Старые друзья

Move more slowly!

I must not rush as I am with child.

- Pfft. You do not know that for certain.

- Uh, I threw up all night.

Is pregnancy sickness

not associated with the morning?

What is it? My housekeeper said

that Varley said it was urgent.

- I was sleeping.

- Shh.

Look.

Your sister has a caller.

I have brought you a plant

so that you might continue

to enjoy nature from your windowsill.

Thank you.

What is it?

Um...

Why her?

She must have blackmailed him.

Or trapped him in a closet.

Think she used a potion

like the one Varley gave us?

We know what she did.

She used Colin Bridgerton's help.

Many people would do much worse

to be connected to the Bridgertons.

I shall have to pick up

Mr. Bridgerton's mantle of assistance.

Lord Debling.

My other daughters

just happened to drop by,

and they wish to say good day.

Good day.

Good day.

We are so pleased to have you.

So often, my Penelope

is sat at that window, reading.

And now, here she is, in the room.

And we have you to thank for that.

Is that so? Is there a reason

you like that window so much?

Is the settee particularly comfortable?

Not particularly.

I suppose I mostly just enjoy the view.

But I have grown rather tired of it.

And I am very glad to be here with you.

Oh, I thought I might find you in here.

I am found.

We are expecting the Marquess Samadani

to call on Francesca this morning.

Can I count on your presence?

I think it may be best

if I absent myself from this round.

Well, if I am there,

I will surely eat all of the biscuits

and leave none for the marquess.

Dear... at last night's ball,

when you were asking about friendship

and whether it can blossom into love,

is there something

you wished to discuss with me?

That is kind of you, Mother,

but it was purely a speculative question.

I simply want the best for Francesca.

I shall come down later.

Very well.

Dearest Gentle Reader.

A question.

What is the primary force

that guides us along our paths?

You are my solicitor.

Although, whether you remain so

depends on what you say next.

I shall return with things in order.

Are you here to overcharge me as well?

I am not.

I have come to call on you.

Mr. Bridgerton.

I do not wish to be called on.

Is it our minds...

or our hearts?

The poor cousin says,

"Well, I ought not dispute it,

for I have heard you claim so

these past ten years."

Splendid.

But before you consume

all the mirth in the room,

you must tell us, to what do we owe

the pleasure of your return to London?

You must forgive me

for performing for the room.

Mmm.

I am accustomed to the staff

at my country estate

being my only company.

It is that very lack of society

that has brought me back.

Not to mention a lack of ladies.

Well, then, all shall work out perfectly.

I am occupied a good while.

And thus, you are free to meet with

as many ladies... as you might like.

When heart

and head are in conflict,

every choice may feel like agony.

One person in whom

thought and feeling are united

is Her Majesty Queen Charlotte.

After their meeting at the Hawkins ball,

it seems the queen's sparkler,

Miss Francesca Bridgerton,

may indeed be poised

to become the new Marquess Samadani.

She lavishes you

with praise, Your Majesty.

You can read from all the way back there?

With much practice, anything is possible.

Then I am pleased we are so well-practiced

in hosting the most exquisite gatherings.

We shall arrange one promptly.

A celebration of our good standing.

And a chance, perhaps,

to secure our match for Miss Francesca?

Step another pace backwards.

You read me too well.

Of course, whatever

maketh our collective hearts swell

may yet make them break.

The season is still early

and oft has a mind of its own.

That is the cake?

- I believe it is called mille-feuille.

- Oh.

Our cook has spoken

with Lord Samadani's kitchen.

This should be exactly to his standard.

I hope we have not put our cook

to too much trouble for nothing.

Lord Samadani may not choose

to call upon me.

Shh...

- There is a caller here.

- Yes! Bring him in.

Lord Samadani, welcome.

Our cook has prepared some mille-feuille

in anticipation of your arrival.

Hyacinth, this is not Lord Samadani.

Oh.

Please forgive us for the error.

Oh, the error is mine, I am certain.

I am here to call upon

one of your daughters, if I may.

Um...

My daughter Francesca?

Miss Francesca.

John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin.

It is a pleasure to meet you.

The pleasure is mine.

Lord Kilmartin and I met briefly

at the Hawkins ball

but have not had the opportunity

for a formal introduction.

I see.

May I join you a moment?

I should like that.

She does not speak to him.

I am in awe.

I thought one had to use wit

or banter to dissuade a suitor.

But simple silence

is radically more effective.

Perhaps they are enjoying themselves.

But how will they know each other

if they do not speak?

And he comes to call

without having had

a formal introduction first?

Uh, there is another caller here, my lady.

Lord Samadani, for Miss Francesca.

Lady Bridgerton, good day.

Good day, Lord Samadani.

I shall fetch you a pastry.

Mr. Bridgerton. Miss Bridgerton.

And you must be Miss Hyacinth, I presume?

How dashing!

Miss Francesca.

It is a pleasure to see you.

Good day, Lord Samadani.

I do not believe

we are known to each other, Lord...

Kilmartin. But I was just leaving.

I do not wish to interfere.

Good day.

Oh!

Mmm!

And he is the third lord to suggest

you must give up the club?

It seems that every member of the ton

has had something to say on the matter,

all out of... alleged concern.

Their concern is insincere at best.

But once it is done, they will surely

find something else on which to fixate.

You believe I should do

as they would wish?

Give up all that we have built?

Was it not you who proclaimed that

we should embrace all that we have now?

Why burden yourself with a business

that will only cause further confusion?

I am not the one who is confused.

I am keeping my club.

I have been building my collection

since 1790

and thought it only fitting to share it

after all these years.

Mama, we are in a library.

For once, you must allow me

to look at a book.

I cannot have you growing distracted.

You must think only of Lord Debling today.

This book is on voyages to the North,

where Lord Debling intends to travel.

Well, let him tell you about it.

Men love to explain the world to us.

If we have already explained it

to ourselves through reading,

then they will feel

superfluous and unmanned.

Good afternoon, ladies.

Miss Featherington, are you reading

about the fabled Northwest Passage?

- I was. I find it so--

- Terribly confusing.

We cannot make

head nor tail of it.

Would you be so kind as to explain?

I find books so captivating.

I have a collection of over 1,000 myself.

Nothing a book loves more

than to be collected.

Yes, quite.

I do not know that anyone in this library

has in fact read a book

through to the end.

Perhaps mine

will be in the collection soon.

The tragedy of a spinster

whose father is now promising

to marry her to one of his aged friends.

Sounds like German literature.

I aided you with that balloon,

and yet all the fan-fluttering

seems to be markedly in your direction.

Perhaps you might grace us tomorrow night

with your presence

if you are not busy fending off admirers?

We are in pursuit of some revelry.

I think I shall accompany you.

I could use a little revelry myself.

Are you looking for someone,

Miss Featherington?

No. Only...

taking in all the books.

What is it you prefer to read?

I do not mind a stirring tale

or a book of fact.

But in truth, I find myself drawn back

time and time again

to stories of... love.

And what is it about those stories

that interests you?

They are histories of connection,

of hope for a better life.

Does that make me sound terribly vapid?

Miss Featherington,

I am happy to learn you have a passion.

One that brings you such joy

as my research brings me.

We are alike in that way.

Are there any novels

in which the man

goes traveling for a very long time,

and his wife is happy to stay behind,

tending the estate?

I suppose that would not be a book

with much sentiment, would it?

Not necessarily.

But if the wife did have

her own interests in life, then

perhaps they could both be very happy.

A practical match... but a happy one?

I like the sound of that.

And how, dare I ask,

might this fictional gentleman

ask for the young lady's hand?

Especially if she had no male relative.

If... If you were writing the book, that is.

Well, I suppose

he would have to ask her mother.

I see.

And if her mother gave her blessing,

do you think she would say yes?

I think you would have to read the book.

Are you quite well? You appear--

I am afraid my enthusiasm

is elsewhere this evening.

So you would prefer to watch?

You have already paid.

Fine.

Good day.

If the marquess asks you to dance

a second time at the queen's ball,

it is a clear declaration of interest.

We shall see if he even asks me

for a first dance this time.

Oh, something tells me he will.

But if that interest is not shared, and...

There is Lord Kilmartin.

- Uh... do you know his family?

- Oh, not well.

They're a rather reserved bunch,

known to keep to themselves.

Are you interested in him?

Good day, Lord Kilmartin.

Miss Francesca. Lady Bridgerton.

You left quite abruptly the other morning.

Well... you had another caller.

I hoped I might see you at the opening

of Lord Fuller's collection yesterday.

No. I do not often attend society events

unless I am required to

by the rules of good manners.

I see.

And so, are you stopping to speak with us

just to... be polite?

I... believe you stopped me.

Enjoyable music, yes?

If I am being honest, no.

The pace is too fickle.

Just as you think you are starting to

comprehend the melody, the song is over.

A song like this would be sweeter if it

were played in 3/4 so one could, in fact,

feel... the music.

That is helpful.

Uh... If you'll excuse me.

To answer your question,

no, I am not interested in him.

Oh. Uh...

A visitor for Miss Cowper, my lady.

Eloise.

Cressida. Lady Cowper.

What a welcoming home you have.

It is like... a museum in here.

It is calling hour, Miss Bridgerton.

And I should like

to call on Miss Cowper a moment

if that is allowed.

Is everything all right?

I came to see that you are well.

You did not seem yourself yesterday.

Oh.

I do not believe I have ever had

a friend call to the house before.

Truly?

I cannot blame anyone.

It is more like a... mausoleum in here.

Isn't it?

Are you all right?

I did

make it clear it was calling hour.

Certainly,

you were not clear enough.

Miss Bridgerton,

if I may speak to my daughter.

Alone.

Of course.

You are not to be seen

with that Bridgerton girl any longer.

Do we have an understanding?

Are you certain

you cannot come with us to dinner tonight?

Two-thirds of the lords

have closed their accounts.

I cannot afford to bring an outside

bartender in until I solve this problem.

Perhaps a new... decorator or a cook.

I am sure the answers will come to you.

On my Grand Tour, I encountered

this Greek girl in the Balkans.

My bear leader looked the other way

while we became acquainted

for six months straight,

all over the peninsula.

She sounds like the young woman

who made my time in the French Quarter

worth the length of the voyage.

Much to offer upstairs,

and I do not mean her mind.

What about you, Bridgerton?

You were gone for quite a while.

I am sure the girls of summer

made your trip quite fulfilling?

I did tell you my story

of the contessa, did I not?

Yes, but you did not give details.

Well, a gentleman

must keep some things to himself.

Oh, come now.

I do not see a gentleman amongst us.

And I concur with you there.

Oh, forgive me.

But it is tiring, is it not?

The necessity imposed on us

to remain cavalier

about the one thing in life

that holds genuine meaning.

Do you not find it lonely?

Miss Featherington.

Mama?

Lord Debling has requested

my permission to propose.

Did you give it?

Of course I did.

You have done very well.

You know, I've heard that Lord Debling

has one of the largest homes in Mayfair,

24 staff, a fleet of curricles.

And he tells me he travels often,

which means it will be up to you

to manage his estate.

Can you imagine

the kind of influence that will give you?

The kind of influence

it will give... all of us?

Mama, I have not said yes yet.

But of course you will.

His traveling does have its advantages.

I do enjoy my privacy, but...

But what?

Penelope... you have spent your pin money

changing your clothes, your hair,

and it has had the desired effect.

Lord Debling is a bird in the hand,

and a very fine bird at that.

Do not become greedy in your success.

What more could you want?

Oh, do not tell me

you're holding out for love.

Ugh!

This is the very reason

why I discouraged you from reading.

Love is make-believe.

It is only in your storybooks.

Do you know what is romantic?

Security.

Be smart, Penelope.

And if you will not be,

then I will be for you.

- Are you ready for me, miss?

- Yes.

Your gloves, ma'am.

Thank you. Mrs. Wilson.

Colin, everyone is in the carriage.

Are you not dressed?

No. I wanted to tell you

I should like to stay home tonight.

Oh, you do not look well.

Was it you I heard lumbering

in the hallway late last night?

I am... well.

You know...

you have always been one

of my most sensitive children.

Always aware of what others need.

Always trying to be helpful

or offering a joke to lighten the mood.

You so rarely put yourself first.

I am proud of your sensitivity.

But living to please others?

I imagine it can be wearying at times.

Painful, perhaps.

So, I do not blame you

for putting on armor lately.

But you must be careful

that the armor does not rust and set

so that you might

never be able to take it off.

My head is bottle-weary.

Forgive me for lashing out.

I should simply like to rest this evening.

Mm.

It is only a shame...

that you might miss

the fruits of your labors.

I hear Penelope

may be getting a proposal tonight.

Lady Featherington will not stop

telling anyone who will listen.

Tonight?

That is rather quick.

Likely because of your help.

Hm.

I do hope you feel better.

Perhaps this little love play

will inspire my lovers tonight.

Miss Featherington. Lady Featherington.

Good evening.

Have you come to steal away my daughter

for a dance, Lord Debling?

I do believe she has at least

one spot left on her dance card.

Many, in fact.

In that case, may I have the honor

of taking one of your spots?

- Lady Bridgerton.

- Lord Anderson.

Oh, thank you,

but I have no appetite.

- Are you enjoying your evening?

- Oh, very much.

I have not spent much time in Mayfair

since the early days of my marriage.

In the countryside, one can walk

and look at trees

and lounge about one's house.

Enlighten me. However does one

pass the time here in the city?

I am afraid most of us spend our time

meddling in the lives of our young.

At least, that is my

and your sister's favorite pastime.

- My sister likes to meddle?

- Well, that word does not do her justice.

She molds society to her will,

and she is rather good at it.

Hm.

You do not know that about her?

We are...

becoming reacquainted.

And who is the target

of her molding at the moment?

Ah. My daughter, Francesca.

Ah...

Though, I am not certain

she has yet found that spark.

- Well, for what it is worth...

- Mm.

...sometimes a fire is slow to burn.

Mm.

My own marriage was not a love match,

and admittedly not very passionate

in the beginning.

But I became very fond of her.

We were happy until the day she died.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Maybe there is hope, then.

Mm-hmm.

I, myself, had a love match,

so that is all I know.

You have my deepest sympathies.

But I am envious.

You had the chance

to experience a love match.

That is something I, myself,

have not given up

on finding in my second act.

It looks as if your sparkler

is shining brightly for you.

- Indeed, she is.

- Hm.

Even Lady Whistledown could not disagree

with the brilliance of my match.

Mm.

Perhaps this has opened the door

to a friendlier alliance

between the gossiper and the Crown.

I daresay it very much has.

Mm.

I am grateful to you

for keeping me company.

I did not want to miss another ball,

but I also was not

looking forward to coming here alone.

Your husband should be here with you.

Mr. Mondrich seems to be

having a difficult time

relinquishing our old life,

no matter how hard I tug at him.

He's quite attached to his bar.

The queen will not smile favorably

on a man of rank working in a club.

You must show Mr. Mondrich

that this new life is worth his sacrifice.

Past lives

are dangerous places to revisit.

Did you enjoy the ballet, Mr. Bridgerton?

Very much. So much so

I wonder if I have missed my calling.

- As a dancer.

- Oh.

Ah. Lady Arnold. You must join us.

Lord Fuller. Lady Fuller.

A pleasure seeing you both.

Have you met Mr. Bridgerton?

- Indeed.

- Briefly.

Quite so. It is a pleasure, though.

We were just sharing

our thoughts on the ballet.

I must say,

I do not know that the male dancer

needed to be in such a state of undress.

He certainly could have put on a shirt.

Could not agree more.

Nothing worse than a state of undress.

Eloise, there you are.

I've been searching for you all evening.

Should you

not be careful talking to me?

I am "that Bridgerton girl," after all.

You heard that.

I apologize for my father.

And I apologize that he is a bloody fool.

Eloise!

If you need to keep your distance

from me a while...

I understand.

No. My father will have to endure it.

Besides... he is a fool.

You are unlike many people, Eloise.

How is it you have the courage

to be so different?

It is not courage.

I simply cannot understand

why others do not see things the way I do.

And how do you see things exactly?

Well...

since you have asked...

- Damn!

- Let me.

Sister, where are you off to?

I am retiring early.

The ballet has been danced,

the queen is satisfied by her sparkler,

and I should like

to take a little time for myself.

If you've finished

your meddling elsewhere,

perhaps I can offer myself

as your new target.

I hear you are something

of a molder of society.

And I keep meeting

the most intriguing woman.

I do not know what you have heard,

but I ask that you leave me out

of your raking about town.

I am not interested.

I understand how my activities

may appear rather rakish,

but I assure you, they are pure of heart.

And is your heart

located in your breeches?

Miss Francesca.

Lord Kilmartin.

I am afraid I am rather parched

from dancing with Lord Samadani.

So much so

that I do not feel much like talking.

Ah, is that not, in fact,

our preferred form of communication?

You must forgive me

for rushing off abruptly last time we met.

It is only that I wanted to get you this.

I am not a man of many words.

And the words I do have,

I am afraid they are not very good.

But I do believe

in the power of a gesture.

Miss Francesca,

I've brought you some lemonade.

Forgive me, Lord Samadani.

Mama, I am keen to return home early,

if that is all right?

Well, I...

Let us find your brother

and your sister first.

Of course.

Lord Samadani.

Lord Kilmartin.

What is happening?

I believe Lord Samadani

was fetching Miss Francesca lemonade,

and now she is--

Not drinking the lemonade.

Precisely, Your Majesty.

She is not drinking the lemonade.

Perhaps it is for the best.

Uh, children do take up so much time

and drain one's beauty.

Though, of course,

we both have much to spare.

Are you suggesting we give up?

Ow! You are giving me a pain in my chest.

Oh, no.

Uh... For-- Forgive me.

In fact, I have been tender all week.

Are you mocking me?

My chest has been sore nonstop.

And that is not dropsy of the pancreas.

Mama said it's a clear pregnancy sign.

Mm...

Is it?

Good evening, Bridgerton.

Hear, hear.

Bridgerton. Fashionably late?

In truth, it is not worth it.

Come out with us.

Though, this time,

we are drinking at White's

instead of that dreadful Mondrich bar.

Excuse me.

Is everything all right,

Miss Featherington?

Everything is wonderful.

I am glad to hear it.

May I ask you a question, my lord?

Anything.

Considering how often you travel,

it makes sense to me

that you seek a practical match. But...

do you imagine that, with time...

love may one day grow?

I do not know.

To be honest, my work has such

a large portion of my heart,

it may be difficult to make more space.

But I am very glad

that you are someone

who seems to have such a full life.

You look especially beautiful tonight,

Miss Featherington.

And can you imagine

the spare time there'd be

if we did not always

have to think about marriage?

The time we would have

to read or exchange ideas

or do anything that isn't entirely

for the purpose of ensnaring a husband.

That is interesting.

- Isn't it?

No. I meant, your brother is walking

right up to Penelope and Lord Debling.

Do you mind if I interrupt?

- Colin.

- It should only take a moment.

It appears you two

have something to resolve.

I shall leave you to it.

We shall return to this conversation

another time, yes?

Uh...

Lord Debling.

You are much

too handsome for social ruin.

I'd be more than happy to finish your

dance with you if you need a partner.

Colin, you'll ruin things

between me and Debling.

- Perhaps that is for the best.

- What do you mean?

Pen... you cannot marry him.

You hardly know him.

I know him well enough.

I hear he is leaving.

For three years.

I know that already, Colin.

It takes a year alone

to get where he is going.

They do seem upset, do they not?

Eros and Psyche battling it out.

What you are trying to say, Miss Cowper?

Are they not old friends?

The oldest of friends, really.

Ever since the Featheringtons

moved in across the street.

Across the street

from the Bridgerton house?

Directly.

I see.

I have made my peace

with what Lord Debling has to offer.

I am going to accept his proposal.

Thank you for the dance, Miss Cowper.

I said I'd help you find a husband,

but I cannot watch you make a mistake.

The only mistake was me ever

asking for your help in the first place.

Lord Debling!

I'm sorry we were interrupted.

I know the ball is ending,

but... shall we return to our conversation?

Why is it you sit

at your drawing-room window so often?

I...

All week,

I've watched you search for someone.

I thought you might have had

a falling out with Mr. Bridgerton.

But now I suspect you may have been

searching for him for a different reason.

For the same reason you prefer

your drawing-room window

and the view it affords

out towards the house across the square.

I do not know of what you speak.

I am speaking of Mr. Bridgerton...

and the feelings between the two of you.

I can assure you,

Colin Bridgerton would never

ever have feelings for me.

It is laughable to think as much.

We are friends, nothing more.

Would you like it to be more?

I do not...

That is not even...

That is not a possibility.

I did not ask if it was a possibility.

I asked if you'd like it to be.

Miss Featherington,

with the amount of time I will be gone,

it is essential I make a match

with someone whose affections

are not already engaged elsewhere.

Whatever it is you are searching for,

I do hope you find it.

Good evening.

Where is he going?

What have you done?

That is your question?

Not am I well?

Do I only matter to you if I have

a lord's engagement ring on my finger?

Mama, I am pregnant.

I think.

Hello? Are you not excited?

It is said that the heart

is forever making the head its fool.

Francesca.

Lord Kilmartin,

he had the music we heard

earlier this week rearranged...

exactly as I imagined it.

And when

one chooses the heart over the head,

often, all reason goes out of the window.

But the body has a way, indeed,

of knowing most what it needs.

And this author is not one to deny

the age-old wisdom of a beating heart.

Wait!

Penelope.

I do not wish to speak with you.

Please!

Let me in.

We will stop at Bridgerton House first.

Yes, miss.

What do you want?

Did Lord Debling propose?

- What business is that of yours?

- I need to know. Did he propose?

It is odd.

When I asked for your help

in finding a husband,

I did not realize that also meant

you might try to deny me one as well.

It is my business

because I care about you.

You cannot marry that man.

He will leave you,

and he is too particular.

And he is...

He is just not right for you, Pen.

He did not propose.

In fact, he rejected me because of you.

The scene you caused led him

to believe you have feelings for me.

An idea so preposterous,

I do not know what to do besides laugh.

Now, will you please let us

ride home in silence and leave me alone.

- I cannot.

- Please!

I cannot.

Because...

What if I did have feelings for you?

What?

I have spent so long trying to feel less,

trying to be the kind of man

society expects me to be.

And for a moment,

I thought I had succeeded.

But these past few weeks

have been full of confounding feelings.

Feelings like a total inability

to stop thinking about you.

About that kiss.

Feelings like dreaming of you

when I'm asleep.

And in fact preferring sleep

because that is where I might find you.

A feeling that is like torture.

But one which I cannot,

will not, do not want to give up.

Please.

Do not say things you do not mean.

But I do mean it.

It is everything I have wanted

to say to you... for weeks.

But... Colin, we are friends.

Yes, but we...

Forgive me. Um...

I do not know what I was thinking.

But I'd very much like

to be more than friends.

So much more.

Oh!

- Colin! We are at your house.

- What?

Oh God.

Could the carriage driver

not keep on driving?

Do you think anyone saw us?

I was not paying much attention

to anything.

What are you doing?

Colin?

Are you coming with me?

What?

Your-- Your family will see me.

For God's sake, Penelope Featherington.

Are you going to marry me or not?

[bright classical music playing]

[Philippa grunts]

Move more slowly!

I must not rush as I am with child.

- Pfft. You do not know that for certain.

- Uh, I threw up all night.

Is pregnancy sickness

not associated with the morning?

What is it? My housekeeper said

that Varley said it was urgent.

- I was sleeping.

- Shh.

[whispering] Look.

Your sister has a caller.

I have brought you a plant

so that you might continue

to enjoy nature from your windowsill.

[chuckles softly] Thank you.

- What is it?

- [Lord Debling] Um...

Why her?

She must have blackmailed him.

- Or trapped him in a closet.

- [both chuckle]

Think she used a potion

like the one Varley gave us?

We know what she did.

She used Colin Bridgerton's help.

Many people would do much worse

to be connected to the Bridgertons.

I shall have to pick up

Mr. Bridgerton's mantle of assistance.

Lord Debling.

My other daughters

just happened to drop by,

and they wish to say good day.

Good day.

Good day.

We are so pleased to have you.

So often, my Penelope

is sat at that window, reading.

And now, here she is, in the room.

And we have you to thank for that.

Is that so? Is there a reason

you like that window so much?

- Is the settee particularly comfortable?

- [chuckles]

Not particularly.

I suppose I mostly just enjoy the view.

But I have grown rather tired of it.

And I am very glad to be here with you.

- [chuckles]

- [light classical music plays]

[knocking at door]

[Colin clears throat]

Oh, I thought I might find you in here.

- I am found.

- [Violet chuckles]

We are expecting the Marquess Samadani

to call on Francesca this morning.

Can I count on your presence?

I think it may be best

if I absent myself from this round.

Well, if I am there,

I will surely eat all of the biscuits

and leave none for the marquess.

Dear... at last night's ball,

when you were asking about friendship

and whether it can blossom into love,

is there something

you wished to discuss with me?

That is kind of you, Mother,

but it was purely a speculative question.

I simply want the best for Francesca.

I shall come down later.

Very well.

[rousing instrumental music plays]

[door closes]

[music peaks and fades out]

[Lady Whistledown] Dearest Gentle Reader.

A question.

What is the primary force

that guides us along our paths?

You are my solicitor.

Although, whether you remain so

depends on what you say next.

[man] I shall return with things in order.

[brisk classical music playing]

- Are you here to overcharge me as well?

- [chuckles] I am not.

I have come to call on you.

Mr. Bridgerton.

I do not wish to be called on.

[Lady Whistledown] Is it our minds...

or our hearts?

[music fades out]

The poor cousin says,

"Well, I ought not dispute it,

for I have heard you claim so

these past ten years."

[laughter]

[staff stop laughing]

Splendid.

But before you consume

all the mirth in the room,

you must tell us, to what do we owe

the pleasure of your return to London?

You must forgive me

for performing for the room.

Mmm.

I am accustomed to the staff

at my country estate

being my only company.

It is that very lack of society

that has brought me back.

Not to mention a lack of ladies.

Well, then, all shall work out perfectly.

I am occupied a good while.

And thus, you are free to meet with

as many ladies... as you might like.

[light music plays]

[Lady Whistledown] When heart

and head are in conflict,

every choice may feel like agony.

One person in whom

thought and feeling are united

is Her Majesty Queen Charlotte.

After their meeting at the Hawkins ball,

it seems the queen's sparkler,

Miss Francesca Bridgerton,

may indeed be poised

to become the new Marquess Samadani.

She lavishes you

with praise, Your Majesty.

You can read from all the way back there?

With much practice, anything is possible.

Then I am pleased we are so well-practiced

in hosting the most exquisite gatherings.

We shall arrange one promptly.

A celebration of our good standing.

And a chance, perhaps,

to secure our match for Miss Francesca?

Step another pace backwards.

You read me too well.

[light music continues]

[Lady Whistledown] Of course, whatever

maketh our collective hearts swell

may yet make them break.

The season is still early

and oft has a mind of its own.

That is the cake?

- I believe it is called mille-feuille.

- Oh.

Our cook has spoken

with Lord Samadani's kitchen.

- This should be exactly to his standard.

- [chuckles]

I hope we have not put our cook

to too much trouble for nothing.

Lord Samadani may not choose

to call upon me.

Shh...

- There is a caller here.

- Yes! Bring him in. [chuckles]

[enchanting music plays]

Lord Samadani, welcome.

Our cook has prepared some mille-feuille

in anticipation of your arrival.

Hyacinth, this is not Lord Samadani.

- Oh.

- [Violet] Please forgive us for the error.

Oh, the error is mine, I am certain.

I am here to call upon

one of your daughters, if I may.

Um...

My daughter Francesca?

Miss Francesca.

John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin.

- It is a pleasure to meet you.

- [John] The pleasure is mine.

[music ends]

Lord Kilmartin and I met briefly

at the Hawkins ball

but have not had the opportunity

for a formal introduction.

I see.

May I join you a moment?

I should like that.

She does not speak to him.

I am in awe.

I thought one had to use wit

or banter to dissuade a suitor.

But simple silence

is radically more effective.

Perhaps they are enjoying themselves.

But how will they know each other

if they do not speak?

And he comes to call

without having had

a formal introduction first?

Uh, there is another caller here, my lady.

- Lord Samadani, for Miss Francesca.

- [chuckles]

Lady Bridgerton, good day.

Good day, Lord Samadani.

I shall fetch you a pastry.

Mr. Bridgerton. Miss Bridgerton.

And you must be Miss Hyacinth, I presume?

[whispers] How dashing!

Miss Francesca.

It is a pleasure to see you.

Good day, Lord Samadani.

I do not believe

we are known to each other, Lord...

Kilmartin. But I was just leaving.

I do not wish to interfere.

Good day.

- Oh!

- [both chuckle]

[light whimsical music plays]

Mmm!

[music fades out]

And he is the third lord to suggest

you must give up the club?

It seems that every member of the ton

has had something to say on the matter,

all out of... alleged concern.

Their concern is insincere at best.

But once it is done, they will surely

find something else on which to fixate.

You believe I should do

as they would wish?

Give up all that we have built?

Was it not you who proclaimed that

we should embrace all that we have now?

Why burden yourself with a business

that will only cause further confusion?

I am not the one who is confused.

I am keeping my club.

[rousing classical music building]

[host] I have been building my collection

since 1790

and thought it only fitting to share it

after all these years.

[music stops]

Mama, we are in a library.

For once, you must allow me

to look at a book.

I cannot have you growing distracted.

You must think only of Lord Debling today.

This book is on voyages to the North,

where Lord Debling intends to travel.

Well, let him tell you about it.

Men love to explain the world to us.

If we have already explained it

to ourselves through reading,

then they will feel

superfluous and unmanned.

[music resumes quietly]

Good afternoon, ladies.

Miss Featherington, are you reading

about the fabled Northwest Passage?

- I was. I find it so--

- Terribly confusing.

[chuckles] We cannot make

head nor tail of it.

Would you be so kind as to explain?

[chuckles lightly]

[up-tempo classical music playing]

I find books so captivating.

I have a collection of over 1,000 myself.

Nothing a book loves more

than to be collected.

Yes, quite.

[music fades out]

I do not know that anyone in this library

has in fact read a book

through to the end. [chuckles]

[Cressida] Perhaps mine

will be in the collection soon.

The tragedy of a spinster

whose father is now promising

to marry her to one of his aged friends.

Sounds like German literature. [chuckles]

[indistinct chatter]

I aided you with that balloon,

and yet all the fan-fluttering

seems to be markedly in your direction.

Perhaps you might grace us tomorrow night

with your presence

if you are not busy fending off admirers?

We are in pursuit of some revelry.

[light music playing]

I think I shall accompany you.

I could use a little revelry myself.

[indistinct chattering and laughter]

Are you looking for someone,

Miss Featherington?

No. Only...

taking in all the books.

What is it you prefer to read?

I do not mind a stirring tale

or a book of fact.

But in truth, I find myself drawn back

time and time again

to stories of... love. [sighs]

And what is it about those stories

that interests you?

They are histories of connection,

of hope for a better life.

Does that make me sound terribly vapid?

Miss Featherington,

I am happy to learn you have a passion.

One that brings you such joy

as my research brings me.

We are alike in that way.

Are there any novels

in which the man

goes traveling for a very long time,

and his wife is happy to stay behind,

tending the estate?

I suppose that would not be a book

with much sentiment, would it?

[both chuckle lightly]

Not necessarily.

But if the wife did have

her own interests in life, then

perhaps they could both be very happy.

A practical match... but a happy one?

- I like the sound of that.

- [chuckles]

And how, dare I ask,

might this fictional gentleman

ask for the young lady's hand?

Especially if she had no male relative.

If... If you were writing the book, that is.

Well, I suppose

he would have to ask her mother.

I see.

And if her mother gave her blessing,

do you think she would say yes?

[pensive music builds slowly]

I think you would have to read the book.

[chuckles lightly]

[tense music builds]

[music fades]

Are you quite well? You appear--

I am afraid my enthusiasm

is elsewhere this evening.

So you would prefer to watch?

You have already paid.

Fine.

[gentle music builds slowly]

[kissing]

[women giggling]

- [music fades]

- Good day.

If the marquess asks you to dance

a second time at the queen's ball,

it is a clear declaration of interest.

We shall see if he even asks me

for a first dance this time.

Oh, something tells me he will.

But if that interest is not shared, and...

There is Lord Kilmartin.

- Uh... do you know his family?

- Oh, not well.

They're a rather reserved bunch,

known to keep to themselves.

Are you interested in him?

[Francesca] Good day, Lord Kilmartin.

Miss Francesca. Lady Bridgerton.

You left quite abruptly the other morning.

Well... you had another caller.

I hoped I might see you at the opening

of Lord Fuller's collection yesterday.

No. I do not often attend society events

unless I am required to

by the rules of good manners.

I see. [chuckles]

And so, are you stopping to speak with us

just to... be polite? [chuckles]

I... believe you stopped me.

[tune playing on fiddle]

Enjoyable music, yes?

If I am being honest, no.

The pace is too fickle.

Just as you think you are starting to

comprehend the melody, the song is over.

A song like this would be sweeter if it

were played in 3/4 so one could, in fact,

feel... the music.

That is helpful.

Uh... If you'll excuse me.

To answer your question,

no, I am not interested in him.

Oh. Uh...

[tune ends]

[clock ticking]

[footsteps approaching]

A visitor for Miss Cowper, my lady.

Eloise.

Cressida. Lady Cowper.

What a welcoming home you have.

It is like... a museum in here.

It is calling hour, Miss Bridgerton.

And I should like

to call on Miss Cowper a moment

if that is allowed.

Is everything all right?

I came to see that you are well.

You did not seem yourself yesterday.

Oh. [chuckles softly]

I do not believe I have ever had

a friend call to the house before.

Truly?

I cannot blame anyone.

It is more like a... mausoleum in here.

Isn't it?

[both laugh]

Are you all right?

[Lady Cowper] I did

make it clear it was calling hour.

[Lord Cowper] Certainly,

you were not clear enough.

Miss Bridgerton,

if I may speak to my daughter.

Alone.

Of course.

You are not to be seen

with that Bridgerton girl any longer.

Do we have an understanding?

[indistinct overlapping chatter]

Are you certain

you cannot come with us to dinner tonight?

Two-thirds of the lords

have closed their accounts.

I cannot afford to bring an outside

bartender in until I solve this problem.

Perhaps a new... decorator or a cook.

I am sure the answers will come to you.

[soft music builds slowly]

[men laughing]

On my Grand Tour, I encountered

this Greek girl in the Balkans.

My bear leader looked the other way

while we became acquainted

for six months straight,

all over the peninsula.

She sounds like the young woman

who made my time in the French Quarter

worth the length of the voyage.

Much to offer upstairs,

and I do not mean her mind.

[men laughing]

[Lord Fife] What about you, Bridgerton?

You were gone for quite a while.

I am sure the girls of summer

made your trip quite fulfilling?

[men chuckling]

I did tell you my story

of the contessa, did I not?

Yes, but you did not give details.

Well, a gentleman

must keep some things to himself.

Oh, come now.

I do not see a gentleman amongst us.

- [laughter]

- And I concur with you there.

[music fades out]

Oh, forgive me.

But it is tiring, is it not?

The necessity imposed on us

to remain cavalier

about the one thing in life

that holds genuine meaning.

Do you not find it lonely?

[laughing]

[pensive music builds slowly]

[sighs deeply]

Miss Featherington.

[Penelope] Mama?

Lord Debling has requested

my permission to propose.

- [music stops]

- Did you give it?

Of course I did.

[chuckling]

You have done very well.

You know, I've heard that Lord Debling

has one of the largest homes in Mayfair,

24 staff, a fleet of curricles.

And he tells me he travels often,

which means it will be up to you

to manage his estate.

Can you imagine

the kind of influence that will give you?

The kind of influence

it will give... all of us?

[scoffs softly]

Mama, I have not said yes yet.

But of course you will.

His traveling does have its advantages.

I do enjoy my privacy, but...

But what?

Penelope... you have spent your pin money

changing your clothes, your hair,

and it has had the desired effect.

Lord Debling is a bird in the hand,

and a very fine bird at that.

Do not become greedy in your success.

What more could you want?

[pensive music playing]

[chair creaks]

Oh, do not tell me

you're holding out for love.

Ugh!

This is the very reason

why I discouraged you from reading.

Love is make-believe.

It is only in your storybooks.

Do you know what is romantic?

Security.

Be smart, Penelope.

And if you will not be,

then I will be for you.

[music fades out]

[mildly frenetic music plays]

[knocking at door]

- Are you ready for me, miss?

- Yes.

[exhales sharply]

[music fades out]

- Your gloves, ma'am.

- [Violet] Thank you. Mrs. Wilson.

Colin, everyone is in the carriage.

Are you not dressed?

No. I wanted to tell you

I should like to stay home tonight.

Oh, you do not look well.

Was it you I heard lumbering

in the hallway late last night?

I am... well.

You know...

you have always been one

of my most sensitive children.

Always aware of what others need.

Always trying to be helpful

or offering a joke to lighten the mood.

You so rarely put yourself first.

I am proud of your sensitivity.

[gentle music playing]

But living to please others?

I imagine it can be wearying at times.

Painful, perhaps.

So, I do not blame you

for putting on armor lately.

But you must be careful

that the armor does not rust and set

so that you might

never be able to take it off.

My head is bottle-weary.

Forgive me for lashing out.

I should simply like to rest this evening.

Mm.

[music grows solemn]

It is only a shame...

that you might miss

the fruits of your labors.

I hear Penelope

may be getting a proposal tonight.

Lady Featherington will not stop

telling anyone who will listen.

Tonight?

That is rather quick.

Likely because of your help.

Hm.

I do hope you feel better.

[music fades out]

[pleasant classical music playing]

- [drivers shouting]

- [overlapping chatter and laughter]

[driver shouts]

[indistinct conversations continue]

[music fades out]

[energetic music playing]

[gasps]

Perhaps this little love play

will inspire my lovers tonight.

[music intensifies]

[music peaks and fades gently]

[sighs]

[applause]

Miss Featherington. Lady Featherington.

Good evening.

Have you come to steal away my daughter

for a dance, Lord Debling?

I do believe she has at least

one spot left on her dance card.

Many, in fact. [chuckles]

In that case, may I have the honor

of taking one of your spots?

[bright classical music playing]

- Lady Bridgerton.

- Lord Anderson. [chuckles]

[inhales] Oh, thank you,

but I have no appetite.

- Are you enjoying your evening?

- Oh, very much.

I have not spent much time in Mayfair

since the early days of my marriage.

[both chuckle]

In the countryside, one can walk

and look at trees

and lounge about one's house.

[Violet chuckles]

Enlighten me. However does one

pass the time here in the city?

I am afraid most of us spend our time

meddling in the lives of our young.

At least, that is my

and your sister's favorite pastime.

- My sister likes to meddle?

- Well, that word does not do her justice.

She molds society to her will,

and she is rather good at it.

Hm.

You do not know that about her?

We are...

becoming reacquainted.

And who is the target

of her molding at the moment?

Ah. My daughter, Francesca.

[Marcus] Ah...

Though, I am not certain

she has yet found that spark.

- Well, for what it is worth...

- Mm.

...sometimes a fire is slow to burn.

Mm.

My own marriage was not a love match,

and admittedly not very passionate

in the beginning.

[chuckles]

But I became very fond of her.

We were happy until the day she died.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Maybe there is hope, then.

Mm-hmm.

I, myself, had a love match,

so that is all I know.

You have my deepest sympathies.

But I am envious.

You had the chance

to experience a love match.

That is something I, myself,

have not given up

on finding in my second act.

[music ends]

[indistinct chattering]

It looks as if your sparkler

is shining brightly for you.

- Indeed, she is.

- Hm.

Even Lady Whistledown could not disagree

with the brilliance of my match.

Mm.

Perhaps this has opened the door

to a friendlier alliance

between the gossiper and the Crown.

- I daresay it very much has.

- [Lady Danbury] Mm.

[whispering indistinctly]

I am grateful to you

for keeping me company.

I did not want to miss another ball,

but I also was not

looking forward to coming here alone.

Your husband should be here with you.

[light classical music playing]

Mr. Mondrich seems to be

having a difficult time

relinquishing our old life,

no matter how hard I tug at him.

He's quite attached to his bar.

The queen will not smile favorably

on a man of rank working in a club.

You must show Mr. Mondrich

that this new life is worth his sacrifice.

Past lives

are dangerous places to revisit.

Did you enjoy the ballet, Mr. Bridgerton?

Very much. So much so

I wonder if I have missed my calling.

- As a dancer.

- Oh.

[laughing]

Ah. Lady Arnold. You must join us.

Lord Fuller. Lady Fuller.

A pleasure seeing you both.

Have you met Mr. Bridgerton?

- Indeed.

- Briefly.

Quite so. It is a pleasure, though.

We were just sharing

our thoughts on the ballet.

I must say,

I do not know that the male dancer

needed to be in such a state of undress.

He certainly could have put on a shirt.

Could not agree more.

Nothing worse than a state of undress.

Eloise, there you are.

I've been searching for you all evening.

[scoffs] Should you

not be careful talking to me?

I am "that Bridgerton girl," after all.

You heard that.

I apologize for my father.

And I apologize that he is a bloody fool.

Eloise!

[both chuckling lightly]

If you need to keep your distance

from me a while...

I understand.

No. My father will have to endure it.

Besides... he is a fool.

[both chuckling]

You are unlike many people, Eloise.

How is it you have the courage

to be so different?

It is not courage.

I simply cannot understand

why others do not see things the way I do.

And how do you see things exactly?

Well...

since you have asked...

[pensive music builds slowly]

- Damn!

- Let me.

[music fades out]

[exhales, clears throat]

Sister, where are you off to?

I am retiring early.

The ballet has been danced,

the queen is satisfied by her sparkler,

and I should like

to take a little time for myself.

If you've finished

your meddling elsewhere,

perhaps I can offer myself

as your new target.

I hear you are something

of a molder of society.

And I keep meeting

the most intriguing woman.

I do not know what you have heard,

but I ask that you leave me out

of your raking about town.

I am not interested.

I understand how my activities

may appear rather rakish,

but I assure you, they are pure of heart.

And is your heart

located in your breeches?

[up-tempo classical music plays]

[music ends]

[chattering and laughter]

[Lord Kilmartin] Miss Francesca.

Lord Kilmartin.

I am afraid I am rather parched

from dancing with Lord Samadani.

So much so

that I do not feel much like talking.

Ah, is that not, in fact,

our preferred form of communication?

You must forgive me

for rushing off abruptly last time we met.

It is only that I wanted to get you this.

I am not a man of many words.

And the words I do have,

I am afraid they are not very good.

But I do believe

in the power of a gesture.

- [chuckles softly]

- [light music plays]

Miss Francesca,

I've brought you some lemonade.

Forgive me, Lord Samadani.

Mama, I am keen to return home early,

if that is all right?

Well, I...

Let us find your brother

and your sister first.

Of course.

Lord Samadani.

Lord Kilmartin.

What is happening?

I believe Lord Samadani

was fetching Miss Francesca lemonade,

and now she is--

[Charlotte] Not drinking the lemonade.

Precisely, Your Majesty.

She is not drinking the lemonade.

- [music fades out]

- [indistinct conversations]

[sighs] Perhaps it is for the best.

Uh, children do take up so much time

and drain one's beauty.

Though, of course,

we both have much to spare.

Are you suggesting we give up?

Ow! You are giving me a pain in my chest.

Oh, no.

Uh... For-- Forgive me.

In fact, I have been tender all week.

[clears throat] Are you mocking me?

My chest has been sore nonstop.

And that is not dropsy of the pancreas.

Mama said it's a clear pregnancy sign.

Mm...

Is it?

[sighs]

[light classical music plays]

[man] Good evening, Bridgerton.

- Hear, hear.

- [men chuckling]

Bridgerton. Fashionably late?

In truth, it is not worth it.

Come out with us.

Though, this time,

we are drinking at White's

instead of that dreadful Mondrich bar.

- [men chuckling]

- Excuse me.

Is everything all right,

Miss Featherington?

Everything is wonderful.

I am glad to hear it.

May I ask you a question, my lord?

Anything.

Considering how often you travel,

it makes sense to me

that you seek a practical match. But...

do you imagine that, with time...

love may one day grow?

I do not know.

To be honest, my work has such

a large portion of my heart,

it may be difficult to make more space.

But I am very glad

that you are someone

who seems to have such a full life.

You look especially beautiful tonight,

Miss Featherington.

And can you imagine

the spare time there'd be

if we did not always

have to think about marriage?

The time we would have

to read or exchange ideas

or do anything that isn't entirely

for the purpose of ensnaring a husband.

- [Cressida] That is interesting.

- Isn't it?

No. I meant, your brother is walking

right up to Penelope and Lord Debling.

Do you mind if I interrupt?

- Colin.

- It should only take a moment.

It appears you two

have something to resolve.

I shall leave you to it.

We shall return to this conversation

another time, yes?

Uh...

Lord Debling.

[chuckles] You are much

too handsome for social ruin.

I'd be more than happy to finish your

dance with you if you need a partner.

[breathing heavily]

Colin, you'll ruin things

between me and Debling.

- Perhaps that is for the best.

- What do you mean?

Pen... you cannot marry him.

You hardly know him.

I know him well enough.

I hear he is leaving.

For three years.

I know that already, Colin.

It takes a year alone

to get where he is going.

[chuckles lightly]

They do seem upset, do they not?

Eros and Psyche battling it out.

What you are trying to say, Miss Cowper?

Are they not old friends?

The oldest of friends, really.

Ever since the Featheringtons

moved in across the street.

Across the street

from the Bridgerton house?

Directly.

I see.

I have made my peace

with what Lord Debling has to offer.

I am going to accept his proposal.

Thank you for the dance, Miss Cowper.

I said I'd help you find a husband,

but I cannot watch you make a mistake.

The only mistake was me ever

asking for your help in the first place.

Lord Debling!

I'm sorry we were interrupted.

I know the ball is ending,

but... shall we return to our conversation?

Why is it you sit

at your drawing-room window so often?

I...

All week,

I've watched you search for someone.

I thought you might have had

a falling out with Mr. Bridgerton.

But now I suspect you may have been

searching for him for a different reason.

For the same reason you prefer

your drawing-room window

and the view it affords

out towards the house across the square.

I do not know of what you speak.

I am speaking of Mr. Bridgerton...

and the feelings between the two of you.

[chuckles]

I can assure you,

Colin Bridgerton would never

ever have feelings for me.

It is laughable to think as much.

We are friends, nothing more.

Would you like it to be more?

I do not...

That is not even... [sighs]

That is not a possibility.

I did not ask if it was a possibility.

I asked if you'd like it to be.

[gentle music playing]

Miss Featherington,

with the amount of time I will be gone,

it is essential I make a match

with someone whose affections

are not already engaged elsewhere.

Whatever it is you are searching for,

I do hope you find it.

Good evening.

Where is he going?

What have you done?

That is your question?

Not am I well?

Do I only matter to you if I have

a lord's engagement ring on my finger?

Mama, I am pregnant.

[chuckles] I think. [clears throat]

Hello? Are you not excited?

[tense music builds slowly]

[Lady Whistledown]

It is said that the heart

is forever making the head its fool.

[sniffles]

[horse whinnies]

[driver shouts]

[music intensifies]

- [music fades]

- [piano tune playing]

Francesca.

Lord Kilmartin,

he had the music we heard

earlier this week rearranged...

exactly as I imagined it.

[chuckles]

[breathes deeply]

[Lady Whistledown] And when

one chooses the heart over the head,

often, all reason goes out of the window.

[tense music picks up]

But the body has a way, indeed,

of knowing most what it needs.

And this author is not one to deny

the age-old wisdom of a beating heart.

[Colin] Wait!

[carriage rattles]

- Penelope.

- [music fades]

I do not wish to speak with you.

Please!

[Colin panting]

Let me in.

- [driver shouts]

- [horses whinnying]

We will stop at Bridgerton House first.

[driver] Yes, miss.

What do you want?

Did Lord Debling propose?

- What business is that of yours?

- I need to know. Did he propose?

It is odd.

When I asked for your help

in finding a husband,

I did not realize that also meant

you might try to deny me one as well.

It is my business

because I care about you.

You cannot marry that man.

He will leave you,

and he is too particular.

And he is...

He is just not right for you, Pen.

He did not propose.

In fact, he rejected me because of you.

The scene you caused led him

to believe you have feelings for me.

An idea so preposterous,

I do not know what to do besides laugh.

Now, will you please let us

ride home in silence and leave me alone.

- I cannot.

- Please!

I cannot.

Because...

What if I did have feelings for you?

What?

I have spent so long trying to feel less,

trying to be the kind of man

society expects me to be.

And for a moment,

I thought I had succeeded.

But these past few weeks

have been full of confounding feelings.

Feelings like a total inability

to stop thinking about you.

About that kiss.

Feelings like dreaming of you

when I'm asleep.

And in fact preferring sleep

because that is where I might find you.

A feeling that is like torture.

But one which I cannot,

will not, do not want to give up.

Please.

Do not say things you do not mean.

But I do mean it.

It is everything I have wanted

to say to you... for weeks.

But... Colin, we are friends.

[music pulsing slowly]

Yes, but we...

Forgive me. Um...

I do not know what I was thinking.

But I'd very much like

to be more than friends.

So much more.

[music peaks and fades]

["Give Me Everything (Stripped Down)"

by Archer Marsh playing]

[panting]

[gasps]

[breathing heavily]

[panting and moaning softly]

[music peaks and slows]

[breathing heavily]

[music intensifies]

[music peaks and fades]

[music resumes intensity]

[gasps, panting]

[moans]

[panting]

[breathing heavily]

[music ends]

- [knocking on carriage]

- Oh!

- Colin! We are at your house.

- What?

Oh God.

Could the carriage driver

not keep on driving?

[both laughing]

Do you think anyone saw us?

I was not paying much attention

to anything.

[hopeful music stirring]

What are you doing?

Colin?

Are you coming with me?

What?

Your-- Your family will see me.

For God's sake, Penelope Featherington.

Are you going to marry me or not?

[stirring music builds]

[panting]

[music fades out]

[theme music playing]

[music ends]

БРИДЖЕРТОНЫ

Помедленнее! Мне нельзя бегать.

Ведь я ношу ребенка.

Ты не можешь этого знать.

Меня рвало всю ночь.

Разве при беременности

тошнит не по утрам?

В чём дело?

Варли просила срочно прийти.

Я спала.

Гляньте. У вашей сестры посетитель.

Я принес вам растение.

Чтобы вы могли

наслаждаться природой на подоконнике.

Спасибо.

Что это?

Почему выбрал ее?

Наверное, прибегла к шантажу.

Или заперла в шкафу.

Приворотное снадобье? Как у Варли.

Она прибегла к помощи

Колина Бриджертона.

Люди и не на это пойдут

ради связи с Бриджертонами.

Придется оказать помощь

вместо мистера Бриджертона.

Лорд Деблинг.

Тут как раз заглянули мои дочери.

И решили с вами поздороваться.

Добрый день.

Добрый день.

Мы рады вас видеть.

Моя Пенелопа столько времени

проводит у этого окна за чтением.

А тут она с нами, в комнате.

И всё благодаря вам.

Вот как? Почему вы так

привязаны к этому окну?

Дело в удобстве кушетки?

Вовсе нет. Просто

мне нравится вид из окна.

Хотя он уже успел мне наскучить.

И я очень рада быть здесь с вами.

- Так и думала, что найду тебя здесь.

- Я нашелся.

Этим утром маркиз Самадани

собирается зайти к Франческе.

Я могу на тебя рассчитывать?

Думаю, будет лучше,

если я пропущу этот раунд.

Если приду,

то наверняка съем всё печенье.

И маркиз останется ни с чем.

Сынок, на вчерашнем балу,

когда ты спросил, может ли любовь

перерасти в нечто большее,

ты хотел что-то со мной обсудить?

Мама, спасибо за заботу,

но это были просто размышления вслух.

Я лишь желаю Франческе самого лучшего.

Я спущусь попозже.

Хорошо.

БРИДЖЕРТОНЫ

Дорогой читатель,

позвольте задать вам вопрос.

Что за сила ведет нас по жизни?

Вы мой поверенный.

Сохраните ли вы эту должность,

зависит от вас.

Я всё исправлю и снова зайду.

Вы тоже хотите меня обобрать?

Вовсе нет. Я пришел с визитом.

Мистер Бриджертон,

меня не интересуют визиты.

Это наш разум?

Или сердце?

Бедный кузен говорит:

«Не стану спорить.

Говорят, вы утверждаете это

последние десять лет».

Прекрасно.

Но пока ты не истратил

всё свое остроумие,

скажи на милость,

чему мы обязаны радости

снова видеть тебя в Лондоне?

Прости, меня понесло.

Я привык к тому, что вся моя компания

ограничивается прислугой.

Именно из-за недостатка общения

я и решил вернуться.

Не говоря о недостатке дам.

Что ж, тогда всё будет хорошо.

Я часто бываю занята.

Так что ты можешь встречаться

со столькими дамами,

со сколькими хочешь.

Когда между разумом

и сердцем нет согласия,

каждый выбор ощущается как агония.

Человек, у которого

разум и чувства заодно, —

Ее Величество королева Шарлотта.

После встречи на балу Хокинса,

похоже, бриллиант королевы,

мисс Франческа Бриджертон,

может стать новой маркизой Самадани.

Она восхваляет вас, Ваше Величество.

Умудряешься читать на расстоянии?

С таким-то опытом всё возможно.

Тогда я рада, что у нас богатый опыт

в устройстве роскошных приемов.

Нужно срочно всё организовать.

Отпразднуем наш успех.

А еще это шанс

обеспечить партию мисс Франческе.

Отойди еще на шаг назад.

Ты видишь меня насквозь.

Разумеется, то, что может

заставить наши сердца трепетать,

так же может их разбить.

Сезон еще только начался,

и зачастую всё идет не по плану.

Это торт?

Из слоенного теста.

Наш повар справился

на кухне лорда Самадани.

Это то, что отвечает его вкусам.

Надеюсь, наш повар старался не зря.

Лорд Самадани может передумать.

- К вам посетитель.

- Да! Проводите его.

Лорд Самадани, добро пожаловать.

Наш повар приготовил слоенный торт

специально для вас.

Джасинт, это не лорд Самадани.

Простите нам нашу ошибку.

О, уверен, вина целиком на мне.

Если позволите, я пришел

с визитом к одной из ваших дочерей.

Моей дочери Франческе?

Мисс Франческа.

Джон Стёрлинг, граф Килмартин.

- Рада знакомству.

- Взаимно.

Мы с лордом Килмартином

виделись мельком на балу Хокинса,

но так и не были

официально представлены.

Понятно.

Позволите остаться?

С удовольствием.

Она с ним не разговаривает.

Я сражена.

Я считала, что отваживать кавалеров

нужно болтовней.

Но, оказывается,

молчание гораздо эффективнее.

Может, им хорошо вместе.

Но как узнать друг друга,

не разговаривая?

И он пришел с визитом

без формального представления. Как так?

Миледи, еще один посетитель.

Лорд Самадани к мисс Франческе.

Добрый день, леди Бриджертон.

Добрый день, лорд Самадани.

Я принесу торт.

Мистер Бриджертон. Мисс Бриджертон.

А вы, я полагаю, мисс Джасинт?

Какой франт!

Мисс Франческа. Рад вас видеть.

Добрый день, лорд Самадани.

Не думаю, что мы знакомы, лорд...

Килмартин.

Я уже ухожу. Не буду мешать.

Доброго дня.

Уже три лорда заявили,

что ты должен закрыть клуб?

Похоже, каждый член высшего общества

имеет свои соображения.

Якобы проявляют участие.

Которое минимум неискренне.

Но когда это будет в прошлом,

они наверняка прицепятся к чему-то еще.

Считаешь, я должен

пойти у них на поводу?

Оставить всё, что мы создали?

Разве не ты говорил, что нужно

принять нынешнее положение?

К чему обременять себя делом,

которое только вызывает недопонимание?

У меня нет никаких недопониманий.

Клуб останется моим.

Я собираю эту коллекцию с 1790 года.

Считаю, что спустя столько лет

следует открыть к ней доступ.

Мама, мы в библиотеке.

Хотя бы здесь позволь открыть книгу.

Ты не должна отвлекаться.

Сосредоточься только на лорде Деблинге.

Книга об исследовании Севера.

Лорд Деблинг туда собирается.

Вот пусть он тебе всё и расскажет.

Мужчины обожают всё объяснять.

Если мы сами всё узнаем из книг,

они почувствуют себя

ненужными и лишними.

Добрый день, леди.

Мисс Фэзерингтон, вы читаете

про Северо-Западный проход?

- Да, это так...

- Непонятно.

Мы ничегошеньки не поняли.

Вы могли бы нам объяснить?

Я обожаю книги.

В моей коллекции их более тысячи.

Идеальный объект коллекционирования.

Верно.

Не думаю, что тут хоть кто-то

прочел одну книгу до конца.

Возможно, моя снова выйдет в свет.

Трагедия старой девы,

чей отец собрался выдать ее

за одного из своих пожилых друзей.

Похоже на немецкую литературу.

Я помогал тебе ловить шар.

А всё восхищение досталось одному тебе.

Может, зайдешь к нам завтра вечером,

если сумеешь отбиться от поклонниц?

Мы намерены хорошенько покутить.

Пожалуй, я к вам присоединюсь.

Кутеж очень даже кстати.

- Мисс Фэзерингтон, вы кого-то ищите?

- Нет.

Просто

осматриваю все эти книги.

Что вы предпочитаете?

Не откажусь от волнительной истории

или публицистики.

Но, если честно, я постоянно

делаю выбор в пользу историй о любви.

И что же вас в них привлекает?

В них говорится об отношениях,

о надежде на лучшую жизнь.

Я кажусь вам примитивной?

Мисс Фэзерингтон,

я рад, что у вас есть увлечение.

Дарящее вам ту же радость,

что мне мои исследования.

В этом мы похожи.

Есть романы,

в которых муж уезжает

в долгое путешествие,

а жена счастлива

вести дела и ждать его дома?

Думаю, книга будет бедна на эмоции.

Необязательно.

Если у жены есть собственные интересы,

оба могут быть счастливы.

Брак по расчету, при этом счастливый?

Хорошо звучит.

Позвольте спросить,

как этот воображаемый джентльмен

может просить руки юной леди?

Если у нее нет родни мужского пола.

Как бы это могло быть в книге?

Ну, полагаю,

он бы обратился к ее матери.

Верно.

А если мать благословит ее,

как думаете, она согласится?

Для этого нужно прочесть книгу.

Ты в порядке? Выглядишь...

Боюсь, сегодня

мой энтузиазм меня покинул.

Предпочитаешь смотреть?

Ты уже заплатил.

Хорошо.

Добрый день.

Если маркиз дважды пригласит тебя

на танец на королевском балу,

это явный признак интереса.

Посмотрим, удостоит ли он меня

хоть одного приглашения.

О, уверена, что так и будет.

Но если это не взаимно, и...

Вон лорд Килмартин.

- Ты знаешь его семью?

- Не особо.

Они держатся особняком,

довольно замкнутые люди.

Он тебя заинтересовал?

Добрый день, лорд Килмартин.

Мисс Франческа. Леди Бриджертон.

Вы на днях так неожиданно ушли.

У вас был посетитель.

Я надеялась увидеть вас

на открытии коллекции лорда Фуллера.

Я нечасто появляюсь в обществе.

Только если того

требуют правила приличия.

Понимаю.

Выходит, вы остановились

поболтать с нами

только из вежливости?

Полагаю, это вы меня остановили.

Приятная музыка, не так ли?

Если честно, то нет.

Темп слишком переменчив.

Только начнешь улавливать мелодию,

а всё уже конец. Звучало бы лучше,

если бы играли на три четверти. Тогда

можно было бы почувствовать музыку.

Подробное объяснение.

С вашего позволения.

Отвечу на твой вопрос.

Нет, он меня не интересует.

Посетитель к мисс Каупер, миледи.

Элоиза?

Крессида. Леди Каупер.

Какой гостеприимный дом.

Словно музей.

Время визитов, мисс Бриджертон.

Если вы не против,

я как раз к мисс Каупер

с визитом.

Всё в порядке?

Я пришла тебя проведать.

Ты вчера была сама не своя.

Думаю, меня впервые

пришел проведать друг.

Серьезно?

Я никого не виню.

Тут словно в мавзолее, не так ли?

Как ты?

Я дала понять,

что сейчас время визитов.

Очевидно, что не слишком четко.

Мисс Бриджертон,

я хотел бы поговорить с дочерью.

Наедине.

Разумеется.

Тебя больше не должны видеть

с этой девицей Бриджертон.

Мы поняли друг друга?

Ты точно не сможешь

сегодня поужинать с семьей?

Две трети лордов закрыли свои счета.

Нанять бармена мне не по карману.

Пока я не решу этот вопрос.

Может, нового декоратора или повара.

Уверена, ты найдешь выход.

Во время поездке по Европе

на Балканах я встретил гречанку.

Гувернер закрыл глаза

на наши отношения.

Длившиеся полгода.

По всему полуострову.

Она похожа на девушку,

ради которой стоило проделать

весь путь до Нового Орлеана.

Во всех смыслах выдающаяся

молодая леди. И я не о ее способностях.

А что у тебя, Бриджертон?

Ты долго колесил по миру.

Уверен, летние развлечения

скрасили дорожные тяготы?

Я уже рассказывал про герцогиню?

Да, но без подробностей.

Что ж, джентльмену следует

о чём-то умолчать.

Да брось. Где ты тут

видишь джентльменов?

В этом я с тобой согласен.

Вы меня простите.

Но до чего же это утомительно.

Мы обязаны проявлять безразличие

в отношении единственной вещи,

что имеет значение в жизни.

Вам не одиноко?

Мисс Фэзерингтон.

Мама?

Лорд Деблинг попросил у меня

разрешения сделать тебе предложение.

Ты дала его?

Разумеется.

Ты отлично справилась.

Говорят, у лорда Деблинга

один из самых больших домов в Мейфэр,

24 человека прислуги, много экипажей.

Он сказал, что часто путешествует.

Так что управлять всем этим будешь ты.

Ты понимаешь,

какое у тебя будет влияние?

Какое влияние будет у всех нас?

Мама, я еще не согласилась.

Куда ты денешься.

Его путешествия меня устраивают.

Я ценю свою приватность, но...

Но что?

Пенелопа, ты потратила карманные деньги

на смену гардероба, прически.

И это принесло желаемый эффект.

Лорд Деблинг — синица в руке.

И, замечу, отличная синица.

Не становись жадной, почуяв успех.

Чего еще тебе желать?

Ты что, ждешь настоящую любовь?

Вот почему я была против чтения.

Любовь — это выдумки,

существующие лишь в твоих книгах.

Знаешь, что романтично?

Надежность.

Прислушайся к разуму.

А если не станешь,

я сделаю это за тебя.

- Мисс, вы готовы?

- Да.

- Перчатки, мэм.

- Спасибо, миссис Уилсон.

Колин, все уже в карете.

А ты даже не одет?

Нет, я хотел сказать,

что решил остаться дома.

О, выглядишь неважно.

Это ты вчера поздно ночью

громыхал в коридоре?

Я в порядке.

Знаешь...

...ты всегда был одним

из самых чутких среди моих детей.

Всегда знал, что нужно остальным,

всегда старался помочь

или разрядить обстановку шуткой.

Ты редко ставил себя во главу угла.

Я горжусь твоей чуткостью.

Но жить, чтобы радовать других?

Думаю, это может быть тяжело.

Возможно, болезненно.

Я не виню тебя в том, что в последнее

время ты облачился в броню.

Но будь осторожен.

Если броня заржавеет и схватится,

ты можешь навсегда

остаться в заточении.

Голова трещит с похмелья.

Прости, что вспылил.

Сегодня мне просто нужен отдых.

Вот только жаль,

что ты не увидишь плоды своих трудов.

Говорят, Пенелопе

сегодня сделают предложение.

Леди Фэзерингтон рассказала уже всем,

кто готов слушать.

Сегодня?

Как быстро.

Наверное, благодаря тебе.

Надеюсь, тебе станет лучше.

Возможно, эта любовная сценка

вдохновит сегодня моих влюбленных.

Мисс Фэзерингтон. Леди Фэзерингтон.

Добрый вечер.

Вы пришли пригласить мою дочь на танец?

Уверена, в ее карточке

еще есть хоть одно место.

Множество.

Тогда окажите мне честь,

отдав одно из них мне.

Леди Бриджертон.

Лорд Андерсон.

О, благодарю, но у меня нет аппетита.

Наслаждаетесь вечером?

О, разумеется.

Я нечасто бывал в Мейфэре

разве что сразу после женитьбы.

В деревне можно гулять,

смотреть на деревья, разглядывать дома.

Подскажите, как проводят

время в городе?

Боюсь, большинство заняты тем,

что суют нос в дела молодежи.

Мы с вашей сестрой

тоже этим увлекаемся.

Моя сестра сует нос в чужие дела?

Ну, это не совсем так.

Она формирует общество

по своему усмотрению. И вполне успешно.

Вы не знали?

Мы...

...заново узнаём друг друга.

И кто сейчас является

объектом ее интереса?

Моя дочь, Франческа.

Хотя не уверена,

что она уже нашла ту искру.

Могу сказать одно.

Иногда огонь разгорается медленно.

Мой брак не был заключен по любви.

В начале страсти почти не было.

Но в итоге я очень к ней проникся.

Жили в счастье до ее смерти.

Соболезную вашей утрате.

Значит, надежда есть.

У меня был брак по любви.

Это всё, с чем я знакома.

Я очень вам сочувствую.

Но я вам завидую.

Вам выпал брак по любви.

Я всё еще рассчитываю

обрести это со второй попытки.

Похоже, ваш бриллиант сияет ради вас.

Так и есть.

Даже леди Уислдаун была вынуждена

признать, что я создала блестящую пару.

Возможно, это сделало возможным

более дружественный союз

между сплетницей и Короной.

Позволю себе согласиться.

Я благодарна вам за компанию.

Было жаль снова пропустить бал.

Но и в одиночестве идти тоже хотелось.

Ваш муж должен быть здесь рядом с вами.

Похоже, мистеру Мондричу нелегко дается

отказ от нашей прежней жизни.

Как бы я его ни тянула.

Он очень привязан к бару.

Королева не будет благосклонна

к человеку с положением,

работающему в клубе.

Вы должны показать мистеру Мондричу,

что эта новая жизнь стоит этой жертвы.

Возврат к прошлой жизни —

опасное мероприятие.

Вам понравился балет,

мистер Бриджертон?

Очень. Я даже задумался,

не упустил ли я свое призвание.

Как танцора.

Леди Арнольд. Идите к нам.

Лорд Фуллер. Леди Фуллер.

Рада видеть вас обоих.

- Вы встречали мистера Бриджертона?

- Да.

Мельком.

Верно. Но это было незабываемо.

Мы обсуждали балет.

Должна сказать,

я не считаю, что танцор должен

выступать столь обнаженным.

Он вполне мог надеть рубашку.

Согласна.

Что может быть хуже обнаженности.

Элоиза, вот ты где.

Я тебя весь вечер ищу.

Тебе не следует меня избегать?

Я же «девица Бриджертон».

Ты слышала.

Прости моего отца.

Прости, но он дурак.

Элоиза!

Если будешь держаться от меня подальше,

я пойму.

Нет, отцу придется потерпеть.

К тому же он и правда дурак.

Ты не похожа на большинство, Элоиза.

Откуда у тебя смелость отличаться?

Это не смелость.

Я не могу понять,

почему остальные всё видят иначе.

И как же ты всё видишь?

Ну...

Раз уж ты спросила...

- Чёрт!

- Позволь.

Сестра, куда ты собралась?

Решила уйти пораньше.

Балет исполнен,

королева довольна своим бриллиантом,

я могу уделить немного времени себе.

Если ты закончила со своими объектами,

могу предложить себя в качестве нового.

Говорят, ты формируешь общество.

А я встретил интригующую женщину.

Не знаю, что тебе сказали.

Но я прошу не вмешивать меня

в свои похождения.

Мне это не интересно.

Понимаю, мои действия

можно счесть довольно разгульными.

Но, уверяю, всё от чистого сердца.

Твое сердце оказалось в штанах?

Мисс Франческа.

Лорд Килмартин.

Боюсь, у меня жажда

от танцев с лордом Самадани.

Так что мне не хочется говорить.

Разве это не наша

излюбленная форма общения?

Простите, что я покинул вас

при прошлой встрече.

Я лишь хотел достать для вас это.

Я не мастер играть словами.

Даже будучи немногословным,

умудряюсь ошибаться.

Но я верю в силу поступков.

Мисс Франческа, я принес вам лимонад.

Простите, лорд Самадани.

Мама, я хочу уйти пораньше,

ничего?

Что ж, я...

Давай сначала найдем

твоих брата и сестру.

Конечно.

Лорд Самадани.

Лорд Килмартин.

Что происходит?

Лорд Самадани сходил

за лимонадом для мисс Франчески,

а теперь она...

Не пьет лимонад.

Именно, Ваше Величество.

Она не пьет лимонад.

Возможно, это к лучшему.

Дети отнимают столько времени

и лишают красоты.

Хотя, нам обоим ее не занимать.

Предлагаешь сдаться?

У меня аж грудь разболелась.

О нет.

Прости.

Вообще она уже неделю ноет.

Ты меня передразниваешь?

У меня грудь всю неделю болит.

И это не проблемы с поджелудочной.

Мама говорит, это признак беременности.

Неужели?

Добрый вечер, Бриджертон.

Согласен.

Бриджертон. Изысканно задержался?

Если честно, оно того не стоит.

Пошли с нами.

Только сегодня пьем у Уайта,

а не в жутком заведении Мондрича.

Простите.

Всё хорошо?

Всё прекрасно.

Рад это слышать.

Милорд, можно вопрос?

Любой.

Учитывая ваши разъезды,

логично, что вы ищете

подходящую пару, но...

...вы можете представить,

что со временем...

...может возникнуть любовь?

Я не знаю.

Работа занимает

столько места в моём сердце,

что будет трудно найти еще место.

Но я очень рад,

что вы ведете такую полную жизнь.

Сегодня вы особенно красивы,

мисс Фэзерингтон.

Представь, сколько освободится времени,

если не думать вечно о браке.

Мы сможем читать, обмениваться идеями.

Делать что угодно,

а не только охотиться за мужьями.

Интересно.

Правда?

Нет, я про то, что твой брат идет прямо

к Пенелопе и лорду Деблингу.

Вы позволите?

- Колин.

- Буквально на минуту.

Похоже, вам нужно что-то уладить.

Не буду вам мешать.

Вернемся к этому разговору

в другой раз, да?

Лорд Деблинг.

Вы слишком хороши для такого позора.

Я с радостью потанцую с вами,

если вам нужна партнерша.

Колин, ты испортишь мне

всё с Деблингом.

- Может, оно и к лучшему.

- О чём ты?

Пен, ты не можешь выйти за него.

Вы едва знакомы.

Мне достаточно.

Говорят, он уезжает.

На три года.

Я знаю, Колин.

До его цели добираться год.

Они расстроены, верно?

Битва Эроса и Психеи.

Что вы хотите сказать, мисс Каупер?

Разве они не старые друзья?

Старинные.

С тех пор как Фэзерингтоны

переехали в дом напротив.

Напротив Бриджертон-хауса?

Именно.

Ясно.

Меня устраивает то,

что может предложить Деблинг.

Я приму его предложение.

Спасибо за танец, мисс Каупер.

Я обещал помочь найти мужа.

Но я не могу дать тебе ошибиться.

Ошибкой было

обратиться к тебе за помощью.

Лорд Деблинг!

Мне жаль, что нас прервали.

Бал заканчивается,

но, может, продолжим разговор?

Почему вы так часто сидите у того окна?

Я...

Всю неделю вы кого-то высматриваете.

Я думал, вы поссорились

с мистером Бриджертоном.

Теперь же подозреваю,

что причина в другом.

В том же, почему вы сидите

у окна гостиной,

выходящей на дом напротив.

Я не понимаю, о чём вы.

Я говорю о мистере Бриджертоне.

И ваших с ним чувствах.

Уверяю вас,

у Колина Бриджертона

никогда не будет ко мне чувств.

Смешно об этом думать.

Мы друзья. И только.

А вы бы хотели большего?

Я не...

Это даже не...

Это невозможно.

Я спросил, не возможно ли это.

А хотите ли вы этого.

Мисс Фэзерингтон,

учитывая время моего отсутствия,

крайне важно, чтобы у моей избранницы

не было старинных привязанностей.

Чего бы вы ни искали,

надеюсь, вы это найдете.

Доброго вечера.

Куда это он?

Что ты сделала?

Тебя это волнует?

А не каково мне?

Я важна для тебя,

только будучи невестой лорда?

Мама, я беременна.

Думаю.

Эй? Ты не рада?

Говорят, что сердце

всегда найдет способ провести разум.

Франческа.

Лорд Килмартин...

Он принес мне ту мелодию... Именно

в той аранжировке, что я представляла.

Когда мы отдаем предпочтение

сердцу, а не разуму,

все увещевания теряют свою силу.

Но телу виднее,

что ему нужно.

И автор сих строг не станет отрицать

проверенную веками

мудрость бьющегося сердца.

Стой!

Пенелопа.

Я не хочу с тобой говорить.

Прошу!

Позволь.

Сначала к Бриджертон-хаус.

Да, мисс.

Чего тебе?

Деблинг сделал предложение?

- Тебе какое дело?

- Я должен знать. Сделал?

Странно.

Прося тебе помочь с поисками мужа,

я не подумала,

что ты можешь меня его лишить.

Это мое дело. Ты мне небезразлична.

Тебе нельзя за него замуж.

Он оставит тебя.

И он слишком своеобразный.

И он... Он не подходит тебе, Пен.

Предложения не было.

Он отверг меня из-за тебя.

После твоего появления он решил,

что у тебя ко мне чувства.

Это настолько глупо,

что ничего кроме смеха не вызывает.

А теперь давай помолчим.

Не трогай меня.

- Не могу.

- Прошу!

Не могу.

Потому что...

А если у меня есть чувства?

Что?

Я столько времени пытался

избегать чувств,

быть тем, кого во мне видело общество.

Мне даже показалось,

что мне это удалось.

Но это недели меня

одолевали противоречивые чувства.

Я совершенно не могу

перестать думать о тебе.

О том поцелуе.

Ты снишься мне ночами.

И я предпочитаю сон, ведь там есть ты.

Это настоящая пытка.

Но я не могу,

не хочу и не стану

от этого отказываться.

Прошу.

- Не говори того, чего не думаешь.

- Я так думаю.

Я которую неделю

хочу рассказать тебе об этом.

Но, Колин, мы друзья.

Да, но мы...

Прости меня.

Не знаю, о чём я думал.

Но я хочу быть не только друзьями.

А гораздо большим.

- Колин, твой дом.

- Что?

О боже.

Зачем было останавливаться?

Думаешь, нас видели?

Я не замечала ничего вокруг.

Что ты делаешь?

Колин?

Идешь со мной?

Что?

Твоя семья меня увидит.

Бога ради, Пенелопа Фэзерингтон,

ты согласна быть моей женой?

Перевод субтитров: Ксения Гребеникова