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Evidently, diamonds

are not so rare, after all.

Which is exactly why

I am not choosing one,

no matter how many jewels

anxious mamas might send.

So you are unperturbed

by what Lady Whistledown has written?

That she thinks

I am afraid of choosing a diamond?

Why should I be?

I hear my choice last year, Miss Edwina,

has made a splendid match abroad.

Certainly, Your Majesty.

So why not continue with your success?

And give Whistledown

exactly what she wants? I will not.

Besides, I have not seen

nearly enough from this year's girls.

If I am to grant someone my favor,

she must do more to earn it.

I see.

I shall simply choose someone--

Who... sparkles?

- Precisely.

- Hmm.

My sparkler shall make

the best match of the season,

and then Whistledown

will be reminded once and for all.

It is she who should be afraid.

Gentle Reader,

it is said that fools rush to judge

while the wise watch and wait.

Years ago, Miss Henderson,

once thought to be on the shelf,

triumphed over many a deb

to marry Earl Fraser.

Miss Dunham

had been doomed to spinsterhood

until she married Baron Ely.

And Miss Kathani Sharma,

at the ripe age of six-and-twenty,

still managed to capture the heart

of none other than

the Viscount Bridgerton.

I am glad your mama

let you keep your dresses.

A looking glass does not lie.

The truth is...

that which some dismiss as common rock,

time reveals to be precious stone.

A fact the new Baron of Kent

and his family

are learning this very week.

Through that door is the east wing.

The west wing.

And if you'll follow me...

Boys!

No one touch anything.

Upstairs, you will find your library,

as well as the music room,

the private drawing room,

your writing room, and the study.

How many rooms are there?

Twenty-seven,

including the servants' quarters.

Mind you do not bother Mrs. Khanna,

or you'll have to clean them all yourself.

And this is your bedchamber,

Mrs. Mondrich,

just opposite Mr. Mondrich's.

- Separate rooms?

- Of course.

That is how it is done.

At other times,

what appeared to be priceless,

under pressure, shatters like glass.

Unbelievable.

The Kent estate

has gone to the son of a boxer.

What if some shopkeeper or... or...

or chimney sweep is next in line for ours?

Why worry yourself, ma'am?

One of the girls will make good.

Here we go.

Oh, dear God.

Mama, Rae is accompanying me

to Rotten Row for fresh air.

Can you not see we're busy here?

Catch.

- Oh!

What this author knows to be true

is that diamonds

are not the only gems that sparkle.

Oh. Would you prefer to be promenading

with your fellow debutantes?

Would you like to watch grass grow?

And it is not me they are eyeing.

I do not understand

the limits of your new outlook.

You're snug with Cressida

but have no interest in other debutantes.

You wear a ribbon in your hair,

but where is your fan?

Why must I be

the object of your curiosity?

It is not me

whose outlook has most changed.

Mmm.

Did you not promise Anthony

you would give society a try?

I shall see you both later.

Oh...

Perhaps one of those ladies

has a fan I might borrow.

Looks like it may become rather warm.

So... how do we begin?

Perhaps there is a book

I might read on charm?

Are you certain you want my help

after what Lady Whistledown wrote?

She has never been more wrong

about anyone. Let us pay her no heed.

Indeed. Sooner or later,

she will be caught,

and we shall dance

on the day of her demise.

Now, no more talk of books.

If you are to secure a match,

you must engage in real life.

I should like to see

your skills as they are first.

But I have none.

You know how to wave your fan.

Flutter your lashes.

Often, that is all it takes.

Men are quite simple beings.

Well, I just suppose I can show you. I...

Not me.

Them.

Gentlemen.

I believe you know Miss Featherington.

How delightful to see you all.

Such splendid weather we are having.

Such...

Miss Featherington, you seem discomposed.

No.

And, if you forgive me,

I am quite well, my lord.

I hear Lord Courtenay

arrived in town last night.

He did. He is rather handsome

and a lover of music, I hear.

Is he? Perhaps a good match for Francesca?

Oh, he's not the only one.

Lords Petri and Godwin

are both great supporters

of the arts as well.

- Are they also handsome?

- You must talk to all three.

It is good to have options.

You may have more than you realize.

The reason that I have come for tea today

is to inform you that Her Majesty

is not done with the season.

She is still seeking her diamond

by some other name.

Nevertheless, she desires to see more.

Does she?

- I believe so.

- Ah.

And it could be anyone.

Anyone?

Anyone who has already made their debut.

She is. She's going to be a hand...

It is fatiguing

preparing to be lady of this house.

Shall I take your fatigue as a good sign?

That you have been engaging

in the, uh, necessary activities?

Albion and myself have frequented three

different places of business this morning.

Places of business? What kind of places?

Uh, an upholsterer, a silk mercer, and--

Do not let Varley hear,

but a meeting with a new housekeeper.

I might change some things

when I become the new Lady Featherington.

But I want to keep Varley.

Do you not think

that you are both putting the, uh,

cart somewhat before the horse?

There is, I trust, every reason to hope

both of you might, before long,

be presenting the family with an heir.

Mama! How rude.

Albion and I are very passionate.

- Of course.

- Good. And you?

Mm.

This tea is... it's quite bitter.

Never mind the tea.

Yes, Mama.

We have been familiar with each other.

Well, I should hope you have.

- How often?

- Uh...

Once.

- On our wedding night.

- Hmm...

Do you think babies

simply appear in your womb?

You must be familiar

with each other often to create one.

But I want to be out with my husband,

showing him off, not in bed.

And it flattens my hair.

If you want to beat your sister,

you must try harder.

A full moon is on the rise.

A harbinger of fertility.

I suggest you make good use of it.

I am decidedly late.

It has been wonderful, ladies.

Same time tomorrow?

Perhaps.

Are you quite sure

you wish to resume my lessons?

I would not be angry

if you found me to be a lost cause.

The truth is, you do not need a lesson.

You agree. I am unteachable.

You are very teachable.

You simply do not need to be taught.

You already know how to do this.

I assure you, I do not.

Do you remember when we first met?

I was riding my horse,

minding my own business,

when I was assaulted...

...by a devilishly yellow head covering.

It was not my fault.

The wind blew it off my head.

Wind or not, you certainly seemed

pleased when I landed in the mud.

I apologized.

Yes. And you were

so very charming about it.

Teasing me. Mercilessly, in fact.

And I think I know why.

Because we were children.

Before the self-consciousness

of adulthood set in.

Before we started caring

what others think.

Colin, it is impossible to be in society

and not care what others think.

Society is entirely composed

of the judgment of others.

Do you know what I discovered

when I was abroad?

No one knew me.

No one knew who I was supposed to be.

I was entirely freed

of being the Colin Bridgerton

the ton knows me to be.

Which is how I became myself.

Pen, living for the estimation

of others is a trap.

Once you break free, the world opens up.

You make it sound so easy.

Good day.

Why is it you want a husband?

So that I may have my freedom.

So I may feel comfortable in the world.

I see.

And it will be finding that comfort

in yourself will get you there.

What is the one thing in the world

that makes you feel most comfortable now?

Most at ease?

It used to be Sunday teas

at Bridgerton House.

It was one of the few places I could

go unchaperoned and truly be myself. But...

that is no longer a possibility.

I am sorry about whatever might be coming

between you and Eloise.

What exactly happened?

I should get back.

Before we are noticed.

That's it!

I have long marveled at your shop

through the windows, Madame Delacroix,

but it is another pleasure entirely

to step inside.

Of late, there must be

many new pleasures, I imagine.

Over 30 new gowns,

all in desperate need of alteration.

I practically begged

the last Lady Kent to let me craft her

something more contemporary,

but she insisted on the old fashions.

Perhaps you might like

to spend some of that new fortune

on something more grand?

With such an unexpected

new face amongst them,

I believe it best to show the ton

that not everything has changed.

I understand your hesitation.

But remember,

the ton feeds on the nouveau,

and it gets ill-tempered

when it is hungry.

Girls.

Look at this lovely French-blue satin.

Certainly this will catch the queen's eye.

I am so grateful now that Mama

has you to absorb her attention.

I can delay dealing with suitors

at least another year.

Maybe longer if you hold out as well.

I regret to disappoint you,

but the prospect of marriage

is the one aspect of the season

that I welcome.

I'm eager to find a suitable match

and be done with it

before Mother schemes

to get the queen interested in me.

I thought the queen was

uninterested in the season's ladies.

Lady Danbury says,

"The queen only waits to be dazzled."

Perhaps if there are others

vying for the queen's favor,

it will not matter what Mama is scheming.

Miss Hartigan. Miss Malhotra.

I have some information

you might like to know.

Hesitating, Hyacinth?

I do not hesitate.

And yet, here we are waiting.

It is to your good fortune,

as she fleeced you in the last hand.

I play a long game.

I am pleased with my hand.

Now you hesitate.

I should like to trade.

- Mm?

- Mm.

I am out of this round.

- Coward.

- He had a strategy.

We may need more coins,

the way Hyacinth is playing.

Are you certain you're not cheating?

Do you think me a magician?

Mm.

Well, if you are,

please teach us some tricks.

No, thank you. I am happy to wait here.

Penelope.

- I've been eagerly awaiting your visit.

- As have I.

But it'd be better to meet you at

the market instead of coming here first.

We are not going to the market this time.

We are going

to the Bridgerton drawing room.

Uh, but why?

Your next lesson, of course.

Uh, but Colin,

my maid is outside, and Eloise--

Is out at the modiste

with Francesca and our mother.

- And the rest of your family?

- Playing cards in the garden.

You've seen my family play pall-mall.

You know how competitive we are.

Hyacinth loves to win,

Gregory hates to lose to her,

while Benedict will refuse

to miss the spectacle.

Trust me, not one of them will be leaving

that table in the immediate future.

You mentioned you were comfortable

at Bridgerton House,

so we are going to practice here.

Uh, I was comfortable

at Bridgerton House. Previously.

We needed a place to be alone.

Here, your maid can wait outside,

and we can pretend we are at a ball.

Have you gone mad?

Imagine it with me, Pen.

The quartet is by the pianoforte,

preparing for the Parisian quadrille.

Here, on the sofa,

some mamas are debating

the merits of the decoration.

Across the room,

gentlemen are asking

a young lady to dance.

And here, we have the lemonade table,

which is where we shall begin.

Very well.

Shall I pretend to flirt

with the imaginary cellist?

No. With the dashing suitor

you just met by the refreshments.

Me.

You?

I'm the perfect person to practice on.

You don't have to be embarrassed.

You know me.

That is exactly why I will feel

even more embarrassed. I know you.

Forgive me. It is only...

Deep inside,

I know I can be clever and amusing, but

somehow, my character gets lost

between my heart and my mouth,

and I find myself saying the wrong thing

or, more likely, nothing at all.

Forget what is wrong or right.

Imagine what you would want

to say to me if I were a suitor

without concerning yourself with

how I might receive it.

Your eyes...

are the most remarkable shade of blue.

Yet, somehow, they shine even brighter

when you are kind.

I might say something like that

if you were a suitor.

Mm.

Well, that was, uh, rather direct.

- Um...

- Um...

I believe

I did them a great service.

Unless you care to tell Mama

about your "great service."

- Eloise is here.

- You can hide in the study.

"I can now declare with great certainty

that Paris has some

of the most beautiful women in the world."

"How lucky I am to be surrounded by them,

on the tree-lined streets of Le Marais,

in the charming cafés

along the Seine at times

when the city is still, alone at night."

"In those moments alone,

as my fingers trace freckles

from cheek to collarbone,

or as I watch the way

starlight dances across skin,

I marvel at how

one can feel such intimacy,

but also such great distance."

Pen.

- Were you reading that?

- No. I did not mean to.

- Mean to pick up my journal and read it?

- No. I did, but I should not have.

No, you should not. Whatever you read

was not meant for another's eye.

- Damn!

- Colin, your hand!

- It is nothing.

- It is not nothing. Stay there.

Please.

Let me.

Your writing...

it is very good.

Perhaps we should pause for the day.

- Will I see you tonight?

- Uh...

Indeed. Thank you for the, um... lesson.

Any adornments, ma'am?

Perhaps simplicity is better?

Would you not like to at least see?

We may have had

different taste in garments...

but Lady Kent

certainly had an eye for jewels.

Is something troubling you?

Penelope was at our house today.

I am sorry for that.

But it is difficult to know how to act

when, still, I do not know what happened.

We simply grew apart.

Yes, you have said that.

- Do you wish for me to cast her out?

- No.

I do not wish for her to be friendless,

and you might be all she has now.

Perhaps just not at the house?

Of course.

How is she?

- Penelope?

- I mean... I do not need to know details.

But I only want to make sure

she is not suffering or... despondent.

She is neither suffering nor despondent.

In fact, she seeks

to take a husband this season.

A husband? Penelope?

- Mm-hmm.

- That is... so unlike her.

Perhaps she has changed.

- She is not seeking a husband in you?

- No. I'm only helping her find one.

Is that wise? What if anyone

were to find out about your helping her?

Well, who should help her?

She does not have any male relatives.

Yes, but you are an eligible suitor.

Perhaps the most eligible

right now, strangely.

- It would not look right.

- No, it would not.

And that is why we are not telling anyone.

Finally, they seem

to be putting in some work.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Perhaps a little too much.

If only your curtsy had been low enough

in your first season out.

My dear...

you should know it is not my intention

to push suitors on you this season.

But perhaps you might become acquainted

with a few other young ladies

so that your circle is wider

than simply Miss Cowper?

I plan to.

Do you mean it?

Miss Bridgerton. Would you like

to take a turn about the room with us?

I do enjoy a good turn.

Well...

And then there were two.

Shall we greet the queen?

Perhaps that could wait?

At tea, Lady Danbury mentioned

a musically inclined suitor?

Several, I believe.

Let us start with one

and see where the evening leads us.

Good evening,

Mr. Bridgerton, Mr. Bridgerton.

Ladies! And more ladies!

They've taken to hunting in packs.

Mr. Bridgerton, I have yet

to see you on the dance floor.

What say you, brother?

Time for you to dance?

Yes.

Miss Stowell, may I have the next dance?

Hm.

Mr. Dankworth, Mr. Finch.

Where are your ladies?

I have lost mine somewhere

in this splendid celestial display.

I sent mine to look for pastries.

Your wife is a pastry, Mr. Finch.

Perhaps if you savored her

as much as you do food,

she would be with child by now.

I think of Prudence as a bonbon.

Delicate and, oh, so agreeable.

Mr. Dankworth, you are so... pretty.

- Oh.

- I shall find them for you.

Has anyone told you

that your mother is rather terrifying?

Good evening.

How is your hand?

Much better, thanks to you.

I'm sorry again for reading your writing.

But you truly write so well.

You make it seem effortless,

which is so difficult to do.

I'd very much like to read more one day

if you would let me.

Should we make an agreement?

I will consider it

if you speak to at least one lord tonight.

Very well.

Whom do you suggest?

Mm.

Him. Lord Basilio.

Lord Basilio is a viscount.

And you are Penelope Featherington.

Do not forget that.

He's all yours.

Good evening, Miss Featherington.

Oh. Lord Basilio, I did not see you there.

No matter.

I cultivate reserve these days anyway.

Life is too short for that, is it not?

Lord Basilio, are you quite well?

He went quite quickly. Sorry. Excuse me.

Um... what happened?

His horse recently died.

- You are joking.

- I am not.

Colin!

Forgive me. Um, I did not know.

Surely someone here

is not in mourning.

We shall gallop along.

Colin!

You know, whenever I have

a disagreement with an acquaintance,

I find the best course of action

is simply to pretend they are dead.

I do not think

that will be possible with Penelope.

Unless I pretend she is a ghost.

She was at my house today.

Whatever for?

It seems Colin

is helping her look for a husband.

We used to say we'd be spinsters together.

That is rather scandalous of your brother.

And even more so for Penelope.

Well, she may not think you dead,

but her feelings toward you

are clearly altered.

Perhaps you ought to alter yours as well?

Yes. You are right.

Eloise, do you have any special talents

with which you hope to impress the queen?

Talents? No.

Unless you consider a knack for

saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.

Like the time I tried to tell

the French tutor he was nice,

instead, called him "une chouette."

An owl! Oh no.

Mr. Beaufort? He is rather furry.

Unfortunately,

owls have feathers, not fur,

so even if I had wanted

to insult the poor fellow,

I'd have failed at that as well.

Yes. Well, in truth, I cannot blame

my teachers for my lack of talent.

It is not their fault I am

such a troublesome student.

I think we have found your talent.

Indeed. You are a most

entertaining speaker.

Do not stop.

Mr. Bridgerton,

you are an excellent dancer.

The pleasure was mine, Miss Stowell.

Ah. Um, if you might excuse me.

Now I see why

no one came to the bar for so long.

Mr. and Mrs. Mondrich... welcome to the ton.

I've been up against men in the ring

who could have killed me,

and yet I somehow find myself more nervous

about tonight's program

of dancing and socializing.

Well, at least you have your arms.

I can barely move in this.

You both look superb.

And do not be intimidated.

This can all be rather enjoyable

if you do not resist.

You looked to be enjoying your time

with the young lady.

Are you courting?

No.

No, no. Miss Stowell is lovely,

but that was me doing

the not-resisting bit.

I am not certain Miss Stowell

is taking your experiment so casually.

Hm?

Mm.

Excuse me. I must find some ratafia.

Your situation is making me

all the more nervous.

One dance, and suddenly,

you have signaled you are available.

How are we expected

to understand all these society rules

when even someone

born into this world cannot grasp them?

Do you see those two?

Lord and Lady De Leon.

It is considered impolite to dance

as often as they do with the same partner,

but they cannot

keep themselves off the floor.

And Lord and Lady Singer.

The rule is you are not supposed

to have more than one or two drinks

at these events,

and yet they are like that every time.

Drunk as fiddlers.

And happy. Do you know what

both of these couples have in common?

They are married, like yourself.

All these rules are to keep

the marriage mart churning.

But once you have performed your function

and... found your match,

you are free.

Francesca, dearest?

Lord Petri is quite the music devotee

and, I hear,

accomplished on the cello as well.

The dowager viscountess flatters me.

My love for the instrument

surpasses my ability, to be sure.

The cello is such a beautiful instrument.

Indeed.

What music do you most love?

Lately, I have been enjoying Ries.

His Piano Trios are quite beautiful.

And Beethoven's Appassionata.

I could listen to it forever.

That is quite... expressive music.

I once heard a rumor

the Trios were written

to convey his feelings

for Mademoiselle Ludwigs.

Do you not think you feel it in the music?

Follow me, my dear.

I mostly enjoy the chord progressions.

A mother in her natural sphere,

always watching from the sidelines.

Lady Danbury.

After Eloise's fumbles last season,

I am fearful of pushing

another daughter too hard,

but also fearful that, without a push,

Francesca will marry

the first "good enough" match.

And never set foot

out of her natural sphere.

Mm.

A conundrum, to be sure.

Perhaps the best thing you can do

is to let her be

in her natural sphere, then.

Come.

Come with me.

I may be with child already.

I must eat for two.

Your arrogance

does not count as two people.

That is enough.

Why do you not stand with your husbands,

whom I took pains to secure for you?

You could be setting the mood for later.

Alby and I lay together before we arrived.

Just lower your voice! Not here.

And what about you?

Did you two...

We began.

I simply--

I do not enjoy it.

A woman's pleasure is

somewhat more subtle than a man's.

You see, when he...

inserts himself...

Inserts himself?

Inserts himself where?

What on earth do you and Mr. Finch do?

We kiss,

and then he makes an odd sound,

and he goes to change his breeches.

His breeches remain on?

- Of course.

- Why must I be punished over and over?

I am tired of these chits tripping over

themselves the moment they see me.

I have seen enough.

It is time for me to retire.

Before you go.

Have you seen

the Gérard painting in the back room?

I think you might find it, well,

rather brilliant.

She is leaving.

She has barely spoken to any of us.

Finally. Now I can stuff my mouth

with chocolates

without fear of appearing impolite.

Excuse me.

But we've not nearly had

enough time to show off our gifts.

Does anyone at least have any good gossip?

I cannot think of anything at the moment.

Good evening, Lord Remington.

Miss Featherington.

It is a fine evening, is it not?

I suppose so.

I heard Her Majesty

has yet to choose a diamond,

and it has caused some consternation

with your fellow young ladies.

I do not much care for idle gossip.

Truly, you are

a more resolute person than I.

I love a bit of gossip.

I should not be so eager,

but on days Whistledown is delivered,

I sit by the door

and read it as soon as it arrives.

Do you? I must admit,

I do quite enjoy Whistledown.

Did you read the passage

about Lady Carter's housekeeper?

That Lady Houghton stole her,

and that is why Lady Carter

fell off tonight's guest list?

- Good evening, Lord Remington.

- Yes, my lord.

Colin... Lord Remington

has asked to call on me tomorrow.

Well, that is excellent.

Do you like him?

I did enjoy myself. Very much.

I am certain he did as well.

It is rather unseemly

that Miss Featherington took his help.

Pitiable, I think.

It is kind of him, but perhaps overly so.

I wouldn't believe...

She's done for.

Pardon me, what are you whispering about?

Mr. Bridgerton, we were wondering

why an eligible gentleman such as yourself

would help a spinster find a husband.

Especially someone

who is so beyond hope of success.

Mmm... It's actually all rather sad.

Pen, wait!

I cannot wait to know

what Lady Whistledown'll write about this.

It will surely be the main interest

of her next edition.

Eloise! Did you tell anyone

of my helping Penelope?

No. I did-- I did not mean to--

Which means you did?

- I confided in Cressida.

- Because you thought you could trust her?

Why you are friends

with Cressida in place of Penelope,

I will never understand.

What could Penelope possibly have done

to warrant such maltreatment?

That was splendid.

Forgive me, Your Majesty.

I was taking a small pause from the ball.

Because you delight in your endeavors.

Someone who performs not for me

but for themselves.

Brava.

"Sparkling," one might say.

My lady.

Will, what are you doing?

Should you not be sleeping

in your own bedchamber?

I do not wish to sleep.

At least, not yet.

And when I do, I will sleep here

with my beautiful wife.

Not in a cold, lonely room by myself.

You heard Mrs. Khanna.

That is not how it is done.

- We cannot--

- Yes, we can.

We can do whatever we want, Alice.

This is our life now.

We are a married, noble couple.

Our son is noble.

Our family is noble.

I think

I am somehow afraid

I will do something wrong,

and they will take it all away.

We've made use of our advantages,

but everything up until now,

we have worked for.

And... I cannot stop thinking...

- What have we done to earn this?

- Nothing.

The same as every viscount

and earl and baron out there.

Absolutely nothing.

But it is ours, so let us enjoy it.

No more tiptoeing around.

No more sleeping in separate bedrooms.

No more old Lady Kent clothes.

Away with Lady Kent's clothes.

Away with clothes.

But... I am keeping all the jewelry.

There you go.

By the light of the moon,

it is easy for one

to mistake the night as a place of safety.

Which is why, perhaps,

both Featherington sisters

snuck away early last night

with their husbands.

But one must never

forget that, despite the cover of night,

there are still eyes

upon us all at all times.

Good evening, Lady Danbury.

A letter for you, ma'am.

Mm.

Thank you.

Apologies for the disturbance.

Please alert Mrs. Walsh.

We shall be having a visitor.

Hm.

Hmm.

We know there is

one young lady who most certainly wishes

her plans had remained in the dark.

Penelope Featherington,

who was so certain that

she would not find a husband on her own,

that she had to enlist the help

of Mr. Colin Bridgerton.

And while we knew Miss Featherington's

marital prospects were slim at best,

this recent scandal

will certainly make

any further hopes disappear.

Eloise. There you are.

Is this what you wanted to happen?

I do not know of what you're speaking.

When you spread gossip about someone,

it will inevitably end up in Whistledown.

You must know that.

But perhaps that was your goal

in communicating the secret

I told you in confidence.

Or can you really

just not help being cruel?

I did not communicate your secret.

But I did notice Miss Livingston

whispering around the room

after hovering nearby.

You were rather indiscreet

when you told me about Penelope.

Perhaps if you were more decided

about your former friendship,

you would not have felt

the need to gossip.

I do appreciate

your concern about cruelty,

but perhaps you should like

to find a looking glass...

rather than looking at me.

Have you seen this?

Tell me it is not true.

I cannot.

Oh, Penelope.

How could you be so reckless?

This family has already endured

so much public scrutiny,

and now this?

It was foolish to ask--

No, what is foolish is being unreasonable

about what you can achieve.

I thought when you bought those dresses,

it was only for your amusement,

not that you earnestly believed

you might find a husband

in your third year out.

A life unmarried is not all bad.

Trust me, men can often cause

much more trouble than they are worth.

This author would

not be surprised if Miss Featherington

should wish to return

to her familiar shadows

once and for all.

Miss.

You have a visitor.

What are you doing here?

I bribed her to give us a moment alone.

I had to see how you were.

- You read Whistledown.

- She is beastly to write such things.

It's her job to report

what everyone is talking about.

It would have been

suspicious if she had not.

In truth, I brought this on myself.

A sad, stupid girl who believed

she might possibly have a chance of love.

You must not say such things.

Perhaps a return

to the shadows is for the best.

After all, a small taste of the light

can lead to that

most dangerous of emotions.

Hope.

And once hope is lost,

a lady may become reckless.

Colin...

could I ask you something?

Of course.

Would...

Would you kiss me?

- Penelope--

- It would not have to mean anything.

And I would never expect

anything from you because of it,

but I'm nearly on the shelf

and never been kissed,

and I am not certain I ever will be.

I could die tomorrow--

- You are not going to die tomorrow.

- But I could, and it would kill me.

But you'd already be dead.

I do not wish to die

without ever having been kissed.

Please.

Colin.

Thank you.

[light classical music playing]

Evidently, diamonds

are not so rare, after all.

Which is exactly why

I am not choosing one,

no matter how many jewels

anxious mamas might send.

So you are unperturbed

by what Lady Whistledown has written?

[chuckling scoff] That she thinks

I am afraid of choosing a diamond?

Why should I be?

I hear my choice last year, Miss Edwina,

has made a splendid match abroad.

[Lady Danbury] Certainly, Your Majesty.

So why not continue with your success?

And give Whistledown

exactly what she wants? I will not.

Besides, I have not seen

nearly enough from this year's girls.

If I am to grant someone my favor,

she must do more to earn it.

[Lady Danbury] I see.

I shall simply choose someone--

Who... sparkles?

- Precisely.

- Hmm.

My sparkler shall make

the best match of the season,

and then Whistledown

will be reminded once and for all.

It is she who should be afraid.

[Lady Whistledown] Gentle Reader,

it is said that fools rush to judge

while the wise watch and wait.

Years ago, Miss Henderson,

once thought to be on the shelf,

triumphed over many a deb

to marry Earl Fraser.

Miss Dunham

had been doomed to spinsterhood

until she married Baron Ely.

And Miss Kathani Sharma,

at the ripe age of six-and-twenty,

still managed to capture the heart

of none other than

the Viscount Bridgerton.

I am glad your mama

let you keep your dresses.

A looking glass does not lie.

[Lady Whistledown] The truth is...

that which some dismiss as common rock,

time reveals to be precious stone.

A fact the new Baron of Kent

and his family

are learning this very week.

Through that door is the east wing.

The west wing.

And if you'll follow me...

[pleasant classical music playing]

[Alice] Boys!

No one touch anything.

Upstairs, you will find your library,

as well as the music room,

the private drawing room,

your writing room, and the study.

How many rooms are there?

Twenty-seven,

including the servants' quarters.

Mind you do not bother Mrs. Khanna,

or you'll have to clean them all yourself.

And this is your bedchamber,

Mrs. Mondrich,

just opposite Mr. Mondrich's.

- Separate rooms?

- Of course.

That is how it is done.

[Lady Whistledown] At other times,

what appeared to be priceless,

under pressure, shatters like glass.

Unbelievable.

The Kent estate

has gone to the son of a boxer.

What if some shopkeeper or... or...

or chimney sweep is next in line for ours?

Why worry yourself, ma'am?

One of the girls will make good.

Here we go.

Oh, dear God.

Mama, Rae is accompanying me

to Rotten Row for fresh air.

Can you not see we're busy here?

- [Philippa] Catch.

- Oh!

- [Philippa laughs]

- [grunting]

[Lady Whistledown]

What this author knows to be true

is that diamonds

are not the only gems that sparkle.

Oh. Would you prefer to be promenading

with your fellow debutantes?

Would you like to watch grass grow?

- [Colin chuckles]

- And it is not me they are eyeing.

[Eloise chuckles]

I do not understand

the limits of your new outlook.

You're snug with Cressida

but have no interest in other debutantes.

You wear a ribbon in your hair,

but where is your fan?

Why must I be

the object of your curiosity?

It is not me

whose outlook has most changed.

[Benedict] Mmm.

Did you not promise Anthony

you would give society a try?

[Benedict sighs]

I shall see you both later.

Oh...

Perhaps one of those ladies

has a fan I might borrow.

Looks like it may become rather warm.

[bright classical music playing]

So... how do we begin?

Perhaps there is a book

I might read on charm?

Are you certain you want my help

after what Lady Whistledown wrote?

She has never been more wrong

about anyone. Let us pay her no heed.

Indeed. Sooner or later,

she will be caught,

and we shall dance

on the day of her demise.

Now, no more talk of books.

If you are to secure a match,

you must engage in real life.

I should like to see

your skills as they are first.

But I have none.

You know how to wave your fan.

Flutter your lashes.

Often, that is all it takes.

Men are quite simple beings.

Well, I just suppose I can show you. I...

Not me.

Them.

[indistinct chattering]

Gentlemen.

I believe you know Miss Featherington.

[Penelope chuckles softly]

How delightful to see you all.

Such splendid weather we are having.

Such...

Miss Featherington, you seem discomposed.

No.

And, if you forgive me,

I am quite well, my lord.

[chuckling]

[grunts lightly]

[exhales sharply]

[sighs]

[exhales deeply]

[music ends]

I hear Lord Courtenay

arrived in town last night.

He did. He is rather handsome

and a lover of music, I hear.

Is he? Perhaps a good match for Francesca?

Oh, he's not the only one.

Lords Petri and Godwin

are both great supporters

of the arts as well.

- Are they also handsome?

- You must talk to all three.

It is good to have options.

You may have more than you realize.

The reason that I have come for tea today

is to inform you that Her Majesty

is not done with the season.

She is still seeking her diamond

by some other name.

Nevertheless, she desires to see more.

Does she?

- I believe so.

- Ah.

And it could be anyone.

- Anyone?

- [sighs]

Anyone who has already made their debut.

[both chuckling]

She is. She's going to be a hand...

[yawns exaggeratedly]

It is fatiguing

preparing to be lady of this house.

Shall I take your fatigue as a good sign?

That you have been engaging

in the, uh, necessary activities?

Albion and myself have frequented three

different places of business this morning.

Places of business? What kind of places?

Uh, an upholsterer, a silk mercer, and--

[quietly] Do not let Varley hear,

but a meeting with a new housekeeper.

[gasps]

I might change some things

when I become the new Lady Featherington.

But I want to keep Varley.

Do you not think

that you are both putting the, uh,

cart somewhat before the horse?

There is, I trust, every reason to hope

both of you might, before long,

be presenting the family with an heir.

Mama! How rude.

Albion and I are very passionate.

- Of course.

- Good. And you?

[coughs] Mm.

This tea is... it's quite bitter.

Never mind the tea.

[sighs] Yes, Mama.

We have been familiar with each other.

Well, I should hope you have.

- How often?

- Uh...

Once.

- On our wedding night.

- Hmm...

[chuckles quietly]

Do you think babies

simply appear in your womb?

You must be familiar

with each other often to create one.

But I want to be out with my husband,

showing him off, not in bed.

And it flattens my hair.

If you want to beat your sister,

you must try harder.

A full moon is on the rise.

A harbinger of fertility.

I suggest you make good use of it.

[light instrumental music playing]

[panting]

[sighs deeply]

I am decidedly late.

It has been wonderful, ladies.

[sighs]

[chuckles lightly]

Same time tomorrow?

Perhaps.

[indistinct background chatter]

[speaks indistinctly]

Are you quite sure

you wish to resume my lessons?

I would not be angry

if you found me to be a lost cause.

The truth is, you do not need a lesson.

You agree. I am unteachable.

You are very teachable.

You simply do not need to be taught.

You already know how to do this.

I assure you, I do not.

[Colin chuckles]

Do you remember when we first met?

I was riding my horse,

minding my own business,

when I was assaulted...

- [chuckles]

- ...by a devilishly yellow head covering.

It was not my fault.

The wind blew it off my head.

Wind or not, you certainly seemed

pleased when I landed in the mud.

[chuckles] I apologized.

Yes. And you were

so very charming about it.

Teasing me. Mercilessly, in fact.

And I think I know why.

Because we were children.

Before the self-consciousness

of adulthood set in.

Before we started caring

what others think.

Colin, it is impossible to be in society

and not care what others think.

Society is entirely composed

of the judgment of others.

Do you know what I discovered

when I was abroad?

No one knew me.

No one knew who I was supposed to be.

I was entirely freed

of being the Colin Bridgerton

the ton knows me to be.

Which is how I became myself.

Pen, living for the estimation

of others is a trap.

Once you break free, the world opens up.

You make it sound so easy.

Good day.

[indistinct chattering]

Why is it you want a husband?

So that I may have my freedom.

So I may feel comfortable in the world.

I see.

And it will be finding that comfort

in yourself will get you there.

What is the one thing in the world

that makes you feel most comfortable now?

Most at ease?

It used to be Sunday teas

at Bridgerton House.

It was one of the few places I could

go unchaperoned and truly be myself. But...

that is no longer a possibility.

I am sorry about whatever might be coming

between you and Eloise.

What exactly happened?

I should get back.

Before we are noticed.

[indistinct background chatter]

[light classical music builds slowly]

[driver] That's it!

I have long marveled at your shop

through the windows, Madame Delacroix,

but it is another pleasure entirely

to step inside.

[chuckles softly] Of late, there must be

many new pleasures, I imagine.

Over 30 new gowns,

all in desperate need of alteration.

[groans lightly]

I practically begged

the last Lady Kent to let me craft her

something more contemporary,

but she insisted on the old fashions.

Perhaps you might like

to spend some of that new fortune

on something more grand?

With such an unexpected

new face amongst them,

I believe it best to show the ton

that not everything has changed.

I understand your hesitation.

But remember,

the ton feeds on the nouveau,

and it gets ill-tempered

when it is hungry.

[shop bell jingles]

Girls.

Look at this lovely French-blue satin.

Certainly this will catch the queen's eye.

I am so grateful now that Mama

has you to absorb her attention.

I can delay dealing with suitors

at least another year.

Maybe longer if you hold out as well.

I regret to disappoint you,

but the prospect of marriage

is the one aspect of the season

that I welcome.

I'm eager to find a suitable match

and be done with it

before Mother schemes

to get the queen interested in me.

I thought the queen was

uninterested in the season's ladies.

Lady Danbury says,

"The queen only waits to be dazzled."

Perhaps if there are others

vying for the queen's favor,

it will not matter what Mama is scheming.

Miss Hartigan. Miss Malhotra.

I have some information

you might like to know.

Hesitating, Hyacinth?

I do not hesitate.

And yet, here we are waiting.

It is to your good fortune,

as she fleeced you in the last hand.

- I play a long game.

- [Hyacinth clears throat]

I am pleased with my hand.

Now you hesitate.

I should like to trade.

- Mm?

- Mm.

[light classical music playing]

I am out of this round.

- Coward.

- He had a strategy.

We may need more coins,

the way Hyacinth is playing.

- [Benedict scoffs]

- Are you certain you're not cheating?

- Do you think me a magician?

- [Benedict] Mm.

Well, if you are,

please teach us some tricks.

No, thank you. I am happy to wait here.

[Colin] Penelope.

- I've been eagerly awaiting your visit.

- As have I.

But it'd be better to meet you at

the market instead of coming here first.

We are not going to the market this time.

We are going

to the Bridgerton drawing room.

Uh, but why?

Your next lesson, of course.

Uh, but Colin,

my maid is outside, and Eloise--

Is out at the modiste

with Francesca and our mother.

- And the rest of your family?

- Playing cards in the garden.

You've seen my family play pall-mall.

You know how competitive we are.

Hyacinth loves to win,

Gregory hates to lose to her,

while Benedict will refuse

to miss the spectacle.

Trust me, not one of them will be leaving

that table in the immediate future.

You mentioned you were comfortable

at Bridgerton House,

so we are going to practice here.

Uh, I was comfortable

at Bridgerton House. Previously.

We needed a place to be alone.

Here, your maid can wait outside,

and we can pretend we are at a ball.

Have you gone mad?

Imagine it with me, Pen.

The quartet is by the pianoforte,

preparing for the Parisian quadrille.

Here, on the sofa,

some mamas are debating

the merits of the decoration.

Across the room,

gentlemen are asking

a young lady to dance.

And here, we have the lemonade table,

which is where we shall begin.

Very well.

Shall I pretend to flirt

with the imaginary cellist? [chuckles]

No. With the dashing suitor

you just met by the refreshments.

Me.

You?

I'm the perfect person to practice on.

You don't have to be embarrassed.

You know me.

That is exactly why I will feel

even more embarrassed. I know you.

[Colin sighs]

Forgive me. It is only... [sighs]

Deep inside,

I know I can be clever and amusing, but

somehow, my character gets lost

between my heart and my mouth,

and I find myself saying the wrong thing

or, more likely, nothing at all.

Forget what is wrong or right.

Imagine what you would want

to say to me if I were a suitor

without concerning yourself with

how I might receive it.

[light classical music playing]

Your eyes...

are the most remarkable shade of blue.

Yet, somehow, they shine even brighter

when you are kind.

I might say something like that

if you were a suitor.

Mm.

Well, that was, uh, rather direct.

- Um... [clears throat]

- Um...

[Eloise] I believe

I did them a great service.

[Francesca] Unless you care to tell Mama

about your "great service."

- Eloise is here.

- You can hide in the study.

[tense music playing]

[breathing shakily]

[breathing deeply]

[music fades out]

[pensive music plays]

"I can now declare with great certainty

that Paris has some

of the most beautiful women in the world."

"How lucky I am to be surrounded by them,

on the tree-lined streets of Le Marais,

in the charming cafés

along the Seine at times

when the city is still, alone at night."

[inhales sharply]

[Colin] "In those moments alone,

as my fingers trace freckles

from cheek to collarbone,

or as I watch the way

starlight dances across skin,

I marvel at how

one can feel such intimacy,

but also such great distance."

- [shudders]

- Pen.

- Were you reading that?

- No. I did not mean to.

- Mean to pick up my journal and read it?

- No. I did, but I should not have.

No, you should not. Whatever you read

was not meant for another's eye.

- [glass shatters]

- [gasps]

- Damn!

- Colin, your hand!

- It is nothing.

- It is not nothing. Stay there.

[Colin grunts]

Please.

Let me.

[soft classical music builds slowly]

Your writing...

it is very good.

Perhaps we should pause for the day.

[music stops]

- Will I see you tonight?

- Uh...

Indeed. Thank you for the, um... lesson.

[soft music plays]

[soft music intensifies]

[soft music fades out]

[intriguing music builds slowly]

Any adornments, ma'am?

Perhaps simplicity is better?

Would you not like to at least see?

We may have had

different taste in garments...

but Lady Kent

certainly had an eye for jewels.

[music fades out]

Is something troubling you?

Penelope was at our house today.

I am sorry for that.

But it is difficult to know how to act

when, still, I do not know what happened.

We simply grew apart.

[scoffs softly] Yes, you have said that.

- Do you wish for me to cast her out?

- No.

I do not wish for her to be friendless,

and you might be all she has now.

Perhaps just not at the house?

Of course.

How is she?

- Penelope?

- I mean... I do not need to know details.

But I only want to make sure

she is not suffering or... despondent.

She is neither suffering nor despondent.

In fact, she seeks

to take a husband this season.

[scoffs] A husband? Penelope?

- Mm-hmm.

- That is... so unlike her.

Perhaps she has changed.

- She is not seeking a husband in you?

- No. I'm only helping her find one.

Is that wise? What if anyone

were to find out about your helping her?

Well, who should help her?

She does not have any male relatives.

Yes, but you are an eligible suitor.

Perhaps the most eligible

right now, strangely.

- It would not look right.

- No, it would not.

And that is why we are not telling anyone.

[up-tempo classical music playing]

Finally, they seem

to be putting in some work.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Perhaps a little too much.

If only your curtsy had been low enough

in your first season out.

My dear...

you should know it is not my intention

to push suitors on you this season.

But perhaps you might become acquainted

with a few other young ladies

so that your circle is wider

than simply Miss Cowper?

I plan to.

- Do you mean it?

- [laughs]

Miss Bridgerton. Would you like

to take a turn about the room with us?

I do enjoy a good turn.

[light chuckling]

Well... [chuckles]

And then there were two.

Shall we greet the queen?

Perhaps that could wait?

At tea, Lady Danbury mentioned

a musically inclined suitor?

Several, I believe.

Let us start with one

and see where the evening leads us.

[both chuckle]

[indistinct chatter]

Good evening,

Mr. Bridgerton, Mr. Bridgerton.

Ladies! And more ladies!

[all laughing]

They've taken to hunting in packs.

Mr. Bridgerton, I have yet

to see you on the dance floor.

What say you, brother?

Time for you to dance?

Yes.

Miss Stowell, may I have the next dance?

Hm.

[music fades out]

Mr. Dankworth, Mr. Finch.

Where are your ladies?

I have lost mine somewhere

in this splendid celestial display.

I sent mine to look for pastries.

Your wife is a pastry, Mr. Finch.

Perhaps if you savored her

as much as you do food,

she would be with child by now.

I think of Prudence as a bonbon.

[chuckles] Delicate and, oh, so agreeable.

Mr. Dankworth, you are so... pretty.

- Oh.

- I shall find them for you.

Has anyone told you

that your mother is rather terrifying?

[chuckles lightly]

[mid-tempo classical music playing]

Good evening.

How is your hand?

Much better, thanks to you.

I'm sorry again for reading your writing.

But you truly write so well.

You make it seem effortless,

which is so difficult to do.

I'd very much like to read more one day

if you would let me.

Should we make an agreement?

I will consider it

if you speak to at least one lord tonight.

Very well.

Whom do you suggest?

Mm.

Him. Lord Basilio.

Lord Basilio is a viscount.

And you are Penelope Featherington.

Do not forget that.

He's all yours.

Good evening, Miss Featherington.

Oh. Lord Basilio, I did not see you there.

No matter.

I cultivate reserve these days anyway.

Life is too short for that, is it not?

[breathes shakily]

Lord Basilio, are you quite well?

He went quite quickly. Sorry. Excuse me.

Um... what happened?

His horse recently died.

- You are joking.

- I am not.

- [chuckles]

- Colin!

Forgive me. Um, I did not know.

[sighs] Surely someone here

is not in mourning.

- We shall gallop along.

- [laughing] Colin!

[laughs, chattering indistinctly]

[music fades out]

You know, whenever I have

a disagreement with an acquaintance,

I find the best course of action

is simply to pretend they are dead.

I do not think

that will be possible with Penelope.

Unless I pretend she is a ghost.

She was at my house today.

Whatever for?

It seems Colin

is helping her look for a husband.

We used to say we'd be spinsters together.

That is rather scandalous of your brother.

And even more so for Penelope.

Well, she may not think you dead,

but her feelings toward you

are clearly altered.

Perhaps you ought to alter yours as well?

Yes. You are right.

Eloise, do you have any special talents

with which you hope to impress the queen?

Talents? No.

[chuckles] Unless you consider a knack for

saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.

Like the time I tried to tell

the French tutor he was nice,

instead, called him "une chouette."

- An owl! Oh no.

- [all laughing]

Mr. Beaufort? He is rather furry.

Unfortunately,

owls have feathers, not fur,

so even if I had wanted

to insult the poor fellow,

I'd have failed at that as well.

Yes. Well, in truth, I cannot blame

my teachers for my lack of talent.

It is not their fault I am

such a troublesome student.

I think we have found your talent.

Indeed. You are a most

entertaining speaker.

Do not stop.

[chuckling lightly]

["Dynamite"

by Vitamin String Quartet playing]

[song ends]

Mr. Bridgerton,

you are an excellent dancer.

The pleasure was mine, Miss Stowell.

Ah. Um, if you might excuse me.

Now I see why

no one came to the bar for so long.

Mr. and Mrs. Mondrich... welcome to the ton.

I've been up against men in the ring

who could have killed me,

and yet I somehow find myself more nervous

about tonight's program

of dancing and socializing.

Well, at least you have your arms.

I can barely move in this.

You both look superb.

And do not be intimidated.

This can all be rather enjoyable

if you do not resist.

You looked to be enjoying your time

with the young lady.

Are you courting?

No.

No, no. Miss Stowell is lovely,

but that was me doing

the not-resisting bit.

I am not certain Miss Stowell

is taking your experiment so casually.

Hm?

[inhales deeply]

Mm.

Excuse me. I must find some ratafia.

Your situation is making me

all the more nervous.

One dance, and suddenly,

you have signaled you are available.

How are we expected

to understand all these society rules

when even someone

born into this world cannot grasp them?

[man and woman laughing]

Do you see those two?

Lord and Lady De Leon.

It is considered impolite to dance

as often as they do with the same partner,

but they cannot

keep themselves off the floor.

And Lord and Lady Singer.

The rule is you are not supposed

to have more than one or two drinks

at these events,

and yet they are like that every time.

Drunk as fiddlers.

And happy. Do you know what

both of these couples have in common?

They are married, like yourself.

All these rules are to keep

the marriage mart churning.

But once you have performed your function

and... found your match,

you are free.

Francesca, dearest?

Lord Petri is quite the music devotee

and, I hear,

accomplished on the cello as well.

The dowager viscountess flatters me.

My love for the instrument

surpasses my ability, to be sure.

The cello is such a beautiful instrument.

Indeed.

What music do you most love?

Lately, I have been enjoying Ries.

His Piano Trios are quite beautiful.

And Beethoven's Appassionata.

[gasps] I could listen to it forever.

That is quite... expressive music.

I once heard a rumor

the Trios were written

to convey his feelings

for Mademoiselle Ludwigs.

Do you not think you feel it in the music?

[man] Follow me, my dear.

I mostly enjoy the chord progressions.

A mother in her natural sphere,

always watching from the sidelines.

- Lady Danbury.

- [chuckles]

After Eloise's fumbles last season,

I am fearful of pushing

another daughter too hard,

but also fearful that, without a push,

Francesca will marry

the first "good enough" match.

And never set foot

out of her natural sphere.

[Violet] Mm.

A conundrum, to be sure.

Perhaps the best thing you can do

is to let her be

in her natural sphere, then.

Come.

[whimsical music playing]

Come with me.

I may be with child already.

I must eat for two.

Your arrogance

does not count as two people.

- [sniffs]

- That is enough.

Why do you not stand with your husbands,

whom I took pains to secure for you?

You could be setting the mood for later.

Alby and I lay together before we arrived.

Just lower your voice! Not here.

[music ends]

And what about you?

Did you two...

We began.

I simply--

[groans] I do not enjoy it.

[sighs]

A woman's pleasure is

somewhat more subtle than a man's.

You see, when he...

inserts himself...

Inserts himself?

Inserts himself where?

[whimsical music plays]

What on earth do you and Mr. Finch do?

We kiss,

and then he makes an odd sound,

and he goes to change his breeches.

His breeches remain on?

- Of course.

- Why must I be punished over and over?

[soft instrumental music playing]

I am tired of these chits tripping over

themselves the moment they see me.

I have seen enough.

It is time for me to retire.

Before you go.

Have you seen

the Gérard painting in the back room?

I think you might find it, well,

rather brilliant.

She is leaving.

She has barely spoken to any of us.

Finally. Now I can stuff my mouth

with chocolates

without fear of appearing impolite.

Excuse me.

But we've not nearly had

enough time to show off our gifts.

Does anyone at least have any good gossip?

I cannot think of anything at the moment.

[all exclaiming softly]

[pleasant classical music playing]

Good evening, Lord Remington.

Miss Featherington.

It is a fine evening, is it not?

I suppose so.

I heard Her Majesty

has yet to choose a diamond,

and it has caused some consternation

with your fellow young ladies.

I do not much care for idle gossip.

Truly, you are

a more resolute person than I.

I love a bit of gossip.

I should not be so eager,

but on days Whistledown is delivered,

I sit by the door

and read it as soon as it arrives.

Do you? I must admit,

I do quite enjoy Whistledown.

Did you read the passage

about Lady Carter's housekeeper?

That Lady Houghton stole her,

and that is why Lady Carter

fell off tonight's guest list?

[chuckles softly]

- Good evening, Lord Remington.

- Yes, my lord.

Colin... Lord Remington

has asked to call on me tomorrow.

Well, that is excellent.

Do you like him?

I did enjoy myself. Very much.

I am certain he did as well.

[Miss Livingston] It is rather unseemly

that Miss Featherington took his help.

Pitiable, I think.

It is kind of him, but perhaps overly so.

I wouldn't believe...

She's done for.

Pardon me, what are you whispering about?

Mr. Bridgerton, we were wondering

why an eligible gentleman such as yourself

would help a spinster find a husband.

Especially someone

who is so beyond hope of success.

[women chuckling]

Mmm... It's actually all rather sad.

[indistinct whispering]

[tense music playing]

Pen, wait!

[breathing rapidly]

I cannot wait to know

what Lady Whistledown'll write about this.

It will surely be the main interest

of her next edition. [laughing]

Eloise! Did you tell anyone

of my helping Penelope?

No. I did-- I did not mean to--

Which means you did?

- I confided in Cressida.

- Because you thought you could trust her?

Why you are friends

with Cressida in place of Penelope,

I will never understand.

What could Penelope possibly have done

to warrant such maltreatment?

[Eloise sighs]

[music fades out]

[sobbing softly]

[bright, elegant piano tune playing]

That was splendid.

Forgive me, Your Majesty.

I was taking a small pause from the ball.

Because you delight in your endeavors.

Someone who performs not for me

but for themselves.

Brava.

[uplifting music builds slowly]

"Sparkling," one might say.

[knock at door]

My lady.

Will, what are you doing?

Should you not be sleeping

in your own bedchamber?

I do not wish to sleep.

At least, not yet.

And when I do, I will sleep here

with my beautiful wife.

Not in a cold, lonely room by myself.

You heard Mrs. Khanna.

That is not how it is done.

- We cannot--

- Yes, we can.

We can do whatever we want, Alice.

This is our life now.

We are a married, noble couple.

Our son is noble.

Our family is noble.

[pleasant music playing]

I think

I am somehow afraid

I will do something wrong,

and they will take it all away.

We've made use of our advantages,

but everything up until now,

we have worked for.

And... I cannot stop thinking...

- What have we done to earn this?

- Nothing.

The same as every viscount

and earl and baron out there.

Absolutely nothing.

But it is ours, so let us enjoy it.

No more tiptoeing around.

No more sleeping in separate bedrooms.

No more old Lady Kent clothes.

Away with Lady Kent's clothes.

Away with clothes.

But... I am keeping all the jewelry.

There you go.

[Lady Whistledown]

By the light of the moon,

it is easy for one

to mistake the night as a place of safety.

Which is why, perhaps,

both Featherington sisters

snuck away early last night

with their husbands.

[shuddering]

[Lady Whistledown] But one must never

forget that, despite the cover of night,

there are still eyes

upon us all at all times.

Good evening, Lady Danbury.

A letter for you, ma'am.

Mm.

Thank you.

Apologies for the disturbance.

Please alert Mrs. Walsh.

We shall be having a visitor.

Hm.

Hmm.

[Lady Whistledown] We know there is

one young lady who most certainly wishes

her plans had remained in the dark.

Penelope Featherington,

who was so certain that

she would not find a husband on her own,

that she had to enlist the help

of Mr. Colin Bridgerton.

And while we knew Miss Featherington's

marital prospects were slim at best,

this recent scandal

will certainly make

any further hopes disappear.

Eloise. There you are.

Is this what you wanted to happen?

I do not know of what you're speaking.

When you spread gossip about someone,

it will inevitably end up in Whistledown.

You must know that.

But perhaps that was your goal

in communicating the secret

I told you in confidence.

Or can you really

just not help being cruel?

I did not communicate your secret.

But I did notice Miss Livingston

whispering around the room

after hovering nearby.

You were rather indiscreet

when you told me about Penelope.

Perhaps if you were more decided

about your former friendship,

you would not have felt

the need to gossip.

I do appreciate

your concern about cruelty,

but perhaps you should like

to find a looking glass...

rather than looking at me.

[somber music playing]

Have you seen this?

[music fades out]

Tell me it is not true.

I cannot.

Oh, Penelope.

How could you be so reckless?

This family has already endured

so much public scrutiny,

and now this?

[sighs]

It was foolish to ask--

No, what is foolish is being unreasonable

about what you can achieve.

I thought when you bought those dresses,

it was only for your amusement,

not that you earnestly believed

you might find a husband

in your third year out.

[Lady Featherington sighs]

[melancholy music playing]

A life unmarried is not all bad.

Trust me, men can often cause

much more trouble than they are worth.

[melancholy music builds intensity]

[door shuts]

[sniffs]

[Lady Whistledown] This author would

not be surprised if Miss Featherington

should wish to return

to her familiar shadows

once and for all.

[door opens]

Miss.

You have a visitor.

What are you doing here?

[music ends]

I bribed her to give us a moment alone.

I had to see how you were.

- You read Whistledown.

- She is beastly to write such things.

It's her job to report

what everyone is talking about.

It would have been

suspicious if she had not.

In truth, I brought this on myself.

A sad, stupid girl who believed

she might possibly have a chance of love.

- You must not say such things.

- [gentle music builds]

[Lady Whistledown] Perhaps a return

to the shadows is for the best.

After all, a small taste of the light

can lead to that

most dangerous of emotions.

Hope.

And once hope is lost,

a lady may become reckless.

Colin...

could I ask you something?

Of course.

Would...

Would you kiss me?

- Penelope--

- It would not have to mean anything.

And I would never expect

anything from you because of it,

but I'm nearly on the shelf

and never been kissed,

and I am not certain I ever will be.

I could die tomorrow--

- You are not going to die tomorrow.

- But I could, and it would kill me.

But you'd already be dead.

I do not wish to die

without ever having been kissed.

Please.

Colin.

[breathing quickens]

[gentle music rises]

Thank you.

[music fades out]

[theme music playing]

[music ends]

МОДИСТКА

Очевидно, что бриллианты

всё-таки не такая уж и редкость.

Именно поэтому

я не стану ни одного выбирать.

Сколько бы сокровищ

ни присылали обеспокоенные мамаши.

Выходит, вас не смутили

слова леди Уислдаун?

Про то, что я боюсь выбрать бриллиант?

С чего бы?

Говорят, мисс Эдвина,

мой прошлогодний выбор,

сделала блестящую партию за границей.

Верно, Ваше Величество.

Так почему бы не закрепить ваш успех?

И дать Уислдаун то,

чего она хочет? Я не стану.

К тому же, дебютантки этого года

совершенно меня не впечатлили.

Чтобы я отдала кому-то предпочтение,

нужно сначала его заслужить.

Ясно.

Я должна выбрать ту...

Что блистает?

Именно.

Мой бриллиант сделает

лучшую партию сезона.

А Уислдаун раз и навсегда

зарубит у себя на носу.

Бояться следует ей.

Дорогой читатель,

говорят, что дураки судят поспешно,

а мудрые выжидают и наблюдают.

Много лет назад считалось,

что мисс Хендерсон останется в девках.

В итоге она обошла многих дебютанток

и вышла замуж за графа Фрейзера.

Мисс Данэм предрекали

участь старой девы.

Пока она не вышла за барона Или.

А Мисс Катани Шарма, находясь

в довольно зрелом возрасте, ей было 26,

смогла покорить сердце

самого виконта Бриджертона.

Я рада, что ваша мать

дала оставить платья.

Зеркало не врет.

То, что некоторые отвергают,

сочтя обычным булыжником,

со временем оказывается

драгоценным камнем.

Новый барон Кентский и его семья

усвоили это как раз на этой неделе.

Там восточное крыло, тут – западное.

Следуйте за мной.

Мальчики!

Ничего не трогать!

Наверху находятся библиотека,

музыкальный салон,

семейная гостиная,

кабинет и комната для занятий.

Сколько тут комнат?

Всего 27, включая комнаты для слуг.

Не докучайте миссис Кханне,

не то будете отвечать за уборку.

Миссис Мондрич, это ваши покои.

Напротив покоев мистера Мондрича.

- Раздельные?

- Конечно.

Так положено.

Бывало то, что казалось бесценным,

под давлением лопалось, как стекляшка.

Невероятно.

Поместье Кентов отошло сыну боксера.

А если какой-то торговец или трубочист

следующий в очереди на наше?

Зачем беспокоиться, мэм?

Одна из девочек справится.

Вот так.

Боже правый.

Мама, Рэй сопроводит меня

на прогулку в Роттен-роу.

- Не видишь? Мы заняты.

- Лови.

А еще ваша покорная слуга знает,

что бриллианты — не единственные

драгоценные камни, способные блистать.

Предпочитаешь гулять

с другими дебютантками?

Лучше смотреть, как растет трава.

И глазеют они вовсе не на меня.

Я так и не понял новую тебя.

Дружба с Крессидой,

холодность к остальным.

Лента в волосах, но без веера.

С чего такой интерес ко мне? Есть те,

кто изменился гораздо больше.

Ты же обещал Энтони дать обществу шанс?

Увидимся позже.

Пожалуй, одолжу веер

у одной из этих леди.

Вдруг станет жарко.

Что ж. С чего начнем?

Может, есть книга о шарме?

Тебе нужна моя помощь

после слов леди Уислдаун?

Она еще ни разу так не ошибалась.

Не будем об этом.

Согласен. Рано или поздно

она попадется.

И мы отпразднуем ее падение.

Больше ни слова о книгах.

Если хочешь выйти замуж,

нужно включаться в реальную жизнь.

Для начала я оценю имеющиеся навыки.

Но у меня их нет.

Ты умеешь обращаться с веером.

Хлопать ресницами.

Зачастую этого достаточно.

Мужчины довольно примитивны.

Ну, попробую тебе продемонстрировать.

Не мне.

Им.

Господа. Вы знакомы с мисс Фэзерингтон?

Я очень рада видеть всех вас.

До чего чудесная погода.

Просто...

Мисс Фэзерингтон,

похоже, вы взволнованы.

Нет.

Прошу прощения,

но я в полном порядке, милорд.

БРИДЖЕРТОНЫ

Говорят, вчера в город

приехал лорд Кортни.

Верно.

Я слышала, он довольно

хорош собой и любит музыку.

Неужели? Может, подойдет Франческе?

И не только он.

Лорды Петри и Годвин

тоже большие поклонники искусств.

- Они тоже красивы?

- Поговори со всеми.

- Хорошо иметь выбор.

- Его больше, чем ты представляешь.

Я заглянула сегодня на чай,

чтобы сказать вам,

что Ее Величество еще не определилась.

Она продолжает искать свой бриллиант.

Совершенно иного рода.

И хочет увидеть больше.

Неужели?

Полагаю, что да.

И это может быть кто угодно.

Кто угодно?

Их тех, кто уже выходит в свет.

Она такая. Палец в рот...

До чего утомительно

готовиться быть хозяйкой.

Я могу счесть это за добрый знак?

Знак того, что вы предпринимаете

необходимые действия?

Мы с Албионом только сегодня утром

обошли три заведения.

Заведения? Что еще за заведения?

Лавки обивщика, торговца шелком и...

Варли не должна слышать.

Мы встречались с новой экономкой.

Вдруг решу что-то изменить,

став новой леди Фэзерингтон.

Я хочу оставить Варли.

Не думаете, что вы обе

ставите телегу впереди лошади?

Думаю, есть все причины полагать,

что вы обе вскорости

подарите семье наследника.

Мама! Как грубо.

Мы с Албионом очень страстные.

- Разумеется.

- Хорошо. А вы?

Чай горчит.

Плевать на чай.

Да, мама. Мы познали друг друга.

Ну, я на это надеюсь.

Как часто?

Один раз.

В брачную ночь.

Ты считаешь,

дети сами зачинаются во чреве?

Нужно регулярно познавать друг друга,

чтобы это случилось.

Я хочу выходить с мужем в свет,

а не сидеть в спальне.

И от этого укладка портится.

Хочешь обойти сестру —

придется постараться.

Полнолуние.

Самое благоприятное время.

Советую этим воспользоваться.

Я определенно опаздываю.

Дамы, всё было чудесно.

Завтра в то же время?

Возможно.

Ты точно уверен, что хочешь продолжить?

Я не обижусь,

если решишь, что я безнадежна.

Правда в том, что тебе это не нужно.

Ты согласен. Я необучаема.

Ты легко учишься.

Просто тебя не надо этому учить.

Ты уже это умеешь.

Уверяю, это не так.

Помнишь нашу первую встречу?

Я спокойно ехал себе на лошади,

и тут на меня напала

дьявольская желтая накидка.

Я не виновата. Ее ветром сдуло.

Но ты была рада,

когда я шлепнулся в грязь.

Я извинилась.

Да. И ты сделала это

с невероятным очарованием.

Подшучивала надо мной. Беспощадно.

Думаю, я знаю почему.

Мы были детьми.

Мы еще не познали

взрослое чувство неловкости.

Нам еще не было дела

до мнения окружающих.

В обществе нельзя не думать

о мнении окружающих.

Ведь оно целиком зиждется

на суждении об остальных.

Знаешь, что я понял заграницей?

Никто меня не знает.

Не знает, каким я должен быть.

Я мог не быть Колином Бриджертоном,

которого знает высший свет.

Так я стал самим собой.

Пен, оправдывать

ожидания других — капкан.

Как только ты освободишься —

тебе откроется мир.

Звучит так просто.

Зачем тебе муж?

Чтобы обрести свободу.

Чувствовать себя комфортно в этом мире.

Ясно.

Чтобы это получить,

нужно найти комфорт в самой себе.

Что в этом мире

приносит тебе наибольший комфорт?

Когда тебе спокойно?

Раньше это был

воскресный чай в Бриджертон-хаус.

Я не нуждалась в компаньонке

и могла быть собой.

Но... это больше невозможно.

Жаль, что у вас с Элоизой

что-то случилось.

Что произошло?

Мне пора.

Пока нас не заметили.

Всё!

Я давно с восхищением разглядывала

ваши витрины, мадам Делакруа,

но какое же наслаждение

оказаться внутри.

Полагаю, вас теперь ждет

много новых удовольствий.

Аж 30 платьев.

И все нуждаются в срочной переделке.

Я буквально умоляла покойную леди Кент

позволить мне сшить

что-то более современное.

Но она настаивала на старых фасонах.

Возможно, вы захотите

потратить часть нового состояния

на нечто более эффектное?

Я неожиданно попала в высшее общество.

Думаю, свет будет рад видеть,

что не всё изменилось.

Понимаю ваши сомнения.

Но запомните:

общество питается нуворишами.

А если оставить его голодным,

оно рассердится.

МОДИСТКА

Девочки.

Взгляните на этот чудесный сатин

цвета парижской сини.

Уверена, он привлечет

внимание королевы.

Я так рада,

что теперь ты в центре внимания.

Для меня это еще год отсрочки.

Или дольше, если ты тоже не спешишь.

Мне жаль тебя разочаровывать,

но перспектива замужества —

единственное, что радует меня в сезоне.

Я хочу найти подходящую партию до того,

как на меня обратит внимание королева.

Разве королеве всё еще есть

до этого дело?

Леди Данбери сказала,

что она ждет, когда ее сразят.

Если начнется борьба

за внимание королевы,

мамины планы не будут иметь значения.

Мисс Хартиган. Мисс Малхотра.

У меня есть то,

что может вас заинтересовать.

Джасинт, сомнения?

Вовсе нет.

Но мы все тебя ждем.

Тебе это на руку.

В прошлый раз она тебя обобрала.

У меня стратегия.

У меня отличные карты.

Теперь ты.

Давай меняться.

Пропущу этот раунд.

- Трус.

- У него стратегия.

С игрой Джасинт нам нужны еще монеты.

- Ты точно не жульничаешь?

- Я фокусница?

Если это так, научи нас.

Нет, спасибо. Я подожду здесь.

Пенелопа.

- Я ждал встречи.

- Я тоже.

Но лучше условиться на рынке, не здесь.

Мы туда не пойдем.

Мы идем в гостиную Бриджертонов.

Но зачем?

Следующий урок.

Колин, моя горничная снаружи, а Элоиза...

У модистки.

С Франческой и нашей матерью.

- А остальные?

- Играют в карты в саду.

Ты знаешь, как они играют в пэл-мэл.

Мы жутко азартные.

Джасинт выигрывает, Грегори бесится,

а Бенедикт наслаждается зрелищем.

Поверь мне, в ближайшее время

они не встанут из-за стола.

Ты сказала, тебе комфортно

в Бриджертон-хаус.

Будем заниматься тут.

Мне было комфортно

в Бриджертон-хаус. Раньше.

Нам нужно уединение.

Тут горничная может ждать снаружи.

А мы притворимся, что мы на балу.

Ты рехнулся?

Представим вместе.

У фортепиано квартет.

Готовятся играть парижскую кадриль.

На диване

несколько матерей обсуждают

достоинства обстановки.

Напротив

джентльмены приглашают

юную леди на танец.

А тут стол с лимонадом.

С него мы и начнем.

Ладно.

Мне флиртовать

с воображаемым виолончелистом?

Нет. С блестящим кавалером,

которого ты встретила у стола.

Со мной.

С тобой?

Я идеальная кандидатура.

Меня можно не стесняться. Мы знакомы.

Именно поэтому

я буду стесняться еще больше.

Прости. Просто...

Глубоко внутри,

я знаю, что могу быть

веселой и остроумной, но...

Всё это теряется

по пути от моего сердца ко рту.

И в итоге я несу невесть что.

А чаще всего просто молчу.

Нет правильного и неправильного.

Представь, что бы ты хотела

сказать кавалеру.

И не думай о том,

как я могу это воспринять.

Твои глаза...

Они потрясающего синего оттенка.

И они сияют еще ярче, когда ты добр.

Я могла бы сказать нечто подобное,

будь ты кавалером.

Что ж, довольно прямолинейно.

Я оказала им огромную услугу.

Может, предупредить маму

об этой «услуге»?

- Это Элоиза.

- Спрячься в кабинете.

«Я могу утверждать,

что в Париже

одни из самых красивых женщин в мире.

Мне повезло быть в их окружении

на бульварах Маре,

в очаровательных кафе на берегах Сены

и ночью, наедине с ними».

В эти моменты,

когда мои пальцы скользят

по веснушкам от щеки к ключице,

или когда смотрю,

как свет звезд отражается на коже,

я поражаюсь тому,

как возможна такая близость

и одновременно такая отчужденность».

Пен.

- Ты читала?

- Нет. Я не хотела.

- Не хотела читать мой дневник?

- Я читала. Но не должна была.

Верно. Чтобы ты ни прочла,

оно не для чужих глаз.

- Чёрт!

- Колин, твоя рука!

- Пустяк.

- Это не пустяк. Не двигайся.

Прошу.

Позволь.

Ты пишешь...

...очень хорошо.

Думаю, на сегодня достаточно.

До вечера?

Конечно. Спасибо за урок.

Украшения, мадам?

Может, предпочесть простоту?

Даже не хотите взглянуть?

В плане моды у нас были разные вкусы.

Но леди Кент определенно

знала толк в украшениях.

Тебя что-то заботит?

Сегодня у нас была Пенелопа.

Мне жаль.

Но трудно понять,

как следует действовать,

когда не знаешь, что произошло.

Мы просто разошлись.

Да, ты говорила.

- Мне с ней не общаться?

- Нет.

Я не хочу лишать ее друзей.

Возможно, у нее остался лишь ты.

Но, может, не в нашем доме?

Разумеется.

Как она?

- Пенелопа?

- Ну... Можно без подробностей.

Я лишь хочу убедиться,

что она не страдает и не удручена.

Ни то, ни другое.

В этом сезоне она хочет найти мужа.

Мужа? Пенелопа?

Это так на нее непохоже.

Возможно, она изменилась.

Она видит мужа в тебе?

Нет, я лишь помогаю с поисками.

Это разумно? А если кто-то узнает,

что ты ей помогаешь?

А кто тогда ей поможет?

У нее нет родни мужского пола.

Да, но ты желанный кавалер.

Как ни странно, самый желанный.

- Будет выглядеть неподобающе.

- Да.

Поэтому это секрет.

Наконец-то я вижу какие-то усилия.

Да, Ваше Величество.

Возможно, с перебором.

Вот бы твой реверанс

в первом сезоне был достаточно низок.

Дорогая.

В этом сезоне я не буду

навязывать тебе кавалеров.

Но, может, тебе стоит завести дружбу

с еще несколькими юными леди?

Чтобы круг общения

не ограничивался мисс Каупер?

Так и сделаю.

Серьезно?

Мисс Бриджертон. Не желаете

прогуляться с нами по залу?

С радостью прогуляюсь.

Что ж.

Мы остались вдвоем.

Поприветствуем королеву?

Может, попозже?

За чаем леди Данбери упоминала

любителя музыки.

Полагаю, нескольких.

Начнем с одного.

Посмотрим, как сложится вечер.

Добрый вечер.

Мистер Бриджертон. Мистер Бриджертон.

Дамы! Еще больше дам!

Решили охотиться стаями.

Мистер Бриджертон.

Вы, кажется, еще не танцевали?

Что скажешь, брат?

Потанцуешь?

Да.

Мисс Стоуэлл,

можно вас на следующий танец?

Мистер Дэнкуорт, мистер Финч.

Где ваши дамы?

Я потерял свою

среди этих ярких созвездий.

А я отправил свою за пирожными.

Пирожное — ваша жена.

Если бы вы уделяли ей

столько же внимания, сколько еде,

она бы уже носила дитя.

Для меня Пруденс — конфетка.

Мягкая и такая покладистая.

Мистер Дэнкуорт, вы такой душка.

Я найду ваших жен.

Вам уже говорили,

что ваша мать внушает страх?

Добрый вечер.

Как твоя рука?

Гораздо лучше, благодаря тебе.

Прости, что я прочла твой дневник.

Но ты правда прекрасно пишешь.

Читается на одном дыхании.

Этого трудно добиться.

Я бы хотела почитать еще.

Если ты позволишь.

Заключим соглашение?

Я подумаю об этом, если сегодня

ты поговоришь хоть с одним лордом.

Хорошо.

Кого предлагаешь?

Его. Лорд Басилио.

Лорд Басилио — виконт.

А ты Пенелопа Фэзерингтон.

Помни об этом.

Дерзай.

- Добрый вечер, мисс Фэзерингтон.

- Лорд Басилио, я вас не заметила.

Не страшно.

Я сейчас практикую сдержанность.

Жизнь для этого слишком коротка, нет?

Лорд Басилио, вам нехорошо?

Его не стало так скоро.

Простите. Извините.

Что случилось?

У него пала лошадь.

- Ты шутишь?

- Нет.

Колин!

Прости. Я не знал.

Не могут же все быть в трауре.

- Галопируем дальше.

- Колин!

Знаешь, если у меня

случается с кем-то разногласие,

то лучшая стратегия —

притвориться, что он умер.

Не думаю, что с Пенелопой это возможно.

Если только решить,

что она призрак. Она была у нас.

Зачем?

Похоже, Колин помогает ей найти мужа.

Мы хотели быть старыми девами.

Позорное поведение для твоего брата.

Тем более для Пенелопы.

Может, она не считает тебя умершей.

Но ее чувства к тебе явно изменились.

Может, стоит ответить взаимностью?

Да, ты права.

Элоиза, у тебя есть таланты,

которыми ты можешь покорить королеву?

Таланты? Нет.

Разве что умение ляпнуть глупость

в неподходящий момент.

Делала комплимент учителю французского.

- И назвала его une chouette.

- Совой? О нет!

Мистер Бофорт? У него

довольно густая растительность.

К несчастью, у сов перья, не волосы.

Даже если б я решила обидеть беднягу,

всё равно бы оплошала.

Но я не виню учителей

в своей бесталанности.

Проблема исключительно в ученице.

Думаю, мы нашли твой талант.

Верно. Ты умеешь занять беседой.

Не останавливайся.

Мистер Бриджертон,

вы прекрасно танцуете.

Вы тоже, мисс Стоуэлл.

С вашего позволения.

Теперь ясно, почему в баре давно пусто.

Мистер и миссис Мондрич.

Добро пожаловать в высшее общество.

На ринге меня много раз могли убить.

Но почему-то я больше нервничаю

из-за предстоящих сегодня

танцев и общения.

Ты хоть можешь защищаться.

А меня словно заковали.

Вы оба прекрасно выглядите. Не робейте.

Это вполне может

доставлять удовольствие.

Если не противиться.

Похоже, вы хорошо

проводили время с юной леди.

Вы за ней ухаживаете?

Нет. Мисс Стоуэлл мила,

но я просто не противился.

Не думаю, что мисс Стоуэлл

относится к этому также легкомысленно.

Простите, я хочу выпить ратафии.

Ваше положение

заставило меня нервничать.

Всего одни танец.

И вы уже дали понять, что доступны.

Как нам разобраться

во всех правилах этого общества,

если даже рожденные в нём

не могут их усвоить?

Взгляните на них.

Лорд и леди де Леон.

Считается невежливым

танцевать с одним и тем же партнером.

Но они не могут удержаться.

Или лорд и леди Сингер.

По правилам на подобных мероприятиях

следует ограничиться парой напитков.

Но с ними такое каждый раз.

Пьяны в стельку. И счастливы.

Знаете, что объединяет эти пары?

Они женаты. Как и вы.

Эти правила способствуют

созданию брачных союзов.

А выполнив свою функцию

и найдя себе пару,

вы свободны.

Франческа, дорогая.

Лорд Петри — большой поклонник музыки.

А еще говорят,

он прекрасно играет на виолончели.

Вдовствующая виконтесса мне льстит.

Моя любовь к инструменту

превосходит мастерство.

Виолончель — чудесный инструмент.

Безусловно.

Какую музыку вы любите?

В последнее время мне нравится Рис.

Его фортепьянные трио очаровательны.

И Аппассионата Бетховена.

Могу слушать бесконечно.

Это довольно экспрессивная музыка.

Ходят слухи, что в тех трио он выразил

свои чувства к мадемуазель Людвигс.

Это чувствуется в музыке?

Идем, дорогая.

Мне больше нравятся аккордовые пассажи.

Мать в своей естественной

среде обитания.

Присматривает издалека.

Леди Данбери.

После прошлогодних проблем Элоизы

я опасаюсь слишком давить на Франческу.

Но при этом боюсь, что, если не давить,

она выберет первую «подходящую» пару.

И никогда не выйдет

за пределы своей среды.

Да уж, непростая ситуация.

Возможно, лучший выход —

позволить ей остаться

в своей естественной среде.

Подойди.

Идем.

Возможно, я уже ношу ребенка.

Нужно есть за двоих.

Твоего упрямства хватит на двоих.

Довольно.

Почему вы не рядом с мужьями,

которых я сумела вам обеспечить?

Создавая настрой на дальнейшее.

Мы с Алби были в спальне перед балом.

Не так громко! Не здесь.

А что у тебя?

Вы двое...

Мы начали.

Просто я...

Мне это не нравится.

Женское удовольствие

гораздо сложнее мужского.

Видишь ли, когда он...

...вставляет себя...

Вставляет себя?

Вставляет себя куда?

Чем вы там занимаетесь

с мистером Финчем?

Мы целуемся,

потом он издает странный звук

и идет менять брюки.

Он делает это в брюках?

- Разумеется.

- За что мне такое вечное наказание?

Я устала наблюдать

их ужимки при моём появлении.

Я достаточно увидела. Пора удалиться.

Пока вы не ушли.

Вы видели картину Жерара

в задней комнате?

Думаю, вы найдете ее... Ну...

Блестящей.

Она уходит. Едва поговорив с нами.

Наконец-то можно есть конфеты, не боясь

показаться невежливой. Простите.

Но у нас не было времени

показать свои таланты.

Может, хотя бы есть интересные слухи?

Пока ничего не приходит в голову.

Добрый вечер, лорд Ремингтон.

Мисс Фэзерингтон.

Чудесный вечер, не так ли?

Полагаю, что так.

Говорят, Ее Величество

еще не выбрала бриллиант.

И это вызвало переполох

среди юных леди.

Мне нет дела до глупых сплетен.

Что ж, вы гораздо тверже меня.

Я интересуюсь слухами.

Не стоило бы,

но когда выходит фельетон Уислдаун,

я читаю его, прямо не отходя от двери.

Правда? Признаю,

мне нравится фельетон Уислдаун.

Вы читали заметку

про экономку леди Картер?

Ее переманила леди Хоутон.

И поэтому леди Картер

сегодня нет среди гостей.

- Доброй ночи, лорд Ремингтон.

- Милорд.

Колин, лорд Ремингтон

хочет завтра нанести мне визит.

Прекрасно.

Он тебе нравится?

Мне понравилось

разговаривать с ним. Очень.

Уверен, ему тоже.

Мисс Фэзерингтон

не подобает принимать его помощь.

Это так жалко.

С его стороны это очень мило.

Но, возможно, слишком.

Поверить не могу...

Ей конец.

Простите, о чём вы шепчетесь?

Мистер Бриджертон, мы удивляемся,

зачем молодому холостяку вроде вас

помогать старой деве найти мужа.

Особенно той, у кого нет

ни малейшего шанса на успех.

Печальная история.

Пен, постой!

Не терпится узнать,

что об этом напишет леди Уислдаун.

Это будет главной темой

следующего выпуска.

Элоиза! Ты всем рассказала

о моей помощи Пенелопе?

Нет. Я не хотела...

А чего ты хотела?

- Я доверилась Крессиде.

- Ты ей верила?

Я никогда не пойму, как ты могла

променять Пенелопу на Крессиду.

Что такого могла сделать Пенелопа,

чтобы заслужить это?

Это было восхитительно.

Ваше Величество, простите за то,

что покинула бал.

Ты черпаешь радость в своем деле.

Играешь не ради меня.

А ради себя.

Брава.

Можно сказать, что это блестяще.

Миледи.

Уилл, что ты делаешь?

Разве ты не должен спать у себя?

Я не хочу спать.

По крайней мере пока.

А когда захочу, посплю здесь.

Со своей прекрасной женой.

А не один в холодной комнате.

Ты слышал миссис Кханну.

Тут так не принято.

- Мы не можем...

- Нет, можем.

Мы можем всё, что хотим, Элис.

Теперь это наша жизнь.

Мы знатная женатая пара.

К знати принадлежит наш сын.

Знатная вся наша семья.

Думаю,

я побаиваюсь, что сделаю что-то не так.

И у нас всё заберут.

У нас были преимущества,

но до этого мы всё зарабатывали сами.

И... я всё думаю...

- Чем мы всё это заслужили?

- Ничем.

Как и каждый виконт, граф и барон.

Абсолютно ничем.

Но теперь это наше.

Так давай этим наслаждаться.

Больше никаких сомнений.

Никаких раздельных спален.

Никаких старых нарядов леди Кент.

Прочь одежду леди Кент.

Прочь одежду.

А вот драгоценности я оставлю.

Молодец.

При свете луны

легко ошибочно решить,

что ночь дарует безопасность.

Возможно, именно поэтому

обе сестры Фэзерингтон

вчера пораньше ускользнули

с бала вместе со своими мужьями.

Но не следует забывать,

что даже под покровом ночи

все мы остаемся

под пристальным вниманием.

Добрый вечер, леди Данбери. Вам письмо.

Спасибо.

Простите за беспокойство.

Предупредите миссис Уолш.

Мы ожидаем гостя.

Мы все знаем,

что одна юная леди предпочла бы,

чтобы ее планы остались в тайне.

Пенелопа Фэзерингтон

настолько уверовала в то,

что не найдет мужа самостоятельно,

что прибегла к помощи

Колина Бриджертона.

Мы и так знали,

что шансы мисс Фэзерингтон

на замужество были крайне призрачны.

А случившееся окончательно развеяло

остатки теплившихся надежд.

Элоиза. Вот ты где.

Тебе это и было нужно?

Не знаю, о чём ты.

Любая сплетня

непременно оказывается в фельетоне.

Ты знала это.

Может, именно для этого

ты выдала секрет,

который я тебе доверила.

Или это лишь

твоя врожденная жестокость?

Я не выдала твой секрет.

А вот мисс Ливингстон, покрутившись

вокруг нас, потом шепталась со всеми.

Ты была неосмотрительна,

рассказывая мне о Пенелопе.

Если б ты определила отношение

к бывшей подруге,

то не стала бы сплетничать.

Благодарю за замечание о жестокости.

Но, пожалуй, стоит взглянуть в зеркало,

а не искать проблемы во мне.

Ты это видела?

Скажи, что это неправда.

Не могу.

О, Пенелопа.

Это так неосмотрительно!

Наша семья и так

под пристальным вниманием общества.

А теперь еще и это.

Было глупо просить...

Нет, глупо стремиться к тому,

что для тебя недостижимо.

Я думала, ты купила эти платья

просто забавы ради.

А не возомнив с чего-то,

что на третий год

ты вдруг найдешь себе мужа.

Незамужняя жизнь не так уж плоха.

Поверь, мужчины могут принести

гораздо больше проблем, чем пользы.

Автор сих строк не удивится,

если мисс Фэзерингтон решит вернуться

в привычную тень до конца своих дней.

Мисс.

К вам посетитель.

Что ты тут делаешь?

Я заплатил ей, чтоб ушла.

Я должен был тебя проведать.

- Ты читал Уислдаун.

- Она как всегда жестока.

Ее работа — писать обо всех сплетнях.

Было бы подозрительно,

если б она смолчала.

Я сама навлекла это на себя.

Жалкая глупышка, возомнившая,

что имеет шанс на любовь.

Не надо так говорить.

Возможно, возвращение в тень —

к лучшему.

Ведь даже малейший лучик света

способен пробудить

опаснейшее из чувств.

Надежду.

А когда надежда рушится,

женщина способна на безрассудства.

Колин...

Можно тебя попросить?

Конечно.

Ты не мог бы...

Поцелуешь меня?

- Пенелопа...

- Без обязательств.

Я никогда ничего не буду от тебя ждать.

Я нецелованная старая дева,

и вряд ли это со мной случится.

Если я завтра умру...

- Ты не умрешь завтра.

- А вдруг? Это меня убьет.

Мертвую тебя?

Я не хочу умереть, не познав это.

Пожалуйста.

Колин.

Спасибо.

Перевод субтитров: Ксения Гребеникова