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СЕРИАЛ NETFLIX

Будь древние греки

членами высшего общества,

они бы добавили

в олимпийское пятиборье

еще одно испытание.

Устройство приема

в загородном поместье.

Речь о ежегодном бале сердец и цветов,

устраиваемом леди Бриджертон

на этой неделе.

О приглашении на этот праздник

мечтал каждый.

Идеальный повод продемонстрировать

могущество и рвение своей хозяйки.

Мисс Патридж утром пьет

очень сладкий чай.

Лорд Абернэти не станет

есть непрожаренное мясо.

Леди Абернэти, напротив,

предпочитает мясо с кровью.

Так говорят.

Не забудьте про дополнительное одеяло

на кровати лорда Уэстона.

Я слышала, он вечно зябнет.

Мэм, привезли розы и гвоздики.

Может, добавить сирень?

Символ первой любви.

И сделать букеты еще больше.

Я хорошо тебя выучила.

Если на этой неделе

ожидается предложение руки и сердца,

Энтони пригодится любая помощь.

Идем.

Я же его рисую.

Думаешь, я ошибся?

Пригласив Шарма приехать пораньше?

Из-за этого всё так усложнилось.

Вся эта брачная суета

кажется мне ужасно сложной.

Но если ты вынужден участвовать в ней,

так почему бы не делать это…

…на свежем воздухе?

Сестра?

Нездоровится?

Что? О чём ты?

Всё еще болит?

С тех пор, как тебя ужалила эта тварь,

ты предпочитаешь уединение.

Нет. Вовсе нет, сестренка.

Как твои дела?

Всё еще расстроена

нерешительностью виконта?

Думаю, в мыслях он далеко отсюда.

Я рассчитывала завтра на балу

объявить о помолвке.

Скоро мы вернемся в Мейфэр,

там будет много других поклонников.

Обещаю.

Они заподозрят,

что со мной что-то нет так,

узнав, что виконт охладел ко мне.

Сестренка…

Мне нужен он, Кейт.

Виконт.

Его семья, этот дом,

весь этот образ жизни.

Я много думала и…

Уверена, я знаю,

почему он до сих пор не объяснился.

Дело в тебе.

Вы ненавидите друг друга.

Ты немного преувеличиваешь.

По вашим перепалкам видно,

что у вас это взаимно.

Я-то думала, что нуждаюсь

в твоей помощи,

чтобы влюбить его в себя.

Но теперь я поняла,

что мне нужна твоя помощь,

чтобы влюбить его в тебя.

Эдвина, я уверена, что это…

Неужели ты не видишь в нём

ничего привлекательного?

Да, согласна, я могу понять,

что он способен

быть очаровательным. Да.

Так ты поможешь мне подтолкнуть его?

Я не намерена сдаваться.

Я не сдамся.

МАДАМ ДЕЛАКРУА

МОДИСТКА

Ну и жарища за городом.

Не думаю, что здесь жарче,

чем в Лондоне. Всё дело в заторе.

- Почему стоим?

- Наверное, проблемы с колесом.

Впереди карета Кауперов.

Пошла!

Наконец-то.

- Добро пожаловать. Рада вас видеть.

- Благодарю.

Я до сих пор почти не знаю

избранницу своего брата.

Боюсь, он тоже почти ее не знает.

Хотя, подозреваю,

его устраивает

именно такое положение вещей.

Пожалуй, я должна сделать это за него.

Пен! Наконец-то ты здесь!

Наедине с семьей приходилось

общаться с деревьями.

- Я что, чурбан?

- Что ты.

Гораздо хуже.

У тебя не осталось чтива

о правах женщин?

- Эл с этим покончила.

- У нее с собой брошюра.

Пен, тебя ждет множество цитат.

Брошюра из типографии?

Очевидно, что связи

с леди Уислдаун нет.

Буквы «К» в последнее время ровные.

Просто я увлеклась

их новыми публикациями.

Они довольно радикальны,

а потому очень мне по вкусу.

- Подмастерье, мистер Тео Шарп…

- Ты и имя знаешь?

Ты ходишь по тонкому льду.

- Там опасный район.

- Я говорил ей.

Попытайся убедить ее в мое отсутствие.

- Куда ты?

- Собираешься на охоту?

Нет.

Я решил навестить твою кузину.

- Марину?

- Мисс Томпсон?

Не я одна хожу по тонкому льду.

Элоиза, Пенелопа.

Мы приготовили много интересного

для юных леди.

Да, Пен - юная леди.

- Мы давно не виделись…

- Элоиза.

Я надеюсь на твое благоразумие.

Ведь сейчас у нас гости.

Возможно, вы с Пенелопой захотите

провести время в обществе

других молодых леди.

Уверена, вас ждут интересные сплетни.

Об этом можно только мечтать,

леди Бриджертон.

Кейт!

Посиди с нами.

- Мисс Шарма.

- Лорд Бриджертон.

Ты рассказала виконту об укусе пчелы?

Меня ужалила пчела.

Но я в порядке.

Кейт говорила, что ей не терпится

осмотреть это прекрасное поместье.

Разве?

Ведь последние дни

она провела в одиночестве.

Может, покажете ей,

пока я пообщаюсь с другими леди?

Лорд Бриджертон должен быть с гостями.

Нас с джентльменами ждет охота.

Мы выезжаем в ближайшее время.

Вы знали, что Кейт отлично стреляет?

Не сомневаюсь.

- Брат, всё готово к охоте?

- Конечно.

Скажи, ты же обожаешь стрельбу.

- Мисс Эдвина…

- Кейт скромничает.

Вы не верите?

Возможно, она метко бьет по мишеням.

Но ей пришлось бы нелегко…

Что навело вас на эту мысль, милорд?

- Я лишь…

- То, что я женщина?

Нет, я этого не говорил.

Но подумали.

- Дамы не охотятся.

- Не охотятся или не допускаются?

Уверена, у леди Данбери найдется

сопровождающая для сестры.

Вы отлично проведете время.

Сможете лучше друг друга узнать.

Прекрасная идея, мисс Эдвина.

Уверен, мы можем сделать исключение.

Мы на своей территории.

Кто знает?

Может, мисс Шарма сумеет

преподать тебе урок.

Стой!

- Колин.

- Марина.

Мисс Томпсон.

Леди Крейн.

Рад вас видеть.

Это Оливер. Аманда спит.

Их двое?

- Близнецы.

- Близнецы.

Что ж…

Привет, Оливер.

Похоже, шебутной малыш.

Да. Очень.

Сэр Филлип в отъезде.

Он изучает свои цветы.

- Знай я о вашем визите…

- Нет, конечно.

Примите мои извинения

за столь неожиданный сюрприз.

Я был с семьей,

когда узнал, что вы живете неподалеку.

Решил убедиться,

что у вас всё хорошо, после…

После всего.

У меня всё хорошо. Очень хорошо.

Рада видеть вас, Колин.

- Хотите чаю?

- С удовольствием.

Эй.

Надеюсь, праздник оправдал

ваши ожидания, мисс Эдвина?

О да, Ваша Светлость.

Вы с матушкой - прекрасные хозяйки.

Надеюсь, я тоже однажды ей буду.

Признаю, принимать гостей -

приятное занятие.

Но вот что я скажу.

Нет большего удовольствия,

чем проводить время дома

наедине с семьей.

С мужем. Если вы сделаете верный выбор.

Я знаю, кто мне подойдет.

И кто же?

Я хочу быть

с добрым и нежным человеком.

Таким, как ваш брат.

Он такой уравновешенный.

Энтони? Уравновешенный?

- Вы так не считаете?

- Это не совсем так.

Возможно, я пробуждаю в нём

лучшие качества.

Разве не это признак хорошего брака?

Пробуждать друг в друге лучшее?

Конечно, мисс Эдвина.

- Куда пропала ваша сестра?

- Она на охоте.

- На охоте?

- С вашим братом.

Я всё устроила.

Надеюсь, проведя день вместе,

они смогут найти общий язык.

Похоже, они не всегда

сходятся во взглядах.

Хороший план, не так ли?

Что ж,

несомненно, необычный.

Если что, виноват будешь ты.

Ты должен подыграть, брат.

Это отличная возможность

завоевать ее расположение.

Или пасть от ее руки.

Направо, господа!

Куда они?

Полагаю, к лагерю.

Следы уходят налево. Смотрите.

На мхе. Отпечаток копыта оленя.

Если отправимся в лагерь,

упустим добычу.

Останемся с группой.

Не найдем оленя -

я предложу вам себя в качестве мишени.

Хорошо.

- Где вы?..

- Здесь…

Отец служил секретарем

королевской семьи Индии.

Они любезно брали меня

с собой на охоту.

- Даже в юности.

- Значит, вы справитесь.

В отличие от вашей сопровождающей.

- Лорд Бриджертон.

- Да?

- Приехали.

- Брат!

…завел друзей в Афинах.

Отправился с ними в Маруси и Халкиду.

Переплыв Петалийский залив.

Ну и названия.

Вижу, это было

примечательное путешествие.

О да, примечательное.

Я много чего приметил в пути.

Только об этом и говорю, да?

Мне интересно вас слушать.

- Спасибо, что навестили.

- Спасибо, что приняли меня.

Полагаю, у сэра Филлипа всё хорошо?

Можете справиться у него.

Милорд,

вы застали нашего гостя

перед самым уходом.

Мистер Колин Бриджертон.

Мистер Бриджертон.

Сэр Филлип Крейн.

- Рад наконец-то познакомиться.

- Да.

Ваша жена любезно выслушала

рассказ о моём путешествии в Грецию.

Вы были в Греции?

- Были в оливковых рощах на Лесбосе?

- Конечно. Визит прошел как по маслу.

- Это шутка.

- Они прекрасны, верно?

Эти деревья посажены

в третьем веке до нашей эры.

- Неужели?

- Невероятно. Как и сама ботаника.

Я покажу вам Flora Graeca.

Поужинаете с нами?

Уверена, мистер Бриджертон хочет домой.

Вовсе нет. Семья подождет.

- С удовольствием.

- Хорошо.

Я распоряжусь.

Хорошо.

Похоже, этот олень неуловим.

В этом всё удовольствие.

- И дело не в солнце.

- Нет, оно тут ни при чём.

Мужчины наслаждаются солнышком.

Что еще нужно на охоте?

Вы предпочитаете темноту, мисс Шарма?

Я предпочла бы следовать своему чутью,

а не слепо идти следом.

Убеждены, что мы упустили добычу?

Я убеждена,

что олени предпочитают опушку леса.

А это слишком открытое место.

Что ж, пожалуй,

вы правы. Но мы должны продолжать.

На других тропах должны быть еще олени.

Они не всегда держатся вместе.

А если нет, то…

Мисс Шарма?

Не потеряйте даму.

Мне нравится лорд Уэстбридж,

хоть он и дает волю рукам

во время танцев.

Он хоть молод.

Мама выбрала мне сэра Дериворта.

Ну и вонь изо рта.

- Так скажите «нет»!

- Матерям?

- Это не так просто, Эл.

- Я во всём слушаюсь мать.

Неудивительно, что вы так несчастны.

У меня есть отдушина, мисс Бриджертон.

Всегда есть леди Уислдаун.

Хотя сейчас ей нас ничем не удивить.

О чём ты?

Мы все здесь, на лоне природы.

Всё, что она напишет,

мы уже и так знаем.

Неужели?

Разве не мой ход?

Твой ход будет на завтрашнем балу.

Это последний шанс

очаровать лорда Фэзерингтона прежде,

чем Крессида Каупер станет

твоей мачехой.

Лучше уехать в Корнуолл,

чем соревноваться

с Крессидой. Она мерзкая.

Есть вещи гораздо хуже.

Корнуольский пирог с рыбьими головами.

Боюсь, ты не понимаешь

всю серьезность положения, Пруденс.

После событий прошлого года -

мисс Томпсон, мистер Бриджертон,

твой отец - мы не можем

позволить себе быть разборчивыми,

если ты намерена

выйти замуж в этом сезоне.

Никто не знает все детали того,

что пыталась сделать мисс Томпсон.

К тому же разве попытки

женить на себе мужчину так уж редки?

Я выиграла! Ты только посмотри!

Посмотрите на меня!

- Мисс Шарма!

- Пригнитесь.

Вы серьезно?

Нельзя взять и уйти с ружьем.

- Ваша камеристка еле держится.

- Прошу, тихо.

Похоже на вас. Уйти одной.

Ваше представление обо мне неверно.

Это не представление. Это правда.

С нашей первой встречи я понял,

что правила для вас ничего не значат.

Вы и ваши правила!

Если бы не ваша очередная

утренняя прогулка,

мы бы не оказались

в столь затруднительной ситуации.

О какой именно ситуации

вы говорите, милорд?

Ваше…

- То утро.

- Укус пчелы?

Моя рука на вашей груди.

Чтобы успокоить ваше смятение.

- Смятение?

- Ваш взгляд.

- А ваш?

- Не такой, как у вас.

И как же я смотрел?

Там кто-то есть.

Это неважно, если вы так держите ружье.

- Я умею держать ружье.

- Не британское.

Вы должны…

- Мне не нужны инструкции.

- Дайте-ка…

Просто держите его…

…вот так.

Все сюда. Я заметил движение.

Вот вы где.

Присоединяйтесь к нам,

пока дождь не прервал охоту.

Сибторп взял с собой

в путешествие художника.

В итоге получились

эти прекрасные иллюстрации.

Это Cotula coronopifolia.

Я видел их на Паксосе.

Да. Прекрасный остров.

А мастиковые деревья на острове Хиос?

Уверена, в Греции мистера Бриджертона

интересовали не только растения.

Нет.

Но я благодарен вам за возможность

поговорить о моих странствиях.

Леди Крейн права.

Я вечно говорю только о своем.

Как прошел день, дорогая?

Помимо столь интересного визита.

Прекрасно. Спасибо, милорд.

Уже поздно. Мистер Бриджертон,

думаю, вам пора вернуться к семье.

Да, конечно. Я потерял счет времени.

Спасибо за гостеприимство, сэр Филлип.

Мы всегда вам рады.

Марина, я зайду к детям,

пока вы попрощаетесь.

Он очень любезен.

Вы приехали, чтобы составить мнение

о моём муже, Колин?

- Нет.

- Тогда зачем вы здесь?

Я…

Я хотел извиниться.

В дороге я размышлял о том,

как мы расстались.

Обо всём, что я наговорил.

- Колин, не нужно…

- Знайте, я раскаиваюсь.

И я вас прощаю.

Мне не нужны ваши извинения,

ровно как и ваше прощение.

Всё, что было между нами, в прошлом.

Похоже на то.

Но вы не задумывались,

что было бы, поведи мы себя иначе?

Это глупейшая пытка.

Я оставила прошлое позади.

Вам следует поступить так же.

Марина,

он очень мил. Но…

Непохоже, что вы с ним счастливы.

Вы пробыли здесь всего пару часов.

- Я не хотел вас обидеть.

- Я не обижаюсь.

И не злюсь.

Вы мальчишка,

живущий в своих фантазиях.

Был момент, я думала,

что тоже могу так спастись

от реальности.

Но вот что я поняла -

мне не нужно подобное спасение.

Я приняла свою жизнь и руководствуюсь

практическими соображениями.

Обрекши себя на несчастье?

Не всем гарантирован сказочный финал.

Я довольна своими детьми.

Сэр Филлип заботится обо мне.

Он хороший отец. У нас семья.

Я уже не та, кого вы когда-то знали.

И я отказываюсь возвращаться

в мир фантазий.

Всё это давно в прошлом.

- Марина…

- Очнитесь, Колин.

Возможно, я был дураком.

Спасибо, что уделили время,

леди Крейн.

Если бы вы смогли прозреть,

то увидели бы,

что рядом уже есть те,

кого вы делаете счастливыми.

- И кто же это?

- У вас есть семья.

У вас есть

Пенелопа.

Пенелопа?

Вы дороги многим людям.

Живите ради них.

Ваше будущее рядом с ними.

А не в прошлом, рядом со мной.

Хорошо.

Прощайте, Марина.

- Как всё прошло?

- Ты меня напугала.

Рассказывай!

Охота прошла неудачно.

Прислушайся мужчины ко мне…

Сестра, мне нет дела до охоты!

Как прошло с виконтом?

Хорошо.

Думаю, всё прошло хорошо.

Лед между вами хоть немного растаял?

Да.

Ты должна продолжать в том же духе.

На балу. Завтра вечером.

- Милорд.

- Не хотел вас пугать.

Я увидел свет и подумал,

что забыл погасить свечу.

Нет. Это я.

Не спится?

- Если покои неудобны…

- Нет, дело в непогоде.

В грозу мне всегда не по себе.

Раньше отец читал мне

во время муссонных дождей.

Теперь в дождь я вспоминаю о нём.

Это библиотека моего отца.

Своими книгами он дорожил

больше всего.

Как он умер?

Его ужалила пчела.

Милорд,

мне так жаль. Я…

Прекрасного человека

сразило столь ничтожное создание.

Это очень тяжело.

- Это не…

- Всё хорошо.

Нет!

Доброй ночи.

Как прошел

вчерашний разговор с мисс Эдвиной?

Она настоящий бриллиант.

Улыбается в нужный момент,

всегда говорит подобающие вещи.

Вот только…

Я всегда считала, что Энтони нужен

кто-то, похожий на него.

Умный, острый на язык,

чересчур требовательный?

Всякий раз, когда брак начинает

казаться пресным,

мы с Саймоном находим что-то новое.

Какую-то особенность друг друга,

дающую повод для шуток и насмешек.

Бесспорно, это раздражает.

Но при этом невероятно отрадно.

Мисс Эдвина почти идеальна,

но Энтони… Он Бриджертон.

В каждом из нас есть нечто,

жаждущее вызова, разве не так?

Так и есть.

Брат.

Сестра.

Бал готов. Мама всё для тебя устроила.

Одна? Неужели ты не внесла свой вклад?

Мы обе всё спланировали, конечно.

Но это не значит,

что ты должен торопиться.

Мисс Эдвина прекрасна.

Она будет прекрасной женой.

- Но тебе она не нравится.

- Я этого не говорила.

Я лишь не уверена,

что вы достаточно друг друга знаете.

А для чего тогда брак?

Да, согласна.

Но будет проще,

если у вас схожие интересы.

Серьезно, брат, неужели нет никого,

с кем тебя что-то связывает?

Как прошла охота

со старшей мисс Шармой?

Ты ни словом о ней не обмолвился.

Как не хватает Его Светлости.

В его отсутствие ты такая докучливая.

Не заметила?

Не переживай.

Мисс Эдвина, можно вас

на первый танец?

Конечно, милорд.

Как вы провели время

наедине с виконтом?

Вчерашняя охота.

Всё прошло хорошо, верно?

Да. Конечно. Очень хорошо.

Боже.

Она ведет сюда кавалера.

Может, согласишься?

- На танец?

- Я это к тому…

Вот бы ты принимала приглашения.

Потом бы всё мне рассказывала.

Уже сил нет слушать о брошюре.

Не обращай внимание.

Ты говорила с Колином о?..

- Нет.

- Элоиза.

Позволь представить тебя

лорду Моррисону.

Мисс Элоиза. Очень приятно.

Окажете мне честь?

Какую?

Танец, Элоиза.

Да, конечно, лорд Моррисон.

Помни, мы хозяева.

Ты сама попросила.

Мисс Элоиза…

Вы не могли бы помолчать?

Я шаги считаю.

«Нами управляют страхи».

Вы читали Локка?

О да.

- А вы?

- Да.

Как и все мужчины

в определенном возрасте.

Чего не скажешь о леди.

Наши ничтожные умы не выдержат

подобного груза идей.

Это справедливо для большинства леди.

Многие даже мысль выразить не способны.

Может, дело в том,

что у них нет ваших возможностей?

Понимаю, вы презираете весь этот фарс

под названием «приличное общество».

Может, покончим с танцами

и плеснем бренди в пунш?

Предпочитаете выпивку

содержательному диалогу?

А вы предпочитаете считать шаги?

Пожалуй, я покончу с танцами.

Сейчас же.

Мы должны закончить. На нас смотрят.

Это управляет вами?

Делая комплимент даме, не стоит

походя оскорблять всех женщин.

Элоиза.

- Элоиза.

- Что?

Я пригласила лорда Моррисона

специально для тебя.

Ведь он разделяет

твои бунтарские взгляды.

Мое бунтарство -

это не костюм,

надетый для конкретной роли, мама.

И не навыки, развитые

для привлечения кавалеров.

Вроде пения или живописи.

Я знаю,

что разочаровала тебя.

Так что позволь мне уйти и лечь спать.

- Эл!

- Я хочу побыть одна.

За весь вечер

кузен ни разу на меня не глянул.

Ты возбуждена.

Успокойся, если хочешь вызвать интерес.

Почему бы тебе не пойти в оранжерею?

Подыши чудесным воздухом.

Мне всегда помогало.

Я голодна.

Пожалуй, угощусь апельсином.

Да, конечно.

Поспеши, дорогая.

Простите, что прерываю, мисс Каупер.

Лорд Фэзерингтон,

лорд Файф ждет вас в оранжерее.

Что-то связанное

с бизнесом или вашими шахтами.

Я не поняла.

Похоже, это важно.

Простите, мисс Каупер.

Конечно, милорд.

- Лорд Бриджертон пошел за лимонадом.

- Он так галантен.

Мы уже дважды танцевали.

Уверена, он не пригласил бы меня снова,

не будь у него планов на сегодня.

Рада это слышать.

- Потанцуй с ним.

- Что?

Если он и правда намерен

сделать сегодня предложение,

ему понадобится благословение.

Ты готова его дать, верно?

Возможно, это мой последний шанс.

Мисс Эдвина.

Лорд Бриджертон.

Мы с сестрой разговорились.

Она хочет потанцевать.

- Уверен, найдется…

- С вами.

Мисс Шарма, потанцуем?

Конечно, милорд.

Вы хотели о чём-то спросить

касательно моей сестры?

Если я попрошу ее руки,

вы дадите разрешение?

Я желаю сестре счастья.

- Я смогу сделать ее счастливой?

- Вам виднее.

Вы сможете это сделать?

Если молчание означает,

что вы передумали…

Вы этого хотите?

Неважно, чего хочу я.

Не думаю, что это так.

Я вернусь в Индию,

как только сестра выйдет замуж.

Вы ее бросите?

Это не так, милорд.

У нее будет муж. Я буду не нужна.

У меня нет причин оставаться.

Таков был план.

- Куда ушел виконт?

- Не знаю.

Что ты ему сказала?

Я найду его.

Дай мне минуту.

Я здесь уже бывала.

Вы должны сами увидеть оранжерею.

Аромат жасмина просто божественен.

Лорд Фэзерингтон,

что вы здесь делаете

наедине с моей дочерью?

Я застал здесь Пруденс. И мы вовсе…

Не вините ее.

Она лишь невинная девушка,

не знающая о коварстве некоторых…

- Мама, прошу…

- Уверяю, ничего не произошло.

Я искал лорда Файфа.

Фэзерингтон?

Как вам не стыдно

отрицать очевидное? Входя, я видела,

как вы убрали руку с талии Пруденс.

Это возмутительно!

Так вы намерены

жениться на девушке, Фэзерингтон?

- Что?

- Как человек чести…

Он обязан, если она согласна.

Боже!

Я с радостью выйду за вас, кузен Джек!

Что вас так расстроило?

Когда отъезд?

Сразу после свадьбы сестры?

Полагаю, да.

Вы не намерены

устроить свою личную жизнь?

Почему вас это волнует?

Вы готовы на всё, лишь бы держать меня

подальше от сестры.

Дело в этом, так?

- Я вам не нравлюсь.

- Да, конечно.

Но почему?

Я вам что-то сделал?

Почему я вам так не нравлюсь?

Потому что вы выводите меня из себя!

Сами-то что, по-вашему,

со мной делаете?

Что?

Что я с вами делаю?

Вы…

…ненавидите меня.

Да.

Это так.

Я вас ненавижу.

Я джентльмен.

И ваше сердце отдано моей сестре.

И мое сердце

отдано вашей сестре.

Что вы делаете?

Скажите, что я вам безразличен.

Скажите, что ничего не чувствуете.

И я уйду.

Я…

Я…

- Простите.

- Дафна.

- Это не то, что ты подумала.

- Я вообще думать не хочу.

- Дафна…

- Ты ухаживаешь за…

Я намерен жениться на ее сестре.

- Почему?

- Почему?

Я ухаживаю за ней. Я всё решил.

В прошлом году

я решила выйти замуж за принца,

пока ты не застал нас с Саймоном в саду

при схожих обстоятельствах.

Схоже лишь то, что я мужчина,

а она женщина.

Вы были наедине.

Очень близко друг к другу.

Есть одно существенное отличие.

Ничего не произошло.

Очевидно, что мисс Шарма

тебя привлекает.

Вас тянет друг к другу.

Потому что она невыносима!

Так вот что я застала?

Очевидно, что между вами что-то есть.

Знаю, всё не так, как ты хотел.

Но ты должен быть честен с собой.

Так или иначе подобные чувства

всегда вырвутся наружу.

И что это за чувства?

Это

любовь.

Тогда я знаю, что делать.

Поверить не могу, что ты помолвлена.

С кузеном Джеком.

- Не завидуй.

- Я не завидую.

Пруденс.

Как это случилось?

Когда я пришла, мама говорила…

- Он тебя скомпрометировал?

- Нет.

Но со стороны выглядело так.

- Тебя мама надоумила?

- Какой скандал!

Думаешь, Уислдаун

напишет об этом? Конечно.

- Как иначе.

- Если она…

Пруденс, если Уислдаун напишет правду,

это посерьезнее,

чем остроты о наших платьях.

Это может погубить всех нас.

Погубить тебя, погубить маму.

Нам придется бежать.

Боже мой.

Ты и правда завидуешь.

Если мама всё устроила,

Уислдаун не пронюхает об этом.

Теперь мое имя появится в фельетоне,

а ты…

У тебя всё будет по-прежнему.

Пруденс…

Теперь я леди Фэзерингтон. Для тебя.

Леди Данбери.

Почему не спите в такой час?

Задам вам тот же вопрос.

Здесь так холодно.

Не хочу мешать сестре.

Я ворочалась, пытаясь уснуть.

Вы уже сказали сестре?

О схеме наследования.

Пока нет.

В данный момент,

боюсь, нет смысла говорить ей об этом.

Леди Данбери,

боюсь, виконт не станет

делать предложение.

Мне жаль, но, кажется, я всё испортила.

Потому что вы с ним не можете поладить?

Да.

Почему же тогда,

когда вы так близки к цели,

к спасению вашей семьи,

к тому, о чём так мечтает Эдвина,

вы становитесь помехой?

Я не знаю.

Я не знаю, что делать.

Есть лишь один способ всё решить.

Быть честной с сестрой.

И с собой.

Расскажите ей о своих чувствах.

О моей неприязни к виконту?

Обо всём. Что бы вы к нему

ни чувствовали.

Пойду к себе.

Осторожно.

Так и простудиться недолго.

Вам сюда нельзя.

Почему? Леди и джентльмену

не подобает быть наедине?

Вы всё подстроили.

Я должна была позаботиться

о будущем своей семьи.

И теперь…

И теперь вы обрекли себя на бедность.

Вы не можете теперь нас выгнать.

Нет, не могу.

Я женюсь на Пруденс.

Но знайте: она станет женой нищего.

Не пытайтесь запугать меня

пустыми угрозами…

Пусты лишь мои шахты, Порша.

Полный провал.

У меня ничего нет.

А как же приданое Филиппы?

Я заморочил Финчам голову

обещаниями и фальшивыми рубинами.

Я мог обеспечить всех нас

лишь выгодно женившись.

На ком-то вроде…

Мисс Крессиды Каупер.

Колин.

Тебя не хватало на вчерашнем балу.

Да, я был не в настроении.

После встречи с Мариной?

Как она, Колин?

Она довольна.

Хорошо.

Я рада.

Возможно, тебе было необходимо

увидеться с ней.

Чтобы оставить всё позади.

И не испытывать необходимости

избегать женщин.

Леди Крейн сказала, что довольна.

Но мне всё кажется, что…

Мы все были очень к ней несправедливы.

Включая меня.

Не поспеши леди Уислдаун

с разоблачением,

всё могло сложиться иначе.

Для нее. И для всех нас.

Но, полагаю, нет смысла

размышлять о прошлом.

Я намерен думать о будущем.

Прости, Пен.

Дражайший читатель,

хотя прием в поместье Бриджертонов

оказался богатым на события,

автор сих строк не считает возможным

публиковать все подробности.

Особенно, когда столь многое

и так известно

слишком многим членам высшего общества.

Но если вы решили,

что к концу этой поездки

ваша покорная слуга не найдет

блестящий образчик лучших слухов,

то вы жестоко ошибаетесь.

Жаль, что всё прошло не так,

как планировалось.

Сестра, ты не виновата.

Мы обе сделали всё, что могли.

Очевидно, что у виконта

нет ко мне чувств.

Возможно, его сердце занято.

Похоже, Пруденс Фэзерингтон

обеспечила свое будущее.

Но это не единственное

примечательное событие.

Эдвина?

Я должна тебе кое-что сказать.

Подождите.

Лорд Бриджертон.

Можно с вами поговорить?

Конечно.

- Я спросил мисс Эдвину.

- Милорд?

Мисс Эдвина Шарма.

Вы выйдете за меня?

Да.

Да!

Я буду виконтессой.

Я выйду за вас замуж.

Энтони Бриджертон обручился

с мисс Эдвиной Шармой.

Настоящая победа.

Перевод субтитров: Ксения Гребеникова

МОДИСТКА

МАДАМ ДЕЛАКРУА

ПО МОТИВАМ РОМАНОВ ДЖУЛИИ КУИНН

[Lady Whistledown] If the Ancient Greeks

were members of the ton,

they might have added

to their Olympic pentathlon

one additional event.

The hosting of a country visit.

This, of course,

is the week of Lady Bridgerton's

annual Hearts and Flowers Ball,

the year's most coveted invitation

in the country,

and no event better designed

to show the might and mettle of its host.

Miss Patridge requires large amounts

of sugar for her morning tea,

and Lord Abernathy, he will refuse to eat

any meat that is not well-cooked,

while Lady Abernathy will only consume

her meat bloody, I am told. [chuckles]

And make sure you put

an extra blanket on Lord Weston's bed.

I hear he feels the cold.

The roses and carnations

have arrived, ma'am.

You may wish to add in lilac, Mama.

Symbolic of first love.

And perhaps make the bouquets even bigger.

I have taught you well.

If there is truly to be a proposal

before the week is out,

Anthony will need all the help he can get.

Hmm.

[chuckles] Right.

[crunches]

I was painting that.

Do you think all of this was a mistake?

This business of inviting

the Sharmas out early?

It has made the whole affair

so fraught with difficulty.

The whole marriage-mart business

seems entirely too difficult to me.

But if one must participate in it,

why not do it…

in the fresh air?

[birds chirping]

[sighs deeply]

Didi?

Is it the sting?

What? Whatever do you mean?

Is it still bothering you?

It seems ever since

the awful creature pricked you,

you've been keeping to yourself.

No. [chuckles]

No, not at all, Bon.

And, uh, how are you?

Are you… Are you still feeling upset

by the viscount's lack of action?

[sighs] His mind seems elsewhere lately.

I thought I'd be announcing an engagement

at tomorrow night's ball.

We return to Mayfair in a few days,

where there will be many other suitors,

as I told you.

Suitors who will only suspect

that there is something lacking in me

when they discover

the viscount is no longer interested.

Bon… [scoffs]

He is the one I want, Kate.

The viscount.

His family, this home,

the life he offers me.

I've been thinking, and…

I am now quite certain I know

why he has not yet made his declaration.

It is because of you.

You hate one another.

[sighs]

Uh, hate is probably too strong a word.

It is clear from your exchanges with

the viscount that he shares your feelings.

All this time, I thought I needed

your help getting him

to fall in love with me.

But I have realized

what I need is your help

getting him to fall in love with you.

Edwina, I certainly can't--

Can you really not see

anything engaging about him?

Yes. I suppose I can see

how he might engage

a person. Yes.

Then you'll still help me

encourage him to propose?

Because I have not given up.

I will not give up.

[uptempo classical music plays]

[shopkeeper bell chimes]

[sighs] It is hotter than a pepper patch

out here in the country.

I do not believe it is any hotter here

than it is in London. We are simply stuck.

-What is the delay?

-I'm sure someone lost an axle.

Oh, there's the Cowper carriage

just ahead of us.

[driver] Walk on.

Finally.

[pleasant classical tune playing]

[indistinct chatter]

[Violet] Welcome. Lovely to see you again.

Thank you.

I fear I still hardly know

the lady my brother is planning to marry.

[Violet] I fear

he hardly knows her either.

Though something tells me that is

how your brother would like it to remain.

Mm. Well, perhaps

I should get to know her for him.

[Eloise speaking indistinctly]

Oh, Pen! Oh, you are finally here.

With only my own family to speak to,

I've begun talking to the trees.

-Is she calling me wooden?

-I don't think so.

I could call him worse.

Is there not another pamphlet

on women's rights to read somewhere?

-[Penelope] El is quite done with that.

-She has brought one with her here.

Prepare yourself

for many a quotation, Pen.

The printer's pamphlet?

I thought you'd realized

he was not connected to Lady Whistledown.

Those letter K's have not

been smudged for some time now.

I am just as much interested

in their new letters now.

It is a rather radical publication,

which is why I seem to like it so much.

-The apprentice there, Mr. Theo Sharpe--

-You know his name?

Don't think you're getting

into dangerous waters?

-That side of town?

-I've tried to dissuade her from it.

Perhaps you can convince her

while I am gone today.

-Where are you going?

-Are you joining the men on the hunt?

I am not.

I have decided

to pay your cousin a visit, in fact.

-Marina?

-[Eloise] Miss Thompson?

I rather think I am not the only one

getting into dangerous waters.

[Violet] Eloise, Penelope.

I think you will find we have

much to offer the young ladies today.

Yes, well, Pen is a young lady,

and we do have

so much to catch up on, so--

Eloise… I hope you will behave yourself

this week. We…

We are hosts.

Perhaps you and Penelope

might like to spend some time

with the other young ladies

in attendance. Hmm?

Or, at the very least,

there will be some good gossip to absorb.

We'd not dream of doing

anything different, Lady Bridgerton.

[Eloise chuckles awkwardly]

Kate!

Come sit with us.

Miss Sharma.

Lord Bridgerton.

[Anthony clears throat]

Did you tell the viscount

about your beesting?

[chuckles softly]

I got stung.

Ah.

I am well.

Ah.

Kate was telling me

how she is eager to see more

of the grounds of this magnificent estate.

I was?

After having spent

the last few days on her own.

Might you give her a tour today

while I spend time with the other ladies?

I am certain Lord Bridgerton

is occupied with other guests.

Shooting, in fact,

with the other gentlemen.

The party is to leave

quite soon, I'm afraid.

Did you know Kate is an excellent shot?

Of course she is.

[Anthony chuckles]

-Are we all set for the hunt, Brother?

-Indeed we are.

Kate, tell him how

you used to shoot all the time.

-Miss Edwina-- [chuckles]

-Kate is being modest.

Do you not think it true?

Perhaps your sister

aims straight on the field,

but surely she would have

some trouble managing--

Why would you assume I had

any trouble managing at all, my lord?

-I only mean to say--

-Because I am a woman?

No-- No.

I did not say that.

But you thought it.

[chuckles]

Ladies do not hunt.

Do not, or are not allowed to?

I am certain Lady Danbury

can spare a maid to act as chaperone.

Oh, what fun you will all have.

Getting to know each other all the better.

[Benedict] What an excellent idea,

Miss Edwina.

[Edwina] Hmm.

Surely we can make an exception,

just this one time.

We are on our private lands,

after all. And who knows?

Perhaps Miss Sharma

can teach you a thing or two.

[Edwina chuckles]

[Benedict] Hmm?

[driver] Whoa, there!

[exhales]

[door opens]

-Colin.

-[Colin] Marina.

Uh, Miss Thompson.

Lady Crane.

I'm so pleased to see you.

[baby coos]

Oh, this is Oliver. Amanda is sleeping.

There are two of them?

-Twins.

-[Colin] Twins.

Well…

[Oliver cooing]

Good day, Oliver.

[chuckles]

He is rather… wiggly, it seems.

Yes. Very.

Sir Philip is not here.

He is out, studying his flowers.

-If I had known you were coming--

-No, of course.

I must offer my apologies

for the surprise.

I was staying with my family

when I discovered you lived so nearby.

I thought that I should come

to see that you were well, after…

well, everything.

I am well. Very well, in fact.

I'm pleased to see you, Colin.

Would you like some tea?

Very much.

Hello.

[soft classical tune playing]

Hopefully, the festivities are living up

to your expectations, Miss Edwina?

Very much, Your Grace.

You and your mama

are such diligent hostesses.

I so look forward to hosting

my own gatherings one day.

Well, there is certainly pleasure

to be had in acting as hostess.

Though, between you and I,

I think you will find

there is no greater pleasure

than enjoying your home

alone with your family.

With your husband,

as long as you choose the right one.

I do think I know

what I desire in a match.

And what is that?

I should like to be

with someone kind and gentle.

[Lady Danbury chuckles]

-[Mary] Mm.

-Someone like your brother.

He's so even-tempered.

[chuckling] Anthony? Even-tempered?

-You would not describe him as such?

-Well, not exactly.

Well, perhaps I bring out

the very best in him.

And is that not

what a good marriage should mean?

Bringing out each other's best?

It is indeed, Miss Edwina.

Has your sister gone off somewhere?

-Hunting.

-Hunting?

With your brother, in fact.

I am having them spend the day together

in the hopes of their finally

finding common ground.

It seems the two of them

do not exactly see eye-to-eye on occasion.

A good plan, is it not?

Well,

certainly an intriguing one.

-[Edwina chuckles]

-[Daphne] Hmm.

-[chuckles]

-If this goes wrong, it'll be your fault.

[sighs] You must play along, Brother.

Perhaps this is

the perfect opportunity to win her over.

-[Anthony] Or to be shot dead by her.

-[Benedict chuckles]

-[Jack] To the right, gents!

-[men chattering]

Where are they going?

Toward our camp, I believe.

There are tracks

going off to the left. Look.

In the moss. You can see the cloven shape.

If we go to our camp now,

we may miss our quarry entirely.

[horse snorts]

Let us stay with the group.

If we find nothing,

I shall offer myself up

for your target practice.

Very well.

-Where did you learn--

-It is a rather--

My father was a secretary

for a royal family in India.

A family gracious enough

to let me hunt with them.

-Even as a young lady.

-Then it seems you'll manage quite well.

Much better than your maid

on her horse, let us hope.

-[maid gasps and sighs]

-[both chuckling]

-Lord Bridgerton--

-Yes?

-[Jack] Here we are!

-[Benedict] Brother!

I made some friends in Athens,

then continued along with them

to Marousi and Chalcis.

That is, after

a quick swim in the Petalioi Gulf,

which is a word I now know how to say.

Well, it sounds like a remarkable journey.

Remarkable, yes,

in that I seem to have

many remarks about it, do I not?

I like your remarks, Colin.

-It was good of you to come by.

-It was good of you to have me as well.

[exhales] Everything is well

with Sir Philip, then, I take it?

I suppose you can ask him yourself.

My lord,

you have caught our visitor

before he departs.

-This is Mr. Colin Bridgerton.

-[Philip] Ah.

Mr. Bridgerton.

Sir Philip Crane.

-A pleasure to meet you at last.

-Ah.

Yes.

Your wife has been kind enough

to let me drone on

about my recent Grecian adventures.

-[Philip] You were in Greece?

-Mm-hmm.

Did you visit

the olive orchards in Lesvos?

I certainly did. I oiled my way right in.

-That was an olive joke.

-[Philip] They are wonderful.

You know, those trees have been there

since the third century BC.

-Have they really?

-It is extraordinary. As is the botany.

I must show you my copy of Flora Graeca.

You will join us for dinner?

I am sure Mr. Bridgerton

is eager to return to his family.

[Colin] Not at all. My family can wait.

-I should very much like to stay.

-Good. We shall set you a place, then.

Very well.

It seems our stag may be eluding us.

The elusiveness is part of the fun.

-And you cannot fault the sunshine.

-No, certainly not.

The men out enjoying the sunshine.

A sign of a great hunt.

I suppose you prefer the darkness,

Miss Sharma? [chuckles]

What I would prefer

is to be allowed to follow

my own instincts on this hunt

instead of blindly following the guide.

You are still convinced

we have lost our prey?

[Kate] I am convinced

that deer prefer the edge of the forest.

This is much too open out here.

Uh, yes, well,

perhaps you are right,

but we should carry on.

Certainly there'll be

other deer on other paths.

They do not always keep together.

And if there are not, then…

Miss Sharma?

[maid sighs and grunts]

Keep her with you. [exhales]

[gasps] Ooh.

I quite like Lord Westbridge,

though his hands certainly do wander

when he dances.

At least he is young.

My mama has fixed on

Sir Derryworth for me.

His breath is excruciating.

-Why do you not just say no?

-To our mamas?

-I do not think it is that simple, El.

-I do everything my mama says.

[chuckling] Yet you still wonder

why you're so miserable.

Oh, I… [chuckles] …I know how to find

my happiness, Miss Bridgerton.

There is always Lady Whistledown.

[soft chuckling]

Though I doubt she'll publish

anything of note this week.

What can you mean?

We are all here,

enjoying the countryside together.

Anything she might print,

surely we will already know.

Is that so?

Uh, is it not my turn, Mama?

Your turn will come

tomorrow night at the ball.

It may be your very last chance

to charm Lord Featherington

before Cressida Cowper

becomes your new mama.

-Ooh.

-Oh.

I would rather move to Cornwall

than compete with Cressida. She is vile.

Do you know what is vile?

Fish head pie. It's a Cornish delicacy.

Ew.

I fear you are not taking this

as seriously as you need to, Prudence.

After everything last year

with Miss Thompson, Mr. Bridgerton,

and then your father,

we cannot afford any more scrutiny

should you finally wish

to secure a match this season.

Oh, Mama, it is not as if anyone

truly knows what Miss Thompson attempted.

And is entrapping a man

in marriage really so uncommon?

[Prudence exclaims]

I won! Look at that. [chuckles]

Look at me, everyone!

-Miss Sharma!

-[whispers] Shh. Get down.

Are you quite serious?

You cannot just go off like that

with your gun.

-Your maid is having a terrible time.

-Would you be quiet?

It is rather like you,

leaving everyone behind.

No one wishes to hear

what you think you know about me.

I do not need to think. I know.

From the moment I saw

you riding alone in that park,

it was obvious

that rules are meaningless to you.

Oh, you and your rules.

Perhaps if you had not been out

once again the other morning,

we might not have been put

in such a difficult situation.

Exactly which difficult situation

are you referring to, my lord?

Your--

-The other morning.

-When I was stung?

After which you put my hand to your bosom.

To show you I was unharmed.

You were overcome.

-Indeed I was not.

-You then looked at me.

-You looked at me!

-Not the way you did.

And how exactly did I look?

[exhales]

[exhales]

-[exhales]

-[foliage rustles]

[softly] There is something there.

It'll signify little if you mean

to hold your gun in that way.

-I know how to hold a gun.

-Evidently not a British one.

-[exhales]

-You have to--

-I require no instruction.

-Here.

Just hold it…

like this.

[exhales]

[Jack] This way, boys.

I saw movement over here.

There the two of you are.

Well, you better rejoin us

before the rain ends our pursuits.

[thunder rumbling]

[rain pattering]

[Philip] Sibthorp brought his illustrator

along for a grand tour, like your own,

and came back

with these marvelous drawings.

Oh, these are coronopifolia.

I saw so many of those in Paxos.

Yes. Oh! Paxos is beautiful.

And did you see

the mastic trees on Chios Island?

I am sure Mr. Bridgerton

did not only go to Greece to see plants.

No.

But I'm grateful to you

for indulging my desire

to talk about my travels, Sir Philip.

Well, Lady Crane is right.

I am often carried away by my interests.

How was your day, my dear?

Apart from the arrival

of our interesting visitor.

It was very pleasant. Thank you, my lord.

It is getting late and, Mr. Bridgerton,

won't you need to return to your family?

Oh, yes. Yes, of course.

I lost track of time.

Thank you

for your hospitality, Sir Philip.

You are always welcome.

Marina, I shall look in upon the babies

as you bid each other farewell.

He is most amiable.

Did you come all this way

to form your opinion of my husband, Colin?

-No.

-Then… why did you come?

I…

I came to apologize.

Throughout my travels, I kept pondering

how I left things between us.

All of those terrible things

I said to you.

-Colin, there is no need--

-I want you to know that I am sorry.

And that I forgive you as well.

I do not need your apology

any more than I desire your forgiveness.

All of this, you and I, is in the past.

[Colin] So it seems.

But do you not look at your life

and wonder what may have been

if we had conducted ourselves differently?

[Marina] That is a fool's form of torture.

I have left the past behind.

You should do the same.

Marina,

he is truly amiable.

But… well, you do not seem happy with him.

You have only been here a few short hours.

-I do not mean to offend you.

-I am not offended.

Nor am I angry.

You are a boy

caught up in his own fantasies.

In truth, I once thought

that would be enough

to save me from my reality.

But what I learned is,

I do not need saving in that way.

What I need is to face up to my life

and make my own practical decisions.

So you choose to be unhappy?

We are not all guaranteed

a fairy-tale ending.

I am perfectly content with my children.

And Sir Philip cares for me.

He is a good father.

We have built a life together.

I am not the same woman you once knew.

And I refuse to be thrust back

into such a world of fantasy.

That dream has long since passed.

-Marina--

-You need to wake up, Colin.

Perhaps I have been a fool.

I thank you for your time,

Lady Crane.

If you would simply open your eyes

to what is in front of you,

then you might see there are those

in your life you already make happy.

-And who would that be?

-You have your family.

You have

Penelope.

Penelope?

You have many people who care for you.

Seek them out,

because your future will certainly

not be found in the past with me.

Very well.

Goodbye, Marina.

-[door opens]

-[dog panting]

[exhales]

-How did it go?

-Edwina, you frightened me.

Tell me everything.

We did not successfully shoot anything.

Perhaps if the men had listened to me--

Oh, I do not care about the hunt, Didi.

How did it go with the viscount?

Well.

It went well, I think.

Did the two of you

finally warm to one another?

[thunder rumbling]

We did.

[sighs softly]

Oh! You must keep doing

whatever it is you are doing.

At the ball. Tomorrow night.

[giggles softly]

[sighs]

[thunder cracks]

[exhales deeply]

[thunder cracks, rumbles]

-[thunderclap]

-[gasps softly]

[thunder crackling]

-[thunderclap]

-[gasps]

[door opens]

[door closes]

[thunder rumbling]

[door opens, creaks]

-Lord Bridgerton.

-I did not mean to startle you.

I saw a light and thought

I might have left a candle lit.

No. Only me.

Could you not sleep?

-If your lodgings are not comfortable--

-No. It is the storm.

I have always found them unsettling.

My father used to read to me

during the monsoons.

Now the rain makes me think of him.

[Anthony] This is my father's library.

These books were some of his most

treasured possessions.

How did he die?

[exhales deeply]

He was stung by a bee.

My lord,

I-- [sighs] I am so sorry. I--

To see a great man felled

by such a small creature, it was, um…

It was humbling, to say the least.

-[thunderclap]

-[gasps] Oh!

-This is not-- No.

-It is all right.

I shall bid you good night.

[footsteps departing]

[sighs]

How was your conversation

with Miss Edwina yesterday?

-She is certainly a diamond.

-[chuckles]

Knows exactly when to smile

and exactly what to say at all times.

It is just that

I've always imagined Anthony

to be with someone more like him.

[scoffs]

Sharp, quick, a little too exacting?

[both chuckle lightly]

You know, every time

I think my marriage has become simple,

Simon and I find

some new stone to turn over,

a new foible that one of us needs

the other to tease out and inspect.

It is decidedly irritating.

[laughs]

Yet incredibly gratifying

at the same time.

Miss Edwina is nearly perfect,

but Anthony is a Bridgerton.

Is there not something in all of us

that requires a challenge?

Indeed, there is.

Brother.

Sister.

Mama has her ball all set for you.

Just her? Are you to tell me

you have had no hand in it?

Well, we have both

been planning, certainly.

But our plans

do not require yours to be set.

Miss Edwina, she is lovely.

I am certain she will make a perfect wife.

-Do you still not like her?

-I never said I did not like her.

I only wonder if you truly

know each other well enough.

Is that not what marriage is for?

Well, yes, but

it helps if you share similarities.

Truly, Brother, is there really no one

you share similarities with?

No one at all?

How was your hunt

with the elder Miss Sharma yesterday?

You have not mentioned anything about it.

I certainly miss His Grace.

In the Duke's absence,

you've become quite meddlesome,

have you not?

Do not concern yourself.

[classical instrumental ensemble playing]

Miss Edwina,

might I have your first dance?

Certainly, my lord.

Have you been enjoying

your time alone with the viscount?

Yesterday's hunt.

It went well, I take it?

Oh, yes.

Of course, yes. Quite well, indeed.

[Lady Danbury] Mmm.

Lord.

She-- She's coming

towards me with a suitor.

And what if you said yes?

-To a dance?

-I only mean to say--

It'd entertain me so much for you

to say yes to the dances you are offered

so I might hear about them.

There is only so much more

I can hear about a pamphlet. Never mind.

Have you spoken to Colin about his visit--

-[Eloise] No, no, no.

-Eloise. [chuckles]

I would like to introduce you

to Lord Morrison.

Miss Eloise. A pleasure.

Might I have the honor?

Of what?

-[chuckles]

-[Violet chuckles] A dance, Eloise.

Yes, I think you shall, Lord Morrison.

Remember, hosts?

-You wished to be entertained.

-[chuckles]

[chuckles softly]

Miss Eloise--

Would you mind keeping quiet?

I am counting my steps, so… [chuckles]

-"What worries you, masters you."

-Ah. You have read Locke?

I have.

-Have you?

-Yes.

It is required of all men

past a certain age, surely.

Not so much for young ladies.

Because our feeble minds might collapse

if we put too many ideas in them.

For most of the ladies

I have met, that seems to be true.

Many of them

cannot even articulate a thought.

Don't you think it's because they haven't

been offered the same opportunities?

[sighs]

I understand that you scorn

this farcical performance

that is good society.

What do you say we quit the dance floor

and add some brandy to the punch?

[Eloise chuckles]

You'd rather alter the punch

than engage in meaningful conversation?

And you would rather count your steps.

Perhaps I shall quit the dance floor, now.

I do think we should finish this dance.

People are looking.

-[chuckles]

-I see what masters you.

Next time you compliment a woman,

at least try not to insult

her entire sex in the process.

[breathing heavily]

Eloise.

-[Violet] Eloise.

-[Eloise] What?

I invited Lord Morrison

specifically for you.

He is known

to share your rebellious spirit.

My rebellion is not some party dress

I put on to play a part, Mama,

and it's certainly not some accomplishment

I've developed,

like singing or painting

to help me attract a suitor.

I… know

I am a disappointment to you.

So just allow me

to take my leave and go to bed.

[sobs softly]

-El!

-[Eloise] I wish to be alone.

[indistinct conversation]

[Cressida chuckles]

[all chuckling]

Cousin Jack has not looked twice

at me all evening.

You are excited. You need to calm yourself

if you are to attract interest.

Why do you not take a walk

to the orangery?

Breathe in the fragrant air.

It has always helped me.

Mmm. I am hungry.

Perhaps I shall purloin an orange?

Yes, of course.

Now, make haste, dear.

I hate to interrupt, Miss Cowper,

but Lord Featherington,

I believe Lord Fife

is looking for you in the orangery.

Something about

business, or your mines. I do not know.

It sounded important.

Pardon me, Miss Cowper.

Of course, my lord.

[classical ensemble continues]

[song ends]

Lord Bridgerton has gone

to get me a lemonade.

-How very thoughtful of him.

-We've just finished our second dance.

I'm certain he'd not have asked me for two

if he did not have

intentions for the evening.

I am pleased to hear that.

-I need you to dance with him.

-What?

If he is going to declare himself

before the end of the ball, as I hope,

he shall need

to ask you for your blessing.

And you are ready

to grant him your blessing, are you not?

This may very well be my last chance.

[Anthony] Miss Edwina.

Lord Bridgerton.

My sister and I were just speaking.

-She wishes to take to the floor.

-Ah.

-Well, I am certain that--

-[Edwina] With you.

Miss Sharma, may I have this dance?

[Kate] You may, my lord.

[classical rendition of

"Dancing On My Own" playing]

Do you have something you wish

to ask me, my lord, regarding my sister?

If I were to ask for her hand,

would you give me your permission?

I want my sister to be happy.

-And do you think I can make her happy?

-That is a better question for you.

Can you make her happy?

If your silence is any indication

you are reconsidering your declaration--

Is that what you want?

For me to reconsider?

It does not matter what I want.

I do not think that is true.

I am to return to India

the moment my sister marries.

You will abandon her?

Far from it, my lord. She will be married.

She will not need me.

There'll be no more reason for me to stay.

It was the plan all along.

-Where is the viscount going?

-I-- I do not know.

Well, what did you say?

I… [sighs]

I shall find him.

Give me a moment.

I took a tour earlier,

and you must see the orangery.

The scent of the jasmine

is absolutely ambrosial.

[gasping dramatically]

Lord Featherington,

what are you doing in a room

with my unchaperoned daughter?

[clears throat] I found Prudence in here,

and neither of us were--

Do not blame her.

She is but an innocent girl,

unknowing of the ways

of an older gentleman.

-Mama, you--

-I assure you nothing untoward's occurred.

I was to meet with Lord Fife.

Featherington?

How can you deny what is plain to the eye?

I saw you remove your arm

from my Prudence's waist as I walked in.

It is a scandal!

Well, are you to marry the girl,

then, Featherington?

-What?

-As a man of honor--

He is hers in honor, should she wish it.

Oh!

[panting]

Oh my!

Oh, I would be delighted

to marry you, Cousin Jack. [laughs]

[laughing] Yes!

[Prudence laughing excitedly]

[Prudence gasping, sighing]

[Prudence giggles]

[echoing laughter]

Why are you so distressed?

[breathing deeply]

When will you leave?

Immediately, once your sister is married?

I presume so, yes.

And you'll not concern yourself

with finding a match of your own?

Why would that concern you?

It seems to me you will find any excuse

you can to keep me away from your sister.

That is it, is it not?

You simply do not like me.

-Of course I do not like you--

-Then tell me why.

Have I done something to you?

Why is it that you dislike me so?

Because… [panting]

Because you vex me!

And what is it,

do you think, you do to me?

What?

What do I do to you?

[both panting]

You…

You hate me.

[softly] Yes.

I do.

I hate you.

[Anthony exhales]

I am a gentleman.

[softly] And your heart is with my sister.

[softly] And my heart

is with your sister.

[softly] What are you doing?

Say you do not care for me.

Tell me you feel nothing,

and I will walk away.

[exhales] I feel…

I feel…

[door opens]

Oh!

-I am so sorry.

-Daphne.

-[door closes]

-[exhales deeply]

[breathing heavily]

[door opens]

It is not what you think.

I am trying very much

not to think about it at all.

-Daphne--

-You are courting her sister.

And I have every intention

of bringing it to a point.

-Why?

-Why?

Because I am courting her.

Because I've decided.

And I had decided last year

that I'd marry the prince

until you caught me in the garden

with Simon at the Trowbridge Ball

under very similar circumstances.

Similar only in that I am a man

and Miss Sharma is a woman.

And you were alone.

Quite close to one another.

Only there is one significant difference.

Nothing, in fact, happened.

[scoffs]

It is clear that you have

affection for Miss Sharma.

The two of you cannot seem

to stay away from one another.

Because she is aggravating!

Oh, is that what I just witnessed?

[Anthony breathes deeply]

There is obviously something between you.

And I know that this

is not as you would wish it,

but you must be honest with yourself.

Because, one way or another,

these kind of feelings

always have a way

of coming to the surface.

And what kind of feelings are those?

Well,

love.

[exhales]

Then I know what I must do.

[chuckles softly]

[door opens]

I cannot believe

you are now betrothed, Sister.

And to Cousin Jack.

-[Prudence] Do not be jealous.

-I am not jealous.

Prudence.

How did it happen?

I walked up, and Mama was saying…

Did he compromise you?

No.

But I suppose it looked that way.

-Did Mama send you there?

-Oh, what a scandal.

Do you think Whistledown

will write about it? Of course she will.

-How could she not?

-If she does--

Prudence, if Whistledown

writes the full story,

it's not some insult

about our citrus dresses.

It could ruin our family.

It could ruin you. It could ruin Mama.

We could be run out of town.

Oh my.

-You truly are jealous.

-[scoffs]

If this was Mama's doing,

there is no way Whistledown could know.

Now my name will appear in Whistledown,

and you…

You will be just as you are now.

-Prudence--

-Ah-ah.

I believe it is

"Lady Featherington" now, to you.

[sighs sharply]

[cane taps]

Lady Danbury.

Uh, what are you doing still up?

I could ask you the very same.

It's cold out here.

I am merely trying to let my sister sleep.

I have been

tossing and turning far too much.

Have you yet told your sister?

About the inheritance scheme.

I have not.

Mmm.

[Kate] At this point,

I fear there is no point in telling her.

Lady Danbury, I fear there may be

no proposal from the viscount.

I fear I have ruined it for Edwina.

Because you two cannot get along?

Yes.

And why, when you are

so close to getting what you want,

what you need for your family's survival,

and what Edwina

so clearly wants for herself,

are you getting in the way?

I do not know.

I do not know what to do.

There is only one thing to do.

Be honest with your sister,

with yourself.

You must tell her how you feel.

About my dislike for the viscount?

About whatever it is you feel.

I am going inside.

Careful.

Or you shall catch a chill.

[door opens]

You cannot just come in here.

Why? Because it's improper for a lady

and gentleman to be alone together?

You arranged it all.

I did what I had to do

to secure my family's future.

And now--

And now you've secured yourself

a future of poverty.

You cannot just cast us out now, my lord.

No, I cannot.

I shall indeed marry Prudence.

But you should know

she is marrying a penniless man.

If you intend to hurt me

with your empty threats--

The only empty thing I have

are those mines, Portia.

They are a failure.

I have nothing.

You paid Philippa's dowry.

I held off the Finches

with a promise of payment

and a counterfeit ruby necklace.

The only way for me to provide

for all of us was to marry wealth.

Someone like--

Miss Cressida Cowper.

[exhales softly]

Colin.

We, uh, missed you at the ball last night.

Yes. I fear I was not feeling up to it.

After seeing Marina?

How is she, Colin?

She is… content.

[sighs] Good.

I am glad.

Perhaps seeing her was what you needed.

To leave the past behind.

To no longer feel the need to

forswear women.

Lady Crane said she was content,

but I cannot help but feel like…

Well, we were all so hard on her.

Myself included.

Perhaps if Lady Whistledown

hadn't rushed to print her gossip,

things may have

turned out differently for her.

For all of us, in fact.

But, I suppose,

there is no use dwelling on the past.

I am, indeed, thinking of the future.

Pardon me, Pen.

[Lady Whistledown] Dearest gentle reader,

while much occurred

at the Bridgerton country visit,

this author feels not all is fit to print.

Especially when so much is already known

by far too many members of the ton.

But if you thought we would reach

the end of this journey

without this trusted author finding

a truly delectable morsel of gossip,

then you are sorely mistaken.

I am sorry things

did not go as planned, Bon.

It is not your fault, Didi.

We both did everything we could have done.

The viscount's feelings

are clearly not there for me.

Perhaps they are elsewhere.

[Lady Whistledown]

While Prudence Featherington

seems to have secured her match,

it was not the only occurrence of note.

[Kate] Edwina?

There is something I must tell you.

[Anthony] Wait.

Lord Bridgerton.

Might I speak with you?

Of course.

-[Anthony] That was meant for Miss Edwina.

-My lord?

Miss Edwina Sharma.

Will you marry me?

Yes.

[laughing] Yes! Yes!

I shall be your viscountess.

I shall marry you.

[Lady Whistledown]

Anthony Bridgerton is now betrothed

to Miss Edwina Sharma.

Victory, indeed.

they might have added

to their Olympic pentathlon

one additional event.

The hosting of a country visit.

This, of course,

is the week of Lady Bridgerton's

annual Hearts and Flowers Ball,

the year's most coveted invitation

in the country,

and no event better designed

to show the might and mettle of its host.

Miss Patridge requires large amounts

of sugar for her morning tea,

and Lord Abernathy, he will refuse to eat

any meat that is not well-cooked,

while Lady Abernathy will only consume

her meat bloody, I am told.

And make sure you put

an extra blanket on Lord Weston's bed.

I hear he feels the cold.

The roses and carnations

have arrived, ma'am.

You may wish to add in lilac, Mama.

Symbolic of first love.

And perhaps make the bouquets even bigger.

I have taught you well.

If there is truly to be a proposal

before the week is out,

Anthony will need all the help he can get.

Hmm.

Right.

I was painting that.

Do you think all of this was a mistake?

This business of inviting

the Sharmas out early?

It has made the whole affair

so fraught with difficulty.

The whole marriage-mart business

seems entirely too difficult to me.

But if one must participate in it,

why not do it…

in the fresh air?

Didi?

Is it the sting?

What? Whatever do you mean?

Is it still bothering you?

It seems ever since

the awful creature pricked you,

you've been keeping to yourself.

No.

No, not at all, Bon.

And, uh, how are you?

Are you… Are you still feeling upset

by the viscount's lack of action?

His mind seems elsewhere lately.

I thought I'd be announcing an engagement

at tomorrow night's ball.

We return to Mayfair in a few days,

where there will be many other suitors,

as I told you.

Suitors who will only suspect

that there is something lacking in me

when they discover

the viscount is no longer interested.

Bon…

He is the one I want, Kate.

The viscount.

His family, this home,

the life he offers me.

I've been thinking, and…

I am now quite certain I know

why he has not yet made his declaration.

It is because of you.

You hate one another.

Uh, hate is probably too strong a word.

It is clear from your exchanges with

the viscount that he shares your feelings.

All this time, I thought I needed

your help getting him

to fall in love with me.

But I have realized

what I need is your help

getting him to fall in love with you.

Edwina, I certainly can't--

Can you really not see

anything engaging about him?

Yes. I suppose I can see

how he might engage

a person. Yes.

Then you'll still help me

encourage him to propose?

Because I have not given up.

I will not give up.

It is hotter than a pepper patch

out here in the country.

I do not believe it is any hotter here

than it is in London. We are simply stuck.

-What is the delay?

-I'm sure someone lost an axle.

Oh, there's the Cowper carriage

just ahead of us.

Walk on.

Finally.

Welcome. Lovely to see you again.

Thank you.

I fear I still hardly know

the lady my brother is planning to marry.

I fear

he hardly knows her either.

Though something tells me that is

how your brother would like it to remain.

Mm. Well, perhaps

I should get to know her for him.

Oh, Pen! Oh, you are finally here.

With only my own family to speak to,

I've begun talking to the trees.

-Is she calling me wooden?

-I don't think so.

I could call him worse.

Is there not another pamphlet

on women's rights to read somewhere?

-El is quite done with that.

-She has brought one with her here.

Prepare yourself

for many a quotation, Pen.

The printer's pamphlet?

I thought you'd realized

he was not connected to Lady Whistledown.

Those letter K's have not

been smudged for some time now.

I am just as much interested

in their new letters now.

It is a rather radical publication,

which is why I seem to like it so much.

-The apprentice there, Mr. Theo Sharpe--

-You know his name?

Don't think you're getting

into dangerous waters?

-That side of town?

-I've tried to dissuade her from it.

Perhaps you can convince her

while I am gone today.

-Where are you going?

-Are you joining the men on the hunt?

I am not.

I have decided

to pay your cousin a visit, in fact.

-Marina?

-Miss Thompson?

I rather think I am not the only one

getting into dangerous waters.

Eloise, Penelope.

I think you will find we have

much to offer the young ladies today.

Yes, well, Pen is a young lady,

and we do have

so much to catch up on, so--

Eloise… I hope you will behave yourself

this week. We…

We are hosts.

Perhaps you and Penelope

might like to spend some time

with the other young ladies

in attendance. Hmm?

Or, at the very least,

there will be some good gossip to absorb.

We'd not dream of doing

anything different, Lady Bridgerton.

Kate!

Come sit with us.

Miss Sharma.

Lord Bridgerton.

Did you tell the viscount

about your beesting?

I got stung.

Ah.

I am well.

Ah.

Kate was telling me

how she is eager to see more

of the grounds of this magnificent estate.

I was?

After having spent

the last few days on her own.

Might you give her a tour today

while I spend time with the other ladies?

I am certain Lord Bridgerton

is occupied with other guests.

Shooting, in fact,

with the other gentlemen.

The party is to leave

quite soon, I'm afraid.

Did you know Kate is an excellent shot?

Of course she is.

-Are we all set for the hunt, Brother?

-Indeed we are.

Kate, tell him how

you used to shoot all the time.

-Miss Edwina--

-Kate is being modest.

Do you not think it true?

Perhaps your sister

aims straight on the field,

but surely she would have

some trouble managing--

Why would you assume I had

any trouble managing at all, my lord?

-I only mean to say--

-Because I am a woman?

No-- No.

I did not say that.

But you thought it.

Ladies do not hunt.

Do not, or are not allowed to?

I am certain Lady Danbury

can spare a maid to act as chaperone.

Oh, what fun you will all have.

Getting to know each other all the better.

What an excellent idea,

Miss Edwina.

Hmm.

Surely we can make an exception,

just this one time.

We are on our private lands,

after all. And who knows?

Perhaps Miss Sharma

can teach you a thing or two.

Hmm?

Whoa, there!

-Colin.

-Marina.

Uh, Miss Thompson.

Lady Crane.

I'm so pleased to see you.

Oh, this is Oliver. Amanda is sleeping.

There are two of them?

-Twins.

-Twins.

Well…

Good day, Oliver.

He is rather… wiggly, it seems.

Yes. Very.

Sir Philip is not here.

He is out, studying his flowers.

-If I had known you were coming--

-No, of course.

I must offer my apologies

for the surprise.

I was staying with my family

when I discovered you lived so nearby.

I thought that I should come

to see that you were well, after…

well, everything.

I am well. Very well, in fact.

I'm pleased to see you, Colin.

Would you like some tea?

Very much.

Hello.

Hopefully, the festivities are living up

to your expectations, Miss Edwina?

Very much, Your Grace.

You and your mama

are such diligent hostesses.

I so look forward to hosting

my own gatherings one day.

Well, there is certainly pleasure

to be had in acting as hostess.

Though, between you and I,

I think you will find

there is no greater pleasure

than enjoying your home

alone with your family.

With your husband,

as long as you choose the right one.

I do think I know

what I desire in a match.

And what is that?

I should like to be

with someone kind and gentle.

-Mm.

-Someone like your brother.

He's so even-tempered.

Anthony? Even-tempered?

-You would not describe him as such?

-Well, not exactly.

Well, perhaps I bring out

the very best in him.

And is that not

what a good marriage should mean?

Bringing out each other's best?

It is indeed, Miss Edwina.

Has your sister gone off somewhere?

-Hunting.

-Hunting?

With your brother, in fact.

I am having them spend the day together

in the hopes of their finally

finding common ground.

It seems the two of them

do not exactly see eye-to-eye on occasion.

A good plan, is it not?

Well,

certainly an intriguing one.

-Hmm.

-If this goes wrong, it'll be your fault.

You must play along, Brother.

Perhaps this is

the perfect opportunity to win her over.

-Or to be shot dead by her.

-To the right, gents!

Where are they going?

Toward our camp, I believe.

There are tracks

going off to the left. Look.

In the moss. You can see the cloven shape.

If we go to our camp now,

we may miss our quarry entirely.

Let us stay with the group.

If we find nothing,

I shall offer myself up

for your target practice.

Very well.

-Where did you learn--

-It is a rather--

My father was a secretary

for a royal family in India.

A family gracious enough

to let me hunt with them.

-Even as a young lady.

-Then it seems you'll manage quite well.

Much better than your maid

on her horse, let us hope.

-Lord Bridgerton--

-Yes?

-Here we are!

-Brother!

I made some friends in Athens,

then continued along with them

to Marousi and Chalcis.

That is, after

a quick swim in the Petalioi Gulf,

which is a word I now know how to say.

Well, it sounds like a remarkable journey.

Remarkable, yes,

in that I seem to have

many remarks about it, do I not?

I like your remarks, Colin.

-It was good of you to come by.

-It was good of you to have me as well.

Everything is well

with Sir Philip, then, I take it?

I suppose you can ask him yourself.

My lord,

you have caught our visitor

before he departs.

-This is Mr. Colin Bridgerton.

-Ah.

Mr. Bridgerton.

Sir Philip Crane.

-A pleasure to meet you at last.

-Ah.

Yes.

Your wife has been kind enough

to let me drone on

about my recent Grecian adventures.

-You were in Greece?

-Mm-hmm.

Did you visit

the olive orchards in Lesvos?

I certainly did. I oiled my way right in.

-That was an olive joke.

-They are wonderful.

You know, those trees have been there

since the third century BC.

-Have they really?

-It is extraordinary. As is the botany.

I must show you my copy of Flora Graeca.

You will join us for dinner?

I am sure Mr. Bridgerton

is eager to return to his family.

Not at all. My family can wait.

-I should very much like to stay.

-Good. We shall set you a place, then.

Very well.

It seems our stag may be eluding us.

The elusiveness is part of the fun.

-And you cannot fault the sunshine.

-No, certainly not.

The men out enjoying the sunshine.

A sign of a great hunt.

I suppose you prefer the darkness,

Miss Sharma?

What I would prefer

is to be allowed to follow

my own instincts on this hunt

instead of blindly following the guide.

You are still convinced

we have lost our prey?

I am convinced

that deer prefer the edge of the forest.

This is much too open out here.

Uh, yes, well,

perhaps you are right,

but we should carry on.

Certainly there'll be

other deer on other paths.

They do not always keep together.

And if there are not, then…

Miss Sharma?

Keep her with you.

Ooh.

I quite like Lord Westbridge,

though his hands certainly do wander

when he dances.

At least he is young.

My mama has fixed on

Sir Derryworth for me.

His breath is excruciating.

-Why do you not just say no?

-To our mamas?

-I do not think it is that simple, El.

-I do everything my mama says.

Yet you still wonder

why you're so miserable.

Oh, I… …I know how to find

my happiness, Miss Bridgerton.

There is always Lady Whistledown.

Though I doubt she'll publish

anything of note this week.

What can you mean?

We are all here,

enjoying the countryside together.

Anything she might print,

surely we will already know.

Is that so?

Uh, is it not my turn, Mama?

Your turn will come

tomorrow night at the ball.

It may be your very last chance

to charm Lord Featherington

before Cressida Cowper

becomes your new mama.

-Ooh.

-Oh.

I would rather move to Cornwall

than compete with Cressida. She is vile.

Do you know what is vile?

Fish head pie. It's a Cornish delicacy.

Ew.

I fear you are not taking this

as seriously as you need to, Prudence.

After everything last year

with Miss Thompson, Mr. Bridgerton,

and then your father,

we cannot afford any more scrutiny

should you finally wish

to secure a match this season.

Oh, Mama, it is not as if anyone

truly knows what Miss Thompson attempted.

And is entrapping a man

in marriage really so uncommon?

I won! Look at that.

Look at me, everyone!

-Miss Sharma!

-Shh. Get down.

Are you quite serious?

You cannot just go off like that

with your gun.

-Your maid is having a terrible time.

-Would you be quiet?

It is rather like you,

leaving everyone behind.

No one wishes to hear

what you think you know about me.

I do not need to think. I know.

From the moment I saw

you riding alone in that park,

it was obvious

that rules are meaningless to you.

Oh, you and your rules.

Perhaps if you had not been out

once again the other morning,

we might not have been put

in such a difficult situation.

Exactly which difficult situation

are you referring to, my lord?

Your--

-The other morning.

-When I was stung?

After which you put my hand to your bosom.

To show you I was unharmed.

You were overcome.

-Indeed I was not.

-You then looked at me.

-You looked at me!

-Not the way you did.

And how exactly did I look?

There is something there.

It'll signify little if you mean

to hold your gun in that way.

-I know how to hold a gun.

-Evidently not a British one.

-You have to--

-I require no instruction.

-Here.

Just hold it…

like this.

This way, boys.

I saw movement over here.

There the two of you are.

Well, you better rejoin us

before the rain ends our pursuits.

Sibthorp brought his illustrator

along for a grand tour, like your own,

and came back

with these marvelous drawings.

Oh, these are coronopifolia.

I saw so many of those in Paxos.

Yes. Oh! Paxos is beautiful.

And did you see

the mastic trees on Chios Island?

I am sure Mr. Bridgerton

did not only go to Greece to see plants.

No.

But I'm grateful to you

for indulging my desire

to talk about my travels, Sir Philip.

Well, Lady Crane is right.

I am often carried away by my interests.

How was your day, my dear?

Apart from the arrival

of our interesting visitor.

It was very pleasant. Thank you, my lord.

It is getting late and, Mr. Bridgerton,

won't you need to return to your family?

Oh, yes. Yes, of course.

I lost track of time.

Thank you

for your hospitality, Sir Philip.

You are always welcome.

Marina, I shall look in upon the babies

as you bid each other farewell.

He is most amiable.

Did you come all this way

to form your opinion of my husband, Colin?

-No.

-Then… why did you come?

I…

I came to apologize.

Throughout my travels, I kept pondering

how I left things between us.

All of those terrible things

I said to you.

-Colin, there is no need--

-I want you to know that I am sorry.

And that I forgive you as well.

I do not need your apology

any more than I desire your forgiveness.

All of this, you and I, is in the past.

So it seems.

But do you not look at your life

and wonder what may have been

if we had conducted ourselves differently?

That is a fool's form of torture.

I have left the past behind.

You should do the same.

Marina,

he is truly amiable.

But… well, you do not seem happy with him.

You have only been here a few short hours.

-I do not mean to offend you.

-I am not offended.

Nor am I angry.

You are a boy

caught up in his own fantasies.

In truth, I once thought

that would be enough

to save me from my reality.

But what I learned is,

I do not need saving in that way.

What I need is to face up to my life

and make my own practical decisions.

So you choose to be unhappy?

We are not all guaranteed

a fairy-tale ending.

I am perfectly content with my children.

And Sir Philip cares for me.

He is a good father.

We have built a life together.

I am not the same woman you once knew.

And I refuse to be thrust back

into such a world of fantasy.

That dream has long since passed.

-Marina--

-You need to wake up, Colin.

Perhaps I have been a fool.

I thank you for your time,

Lady Crane.

If you would simply open your eyes

to what is in front of you,

then you might see there are those

in your life you already make happy.

-And who would that be?

-You have your family.

You have

Penelope.

Penelope?

You have many people who care for you.

Seek them out,

because your future will certainly

not be found in the past with me.

Very well.

Goodbye, Marina.

-How did it go?

-Edwina, you frightened me.

Tell me everything.

We did not successfully shoot anything.

Perhaps if the men had listened to me--

Oh, I do not care about the hunt, Didi.

How did it go with the viscount?

Well.

It went well, I think.

Did the two of you

finally warm to one another?

We did.

Oh! You must keep doing

whatever it is you are doing.

At the ball. Tomorrow night.

-Lord Bridgerton.

-I did not mean to startle you.

I saw a light and thought

I might have left a candle lit.

No. Only me.

Could you not sleep?

-If your lodgings are not comfortable--

-No. It is the storm.

I have always found them unsettling.

My father used to read to me

during the monsoons.

Now the rain makes me think of him.

This is my father's library.

These books were some of his most

treasured possessions.

How did he die?

He was stung by a bee.

My lord,

I-- I am so sorry. I--

To see a great man felled

by such a small creature, it was, um…

It was humbling, to say the least.

-Oh!

-This is not-- No.

-It is all right.

I shall bid you good night.

How was your conversation

with Miss Edwina yesterday?

-She is certainly a diamond.

Knows exactly when to smile

and exactly what to say at all times.

It is just that

I've always imagined Anthony

to be with someone more like him.

Sharp, quick, a little too exacting?

You know, every time

I think my marriage has become simple,

Simon and I find

some new stone to turn over,

a new foible that one of us needs

the other to tease out and inspect.

It is decidedly irritating.

Yet incredibly gratifying

at the same time.

Miss Edwina is nearly perfect,

but Anthony is a Bridgerton.

Is there not something in all of us

that requires a challenge?

Indeed, there is.

Brother.

Sister.

Mama has her ball all set for you.

Just her? Are you to tell me

you have had no hand in it?

Well, we have both

been planning, certainly.

But our plans

do not require yours to be set.

Miss Edwina, she is lovely.

I am certain she will make a perfect wife.

-Do you still not like her?

-I never said I did not like her.

I only wonder if you truly

know each other well enough.

Is that not what marriage is for?

Well, yes, but

it helps if you share similarities.

Truly, Brother, is there really no one

you share similarities with?

No one at all?

How was your hunt

with the elder Miss Sharma yesterday?

You have not mentioned anything about it.

I certainly miss His Grace.

In the Duke's absence,

you've become quite meddlesome,

have you not?

Do not concern yourself.

Miss Edwina,

might I have your first dance?

Certainly, my lord.

Have you been enjoying

your time alone with the viscount?

Yesterday's hunt.

It went well, I take it?

Oh, yes.

Of course, yes. Quite well, indeed.

Mmm.

Lord.

She-- She's coming

towards me with a suitor.

And what if you said yes?

-To a dance?

-I only mean to say--

It'd entertain me so much for you

to say yes to the dances you are offered

so I might hear about them.

There is only so much more

I can hear about a pamphlet. Never mind.

Have you spoken to Colin about his visit--

-No, no, no.

-Eloise.

I would like to introduce you

to Lord Morrison.

Miss Eloise. A pleasure.

Might I have the honor?

Of what?

-A dance, Eloise.

Yes, I think you shall, Lord Morrison.

Remember, hosts?

-You wished to be entertained.

Miss Eloise--

Would you mind keeping quiet?

I am counting my steps, so…

-"What worries you, masters you."

-Ah. You have read Locke?

I have.

-Have you?

-Yes.

It is required of all men

past a certain age, surely.

Not so much for young ladies.

Because our feeble minds might collapse

if we put too many ideas in them.

For most of the ladies

I have met, that seems to be true.

Many of them

cannot even articulate a thought.

Don't you think it's because they haven't

been offered the same opportunities?

I understand that you scorn

this farcical performance

that is good society.

What do you say we quit the dance floor

and add some brandy to the punch?

You'd rather alter the punch

than engage in meaningful conversation?

And you would rather count your steps.

Perhaps I shall quit the dance floor, now.

I do think we should finish this dance.

People are looking.

-I see what masters you.

Next time you compliment a woman,

at least try not to insult

her entire sex in the process.

Eloise.

-Eloise.

-What?

I invited Lord Morrison

specifically for you.

He is known

to share your rebellious spirit.

My rebellion is not some party dress

I put on to play a part, Mama,

and it's certainly not some accomplishment

I've developed,

like singing or painting

to help me attract a suitor.

I… know

I am a disappointment to you.

So just allow me

to take my leave and go to bed.

-El!

-I wish to be alone.

Cousin Jack has not looked twice

at me all evening.

You are excited. You need to calm yourself

if you are to attract interest.

Why do you not take a walk

to the orangery?

Breathe in the fragrant air.

It has always helped me.

Mmm. I am hungry.

Perhaps I shall purloin an orange?

Yes, of course.

Now, make haste, dear.

I hate to interrupt, Miss Cowper,

but Lord Featherington,

I believe Lord Fife

is looking for you in the orangery.

Something about

business, or your mines. I do not know.

It sounded important.

Pardon me, Miss Cowper.

Of course, my lord.

Lord Bridgerton has gone

to get me a lemonade.

-How very thoughtful of him.

-We've just finished our second dance.

I'm certain he'd not have asked me for two

if he did not have

intentions for the evening.

I am pleased to hear that.

-I need you to dance with him.

-What?

If he is going to declare himself

before the end of the ball, as I hope,

he shall need

to ask you for your blessing.

And you are ready

to grant him your blessing, are you not?

This may very well be my last chance.

Miss Edwina.

Lord Bridgerton.

My sister and I were just speaking.

-She wishes to take to the floor.

-Ah.

-Well, I am certain that--

-With you.

Miss Sharma, may I have this dance?

You may, my lord.

Do you have something you wish

to ask me, my lord, regarding my sister?

If I were to ask for her hand,

would you give me your permission?

I want my sister to be happy.

-And do you think I can make her happy?

-That is a better question for you.

Can you make her happy?

If your silence is any indication

you are reconsidering your declaration--

Is that what you want?

For me to reconsider?

It does not matter what I want.

I do not think that is true.

I am to return to India

the moment my sister marries.

You will abandon her?

Far from it, my lord. She will be married.

She will not need me.

There'll be no more reason for me to stay.

It was the plan all along.

-Where is the viscount going?

-I-- I do not know.

Well, what did you say?

I…

I shall find him.

Give me a moment.

I took a tour earlier,

and you must see the orangery.

The scent of the jasmine

is absolutely ambrosial.

Lord Featherington,

what are you doing in a room

with my unchaperoned daughter?

I found Prudence in here,

and neither of us were--

Do not blame her.

She is but an innocent girl,

unknowing of the ways

of an older gentleman.

-Mama, you--

-I assure you nothing untoward's occurred.

I was to meet with Lord Fife.

Featherington?

How can you deny what is plain to the eye?

I saw you remove your arm

from my Prudence's waist as I walked in.

It is a scandal!

Well, are you to marry the girl,

then, Featherington?

-What?

-As a man of honor--

He is hers in honor, should she wish it.

Oh!

Oh my!

Oh, I would be delighted

to marry you, Cousin Jack.

Yes!

Why are you so distressed?

When will you leave?

Immediately, once your sister is married?

I presume so, yes.

And you'll not concern yourself

with finding a match of your own?

Why would that concern you?

It seems to me you will find any excuse

you can to keep me away from your sister.

That is it, is it not?

You simply do not like me.

-Of course I do not like you--

-Then tell me why.

Have I done something to you?

Why is it that you dislike me so?

Because…

Because you vex me!

And what is it,

do you think, you do to me?

What?

What do I do to you?

You…

You hate me.

Yes.

I do.

I hate you.

I am a gentleman.

And your heart is with my sister.

And my heart

is with your sister.

What are you doing?

Say you do not care for me.

Tell me you feel nothing,

and I will walk away.

I feel…

I feel…

Oh!

-I am so sorry.

-Daphne.

It is not what you think.

I am trying very much

not to think about it at all.

-Daphne--

-You are courting her sister.

And I have every intention

of bringing it to a point.

-Why?

-Why?

Because I am courting her.

Because I've decided.

And I had decided last year

that I'd marry the prince

until you caught me in the garden

with Simon at the Trowbridge Ball

under very similar circumstances.

Similar only in that I am a man

and Miss Sharma is a woman.

And you were alone.

Quite close to one another.

Only there is one significant difference.

Nothing, in fact, happened.

It is clear that you have

affection for Miss Sharma.

The two of you cannot seem

to stay away from one another.

Because she is aggravating!

Oh, is that what I just witnessed?

There is obviously something between you.

And I know that this

is not as you would wish it,

but you must be honest with yourself.

Because, one way or another,

these kind of feelings

always have a way

of coming to the surface.

And what kind of feelings are those?

Well,

love.

Then I know what I must do.

I cannot believe

you are now betrothed, Sister.

And to Cousin Jack.

-Do not be jealous.

-I am not jealous.

Prudence.

How did it happen?

I walked up, and Mama was saying…

Did he compromise you?

No.

But I suppose it looked that way.

-Did Mama send you there?

-Oh, what a scandal.

Do you think Whistledown

will write about it? Of course she will.

-How could she not?

-If she does--

Prudence, if Whistledown

writes the full story,

it's not some insult

about our citrus dresses.

It could ruin our family.

It could ruin you. It could ruin Mama.

We could be run out of town.

Oh my.

-You truly are jealous.

If this was Mama's doing,

there is no way Whistledown could know.

Now my name will appear in Whistledown,

and you…

You will be just as you are now.

-Prudence--

-Ah-ah.

I believe it is

"Lady Featherington" now, to you.

Lady Danbury.

Uh, what are you doing still up?

I could ask you the very same.

It's cold out here.

I am merely trying to let my sister sleep.

I have been

tossing and turning far too much.

Have you yet told your sister?

About the inheritance scheme.

I have not.

Mmm.

At this point,

I fear there is no point in telling her.

Lady Danbury, I fear there may be

no proposal from the viscount.

I fear I have ruined it for Edwina.

Because you two cannot get along?

Yes.

And why, when you are

so close to getting what you want,

what you need for your family's survival,

and what Edwina

so clearly wants for herself,

are you getting in the way?

I do not know.

I do not know what to do.

There is only one thing to do.

Be honest with your sister,

with yourself.

You must tell her how you feel.

About my dislike for the viscount?

About whatever it is you feel.

I am going inside.

Careful.

Or you shall catch a chill.

You cannot just come in here.

Why? Because it's improper for a lady

and gentleman to be alone together?

You arranged it all.

I did what I had to do

to secure my family's future.

And now--

And now you've secured yourself

a future of poverty.

You cannot just cast us out now, my lord.

No, I cannot.

I shall indeed marry Prudence.

But you should know

she is marrying a penniless man.

If you intend to hurt me

with your empty threats--

The only empty thing I have

are those mines, Portia.

They are a failure.

I have nothing.

You paid Philippa's dowry.

I held off the Finches

with a promise of payment

and a counterfeit ruby necklace.

The only way for me to provide

for all of us was to marry wealth.

Someone like--

Miss Cressida Cowper.

Colin.

We, uh, missed you at the ball last night.

Yes. I fear I was not feeling up to it.

After seeing Marina?

How is she, Colin?

She is… content.

Good.

I am glad.

Perhaps seeing her was what you needed.

To leave the past behind.

To no longer feel the need to

forswear women.

Lady Crane said she was content,

but I cannot help but feel like…

Well, we were all so hard on her.

Myself included.

Perhaps if Lady Whistledown

hadn't rushed to print her gossip,

things may have

turned out differently for her.

For all of us, in fact.

But, I suppose,

there is no use dwelling on the past.

I am, indeed, thinking of the future.

Pardon me, Pen.

Dearest gentle reader,

while much occurred

at the Bridgerton country visit,

this author feels not all is fit to print.

Especially when so much is already known

by far too many members of the ton.

But if you thought we would reach

the end of this journey

without this trusted author finding

a truly delectable morsel of gossip,

then you are sorely mistaken.

I am sorry things

did not go as planned, Bon.

It is not your fault, Didi.

We both did everything we could have done.

The viscount's feelings

are clearly not there for me.

Perhaps they are elsewhere.

While Prudence Featherington

seems to have secured her match,

it was not the only occurrence of note.

Edwina?

There is something I must tell you.

Wait.

Lord Bridgerton.

Might I speak with you?

Of course.

-That was meant for Miss Edwina.

-My lord?

Miss Edwina Sharma.

Will you marry me?

Yes.

Yes! Yes!

I shall be your viscountess.

I shall marry you.

Anthony Bridgerton is now betrothed

to Miss Edwina Sharma.

Victory, indeed.