Выбор

СЕРИАЛ NETFLIX

Проход к алтарю, возможно, -

самый длинный путь

в жизни каждой юной леди.

Он не ограничивается лишь церковью.

Это и бесчисленные бальные залы,

и извилистые дорожки парка

во время еж едневного променада.

Остается лишь удивляться,

что, достигнув цели,

они еще держатся на ногах

и, боже упаси,

не спотыкаются,

находясь под пристальным наблюдением

собравшейся публики.

Они летают?

- Некоторые, Ваше Величество.

- Что это значит?

Парить они не умеют.

Но я могу посадить его повыше,

он спикирует на землю.

Так составьте ему компанию.

Фейерверк готов, Ваше Величество.

Сработает сразу, как жених с невестой

обменяются клятвами.

Ваши старания недостаточны, Бримсли.

Всё должно быть больше, дольше, ярче.

Гости должны быть сражены.

Я же просила закрыть на сегодня

крыло Его Величества.

Я не хочу, чтобы кто-то заблудился,

и возникли…

…вопросы.

Конечно, мэм. Но, уверяю вас,

Его Величество

в добром расположении духа.

Что с нашей грандиозной затеей?

- Всё готово?

- Конечно.

К каждой юной леди,

могущей оказаться леди Уислдаун,

приставлен лакей,

следящий за каждым ее шагом.

Одной слежки недостаточно.

Поймаем писаку в ловушку.

Можно распространить ложные слухи.

Когда Уислдаун их опубликует,

мы ее вычислим.

- Гениальная идея, мэм.

- Поэтому она пришла мне в голову.

Она возомнила, что превзошла всех нас,

разнюхивая и разглашая все слухи.

Но никто не знает

высшее общество так, как его знаю я.

Успокойся, сестренка. Потерпи.

Всё так странно.

Вся моя жизнь, все мои ожидания

воплотились в завтрашнем дне.

Ты столько сделала ради этого события,

дорогая. Ты готова.

Я тоже так думала.

Но виконт так спешит со свадьбой…

Ты начала сомневаться?

Перенос свадьбы доказывает

его чувства ко мне, но…

Меня это немного пугает.

Не сомневайся, виконт обожает тебя.

Он преданно ухаживал за тобой

и с первой встречи

открыто заявлял о своих намерениях.

Это смакуют, не заглатывают.

Ты не в курсе?

Виконт нынче сильно торопится.

Что со свадьбой, что с выпивкой.

Представь себе медовый месяц!

Вульгарность у тебя в крови,

или мозги спеклись

от лицезрения нагих моделей?

Возможен лишь один ответ?

Первенцы лишены этой привилегии.

Вы оба можете

выбирать занятия по душе.

Я же должен выполнить свой…

Скажи, брат, женившись,

ты, наконец, исполнишь свой долг

и перестанешь вечно о нём твердить?

Напоминать о нём - тоже мой долг.

Так что нет.

Я мечтаю прочитать в его глазах,

что он действительно меня любит.

Но, боюсь, он слишком редко

на меня смотрит.

Взгляд может многое сказать.

Но он мимолетен.

В нём можно прочесть страсть.

Но не более того.

Значит, виконт не испытывает

ко мне страсти?

Конечно же нет. Я хотела сказать,

что это не имеет отношения

к истинной любви.

Это когда остальной мир затихает.

Это не обмен взглядами, а танец душ.

Узнающих друг друга.

Открывающихся друг другу.

Пока не останется никаких тайн.

Беспокоиться не о чем.

Многое останется по-прежнему.

Просто у меня появится виконтесса,

как и положено.

В самом деле. Мало что изменится.

Хотя вскоре мы будем

иметь дело с крошкой Энтони.

Будет бегать под ногами

и вещать о своем долге.

Да, он тоже будет тираном.

Разве не сказано,

что использование куркумы поможет

девушке найти достойную пару

и забыть обо всём остальном?

- Эдвина…

- Ну нет.

Твоя очередь потерпеть.

Тост!

За что пьем, если не за будущее?

За…

За сестру.

Сестру?

Стражницу.

Интересно, был бы обряд эффективнее,

прими в нём участие виконт?

Уверена, он занят соблюдением

местных предсвадебных традиций.

- Ты обошел ее.

- Верно!

Ты же любишь праздновать

одержанные победы, верно, брат?

Перестань крутиться, Пруденс.

Подбородок выше. Спину прямее.

Мне так весь день стоять?

Хватит вертеться.

Лорд Фэзерингтон любезно разрешил тебе

надеть это ожерелье

в честь такого события.

Оно очень тяжелое.

Это потому, что оно очень ценное.

Помни об этом.

Вы уверены насчет этого?

На юную леди всегда обращают внимание.

После этого все заговорят о камнях,

добытых в ваших шахтах.

Я упомяну, что вы из скромности

молчите о том,

как хорошо идут у вас дела.

А когда мужья пожалуют к вам,

вы заключите с ними сделки.

Признаю, ваша уверенность

достойна восхищения.

Лучше трепетать от ужаса?

Я этого не говорил.

Я лишь оценил

ваш сильный и властный нрав.

Простите, мадам.

Да, что ж.

Встретимся в экипаже.

Пруденс.

Мадемуазель Пенелопа,

я внесла изменения.

- Как вы просили.

- Спасибо, мадам Делакруа.

Я очень рискую,

встречаясь с вами здесь.

Ваша мать знает, что ваш гардероб

не нуждается в переделке.

Дело очень срочное.

Что вы знаете о подмастерье печатника?

Кажется, мистер Тео Шарп.

Я даже его имени не знаю.

Кто-нибудь из курьеров упоминал его?

Есть еще что-то, что я должна знать

о нашем маленьком начинании?

Если грядут проблемы,

я не могу в этом участвовать.

- Мое дело слишком важно…

- Как и мое.

Уверяю, вам не о чем беспокоиться.

Мадам Делакруа?

Не ожидала вас увидеть.

- Если дело в счете…

- Нет, мадам.

Я как раз говорила,

что совсем закрутилась.

Это предназначается Бриджертонам.

Я зашла к вам по ошибке. Хорошего дня.

Вот ужас. Женщина вынуждена

вести собственное дело.

Неудивительно, что она всё путает.

Идем. Нельзя опаздывать.

Сестренка.

Что это?

Я привезла их из дома.

Я знала, что сезон будет успешным.

Они прекрасны.

Почему я раньше их не видела?

Браслеты моей матери.

Это с ее свадьбы. Она их сохранила.

Для тебя?

Я привезла их для тебя.

Я настаиваю.

Красивые браслеты для красивой невесты.

Сестра, знаю, это было непростое время,

и ты недолюбливаешь виконта,

но я надеюсь,

что это будет радостный день.

Если ты счастлива, то я и тоже.

- Он забрал мою ленту!

- Скажи спасибо!

Не бегайте друг за другом!

Или хотя бы не хватайте друг друга.

Подумайте о костюмах.

Почему никто не готов к этой свадьбе?

- Миссис Уилсон!

- Мама.

Мама, не так громко.

Что бы ты ни сделал с братом,

верни всё как было.

В выпивке не мне с тобой тягаться.

Всё очень просто.

Не останавливайся,

и тебя не настигнет похмелье.

Твою энергию да в мирное русло.

Кто-нибудь видел Энтони?

Бенедикт, проверь, как он.

Думаю, он смущен нахлынувшими эмоциями.

Мама.

Энтони.

Ты готов?

Конечно. Я рожден для этого.

Идем?

Леди Данбери.

Леди Бриджертон.

Похоже, мы не разговаривали

после того ужина с Шеффилдами.

Да, похоже на то. Да и зачем?

Вряд ли у вас остались еще тайны,

которыми вы хотите со мной поделиться?

- Знайте…

- Приятного дня, леди Данбери.

Разве не чудо, что я нашла вас обоих

среди всей этой роскоши?

О да. Ее Величество расстаралась

ради своего бриллианта.

Свадьба Дафны с герцогом

меркнет в сравнении.

Возможно, королева жаждет внимания.

Корона - тяжелая ноша.

Она доказывает свою значимость

и способность справиться.

- Как и все мы, разве не так?

- Думаю, да.

Не потакай ему. Вернувшись из Греции,

он стал невыносим.

Или всё дело в леди Крейн?

Причина не имеет значения.

Нужно заявить о себе,

чтобы эта жизнь хоть что-то значила.

- Благородная цель.

- Спасибо, Пен.

Удивительно, что вы с Элоизой

так близки. Ведь вы так непохожи.

О чём ты?

У тебя есть здравый смысл.

Глупо пытаться

произвести впечатление на общество,

у которого нет ни единой мысли.

И к чему делать себе имя,

если оно лишь на бальных карточках?

А леди Уислдаун?

Она открыто высказывается.

Нет. Она не обо всём говорит.

Похоже, она не знает,

что мир не сошелся клином

на высшем обществе.

- Ты снова о мистере Шарпе?

- Я тебя послушалась.

Теоретически.

Было бы глупо видеться с ним.

«Теоретически»?

Видела его на днях.

Всё не так ужасно,

как ты представляешь.

- Меня интересуют только его мысли.

- Это дружба?

Конечно. Что же еще?

- Сестра.

- Ты опоздала.

По правде говоря, я не спешила,

не будучи уверенной в том,

состоится ли торжество.

Герцогиня не в восторге от невесты?

Мисс Эдвина очень мила

и заслуживает знать правду.

Которую нельзя от нее скрывать.

Объясните-ка.

Кто и что от кого скрывает?

Бенедикт, оставь нас.

Герцогиня хочет высказаться.

- Я хочу знать…

- Шафер слушает жениха. Иди.

Я уже слишком далеко зашел, Даф.

Репутации мисс Эдвины конец,

если мы не поженимся.

Мы тоже пострадаем от скандала.

Действуем по плану.

А что с сестрой?

У нее свои планы на будущее.

И меня в них нет.

Мы решили, что между нами ничего нет.

Не может быть.

Ты думал, что сказал бы отец

в подобный день?

Лишь его ты по-настоящему уважал.

Лишь к нему прислушивался.

- Будь отец здесь…

- Ты этого не знаешь.

Он по-разному с нами общался.

Не оскорбляй меня

безосновательными предположениями.

Я всегда была рядом.

И я видела тебя на всех этапах.

Видела, как ты изменился

в день его смерти.

Знаешь, ты не проронил ни слезинки.

И ты перестал смеяться. Совсем.

Ты стал совершенно другим человеком.

Ты подстроился под ожидания других.

А у меня был выбор?

Я изменился, чтобы наша семья выжила,

чтобы ты могла выйти за герцога.

Я рад за тебя, сестра,

но я не такой, как ты.

Я никогда не хотел

слепо предаваться радостям любви.

Я не имею на это права.

Ты можешь стать счастливым.

Следовать желаниям своего сердца,

а не отталкивать

любое возникшее чувство.

Это не роскошь. Ты имеешь право

бороться за семью, которую ты хочешь.

Я борюсь

за семью, которую имею.

Тебе не понять.

Женщины уходят в другую семью.

А я должен продолжить род.

Это важнее всего остального.

Легко быть эгоистом,

когда тебе не перед кем отвечать.

Я скорблю о тебе, брат.

Об этих решениях,

о которых ты горько пожалеешь.

Они не делают тебя

достойным уважения семьи.

Они лишь вызывают жалость.

И только.

Спасибо.

Боже мой.

Дорогая, ты прекрасно выглядишь.

Сестра?

Да, дорогая?

Я не могу их взять.

Они не мои. Я не хочу присваивать то,

что по праву принадлежит тебе.

- Эдвина…

- Они предназначались тебе.

Их должна надеть ты.

Они идут тебе, Кейт.

Миледи, пора.

Идем.

Раз и навсегда оставим позади

все ужасные сплетни.

Пусть эта свадьба запомнится надолго.

Покажем обществу, на что мы способны.

Мисс Эдвина, вы прекрасны.

Спасибо, милорд.

Я рада, что вы довольны.

Прошу садиться.

Возлюбленные братья,

мы собрались здесь перед лицом Господа

и всех присутствующих,

чтобы соединить

этого мужчину и эту женщину

священными узами брака.

Здесь не должно быть

ни принуждения, ни внушения.

Это должно быть продуманное,

осознанное и серьезное решение.

Не ради удовлетворения

плотских страстей и побуждений,

словно у грубых животных,

не имеющих разума.

К браку нужно подходить

почтительно, сознательно, продуманно,

рассудительно…

Милорд.

Милорд.

Архиепископ просит вас

повторять клятву, милорд.

За ним.

Да, конечно.

Я, лорд Энтони Бриджертон…

Позвольте.

Можно продолжать?

- Простите.

- Простите.

Виконт, повторяйте за мной.

Я…

Я…

- Мисс Эдвина, вы…

- Подождите!

- Что творится на моей свадьбе?

- Похоже, невеста сбежала, мэм.

Дыши, Эдвина. Это просто нервы.

Я попрошу принести чай. Он придаст сил.

Тебе станет лучше, и мы вернемся.

Виконт поймет, да, Кейт?

- Кейт, попроси принести чай…

- Мне нужен не чай!

Мне нужна правда.

- Тебе нечего сказать?

- Эдвина, Кейт.

- Что происходит?

- Я тебе объясню.

Мне забивали голову чепухой.

Все эти разговоры

о взглядах влюбленных…

- Эдвина…

- Ты испытываешь к нему чувства!

Всё это время ты мечтала о нём.

- Нет, это неправда.

- Бесполезно отрицать, Кейт.

Как я могла быть такой дурой?

Ты лгала мне снова и снова.

Ты же обещала.

Обещала, что с секретами покончено.

Но нет!

Наследство Шеффилдов -

лишь начало твоего обмана.

Я была такой дурой.

Думала, что ты руководствуешься

добрыми намерениями,

что ты желаешь мне счастья.

Ты вовсе не дура. Так и есть.

Ты любишь его?

Что?

Ты сказала, что ненавидишь его.

Но это означало лишь то,

что твои чувства были сильны.

Ты его любишь?

Эдвина, я…

Довольно.

Ничего хорошего из этого не выйдет.

Сейчас нам всем нужно успокоиться.

Ты столько всего от меня утаила.

Уйди. Куда угодно, Кейт.

Это как-то связано

с тем ужином с Шеффилдами?

Или есть проблема посерьезнее,

которую нужно обсудить?

Мисс Эдвина просто взволнована.

Она одумается.

Похоже, она легко возбудима.

- Ей нужен свежий воздух.

- Фляга.

Возможно, ее ошеломили все эти клятвы.

И она поняла, что брак -

это тюрьма для женщин.

Ты обязательно должна быть такой?

А какой мне быть? Замужней и молчащей?

- Возможно, она решила сменить платье.

- Бред. Она была прекрасна.

Возможно, нам стоит

дать Энтони передышку.

Тебе ведь это нужно?

Именно.

Что?

- Ты что-то знаешь.

- Нет.

Дафна, хоть ты и герцогиня,

но ты моя дочь.

Расскажи, что ты знаешь.

Сорвана свадьба, устроенная королевой.

Без этого позора хватает.

Это не ваша вина, Ваше Величество.

В глазах леди Уислдаун - моя.

Заявит: «Ее Величество ошиблась

с выбором».

Мой когда-то безупречный вкус

поставлен под сомнение.

Ее слова слишком важны

для моего хрупкого душевного покоя.

Ваше Величество, при всём уважении,

возможно, это тот случай,

когда ничего нельзя сделать.

- Было бы мудро…

- Нужно что-то сделать.

Вы поручились за эту семью,

не так ли, леди Данбери?

Мне бы в голову не пришло

сделать мисс Эдвину бриллиантом,

а уж тем более устроить ее свадьбу,

если бы не вы.

Вы тоже совершили грубейший промах.

Не забывайте об этом.

Не забуду, уж поверьте.

Пожалуй, я найду мисс Эдвину.

Возможно, я смогу что-то сделать.

Бримсли.

Проводите гостей в сад.

Не позволяйте никому уйти.

Свадьба скоро возобновится.

И мы вернемся к нашим планам.

Ко всем планам.

Говорят, мисс Эдвина

не съела ни крошки после помолвки,

чтобы влезть в платье.

Вот ей и стало плохо.

Говорят, королевский медик

лечит ее пиявками.

- Представляете?

- Унизительная ситуация для жениха.

Нам тоже следует волноваться.

Какова гарантия, что все юные леди

не решат последовать ее примеру?

Начнут бросать женихов без разбору.

Какой удачный поворот событий, милорд.

Скандал взбудоражил всё общество.

Все глаза и уши ловят последние слухи.

Полагаю, нам нужно

лишь перенаправить их внимание.

Пруденс.

Ты оскорбляешь лорда Фэзерингтона,

не демонстрируя это ожерелье.

Я не понимаю, зачем ему всё это нужно.

Мы уже обручены,

а он едва меня замечает.

Какая же это помолвка?

Слушай меня. Или хочешь

сидеть в девках, как Пенелопа?

- Боже упаси.

- Идем.

Я много думала о том, что ты сказала.

О мистере Шарпе и его интересе.

Нет, Эл, не надо о нём думать.

Выброси его из головы.

Знаю, это странно,

но я решила,

что у нас лишь общие интересы.

Дружба, основанная на схожести взглядов

и оживленных беседах.

Но вдруг ты права?

И для него это серьезнее?

Я не… Эл, ты хочешь,

чтобы для него это было больше?

Бессмысленный разговор,

мало ли что он себе думает.

Ты уже могла зайти слишком далеко.

Вспомни леди Мэри,

чей жених был ниже ее по положению.

Никто не говорит о браке, Пен.

Просто было бы неплохо знать.

- Для себя.

- Зачем?

Я мирюсь со многими тайнами.

Например, почему мужчины - лидеры,

хотя женщины гораздо способнее.

Или зачем модистка мучает клиенток

узкими корсетами и жесткими тканями.

Или кто такая леди Уислдаун.

Ты смиришься с незнанием?

Конечно же нет.

Но эту правду я вряд ли узнаю.

А в случае с Тео,

мистером Шарпом, это возможно.

А в чём смысл?

Что ты станешь с этим делать?

Полагаю,

знай я наверняка,

это было бы облегчением.

Незнание - это сущая мука.

Прокручивать в голове

детали обычного разговора.

Видеть все знаки, но не быть уверенной.

Это приятная, возбуждающая,

захватывающая пытка.

- Испытывала подобное?

- Нет.

Могу только представлять подобное.

Лорд Бриджертон.

Леди Мэри. Я наделся

поговорить с мисс Эдвиной.

Конечно.

Лорд Бриджертон.

Уверена, эта заминка довольно

неожиданна.

В самом деле.

Но я должен спросить,

действительно ли это лишь заминка?

Я думаю обо всём,

что связано с нашей помолвкой

и теми, кто ей

препятствовал.

- Вы могли подумать…

- Прошу.

Обещайте, что не продолжите

говорить полуправду, а то и ложь.

Сделайте милость.

Я намерен жениться на вас.

Сам факт того, что мы стояли у алтаря,

несмотря на все препятствия,

доказывает это.

Вы правы.

Но я всё еще сомневаюсь, нужна ли вам я

или сам факт брака.

И то, и другое.

Мисс Эдвина, мои намерения

были неизменны

с нашей первой встречи.

Мне сразу стало ясно,

что нас объединяет самое главное.

И что же нас объединяет?

Наше положение.

Наш долг. Они совпадают.

Я виконт. Вы бриллиант.

Это было решено за нас.

Мы связаны этим в единое целое.

Поэтому я не отступал,

когда все считали, что это бесполезно.

Поэтому меня не смутили оскорбления

Шеффилдов или отсутствие приданого.

Потому что вы меня любите?

Я понимаю вас.

Симпатизирую вам.

Можно сказать, я это вы.

У нас нет выбора.

Мы не можем отказаться от своих ролей.

Но в браке

мы справимся

со всеми трудностями вместе.

А как же моя сестра?

Какова ее роль в нашем будущем?

Шип, который легко убрать

с цветка нашей жизни.

Ей нет места в нашем будущем.

Она вернется в Индию,

как сама того желает.

А мы с вами будем свободны.

И вы этого хотите?

Вот что я знаю.

Расстояние между нами

только сблизит нас с вами.

Но это будущее возможно

только в том случае, если вы решите…

…выйти за меня.

Мне говорили, каким будет мое будущее,

чаще, чем я готова

это признать, милорд.

Но я не дура.

Я знаю, какой будет скандал,

если мы не доведем дело до конца.

Но даже это меня не убеждает.

Мне нужно время, чтобы подумать.

О моём будущем.

Теперь я вижу его

совсем в другом свете. Поймите меня.

Конечно.

Конечно, я понимаю.

Вам сюда нельзя.

- Мисс Шарма…

- Это мое убежище.

- Кладовка?

- Да.

Без шика, но главное условие

было соблюдено,

пока не появились вы.

Уходите, оставьте меня в покое.

Нужно поговорить.

- Это неприлично.

- Я видел мисс Эдвину.

Не ожидал от нее подобной жесткости.

Нельзя ее в этом винить.

Признаю, вы знаете ее гораздо лучше.

Поэтому я здесь. Сделайте что-нибудь.

Чего вы хотите, милорд?

Новые замыслы и интриги,

чтобы заставить ее подчиниться?

Похоже, сестра наконец-то прозрела.

Пожалуй, я должна ей гордиться.

Вы намерены сидеть в кладовке,

бросив ее одну,

пока она рушит свою жизнь?

Это я разрушила ее жизнь.

Прошу, уйдите.

Стойте…

Подождите.

Прощайте, милорд.

Леди Данбери.

Что вы здесь делаете?

Уверяю вас, я неслучайно

здесь, а не там.

Прятаться от всех. Это непохоже на вас.

Что ж,

всем нам время от времени

нужно немного порефлексировать,

не так ли?

Леди Бриджертон.

Я должна извиниться за то,

что не поделилась с вами

определенной информацией.

Договоренность между Шарма

и Шеффилдами…

Это было не мое дело.

Но я вовсе не хотела,

чтобы всё вскрылось

подобным образом,

во время торжественного ужина.

Кажется, вся эта затея

вышла из-под контроля.

Так и есть.

Дафна наконец-то подтвердила то,

чего я уже давно опасалась.

Уверена, вы тоже это заметили.

Ее Величество желает,

чтобы я уладила

сложившуюся ситуацию.

И, возможно, впервые в жизни…

…я не знаю, что делать.

Павлины!

Ужасные создания!

Нападают без повода.

Будто у нас и без того проблем мало.

Можно сказать ей,

что тут ничего не поделаешь.

Королеве Англии?

Да я лучше рискну

подойти к тому павлину.

Это куда безопаснее.

Думаете, невеста вернется к алтарю?

На этот вопрос может

ответить лишь один человек.

Что?

- Мама?..

- Ты всё знаешь.

Разве мне есть что добавить?

Она вышла. Подышать свежим воздухом.

Эдвина, ты должна знать,

я не хотела причинить тебе боль.

Знаю, зря я многое скрыла.

Надо было всё тебе рассказать.

Да, признаю,

у меня были чувства к виконту.

Но это не сравнится с тем,

насколько сильно я люблю тебя.

Знай, я сделаю всё, что в моих силах,

чтобы ты была счастлива.

Включая возвращение в Индию?

Так ты хочешь всё решить?

Я хочу всё исправить.

Чувства к лорду Бриджертону

не имеют значения.

У нас с ним нет будущего. А у тебя…

Эдвина, ты родилась,

чтобы быть виконтессой.

Виконт сказал то же самое.

Подозреваю, вы заранее условились.

Признаю, в этом он был прав.

- Ты это заслуживаешь.

- Почему?

Почему я, а не ты?

Ты считаешь свою молодость

и наивность помехой,

но в этом твоя сила, твоя защита.

Ты не помнишь, как после смерти отца

мы потеряли опору под ногами.

Чтобы спасти нас от еще худшей участи,

я поклялась не думать о себе,

пока вы с мамой не будете устроены.

Я без сожалений всем пожертвовала.

И готова сделать это снова.

Я отдаю всё, что имею,

чтобы защитить тебя.

Сестренка, скажи что-нибудь. Прошу.

Не знаю, что причиняет мне больше боли.

- Твое предательство или твоя жалость.

- Эдвина, ты моя сестра…

Сводная сестра.

Кейт, я взрослая женщина.

Впервые в жизни я могу принять решение,

исходя из того, чего я хочу.

Я уже представляла себе жизнь

с лордом Бриджертоном

в качестве виконтессы в Обри-холле.

Этот образ жив в моём сознании.

И я вольна делать с ним что хочу.

Если я решу выйти за Энтони,

то только потому,

что я так хочу, а не кто-то другой.

Ты должна это понять.

Мое решение выйти за него замуж

никак не будет связано с тобой.

Это связано с медовым месяцем.

Мисс Эдвина недовольна

банальными планами лорда Бриджертона.

Она всё затеяла,

чтобы обсудить новый план,

получивший одобрение королевы.

Похоже, мисс Эдвина гораздо хитрее,

чем мы думали.

- Господа.

- Бросьте, Фэзерингтон.

Разве здесь место

для деловых разговоров?

Не стесняйтесь, Фэзерингтон.

Эти шахты и правда

настолько прибыльны, как говорят?

Я пересек Атлантику ни ради грошей.

Если вы заинтересованы,

я напишу своим людям.

- Отлично.

- Да.

Они работают на вас, Фэзерингтон?

Да, конечно.

Зачем сообщать работникам,

если это ваши инвестиции?

Я должен узнать у них последние данные.

Разумные инвесторы захотят знать,

чего мы добываем больше

в данный момент -

рубинов или аметистов.

Мистер Мондрич, я хотел

спросить о вашем клубе.

Почин, достойный не только удивления,

но и восхищения.

Что боксер может смыслить в бизнесе?

Примерно столько же,

сколько джентльмен смыслит в шахтах.

Простите.

Сюда.

- Вы уже договорились?

- Почти.

Времени не так много, милорд.

Кто знает, насколько отложили свадьбу?

- Это уникальный шанс.

- Предоставьте это мне.

Важно не привлекать

слишком много внимания.

Должно казаться,

что это только для избранных.

Избегайте тех, кто может

устроить скандал. Это важнее прибыли.

Старайтесь привлечь тех,

кого недолюбливают в обществе,

и к чьему мнению

не станут прислушиваться.

И кто же это?

Кауперы, Кларксоны, Горинги, Уолесы…

Пожалуй, будет проще назвать тех,

кого следует избегать.

Полагаю, Бриджертонов.

- Они и так на грани скандала.

- Зато они пользуются любовью общества.

Это здесь совсем ни при чём.

Речь о верной стратегии.

Ну и слава богу.

А то я уже начал ревновать.

- Приберегите шарм для инвесторов.

- Зачем? У меня его море.

Милорд, со мной ваша ложь не сработает.

Мне не нужно лгать.

Вы слишком хитры,

чтобы купиться, верно?

Мы с вами видим правду.

Вот почему

это такое многообещающее партнерство.

Я вижу, насколько вы способны.

Мой кузен натворил много глупостей.

Но главная из них - уйти из жизни,

имея столь блестящую жену.

Мы должны

вернуться в сад,

пока никто не заметил наше отсутствие.

После вас.

Благодарю Ваше Величество

за блестящий прием.

От каждой детали теряешь дар речи и…

Мне приятно это слышать,

леди Бриджертон.

Но если вы здесь не за тем,

чтобы сообщить мне

что ваш сын с невестой уже у алтаря,

у меня нет времени вас выслушивать.

Провал этой свадьбы недопустим.

Леди Данбери, что вы скажете?

Ваше Величество, я, как всегда,

поражена вашим великодушием.

Однако…

Не знаете, что сказать?

Не похоже на вас, леди Данбери.

Хотя нам очень горько,

мы с леди Бриджертон

единодушно считаем,

что мисс Эдвина должна сама

решить свою судьбу.

Что ж.

Оказывается, бриллиант важнее короны.

Это не так, Ваше Величество.

Простите за вторжение, Ваше Величество.

Извинения приняты.

Надеюсь, мои усилия не пропадут даром.

О нет, Ваше Величество.

Это еще одно доказательство

вашей любви к поданным, мэм.

Мы с мисс Эдвиной

смиренно предстали пред вами,

чтобы выразить всю нашу…

Неужели нет никого,

кому есть что сказать королеве

помимо откровенной лести?

Хотя выбор очевиден.

Дитя.

Вы собираетесь

выйти за него замуж или нет?

Вы их видели?

- Ваше Величество.

- Ваше Величество.

Фейерверки?

Вот это красота!

А еще будет?

Боже, кажется я…

Похоже, я опоздал на церемонию.

Мой король.

Кто-нибудь! Немедленно сюда!

Прости за ожидание, Лотти.

Моя невеста. Моя прекрасная невеста.

А где же архиепископ?

И гости?

Джордж.

Она блистательна, не правда ли?

Кто это?..

Что они делают?

Хватит! Оставьте меня!

Лотти…

Она станет блистательной королевой,

Ваше Величество.

Я слышала, на вашу долю

выпало много испытаний,

когда вы ухаживали за ней.

Но сегодня…

Сегодня вам воздастся

за все страдания, верно?

Ну да.

Тогда, возможно,

вам стоит отдохнуть, Ваше Величество,

прежде чем вы вместе станете

править этим королевством,

благословленные любовью и добротой,

которыми наделены вы оба.

Моя королева.

Эдвина…

Празднуешь?

Ты уже преуспел, Колин?

Только если бы желаемое

было в этой фляге.

Ты найдешь свое предназначение.

Все находят.

- Ты нашла свое?

- Конечно же нет.

Думаю, это должно быть

нечто вдохновляющее

и приносящее удовлетворение.

Оно должно выражать не то, кто я есть.

А то, кем я хочу стать.

Ради этого я должна быть

смелой и находчивой.

Это должно помочь мне выбраться

из-под неусыпного ока моей мамы.

Мое предназначение

должно освободить меня.

Что же способно на всё это?

У тебя грандиозные мечты, Пен.

Да, это всего лишь фантазии,

но я верю, что нужно

позволять себе эту малость.

Это делает нас сильнее

перед лицом реальности.

Леди Крейн была права насчет тебя.

Леди Крейн?

Что она сказала?

Что я тебе небезразличен.

Что ты никогда не оставишь меня.

Я начинаю в это верить.

Нужно успеть взять по кусочку,

пока всё не расхватали.

Эл?

- Эл, что ты там?..

- Я решила навестить Тео. Сейчас.

Это свадьба твоего брата. Все заметят.

Наоборот. Все думают

об Энтони и Эдвине. Меня не хватятся.

Необязательно пользоваться

этой возможностью.

Тут столько всего. Ты видела павлинов?

Ужасно думать о его мыслях,

когда я должна думать о своих.

Я…

- Не знаю, что сказать.

- Молчи.

Прошу тебя.

Ты мой друг, поэтому тебе сказала.

Не хочу, чтобы между нами были тайны.

Нравится?

Ваше Величество, я…

Я надевала его

на пятидесятилетие Его Величества.

Возьмите.

- Я не могу…

- Еще как можете.

Мисс Эдвина.

Я не просто так выбрала вас

бриллиантом сезона.

Да, вы прекрасны, но…

Вы расположили меня к себе.

Сегодня мое расположение лишь окрепло.

Даже после инцидента у алтаря.

И особенно после всего,

что произошло в частном порядке.

Мэм, я лишь стала свидетельницей

огромной любви короля к своей королеве.

Вот и всё.

Я не найду подходящих слов,

чтобы рассказать об этом,

даже если проживу тысячу лет.

Сложность обладания короной в том,

что она осязаема.

Она напоминает о занимаемом положении.

Именно поэтому леди Уислдаун

печатает памфлеты,

а не просто сплетничает.

Слова нематериальны,

их поглотит тишина.

Бумага - другое дело.

Она дарует словам вечность.

Чего не скажешь о настоящей любви.

Она меняется. Она забывается.

Приходится вспоминать,

кем ты когда-то был.

Приходится решать,

как тебе с этим жить,

снова и снова.

Как сделать подобный выбор?

Это не мне решать.

Я ваша королева.

Но даже я должна признать

право каждого человека самому решать,

что делать перед лицом истинной любви.

Каждый заслуживает этот выбор.

И каждый заслуживает

испытать силу подобной любви.

Но нужно помнить,

что это труднейший

и важнейший выбор в жизни человека.

Женитьба - изобретение человечества.

Животным не нужны

ни контракты, ни приданое.

Курица и петух

не обмениваются клятвами.

Вы хотели меня видеть?

Это вы послали за мной.

Я приняла решение.

Вы должны услышать его от меня.

Мы должны поговорить наедине.

Я не могу выйти за вас,

лорд Бриджертон.

Вы не можете дать мне то, чего я хочу.

То, чего я заслуживаю.

Чего все заслуживают.

Может, я не знаю,

что такое настоящая любовь.

Но я точно знаю, что ей не является.

Это не обман,

не взгляды на других женщин,

не роль, которую нужно исполнить.

Я не могу выйти за вас,

потому что не могу предать себя.

Вы никогда не посмотрите на меня так,

как смотрели сегодня

на мою сестру. Вы никогда…

Вы так на меня не посмотрите.

Ты сказала, что всю жизнь пыталась

дать мне всё, в чём я нуждалась.

Но на самом деле ты давала мне то,

чего желала самой себе.

Моя жизнь мне не принадлежала.

Я ни о чём подобном не просила, Кейт.

И сегодня

я уверена, что то,

от чего я отказываюсь, не моя потеря.

Она твоя.

Твоя мечта, твой план, твои чувства,

которые я просто позаимствовала.

Сегодня

ты потеряла свою власть,

когда я сама приняла решение.

Это моя победа.

Люди обожают всё усложнять .

Все эти церемонии, торты.

Удивительно, что кто-то вообще женится.

Разве мисс Эдвина найдет

партию лучше, чем виконт?

Возможно, именно поэтому

она передумала.

Она знает, что недостойна его.

Или, возможно, виконт не так прост.

Мисс Эдвина могла выяснить то,

что нам тоже следовало бы знать.

- Ваша Светлость.

- Герцогиня.

- Не пора ли нам домой, мама?

- Думаю, пора.

Кто-то считает свадьбу

апофеозом доверия друг другу.

А кто-то осмелится заявить,

что это апофеоз глупости.

Вы проделали долгий путь.

Выкладывайте, что хотели спросить.

Я тут подумала.

В вашем мире это может

стать настоящей проблемой.

Я хотела поделиться

с вами своими мыслями.

Вроде вы уже начали.

Я хочу сказать, что зачастую,

читая что-то новое,

интересное или вызывающее,

я вспоминаю о вас.

И именно с вами я хочу

обсудить то, что приходит мне в голову.

Ясно.

И вот я решила узнать,

может, когда вы размышляете,

вы тоже думаете обо мне.

Я всё это прочел.

И?

И

я отложил их для вас.

Подумал, может, вы захотите

обменяться мнением о них.

С нетерпением ждать заветного слова.

«Да».

Жених и невеста лишь выражают

свою решимость.

Но это вовсе не гарантирует им счастье.

День не прошел совсем уж зря, мэм.

Только что доложили.

Надеюсь, это что-то стоящее.

Ловушка для леди Уислдаун сработала.

Брак - это не просто людской обычай.

Мы ни к чему не принуждаем

петуха и курицу.

Но они продолжают нести яйца.

Так что же? У нас всё сложнее?

И мы всего лишь упрямцы,

верящие, что нужно планировать то,

что и так давно устроено природой.

Полагаю, нам пора.

Лорд Бриджертон?

Ваша сестра смелее и мудрее нас обоих.

Осознав наши чувства,

она не стала молчать. А что мы?

Стоим как истуканы,

давно испытывая это.

Я стою здесь…

…потому что когда мы уйдем…

…когда переступим порог церкви…

…мы столкнемся с правдой.

О нашем положении.

О нашем провале.

Мы не справились, милорд.

Со своим долгом.

Со своими обязанностями.

Мы всё испортили.

Так что простите меня.

Теперь я прошу…

…не спешить.

Отсрочить неизбежное.

Чтобы на мгновение

не думать о том, что будет дальше.

Подождать.

Прощайте, милорд.

Перевод субтитров: Ксения Гребеникова

ТИПОГРАФИЯ «ЧАНСЕРИ-ЛЕЙН»

[Lady Whistledown] A march down the aisle

may very well be the longest walk

any young lady ever takes.

It does not simply

cover the length of the church,

but rather, countless floors for dancing,

and meandering paths

for every afternoon promenade too.

It is a wonder, then,

that feet do not tire

or, heaven forbid, trip

under the scrutiny

of all those attentive eyes

keeping close watch, indeed.

Does it fly?

Uh, some, Your Majesty.

What kind of answer is "some"?

[man] Well, it does not soar,

but if you like,

I can place it on a high perch

and allow it to glide down.

Only if you follow its path.

The fireworks are ready, Your Majesty.

Timed perfectly to discharge directly

after the bride and groom utter, "I do."

Whatever you have planned

is not good enough, Brimsley.

Make them bigger, longer, brighter.

Our guests must be captivated.

I believe I asked for His Majesty's wing

to be closed off today.

I do not wish for anyone

to lose their way and end up somewhere…

curious.

Of course, ma'am.

Though, you may rest assured

His Majesty appeared

in rather good spirits this morning.

And what of our other grand plan?

-Is everything in place?

-Indeed.

Every young lady that remains

under suspicion of being Lady Whistledown

will have a footman assigned to her,

watching her every move.

Simply watching will not be enough.

We must entrap the scribbler.

Perhaps you might put forth false rumors

so that when Whistledown prints them,

we will be able to trace the origins.

-An ingenious idea, ma'am.

-Yes, that is why I thought of it.

The author thinks she has bested us all

with her illicit spying and reporting.

Well, no one has sharper eyes

on the ton than I do.

[sniffs]

[classical rendition of

"Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" playing]

You must calm yourself, Bon. Keep still.

[sighs] It is all so strange.

I have faced a thousand tomorrows,

but they have

all been leading to this one.

Tomorrow is a day you have been

preparing for your entire life, dearest.

You are ready.

I believed that to be true. But now

that the viscount has hastened things…

Oh, it has caused you doubts?

Bringing the wedding forward

is a sign of true feeling, but,

well, it has unnerved me too.

Rest assured, the viscount adores you.

He has devotedly courted you

and made his intentions clear

from our first arrival.

[Benedict] Ooh.

[Colin] It is meant

to be a sipping spirit.

Have you not heard? The viscount believes

in hurrying things along these days.

First the wedding, now his drink.

I hope, for Edwina's sake,

the tendency stops before the honeymoon.

[Colin laughs]

Have you always been so vulgar,

or has staring at naked models all day

turned your brain to charcoal?

[laughs] Must he choose just one?

[chuckling]

That has always been the privilege

of not being the firstborn.

You both get to choose

your passions and adventures,

while I, on the other hand,

must fulfill my--

Tell me, dear brother, once you marry,

will your duty finally be fulfilled

so you can stop reminding everyone of it?

I believe the reminders

are also my duty, so no.

I still wish that when he looks at me,

I could be certain that he truly loves me.

[Mary] Oh…

[Edwina] I fear, in fact,

that he does not look at me often enough.

[Mary and Kate sigh]

Looks can be powerful, Bon,

but also fleeting.

Displays of mere passion,

perhaps. Nothing more.

So the viscount

feels little passion for me?

[Kate] Of course not.

What I mean to say is that

true love is something else entirely.

It is when the rest

of the world goes quiet.

It is not eyes that meet

but souls that dance.

Settle into each other.

Make room for each other

until there is nowhere else to hide.

No need to worry.

Much will remain the same,

apart from the fact that I shall finally

have my viscountess, as is required.

[Benedict sighs] Indeed.

Not much shall change at all.

Though, soon enough, we will have

a tiny Anthony to contend with,

running around, declaring

all of his tiny duties too, no doubt.

Yes, he too shall be a tyrant.

Is it not also said,

when spread on an unmarried person,

haldi will help them find a worthy partner

that makes

the rest of the world quiet too?

-Edwina--

-Now, now.

It is your turn to hold still.

[chuckling softly]

[Benedict] A toast!

What is it we are drinking to

if not the future?

[Benedict] To, well,

the sister.

-The sister?

-[Benedict] The gatekeeper.

I do wonder whether

this blessing would be greater

if the viscount were here

to participate as well.

Oh, I am certain Lord Bridgerton

has his own wedding traditions to perform.

-To besting her.

-Hear! Hear!

You do love gloating

about your victories, do you not, Brother?

[laughing]

[Colin] Mmm.

[coughing, laughing]

My word, Prudence.

Stand up straight. Chin up. Chest out.

However am I meant

to stand like this all day?

Just stop your fidgeting.

Lord Featherington has

so graciously allowed you to borrow

this beautiful necklace for the occasion.

It is very heavy.

That means it's very valuable.

Remember that.

You are certain about this?

The young lady quite naturally

draws attention to herself.

She will get people speaking

of the very valuable jewelry

that came directly from your mines.

I will, of course,

confirm that you are rather quiet

about how well your business is doing,

out of modesty.

And when the husbands come to you,

you agree to the arrangements.

Your confidence is admirable, I concede.

Would you prefer I cower?

Oh, I did not say that.

I cannot help but enjoy

a lady who seizes control.

[Varley coughing]

Pardon me, madam.

Yes, well. [chuckles]

I shall meet you in the carriage.

Prudence.

Mademoiselle Penelope,

I have made the alterations you requested.

Thank you, Madame Delacroix.

It is a great risk

for me to meet you here.

Your mama will certainly know

you do not have a dress in need of repair.

This could not wait any longer.

What do you know of that apprentice

who works for our printer?

A Mr. Theo Sharpe, I believe.

Well, if you know his name,

you know much more than I do.

Have any of our delivery boys

mentioned him?

Is there something more serious you wish

to tell me about our little… undertaking?

Because if there's trouble on the horizon,

I cannot be associated.

-My business is too important--

-As is mine.

And no, there is nothing

to worry about, I assure you.

Madame Delacroix?

I was not expecting you.

-If this is about our bill--

-Ah, no, madame. [chuckles]

I was just saying

I seem to have lost my head.

This delivery is

for the Bridgertons, you see. [chuckles]

I came here by mistake. Good day.

Can you imagine? A woman

reduced to running her own business.

No wonder her mind is so scattered.

Make haste. We can't be late.

[sighs softly]

Didi? What are those?

I brought them with us from home.

I knew this season would be a success.

They are quite beautiful.

How have I never seen them before?

They belonged to my mother.

Amma wore them

on her wedding day and saved them.

For you?

I brought them for you.

I insist.

-Beautiful bangles for a beautiful bride.

-[Edwina sighs]

[Edwina chuckles softly]

Oh, Didi. I know

this has been a difficult time,

and you never much cared for the viscount,

but I hope today we may all find joy.

I am happy if you are happy.

[exhales]

-He has taken my ribbon!

-I have done you a service.

Do not chase each other.

Or, well, perhaps do not catch each other.

You must look presentable.

Why does no one

truly seem ready for this wedding?

-Mrs. Wilson!

-Oh, Mother.

Please, not so loud.

Whatever you have done

to your brother, undo it.

[whistles]

I may never reach

your capacity for drink, Brother.

It's a simple remedy.

If you continue to drink,

there can be no after-effects.

If only you would use

your powers for good.

Has anyone seen Anthony?

Benedict, see that he is well.

I am sure the emotions of the day

have somewhat confused him.

Mother.

Anthony.

You are ready?

Of course I am. Born ready, in fact.

Shall we?

[rousing classical music plays]

[indistinct chatter]

[soft melody playing]

Lady Danbury.

Lady Bridgerton.

It seems the two of us have not spoken

since our dinner with the Sheffields. Ha.

Yes, it seems so. Though why would we?

It is not as if you have

even more private information

you wish at last to share with me, do you?

-You must know--

-Enjoy the wedding, Lady Danbury.

It is a wonder I have found

the two of you in the midst

of all this opulence, is it not?

Quite. Her Majesty's fondness

for the diamond exceeds

even what Lady Whistledown suggests.

Daphne's wedding was not nearly

as extraordinary, and she married a duke.

Perhaps the queen requires

our attention in new ways.

The weight of the Crown is quite heavy.

Perhaps she seeks to prove herself

still significant and equal to the task.

-Is that not the plight of all mankind?

-I believe it is.

Do not indulge him.

He has been insufferable

since returning from Greece.

Or was it your visit with Lady Crane?

The cause does not matter

nearly as much as the truth.

One must make a name for oneself

if this life is to mean anything at all.

A noble pursuit.

Thank you, Pen.

It is surprising that you and Eloise

remain so familiar

when you could not be less alike.

What can you mean?

Well, you have sense.

[both chuckle]

It is a fool's errand to try to make

an impression on those in good society

who have not a single original thought.

And what good is it anyway

to make a name for oneself

if it is only to be written

on dance cards?

What of Lady Whistledown?

She speaks of everyone without remorse.

No. No, she does not speak of all.

Perhaps she simply does not know

that there are some

beyond the ton worthy of attention too.

Are you speaking of Mr. Sharpe again, El?

[scoffs] I have heeded your warnings.

Theoretically.

It'd be foolish of me

to continue to visit him.

And what in actuality?

[scoffs]

I visited him the other day.

But it's not nearly as scandalous

as you make it out to be.

-It's only his thoughts I'm interested in.

-It is a friendship, then?

[chuckling] Of course.

What else could it be?

-Sister.

-You are late.

Well, in truth, I was delayed by doubts

about whether the festivities of this day

might or might not take place.

[gasps] Does the duchess

not care for your bride, Brother?

I find Miss Edwina to be

quite lovely and deserving of the truth,

which we must not deny her.

[Benedict chuckles]

I'm confused. Who is denying what to whom?

Benedict, you must excuse us.

It seems the duchess has opinions.

-But I wish to know--

-The best man listens to the groom. Go.

[sighs]

[clatters]

[Anthony breathes deeply]

I've gone too far down this road

to turn back now, Daph.

Miss Edwina will be ruined

if we do not marry,

and our family will suffer equal scandal.

This was always the plan.

And what of the sister?

She has made her own plans for the future.

Plans which do not include me.

We have decided

there is nothing more between us.

There cannot be.

Do you ever wonder what Father

might say on a day such as this?

He was the only one

you ever truly respected.

[chuckling] The only one

you ever listened to.

-[chuckles lightly]

-[Anthony sighs]

-If Papa was still here--

-You cannot know what he would say.

Father had different words

for me than he did for you.

So please do not insult me

with your baseless conjecture.

I have been here.

And I have seen you at all stages.

I witnessed you change the day he died.

Do you know you did not even weep once?

And you stopped laughing,

altogether, in fact.

It was as though you had become

an entirely different person,

consumed by the expectations of others.

And what choice did I have?

I changed so that

our family might survive,

so that you could be

respectable enough to marry a duke.

I am happy for you, Sister,

but I'm not like you.

I have never wished to succumb

to the blind delight of being in love.

I cannot so indulge myself.

You can choose to be happy.

To follow the desires of your heart

instead of pushing away

any feeling that comes to the surface.

It should not be a luxury,

but a right to choose,

to fight for the family that you want.

I fight…

[exhales]

…for the family that I have.

You'll never understand.

You were born

to marry into another family.

I was born to carry on

the Bridgerton name.

That is what outweighs anything else.

It is rather easy to be selfish

when you have no one else

to whom you must answer.

[exhales deeply]

I mourn for you, Brother.

All of these decisions

that you seem to make

and then resent us for.

Though they do not make you worthy

of your family's respect.

They simply make us pity you.

Nothing more.

[somber classical music plays]

[Anthony exhales]

-[Mary] Thank you.

-Mm-hmm.

[Mary gasps softly]

My word.

You look so beautiful, my darling.

[chuckles lightly]

Didi?

Yes, Bon?

I cannot wear them.

They do not belong to me,

and I do not want to feel

as though I am taking

what is rightfully yours.

They were meant for you.

You should be the one to wear them.

[Edwina chuckles softly]

They suit you, Kate.

[chuckles softly]

[door opens]

It is time, my lady.

[both exhale]

Come. [sighing]

Let us put all of the nasty gossip

behind us for once and for all.

Let us give the ton a wedding to remember,

and show them who we truly are.

[sighs, chuckles lightly]

[classical rendition of

"Sign of the Times" playing]

[classical music builds]

[music ends]

Miss Edwina, you look lovely.

Thank you, my lord.

I am happy you are pleased.

[Archbishop] Please be seated.

Dearly beloved,

we are gathered together here

in the sight of God,

and in the face of this congregation,

to join together this man and this woman

in holy matrimony.

And therefore,

it is not by any to be enterprised,

nor taken in hand,

unadvisedly, lightly, and wantonly,

to satisfy men's

carnal lusts and appetites,

like brute beasts

that have no understanding…

[Archbishop fading]

…but reverently, discreetly, advisedly…

-[somber classical music plays]

-[Archbishop continues indistinctly]

[Archbishop, faintly] My lord.

My lord.

[guest lightly coughing]

[Edwina] The archbishop

would like you to repeat, my lord,

after him.

Yes, of course.

I, Lord Anthony Bridgerton…

Allow me.

[slow classical music plays]

[heartbeats pulsing]

[musical tempo quickens]

Might I continue?

-[Anthony] My apologies.

-[Kate] My apologies.

[Edwina breathes heavily]

Viscount, repeat after me.

I… [gasping softly]

Miss Edwina, are you--

[shouts] I need a moment!

-[Edwina gasping]

-[guests murmuring]

-What has happened to my wedding?

-The bride seems to have run away, ma'am.

-[fireworks popping]

-[gasping]

[whistling and popping]

[Mary] Breathe, Edwina. It is just nerves.

We will call for tea, and once

you have something in your stomach,

you will be strong enough

to go back out there.

The viscount--

The viscount will understand, yes, Kate?

-Kate, perhaps you might find that tea--

-It is not tea that I want!

[shakily] What I want is the truth.

[panting] Oh.

-Suddenly, your words fail you, Sister?

-Edwina. Kate.

-I am not sure what is going on.

-I shall tell you what is going on, Mama.

After a lifetime

of filling my head with nonsense,

of all this talk of great,

gallant notions and looks between lovers--

-Edwina--

-You have feelings for him!

All this time,

you wanted him for yourself.

-No, that is not true.

-Oh, you cannot deny it now, Kate.

How could I have been such a fool?

You lied to me again and again.

[panting] You told--

You told me.

You told me we had put

all secrets to rest, but no.

The Sheffield inheritance, that was merely

the beginning of your deception.

[crying] I fooled myself into believing

you had only the purest of intentions,

that your only desire

was for me to be happy.

And you are no one's fool.

That is the truth.

Do you love him?

What?

[Edwina] You told me you hated him.

But that only meant your feelings…

your feelings were strong.

Do you love him?

Edwina, I--

That is enough.

No good can come from this at present.

[Edwina sobbing]

[Mary] Let us all take a moment

to calm ourselves, shall we?

You have kept so very much from me.

Go. Anywhere else, Kate.

[Edwina continues sobbing]

[Mary sighs]

[uptempo classical music plays]

[exhales sharply]

[exhales]

[inhales sharply]

[bangle clattering]

[clattering]

[sighs deeply]

Does this have anything

to do with our dinner

with the Sheffields the other evening?

Or perhaps some

even greater issue has come to pass

that we must discuss, Anthony?

Miss Edwina is merely agitated.

She will come to her senses.

[Colin] Miss Edwina does seem

to have a delicate constitution.

-Perhaps fresh air will be just the thing.

-Flask.

Perhaps the archbishop's talk

of lifelong covenants overwhelmed her.

Perhaps she realized that marriage is,

in fact, a prison for women.

Ugh. Must you always be so… you?

How else should I be? Married and silent?

Perhaps she decided

she must change into a different dress.

Absurd. She looked beautiful.

Perhaps we should

allow Anthony a little respite.

Brother, is that what you need?

[inhales deeply]

Precisely.

What?

-You know something.

-[Daphne] I do not.

Daphne, you may be a duchess,

but you are still my daughter.

Tell me what you know.

A failed wedding

with their queen presiding.

As if I needed the embarrassment.

It is not your fault, Your Majesty.

Lady Whistledown will make it so.

"Her Majesty has picked poorly,"

she will say.

My once immaculate taste now questioned.

Her words carry far too much import

for my delicate comfort.

Your Majesty, with all due respect,

we may very well find ourselves

in a situation that cannot be salvaged.

-It would be wise--

-Well, it must be salvaged.

You vouched for this family,

did you not, Lady Danbury?

I never would have entertained the thought

of making Miss Edwina my diamond,

let alone arranging this elaborate affair,

if it was not for you.

This is as much

your blunder as anyone else's.

You must not forget that.

Indeed, I will not.

[sighs]

Perhaps I may go and find Miss Edwina.

Perhaps there is something I can do.

Brimsley.

Escort the guests to the gardens

and do not allow anyone to leave.

The nuptials shall resume shortly,

and we shall proceed with our plans.

All of them.

[pleasant classical music plays]

[indistinct chatter]

I heard Miss Edwina has not eaten

a morsel since the engagement

in order to fit into her dress.

It's no wonder she's been taken ill.

I hear the royal physician has brought in

leeches to hasten her recovery.

Can you imagine?

Rather embarrassing for Lord Bridgerton.

And yet far more worrying for us.

What guarantee do the rest of us have

that these other young ladies

will not follow the lead of the chit?

Jilting their grooms left and right.

A rather fortuitous

turn of events, my lord.

Nothing makes the ton

come alive like a fresh scandal.

All eyes and ears seem

to be open for the freshest detail.

I suppose all we must do now

is redirect their attention. [chuckles]

Prudence.

Do you wish to insult Lord Featherington

by not showing off

this beautiful necklace?

I do not understand why

he should care whether I cherish it so.

We are already engaged,

and he barely speaks to me.

What sort of engagement

is born of silence?

Do as I say, child. Or would you rather

be without any prospects, like Penelope?

-Heaven forbid.

-Oh… Come on.

I've given much consideration

to what you said.

About Mr. Sharpe

and his degree of interest.

No. El, I did not intend you

to think about that.

You should put him out of your mind.

[Eloise chuckles]

I know it is… [clears throat]

…odd, but I had assumed ours

was merely an intellectual bond,

a friendship based in like-minded thought

and rigorous conversation.

But what if you are right?

What if he feels more?

I never said--

El, do you want him to feel more?

My feelings about his feelings

do not matter

if I do not know for a fact

what it is he is feeling.

Perhaps you have

already gone farther than is wise.

Have you not heard

of all the trouble that befell Lady Mary

because she married beneath her station?

No one speaks of marriage, Pen.

I am speaking of… clarity of thought.

-I simply would like to know.

-But why?

I can accept certain mysteries.

I may never know how men

came to be considered leaders

when women are clearly better suited.

I may never understand

why the modiste tortures her own clients

with tight bodices and scratchy fabrics.

I may never even know

who is behind Lady Whistledown.

And you could accept such a mystery?

Of course not, but…

those are mysteries I may never solve.

This one with Theo-- Mr. Sharpe, I can.

But what good will it do?

It is not as though you can act on it.

I suppose

if I know for sure, it will be a relief.

It is the not knowing

that makes it feel like… torment.

To turn over in your mind

the events of a mere conversation.

To look at all of the evidence

and still not be sure.

It is a pleasing, stimulating,

thrilling kind of torment.

-Have you ever felt that way?

-No.

I can only imagine such a thing.

[Eloise] Mmm.

[sighs]

[knock at door]

Lord Bridgerton.

Lady Mary.

I was hoping to speak with Miss Edwina.

Of course.

[Edwina] Lord Bridgerton.

I am quite certain this delay is rather

unexpected.

Indeed.

But I must ask if it is, in fact,

a delay and nothing more?

I am considering what more

there may be regarding our courtship

and those involved with its… interference.

-I know you may think that we--

-Please.

Tell me you did not come here to offer me

more lies or half-truths, my lord.

At least offer me that.

I am intent upon this marriage.

The very fact that we have

arrived at this day with whatever

interference there might have been

should be proof enough.

Indeed.

Yet I still wonder

whether it is the marriage

or me that you truly want.

It is both.

Miss Edwina, I have never

wavered in my intentions

since the first moment of our meeting.

It was clear to me then, as it is now,

that what we share

is greater than all else.

And what is it that you believe we share?

Our places.

Our roles. They align.

I, as the viscount. You, as the diamond.

Neither by our own choice.

We are yoked to each other

in that respect.

It is why I never gave up pursuing you,

even when some

thought me a fool to continue.

It is why I was not swayed by the insults

of the Sheffields or your lack of a dowry.

Because… you love me?

I understand you.

I sympathize with you.

In a certain light, I am you.

We do not have the luxury of choice.

We cannot escape our roles.

But married,

we may face these difficulties together.

And what of my sister?

What role will she play

between us in the future?

The thorn easily removed

from the blossoming flower of our lives.

She shall have no place in our future.

Once we marry,

she will return to India, as she wishes.

And you and I will be free of her.

And that is what you now wish?

That is what I now know.

The great distance between us

will only bring you and I closer.

But that future is only possible

if you decide today…

to marry me.

I have been told

what my future will look like

more times than I now

wish to admit, my lord.

But I am no fool.

I know the scandal that would ensue

should the two of us

fail to see this through now.

But I cannot find that reason enough.

[sniffles]

I require a moment to think.

Of my future, indeed.

But only in the way

that I might now imagine it.

You must understand.

Of course.

Of course I do.

[exhales deeply]

[sniffles, sighs]

[sniffles, sighs]

[sniffles]

[breathes deeply]

You cannot be here.

-Miss Sharma--

-This is my place of refuge.

-A closet?

-[Kate] Yes.

It may not be grand,

but it met my main requirement

when you were not present.

So go and leave me in peace.

We must speak.

-Do you realize how improper this is--

-I've just met with Miss Edwina.

[sighs]

She was harsher

than I knew her capable of being.

Well, you cannot fault her for that.

I concede I do not know her

as well as you do,

but that is why I am coming to you.

You must do something.

What would you have me do, my lord?

More plotting and scheming

to… get her to comply?

It seems my sister

has finally become wise to all of it.

In one way, I should be quite proud.

So you intend simply to cease to help her,

and hide in a closet

as she ruins her life?

I have ruined her life.

You should not be here.

[Anthony] Just, just…

[soft music plays]

Wait.

Goodbye, my lord.

[door closes]

[Violet] Lady Danbury.

Whatever are you doing in here?

I assure you, it is for good reason

that I am in here and not out there.

It is unlike you to be

off somewhere, hiding.

Well,

we all require a modicum

of self-reflection from time to time.

-Do you not think?

-Mmm.

Lady Bridgerton.

I must apologize for not sharing

certain information with you.

That business between

the Sharmas and the Sheffields, well,

it was not my place, but I certainly

did not wish it to be revealed

as it was at that dinner.

This entire scheme

seems to have got out of hand.

Indeed it has.

Daphne has, uh…

Well, she has finally confirmed something

I have been fearing for quite some time.

Ah.

Something I believe

you too have observed, no doubt.

Her Majesty

wishes me to repair

today's situation.

And for what may very well be

the first time in my life…

I do not know what to do.

[chuckles nervously]

[giggles]

[chuckles quietly]

[both laughing]

[both laughing heartily]

Look! Peacocks!

[Lady Danbury] Dreadful creatures!

They attack, unprovoked.

As if the day

could get any more unfortunate.

[both laugh]

You could always tell her

that there is nothing to be done.

[laughing] The Queen of England?

I would rather go out there

and offer my hand to one of those birds.

-It would be less painful.

-[Violet laughing]

[both giggle quietly and sigh]

[both exhale]

Do you think the bride

will return to that altar?

There is only one person

who can answer that question.

-Hmm.

-[knock at door]

What?

-Has Mama--

-You seem to know all.

How could I possibly offer

any insight of my own?

She is off, getting some air.

Edwina, you must know

I never intended to wound you.

I know I should have told you more.

I should have told you everything.

Yes. Yes, I once did

have feelings for the viscount.

But they were no match for the love

I had, and continue to have, for you.

And you must know

I will do everything in my power

to ensure your happiness.

Including going back to India?

That is your solution, is it not?

I wish to make things right.

My feelings for Lord Bridgerton

do not matter anymore.

We do not have a future together. But you…

You, Edwina, were born to be viscountess.

[breathes deeply]

[sighs] The viscount said the same.

I half expect to discover

the two of you prepared it ahead of time.

I am not too proud

to admit when he is right.

-You deserve this.

-Why?

Why me and why not you?

You view your youth

and naïveté as a hindrance,

but it has shielded you in many ways.

You do not remember when Appa died,

when the world fell out from beneath us.

And so, to save us

from an even worse fate,

I promised I would not consider myself

until you and Mama were taken care of.

I gave what I had without regret,

and I would do it again, Bon.

I still do it. I give what I have

in order to protect you.

Say something, Bon. Anything, please.

I do not know which pains me more.

-Your betrayal or your pity.

-Edwina, you are my sister--

Half -sister.

What I am, Kate, is a grown woman.

And for the first time in my life,

I am able to make a decision

based on what I would like.

I have already imagined the life

I would lead with Lord Bridgerton

as viscountess at Aubrey Hall.

It lives in my own mind,

and it is mine to do with as I like.

So if I choose to marry Anthony,

it will be because

it pleases me and no one else.

I need you to understand that.

If I go through with this wedding,

it will have nothing to do with you.

[mellow classical music playing]

[Brimsley] Apparently,

it has to do with the honeymoon.

Miss Edwina was not pleased

with the rather simple one

Lord Bridgerton had planned.

She is using the delay

to negotiate a new itinerary

that will have

the queen's particular approval.

It appears Miss Edwina is far more cunning

than we have given credit.

[men chattering]

-Gentlemen.

-Come now, Featherington.

There's a more appropriate venue

for the discussion of business.

We thought you might

be coy, Featherington.

Now, are these mines

as profitable as we are hearing?

I did not make the journey

across the Atlantic for pennies.

[chuckles] If there's interest, I can send

word to my men on the ground in Georgia.

-Very good.

-Indeed.

And do these men

work for you, Featherington?

Why, of course.

Then why send word to your workers

if the investment is, in fact, yours?

Because I must write to my men

to obtain the latest report.

Wise investors would like to know

if it is rubies or amethysts

that we are finding more of these days.

Mr. Mondrich, I must ask

about this social club of yours.

An admirable endeavor,

if not rather surprising.

What can a boxer know

about running a business?

[men chuckling]

About as much as

a gentleman knows about mining.

[chuckles weakly]

Excuse me.

[whispers] Come in.

-Have you yet come to any agreements?

-Almost.

You must know time is

of the essence, my lord.

Who knows how long

this wedding will be delayed?

We may never again

have such an engaged audience.

You must leave it with me.

We must be careful

not to attract too much attention.

This opportunity must appear

for the chosen few. Not to mention,

we cannot risk snaring those who would

bring scandal outweighing any profit.

I think it best we concentrate

our attentions on members of the ton

who are not particularly beloved

and whose regard matters little.

And who would make that list?

The Cowpers, the Clarksons,

the Gorings, the Wallaces--

[chuckles] Perhaps the better question is,

and who would not make that list?

[sighs]

The Bridgertons, I suppose.

They are on the verge

of enough scandal today all on their own.

Well, they do seem liked well enough.

Do not mistake this decision for fondness.

It is pure strategy.

I'd never think

you had affections for another.

It'd make me far too jealous, my lady.

Save your charms for the investors.

Why? I have plenty to spare.

[chuckling] My lord,

your lies are wasted on me.

[Jack] I do not need to lie.

You are far too cunning

to fall prey to that, are you not?

You and I see the truth.

That is why this is

such a promising partnership.

I see you for the capable woman you are.

My cousin was a fool about many things

but none greater than

in leaving this world

knowing he had

a brilliant wife still in it.

We must

return to the gardens

before we are missed.

After you.

I must thank Your Majesty

for such a splendid event.

Every detail.

It simply takes one's breath away and--

While I quite enjoy

the adulation, Lady Bridgerton,

unless you are here to tell me

that your son and his bride

are at present standing at that altar,

I simply do not have the time.

For this wedding to fail is unacceptable.

Lady Danbury, what have you to say?

As always, Your Majesty, I am humbled

by your generosity of spirit.

Though, uh…

Though…

It is unlike you

to lose your words, Lady Danbury.

Though it pains us so,

both Lady Bridgerton

and I are in agreement

that it is up to Miss Edwina

to decide her fate.

Well.

I did not realize

the diamond outweighed the Crown.

It does not, Your Majesty.

[Mary] Pardon our interruption,

Your Majesty.

It is noted. [laughs]

To be sure.

I do hope my efforts today

have not been wasted.

It has not been a waste, Your Majesty.

But rather further proof of the love

you have for your people, ma'am.

Miss Edwina and I come

before you humbly now

in recognition of all that you--

Is there not a person alive who can think

of something else to say to their queen

other than sheer flattery?

It is the obvious choice.

[Mary sighs]

Child.

Are you here to tell me

you are going to marry him or not?

Did you see them?

-Your Majesty.

-Your Majesty.

The fireworks?

They were brilliant! [chuckles]

Will there be more?

Oh, dear. It seems…

It seems I am late for the ceremony.

My king.

Someone. Can someone come and assist?

I didn't mean to keep you waiting, Lottie.

My bride. My… My beautiful bride.

Um, but where is the archbishop

and-and-and-and our congregation?

George.

She is radiant, is she not?

What are they, uh…

What-- What are they doing?

Stop! Leave! Leave me! Leave me!

Lottie…

[somber classical music plays]

She will make a most excellent queen,

Your Majesty.

I hear the two of you faced many trials

during your happy courtship.

But today…

Today will make all of it

well worth it, will it not?

Why… yes.

Then perhaps you might

find your rest, Your Majesty,

before you both rule this kingdom

with the kind of love,

compassion, and kindness

the two of you undoubtedly share.

My queen.

[sniffles softly]

[sighs]

Oh, Edwina…

[indistinct chatter]

A celebratory drink?

Have you succeeded already, Colin?

Only if whatever I am looking for

can be found at the bottom of this flask.

I am certain you will find

your purpose one day.

Everyone must eventually.

-Have you found yours?

-[chuckles] Of course not.

But I imagine it to be something

both animating and satisfying.

The type of venture

that speaks not to who I am

but rather who I am to be.

My purpose will challenge me

to be brave and witty.

My purpose will propel me

far beyond the watchful glare of my mama.

My purpose

shall set me free.

What could possibly

measure up to all that?

[chuckles]

Your dreams are grander

than you let on, Pen.

Yes, they are mere fantasies, but

I do believe we must

allow ourselves those private moments

so we may face reality

armed with our reveries.

Lady Crane was right about you.

Lady Crane?

What did she say?

That you cared for me.

That you would never forsake me.

I am beginning to believe that now.

[guests gasping]

It appears we had better nab

a piece of cake before it's all gone.

El?

-El, whatever are you--

-I've made a decision to visit Theo now.

Eloise, it is your brother's wedding.

People will notice.

This is why no one will.

Everyone is worried about Anthony

and Miss Edwina. They'll hardly miss me.

Because an opportunity presents

itself does not mean you should take it.

There are other things to do.

Have you seen the peacocks?

It is vexing to think only of his thoughts

when I should be thinking of my own.

I…

-I do not know what to say.

-Say nothing.

That is all I ask.

I am only telling you now

because you are my friend,

and I do not wish

for secrets to set us apart.

-Do you like that one?

-Your Majesty, I--

I wore it

for His Majesty's golden jubilee.

[chuckles softly] Here.

-Oh, I could not possibly--

-Yes, you could.

Miss Edwina.

I chose you

as the season's diamond for a reason.

Yes, you possess great beauty, but

you made an impression.

You still do. And you still can.

Even after all the confusion of the day.

And after, most especially,

all that has been witnessed in private.

All that I have witnessed, ma'am,

is the love a king shares with his queen,

and nothing more.

I should certainly not find

the proper words to discuss it

even if given

a million lifetimes to do so.

[Queen Charlotte] Hmm.

[inhales] The challenge

of the Crown is that it is tangible.

It is a physical reminder of the position.

It is why, say, Lady Whistledown

circulates her pamphlets

instead of trading in whispered rumor.

A whisper is relevant

for only as long as it is spoken,

but a paper represents more.

Its physical form grants permanence.

The same cannot be said

of true love, of course.

It changes. It forgets.

It forces you to remember

who you once were.

And it forces you

to choose how you will live with it,

again and again.

How does one make that choice?

That, I cannot dictate.

I am your queen,

but I suppose even I must recognize

the importance of each person deciding

what to do in the face of true love.

Everyone deserves to make that choice

just as everyone

deserves to feel its power.

But one must know…

it is the hardest

and greatest choice one can ever make.

[Lady Whistledown]

It is a distinctly human act to marry.

Animals require no contracts or dowries.

[door opens]

The hen and the rooster make no vows.

[Anthony] You sent word for me?

I thought you sent word for me.

[footsteps approaching]

I have made my decision.

I thought it best

you both hear it from me.

Edwina, we should speak in private.

I cannot marry you, Lord Bridgerton.

You cannot provide me

with what it is that I want.

What it is that I deserve.

What everyone deserves.

I may not know exactly

what true love feels like

but I certainly know what it is not.

It is not deception,

or wandering eyes,

or a role to be fulfilled.

I cannot marry you

because I cannot betray myself.

You will never meet my eyes

in the same manner

that you met my sister's

on that altar today. You will never…

You will never look at me the same way.

You say you have spent your life

trying to give me everything I lacked,

but really, you simply gave me

everything you really wanted for yourself,

as though my life were not my own.

I did not ask for any of it, Kate.

So, today,

I can be sure that

what I leave behind is not my loss.

It is yours.

Your dream, your plan,

your feelings that I had merely borrowed.

Today,

you have lost your power,

while I have made up my own mind.

And that is victory enough for me.

[classical rendition of

"What About Us" playing]

[Lady Whistledown]

Leave it to people to complicate matters

with their ceremonies and their cakes.

Is it not a wonder

that anyone marries at all?

It is not as if Miss Edwina

could do any better than the viscount.

Perhaps it is for that very reason

she changed her mind.

She knows she is not worthy of him.

Or perhaps we might judge

the viscount anew.

Perhaps Miss Edwina discovered something

the rest of us might wish to know of too.

-[women chattering]

-[woman clears throat]

-Oh, Your Grace.

-Duchess.

-Shall we make our way home, Mama?

-I believe we shall.

[Lady Whistledown] Indeed, some may call

a wedding the ultimate act of faith.

While others would venture

that it is the ultimate act of fools.

You've come quite a long way

to ask me something, so go on.

I have thoughts.

I can see how that might

pose a problem for someone in your world.

Thoughts I would like to share…

with you. [chuckles softly]

And are you not sharing them now?

What I am failing to say is that often,

when I read something new or

interesting or provoking,

it is you who crosses my mind.

It is you I would like

to speak with about those thoughts.

I see.

Uh…

And so I am wondering if

you might also have thoughts of me

when you think.

I have read all of these.

And?

And…

I set them aside for you.

I thought perhaps you might

share your thoughts on them.

[chuckles softly]

[Lady Whistledown]

Eagerly awaiting two words.

"I do."

Bride and groom declare intention alone,

with no guarantee of happiness.

All is not lost today, ma'am.

I have received word.

It had better be a worthy distraction.

Our trap for Lady Whistledown

has indeed produced a result.

[Lady Whistledown] Marriage amounts

to little more than human ritual.

We may not force the rooster or hen,

yet we continue to collect eggs.

Does that make us more complicated,

or simply too stubborn

to believe that we must orchestrate

what nature has already ordained?

I suppose we ought to go.

Lord Bridgerton?

Your sister is braver

and wiser than us both.

She had the courage to act on

what she sensed between us.

And here we are,

standing perfectly still…

having felt it for months.

I stand here…

because the moment we go…

the moment we step foot

outside those doors…

we face the truth.

Of our situations?

Of our failures.

We have indeed failed, my lord.

Of our duties.

Of our responsibilities.

We have failed at it all.

So forgive me

if it is now my wish…

to suspend time.

To delay the inevitable.

To for a mere moment,

not think of what comes next.

To wait.

[soft instrumental music plays]

Goodbye, my lord.

[breathes deeply]

[breathing heavily]

may very well be the longest walk

any young lady ever takes.

It does not simply

cover the length of the church,

but rather, countless floors for dancing,

and meandering paths

for every afternoon promenade too.

It is a wonder, then,

that feet do not tire

or, heaven forbid, trip

under the scrutiny

of all those attentive eyes

keeping close watch, indeed.

Does it fly?

Uh, some, Your Majesty.

What kind of answer is "some"?

Well, it does not soar,

but if you like,

I can place it on a high perch

and allow it to glide down.

Only if you follow its path.

The fireworks are ready, Your Majesty.

Timed perfectly to discharge directly

after the bride and groom utter, "I do."

Whatever you have planned

is not good enough, Brimsley.

Make them bigger, longer, brighter.

Our guests must be captivated.

I believe I asked for His Majesty's wing

to be closed off today.

I do not wish for anyone

to lose their way and end up somewhere…

curious.

Of course, ma'am.

Though, you may rest assured

His Majesty appeared

in rather good spirits this morning.

And what of our other grand plan?

-Is everything in place?

-Indeed.

Every young lady that remains

under suspicion of being Lady Whistledown

will have a footman assigned to her,

watching her every move.

Simply watching will not be enough.

We must entrap the scribbler.

Perhaps you might put forth false rumors

so that when Whistledown prints them,

we will be able to trace the origins.

-An ingenious idea, ma'am.

-Yes, that is why I thought of it.

The author thinks she has bested us all

with her illicit spying and reporting.

Well, no one has sharper eyes

on the ton than I do.

You must calm yourself, Bon. Keep still.

It is all so strange.

I have faced a thousand tomorrows,

but they have

all been leading to this one.

Tomorrow is a day you have been

preparing for your entire life, dearest.

You are ready.

I believed that to be true. But now

that the viscount has hastened things…

Oh, it has caused you doubts?

Bringing the wedding forward

is a sign of true feeling, but,

well, it has unnerved me too.

Rest assured, the viscount adores you.

He has devotedly courted you

and made his intentions clear

from our first arrival.

Ooh.

It is meant

to be a sipping spirit.

Have you not heard? The viscount believes

in hurrying things along these days.

First the wedding, now his drink.

I hope, for Edwina's sake,

the tendency stops before the honeymoon.

Have you always been so vulgar,

or has staring at naked models all day

turned your brain to charcoal?

Must he choose just one?

That has always been the privilege

of not being the firstborn.

You both get to choose

your passions and adventures,

while I, on the other hand,

must fulfill my--

Tell me, dear brother, once you marry,

will your duty finally be fulfilled

so you can stop reminding everyone of it?

I believe the reminders

are also my duty, so no.

I still wish that when he looks at me,

I could be certain that he truly loves me.

Oh…

I fear, in fact,

that he does not look at me often enough.

Looks can be powerful, Bon,

but also fleeting.

Displays of mere passion,

perhaps. Nothing more.

So the viscount

feels little passion for me?

Of course not.

What I mean to say is that

true love is something else entirely.

It is when the rest

of the world goes quiet.

It is not eyes that meet

but souls that dance.

Settle into each other.

Make room for each other

until there is nowhere else to hide.

No need to worry.

Much will remain the same,

apart from the fact that I shall finally

have my viscountess, as is required.

Indeed.

Not much shall change at all.

Though, soon enough, we will have

a tiny Anthony to contend with,

running around, declaring

all of his tiny duties too, no doubt.

Yes, he too shall be a tyrant.

Is it not also said,

when spread on an unmarried person,

haldi will help them find a worthy partner

that makes

the rest of the world quiet too?

-Edwina--

-Now, now.

It is your turn to hold still.

A toast!

What is it we are drinking to

if not the future?

To, well,

the sister.

-The sister?

-The gatekeeper.

I do wonder whether

this blessing would be greater

if the viscount were here

to participate as well.

Oh, I am certain Lord Bridgerton

has his own wedding traditions to perform.

-To besting her.

-Hear! Hear!

You do love gloating

about your victories, do you not, Brother?

Mmm.

My word, Prudence.

Stand up straight. Chin up. Chest out.

However am I meant

to stand like this all day?

Just stop your fidgeting.

Lord Featherington has

so graciously allowed you to borrow

this beautiful necklace for the occasion.

It is very heavy.

That means it's very valuable.

Remember that.

You are certain about this?

The young lady quite naturally

draws attention to herself.

She will get people speaking

of the very valuable jewelry

that came directly from your mines.

I will, of course,

confirm that you are rather quiet

about how well your business is doing,

out of modesty.

And when the husbands come to you,

you agree to the arrangements.

Your confidence is admirable, I concede.

Would you prefer I cower?

Oh, I did not say that.

I cannot help but enjoy

a lady who seizes control.

Pardon me, madam.

Yes, well.

I shall meet you in the carriage.

Prudence.

Mademoiselle Penelope,

I have made the alterations you requested.

Thank you, Madame Delacroix.

It is a great risk

for me to meet you here.

Your mama will certainly know

you do not have a dress in need of repair.

This could not wait any longer.

What do you know of that apprentice

who works for our printer?

A Mr. Theo Sharpe, I believe.

Well, if you know his name,

you know much more than I do.

Have any of our delivery boys

mentioned him?

Is there something more serious you wish

to tell me about our little… undertaking?

Because if there's trouble on the horizon,

I cannot be associated.

-My business is too important--

-As is mine.

And no, there is nothing

to worry about, I assure you.

Madame Delacroix?

I was not expecting you.

-If this is about our bill--

-Ah, no, madame.

I was just saying

I seem to have lost my head.

This delivery is

for the Bridgertons, you see.

I came here by mistake. Good day.

Can you imagine? A woman

reduced to running her own business.

No wonder her mind is so scattered.

Make haste. We can't be late.

Didi? What are those?

I brought them with us from home.

I knew this season would be a success.

They are quite beautiful.

How have I never seen them before?

They belonged to my mother.

Amma wore them

on her wedding day and saved them.

For you?

I brought them for you.

I insist.

-Beautiful bangles for a beautiful bride.

Oh, Didi. I know

this has been a difficult time,

and you never much cared for the viscount,

but I hope today we may all find joy.

I am happy if you are happy.

-He has taken my ribbon!

-I have done you a service.

Do not chase each other.

Or, well, perhaps do not catch each other.

You must look presentable.

Why does no one

truly seem ready for this wedding?

-Mrs. Wilson!

-Oh, Mother.

Please, not so loud.

Whatever you have done

to your brother, undo it.

I may never reach

your capacity for drink, Brother.

It's a simple remedy.

If you continue to drink,

there can be no after-effects.

If only you would use

your powers for good.

Has anyone seen Anthony?

Benedict, see that he is well.

I am sure the emotions of the day

have somewhat confused him.

Mother.

Anthony.

You are ready?

Of course I am. Born ready, in fact.

Shall we?

Lady Danbury.

Lady Bridgerton.

It seems the two of us have not spoken

since our dinner with the Sheffields. Ha.

Yes, it seems so. Though why would we?

It is not as if you have

even more private information

you wish at last to share with me, do you?

-You must know--

-Enjoy the wedding, Lady Danbury.

It is a wonder I have found

the two of you in the midst

of all this opulence, is it not?

Quite. Her Majesty's fondness

for the diamond exceeds

even what Lady Whistledown suggests.

Daphne's wedding was not nearly

as extraordinary, and she married a duke.

Perhaps the queen requires

our attention in new ways.

The weight of the Crown is quite heavy.

Perhaps she seeks to prove herself

still significant and equal to the task.

-Is that not the plight of all mankind?

-I believe it is.

Do not indulge him.

He has been insufferable

since returning from Greece.

Or was it your visit with Lady Crane?

The cause does not matter

nearly as much as the truth.

One must make a name for oneself

if this life is to mean anything at all.

A noble pursuit.

Thank you, Pen.

It is surprising that you and Eloise

remain so familiar

when you could not be less alike.

What can you mean?

Well, you have sense.

It is a fool's errand to try to make

an impression on those in good society

who have not a single original thought.

And what good is it anyway

to make a name for oneself

if it is only to be written

on dance cards?

What of Lady Whistledown?

She speaks of everyone without remorse.

No. No, she does not speak of all.

Perhaps she simply does not know

that there are some

beyond the ton worthy of attention too.

Are you speaking of Mr. Sharpe again, El?

I have heeded your warnings.

Theoretically.

It'd be foolish of me

to continue to visit him.

And what in actuality?

I visited him the other day.

But it's not nearly as scandalous

as you make it out to be.

-It's only his thoughts I'm interested in.

-It is a friendship, then?

Of course.

What else could it be?

-Sister.

-You are late.

Well, in truth, I was delayed by doubts

about whether the festivities of this day

might or might not take place.

Does the duchess

not care for your bride, Brother?

I find Miss Edwina to be

quite lovely and deserving of the truth,

which we must not deny her.

I'm confused. Who is denying what to whom?

Benedict, you must excuse us.

It seems the duchess has opinions.

-But I wish to know--

-The best man listens to the groom. Go.

I've gone too far down this road

to turn back now, Daph.

Miss Edwina will be ruined

if we do not marry,

and our family will suffer equal scandal.

This was always the plan.

And what of the sister?

She has made her own plans for the future.

Plans which do not include me.

We have decided

there is nothing more between us.

There cannot be.

Do you ever wonder what Father

might say on a day such as this?

He was the only one

you ever truly respected.

The only one

you ever listened to.

-If Papa was still here--

-You cannot know what he would say.

Father had different words

for me than he did for you.

So please do not insult me

with your baseless conjecture.

I have been here.

And I have seen you at all stages.

I witnessed you change the day he died.

Do you know you did not even weep once?

And you stopped laughing,

altogether, in fact.

It was as though you had become

an entirely different person,

consumed by the expectations of others.

And what choice did I have?

I changed so that

our family might survive,

so that you could be

respectable enough to marry a duke.

I am happy for you, Sister,

but I'm not like you.

I have never wished to succumb

to the blind delight of being in love.

I cannot so indulge myself.

You can choose to be happy.

To follow the desires of your heart

instead of pushing away

any feeling that comes to the surface.

It should not be a luxury,

but a right to choose,

to fight for the family that you want.

I fight…

…for the family that I have.

You'll never understand.

You were born

to marry into another family.

I was born to carry on

the Bridgerton name.

That is what outweighs anything else.

It is rather easy to be selfish

when you have no one else

to whom you must answer.

I mourn for you, Brother.

All of these decisions

that you seem to make

and then resent us for.

Though they do not make you worthy

of your family's respect.

They simply make us pity you.

Nothing more.

-Thank you.

-Mm-hmm.

My word.

You look so beautiful, my darling.

Didi?

Yes, Bon?

I cannot wear them.

They do not belong to me,

and I do not want to feel

as though I am taking

what is rightfully yours.

They were meant for you.

You should be the one to wear them.

They suit you, Kate.

It is time, my lady.

Come.

Let us put all of the nasty gossip

behind us for once and for all.

Let us give the ton a wedding to remember,

and show them who we truly are.

Miss Edwina, you look lovely.

Thank you, my lord.

I am happy you are pleased.

Please be seated.

Dearly beloved,

we are gathered together here

in the sight of God,

and in the face of this congregation,

to join together this man and this woman

in holy matrimony.

And therefore,

it is not by any to be enterprised,

nor taken in hand,

unadvisedly, lightly, and wantonly,

to satisfy men's

carnal lusts and appetites,

like brute beasts

that have no understanding…

…but reverently, discreetly, advisedly…

My lord.

My lord.

The archbishop

would like you to repeat, my lord,

after him.

Yes, of course.

I, Lord Anthony Bridgerton…

Allow me.

Might I continue?

-My apologies.

-My apologies.

Viscount, repeat after me.

I…

Miss Edwina, are you--

I need a moment!

-What has happened to my wedding?

-The bride seems to have run away, ma'am.

Breathe, Edwina. It is just nerves.

We will call for tea, and once

you have something in your stomach,

you will be strong enough

to go back out there.

The viscount--

The viscount will understand, yes, Kate?

-Kate, perhaps you might find that tea--

-It is not tea that I want!

What I want is the truth.

Oh.

-Suddenly, your words fail you, Sister?

-Edwina. Kate.

-I am not sure what is going on.

-I shall tell you what is going on, Mama.

After a lifetime

of filling my head with nonsense,

of all this talk of great,

gallant notions and looks between lovers--

-Edwina--

-You have feelings for him!

All this time,

you wanted him for yourself.

-No, that is not true.

-Oh, you cannot deny it now, Kate.

How could I have been such a fool?

You lied to me again and again.

You told--

You told me.

You told me we had put

all secrets to rest, but no.

The Sheffield inheritance, that was merely

the beginning of your deception.

I fooled myself into believing

you had only the purest of intentions,

that your only desire

was for me to be happy.

And you are no one's fool.

That is the truth.

Do you love him?

What?

You told me you hated him.

But that only meant your feelings…

your feelings were strong.

Do you love him?

Edwina, I--

That is enough.

No good can come from this at present.

Let us all take a moment

to calm ourselves, shall we?

You have kept so very much from me.

Go. Anywhere else, Kate.

Does this have anything

to do with our dinner

with the Sheffields the other evening?

Or perhaps some

even greater issue has come to pass

that we must discuss, Anthony?

Miss Edwina is merely agitated.

She will come to her senses.

Miss Edwina does seem

to have a delicate constitution.

-Perhaps fresh air will be just the thing.

-Flask.

Perhaps the archbishop's talk

of lifelong covenants overwhelmed her.

Perhaps she realized that marriage is,

in fact, a prison for women.

Ugh. Must you always be so… you?

How else should I be? Married and silent?

Perhaps she decided

she must change into a different dress.

Absurd. She looked beautiful.

Perhaps we should

allow Anthony a little respite.

Brother, is that what you need?

Precisely.

What?

-You know something.

-I do not.

Daphne, you may be a duchess,

but you are still my daughter.

Tell me what you know.

A failed wedding

with their queen presiding.

As if I needed the embarrassment.

It is not your fault, Your Majesty.

Lady Whistledown will make it so.

"Her Majesty has picked poorly,"

she will say.

My once immaculate taste now questioned.

Her words carry far too much import

for my delicate comfort.

Your Majesty, with all due respect,

we may very well find ourselves

in a situation that cannot be salvaged.

-It would be wise--

-Well, it must be salvaged.

You vouched for this family,

did you not, Lady Danbury?

I never would have entertained the thought

of making Miss Edwina my diamond,

let alone arranging this elaborate affair,

if it was not for you.

This is as much

your blunder as anyone else's.

You must not forget that.

Indeed, I will not.

Perhaps I may go and find Miss Edwina.

Perhaps there is something I can do.

Brimsley.

Escort the guests to the gardens

and do not allow anyone to leave.

The nuptials shall resume shortly,

and we shall proceed with our plans.

All of them.

I heard Miss Edwina has not eaten

a morsel since the engagement

in order to fit into her dress.

It's no wonder she's been taken ill.

I hear the royal physician has brought in

leeches to hasten her recovery.

Can you imagine?

Rather embarrassing for Lord Bridgerton.

And yet far more worrying for us.

What guarantee do the rest of us have

that these other young ladies

will not follow the lead of the chit?

Jilting their grooms left and right.

A rather fortuitous

turn of events, my lord.

Nothing makes the ton

come alive like a fresh scandal.

All eyes and ears seem

to be open for the freshest detail.

I suppose all we must do now

is redirect their attention.

Prudence.

Do you wish to insult Lord Featherington

by not showing off

this beautiful necklace?

I do not understand why

he should care whether I cherish it so.

We are already engaged,

and he barely speaks to me.

What sort of engagement

is born of silence?

Do as I say, child. Or would you rather

be without any prospects, like Penelope?

-Heaven forbid.

-Oh… Come on.

I've given much consideration

to what you said.

About Mr. Sharpe

and his degree of interest.

No. El, I did not intend you

to think about that.

You should put him out of your mind.

I know it is…

…odd, but I had assumed ours

was merely an intellectual bond,

a friendship based in like-minded thought

and rigorous conversation.

But what if you are right?

What if he feels more?

I never said--

El, do you want him to feel more?

My feelings about his feelings

do not matter

if I do not know for a fact

what it is he is feeling.

Perhaps you have

already gone farther than is wise.

Have you not heard

of all the trouble that befell Lady Mary

because she married beneath her station?

No one speaks of marriage, Pen.

I am speaking of… clarity of thought.

-I simply would like to know.

-But why?

I can accept certain mysteries.

I may never know how men

came to be considered leaders

when women are clearly better suited.

I may never understand

why the modiste tortures her own clients

with tight bodices and scratchy fabrics.

I may never even know

who is behind Lady Whistledown.

And you could accept such a mystery?

Of course not, but…

those are mysteries I may never solve.

This one with Theo-- Mr. Sharpe, I can.

But what good will it do?

It is not as though you can act on it.

I suppose

if I know for sure, it will be a relief.

It is the not knowing

that makes it feel like… torment.

To turn over in your mind

the events of a mere conversation.

To look at all of the evidence

and still not be sure.

It is a pleasing, stimulating,

thrilling kind of torment.

-Have you ever felt that way?

-No.

I can only imagine such a thing.

Mmm.

Lord Bridgerton.

Lady Mary.

I was hoping to speak with Miss Edwina.

Of course.

Lord Bridgerton.

I am quite certain this delay is rather

unexpected.

Indeed.

But I must ask if it is, in fact,

a delay and nothing more?

I am considering what more

there may be regarding our courtship

and those involved with its… interference.

-I know you may think that we--

-Please.

Tell me you did not come here to offer me

more lies or half-truths, my lord.

At least offer me that.

I am intent upon this marriage.

The very fact that we have

arrived at this day with whatever

interference there might have been

should be proof enough.

Indeed.

Yet I still wonder

whether it is the marriage

or me that you truly want.

It is both.

Miss Edwina, I have never

wavered in my intentions

since the first moment of our meeting.

It was clear to me then, as it is now,

that what we share

is greater than all else.

And what is it that you believe we share?

Our places.

Our roles. They align.

I, as the viscount. You, as the diamond.

Neither by our own choice.

We are yoked to each other

in that respect.

It is why I never gave up pursuing you,

even when some

thought me a fool to continue.

It is why I was not swayed by the insults

of the Sheffields or your lack of a dowry.

Because… you love me?

I understand you.

I sympathize with you.

In a certain light, I am you.

We do not have the luxury of choice.

We cannot escape our roles.

But married,

we may face these difficulties together.

And what of my sister?

What role will she play

between us in the future?

The thorn easily removed

from the blossoming flower of our lives.

She shall have no place in our future.

Once we marry,

she will return to India, as she wishes.

And you and I will be free of her.

And that is what you now wish?

That is what I now know.

The great distance between us

will only bring you and I closer.

But that future is only possible

if you decide today…

to marry me.

I have been told

what my future will look like

more times than I now

wish to admit, my lord.

But I am no fool.

I know the scandal that would ensue

should the two of us

fail to see this through now.

But I cannot find that reason enough.

I require a moment to think.

Of my future, indeed.

But only in the way

that I might now imagine it.

You must understand.

Of course.

Of course I do.

You cannot be here.

-Miss Sharma--

-This is my place of refuge.

-A closet?

-Yes.

It may not be grand,

but it met my main requirement

when you were not present.

So go and leave me in peace.

We must speak.

-Do you realize how improper this is--

-I've just met with Miss Edwina.

She was harsher

than I knew her capable of being.

Well, you cannot fault her for that.

I concede I do not know her

as well as you do,

but that is why I am coming to you.

You must do something.

What would you have me do, my lord?

More plotting and scheming

to… get her to comply?

It seems my sister

has finally become wise to all of it.

In one way, I should be quite proud.

So you intend simply to cease to help her,

and hide in a closet

as she ruins her life?

I have ruined her life.

You should not be here.

Just, just…

Wait.

Goodbye, my lord.

Lady Danbury.

Whatever are you doing in here?

I assure you, it is for good reason

that I am in here and not out there.

It is unlike you to be

off somewhere, hiding.

Well,

we all require a modicum

of self-reflection from time to time.

-Do you not think?

-Mmm.

Lady Bridgerton.

I must apologize for not sharing

certain information with you.

That business between

the Sharmas and the Sheffields, well,

it was not my place, but I certainly

did not wish it to be revealed

as it was at that dinner.

This entire scheme

seems to have got out of hand.

Indeed it has.

Daphne has, uh…

Well, she has finally confirmed something

I have been fearing for quite some time.

Ah.

Something I believe

you too have observed, no doubt.

Her Majesty

wishes me to repair

today's situation.

And for what may very well be

the first time in my life…

I do not know what to do.

Look! Peacocks!

Dreadful creatures!

They attack, unprovoked.

As if the day

could get any more unfortunate.

You could always tell her

that there is nothing to be done.

The Queen of England?

I would rather go out there

and offer my hand to one of those birds.

-It would be less painful.

Do you think the bride

will return to that altar?

There is only one person

who can answer that question.

-Hmm.

What?

-Has Mama--

-You seem to know all.

How could I possibly offer

any insight of my own?

She is off, getting some air.

Edwina, you must know

I never intended to wound you.

I know I should have told you more.

I should have told you everything.

Yes. Yes, I once did

have feelings for the viscount.

But they were no match for the love

I had, and continue to have, for you.

And you must know

I will do everything in my power

to ensure your happiness.

Including going back to India?

That is your solution, is it not?

I wish to make things right.

My feelings for Lord Bridgerton

do not matter anymore.

We do not have a future together. But you…

You, Edwina, were born to be viscountess.

The viscount said the same.

I half expect to discover

the two of you prepared it ahead of time.

I am not too proud

to admit when he is right.

-You deserve this.

-Why?

Why me and why not you?

You view your youth

and naïveté as a hindrance,

but it has shielded you in many ways.

You do not remember when Appa died,

when the world fell out from beneath us.

And so, to save us

from an even worse fate,

I promised I would not consider myself

until you and Mama were taken care of.

I gave what I had without regret,

and I would do it again, Bon.

I still do it. I give what I have

in order to protect you.

Say something, Bon. Anything, please.

I do not know which pains me more.

-Your betrayal or your pity.

-Edwina, you are my sister--

Half -sister.

What I am, Kate, is a grown woman.

And for the first time in my life,

I am able to make a decision

based on what I would like.

I have already imagined the life

I would lead with Lord Bridgerton

as viscountess at Aubrey Hall.

It lives in my own mind,

and it is mine to do with as I like.

So if I choose to marry Anthony,

it will be because

it pleases me and no one else.

I need you to understand that.

If I go through with this wedding,

it will have nothing to do with you.

Apparently,

it has to do with the honeymoon.

Miss Edwina was not pleased

with the rather simple one

Lord Bridgerton had planned.

She is using the delay

to negotiate a new itinerary

that will have

the queen's particular approval.

It appears Miss Edwina is far more cunning

than we have given credit.

-Gentlemen.

-Come now, Featherington.

There's a more appropriate venue

for the discussion of business.

We thought you might

be coy, Featherington.

Now, are these mines

as profitable as we are hearing?

I did not make the journey

across the Atlantic for pennies.

If there's interest, I can send

word to my men on the ground in Georgia.

-Very good.

-Indeed.

And do these men

work for you, Featherington?

Why, of course.

Then why send word to your workers

if the investment is, in fact, yours?

Because I must write to my men

to obtain the latest report.

Wise investors would like to know

if it is rubies or amethysts

that we are finding more of these days.

Mr. Mondrich, I must ask

about this social club of yours.

An admirable endeavor,

if not rather surprising.

What can a boxer know

about running a business?

About as much as

a gentleman knows about mining.

Excuse me.

Come in.

-Have you yet come to any agreements?

-Almost.

You must know time is

of the essence, my lord.

Who knows how long

this wedding will be delayed?

We may never again

have such an engaged audience.

You must leave it with me.

We must be careful

not to attract too much attention.

This opportunity must appear

for the chosen few. Not to mention,

we cannot risk snaring those who would

bring scandal outweighing any profit.

I think it best we concentrate

our attentions on members of the ton

who are not particularly beloved

and whose regard matters little.

And who would make that list?

The Cowpers, the Clarksons,

the Gorings, the Wallaces--

Perhaps the better question is,

and who would not make that list?

The Bridgertons, I suppose.

They are on the verge

of enough scandal today all on their own.

Well, they do seem liked well enough.

Do not mistake this decision for fondness.

It is pure strategy.

I'd never think

you had affections for another.

It'd make me far too jealous, my lady.

Save your charms for the investors.

Why? I have plenty to spare.

My lord,

your lies are wasted on me.

I do not need to lie.

You are far too cunning

to fall prey to that, are you not?

You and I see the truth.

That is why this is

such a promising partnership.

I see you for the capable woman you are.

My cousin was a fool about many things

but none greater than

in leaving this world

knowing he had

a brilliant wife still in it.

We must

return to the gardens

before we are missed.

After you.

I must thank Your Majesty

for such a splendid event.

Every detail.

It simply takes one's breath away and--

While I quite enjoy

the adulation, Lady Bridgerton,

unless you are here to tell me

that your son and his bride

are at present standing at that altar,

I simply do not have the time.

For this wedding to fail is unacceptable.

Lady Danbury, what have you to say?

As always, Your Majesty, I am humbled

by your generosity of spirit.

Though, uh…

Though…

It is unlike you

to lose your words, Lady Danbury.

Though it pains us so,

both Lady Bridgerton

and I are in agreement

that it is up to Miss Edwina

to decide her fate.

Well.

I did not realize

the diamond outweighed the Crown.

It does not, Your Majesty.

Pardon our interruption,

Your Majesty.

It is noted.

To be sure.

I do hope my efforts today

have not been wasted.

It has not been a waste, Your Majesty.

But rather further proof of the love

you have for your people, ma'am.

Miss Edwina and I come

before you humbly now

in recognition of all that you--

Is there not a person alive who can think

of something else to say to their queen

other than sheer flattery?

It is the obvious choice.

Child.

Are you here to tell me

you are going to marry him or not?

Did you see them?

-Your Majesty.

-Your Majesty.

The fireworks?

They were brilliant!

Will there be more?

Oh, dear. It seems…

It seems I am late for the ceremony.

My king.

Someone. Can someone come and assist?

I didn't mean to keep you waiting, Lottie.

My bride. My… My beautiful bride.

Um, but where is the archbishop

and-and-and-and our congregation?

George.

She is radiant, is she not?

What are they, uh…

What-- What are they doing?

Stop! Leave! Leave me! Leave me!

Lottie…

She will make a most excellent queen,

Your Majesty.

I hear the two of you faced many trials

during your happy courtship.

But today…

Today will make all of it

well worth it, will it not?

Why… yes.

Then perhaps you might

find your rest, Your Majesty,

before you both rule this kingdom

with the kind of love,

compassion, and kindness

the two of you undoubtedly share.

My queen.

Oh, Edwina…

A celebratory drink?

Have you succeeded already, Colin?

Only if whatever I am looking for

can be found at the bottom of this flask.

I am certain you will find

your purpose one day.

Everyone must eventually.

-Have you found yours?

-Of course not.

But I imagine it to be something

both animating and satisfying.

The type of venture

that speaks not to who I am

but rather who I am to be.

My purpose will challenge me

to be brave and witty.

My purpose will propel me

far beyond the watchful glare of my mama.

My purpose

shall set me free.

What could possibly

measure up to all that?

Your dreams are grander

than you let on, Pen.

Yes, they are mere fantasies, but

I do believe we must

allow ourselves those private moments

so we may face reality

armed with our reveries.

Lady Crane was right about you.

Lady Crane?

What did she say?

That you cared for me.

That you would never forsake me.

I am beginning to believe that now.

It appears we had better nab

a piece of cake before it's all gone.

El?

-El, whatever are you--

-I've made a decision to visit Theo now.

Eloise, it is your brother's wedding.

People will notice.

This is why no one will.

Everyone is worried about Anthony

and Miss Edwina. They'll hardly miss me.

Because an opportunity presents

itself does not mean you should take it.

There are other things to do.

Have you seen the peacocks?

It is vexing to think only of his thoughts

when I should be thinking of my own.

I…

-I do not know what to say.

-Say nothing.

That is all I ask.

I am only telling you now

because you are my friend,

and I do not wish

for secrets to set us apart.

-Do you like that one?

-Your Majesty, I--

I wore it

for His Majesty's golden jubilee.

Here.

-Oh, I could not possibly--

-Yes, you could.

Miss Edwina.

I chose you

as the season's diamond for a reason.

Yes, you possess great beauty, but

you made an impression.

You still do. And you still can.

Even after all the confusion of the day.

And after, most especially,

all that has been witnessed in private.

All that I have witnessed, ma'am,

is the love a king shares with his queen,

and nothing more.

I should certainly not find

the proper words to discuss it

even if given

a million lifetimes to do so.

Hmm.

The challenge

of the Crown is that it is tangible.

It is a physical reminder of the position.

It is why, say, Lady Whistledown

circulates her pamphlets

instead of trading in whispered rumor.

A whisper is relevant

for only as long as it is spoken,

but a paper represents more.

Its physical form grants permanence.

The same cannot be said

of true love, of course.

It changes. It forgets.

It forces you to remember

who you once were.

And it forces you

to choose how you will live with it,

again and again.

How does one make that choice?

That, I cannot dictate.

I am your queen,

but I suppose even I must recognize

the importance of each person deciding

what to do in the face of true love.

Everyone deserves to make that choice

just as everyone

deserves to feel its power.

But one must know…

it is the hardest

and greatest choice one can ever make.

It is a distinctly human act to marry.

Animals require no contracts or dowries.

The hen and the rooster make no vows.

You sent word for me?

I thought you sent word for me.

I have made my decision.

I thought it best

you both hear it from me.

Edwina, we should speak in private.

I cannot marry you, Lord Bridgerton.

You cannot provide me

with what it is that I want.

What it is that I deserve.

What everyone deserves.

I may not know exactly

what true love feels like

but I certainly know what it is not.

It is not deception,

or wandering eyes,

or a role to be fulfilled.

I cannot marry you

because I cannot betray myself.

You will never meet my eyes

in the same manner

that you met my sister's

on that altar today. You will never…

You will never look at me the same way.

You say you have spent your life

trying to give me everything I lacked,

but really, you simply gave me

everything you really wanted for yourself,

as though my life were not my own.

I did not ask for any of it, Kate.

So, today,

I can be sure that

what I leave behind is not my loss.

It is yours.

Your dream, your plan,

your feelings that I had merely borrowed.

Today,

you have lost your power,

while I have made up my own mind.

And that is victory enough for me.

Leave it to people to complicate matters

with their ceremonies and their cakes.

Is it not a wonder

that anyone marries at all?

It is not as if Miss Edwina

could do any better than the viscount.

Perhaps it is for that very reason

she changed her mind.

She knows she is not worthy of him.

Or perhaps we might judge

the viscount anew.

Perhaps Miss Edwina discovered something

the rest of us might wish to know of too.

-Oh, Your Grace.

-Duchess.

-Shall we make our way home, Mama?

-I believe we shall.

Indeed, some may call

a wedding the ultimate act of faith.

While others would venture

that it is the ultimate act of fools.

You've come quite a long way

to ask me something, so go on.

I have thoughts.

I can see how that might

pose a problem for someone in your world.

Thoughts I would like to share…

with you.

And are you not sharing them now?

What I am failing to say is that often,

when I read something new or

interesting or provoking,

it is you who crosses my mind.

It is you I would like

to speak with about those thoughts.

I see.

Uh…

And so I am wondering if

you might also have thoughts of me

when you think.

I have read all of these.

And?

And…

I set them aside for you.

I thought perhaps you might

share your thoughts on them.

Eagerly awaiting two words.

"I do."

Bride and groom declare intention alone,

with no guarantee of happiness.

All is not lost today, ma'am.

I have received word.

It had better be a worthy distraction.

Our trap for Lady Whistledown

has indeed produced a result.

Marriage amounts

to little more than human ritual.

We may not force the rooster or hen,

yet we continue to collect eggs.

Does that make us more complicated,

or simply too stubborn

to believe that we must orchestrate

what nature has already ordained?

I suppose we ought to go.

Lord Bridgerton?

Your sister is braver

and wiser than us both.

She had the courage to act on

what she sensed between us.

And here we are,

standing perfectly still…

having felt it for months.

I stand here…

because the moment we go…

the moment we step foot

outside those doors…

we face the truth.

Of our situations?

Of our failures.

We have indeed failed, my lord.

Of our duties.

Of our responsibilities.

We have failed at it all.

So forgive me

if it is now my wish…

to suspend time.

To delay the inevitable.

To for a mere moment,

not think of what comes next.

To wait.

Goodbye, my lord.