

- Да я скорее умру!

Не понимаю,

как ты выдержала целый сезон

в окружении Крессиды Каупер

и ей подобных.

Дело не в ней. Они все такие.

Глазеют на меня,

будто я фарфоровый чайник.

Как ты справлялась, Пен?

У меня не было подобных проблем.

«Серая мышка», помнишь?

Это не… Крессиду бесит,

что даже новое платье

не скроет ее характер.

Всё не так плохо.

Я про серую мышку.

Я всегда первой пью лимонад.

Наблюдая, я вижу, кто лучшие танцоры.

Глянешь на кавалера,

когда леди танцует с другим,

и сразу видно

серьезность его намерений.

Стоя у стены, я слышу слухи,

которыми обмениваются лакеи.

Ты скрывала это от меня.

Больше не нужно притворяться, Пен.

Тебе всё это нравится.

Бывает весело.

Теперь ты ее недолюбливаешь.

Но разве леди Уислдаун

не развлекает нас?

Дело не в этом.

Я думала, мне будет ее не хватать,

ведь она помогает во всём разобраться.

Но она снова пишет о том же самом.

И я снова понимаю, что в ловушке.

Все на меня глазеют.

Входя в бальный зал,

я знаю, что меня сравнивают с Дафной.

Она была блистательным бриллиантом.

Мама светилась от счастья.

Мне с ней не сравниться.

Да я и не хочу.

Но от этого ничуть не легче сознавать,

что ты всех разочаровываешь

одним своим появлением.

Я и представить не могла.

Меня никто не замечает.

И мне это нравится.

Невидимкам гораздо легче.

Популярность налагает

на людей обязательства.

А мы свободны от них.

Поэтому Уислдаун соблюдает анонимность?

Возможно.

Поэтому Крессида столь жестока?

Нет.

У нее просто слишком тугая прическа.

Ваше присутствие отмечено.

Ваша королева высоко это ценит.

Я имею честь представить вам

бриллиант этого сезона.

Мисс Эдвина Шарма.

Твой взгляд…

Так я смотрю на законченную картину.

Каждому нужна муза, не так ли?

Виконт Бриджертон.

Вы уже знакомы с моей избранницей?

Благодарю за представление,

Ваше Величество.

Надеюсь, леди удостоит меня чести

потанцевать с ней.

Я должна поблагодарить вас.

Дитя, вы слишком торопитесь.

Знайте, настоящая работа

начинается сейчас.

Вы правы. Нам с сестрой придется

преодолеть немало препятствий.

Кстати, где она?

Простите за прямоту,

что вы думаете о детях?

Помимо того, что я хочу их иметь?

Сколько бы ни дал мне Бог,

я буду очень благодарна.

Этот вопрос мы решим

вместе с моим супругом.

Очень умно.

Вы играете на каком-то инструменте?

На многих.

Но по большей части мое образование

преследовало более серьезные цели.

Языки, классическая литература.

Я люблю читать.

Вижу, вас не смущает

учиненный мной допрос.

С чего бы?

Мужчина, знающий, чего хочет,

достоин восхищения.

Ваш отец здесь?

У меня к нему разговор.

К сожалению, отец давно умер.

Мне очень жаль.

Мой тоже.

Вы можете поговорить с моей сестрой.

Именно ее благословение понадобится,

если мы… А вот и она.

- Кейт!

- Лорд Бриджертон.

Мисс Эдвину вы уже знаете. Это…

Ее сестра.

Мисс Шарма, милорд.

Виконт Бриджертон прекрасно танцует.

Я могу кое-чему

у вас научиться, милорд.

Сопроводишь меня в дамскую комнату?

Что-то не так?

Не приближайся

к этому человеку. Ты поняла?

Какой прелестный бриллиант.

О да.

Я женюсь на ней.

Я должна кое о чём тебе рассказать.

Цвет, чистота, размер, огранка.

Наконец-то королева нашла

свою лучшую драгоценность.

Что всё это значит?

Мэм.

Он здесь.

Новый лорд Фэзерингтон.

Леди Фэзерингтон.

Ведь так? Хоть мы и не женаты.

Немного странно.

Я думала, он старик.

- Я думала, он урод.

- Леди.

Ничего страшного.

Вы о моём отце.

Я не обижаюсь. Он был уродлив.

И очень стар.

Настолько стар, что он умер.

Простите, что заставил себя ждать.

Я проделал путь из Америки.

Но я сразу же взялся за дела.

Филиппа, это, должно быть, вы.

Я выплатил приданное Финчу.

Книги покойного лорда я беру себе.

Я взял на себя смелость перенести вещи

из вашей спальни, леди Фэзерингтон.

Странное обращение, да?

Вы перенесли мои вещи?

Теперь эти комнаты

буду занимать я, как хозяин дома.

Вы же понимаете.

Как ты говорила, мама.

Новый лорд Фэзерингтон всё устроит.

Ваш покорный автор находит

мисс Эдвину Шарму

блестящей молодой леди.

Но сейчас я хотела бы затронуть

совсем другой вопрос.

Перемены.

Разве сама идея выбора бриллианта

не является довольно возмутительной?

Разве женщину можно оценивать

лишь по ее успехам в танцах

или изысканности манер?

Не стоит ли начать ценить в ней

честность, характер,

ее истинные таланты?

Что скажешь, Элоиза?

Прекрасно.

Возможно, если бы королева оставила

этот абсурдный обычай в прошлом,

нам бы стало очевидно,

что женщина способна

на гораздо большее.

Что такое, Ваше Высочество?

Эдвина Шарма.

Мой бриллиант.

В этом сезоне ей придется

сделать для меня нечто больше,

чем просто блистать.

ПАМЯТИ МАРКА ПИЛЧЕРА

Перевод субтитров: Ксения Гребеникова

«СВЕТСКИЕ ХРОНИКИ ОТ ЛЕДИ УИСЛДАУН»

Я изучаю французский язык с десяти лет, леди Денбери.

МИСС СИЕНА РОССО

В ОПЕРЕ МОЦАРТА «МИЛОСЕРДИЕ ТИТА»

«СВЕТСКИЕ ХРОНИКИ ОТ ЛЕДИ УИСЛДАУН»

В ПАМЯТЬ О МАРКЕ ПИЛЧЕРЕ

[horses neighing]

[driver] Whoa. Whoa.

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

-[chattering]

-Gregory, you…

-[indistinct chatter]

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.

[muffled, distant chatter]

-[groans]

-[Violet] 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.

[Lady Danbury] Hmm.

You do know

what that would make her, then?

One of us.

[Lady Danbury] Hmm.

[Prudence] 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.

-[Violet] 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.

-[Eloise whimpers]

-[Daphne] Several times.

-You have natural gifts--

-Do not patronize me.

-And give me that!

-[Francesca] 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.

-[Anthony] 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.

[man] Miss Cordelia Patridge.

The Lady Abigail Evans.

Miss Mary Ann Hallewell.

Miss Margaret Goring.

It is not too late.

-You could say I collapsed.

-[chuckles]

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.

-[breathes shakily]

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?

-[chuckles]

-[Penelope] Of course not, Mama.

My apologies.

[man] The Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton

and Miss Eloise Bridgerton.

[Eloise breathes heavily]

It is here.

[breathing heavily]

[whispers] Smile.

What is the meaning of this?

[chuckles lightly]

I've seen enough.

-[man] But Your Majesty, there are still--

-I have seen enough!

Does this mean I can go?

I don't know what this means.

-[Violet mutters quietly]

-[gasps]

Eloise.

[chuckles]

[scoffs lightly]

Truly, I cannot say

I will long for any of this.

Best of luck to you, Brother.

You shall certainly need it this season.

[Lady Whistledown] Dearest gentle reader.

Did you miss me?

[Lady Whistledown] 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!

[Lady Whistledown] Honing my skills.

Increased her price too, I see.

[Lady Whistledown] Or should I say,

hatching my plans?

Is she truly that good a writer?

[light chuckle]

[Lady Whistledown] 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.

[chuckles] How could she?

[woman] Oh.

Eighteen? We agreed on 20.

[in Irish accent]

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.

[Lady Whistledown] 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--

[Lady Whistledown] 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.

[classical dance tune on piano]

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.

[chuckling] Interviews! [inhales]

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.

[classical rendition

of "Stay Away" playing]

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?

[whimsical classical music continues]

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.

-[clears throat]

-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. [chuckles]

But do you read?

Books?

[exhales deeply]

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.

[coins clattering]

[whimsical classical music fades]

[quacking]

[horse snorts]

[distant horse neighs]

Whoa, there!

Miss, are you in trouble?

-[horse neighing]

-Come on.

Come on.

Careful, now!

Whoa, there!

[horse snorts]

[distant horse neighs]

[panting softly]

[horse nickers]

[sighs]

Enjoying your victory lap?

[speaks Hindi]

You'll not be afforded

such an ample head-start this time.

Apologies, sir.

I did not mean to cause anyone concern.

Does your maid know

you are riding astride?

I have no maid.

Then you're married.

Forgive me.

Then you are lost.

I am not lost either.

I'm on my way back to Mayfair.

-It is just ahead.

-Mayfair?

Well, then--

I appreciate your attention, sir,

but I assure you I am perfectly safe.

Perhaps we pretend

this encounter never took place?

You allow me to go my way,

and you go yours.

You worry about being seen.

I worry about meeting

strange men in parks at dawn

who fail to leave me alone

with their questions.

Your secret is safe.

I shall not tell a soul.

How grateful I am.

Losing races to strange women

in such parks at dawn.

I can only imagine

the questions I would be asked.

[both chuckle lightly]

Is that what that was?

-A race?

-Was it not?

Does one not need

actual competition for a race?

If we had decided

on a finish line together,

but alas, we made no such agreement.

I see you are not one for losing.

I shall have you--

In the rare instances it occurs,

I'd admit that I have

either lost or am in the wrong.

But I'm afraid

the same cannot be said for you.

-I beg your pardon?

-Mayfair is not right ahead.

It's the other way entirely.

[men chattering]

[Anthony] Not lost, you said?

-Good day, sir.

-[horse snorts]

Let's go.

We have not yet been introduced.

I am afraid that is not possible.

Not when I have a victory lap to enjoy.

[chuckles]

[horse whinnies]

Well, what do you mean

she was not in her room?

I went to find her after awakening,

but she was not there.

[Lady Danbury] Lady Mary.

Lady Danbury.

Oh, how delightful it is to see you.

And you.

-After all these years.

-[chuckles softly]

You look well.

Allow me to introduce to you my youngest,

-Miss Edwina Sharma.

-Ah.

[Edwina] A true pleasure, Lady Danbury.

I am so grateful for your hospitality.

Your home, it is magnificent.

Consider it yours for the season.

Though, I was expecting another?

Yes. My eldest.

Kate.

Kate. Yes.

Well, she did get off the ship

with you last night, did she not?

-Apologies.

-[Edwina] Kate!

-There you are, dearest.

-I hope I did not keep you waiting long.

The gardens here are so lovely.

After such a lengthy journey,

I found that I wanted

some freshness and morning air.

But, uh… [clears throat] I am here now.

My eldest, Lady Danbury. Miss Kate Sharma.

[Lady Danbury] Hmm.

Well, now that we are all arrived--

[Kate] Almost.

I beg your pardon?

We have almost all arrived.

There is also Newton.

Is he still upstairs?

[chuckles softly]

[panting]

Mama tells us you host the first ball

of every season, Lady Danbury.

Yes. I have appropriated a conservatory

for this year's festivities.

Did you hear that, Edwina?

Well, that sounds delightful.

It will make for a most spectacular

entrance to society, indeed.

I cannot tell you

how eager the young ladies are

for the upcoming season.

As am I.

I would've ensured their presentation

to Her Majesty the Queen,

but I thought it wise for me

to examine their deportment

prior to their first engagement.

Her Majesty is most discerning,

you understand.

So Her Majesty will be

in attendance, then, at the ball?

Well, there is no reason

for concern, Lady Mary.

You will be with me, after all.

Of course.

Now, I have made all the arrangements.

The pianoforte is tuned,

the instructors hired.

Dance lessons begin at noon,

followed by a short

but comprehensive visit

from a lovely French tutor I have secured.

Well, stand up.

Both of you. Could you, uh-- [chuckles]

[dog whimpers]

Exceptional posture.

Beautiful smiles.

Yes, they are, quite.

The age of the elder miss

may raise concern.

Any suitable gentleman

will require some persuading,

whether we like it or not,

as she will already be regarded

as an old maid at the mature age of…

Six and twenty, ma'am.

But it should truly be

of no concern, as I assure you

I am not here

to find a husband for myself,

only for my sister,

who, indeed, stands quite tall

and smiles rather exquisitely.

Even more so

when she speaks French, I rather think.

[speaks French]

[Kate] She is accomplished

in both Latin and Greek,

in addition to Marathi

and Hindustani, of course.

She not only plays sitar

and maruli, but pianoforte too.

And as for her dancing, well,

it is quite remarkable,

if I do say so myself.

And I do say so,

considering it was I who taught my sister

the cotillion, the quadrille, the waltz.

Self-taught, naturally,

but still quite remarkable nonetheless.

Hmm! Well--

Kate feels quite passionately

about her sister's prospects this season.

I hope you did not go to too much trouble,

finding all of those instructors?

Not at all.

My mama did not err

in her description of you,

a woman of such grace and kindness.

I am sure we have much to learn from you,

such as the preparation

of this most excellent tea.

[Lady Mary chuckles nervously]

-Kate, dear?

-Mm-hmm?

Might Newton require a walk

before he makes his mess

all over these fine carpets?

Indeed. Delighted

to make your acquaintance, Lady Danbury.

My sister and I do look forward

to your sponsorship this season.

[dog barks]

Daphne provided me

a list of recommendations

for a successful season.

Private advice regarding

the top ten ways in which to entrap a man.

I'm telling you, Pen,

the season has barely begun

and already I feel touched in the head.

[Penelope laughs]

Another quill? You do get

through them at an extraordinary rate.

I have been busy with my correspondence.

-To the new heir? Is he here yet?

-No.

Oh.

I only mean, Colin has been keeping me

informed of his adventures in Greece.

In fairness, I have stopped

reading his letters. He rambles.

-He's certainly no Lady Whistledown.

-No.

But, then again, Colin has,

in fact, been somewhere, unlike her.

Well, I thought you revered Whistledown.

Did her arrival not save you

from your presentation to the queen?

I was delighted

by the diversion, to be sure. But,

I sat with her paper all morning,

and in truth, all she does

is repeat what she hears.

Someone must report the gossip.

Does she not have a way with words?

But what is she saying with those words?

Truly, I did not mind

Whistledown's silence the last ten months,

as it finally gave me some time

to read a few articles of substance.

[clears throat]

"My own sex, I hope, will excuse me

if I treat them like rational creatures,

instead of flattering

their fascinating graces."

Wollstonecraft.

Rather haughty.

Imagine if Whistledown wrote like this,

instead of simply turning our eye

to every newly-minted debutante.

Perhaps then we might find our respite

from the tedious sequence

of tea parties and balls.

I rather think the only reason

Whistledown writes about such things

is because she is not

an active participant in them.

Oh. Everyone has their theory, I suppose.

[Eloise] Mmm.

Would you like me to prepare some potatoes

for the ladies downstairs, ma'am?

Potatoes? Again?

Why are we always eating potatoes?

Because these days, I am the housekeeper,

lady's maid, scullery maid, and cook.

Have all the staff truly departed?

Though I am quite good at boiling the veg.

Thank you, Mrs. Varley.

Potatoes would be lovely.

A season with no new dresses,

nor servants.

Are we to empty our own chamber pots too?

-Mama, I cannot do that.

-Calm yourselves.

As I have told you,

once the new Lord Featherington arrives,

we will be provided for.

Well, where is he?

Why is he taking so long?

Because he wishes to make us suffer.

[sighs]

The new Lord Featherington

is off somewhere,

delighting in our misfortune,

because the man is as cruel as can be.

I hear he cast his only son

out to the Americas

for daring to question his word.

I tremble to think where he will send

the rest of us if he has a mind.

Cornwall, perhaps.

Cornwall?

Well, I suppose

you may visit Mr. Finch and me.

If there is nary a penny

for new dresses or staff,

there is none for her dowry.

He shall prevent me from marrying?

Of course not.

The man may be an old,

bitter curmudgeon, but he is a gentleman

and he will keep a gentleman's agreement.

Which is why we must waste no time

in finding matches for the lot of you.

Unless you are all betrothed

by the time our cousin arrives

to claim the Featherington estate,

we shall be at his mercy.

And then… heaven help us all.

You could always sell the silverware.

The dinner service

should fetch a handsome price.

Are you thinking of wearing that one?

-[sighs]

-It is quite beautiful.

No. These are for you, Bon.

We have come to London

to find your husband, not mine.

Yes. You are but a dear old maid.

Ah. Who shall be perfectly happy doting on

my many nieces and nephews one day soon.

I shall spoil them exceedingly.

You do know that, yes?

What is it?

I…

only hope they like me tonight.

How could they not?

[sighs] Mama is doing that thing

she always does when she is worried.

The gossip she endured after marrying Appa

had to have been unbearable,

do you not think?

Is this what troubles you?

That was many years ago.

Everyone will still have questions.

About our family.

About how you and I are related.

We are sisters.

This place may feel different,

but it will never change

the way you and I see each other.

Besides, you heard Lady Danbury.

She will smooth everything over.

She is on our side.

[sighs] The dowager is

more formidable than I imagined.

She will have your head when she learns

of your secret morning ride.

Are you certain no one saw you?

Yes. Now, never mind her.

The dowager is not half as frightening

as she thinks she is.

[chuckles]

You must be excited.

This is the first chapter

of a happy story.

All you have to do this evening

is remember

what it is you are looking for.

Hmm.

-Someone charming.

-Mm-hmm.

And handsome, of course.

A prince or a duke, perhaps.

It is not a man's appearance

or title that will woo you.

It is his mind and spirit

that will court yours.

He will speak in a manner

that only your heart can hear.

That is what you are looking for.

That is the true love you deserve.

[inhales]

This one?

-They will not be ready.

-[Edwina chuckles]

[Kate chuckles]

[classical rendition

of "Material Girl" playing]

Just remember to breathe, Bon.

[gasps softly] Ah.

The Marquis of Ashdown.

A little young, to be sure,

but he has 10,000 a year.

The Earl of Gloucester.

His wife recently died of influenza.

He might make

a particularly estimable addition

to your dance card

this evening, Miss Sharma.

I will not be taking

to the floor tonight, Lady Danbury.

Is there someone back home

you've yet to tell me about?

Come now. I am long past all of that.

The only match I am interested in

is for my sister.

She trusts me implicitly.

Now, what about the Duke of Suffolk?

According to Debrett's,

he should be quite the catch this year.

The duke flaunts his mistresses.

I assure you, Miss Sharma,

I have our prospects well in hand.

[gasps softly] Ah.

There she is.

So many flowers,

when what I really seek is a gem.

Oh.

So soon, Lady Danbury?

Lady Danbury.

A delightful soiree, as expected.

Though my own later this week

will be much more exclusive.

Your Majesty,

I would not think to compare.

And rightly so.

Your Majesty,

may I present Lady Mary Sharma,

whom you must remember.

And may I present her daughters,

Miss Sharma and Miss Edwina Sharma,

my personal special guests for the season.

A high honor, indeed.

I hear you have made quite a journey

to join us again

after all these years, Lady Mary.

If only you had extended the courtesy

of offering your queen

a final farewell before you left.

Oh, I do relish a challenge.

[song ends]

[Violet chuckles]

[Eloise sighs]

Stop fussing with your dress.

You look lovely, dear.

I look like a prize calf,

trussed up for auction.

[Benedict moos]

Even Daphne felt most apprehensive

at her first official ball,

and look how well her season turned out.

Oh, right.

[Violet chuckles] Oh.

Come, Sister. The cakes

at these occasions are surprisingly good.

[hesitates] Uh… Uh…

It truly is a sparse crop.

Oh, I am sure there is

someone here who will charm you.

After all, this is the season

the viscount intends to find a wife.

-You honestly just did that?

-I believe I did.

-Lady Bridgerton.

-[Violet chuckles]

Lord Bridgerton.

-Dance, please, Lord Bridgerton?

-[Anthony] Good evening.

[classical music playing]

Is that Lady Mary Sheffield Sharma?

I can't believe

she would show her face here again.

A scandal, Mama?

Lady Mary was

the incomparable of our season,

until she fell in love with

and married some kind of clerk, I hear.

The two of them

absconded to India thereafter.

A maharajah I would have understood,

but the man was no more than

a common worker who already had a child.

That must be her.

The older one.

Lady Mary's parents, the Sheffields,

never lived down the shame, did they?

Too ashamed to show their faces in London.

If only every family

could be as respectable as ours.

[chuckles softly] Yes, Lady Featherington?

[gasps softly] Dearest!

My love.

Hmm.

Mr. and Mrs. Finch.

Lady Featherington.

It is a delightful surprise

to see you in attendance.

After such a long mourning period.

Almost as long as our son

has been courting Philippa,

if you can imagine.

[chuckles] Yes.

It has been a difficult time, indeed.

Darkness has been our candle

in recent months.

Mmm. Have you come unaccompanied?

Or has the new heir finally come to manage

this unsettled business

of your daughter's dowry?

"Unsettled."

That is the precise word, Mr. Finch,

because I, too, have been… [sighs]

…very unsettled, indeed.

Shaken to the bone, in fact, by…

[tearfully] …by grief.

Missing my dear, dear, very dead husband.

-[feigns sobbing]

-I told you it was too soon!

You told me you wished

for the boy to be out of the house!

Our apologies, Lady Featherington.

Do let us know when you are more… settled.

-Yes?

-[feigns sobbing]

[sniffles]

[song ends]

-Number eight?

-Yes.

I know that gentleman.

-Who?

-The viscount?

I do not believe

I have yet made an introduction.

Of course.

It must be my mistake.

Though you have quite the eye.

Viscount Bridgerton is

wealthy, well-connected,

and from one of the ton's

most illustrious families.

Apparently hoping to marry this season,

he may very well be

our most eligible bachelor, indeed.

He is very handsome.

Yes.

I suppose he is.

Lord Corning.

I was hoping to see you this evening.

Allow me to introduce Miss Sharma

and Miss Edwina Sharma.

It is a pleasure. Miss Edwina,

would you honor me with a dance?

Corning, you said?

The Baron Corning.

I would be delighted, my lord.

[classical music plays]

I do not recall reading

of Corning's family in my research.

It does not matter

what you have and have not read.

It is unacceptable here

for a lady to decline

a dance with a gentleman

unless she's already reserved by another.

I see we have much to learn.

[cane taps]

Spanish dance?

[indistinct conversation]

And they say

Millerson has a whelp in the country.

Spitting image of his father.

There you are.

Oh, Pen, I'm so glad to see you.

Mama is already being insufferable.

At least she did not see fit

to dress you as a sunflower.

I declare a bee

might mistake me for the real thing.

Miss Bridgerton.

May I request your next dance?

Or I might accompany you

to fetch some lemonade?

-You seem parched.

-How can you tell? Is she wilting?

Or punch, if you prefer?

-A plant pun, if you're wondering.

-Apologies, gentlemen.

I regret to inform you

that my dance card is already full.

[clears throat]

Lord Byron? Wellington?

Eloise, these names are false!

I am merely following

my sister's valuable advice.

She told me that it is

of the utmost importance

for a lady's dance card

to be filled with all of the right names.

-[both laugh]

-[Violet] Eloise?

There you are, dear. [chuckles]

Come. There is someone

I would like you to meet.

[Eloise groans softly]

[classical rendition

of "Diamonds" playing]

-[exhales deeply]

-[man] Bridgerton!

I owe you a drink.

Whatever for?

With you as the prize catch of the season,

the rest of us shall receive a respite

from the marriage-minded mamas

this season, indeed.

Enjoy your freedom while it lasts.

You, too, will soon submit

to this ridiculous rigmarole of courtship.

Squiring every eligible miss around town

until you're barely able to see straight.

Is one lady unlike any other?

Simply pick the least objectionable

and get her wed, bed, and bred.

Then you can return

to more pleasurable pursuits.

And more pleasurable partners. [chuckles]

You may be cavalier, but if I must

leg-shackle myself in marriage,

the lady in question

should have more to recommend her.

Do not tell us

you are hoping for a love match?

[Anthony] Love is the last thing I desire.

But if my children

are to be of good stock,

then their mother must be

of impeccable quality.

A pleasing face, an acceptable wit,

genteel manners enough

to credit a viscountess.

It should not be hard to find.

And yet, the debutantes of London

fall short at every turn.

You want the best. Perhaps the queen

will finally name a diamond.

Save you some trouble.

At least, of choosing her.

Wooing the piece

will be a different story, indeed.

I shall have no problem there.

[all chuckle]

-Smoking room, gentlemen?

-I shall be there anon.

[clattering]

[Anthony] Is someone there?

I can hear y…

you.

Pardon me, my lord.

I never got your name.

I was wondering if we'd meet again.

So you might discern

if my wit is acceptable,

my manners genteel?

You were eavesdropping?

It was hardly an effort,

seeing as you were proclaiming

your many requirements for a wife

loud enough for the entire party to hear.

You take issue with them?

I take issue with any man who views women

merely as chattels and breeding stock.

None of that was meant--

Viscount Bridgerton, yes?

When you manage to find

this paragon of virtue,

whatever makes you think

she will accept your suit?

Are the young ladies of London

truly so easily won

by a pleasing smile

and absolutely nothing more?

So, you find my smile pleasing.

I find your opinion

of yourself entirely too high.

Your character is

as deficient as your horsemanship.

I shall bid you good night.

[Eloise] Ah. Pen!

Pen. Are you going somewhere?

I was… just getting some air.

It is so very stifling in the ballroom.

[scoffs]

-The air or the dreary conversation?

-[chuckles]

I do suppose this is

the one benefit of being out.

I have you to run off with.

We shall never have to be alone.

[chuckles]

My thoughts exactly.

Have you seen your brother or your sister?

They managed to escape you? Good for them.

Lady Danbury. [chuckles] Splendid evening.

For the most part.

There are a few guests whose absence

I might not have regretted.

[laughs] I do hope I am not one of them.

You and I have

common interests this season, it seems.

I heard. Your wards,

I look forward to meeting them.

And I look forward

to showing these other mamas

how the game ought to be played.

Though, it appears you have already

stoked the fire by informing them

of the viscount's intentions

for this season.

My son said he was ready.

Who am I to question it?

They all must come around

eventually, I suppose.

Lady Danbury, we wish to leave.

Miss Sharma, allow me to introduce you--

Charmed. My mama

is already in our carriage.

We will see you at home.

People are watching, my dear.

You are clearly upset--

What is clear is

we are woefully unprepared

to navigate this lion's den.

I am sure Edwina's absence

will only make her

that much more desirable.

It truly was

a magnificent soiree, Lady Danbury.

We are most grateful.

Well,

it would seem both of us

may have our hands full this year.

Not if I have something to say about it.

And as you very well know,

I always have something to say.

[chuckles softly]

Delightful evening, Mama!

Night, Sisters!

[Lady Featherington]

Good night, young ladies!

[doors closing]

[breathing heavily]

[sighs]

-Can you go any faster?

-[driver] Yes, miss!

Lawks, I thought you weren't coming.

[in Irish accent] My mistress

apologizes for the delay.

This is for today.

It must print before noon.

[scoffs]

Last edition's takings, yes?

800 copies at five pence apiece,

sold for eight pence each,

minus the delivery boys' wages,

there should be eleven pounds,

two shillings here altogether.

My mistress

is willing to take an even ten.

You get to keep the surplus

for your rapid service.

These delays will be more frequent now

due to an… unforeseen circumstance,

so, it's really a bargain.

[Lady Whistledown]

There is nothing quite like

the sweet-scented smell of success.

But after taking in the scene

from last night's festivities,

it is clear the season won't be

quite so fragrant for everyone.

The Viscount Bridgerton's own mama

may have loudly declared her eldest son's

lofty intentions to marry,

yet I cannot be the only one wondering

if this former Capital-R-Rake

is, indeed, ready to flourish.

Perhaps the viscount, like the rest of us,

is simply waiting for the queen

to finally name her diamond.

Or perhaps this author

should take matters into her own hands.

I shall not be hustled

into making my selection.

Not by anyone.

Of course, Your Majesty.

Take this away.

And bring me a list of the peerage.

Some tea, my lord?

Perhaps some warm milk may be better.

Oh! Are those marbles?

What fun!

Might I go and read now?

[Lady Whistledown] Though,

of the many purportedly well-trained

and bred hothouse flowers

on display this year,

this author must wonder

if a more surprising choice

might still be in store.

The younger one would do,

if the eldest just got out of the way.

[man 2] The sister is dreadful.

[dog barks]

[Lady Danbury] Not on my chair!

[dog whimpers]

[sighs]

[Lady Whistledown] Whichever darling miss

receives such high esteem,

let us hope there is a suitor available

of only the sharpest wit,

lest his dry musings leave

a young lady wilting like a parched rose.

[snorting chuckle]

It is rather clever

the way she uses plant puns to belittle.

[laughter]

Clever indeed!

The candlesticks, see what they're worth.

[Varley] Yes, ma'am.

-[classical piano tune playing]

-[Violet chuckles] There. You see?

Lady Goring was quite taken

with Eloise's dress last night,

Madame Delacroix.

She would keep saying how well

it complemented her complexion.

She said you reminded her

of Daphne, dearest.

I am not Daphne.

-This is the one.

-Ah.

With pleasure, Lady Bridgerton.

[clears throat]

You do know, Eloise,

that you might enjoy the next ball

if you, in fact, danced with someone.

Meeting new people, it can be thrilling.

Yes, it certainly seemed

as though Anthony had a thrilling time.

Swept away by many

a nimble-footed young lady, Brother?

I can still barely feel my toes.

I thought you ladies were taught to dance.

I thought you gentlemen

capable of worthwhile conversation.

How sad both of our hopes were dashed.

I think Eloise

would make a brilliant diamond.

I could not agree more, Hyacinth.

Perhaps Her Majesty will take note

at her ball tomorrow night.

-I despise you.

-[chuckling]

Madame Delacroix.

I didn't know you were back in town.

Bien sûr!

Who else could dress

these delicate debutantes for the season?

[Benedict chuckles]

Does that mean

I shall see you later on tonight?

I hear there's a party.

I have much work to do, Mr. Bridgerton,

and my art must come before all else.

Enjoy your time.

Brother.

Are you and the modiste

still, uh, making a stitch?

Apparently not. Have you found a wife yet?

Or are you planning to offend

every girl until there are none left?

Is Mother aware?

-Aware of what?

-I'm off to deal with our solicitor.

Have fun

with your pretty pictures, Brother.

-[Violet] Anthony?

-[door closes]

There were some lovely young ladies

in attendance last night, were there not?

Lady Delilah has beautiful manners,

and I hear Miss Goodrum

is very accomplished in her needlework.

Perhaps you shall

get to know them better soon.

Lady Delilah can barely

string a sentence together,

and Miss Goodrum thought

that Napoleon fights for the Spanish.

As for every other eager chit

you pushed in my direction,

I'd happily never lay eyes on them again.

-Anthony--

-I am looking for perfection, Mother.

And you should be too.

The woman I marry

shall be the Viscountess Bridgerton.

The lady of this household,

responsible for launching my sisters

and bearing my children.

Do you desire them to be raised by a woman

who does not know how to so much

as hold a map right side up?

This is the duty I must fulfill.

You will end up alone

with such expectations.

Good day, Mother.

-[Prudence singing scales in distance]

-[creaking in hallway]

-[coin clinks]

-[clattering]

[Prudence] ♪ La-la-la-la-la-la-la ♪

[knock at door]

Why is it so quiet in here?

Because I am alone?

Reading, as I always do.

[sighs deeply] You are so boring.

I will be perfectly putrefied

if Philippa does manage to marry Finch.

"Petrified." The word is "petrified."

What is that?

What is what?

-What you are writing.

-I am not writing.

But you were.

Prudence. Do not-- Hand it back!

Why, you little devil-doll!

This is what occupies your "quiet" time?

What are you ladies doing, still up?

Penelope was writing…

to Colin Bridgerton.

Well, that would explain

the ink all over her fingers.

I declare, Penelope.

-Colin is my friend!

-[giggles]

As if he would ever waste his ink

on someone like you.

-Are these worth anything?

-What?

Your books. Books can be

worth something, can they not?

I do not think so, Mama.

Oh, pity.

You must stop wasting your precious time

on such pointless pursuits

as writing silly letters.

Colin Bridgerton is no more your friend

than I am the next Catherine the Great.

Now, wipe your hands,

lest someone should think you a commoner.

[door closes]

[sighs]

Ma'am.

A letter for you.

[door opens]

Your tea grows cold.

My horses do not.

Did you plan

to ride again tomorrow morning?

I know all that goes on in my home.

And since you insist on sneaking around,

I may as well save us both the trouble.

Correspondence from your grandparents,

the Sheffields.

I wrote to them before you arrived.

Those people are not my grandparents,

Lady Danbury.

I have no relation

to them whatsoever, in fact.

It seems you have not been

straightforward with me.

I realize I should not have gone out

for a morning ride without a chaperone.

And what about failing to tell me

why you have truly

come to London with your sister?

I'm rather more concerned about that.

We have come to find Edwina a husband.

And is that all?

You would be wise to reconsider

resorting to more forgeries

and half-truths, Miss Sharma.

Very few attempt to outwit me,

and even fewer succeed.

You are living under my roof,

under my care,

relying on my good name,

my connections, my money.

I vouched for you and your sister

in front of Her Majesty the Queen,

all because

I thought I was paying

a kindness to an old friend--

And we are truly grateful for everything.

Your mama misses your father, naturally.

But she never really wanted

to come back here, did she?

You did!

I have no interest in being used

as a pawn in someone else's game.

That is not what we are doing.

Then tell me what stipulations

the Sheffields have apparently set down

with regard to Edwina's match.

Stipulations which,

if met, will, I am guessing,

guarantee great fortune

for you and your family.

Edwina must marry

an Englishman of nobility.

They could not control

your mama's marriage,

so they mean

to interfere with your sister's.

[Kate] Yes.

They never recovered

from my father's lack of rank and title.

Though let me assure you, Lady Danbury,

I am not here for selfish reasons.

After my father died,

Mama and I did the best we could

to raise Edwina, all so she would

never know of our struggles.

But our money ran low.

We used the last for this very journey.

The Sheffields have agreed

to bestow a sizable dowry on my sister,

and to look after my mama.

But only if Edwina marries properly.

And what about you?

If I could marry

for the sake of my family, I would.

But I am not

my mama's daughter by birth. Edwina is.

[softly] Oh.

I've spent the last eight years

raising my sister

to walk in the right way,

to talk in the right way,

to play the pianoforte just so.

Teaching her twice as much and watching

her work twice as hard as anyone else.

I even taught her how to make this pitiful

excuse for tea the English so adore.

I despise English tea.

[laughs]

But if it means my sister

will not be left destitute,

then I will smile, and I will nod politely

after each and every sip, to be sure.

[breathes deeply]

Your sister has a right to know.

As you said, it is her future.

That is precisely why I shield her.

Because I know her.

If she was made aware

of the circumstances,

she would marry quickly only to please us.

She would say yes

to any man kind enough to ask.

Edwina deserves a chance

to find love without such a burden.

Please, you must not tell a soul.

[Lady Danbury] Mmm.

[Lady Whistledown]

Formed under pressure, desired by many,

yet possessed only by a fortunate few,

there is nothing on earth quite so envied

as a diamond.

Might our queen finally

extinguish the fevered speculation

and bestow the highest of honors

to a most fortunate young lady tonight?

With so many futures at risk,

I do suspect this author

is not the only one

waiting with bated breath.

I do hope you are finding

everything in town to your satisfaction,

Lady Mary.

Indeed I am, Your Majesty.

This time around, that is.

Perhaps your mother would enjoy

some refreshment, Miss Sharma.

I might think Lady Mary

deserves some recognition, ma'am.

It's certainly a sign

of true devotion on her part,

having sought to introduce her daughters

under the discerning eye

of Your Majesty, after all.

The youngest one, in particular, I think,

will certainly make a match

that will be the envy of the ton.

Why do I sense my strings

being pulled, Lady Danbury?

You said you wanted

to shake up the season.

Now is your chance.

[Eloise groans]

Anyone here you've not yet rejected?

You're the artist.

Do you see anyone remotely inspiring?

We shall have our diamond tonight,

and I shall have a wife.

Lady Bridgerton. Miss Bridgerton.

Such a shame your presentation

at court was so rudely interrupted.

Shame, indeed.

[Queen Charlotte] I nearly forgot

you were making your debut this season.

After your elder sister's triumph,

perhaps good fortune

might run in the family.

[laughter]

Uh, it is a delightful ball, Your Majesty.

Very diamond-y. [chuckles]

Though, I must admit,

I am more of an emerald person myself.

[clears throat]

[laughing heartily]

Oh, dear!

My favorite necklace is one of emeralds.

-How thoughtful of you to know that.

-Oh. [chuckles]

It seems you have indeed

come a long way

since last year, Miss Bridgerton.

[hesitant chuckle]

[softly] Excuse me.

If the queen, in fact,

names Eloise the diamond,

whom will you marry then, Brother?

Hush, you.

[classical dance tune playing]

[breathing heavily]

Pen!

Pen! Pen, Pen. Pen.

We must leave.

The queen, she--

I somehow managed to charm her.

-She seems to, in fact, like me. I don't--

-Eloise, you must calm down.

Eloise Bridgerton.

[chuckles] The diamond.

Perhaps now you might stop spending time

with insipid wallflowers all evening

and refine your circle of friends.

-[Penelope sighs]

-I may have an opening--

-I would rather die.

-[gasps]

[stifling laughter]

[sighs]

[Eloise] How you managed

an entire season of these absurd events

alongside people like

Cressida Cowper is beyond me.

And it's not just her. It is all of them.

Staring at me as if I were

some fine china teapot.

How did you do it on your own, Pen?

I do not share your difficulties, El.

-"Insipid wallflower," remember?

-Ugh. That is not--

Cressida is incensed

that even her new dress

cannot hide her character.

[chuckles]

[Eloise sighs]

It's not that bad, you know.

-The wallflower thing.

-Mmm.

I always get the first glass of lemonade.

I know who all the best dancers

are just from watching.

I can always tell when a suitor is serious

about courtship just by how he looks

when a young lady dances with another.

The wall even affords me the chance

to hear what the footmen say in secret.

You've been keeping it from me.

You do not have

to pretend any longer, Pen.

-You like all of this.

-[chuckles]

-Well, it can be amusing.

-[chuckles]

I know you have begun

to think little of her,

but is Lady Whistledown

still not a source of amusement?

It's not that I think little of her.

When she was gone,

I thought I would miss her.

I thought I needed her

to make sense of this world. But…

now she is back,

reporting on the same old things.

Just another reminder of how trapped I am.

I can feel people's eyes on me.

Every time I walk into a ballroom,

I know they are comparing me to Daphne.

She was so good at being the diamond

and it made my mother so happy.

I can never live up to that.

I do not want to live up to that,

but it does not make it any easier to know

you are constantly disappointing people

just by walking into a room.

I never thought of it that way.

No one truly notices me.

I suppose that is what I like.

When you're invisible, you have

all the amusement you want

without any of

the expectations popularity brings.

It frees you.

Do you think that is why

Whistledown remains anonymous?

Perhaps.

Do you think that is why

Cressida is so cruel?

No.

I think she just wears her hair too tight.

[both laughing]

[Eloise] Oh.

[playing fanfare]

[hushed chatter]

Your presence is noted,

and your queen most appreciative.

Allow it to now be my honor

to present to you the season's diamond.

Miss Edwina Sharma.

[attendees gasping, muttering]

[classical music playing]

You look at her the way I look

at a finished painting, Brother.

Every man needs a muse, does he not?

Viscount Bridgerton.

Have you yet met my new incomparable?

I am most grateful

for the introduction, Your Majesty.

I only hope I shall be afforded

the pleasure of a dance.

I suppose I should thank you.

[chuckles softly]

Oh, child. It is much too soon for that.

You must know the real work begins now.

Indeed. There will be

a mire to wade through

on behalf of my sister, to be sure.

Speaking of, where is my sister?

Forgive my directness.

Do you have any thoughts about children?

Other than the fact that I desire them so?

However many I have, my lord,

I shall feel most fortunate.

Together with my husband,

we will chart the best course.

How very sensible.

Do you play

any musical instruments, by chance?

[chuckles lightly]

Many, in fact.

But, for the most part, my education

was taken up by more serious pursuits.

Modern languages, classical literature.

I do love to read.

You do not seem discomposed

by my line of questioning.

Why ever would I be?

A man who knows

what he wants is most admirable.

Is your father in attendance?

I should like to speak with him.

Sadly, my father died years ago.

Ah.

I'm so sorry.

As did mine.

[song ends]

Though, perhaps

you could speak with my sister.

It is her blessing

you shall need if we are…

Oh! Here she is now.

-Kate!

-[Lady Danbury] Ah, Lord Bridgerton.

I see you've met Miss Edwina. This is--

Her sister.

-Miss Sharma, my lord.

-Oh.

The Viscount Bridgerton

is a most excellent dancer.

Perhaps I may learn

a thing or two from you, my lord.

Would you join me

in the retiring room, Sister?

Is something wrong, Didi?

You are not to go near that man.

Do you understand?

She is a lovely diamond, dearest.

Indeed.

She is who I shall marry.

There are a few things

I must make you aware of.

[Lady Whistledown]

Color, clarity, carat, cut.

At long last, the queen

has named her most precious stone.

What is all this?

[Varley sighs]

Ma'am.

He is here.

The new Lord Featherington.

[footsteps descending]

Lady Featherington.

That still work if we are not married?

It's rather strange.

I thought the heir was old.

-I thought the heir was ugly.

-Ladies.

It is quite all right.

You must mean my father.

And no offense taken. He was ugly.

And very old.

So old that, well, he died.

I'm terribly sorry for my late arrival.

I made the trip from America.

But don't worry,

I've started taking care of things.

Philippa. That must be you.

Your dowry

to that fine Finch fellow is paid.

The late Lord's books

are on their way to me now.

And I even took the liberty

of having your possessions

moved from your bedchamber,

Lady Featherington.

[chuckling] Yes, it's still strange.

You had my possessions moved?

Well, I shall be taking over those rooms,

now that the home is mine.

You understand, yes?

[Penelope] It is like you said, Mama.

The new Lord Featherington

is here to provide.

[Lady Whistledown]

While this author finds Miss Edwina Sharma

to be an exceptional young lady,

it is about time I used these pages

of record for something else.

A shift.

Is the entire practice

of naming a diamond not…

well, rather ridiculous?

Should a woman not be valued

for so much more than her dancing skills

or her comportment?

Should we not value a woman instead

for her candor, her character,

her true accomplishments?

What do you think, Eloise?

-I love it.

- [chuckles]

Perhaps if the queen abandoned

this absurdity that is the diamond,

we would all see

that a woman can be so much more.

What is it, Your Majesty?

Edwina Sharma.

My diamond.

It seems she will need to do more

for me this season than simply sparkle.

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.

Whoa, there!

Miss, are you in trouble?

-Come on.

Come on.

Careful, now!

Whoa, there!

Enjoying your victory lap?

You'll not be afforded

such an ample head-start this time.

Apologies, sir.

I did not mean to cause anyone concern.

Does your maid know

you are riding astride?

I have no maid.

Then you're married.

Forgive me.

Then you are lost.

I am not lost either.

I'm on my way back to Mayfair.

-It is just ahead.

-Mayfair?

Well, then--

I appreciate your attention, sir,

but I assure you I am perfectly safe.

Perhaps we pretend

this encounter never took place?

You allow me to go my way,

and you go yours.

You worry about being seen.

I worry about meeting

strange men in parks at dawn

who fail to leave me alone

with their questions.

Your secret is safe.

I shall not tell a soul.

How grateful I am.

Losing races to strange women

in such parks at dawn.

I can only imagine

the questions I would be asked.

Is that what that was?

-A race?

-Was it not?

Does one not need

actual competition for a race?

If we had decided

on a finish line together,

but alas, we made no such agreement.

I see you are not one for losing.

I shall have you--

In the rare instances it occurs,

I'd admit that I have

either lost or am in the wrong.

But I'm afraid

the same cannot be said for you.

-I beg your pardon?

-Mayfair is not right ahead.

It's the other way entirely.

Not lost, you said?

-Good day, sir.

Let's go.

We have not yet been introduced.

I am afraid that is not possible.

Not when I have a victory lap to enjoy.

Well, what do you mean

she was not in her room?

I went to find her after awakening,

but she was not there.

Lady Mary.

Lady Danbury.

Oh, how delightful it is to see you.

And you.

-After all these years.

You look well.

Allow me to introduce to you my youngest,

-Miss Edwina Sharma.

-Ah.

A true pleasure, Lady Danbury.

I am so grateful for your hospitality.

Your home, it is magnificent.

Consider it yours for the season.

Though, I was expecting another?

Yes. My eldest.

Kate.

Kate. Yes.

Well, she did get off the ship

with you last night, did she not?

-Apologies.

-Kate!

-There you are, dearest.

-I hope I did not keep you waiting long.

The gardens here are so lovely.

After such a lengthy journey,

I found that I wanted

some freshness and morning air.

But, uh… I am here now.

My eldest, Lady Danbury. Miss Kate Sharma.

Hmm.

Well, now that we are all arrived--

Almost.

I beg your pardon?

We have almost all arrived.

There is also Newton.

Is he still upstairs?

Mama tells us you host the first ball

of every season, Lady Danbury.

Yes. I have appropriated a conservatory

for this year's festivities.

Did you hear that, Edwina?

Well, that sounds delightful.

It will make for a most spectacular

entrance to society, indeed.

I cannot tell you

how eager the young ladies are

for the upcoming season.

As am I.

I would've ensured their presentation

to Her Majesty the Queen,

but I thought it wise for me

to examine their deportment

prior to their first engagement.

Her Majesty is most discerning,

you understand.

So Her Majesty will be

in attendance, then, at the ball?

Well, there is no reason

for concern, Lady Mary.

You will be with me, after all.

Of course.

Now, I have made all the arrangements.

The pianoforte is tuned,

the instructors hired.

Dance lessons begin at noon,

followed by a short

but comprehensive visit

from a lovely French tutor I have secured.

Well, stand up.

Both of you. Could you, uh--

Exceptional posture.

Beautiful smiles.

Yes, they are, quite.

The age of the elder miss

may raise concern.

Any suitable gentleman

will require some persuading,

whether we like it or not,

as she will already be regarded

as an old maid at the mature age of…

Six and twenty, ma'am.

But it should truly be

of no concern, as I assure you

I am not here

to find a husband for myself,

only for my sister,

who, indeed, stands quite tall

and smiles rather exquisitely.

Even more so

when she speaks French, I rather think.

She is accomplished

in both Latin and Greek,

in addition to Marathi

and Hindustani, of course.

She not only plays sitar

and maruli, but pianoforte too.

And as for her dancing, well,

it is quite remarkable,

if I do say so myself.

And I do say so,

considering it was I who taught my sister

the cotillion, the quadrille, the waltz.

Self-taught, naturally,

but still quite remarkable nonetheless.

Hmm! Well--

Kate feels quite passionately

about her sister's prospects this season.

I hope you did not go to too much trouble,

finding all of those instructors?

Not at all.

My mama did not err

in her description of you,

a woman of such grace and kindness.

I am sure we have much to learn from you,

such as the preparation

of this most excellent tea.

-Kate, dear?

-Mm-hmm?

Might Newton require a walk

before he makes his mess

all over these fine carpets?

Indeed. Delighted

to make your acquaintance, Lady Danbury.

My sister and I do look forward

to your sponsorship this season.

Daphne provided me

a list of recommendations

for a successful season.

Private advice regarding

the top ten ways in which to entrap a man.

I'm telling you, Pen,

the season has barely begun

and already I feel touched in the head.

Another quill? You do get

through them at an extraordinary rate.

I have been busy with my correspondence.

-To the new heir? Is he here yet?

-No.

Oh.

I only mean, Colin has been keeping me

informed of his adventures in Greece.

In fairness, I have stopped

reading his letters. He rambles.

-He's certainly no Lady Whistledown.

-No.

But, then again, Colin has,

in fact, been somewhere, unlike her.

Well, I thought you revered Whistledown.

Did her arrival not save you

from your presentation to the queen?

I was delighted

by the diversion, to be sure. But,

I sat with her paper all morning,

and in truth, all she does

is repeat what she hears.

Someone must report the gossip.

Does she not have a way with words?

But what is she saying with those words?

Truly, I did not mind

Whistledown's silence the last ten months,

as it finally gave me some time

to read a few articles of substance.

"My own sex, I hope, will excuse me

if I treat them like rational creatures,

instead of flattering

their fascinating graces."

Wollstonecraft.

Rather haughty.

Imagine if Whistledown wrote like this,

instead of simply turning our eye

to every newly-minted debutante.

Perhaps then we might find our respite

from the tedious sequence

of tea parties and balls.

I rather think the only reason

Whistledown writes about such things

is because she is not

an active participant in them.

Oh. Everyone has their theory, I suppose.

Mmm.

Would you like me to prepare some potatoes

for the ladies downstairs, ma'am?

Potatoes? Again?

Why are we always eating potatoes?

Because these days, I am the housekeeper,

lady's maid, scullery maid, and cook.

Have all the staff truly departed?

Though I am quite good at boiling the veg.

Thank you, Mrs. Varley.

Potatoes would be lovely.

A season with no new dresses,

nor servants.

Are we to empty our own chamber pots too?

-Mama, I cannot do that.

-Calm yourselves.

As I have told you,

once the new Lord Featherington arrives,

we will be provided for.

Well, where is he?

Why is he taking so long?

Because he wishes to make us suffer.

The new Lord Featherington

is off somewhere,

delighting in our misfortune,

because the man is as cruel as can be.

I hear he cast his only son

out to the Americas

for daring to question his word.

I tremble to think where he will send

the rest of us if he has a mind.

Cornwall, perhaps.

Cornwall?

Well, I suppose

you may visit Mr. Finch and me.

If there is nary a penny

for new dresses or staff,

there is none for her dowry.

He shall prevent me from marrying?

Of course not.

The man may be an old,

bitter curmudgeon, but he is a gentleman

and he will keep a gentleman's agreement.

Which is why we must waste no time

in finding matches for the lot of you.

Unless you are all betrothed

by the time our cousin arrives

to claim the Featherington estate,

we shall be at his mercy.

And then… heaven help us all.

You could always sell the silverware.

The dinner service

should fetch a handsome price.

Are you thinking of wearing that one?

-It is quite beautiful.

No. These are for you, Bon.

We have come to London

to find your husband, not mine.

Yes. You are but a dear old maid.

Ah. Who shall be perfectly happy doting on

my many nieces and nephews one day soon.

I shall spoil them exceedingly.

You do know that, yes?

What is it?

I…

only hope they like me tonight.

How could they not?

Mama is doing that thing

she always does when she is worried.

The gossip she endured after marrying Appa

had to have been unbearable,

do you not think?

Is this what troubles you?

That was many years ago.

Everyone will still have questions.

About our family.

About how you and I are related.

We are sisters.

This place may feel different,

but it will never change

the way you and I see each other.

Besides, you heard Lady Danbury.

She will smooth everything over.

She is on our side.

The dowager is

more formidable than I imagined.

She will have your head when she learns

of your secret morning ride.

Are you certain no one saw you?

Yes. Now, never mind her.

The dowager is not half as frightening

as she thinks she is.

You must be excited.

This is the first chapter

of a happy story.

All you have to do this evening

is remember

what it is you are looking for.

Hmm.

-Someone charming.

-Mm-hmm.

And handsome, of course.

A prince or a duke, perhaps.

It is not a man's appearance

or title that will woo you.

It is his mind and spirit

that will court yours.

He will speak in a manner

that only your heart can hear.

That is what you are looking for.

That is the true love you deserve.

This one?

-They will not be ready.

Just remember to breathe, Bon.

Ah.

The Marquis of Ashdown.

A little young, to be sure,

but he has 10,000 a year.

The Earl of Gloucester.

His wife recently died of influenza.

He might make

a particularly estimable addition

to your dance card

this evening, Miss Sharma.

I will not be taking

to the floor tonight, Lady Danbury.

Is there someone back home

you've yet to tell me about?

Come now. I am long past all of that.

The only match I am interested in

is for my sister.

She trusts me implicitly.

Now, what about the Duke of Suffolk?

According to Debrett's,

he should be quite the catch this year.

The duke flaunts his mistresses.

I assure you, Miss Sharma,

I have our prospects well in hand.

Ah.

There she is.

So many flowers,

when what I really seek is a gem.

Oh.

So soon, Lady Danbury?

Lady Danbury.

A delightful soiree, as expected.

Though my own later this week

will be much more exclusive.

Your Majesty,

I would not think to compare.

And rightly so.

Your Majesty,

may I present Lady Mary Sharma,

whom you must remember.

And may I present her daughters,

Miss Sharma and Miss Edwina Sharma,

my personal special guests for the season.

A high honor, indeed.

I hear you have made quite a journey

to join us again

after all these years, Lady Mary.

If only you had extended the courtesy

of offering your queen

a final farewell before you left.

Oh, I do relish a challenge.

Stop fussing with your dress.

You look lovely, dear.

I look like a prize calf,

trussed up for auction.

Even Daphne felt most apprehensive

at her first official ball,

and look how well her season turned out.

Oh, right.

Oh.

Come, Sister. The cakes

at these occasions are surprisingly good.

Uh… Uh…

It truly is a sparse crop.

Oh, I am sure there is

someone here who will charm you.

After all, this is the season

the viscount intends to find a wife.

-You honestly just did that?

-I believe I did.

-Lady Bridgerton.

Lord Bridgerton.

-Dance, please, Lord Bridgerton?

-Good evening.

Is that Lady Mary Sheffield Sharma?

I can't believe

she would show her face here again.

A scandal, Mama?

Lady Mary was

the incomparable of our season,

until she fell in love with

and married some kind of clerk, I hear.

The two of them

absconded to India thereafter.

A maharajah I would have understood,

but the man was no more than

a common worker who already had a child.

That must be her.

The older one.

Lady Mary's parents, the Sheffields,

never lived down the shame, did they?

Too ashamed to show their faces in London.

If only every family

could be as respectable as ours.

Yes, Lady Featherington?

Dearest!

My love.

Hmm.

Mr. and Mrs. Finch.

Lady Featherington.

It is a delightful surprise

to see you in attendance.

After such a long mourning period.

Almost as long as our son

has been courting Philippa,

if you can imagine.

Yes.

It has been a difficult time, indeed.

Darkness has been our candle

in recent months.

Mmm. Have you come unaccompanied?

Or has the new heir finally come to manage

this unsettled business

of your daughter's dowry?

"Unsettled."

That is the precise word, Mr. Finch,

because I, too, have been…

…very unsettled, indeed.

Shaken to the bone, in fact, by…

…by grief.

Missing my dear, dear, very dead husband.

-I told you it was too soon!

You told me you wished

for the boy to be out of the house!

Our apologies, Lady Featherington.

Do let us know when you are more… settled.

-Yes?

-Number eight?

-Yes.

I know that gentleman.

-Who?

-The viscount?

I do not believe

I have yet made an introduction.

Of course.

It must be my mistake.

Though you have quite the eye.

Viscount Bridgerton is

wealthy, well-connected,

and from one of the ton's

most illustrious families.

Apparently hoping to marry this season,

he may very well be

our most eligible bachelor, indeed.

He is very handsome.

Yes.

I suppose he is.

Lord Corning.

I was hoping to see you this evening.

Allow me to introduce Miss Sharma

and Miss Edwina Sharma.

It is a pleasure. Miss Edwina,

would you honor me with a dance?

Corning, you said?

The Baron Corning.

I would be delighted, my lord.

I do not recall reading

of Corning's family in my research.

It does not matter

what you have and have not read.

It is unacceptable here

for a lady to decline

a dance with a gentleman

unless she's already reserved by another.

I see we have much to learn.

Spanish dance?

And they say

Millerson has a whelp in the country.

Spitting image of his father.

There you are.

Oh, Pen, I'm so glad to see you.

Mama is already being insufferable.

At least she did not see fit

to dress you as a sunflower.

I declare a bee

might mistake me for the real thing.

Miss Bridgerton.

May I request your next dance?

Or I might accompany you

to fetch some lemonade?

-You seem parched.

-How can you tell? Is she wilting?

Or punch, if you prefer?

-A plant pun, if you're wondering.

-Apologies, gentlemen.

I regret to inform you

that my dance card is already full.

Lord Byron? Wellington?

Eloise, these names are false!

I am merely following

my sister's valuable advice.

She told me that it is

of the utmost importance

for a lady's dance card

to be filled with all of the right names.

-Eloise?

There you are, dear.

Come. There is someone

I would like you to meet.

-Bridgerton!

I owe you a drink.

Whatever for?

With you as the prize catch of the season,

the rest of us shall receive a respite

from the marriage-minded mamas

this season, indeed.

Enjoy your freedom while it lasts.

You, too, will soon submit

to this ridiculous rigmarole of courtship.

Squiring every eligible miss around town

until you're barely able to see straight.

Is one lady unlike any other?

Simply pick the least objectionable

and get her wed, bed, and bred.

Then you can return

to more pleasurable pursuits.

And more pleasurable partners.

You may be cavalier, but if I must

leg-shackle myself in marriage,

the lady in question

should have more to recommend her.

Do not tell us

you are hoping for a love match?

Love is the last thing I desire.

But if my children

are to be of good stock,

then their mother must be

of impeccable quality.

A pleasing face, an acceptable wit,

genteel manners enough

to credit a viscountess.

It should not be hard to find.

And yet, the debutantes of London

fall short at every turn.

You want the best. Perhaps the queen

will finally name a diamond.

Save you some trouble.

At least, of choosing her.

Wooing the piece

will be a different story, indeed.

I shall have no problem there.

-Smoking room, gentlemen?

-I shall be there anon.

Is someone there?

I can hear y…

you.

Pardon me, my lord.

I never got your name.

I was wondering if we'd meet again.

So you might discern

if my wit is acceptable,

my manners genteel?

You were eavesdropping?

It was hardly an effort,

seeing as you were proclaiming

your many requirements for a wife

loud enough for the entire party to hear.

You take issue with them?

I take issue with any man who views women

merely as chattels and breeding stock.

None of that was meant--

Viscount Bridgerton, yes?

When you manage to find

this paragon of virtue,

whatever makes you think

she will accept your suit?

Are the young ladies of London

truly so easily won

by a pleasing smile

and absolutely nothing more?

So, you find my smile pleasing.

I find your opinion

of yourself entirely too high.

Your character is

as deficient as your horsemanship.

I shall bid you good night.

Ah. Pen!

Pen. Are you going somewhere?

I was… just getting some air.

It is so very stifling in the ballroom.

-The air or the dreary conversation?

I do suppose this is

the one benefit of being out.

I have you to run off with.

We shall never have to be alone.

My thoughts exactly.

Have you seen your brother or your sister?

They managed to escape you? Good for them.

Lady Danbury. Splendid evening.

For the most part.

There are a few guests whose absence

I might not have regretted.

I do hope I am not one of them.

You and I have

common interests this season, it seems.

I heard. Your wards,

I look forward to meeting them.

And I look forward

to showing these other mamas

how the game ought to be played.

Though, it appears you have already

stoked the fire by informing them

of the viscount's intentions

for this season.

My son said he was ready.

Who am I to question it?

They all must come around

eventually, I suppose.

Lady Danbury, we wish to leave.

Miss Sharma, allow me to introduce you--

Charmed. My mama

is already in our carriage.

We will see you at home.

People are watching, my dear.

You are clearly upset--

What is clear is

we are woefully unprepared

to navigate this lion's den.

I am sure Edwina's absence

will only make her

that much more desirable.

It truly was

a magnificent soiree, Lady Danbury.

We are most grateful.

Well,

it would seem both of us

may have our hands full this year.

Not if I have something to say about it.

And as you very well know,

I always have something to say.

Delightful evening, Mama!

Night, Sisters!

Good night, young ladies!

-Can you go any faster?

-Yes, miss!

Lawks, I thought you weren't coming.

My mistress

apologizes for the delay.

This is for today.

It must print before noon.

Last edition's takings, yes?

800 copies at five pence apiece,

sold for eight pence each,

minus the delivery boys' wages,

there should be eleven pounds,

two shillings here altogether.

My mistress

is willing to take an even ten.

You get to keep the surplus

for your rapid service.

These delays will be more frequent now

due to an… unforeseen circumstance,

so, it's really a bargain.

There is nothing quite like

the sweet-scented smell of success.

But after taking in the scene

from last night's festivities,

it is clear the season won't be

quite so fragrant for everyone.

The Viscount Bridgerton's own mama

may have loudly declared her eldest son's

lofty intentions to marry,

yet I cannot be the only one wondering

if this former Capital-R-Rake

is, indeed, ready to flourish.

Perhaps the viscount, like the rest of us,

is simply waiting for the queen

to finally name her diamond.

Or perhaps this author

should take matters into her own hands.

I shall not be hustled

into making my selection.

Not by anyone.

Of course, Your Majesty.

Take this away.

And bring me a list of the peerage.

Some tea, my lord?

Perhaps some warm milk may be better.

Oh! Are those marbles?

What fun!

Might I go and read now?

Though,

of the many purportedly well-trained

and bred hothouse flowers

on display this year,

this author must wonder

if a more surprising choice

might still be in store.

The younger one would do,

if the eldest just got out of the way.

The sister is dreadful.

Not on my chair!

Whichever darling miss

receives such high esteem,

let us hope there is a suitor available

of only the sharpest wit,

lest his dry musings leave

a young lady wilting like a parched rose.

It is rather clever

the way she uses plant puns to belittle.

Clever indeed!

The candlesticks, see what they're worth.

Yes, ma'am.

-There. You see?

Lady Goring was quite taken

with Eloise's dress last night,

Madame Delacroix.

She would keep saying how well

it complemented her complexion.

She said you reminded her

of Daphne, dearest.

I am not Daphne.

-This is the one.

-Ah.

With pleasure, Lady Bridgerton.

You do know, Eloise,

that you might enjoy the next ball

if you, in fact, danced with someone.

Meeting new people, it can be thrilling.

Yes, it certainly seemed

as though Anthony had a thrilling time.

Swept away by many

a nimble-footed young lady, Brother?

I can still barely feel my toes.

I thought you ladies were taught to dance.

I thought you gentlemen

capable of worthwhile conversation.

How sad both of our hopes were dashed.

I think Eloise

would make a brilliant diamond.

I could not agree more, Hyacinth.

Perhaps Her Majesty will take note

at her ball tomorrow night.

-I despise you.

Madame Delacroix.

I didn't know you were back in town.

Bien sûr!

Who else could dress

these delicate debutantes for the season?

Does that mean

I shall see you later on tonight?

I hear there's a party.

I have much work to do, Mr. Bridgerton,

and my art must come before all else.

Enjoy your time.

Brother.

Are you and the modiste

still, uh, making a stitch?

Apparently not. Have you found a wife yet?

Or are you planning to offend

every girl until there are none left?

Is Mother aware?

-Aware of what?

-I'm off to deal with our solicitor.

Have fun

with your pretty pictures, Brother.

-Anthony?

There were some lovely young ladies

in attendance last night, were there not?

Lady Delilah has beautiful manners,

and I hear Miss Goodrum

is very accomplished in her needlework.

Perhaps you shall

get to know them better soon.

Lady Delilah can barely

string a sentence together,

and Miss Goodrum thought

that Napoleon fights for the Spanish.

As for every other eager chit

you pushed in my direction,

I'd happily never lay eyes on them again.

-Anthony--

-I am looking for perfection, Mother.

And you should be too.

The woman I marry

shall be the Viscountess Bridgerton.

The lady of this household,

responsible for launching my sisters

and bearing my children.

Do you desire them to be raised by a woman

who does not know how to so much

as hold a map right side up?

This is the duty I must fulfill.

You will end up alone

with such expectations.

Good day, Mother.

Why is it so quiet in here?

Because I am alone?

Reading, as I always do.

You are so boring.

I will be perfectly putrefied

if Philippa does manage to marry Finch.

"Petrified." The word is "petrified."

What is that?

What is what?

-What you are writing.

-I am not writing.

But you were.

Prudence. Do not-- Hand it back!

Why, you little devil-doll!

This is what occupies your "quiet" time?

What are you ladies doing, still up?

Penelope was writing…

to Colin Bridgerton.

Well, that would explain

the ink all over her fingers.

I declare, Penelope.

-Colin is my friend!

As if he would ever waste his ink

on someone like you.

-Are these worth anything?

-What?

Your books. Books can be

worth something, can they not?

I do not think so, Mama.

Oh, pity.

You must stop wasting your precious time

on such pointless pursuits

as writing silly letters.

Colin Bridgerton is no more your friend

than I am the next Catherine the Great.

Now, wipe your hands,

lest someone should think you a commoner.

Ma'am.

A letter for you.

Your tea grows cold.

My horses do not.

Did you plan

to ride again tomorrow morning?

I know all that goes on in my home.

And since you insist on sneaking around,

I may as well save us both the trouble.

Correspondence from your grandparents,

the Sheffields.

I wrote to them before you arrived.

Those people are not my grandparents,

Lady Danbury.

I have no relation

to them whatsoever, in fact.

It seems you have not been

straightforward with me.

I realize I should not have gone out

for a morning ride without a chaperone.

And what about failing to tell me

why you have truly

come to London with your sister?

I'm rather more concerned about that.

We have come to find Edwina a husband.

And is that all?

You would be wise to reconsider

resorting to more forgeries

and half-truths, Miss Sharma.

Very few attempt to outwit me,

and even fewer succeed.

You are living under my roof,

under my care,

relying on my good name,

my connections, my money.

I vouched for you and your sister

in front of Her Majesty the Queen,

all because

I thought I was paying

a kindness to an old friend--

And we are truly grateful for everything.

Your mama misses your father, naturally.

But she never really wanted

to come back here, did she?

You did!

I have no interest in being used

as a pawn in someone else's game.

That is not what we are doing.

Then tell me what stipulations

the Sheffields have apparently set down

with regard to Edwina's match.

Stipulations which,

if met, will, I am guessing,

guarantee great fortune

for you and your family.

Edwina must marry

an Englishman of nobility.

They could not control

your mama's marriage,

so they mean

to interfere with your sister's.

Yes.

They never recovered

from my father's lack of rank and title.

Though let me assure you, Lady Danbury,

I am not here for selfish reasons.

After my father died,

Mama and I did the best we could

to raise Edwina, all so she would

never know of our struggles.

But our money ran low.

We used the last for this very journey.

The Sheffields have agreed

to bestow a sizable dowry on my sister,

and to look after my mama.

But only if Edwina marries properly.

And what about you?

If I could marry

for the sake of my family, I would.

But I am not

my mama's daughter by birth. Edwina is.

Oh.

I've spent the last eight years

raising my sister

to walk in the right way,

to talk in the right way,

to play the pianoforte just so.

Teaching her twice as much and watching

her work twice as hard as anyone else.

I even taught her how to make this pitiful

excuse for tea the English so adore.

I despise English tea.

But if it means my sister

will not be left destitute,

then I will smile, and I will nod politely

after each and every sip, to be sure.

Your sister has a right to know.

As you said, it is her future.

That is precisely why I shield her.

Because I know her.

If she was made aware

of the circumstances,

she would marry quickly only to please us.

She would say yes

to any man kind enough to ask.

Edwina deserves a chance

to find love without such a burden.

Please, you must not tell a soul.

Mmm.

Formed under pressure, desired by many,

yet possessed only by a fortunate few,

there is nothing on earth quite so envied

as a diamond.

Might our queen finally

extinguish the fevered speculation

and bestow the highest of honors

to a most fortunate young lady tonight?

With so many futures at risk,

I do suspect this author

is not the only one

waiting with bated breath.

I do hope you are finding

everything in town to your satisfaction,

Lady Mary.

Indeed I am, Your Majesty.

This time around, that is.

Perhaps your mother would enjoy

some refreshment, Miss Sharma.

I might think Lady Mary

deserves some recognition, ma'am.

It's certainly a sign

of true devotion on her part,

having sought to introduce her daughters

under the discerning eye

of Your Majesty, after all.

The youngest one, in particular, I think,

will certainly make a match

that will be the envy of the ton.

Why do I sense my strings

being pulled, Lady Danbury?

You said you wanted

to shake up the season.

Now is your chance.

Anyone here you've not yet rejected?

You're the artist.

Do you see anyone remotely inspiring?

We shall have our diamond tonight,

and I shall have a wife.

Lady Bridgerton. Miss Bridgerton.

Such a shame your presentation

at court was so rudely interrupted.

Shame, indeed.

I nearly forgot

you were making your debut this season.

After your elder sister's triumph,

perhaps good fortune

might run in the family.

Uh, it is a delightful ball, Your Majesty.

Very diamond-y.

Though, I must admit,

I am more of an emerald person myself.

Oh, dear!

My favorite necklace is one of emeralds.

-How thoughtful of you to know that.

-Oh.

It seems you have indeed

come a long way

since last year, Miss Bridgerton.

Excuse me.

If the queen, in fact,

names Eloise the diamond,

whom will you marry then, Brother?

Hush, you.

Pen!

Pen! Pen, Pen. Pen.

We must leave.

The queen, she--

I somehow managed to charm her.

-She seems to, in fact, like me. I don't--

-Eloise, you must calm down.

Eloise Bridgerton.

The diamond.

Perhaps now you might stop spending time

with insipid wallflowers all evening

and refine your circle of friends.

-I may have an opening--

-I would rather die.

How you managed

an entire season of these absurd events

alongside people like

Cressida Cowper is beyond me.

And it's not just her. It is all of them.

Staring at me as if I were

some fine china teapot.

How did you do it on your own, Pen?

I do not share your difficulties, El.

-"Insipid wallflower," remember?

-Ugh. That is not--

Cressida is incensed

that even her new dress

cannot hide her character.

It's not that bad, you know.

-The wallflower thing.

-Mmm.

I always get the first glass of lemonade.

I know who all the best dancers

are just from watching.

I can always tell when a suitor is serious

about courtship just by how he looks

when a young lady dances with another.

The wall even affords me the chance

to hear what the footmen say in secret.

You've been keeping it from me.

You do not have

to pretend any longer, Pen.

-You like all of this.

-Well, it can be amusing.

I know you have begun

to think little of her,

but is Lady Whistledown

still not a source of amusement?

It's not that I think little of her.

When she was gone,

I thought I would miss her.

I thought I needed her

to make sense of this world. But…

now she is back,

reporting on the same old things.

Just another reminder of how trapped I am.

I can feel people's eyes on me.

Every time I walk into a ballroom,

I know they are comparing me to Daphne.

She was so good at being the diamond

and it made my mother so happy.

I can never live up to that.

I do not want to live up to that,

but it does not make it any easier to know

you are constantly disappointing people

just by walking into a room.

I never thought of it that way.

No one truly notices me.

I suppose that is what I like.

When you're invisible, you have

all the amusement you want

without any of

the expectations popularity brings.

It frees you.

Do you think that is why

Whistledown remains anonymous?

Perhaps.

Do you think that is why

Cressida is so cruel?

No.

I think she just wears her hair too tight.

Oh.

Your presence is noted,

and your queen most appreciative.

Allow it to now be my honor

to present to you the season's diamond.

Miss Edwina Sharma.

You look at her the way I look

at a finished painting, Brother.

Every man needs a muse, does he not?

Viscount Bridgerton.

Have you yet met my new incomparable?

I am most grateful

for the introduction, Your Majesty.

I only hope I shall be afforded

the pleasure of a dance.

I suppose I should thank you.

Oh, child. It is much too soon for that.

You must know the real work begins now.

Indeed. There will be

a mire to wade through

on behalf of my sister, to be sure.

Speaking of, where is my sister?

Forgive my directness.

Do you have any thoughts about children?

Other than the fact that I desire them so?

However many I have, my lord,

I shall feel most fortunate.

Together with my husband,

we will chart the best course.

How very sensible.

Do you play

any musical instruments, by chance?

Many, in fact.

But, for the most part, my education

was taken up by more serious pursuits.

Modern languages, classical literature.

I do love to read.

You do not seem discomposed

by my line of questioning.

Why ever would I be?

A man who knows

what he wants is most admirable.

Is your father in attendance?

I should like to speak with him.

Sadly, my father died years ago.

Ah.

I'm so sorry.

As did mine.

Though, perhaps

you could speak with my sister.

It is her blessing

you shall need if we are…

Oh! Here she is now.

-Kate!

-Ah, Lord Bridgerton.

I see you've met Miss Edwina. This is--

Her sister.

-Miss Sharma, my lord.

-Oh.

The Viscount Bridgerton

is a most excellent dancer.

Perhaps I may learn

a thing or two from you, my lord.

Would you join me

in the retiring room, Sister?

Is something wrong, Didi?

You are not to go near that man.

Do you understand?

She is a lovely diamond, dearest.

Indeed.

She is who I shall marry.

There are a few things

I must make you aware of.

Color, clarity, carat, cut.

At long last, the queen

has named her most precious stone.

What is all this?

Ma'am.

He is here.

The new Lord Featherington.

Lady Featherington.

That still work if we are not married?

It's rather strange.

I thought the heir was old.

-I thought the heir was ugly.

-Ladies.

It is quite all right.

You must mean my father.

And no offense taken. He was ugly.

And very old.

So old that, well, he died.

I'm terribly sorry for my late arrival.

I made the trip from America.

But don't worry,

I've started taking care of things.

Philippa. That must be you.

Your dowry

to that fine Finch fellow is paid.

The late Lord's books

are on their way to me now.

And I even took the liberty

of having your possessions

moved from your bedchamber,

Lady Featherington.

Yes, it's still strange.

You had my possessions moved?

Well, I shall be taking over those rooms,

now that the home is mine.

You understand, yes?

It is like you said, Mama.

The new Lord Featherington

is here to provide.

While this author finds Miss Edwina Sharma

to be an exceptional young lady,

it is about time I used these pages

of record for something else.

A shift.

Is the entire practice

of naming a diamond not…

well, rather ridiculous?

Should a woman not be valued

for so much more than her dancing skills

or her comportment?

Should we not value a woman instead

for her candor, her character,

her true accomplishments?

What do you think, Eloise?

-I love it.

Perhaps if the queen abandoned

this absurdity that is the diamond,

we would all see

that a woman can be so much more.

What is it, Your Majesty?

Edwina Sharma.

My diamond.

It seems she will need to do more

for me this season than simply sparkle.