Гармония

СЕРИАЛ NETFLIX

Отвергнутый жених.

Несостоявшаяся невеста

с разбитым сердцем.

Сорванная королевская свадьба.

Невероятно? Еще как!

Но так ли всё это?

Дражайший читатель, автор сих строк

может размышлять и строить догадки.

Но вводить вас в заблуждение?

ФЕЛЬЕТОН ЛЕДИ УИСЛДАУН

Никогда.

Объяснений тому, почему мисс Эдвина

сбежала из-под венца,

может быть гораздо больше,

чем кто-либо способен представить.

Но мы не должны забывать,

что именно Ее Величество королева

вознесла эту юную леди на пьедестал,

после чего та эффектно ретировалась.

Позвольте автору надеяться…

Подайте карету.

…ради блага Ее Величества,

а также семейств Шарма и Бриджертон,

что официальное объяснение

не заставит себя ждать,

пока общество окончательно не погрязло

в жутких предположениях.

Мисс? Ванна готова.

На этом всё.

Используй сегодня мыло из лилий.

Оно успокаивает нервы.

Где ваш брат? Он уже должен быть здесь.

Возможно, он всё еще ждет

у алтаря мисс Эдвину.

Не издевайтесь над ним.

А надо мной можно?

Разве мы не упускаем из виду

выгоду от этой трагедии?

Торт?

- Как над ним не издеваться?

- Брат! Рады тебя видеть.

Вы позавтракали?

Тебе придется с этим повременить.

Сейчас крайне важно

действовать незамедлительно,

чтобы минимизировать ущерб

от неприятностей на твоей…

Неудавшейся свадьбе?

Вся эта шумиха лишь из-за того,

что женщина просто передумала?

К сожалению, это так.

И причина тут не важна.

Нужно разобраться с последствиями.

Сегодня прекрасное утро для прогулки.

Все вместе, как образцовая

уважаемая семья.

Которой мы являемся.

Уважаемая?

Уважаемые семьи

возглавляют джентльмены, верно?

Брат.

Мы чего-то не знаем?

Может, это можно доверить лишь мне?

Прости меня.

Если мама считает,

что прогулка - верное решение,

так мы и поступим.

Я присоединюсь попозже. Покупки.

Мне нужна новая пара перчаток.

Для поддержания образа уважаемой семьи.

Плащ мне ни к чему.

В нём будет слишком жарко там,

куда мы идем.

За покупками.

Мисс Бриджертон.

Бросаться прямо в огонь.

Мое любимое занятие.

Помните. У нас полное взаимопонимание.

Случившееся - частное дело

мисс Эдвины и виконта.

Это всё, что мы можем

говорить по этому поводу.

Добрый день, лорд Файф.

Не для всех.

Таков наш план?

Притворяться, что ничего не случилось?

Мы вовсе не притворяемся.

Мы считаем, что это наше частное дело.

Скандалы бросают на нас тень,

но мы не обязаны

ни перед кем оправдываться.

К тому же у общества короткая память.

Если повезет, через неделю

они вонзят свои зубки

в еще более скандальную историю.

У нас еще есть шанс найти вам мужа

в этом сезоне, мисс Эдвина.

Восхищаюсь вашим воображением,

леди Данбери.

Этот скандал ничто не затмит.

Не смотри.

Мисс Патридж.

Приятный день, не правда ли?

О да, милорд.

Дорогая, мы опоздаем к Горингам. Идем.

Ну разве это не чудо, леди Бриджертон,

что вы так скоро появились на людях?

Леди Фэзерингтон, мы же не в трауре.

Я как никто другой понимаю

всю боль от разорванной помолвки.

Я и не думала, что мы оправимся

после расставания

мистера Бриджертона и мисс Томпсон.

Но всё утряслось.

Мисс Томпсон теперь леди Крейн,

Филиппа теперь миссис Финч,

а Пруденс помолвлена.

Да, удивительно,

как всё в итоге разрешилось, верно?

Именно. Желаю вам удачи со всеми

вашими задачами, леди Бриджертон.

Нам очень жаль, леди Бриджертон.

Идем, Пенелопа.

Не будем им слишком досаждать.

Прекрасная карета, Ваше Величество.

Бедные лошади. Тут столько золота.

Зачем вы наведались в типографию

в разгар так называемой

свадьбы вашего брата?

Я знаю, это вы.

Сама леди Уислдаун.

Ваше Величество…

Отрицая, вы лишь усугубите

свое положение.

Вы были очень умны, мисс Бриджертон.

В прошлом сезоне я поручила вам

выяснить личность автора,

а вы, воспользовавшись этим,

не нашли ни одного подозреваемого.

Мне не хватит мозгов перехитрить вас.

Разве не любопытно,

что вы почти не упоминаетесь

в фельетоне?

Говорят, общество вам

совсем не по душе.

Как и автору фельетона.

Вы осознаете, что сила,

заложенная в вашем пере,

достойна лучшего применения,

чем насмешки и сплетни, верно?

Леди Уислдаун может быть

стратегическим союзником монархии.

Если ей будет это угодно.

Я бы с радостью помогла, мэм.

Но это перо не мое, уверяю вас.

Вы предпочитаете

соперничать со мной?

Дитя, вы хоть представляете,

что будет, когда я раскрою ваш секрет?

Люди будут мстить.

Положение вашей семьи и так незавидное.

А станет еще хуже.

Возможно, я могу решить эту проблему.

Я дам вам три дня.

Хорошенько всё обдумайте

и примите верное решение.

А иначе

я использую все свои ресурсы,

чтобы раздавить вас. Как змею.

Уверяю вас, гордость не так уж важна,

когда вам нечем дышать.

Леди Каупер.

Леди Итон.

Лорд Холл.

Лорд Чо.

После той истории

с его судомойкой в прошлом сезоне

лорд Чо смеет меня игнорировать?

Понятно, с чем мы столкнулись.

Мы не должны сдаваться в этой битве.

Иначе всё будет потеряно.

Я не хочу здесь находиться.

С каждым днем

осуждение общества только усиливается.

Нам следует действовать.

Возможно, нужна другая причина

их расставания.

Мы уже дали одно объяснение.

Нельзя менять позицию.

В таком случае, может,

будем вести себя так,

будто нет никаких последствий?

Бал.

Да. Совместный. Покажем обществу,

что наша версия правдива.

Что это обоюдное решение обеих сторон.

И между нашими семьями

нет раздоров или неприязни.

На балу Эдвина получит шанс

найти нового кавалера.

Опять бал?

Чтобы общество могло вблизи

насладиться нашим положением?

Бал вполне может сработать.

До этого момента виконт и моя сестра

успешно скрывали свои чувства

от сторонних глаз.

Значит, и сейчас с этим справятся.

Эдвина.

Ньютон.

Простите. Ньютон, уйди отсюда.

Неужели я была настолько слепа?

Всегда было так очевидно?

Чтобы план сработал…

Вы двое должны

постоянно находиться

в разных концах комнаты.

Леди Данбери!

Если хоть кто-нибудь заметит

нечто неподобающее…

Прошу прощения, леди Данбери.

Я не понимаю, о чём вы.

О том, Энтони,

что сейчас всю правду знают лишь те,

кто находится в этой комнате.

В наших интересах,

чтобы так и оставалось.

Как и в ваших.

Достаточно одного беглого

обмена взглядами,

и наш план окажется бесполезным.

Все согласны?

Конечно.

Да, леди Данбери.

Энтони.

Ты против этого плана?

Мама…

Спрашиваю потому, что знаю, что бывает,

когда ты рядом с мисс Шарма.

Ничего бы не было, если бы…

Тебе не о чем беспокоиться.

Я сыграю свою роль.

А потом?

Этот план…

Это временное решение.

Если всё получится, скандал уляжется.

Но при этом

ты так и останешься без невесты.

Или твои планы на сезон изменились?

Ты понимаешь, что наш род продолжится,

даже если я не женюсь?

Я не единственный наследник.

Да, это так. Но…

Ты сделаешь ставку на братьев?

Я должен признать ошибку?

Тебе это нужно?

Что я зря просил руки мисс Эдвины?

Что нельзя было

заходить так далеко? Я понимаю.

Я признаю, что потерпел больше неудач,

чем вы с отцом себе представляете.

Этот план сработает.

Я уверен, что вы с леди Данбери

позаботитесь об этом.

Ты хранишь их все?

Да тут все выпуски до единого.

Вдвое больше.

Здесь по две копии каждого фельетона.

- Зачем?..

- Королева решила, это я.

- Что я леди Уислдаун.

- Ты шутишь?

Она дала мне три дня на признание.

Пен, она угрожает моей семье.

Нужно от них избавиться.

Если королева найдет их,

это лишь докажет мою вину.

Но ты невиновна, Эл.

Это ужасная ошибка.

Нужно как-то увидеться с королевой.

Воззвать к ее голосу разума.

О да, она всегда им руководствуется.

Но с чего она думает на тебя?

Да, ты откровенна и категорична, но…

Ее лакей видел меня у Тео.

Знаю. Зря я тебя не послушала.

Я была эгоисткой.

Теперь и у Тео могут быть неприятности.

Она решит, что он причастен.

Но это не так. И ты тоже. Это безумие.

- Надо его предупредить.

- Нет, не надо.

Держись подальше от Тео и типографии.

Дождись, пока выйдет

следующий фельетон леди Уислдаун.

Если повезет, так ты сможешь

доказать свою невиновность.

МОДИСТКА

Мне нужна мадам Делакруа.

- Вам не следует быть здесь.

- Это срочно. Прошу.

- Теперь в этом замешана королева?

- Полагаю, так было с самого начала.

Она уже давно чувствует угрозу

со стороны Уислдаун.

Я подвергала критике ее вкус,

усомнилась в ее суждениях.

Мы так не договаривались.

Наш уговор пошел на пользу нам обеим.

Вы осознавали сопряженные риски.

Да, но дело не касалось

королевы Англии.

Может, вы слышали какие-то слухи?

Что-то, что сможет

удовлетворить королеву.

Восхищение, любовь, восхваление.

Неужели вы сами

ничего не можете придумать?

Я не знаю, что делать.

Лучшая подруга в беде из-за меня, а я…

Я не знаю, что делать.

Вы можете сдаться.

Занять место мисс Элоизы.

Но королева должна будет вам поверить.

Я в этом не уверена.

Королева решит,

что я лишь пытаюсь помочь подруге.

Она не станет меня слушать.

Они прекрасны.

Ваши наброски.

Я надеялась передать их

уважаемому ателье во Франции.

Вывести мое дело на новый уровень.

А теперь я стала пособницей

самой известной сплетницы Лондона.

Ваше имя останется незапятнанным.

Даю слово.

Мне пора.

Простите, что побеспокоила.

Единственное, чего не сделает

ни одна леди,

так это не наденет того,

что ее уродует, мисс Пенелопа.

Напишите о мисс Элоизе то,

чего она не написала бы о себе.

Думаю,

не стоит говорить,

какой вывод сделает королева.

Я не пойду на это.

Я не наврежу своей подруге.

Конечно же нет.

Доброй ночи.

Брат. Не знал, что ты сегодня зайдешь.

Я тоже.

Я как-то иначе представлял себе

обучение в Королевской академии.

А может, именно так.

Хочешь выпить?

Здесь везде так шумно?

Это же вечеринка, брат.

Да уж, вижу.

И так каждый вечер?

Ты пришел меня увещевать?

Я лишь хочу сказать,

что, хоть ты и второй сын,

это не освобождает тебя

от долга перед семьей.

Ты просто второй.

Это как-то связано

с этой историей с Шарма?

Особенно со старшей?

Не только мама видит,

как ты на нее смотришь.

Как долго ты планируешь истязать себя?

Купаться в своем горе?

Забудь, что я заходил. Доброй ночи.

Послушай, сейчас всё кажется ужасным.

Но если я что и усвоил,

изучая искусство,

так это то, что всё зависит от того,

с какой точки взглянуть.

Я смотрю на свои художества.

И если мне не нравится то, что я вижу,

я всегда могу сменить палитру.

Но мне не обязательно

выбрасывать сам холст.

Возможно, это применимо

и к твоей жизни.

Снова балуешься чайком?

Ты бы хоть побрился.

Леди Данбери.

Леди Мэри. Мисс Шарма.

Мисс Эдвина, я…

Как мило, лорд Бриджертон.

Помните, перед тем,

как разослать приглашения,

нужно показать,

что нам приятно общество друг друга.

Идем?

Не бойтесь.

Если мы можем

забыть о свадьбе, смогут и они.

Простите меня, леди Мэри.

Я так и не принес вам извинения.

Я не очень удивлена.

Мужчинам нужно время,

чтобы осознать свою вину в таких делах.

Большая привилегия, не так ли?

У вас есть право презирать меня.

Но было бы ошибкой

не сказать вам, что я никогда не хотел

внести в вашу семью подобный раздор.

По правде говоря, я не могу возложить

всю вину на вас, лорд Бриджертон.

Я слишком долго

игнорировала происходящее.

После смерти мужа я должна была

взять на себя заботу о семье. Не Кейт.

Ради нас она слишком

многим пожертвовала.

Леди Худ. Рада вас видеть.

Взаимно, леди Мэри.

Как и лорда Бриджертона.

Да.

Мистер Мондрич.

Фэзерингтон.

Мне бренди.

Не совсем тот прием, который я ожидал.

Милорд?

Я надеялся, что владелец этого клуба

поведает мне множество историй.

Из боксерской карьеры.

По правде говоря,

я никогда не любил бокс.

Это спорт не для всех.

Тут нужно мужество

и умение сносить удары.

Интересное утверждение.

Мой кузен не обладал

этими качествами. Но я слышал,

покойный лорд Фэзерингтон был

вашим большим поклонником.

Я польщен.

Хотя я не знал о подобной чести.

Наверняка вы встречались.

Он часто посещал бои.

Да, но, наверняка,

я был увлечен текущей схваткой.

На ринге опасно отвлекаться.

Конечно. В вашем деле это опасно.

Но мой кузен вел

тщательный учет всех долгов

и ставок.

Я тут наткнулся на солидную сумму.

Я не стану оправдываться.

Эти обвинения беспочвенны, милорд.

Мне это не нужно.

Вы сделали себя сами.

Я это уважаю.

И неважно, какими способами.

Я задам не больше вопросов о вас,

чем вы обо мне.

Беспочвенные обвинения

никому из нас не пойдут на пользу.

И, судя по всему,

вам самому не помешает помощь.

Хозяина сегодня не будет.

Зайдите позже.

Я пришла не за заказом.

Вы рехнулись?

Совсем не рады меня видеть?

Люди из дворца спрашивали обо мне.

Меня чуть не уволили.

Да, похоже, это моя вина.

Королева знает,

что я была здесь на днях.

Она решила, что я и есть леди Уислдаун.

Нелепо, да?

Нелепо то, что вы решили

снова сюда прийти.

Снова книги понадобились?

Что?

Нет. Я пришла убедиться,

что вы в порядке,

обсудить нашу версию событий.

Версию?

Я ничуть не удивлен.

Что это значит?

Вы леди.

Вы в жизни не сталкивались

с трудностями.

Вы под защитой своей семьи,

своего окружения, а я…

Я - нет.

Вы познакомились с низами общества.

Возвращайтесь в Мейфэр,

мне и так довольно неприятностей.

Похоже, и мисс Каупер, и мисс Горинг

поверили в историю о том,

что свадьбу отменили

по взаимному согласию.

Хорошо.

Похоже, я отлично умею лгать.

Возможно, этому я научилась

у вас с виконтом.

Эдвина,

как мне заслужить прощение?

Нужно извиняться каждый день

до конца жизни? Ладно.

Я пеклась только о твоем счастье.

А сейчас, поверь мне,

я пожинаю последствия того,

что я его разрушила.

Я помню книги из папиной библиотеки,

которые ты мне читала.

О настоящей любви со счастливым концом,

несмотря ни на что.

Ты сама когда-нибудь в них верила?

Или всё, что ты говорила, было ложью?

Конечно, я верю в настоящую любовь.

И верю в счастливый конец.

Как же иначе?

Ты видела, как счастливы

были папа с мамой.

Я видела,

что даже это закончилось трагедией.

Счастливого конца не бывает, Кейт.

Не в реальной жизни.

Мисс Шарма.

Я хотел побыть с вами наедине.

И поговорить.

Нам не о чем говорить, милорд.

- Мы поцеловались.

- Нет.

Между нами ничего не было.

Как иначе?

Вы были женихом моей сестры.

Между нами ничего не может быть.

Вы серьезно?

Мы совершили ужасный поступок.

Нам следует стыдиться.

Леди Данбери. Леди Бриджертон.

Какая неожиданность видеть вас здесь.

Вы же в курсе, что у моей семьи

есть здесь именной зал,

верно, леди Каупер?

Вон там, не так ли?

На табличке имя Данбери.

Прямо над входом.

Так приятно видеть вас обеих.

Хотя я думала, что вам нужна передышка

после недавних событий.

Напротив. На этой неделе

я устраиваю бал.

Вы не получили приглашение?

Надо же. Я посмотрю, есть ли еще места.

Ожидается наплыв гостей.

Отличная коллекция охотничьих трофеев.

Когда живешь в такой дикой стране,

приходится идти на разные безумства.

Если бы не та экспедиция,

я бы не открыл свои шахты.

- Легка на помине.

- Колин.

Кузен Джек.

Я как раз говорил лорду Фэзерингтону,

что заинтересовался его шахтами,

увидев на тебе

то великолепное ожерелье.

Неужели?

Бриджертон, я вас услышал.

- Позвольте мне всё обдумать.

- Буду с нетерпением ждать ответа.

Все в восторге от ваших достижений.

Не хочу всё упустить.

Проводишь меня?

Не знала,

что ты интересуешься инвестициями.

Я и сам не знал. Но, похоже, я меняюсь.

Да, это крупная сумма и риск велик,

но искушение очень сильно.

Это шанс сделать себе имя.

Как твой кузен.

А когда мы получим прибыль,

это пойдет на благо обеим семьям.

От этого эта идея еще заманчивее.

- Ты ценишь мою семью?

- Я не общаюсь с теми, кого не уважаю.

Никогда об этом не задумывалась.

Я понимаю.

Наши отношения с годами развивались

столь естественно,

что воспринимаются как должное.

Ты всегда была

так постоянна и верна, Пен.

Не думаю, что преданность заслуживает

подобной похвалы.

Что-то не так?

Вовсе нет.

Чуть не забыл.

Я в последний раз положусь

на твою преданность.

Пока мы с твоим кузеном

не пришли к соглашению,

я не хочу, чтобы Энтони узнал об этом.

Ты могла бы никому не говорить?

Особенно Элоизе?

Знаю, между вами нет секретов, но…

Мистер Бриджертон.

Я не знала, что у нас сегодня гости.

Мисс Пенелопа провожала меня.

А я прожужжал ей все уши

глупостями, которыми не посмел бы

делиться ни с кем другим.

Неужели мне нужно напоминать вам,

кого не стоит

допускать к нашему предприятию?

Обожаю, когда вы называете его «нашим».

Я пытался его отговорить,

но мистер Бриджертон настаивает.

Несмотря на положение его семьи.

Именно поэтому он так спешит.

Он не глуп, желая договориться сейчас,

пока еще не все раздумали

иметь дело с ним и его семьей.

Снова счета, миссис Варли?

Приглашения, милорд.

Целая пачка.

А почему бы и нет?

Приглашения готовы к рассылке, мэм.

Отлично, миссис Уилсон.

Бедняжка Огги всё еще кашляет.

Герцогиня не сможет присутствовать.

Именно поэтому так важно,

чтобы все мы находились в гармонии…

…и все вместе впечатлили гостей.

Если получим достаточную поддержку,

королева может забыть о свадьбе.

- Здесь так душно.

- Элоиза, дорогая?

Тебе нехорошо?

Не волнуйся, мама.

Я буду на твоем балу.

Участвуя в этом фарсе вместе с нами.

Я делаю это ради всех нас.

Думаю, тебе стоит

поработать над гармонией.

Неужели нет нового фельетона Уислдаун?

Добрый день, Бриджертоны.

- Я признаюсь.

- Что?

Я знаю о Уислдаун всё, что нужно.

Найду печатника, опубликую подделку.

Дам королеве то,

что она ищет. Союзника.

С помощью подмастерья? Мистера Шарпа?

Я больше не хочу о нём говорить.

Я делаю это ради семьи, Пен.

Королева снова будет за нас.

Это заставит общество забыть

о недавнем скандале.

Элоиза, не совершай

опрометчивых поступков.

Время на исходе.

Меня приняли за Уислдаун? Пусть так.

Эта ложь долго не продержится.

Что будет, если?..

Что будет, когда выйдет

настоящий фельетон?

Мне плевать, что она напишет.

И напишет ли. Она для меня умерла.

Пен, я приняла решение.

Это хотя бы даст мне время

наконец-то найти настоящую писаку

и заставить ее за всё заплатить.

Я хочу поблагодарить тебя.

За то, что всегда была верным другом,

несмотря ни на что.

БАЛ У БРИДЖЕРТОНОВ

25 ИЮЛЯ 1814 ГОДА

Почему предательство вызывает

такой ажиотаж?

Определенно, общество охватило

некое безумие,

когда сорвалась свадьба века.

Но ваша покорная слуга знает

из надежного источника,

что несостоявшаяся свадьба виконта -

не единственное предательство,

с которым имеют сейчас дело

достопочтенные Бриджертоны.

Что ж,

неожиданный поворот событий.

Думаю, еще рано.

- Миледи, нам играть?

- В этом нет необходимости.

В таком случае я в студию.

Я не хочу скучать весь вечер.

- Подожди.

- Брось.

Ты останешься на танцы.

Устроим танцы.

С какой точки взглянуть, так?

Танцы? С кем?

Энтони.

Джасинт!

Да, брат?

Спускайся и окажи мне честь.

Если она танцует, то и я тоже.

Идите-ка сюда. Покажите вдове,

чему научились на уроках танцев,

что вы берёте, мистер Бриджертон.

Мне до него далеко.

Что-нибудь веселое.

Может, деревенский танец?

Ведь мама хотела,

чтобы сегодня всё было в гармонии.

Может, кадриль?

Может, лучше отведаем угощения?

Да.

Учитывая обычное легковерие общества,

я крайне удивлена,

что они не поверили

в нашу историю, леди Данбери.

Что же случилось?

…доставлено, мэм.

Возможно, стоит спросить их.

Миссис Уилсон?

Что-то случилось?

Только что доставили, мэм.

Фельетон леди Уислдаун?

Мама, это свежий выпуск?

О да.

Может, узнаем, почему мы здесь одни.

Если свести жизнь

к совокупности сделанных нами выборов,

то мисс Элоиза Бриджертон

совершила опасный,

возможно, фатальный, шаг.

Предположительно, она была замечена,

без сопровождения,

в неподобающей компании.

Речь о политических радикалах.

Что за радость, миледи?

Похоже, наши соседи

надолго стали изгоями.

Колин Бриджертон? Не вопрос.

Заключайте с ним соглашение.

Возможно, юная леди

долго обдумывала свои решения.

Или,

возможно, они были сделаны в спешке.

Как бы там ни было,

мы все должны помнить:

что посеешь,

то и пожнешь.

Может, вернемся домой?

Тебе есть дело до моего мнения?

Эдвина, это жестоко…

Не смей выставлять меня жестокой.

Может, я не знаю, кто я.

Но я уверена, что я добрее тебя.

Что вы здесь делаете?

Прошу прощения.

- Нет. Останьтесь.

- Я помешала.

Я уже ухожу.

Это ваш дом, милорд.

Это неважно.

Возможно, зря.

- Это обязательно?

- Вы настаиваете.

- А вы поддаетесь?

- Доброй ночи, милорд.

Трудно согласиться?

Вы ведете себя так

с нашей первой встречи в этом парке.

Упрямая, непреклонная,

не прислушивающаяся к здравому смыслу.

Я прекрасно понимаю,

почему это бесит мужчин, подобных вам.

Привыкших к подчинению,

привыкших командовать…

- Я не командую.

- Вы ждете от меня подчинения.

- А я не слушаюсь.

- И зря.

Я не буду слушать вас

или кого угодно, с кем я не согласна.

То, что вы до сих пор не можете

с этим смириться,

принять тот факт, что…

- Знаете, почему?

- Вы сами не знаете.

- Знаю.

- Начинается.

Так вы хорошо себя знаете?

Я не встречал подобных вам.

Меня бесит,

насколько вы захватили все мои мысли.

Моя семья на грани катастрофы.

Я почти уверен,

что все мои братья и сестры

в тайне меня презирают.

Даже моя мать. И это при том,

что я живу только ради них.

И несмотря на это,

всё, о чём я могу думать,

всё, ради чего я дышу…

…это вы.

Думаете, я этому рад?

Я постоянно борюсь

с желанием быть рядом с вами.

С желанием сбежать с вами.

С желанием отдаться

во власть фривольных,

запретных желаний.

Сколько бы

я не напоминал себе,

что я джентльмен, а вы леди.

А еще… Еще этот запах.

Он навсегда запечатлен в моём сознании

с той встречи на террасе

на балу в консерватории.

Лилии.

- Прекратите.

- Прекратить?

Других вариантов нет.

Вы должны прекратить!

Да ведь дело в вас.

Именно вы всё это время

смещали мой мир с оси,

заставляя меня сомневаться во всём,

что я для себя решила.

Я приехала сюда,

полная решимости спасти свою семью.

- Всё, что я делала…

- Было для них.

- Было для них.

- Да.

Это вы должны прекратить.

Вы должны остановиться.

- Пока…

- Пока что?

Пока мы оба не подумаем наконец о себе?

Идите в дом.

Идите

в дом.

Вы опять командуете?

Я остановлюсь.

- Не надо.

- Я должен.

Не останавливайтесь.

Я к мисс Шарме.

Знаю, очень рано,

но передайте ей, что это важно.

Боюсь, это невозможно, милорд.

Похоже, ее здесь нет.

Пропала одна из лошадей.

Пошел!

Мисс Шарма!

Мисс Шарма!

Нет! Мисс Шарма!

Кейт!

Нет.

Кейт!

Перевод субтитров: Ксения Гребеникова

МОДИСТКА

ПАВИЛЬОН ДЭНБЕРИ

ДОБРО ПОЖАЛОВАТЬ НА БАЛ БРИДЖЕРТОНОВ

«СВЕТСКИЕ ХРОНИКИ ОТ ЛЕДИ УИСЛДАУН»

ПО МОТИВАМ РОМАНОВ ДЖУЛИИ КУИНН

[Lady Whistledown] A jilted groom.

A broken-hearted bride-to-be.

[rousing classical music playing]

[Lady Whistledown]

A royal wedding in shambles.

Sensational? Quite.

But true?

This author may traffic

in chatter and speculation, dear reader,

but misinformation? [chuckles]

Never.

Explanations of why Miss Edwina

absconded from the altar

may be greater in number

than anyone could possibly fathom.

But we must not forget,

it was Her Majesty the Queen

who placed the young miss

on that special stage

so that she could make her grand exit.

-[grunts]

-[clattering]

[Lady Whistledown]

Allow this author to hope…

My carriage.

…for Her Majesty's sake,

as well as both

the Sharmas and Bridgertons,

that an official explanation

emerges swiftly,

lest the ton are run away

by their tawdry imaginings.

[music crescendos]

[heartbeat thumping]

[Kate sighs]

-[knocking]

-[gasps]

[woman] Miss? The baths are ready.

[sighs, clears throat]

I'm finished.

[water sloshing]

[sighs softly]

You should try the lily soap today.

It is good for the nerves.

[indistinct chatter]

Where is your brother?

He should be here by now.

Perhaps he is still waiting

at the altar for Miss Edwina.

There will be no mockery today.

She mocks me incessantly.

Are we not overlooking

the benefit of this… tragedy?

-Leftover cake?

-You wonder why I mock you?

Brother! How good of you to join us.

-Have you all eaten?

-You will need to break your fast later.

For now, it is of the utmost importance

that we act swiftly to

limit the damaging consequences

of the unfortunate events of your--

Bungled nuptials?

Is all of this truly happening

because a woman merely changed her mind?

Unfortunately so, Eloise. Yet,

I suppose the reason does not signify.

We simply must deal with the consequences.

Now, I think it

a pleasant morning for promenade.

[all groaning]

Together, united, as the most respectable

family that we still very much are.

Respectable?

A respectable family is

headed by a gentleman, is it not?

[Benedict] Brother…

Is there something more we should know?

Or, perhaps, more than just I should know?

[sighs] Forgive me.

If a promenade is

what you feel is wise, Mother,

then we shall leave within the hour.

[clears throat]

I shall be a little late. Shopping.

I need a new pair of gloves,

so as to look that much more

united and respectable. [chuckles]

[grunts softly]

Oh, never mind the heavy cloaks.

I will be quite sweltering

where we are going shopping

in town.

Miss Bridgerton.

Straight into the fire.

A favorite pastime of mine.

Now, remember,

it was a mutual understanding

about a private matter

between Miss Edwina and the viscount.

That is all we are to say on the subject.

Good day, Lord Fife.

For some of us.

Is this truly our plan?

Simply to pretend nothing has happened?

We are not pretending

nothing has happened.

We are choosing to deal with it

in private, in our own time.

Scandals may cast aspersions,

but they do not obligate us

to answer to anyone.

Besides, the ton

has a remarkably short memory.

With any luck, by this time next week,

there will be a bigger story for them

to sink their rapacious teeth into.

We may find you a husband

this season still, Miss Edwina.

I give credit

to your imagination, Lady Danbury.

A bigger story I cannot foresee.

Hmm. [clears throat quietly]

Don't look.

Miss Patridge.

Such a pleasant afternoon, is it not?

Yes, indeed, my lord.

My dear, I believe we will be late

for the Gorings. Make haste.

Is this not a surprise,

to see you out in public,

Lady Bridgerton, so soon?

Lady Featherington, it is not

as though we are in mourning.

No one understands the pain

of a broken engagement better than myself.

I never thought we would recover

after Mr. Bridgerton

and Miss Thompson's falling out,

and yet here we are.

Miss Thompson now Lady Crane,

Philippa now Mrs. Finch,

and Prudence now engaged.

Yes. It is rather amusing

how things work themselves out, is it not?

Indeed. I do wish you good fortune

with all of your things, Lady Bridgerton.

We are truly sorry, Lady Bridgerton.

[Lady Featherington] Come along, Penelope.

We don't want to talk their ears off.

[mutters indistinctly]

[Eloise chuckles nervously]

[clears throat]

It's a beautiful carriage,

Your Majesty. [chuckles]

Your horses must be strong

to pull all of this gold.

What were you doing

visiting that printer shop

in the middle

of your brother's so-called wedding?

-Oh.

-I know it is you.

Lady Whistledown herself.

Oh, Your Majesty--

Your denial shall only

enhance your punishment.

You were quite clever, Miss Bridgerton.

Why, just last season, I recruited you

to uncover the writer's identity,

and you, rather conveniently,

found not one credible suspect.

I am not clever enough

to manipulate Your Majesty.

Is it not curious that you are

so rarely mentioned in those pages?

I also hear you have

a great distaste for society,

just as the writer herself does.

You do realize the power you wield

in that pen of yours can be used

for greater purposes

than ridicule and gossip-mongering, yes?

Lady Whistledown could be

a strategic ally to the Crown,

should she so please.

And I would gladly help, ma'am,

but I wield no such power, I assure you.

So,

you would rather be my rival?

Have you any idea what will happen

once I reveal this secret of yours, child?

People will seek their revenge.

However bad your family's

situation seems to you now,

it will only get worse.

I might be able to solve that problem.

I shall give you three days

to consider my proposal

and come to your senses.

If you do not,

then I will deploy my resources

to crush you like a serpent.

Pride may not be

as precious to you as your breath.

[chuckles softly]

Lady Cowper.

[dramatic instrumental music plays]

Lady Eaton.

Oh, Lord Hall.

Lord Cho.

[sighs]

After everything that happened

with his scullery maid last season,

and Lord Cho cuts me?

We know what we are

to deal with, at least.

We shall not remove ourselves

from this fight.

All will be lost if we run now.

I should like to remove myself

from this room.

Every day that goes by

without our altering

the ton-shared sentiment will harden it.

Perhaps we need

another story as to why things ended.

We have already started to tell one.

We cannot change course now.

If we cannot speak about the reasons,

might we at least act as though

they are of no consequence to us?

A ball.

[Violet] Yes. Together. We prove

to the ton that our story is true.

It was indeed a mutual decision

between all interested parties,

and there is no scandal or ill will

between our families at all.

[Lady Danbury] Hmm.

A ball would give Edwina

another chance to find a suitor.

Another ball?

So that the ton might inspect

this wreckage with an even closer eye?

A ball may very well work.

After all, the viscount

and my sister have been so good

at hiding their true feelings

from everyone in public this far.

It should not trouble them

to do the same a little longer.

Edwina…

[dog barking]

-[Kate tuts] Ugh, Newton.

-[dog barks, whimpering]

Oh, Newton. My apologies.

Newton, out. Out. Newton, out.

-[dog continues whimpering]

-[both sigh]

Was I truly that blind?

Were they always this obvious?

If this plan is to work…

I suggest the two of you stay on

opposite sides of the room at all times.

Lady Danbury!

All we need would be for someone

to witness something untoward--

I beg your pardon, Lady Danbury.

I do not know what you mean to say.

What she means to say,

is that those of us in this room

at present are the only ones

who know the full truth of the matter.

[Lady Danbury] And we would

prefer to keep it that way.

As should you.

If there is so much

as a passing look between the two of you,

then this plan of ours

will be for nothing.

Are we all in agreement?

Of course.

Quite, Lady Danbury.

Anthony.

Anthony.

Is this plan

going to be a problem for you?

Mother--

I ask because of what happened

the last time you found yourself

in such close proximity to Miss Sharma.

We'd not be in this situation if--

You have nothing to worry about.

I will play the part.

And then?

This plan…

Well, it is a temporary solution.

If it is successful, of course,

the rumors of scandal will die.

Yet, no matter what,

it still leaves you with no one to marry.

Unless your designs

for the season have changed?

You do realize it is still possible

for our family to endure

whether I decide to marry or not?

This line does not end with me.

[chuckling] No. No, it does not, but--

Are you to rely on

your brothers as your solution?

Do you need me to admit

I made a mistake? Is that what you want?

To tell you I never should've asked

Miss Edwina for her hand?

That I never should've

taken things this far? I realize.

I realize I have indeed failed

at more things

than you and Father will ever know.

This plan will work.

I am… quite certain both you

and Lady Danbury will make sure of it.

[grunts, sighs]

[breathing heavily]

You saved them all?

[sighs]

You must have, what,

every issue ever printed.

Double that.

There are two copies here of every one.

-Eloise, why ever--

-The queen thinks it is me.

-That I am Lady Whistledown.

-Are you being humorous?

She has given me three days to confess.

She is threatening my family, Pen.

I should get rid of these. If the queen

discovers I have all of these,

it will only make me appear

that much more guilty.

But you are not guilty.

El, this is a terrible mistake.

We will somehow

arrange to see Her Majesty.

We must implore her to listen to reason.

Oh yes, because Her Majesty

has always been so reasonable.

But why would the queen think it is you?

Yes, you are outspoken

and opinionated and--

One of her footmen saw me visiting Theo.

[scoffs]

I know. I should have listened to you.

I was selfish, and now I may have

even put Theo into harm's way too.

The queen must think he has

something to do with Whistledown.

But he does not, and neither have you.

El, this is madness.

-I should warn him.

-No. No, you should not.

You should stay as far away from Theo

and that print shop as you can.

You should wait for Lady Whistledown

to print her next issue.

Then, with any luck, you can use that

in order to prove your innocence.

[breathing heavily]

[knocking]

I must speak with Madame Delacroix.

-You should not be here.

-It is urgent. Please.

Her Majesty the Queen is now involved?

[Penelope] She always has been, I suppose.

I gather she has felt threatened

by Whistledown for quite some time.

I have questioned Her Majesty's taste,

challenged her judgment.

That was not part of our agreement.

Our businesses both

reaped substantial rewards.

You understood

our arrangement came with risks.

Yes, but that did not involve

the Queen of England.

[Genevieve sighs]

[liquid pouring]

I was hoping you would've

heard something in your shop.

Something to satisfy Her Majesty.

A way to give her what she clearly wants.

Admiration, favor, praise.

Uh, you are to tell me

you could not think of something yourself?

I do not know what to do.

My best friend is

in trouble because of me, and

I do not know what to do.

You could turn yourself in.

Take Miss Eloise's place.

Only, Her Majesty would

need to believe you, of course.

Well, I cannot be certain she would.

Her Majesty would merely dismiss me

as a friend trying to help a friend.

That's if she would even see me at all.

[sighs deeply]

They are quite beautiful.

[Genevieve] Hmm.

-Your designs.

-Ah.

I was hoping to submit them

to a revered house

of dressmakers in France.

Take my business to a higher rank.

Though, now I may be aiding and abetting

the most notorious

gossip writer in London.

I will ensure your name remains unsullied.

You have my word.

I should go.

I am sorry I disturbed you.

The one thing a lady would never do

is wear something she knows

makes her look ugly, Miss Penelope.

Were you to write

something about Miss Eloise

she would never write about herself.

Well,

I do not need to tell you

what that might make the queen believe.

I could never do that.

I could never ruin my friend.

Of course not.

Good night.

[sighs]

[door closes]

-[light string music playing]

-[indistinct overlapping chatter]

Brother. I did not know

you'd be stopping by tonight.

Neither did I.

The Royal Schools seem to be providing

a different sort of education

than what I had pictured.

Or perhaps, exactly as I had pictured.

Can I-- Can I get you a drink?

Is there somewhere

we can go that is quieter?

It is a party, Brother.

It is something.

Do you do this every night?

[groans]

Did you come to admonish me?

I only mean to say

you may be a second son, Brother,

but that does not exempt you

from familial duty altogether.

It merely makes you second.

Does this have to do with whatever is

truly going on with you and the Sharmas?

Particularly the eldest?

Mother is not the only one

who sees the way you look at her.

How long do you plan

on punishing yourself for,

and wallowing in such misery?

Forget I came.

Have a good night, Benedict.

Look, no.

Things may seem bleak now, Brother.

But if I'm learning anything

from my art studies,

it's that it is almost always

a matter of… perspective.

I look at my art,

and if I do not like what I see,

I may always alter the color palette,

but I certainly do not toss

the entire design aside.

Perhaps you, too,

could do the same in your own life.

Back to taking the tea, are we?

At least just shave, will you?

-Lady Danbury.

-Hmm.

-Lady Mary.

-Thank you.

Miss Sharma.

Miss Edwina, I…

How thoughtful of you, Lord Bridgerton.

Now, remember,

before we are to send out our invitations,

we must appear

to be enjoying each other's company.

Shall we?

[awkward chuckle]

[inhales deeply]

[Lady Danbury clears throat]

[indistinct overlapping chatter]

[Violet clears throat]

Do not be deterred.

If we can put the wedding

behind us, so can they.

You must forgive me, Lady Mary.

I have yet formally to apologize.

It is not exactly a surprise.

Men often take time to realize

their culpability in such matters.

It is quite the privilege, is it not?

You have every reason to scorn me.

But I would be very much remiss

if I did not tell you

it was not my intention ever

to cause your family

as much strife as I now know I have done.

In truth, I cannot place blame

entirely at your door, Lord Bridgerton.

I myself have been absent

for far too long.

When my husband died, it should've been me

taking on my family's burden,

not Kate.

She sacrificed

far too much for us, indeed.

Lady Hood. How good to see you today.

And you, Lady Mary.

And Lord Bridgerton too.

Yes.

[chuckles softly]

Mr. Mondrich.

Featherington.

I'll, uh, take a brandy.

Um, not exactly

the kind of welcome I was expecting.

Forgive me, my lord?

I was hoping for the owner

of this fine establishment to regale me

with many stories, indeed.

Of his boxing days, perhaps?

Truth be told, I never really

enjoyed the sport myself.

Boxing is not for all to enjoy.

It requires a strong stomach

and an even stronger jaw.

Hmm.

A rather interesting assertion.

My cousin had neither,

but Lord Featherington,

may God rest his soul,

was quite an admirer of yours, I've heard.

I am honored.

Though his regard was unknown to me.

Surely, your paths must have crossed.

He attended many bouts.

Yes, well, I likely was preoccupied

with the fight at hand.

It is dangerous

to become distracted in the ring.

Of course. Dangerous in your occupation.

But my cousin did keep

meticulous records of all debts, and

wagers.

I just came across

a rather significant one myself.

I do not wish to defend myself

against baseless accusations, my lord.

And I do not wish you to do so.

I respect a self-made man,

no matter what means he uses

to make himself.

I will ask no more questions

of you than you ask of me.

Baseless accusations, I cannot imagine,

would be good

for either of our businesses.

And, from the looks of it,

you might need

all the help you can get with yours.

-[light knocking]

-[door opens]

Master printer's gone for the day.

You'll have to come back.

It is not printing I wish to solicit.

Are you mad?

[softly] What?

What?

Not even a little excited to see me, then?

People from the palace

have been asking about me.

I was almost thrown out today.

[sighs softly] Yes.

I think that may be my fault.

The queen, she… she saw me

visiting you the other day

and now believes me

to be Lady Whistledown herself.

Ridiculous, yes?

What is ridiculous is the fact

that you thought it wise

to come back here again.

-[scoffs softly]

-Come for more books, did you?

What?

No. I came to make sure

you were all right,

to get our story straight.

Our story?

This is not the least bit surprising.

What is that supposed to mean?

That you are a lady who's never had to

endure any real difficulties in your life.

You may have

the protection of your family,

of your society, but I'm…

I do not.

You took your pleasure

from low life, Miss Bridgerton.

Now I think it best you return to Mayfair

before you get me into any more trouble.

It seems both Miss Cowper and Miss Goring

are swallowing the story

about the wedding being halted due to

a mutual decision.

That is good.

Well… I appear to be a very good liar.

Something else you and the viscount

have taught me, perhaps.

Edwina,

what will it take for you to forgive me?

If I must apologize every day

for the rest of my life, I will.

Your happiness is all

that has mattered to me, Bon,

and now, believe me,

I am reaping

the consequences of destroying it.

I remember the books you used

to read to me from Appa's library.

The stories of true love

and happy endings against all odds.

Did you yourself ever truly believe them?

Or has everything you told me been a lie?

Of course I believe in true love.

Of course I believe in happy endings.

How could I not?

You saw Appa and Mama,

how happy they once were.

What I saw is how

even that ended in tragedy.

Happy endings do not exist, Kate.

At least not in real life.

Miss Sharma.

I've been wishing

for a moment to be alone with you.

To speak.

There is nothing to speak about, my lord.

-We kissed.

-We did not.

Nothing happened between us.

How could it?

You were my sister's intended.

There is no world in which we could kiss.

Are you quite serious?

We did a terrible thing.

We should be ashamed of what we did.

[Lady Cowper] Oh.

Lady Danbury. Lady Bridgerton.

What a surprise to see you here.

You do know my family

has its very own room here,

yes, Lady Cowper?

Over there, is it not?

The one with the, uh… Danbury name

just above the door.

[light chuckling]

How nice it is to see you both.

Though I'd have thought

you required a respite after

the strenuous events of the past week.

Oh, on the contrary.

Well, I myself am hosting

a ball later this week.

Have you not received an invitation?

-Oh.

-[Violet] My. Well…

I will see if there is still room.

We shall have a full house, no doubt.

[soft, polite chuckling]

[sighs softly]

[Colin] You truly are

a Jack of all trades.

[Jack laughs]

When one is in such wild country,

one sometimes must do wild things.

[both chuckle]

But if I'd not gone

on that hunting expedition,

I'd never have discovered my mines.

Huh. Ah.

-The lady of the hour.

-Colin.

Cousin Jack.

I was just telling Lord Featherington

that my interest in his mines

was sparked quite naturally

when I viewed that exquisite necklace

you wore to my brother's wedding.

Was it?

You make a compelling case, Bridgerton.

Allow me to give it some consideration.

I shall eagerly await your response.

The rest of the ton is dazzled

by your exploits. I only wish to be too.

[both chuckle softly]

Would you see me out?

[chuckles softly]

I did not know

you fancied yourself an investor.

No. Even I did not.

Yet, I am beginning to think differently.

I know it is a large sum to risk,

but I am sorely tempted.

It is a chance to make a name for myself,

as your cousin has done.

And once our profits come,

both our families will benefit,

which is just what makes it so enticing.

You think highly of my family?

I am not in the habit of consorting

with those I hold in low esteem.

I never thought of it like that.

I understand.

Our relationship has taken shape

so naturally over the years,

one could take it for granted.

You have always been so

constant and loyal, Pen.

I do not believe I deserve

such praise for my loyalty.

Does something trouble you?

No, not at all.

Oh. I almost forgot.

Perhaps I might rely on

your loyalty one last time.

Until this agreement

with your cousin is confirmed,

I do not wish for word

to get back to Anthony.

Could you avoid telling anyone?

Especially Eloise.

I know there are no secrets

between you two, but--

[Lady Featherington] Mr. Bridgerton.

I did not know we had a caller today.

Miss Penelope was just seeing me out.

While I have been talking her to death

about matters so foolish I'd have

blushed to share them with anyone else.

-[man] Mr. Bridgerton.

-[door opens]

[door closes]

Need I remind you of our discussion

about who is and is not

to invest in our business?

I love it when you call it our business.

[chuckles lightly]

I tried to dissuade Mr. Bridgerton,

but the lad is quite persistent.

Despite his family situation,

he seems fixed on it.

Because it is precisely

that situation that is prompting him.

He is not foolish in wanting

to come to an agreement now

before everyone wishes to stop associating

with him and his family altogether.

[Jack] More bills, Mrs. Varley?

Invitations, my lord.

And there are quite a few.

And why should there not be? [chuckles]

[gasps]

-Look at that one.

-[gasps, chuckles]

The invitations are ready

to be distributed, ma'am.

Oh, excellent, Mrs. Wilson.

Oh, dear little Augie is

still suffering from his cough,

so the duchess

will naturally not be able to attend.

But that is precisely

why it is so important

that the rest of us

embrace this theme of harmony…

[piano music stops]

[stifling laughter]

…and work together to impress our guests.

If we garner enough support,

the queen may even be swayed

to forget all about this wedding business.

-[piano music resumes]

-[Eloise gasps]

[grunting]

-It is positively suffocating in here.

-[Violet] Eloise, dear?

Are you feeling unwell?

Do not fret, Mama.

I'll still be in attendance at your ball.

Participating in this farce

along with the rest of us.

I am doing this for all of us.

Perhaps there is still time

to change your theme.

Has there truly been

no Whistledown delivery today?

Good day, Bridgertons.

[exhales]

-I am going to confess.

-What?

I know all I need to know

about Whistledown.

I shall find a printer,

publish a counterfeit paper,

and give Her Majesty

exactly what she wants. An ally.

And you'll use the assistance

of that apprentice, Mr. Sharpe.

I do not wish to speak

of that boy ever again.

[sighs] I am doing this

for my family, Pen.

I make the queen,

once more, our supporter.

It'll make the rest of society overlook

all the scandal we've recently caused.

Eloise, I do not wish you

to do anything rash.

There is little sand

left in this hourglass.

If I have to say I am Whistledown,

then so be it.

That'll only last for so long.

You cannot continue lying like that.

What will happen…

[breathes deeply]

What will happen when the real

Lady Whistledown decides to publish again?

[scoffs] I no longer care

what the real Lady Whistledown does,

or does not, decide to do.

She is dead to me.

Pen, I have made my decision.

At the very least,

it will allow me a little more time to

finally find the real writer

and make her pay for all of her crimes.

I only wish to thank you.

For always being such a loyal friend,

whatever the circumstances.

[rousing classical music plays]

[Lady Whistledown] What is it

about betrayal that excites us so?

The ton itself has certainly felt

its peculiar kind of frenzy

after the promise of the wedding

to end all weddings was broken.

Yet this author has it

on very good authority

that the viscount's failed nuptials

may not be the only betrayal

our dear Bridgertons

must manage at present.

[pleasant classical music playing]

[Violet] Hmm.

Well,

this is unexpected.

It is still quite early, I suppose.

[man clears throat]

-Would you still like us to play, my lady?

-That will not be necessary.

[indistinct chatter]

If there’s no need for my presence,

I’ll head to my studio.

I do not wish to be around

such misery all evening.

-Wait.

-I know of your opinions.

You will stay for a dance.

There shall be dancing.

A new perspective, yes?

Dancing? With whom?

Anthony.

Hyacinth!

[Hyacinth] Yes, Brother?

Come down here and do me the honor.

[chuckles]

If she gets to dance, so do I.

[Lady Danbury] Come.

Show this dowager

the benefit of all these lessons

I hear you've been taking, Mr. Bridgerton.

He's much better than me, I'll say.

Something lively.

A country dance, perhaps?

I believe the theme you have

chosen tonight is harmony, Mother.

[lively music playing]

[laughing]

-[squeals]

-[laughter]

[Gregory and Benedict] Come on!

[indistinct chatter]

-[laughing]

-[whooping]

-[women laughing]

-[men shouting] Hey! Hey!

[shouting and laughter continues]

[both laugh]

[Benedict exclaims]

[laughter]

[Edwina shrieks, laughs]

Whoo!

-[laughing]

-[music crescendos]

[all panting]

[laughter and panting]

[light clapping]

Perhaps a quadrille?

[Lady Danbury] Uh…

Perhaps we should

start eating some of that food.

[Eloise sighs]

Yes.

[panting]

Given the ton's usual gullibility,

I must admit, I am rather surprised

they did not give credit

to our story, Lady Danbury.

Whatever happened?

Perhaps we should ask them.

Mrs. Wilson?

Is something wrong?

It was just delivered, ma'am.

Is that Lady Whistledown?

Has she published, Mama?

Indeed, she has.

And now we may know

why we are the only ones here.

[Lady Whistledown]

Should our lives be distilled down

to the sum total of our choices,

then Miss Eloise Bridgerton

has certainly made a dangerous,

perhaps ruinous one.

For she's apparently been associating,

unchaperoned, with improper company.

Political radicals, in fact.

[gasping]

[chuckles]

You seem happy, my lady.

It seems our neighbors are to remain

afflicted for quite some time.

Colin Bridgerton, go ahead.

Seal the agreement with him.

[giggles happily]

[Lady Whistledown] It might be that

the young miss spent a great deal of time

considering her decisions.

Or,

perhaps, they were made in haste.

Whatever the case may be,

we all must remember,

as one makes one's bed,

so one must lie in it.

Might we return home, Bon?

As if you truly care

what I would like to do.

Edwina, this is cruelty--

Do not dare…

try to make me out to be the cruel one.

I may not know who I truly am,

but at least I know

I am kinder-hearted than you.

[sighs deeply]

[huffs]

[Anthony] What are you doing out here?

[Kate sighs]

-My apologies.

-No, no, please. Stay.

You were here first.

-I was just leaving.

-It is your house, my lord.

-It does not signify--

-Perhaps it should.

-Must you always?

-You were the one insisting.

-And this is you compromising?

-[scoffs] Good night, my lord.

Can you ever just agree?

[breathes deeply]

You have been like this from the moment

we first met in those woods.

Obstinate, inflexible,

unyielding to good, plain common sense.

Well, I can certainly understand why that

would be so troubling for a man like you.

A man used to always getting his way.

-A man used to giving orders--

-I do not give orders.

You give me orders

and you expect me to listen. I do not--

-Perhaps you should.

-I'll never listen to you!

Or to anyone

I wholeheartedly disagree with!

The fact it's taken you this long to come

to terms with that, to accept that fact--

-You wish to know why?

-I am uncertain you even know why.

-I know why.

-Enthrall me with your self-awareness.

It is because I have never met

anyone like you.

[sighs]

It is maddening,

how much you consume my very being.

[Anthony breathing deeply]

My family is on the brink of ruin.

I am nearly certain every last one

of my brothers and sisters

secretly despise me.

My own mother, at that.

Despite the fact I have lived

the better part of my life for them.

And yet still,

all I find myself thinking about,

all I find myself

being able to breathe for…

is you.

Do you think that

I want to be in this position?

Contending with these thoughts

of wanting to be nowhere except with you.

[sighs] Wanting to run away with you.

Of acting on the most

impure, forbidden desires,

no matter… how much I must remind myself

I am a gentleman, and you are a lady.

Of that… [inhales] …of that scent.

[Kate sighs]

It has remained imprinted on my mind

ever since the night

of the conservatory ball on that terrace.

Lilies.

[exhales]

[sighs]

-You have to stop.

-I have to stop?

There is no other course of action

to be concluded. You must stop!

It has been you.

It has been you this entire time.

Spinning my world off its axis,

making me reconsider

everything I have ever told myself.

[breathes deeply]

I came here resolved… to save my family.

Everything I have ever done--

…has been for them.

[sighs deeply]

-[quietly] Has been for them.

-Yeah.

[softly] You are the one who must stop.

You are the one who must stop.

Before--

Before what? Before we both

finally do something for ourselves?

[exhales deeply]

[tense music playing]

Please go inside.

[Anthony exhales deeply]

Go

in… side

What did I tell you

about you and your orders?

[exhales deeply]

[panting]

[both moan]

-[gasps]

-I will stop.

-[sighs] Do not stop.

-I will stop.

Do not stop.

[romantic music playing]

[moans]

[sighs]

[exhales sharply]

[shuddering moan]

[sighs]

[water drops pattering]

[inhales sharply]

[exhales deeply]

[thunder rumbling]

[rainfall intensifies]

[intense music plays]

[exhales]

[sighs sharply]

-[exhales]

-[thunderclap]

[moans]

[heartbeat thumping]

[exhales]

[panting, moaning]

[moaning, panting]

[dramatic music playing]

[knocking at door]

I must speak with Miss Sharma.

[thunder rumbling]

[watch ticking]

I know it is early,

but can you please tell her I'm here?

I am afraid that is not possible, my lord.

She does not seem to be here.

One of the horses is gone too.

[thunder rumbling]

[intense music playing]

Come on. Come on.

Miss Sharma!

[horse neighs]

[Anthony grunts]

Miss Sharma!

[Kate grunts]

No, no, no. Miss Sharma!

[music crescendos, fades]

[distorted neighing]

[distorted] Kate!

[tense music continues]

No, no, no, no, no, no.

-Kate!

-[horse neighs]

A broken-hearted bride-to-be.

A royal wedding in shambles.

Sensational? Quite.

But true?

This author may traffic

in chatter and speculation, dear reader,

but misinformation?

Never.

Explanations of why Miss Edwina

absconded from the altar

may be greater in number

than anyone could possibly fathom.

But we must not forget,

it was Her Majesty the Queen

who placed the young miss

on that special stage

so that she could make her grand exit.

Allow this author to hope…

My carriage.

…for Her Majesty's sake,

as well as both

the Sharmas and Bridgertons,

that an official explanation

emerges swiftly,

lest the ton are run away

by their tawdry imaginings.

Miss? The baths are ready.

I'm finished.

You should try the lily soap today.

It is good for the nerves.

Where is your brother?

He should be here by now.

Perhaps he is still waiting

at the altar for Miss Edwina.

There will be no mockery today.

She mocks me incessantly.

Are we not overlooking

the benefit of this… tragedy?

-Leftover cake?

-You wonder why I mock you?

Brother! How good of you to join us.

-Have you all eaten?

-You will need to break your fast later.

For now, it is of the utmost importance

that we act swiftly to

limit the damaging consequences

of the unfortunate events of your--

Bungled nuptials?

Is all of this truly happening

because a woman merely changed her mind?

Unfortunately so, Eloise. Yet,

I suppose the reason does not signify.

We simply must deal with the consequences.

Now, I think it

a pleasant morning for promenade.

Together, united, as the most respectable

family that we still very much are.

Respectable?

A respectable family is

headed by a gentleman, is it not?

Brother…

Is there something more we should know?

Or, perhaps, more than just I should know?

Forgive me.

If a promenade is

what you feel is wise, Mother,

then we shall leave within the hour.

I shall be a little late. Shopping.

I need a new pair of gloves,

so as to look that much more

united and respectable.

Oh, never mind the heavy cloaks.

I will be quite sweltering

where we are going shopping

in town.

Miss Bridgerton.

Straight into the fire.

A favorite pastime of mine.

Now, remember,

it was a mutual understanding

about a private matter

between Miss Edwina and the viscount.

That is all we are to say on the subject.

Good day, Lord Fife.

For some of us.

Is this truly our plan?

Simply to pretend nothing has happened?

We are not pretending

nothing has happened.

We are choosing to deal with it

in private, in our own time.

Scandals may cast aspersions,

but they do not obligate us

to answer to anyone.

Besides, the ton

has a remarkably short memory.

With any luck, by this time next week,

there will be a bigger story for them

to sink their rapacious teeth into.

We may find you a husband

this season still, Miss Edwina.

I give credit

to your imagination, Lady Danbury.

A bigger story I cannot foresee.

Hmm.

Don't look.

Miss Patridge.

Such a pleasant afternoon, is it not?

Yes, indeed, my lord.

My dear, I believe we will be late

for the Gorings. Make haste.

Is this not a surprise,

to see you out in public,

Lady Bridgerton, so soon?

Lady Featherington, it is not

as though we are in mourning.

No one understands the pain

of a broken engagement better than myself.

I never thought we would recover

after Mr. Bridgerton

and Miss Thompson's falling out,

and yet here we are.

Miss Thompson now Lady Crane,

Philippa now Mrs. Finch,

and Prudence now engaged.

Yes. It is rather amusing

how things work themselves out, is it not?

Indeed. I do wish you good fortune

with all of your things, Lady Bridgerton.

We are truly sorry, Lady Bridgerton.

Come along, Penelope.

We don't want to talk their ears off.

It's a beautiful carriage,

Your Majesty.

Your horses must be strong

to pull all of this gold.

What were you doing

visiting that printer shop

in the middle

of your brother's so-called wedding?

-Oh.

-I know it is you.

Lady Whistledown herself.

Oh, Your Majesty--

Your denial shall only

enhance your punishment.

You were quite clever, Miss Bridgerton.

Why, just last season, I recruited you

to uncover the writer's identity,

and you, rather conveniently,

found not one credible suspect.

I am not clever enough

to manipulate Your Majesty.

Is it not curious that you are

so rarely mentioned in those pages?

I also hear you have

a great distaste for society,

just as the writer herself does.

You do realize the power you wield

in that pen of yours can be used

for greater purposes

than ridicule and gossip-mongering, yes?

Lady Whistledown could be

a strategic ally to the Crown,

should she so please.

And I would gladly help, ma'am,

but I wield no such power, I assure you.

So,

you would rather be my rival?

Have you any idea what will happen

once I reveal this secret of yours, child?

People will seek their revenge.

However bad your family's

situation seems to you now,

it will only get worse.

I might be able to solve that problem.

I shall give you three days

to consider my proposal

and come to your senses.

If you do not,

then I will deploy my resources

to crush you like a serpent.

Pride may not be

as precious to you as your breath.

Lady Cowper.

Lady Eaton.

Oh, Lord Hall.

Lord Cho.

After everything that happened

with his scullery maid last season,

and Lord Cho cuts me?

We know what we are

to deal with, at least.

We shall not remove ourselves

from this fight.

All will be lost if we run now.

I should like to remove myself

from this room.

Every day that goes by

without our altering

the ton-shared sentiment will harden it.

Perhaps we need

another story as to why things ended.

We have already started to tell one.

We cannot change course now.

If we cannot speak about the reasons,

might we at least act as though

they are of no consequence to us?

A ball.

Yes. Together. We prove

to the ton that our story is true.

It was indeed a mutual decision

between all interested parties,

and there is no scandal or ill will

between our families at all.

Hmm.

A ball would give Edwina

another chance to find a suitor.

Another ball?

So that the ton might inspect

this wreckage with an even closer eye?

A ball may very well work.

After all, the viscount

and my sister have been so good

at hiding their true feelings

from everyone in public this far.

It should not trouble them

to do the same a little longer.

Edwina…

-Ugh, Newton.

Oh, Newton. My apologies.

Newton, out. Out. Newton, out.

Was I truly that blind?

Were they always this obvious?

If this plan is to work…

I suggest the two of you stay on

opposite sides of the room at all times.

Lady Danbury!

All we need would be for someone

to witness something untoward--

I beg your pardon, Lady Danbury.

I do not know what you mean to say.

What she means to say,

is that those of us in this room

at present are the only ones

who know the full truth of the matter.

And we would

prefer to keep it that way.

As should you.

If there is so much

as a passing look between the two of you,

then this plan of ours

will be for nothing.

Are we all in agreement?

Of course.

Quite, Lady Danbury.

Anthony.

Anthony.

Is this plan

going to be a problem for you?

Mother--

I ask because of what happened

the last time you found yourself

in such close proximity to Miss Sharma.

We'd not be in this situation if--

You have nothing to worry about.

I will play the part.

And then?

This plan…

Well, it is a temporary solution.

If it is successful, of course,

the rumors of scandal will die.

Yet, no matter what,

it still leaves you with no one to marry.

Unless your designs

for the season have changed?

You do realize it is still possible

for our family to endure

whether I decide to marry or not?

This line does not end with me.

No. No, it does not, but--

Are you to rely on

your brothers as your solution?

Do you need me to admit

I made a mistake? Is that what you want?

To tell you I never should've asked

Miss Edwina for her hand?

That I never should've

taken things this far? I realize.

I realize I have indeed failed

at more things

than you and Father will ever know.

This plan will work.

I am… quite certain both you

and Lady Danbury will make sure of it.

You saved them all?

You must have, what,

every issue ever printed.

Double that.

There are two copies here of every one.

-Eloise, why ever--

-The queen thinks it is me.

-That I am Lady Whistledown.

-Are you being humorous?

She has given me three days to confess.

She is threatening my family, Pen.

I should get rid of these. If the queen

discovers I have all of these,

it will only make me appear

that much more guilty.

But you are not guilty.

El, this is a terrible mistake.

We will somehow

arrange to see Her Majesty.

We must implore her to listen to reason.

Oh yes, because Her Majesty

has always been so reasonable.

But why would the queen think it is you?

Yes, you are outspoken

and opinionated and--

One of her footmen saw me visiting Theo.

I know. I should have listened to you.

I was selfish, and now I may have

even put Theo into harm's way too.

The queen must think he has

something to do with Whistledown.

But he does not, and neither have you.

El, this is madness.

-I should warn him.

-No. No, you should not.

You should stay as far away from Theo

and that print shop as you can.

You should wait for Lady Whistledown

to print her next issue.

Then, with any luck, you can use that

in order to prove your innocence.

I must speak with Madame Delacroix.

-You should not be here.

-It is urgent. Please.

Her Majesty the Queen is now involved?

She always has been, I suppose.

I gather she has felt threatened

by Whistledown for quite some time.

I have questioned Her Majesty's taste,

challenged her judgment.

That was not part of our agreement.

Our businesses both

reaped substantial rewards.

You understood

our arrangement came with risks.

Yes, but that did not involve

the Queen of England.

I was hoping you would've

heard something in your shop.

Something to satisfy Her Majesty.

A way to give her what she clearly wants.

Admiration, favor, praise.

Uh, you are to tell me

you could not think of something yourself?

I do not know what to do.

My best friend is

in trouble because of me, and

I do not know what to do.

You could turn yourself in.

Take Miss Eloise's place.

Only, Her Majesty would

need to believe you, of course.

Well, I cannot be certain she would.

Her Majesty would merely dismiss me

as a friend trying to help a friend.

That's if she would even see me at all.

They are quite beautiful.

Hmm.

-Your designs.

-Ah.

I was hoping to submit them

to a revered house

of dressmakers in France.

Take my business to a higher rank.

Though, now I may be aiding and abetting

the most notorious

gossip writer in London.

I will ensure your name remains unsullied.

You have my word.

I should go.

I am sorry I disturbed you.

The one thing a lady would never do

is wear something she knows

makes her look ugly, Miss Penelope.

Were you to write

something about Miss Eloise

she would never write about herself.

Well,

I do not need to tell you

what that might make the queen believe.

I could never do that.

I could never ruin my friend.

Of course not.

Good night.

Brother. I did not know

you'd be stopping by tonight.

Neither did I.

The Royal Schools seem to be providing

a different sort of education

than what I had pictured.

Or perhaps, exactly as I had pictured.

Can I-- Can I get you a drink?

Is there somewhere

we can go that is quieter?

It is a party, Brother.

It is something.

Do you do this every night?

Did you come to admonish me?

I only mean to say

you may be a second son, Brother,

but that does not exempt you

from familial duty altogether.

It merely makes you second.

Does this have to do with whatever is

truly going on with you and the Sharmas?

Particularly the eldest?

Mother is not the only one

who sees the way you look at her.

How long do you plan

on punishing yourself for,

and wallowing in such misery?

Forget I came.

Have a good night, Benedict.

Look, no.

Things may seem bleak now, Brother.

But if I'm learning anything

from my art studies,

it's that it is almost always

a matter of… perspective.

I look at my art,

and if I do not like what I see,

I may always alter the color palette,

but I certainly do not toss

the entire design aside.

Perhaps you, too,

could do the same in your own life.

Back to taking the tea, are we?

At least just shave, will you?

-Lady Danbury.

-Hmm.

-Lady Mary.

-Thank you.

Miss Sharma.

Miss Edwina, I…

How thoughtful of you, Lord Bridgerton.

Now, remember,

before we are to send out our invitations,

we must appear

to be enjoying each other's company.

Shall we?

Do not be deterred.

If we can put the wedding

behind us, so can they.

You must forgive me, Lady Mary.

I have yet formally to apologize.

It is not exactly a surprise.

Men often take time to realize

their culpability in such matters.

It is quite the privilege, is it not?

You have every reason to scorn me.

But I would be very much remiss

if I did not tell you

it was not my intention ever

to cause your family

as much strife as I now know I have done.

In truth, I cannot place blame

entirely at your door, Lord Bridgerton.

I myself have been absent

for far too long.

When my husband died, it should've been me

taking on my family's burden,

not Kate.

She sacrificed

far too much for us, indeed.

Lady Hood. How good to see you today.

And you, Lady Mary.

And Lord Bridgerton too.

Yes.

Mr. Mondrich.

Featherington.

I'll, uh, take a brandy.

Um, not exactly

the kind of welcome I was expecting.

Forgive me, my lord?

I was hoping for the owner

of this fine establishment to regale me

with many stories, indeed.

Of his boxing days, perhaps?

Truth be told, I never really

enjoyed the sport myself.

Boxing is not for all to enjoy.

It requires a strong stomach

and an even stronger jaw.

Hmm.

A rather interesting assertion.

My cousin had neither,

but Lord Featherington,

may God rest his soul,

was quite an admirer of yours, I've heard.

I am honored.

Though his regard was unknown to me.

Surely, your paths must have crossed.

He attended many bouts.

Yes, well, I likely was preoccupied

with the fight at hand.

It is dangerous

to become distracted in the ring.

Of course. Dangerous in your occupation.

But my cousin did keep

meticulous records of all debts, and

wagers.

I just came across

a rather significant one myself.

I do not wish to defend myself

against baseless accusations, my lord.

And I do not wish you to do so.

I respect a self-made man,

no matter what means he uses

to make himself.

I will ask no more questions

of you than you ask of me.

Baseless accusations, I cannot imagine,

would be good

for either of our businesses.

And, from the looks of it,

you might need

all the help you can get with yours.

Master printer's gone for the day.

You'll have to come back.

It is not printing I wish to solicit.

Are you mad?

What?

What?

Not even a little excited to see me, then?

People from the palace

have been asking about me.

I was almost thrown out today.

Yes.

I think that may be my fault.

The queen, she… she saw me

visiting you the other day

and now believes me

to be Lady Whistledown herself.

Ridiculous, yes?

What is ridiculous is the fact

that you thought it wise

to come back here again.

-Come for more books, did you?

What?

No. I came to make sure

you were all right,

to get our story straight.

Our story?

This is not the least bit surprising.

What is that supposed to mean?

That you are a lady who's never had to

endure any real difficulties in your life.

You may have

the protection of your family,

of your society, but I'm…

I do not.

You took your pleasure

from low life, Miss Bridgerton.

Now I think it best you return to Mayfair

before you get me into any more trouble.

It seems both Miss Cowper and Miss Goring

are swallowing the story

about the wedding being halted due to

a mutual decision.

That is good.

Well… I appear to be a very good liar.

Something else you and the viscount

have taught me, perhaps.

Edwina,

what will it take for you to forgive me?

If I must apologize every day

for the rest of my life, I will.

Your happiness is all

that has mattered to me, Bon,

and now, believe me,

I am reaping

the consequences of destroying it.

I remember the books you used

to read to me from Appa's library.

The stories of true love

and happy endings against all odds.

Did you yourself ever truly believe them?

Or has everything you told me been a lie?

Of course I believe in true love.

Of course I believe in happy endings.

How could I not?

You saw Appa and Mama,

how happy they once were.

What I saw is how

even that ended in tragedy.

Happy endings do not exist, Kate.

At least not in real life.

Miss Sharma.

I've been wishing

for a moment to be alone with you.

To speak.

There is nothing to speak about, my lord.

-We kissed.

-We did not.

Nothing happened between us.

How could it?

You were my sister's intended.

There is no world in which we could kiss.

Are you quite serious?

We did a terrible thing.

We should be ashamed of what we did.

Oh.

Lady Danbury. Lady Bridgerton.

What a surprise to see you here.

You do know my family

has its very own room here,

yes, Lady Cowper?

Over there, is it not?

The one with the, uh… Danbury name

just above the door.

How nice it is to see you both.

Though I'd have thought

you required a respite after

the strenuous events of the past week.

Oh, on the contrary.

Well, I myself am hosting

a ball later this week.

Have you not received an invitation?

-Oh.

-My. Well…

I will see if there is still room.

We shall have a full house, no doubt.

You truly are

a Jack of all trades.

When one is in such wild country,

one sometimes must do wild things.

But if I'd not gone

on that hunting expedition,

I'd never have discovered my mines.

Huh. Ah.

-The lady of the hour.

-Colin.

Cousin Jack.

I was just telling Lord Featherington

that my interest in his mines

was sparked quite naturally

when I viewed that exquisite necklace

you wore to my brother's wedding.

Was it?

You make a compelling case, Bridgerton.

Allow me to give it some consideration.

I shall eagerly await your response.

The rest of the ton is dazzled

by your exploits. I only wish to be too.

Would you see me out?

I did not know

you fancied yourself an investor.

No. Even I did not.

Yet, I am beginning to think differently.

I know it is a large sum to risk,

but I am sorely tempted.

It is a chance to make a name for myself,

as your cousin has done.

And once our profits come,

both our families will benefit,

which is just what makes it so enticing.

You think highly of my family?

I am not in the habit of consorting

with those I hold in low esteem.

I never thought of it like that.

I understand.

Our relationship has taken shape

so naturally over the years,

one could take it for granted.

You have always been so

constant and loyal, Pen.

I do not believe I deserve

such praise for my loyalty.

Does something trouble you?

No, not at all.

Oh. I almost forgot.

Perhaps I might rely on

your loyalty one last time.

Until this agreement

with your cousin is confirmed,

I do not wish for word

to get back to Anthony.

Could you avoid telling anyone?

Especially Eloise.

I know there are no secrets

between you two, but--

Mr. Bridgerton.

I did not know we had a caller today.

Miss Penelope was just seeing me out.

While I have been talking her to death

about matters so foolish I'd have

blushed to share them with anyone else.

-Mr. Bridgerton.

Need I remind you of our discussion

about who is and is not

to invest in our business?

I love it when you call it our business.

I tried to dissuade Mr. Bridgerton,

but the lad is quite persistent.

Despite his family situation,

he seems fixed on it.

Because it is precisely

that situation that is prompting him.

He is not foolish in wanting

to come to an agreement now

before everyone wishes to stop associating

with him and his family altogether.

More bills, Mrs. Varley?

Invitations, my lord.

And there are quite a few.

And why should there not be?

-Look at that one.

The invitations are ready

to be distributed, ma'am.

Oh, excellent, Mrs. Wilson.

Oh, dear little Augie is

still suffering from his cough,

so the duchess

will naturally not be able to attend.

But that is precisely

why it is so important

that the rest of us

embrace this theme of harmony…

…and work together to impress our guests.

If we garner enough support,

the queen may even be swayed

to forget all about this wedding business.

-It is positively suffocating in here.

-Eloise, dear?

Are you feeling unwell?

Do not fret, Mama.

I'll still be in attendance at your ball.

Participating in this farce

along with the rest of us.

I am doing this for all of us.

Perhaps there is still time

to change your theme.

Has there truly been

no Whistledown delivery today?

Good day, Bridgertons.

-I am going to confess.

-What?

I know all I need to know

about Whistledown.

I shall find a printer,

publish a counterfeit paper,

and give Her Majesty

exactly what she wants. An ally.

And you'll use the assistance

of that apprentice, Mr. Sharpe.

I do not wish to speak

of that boy ever again.

I am doing this

for my family, Pen.

I make the queen,

once more, our supporter.

It'll make the rest of society overlook

all the scandal we've recently caused.

Eloise, I do not wish you

to do anything rash.

There is little sand

left in this hourglass.

If I have to say I am Whistledown,

then so be it.

That'll only last for so long.

You cannot continue lying like that.

What will happen…

What will happen when the real

Lady Whistledown decides to publish again?

I no longer care

what the real Lady Whistledown does,

or does not, decide to do.

She is dead to me.

Pen, I have made my decision.

At the very least,

it will allow me a little more time to

finally find the real writer

and make her pay for all of her crimes.

I only wish to thank you.

For always being such a loyal friend,

whatever the circumstances.

What is it

about betrayal that excites us so?

The ton itself has certainly felt

its peculiar kind of frenzy

after the promise of the wedding

to end all weddings was broken.

Yet this author has it

on very good authority

that the viscount's failed nuptials

may not be the only betrayal

our dear Bridgertons

must manage at present.

Hmm.

Well,

this is unexpected.

It is still quite early, I suppose.

-Would you still like us to play, my lady?

-That will not be necessary.

If there’s no need for my presence,

I’ll head to my studio.

I do not wish to be around

such misery all evening.

-Wait.

-I know of your opinions.

You will stay for a dance.

There shall be dancing.

A new perspective, yes?

Dancing? With whom?

Anthony.

Hyacinth!

Yes, Brother?

Come down here and do me the honor.

If she gets to dance, so do I.

Come.

Show this dowager

the benefit of all these lessons

I hear you've been taking, Mr. Bridgerton.

He's much better than me, I'll say.

Something lively.

A country dance, perhaps?

I believe the theme you have

chosen tonight is harmony, Mother.

Come on!

-Hey! Hey!

Whoo!

Perhaps a quadrille?

Uh…

Perhaps we should

start eating some of that food.

Yes.

Given the ton's usual gullibility,

I must admit, I am rather surprised

they did not give credit

to our story, Lady Danbury.

Whatever happened?

Perhaps we should ask them.

Mrs. Wilson?

Is something wrong?

It was just delivered, ma'am.

Is that Lady Whistledown?

Has she published, Mama?

Indeed, she has.

And now we may know

why we are the only ones here.

Should our lives be distilled down

to the sum total of our choices,

then Miss Eloise Bridgerton

has certainly made a dangerous,

perhaps ruinous one.

For she's apparently been associating,

unchaperoned, with improper company.

Political radicals, in fact.

You seem happy, my lady.

It seems our neighbors are to remain

afflicted for quite some time.

Colin Bridgerton, go ahead.

Seal the agreement with him.

It might be that

the young miss spent a great deal of time

considering her decisions.

Or,

perhaps, they were made in haste.

Whatever the case may be,

we all must remember,

as one makes one's bed,

so one must lie in it.

Might we return home, Bon?

As if you truly care

what I would like to do.

Edwina, this is cruelty--

Do not dare…

try to make me out to be the cruel one.

I may not know who I truly am,

but at least I know

I am kinder-hearted than you.

What are you doing out here?

-My apologies.

-No, no, please. Stay.

You were here first.

-I was just leaving.

-It is your house, my lord.

-It does not signify--

-Perhaps it should.

-Must you always?

-You were the one insisting.

-And this is you compromising?

-Good night, my lord.

Can you ever just agree?

You have been like this from the moment

we first met in those woods.

Obstinate, inflexible,

unyielding to good, plain common sense.

Well, I can certainly understand why that

would be so troubling for a man like you.

A man used to always getting his way.

-A man used to giving orders--

-I do not give orders.

You give me orders

and you expect me to listen. I do not--

-Perhaps you should.

-I'll never listen to you!

Or to anyone

I wholeheartedly disagree with!

The fact it's taken you this long to come

to terms with that, to accept that fact--

-You wish to know why?

-I am uncertain you even know why.

-I know why.

-Enthrall me with your self-awareness.

It is because I have never met

anyone like you.

It is maddening,

how much you consume my very being.

My family is on the brink of ruin.

I am nearly certain every last one

of my brothers and sisters

secretly despise me.

My own mother, at that.

Despite the fact I have lived

the better part of my life for them.

And yet still,

all I find myself thinking about,

all I find myself

being able to breathe for…

is you.

Do you think that

I want to be in this position?

Contending with these thoughts

of wanting to be nowhere except with you.

Wanting to run away with you.

Of acting on the most

impure, forbidden desires,

no matter… how much I must remind myself

I am a gentleman, and you are a lady.

Of that… …of that scent.

It has remained imprinted on my mind

ever since the night

of the conservatory ball on that terrace.

Lilies.

-You have to stop.

-I have to stop?

There is no other course of action

to be concluded. You must stop!

It has been you.

It has been you this entire time.

Spinning my world off its axis,

making me reconsider

everything I have ever told myself.

I came here resolved… to save my family.

Everything I have ever done--

…has been for them.

-Has been for them.

-Yeah.

You are the one who must stop.

You are the one who must stop.

Before--

Before what? Before we both

finally do something for ourselves?

Please go inside.

Go

in… side

What did I tell you

about you and your orders?

-I will stop.

-Do not stop.

-I will stop.

Do not stop.

I must speak with Miss Sharma.

I know it is early,

but can you please tell her I'm here?

I am afraid that is not possible, my lord.

She does not seem to be here.

One of the horses is gone too.

Come on. Come on.

Miss Sharma!

Miss Sharma!

No, no, no. Miss Sharma!

Kate!

No, no, no, no, no, no.

-Kate!