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Dearest Reader.

While most seasons

of our fair marriage mart

follow a predictable pattern,

this author likes it most when there is...

a surprise.

It is said

that surprise

is one part secrecy and one part speed.

And last night,

an announcement came

with great speed, indeed.

We are engaged!

Oh!

Hyacinth, I do not think

Penelope can breathe.

It is just...

we've known Penelope for all these years,

and now she will be my sister!

I am delighted for you both.

Thank you, Lady Bridgerton.

What is

your sour expression for?

I cannot believe you shall be married

before I am old enough

to go to one tavern with you.

I'm sorry about that, brother.

Excuse me.

Let me. Please.

Eloise. Eloise, wait.

My brother?

Are you quite serious?

For how long has this been going on?

It is very new.

I am as surprised as you are.

For how long

have you had feelings for him?

Do not answer that. I do not want to know.

You cannot marry him!

- Eloise--

- Does he know... that you are Whistledown?

No. He does not know.

Please. Eloise, please do not tell him.

Colin is not like Lord Debling.

He will not be gone for years at a time.

He will find out.

And until he knows the real you,

he cannot possibly love you.

You are right. But... please.

Just let him hear it from me.

I just need a little time

to find the right moment.

But I will tell him. You have my word.

Very well.

What happened?

She's upset, understandably.

All will be well.

I am sure of it.

Regardless of how it happened...

it is surely a wonderful time

for the happy couple.

Get your Whistledown!

Whistledown, cheap!

- Whistledown!

- Come on, get your Whistledown!

- I will take one.

Mmm.

Is that Lady Whistledown?

I'd think you would find her

rather common.

It is anything but common

to be a lady who speaks her mind.

Mmm.

In fact... you might want

to read this one as well.

What?

"It is said that surprise

is one part secrecy and one part speed,

and last night, an announcement

came with great speed, indeed."

Must you continue

reading aloud, Mr. Dankworth?

If we use our minds to read,

there may not be

enough wits left for the baby.

Mama must've read a great deal

when she was pregnant with you, then.

She goes on to say,

"It may come as a surprise to all

that Mr. Bridgerton's rumored assistance

in helping Miss Featherington

find a husband

has, instead, led to the two of them

finding each other."

Give that to me.

Mmm.

Colin Bridgerton betrothed

to Miss Penelope Featherington.

Ha!

Is this one you had a hand in?

I certainly did not.

But I am rather pleased by it.

What the city lacks in natural beauty,

it certainly makes up for

in entertainment.

Who needs fresh air

when there is fresh gossip?

Oh, good grief.

I let my guard down

for one week,

and then my sparkler

refuses the lemonade from my marquess.

I can only imagine the analogies

Whistledown will see fit to make.

She will compare me to a sour fruit

or find some impudent quotation

to ridicule me in front of my peerage.

It is here, Your Majesty.

Read it to me.

Mm...

Ah. "Miss Francesca Bridgerton

is also making the most of the season."

"Her eye seems to be no longer

on the Marquess Samadani

and instead

on John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin."

"Certainly a fine match."

Is that all?

Uh, yes, Your Majesty.

Hmm...

I hope you are thinking pure thoughts,

considering we are returning

to our family home.

I am simply enjoying

the view of my ravishing wife

and soon-to-be mother of my child.

Mmm.

I am eager to tell the family.

So much so that I can shout

for all of Mayfair to hear!

Oh.

Oh, my dears!

Finally, you arrive!

I could get used to such long journeys

if every return was like this.

Brother.

Brother. Good day.

You too.

And from where have you returned?

Just out for a morning stroll.

Yes.

I read a curious piece of news

in Whistledown this morning.

Mm-hmm.

- Ah.

Oh. What is it?

Brother, you must tell them.

You delay, so I shall.

Colin is engaged

to Penelope Featherington.

Hyacinth may be

the most excited of us all.

- Congratulations.

- Thank you.

Ah.

- Oh, well, what wonderful news.

- Of course.

Thank you. I am in high spirits.

It seems...

...we brothers have much

to catch up on, indeed.

What else did I miss?

- I am one of the brothers as well.

- I think of you as the family pet.

Why?

That is so unnecessary.

Yes, we do.

She used me.

That is the only conclusion one can draw.

Do you know she, in fact,

met my brother first?

Which leaves me thinking

that our entire friendship

must've been a ruse

to get to him all along.

It's a good thing

your friendship is long over, then.

Forgive me. It is rather shocking.

But I have had a shock of my own.

My parents told me they are in the process

of arranging a marriage proposal.

From Lord Greer.

Lord Greer?

Is he not on death's doorstep?

Sadly, no.

Though ripe in years,

he has assured my father

he is the picture of health.

I would not have gone on and on

if I had known your plight.

No, it is all right.

If I do have to marry a man

who could be my great-grandfather,

we can at least use his money to shop

and queen over society like Lady Danbury.

Throw splendid balls

and flirt shamelessly with widowers.

It sounds like quite a life.

Devon was very well,

but... we have bigger fish to fry.

Hm.

- Hm.

First...

...explain.

No furtive looks necessary.

Come now, you must admit,

it's all rather sudden.

What was sudden was my last betrothal.

So I cannot blame either of you

if you are prone to think me foolish.

My feelings for Penelope

are not a thunderbolt from the sky.

I have known her a very long time,

and perhaps

I have always felt something for her.

My only foolishness this time

was not realizing it sooner.

Mm.

Have you said these words to her?

The final part, the betrothal, it...

it did all happen rather swiftly.

Ah, it's swift because you--

Are you going to duel

with your own brother, or...

Well, you are marrying her,

and for all the right reasons, it seems.

That's all that matters.

But tell her.

Very well.

Perhaps I shall go and see Penelope now.

First... to your wives.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Can you believe that?

I did not know that.

Mama.

This is how I hear

of my daughter's engagement?

You hide out in your room all day,

and you let me read about it

in Whistledown?

I did not much feel like

announcing the happy news to you.

"Happy"?

Is that what you think this is?

What else could it be? I am to be married.

Lord Debling was a reasonable match.

A reach, to be sure,

but with all his eccentricities,

it was a secure match.

And you've thrown that away

to play out, what?

A fancy on the neighbor boy,

who happens to be

the most desired man of the season?

I do not think it's unreasonable.

Colin cares for me.

Has he told you that he loves you?

Not in... those exact words.

Oh, Penelope.

Do you not remember how

the Bridgertons treated us like dogs

when Marina's scheme was uncovered?

Now you've been out

all hours of the night with no chaperone.

And then you traipse in this morning

with news of an engagement

to the very same Bridgerton boy,

using Lord knows what wiles to entrap him.

- Excuse me.

- Mr. Bridgerton is here, ma'am.

Mr. Bridgerton.

What an unexpected delight.

I will not be staying long.

But since we are all speaking so freely--

- That was not meant for your ears.

- I am still speaking.

Your daughter did not entrap me.

I proposed to her out of love,

nothing less.

And were you not so narrowly concerned

over your own standing,

you might see that Penelope

is the most eligible amongst you.

In the future, I advise you

not to sully our Bridgerton name

by suggesting otherwise.

I wanted to show you this

before our wedding.

It's been in the family a very long time.

This is to be our home.

I know it does not look like much now, but

once we lay out some

of our furnishings and decorations...

Are you concerned

that we should not be here alone?

There is not yet any staff, but I thought,

well, since we are to be married--

No.

You do not realize

how much that meant to me.

What you said to my mother.

No one has ever stood up for me like that.

Oh, I will always stand up for you.

Because I love you... Pen.

Are you sure?

Everything I said to your mother is true.

And you should see it as well.

You... are the cleverest,

bravest woman I have ever known.

You make me feel seen

in ways I have never felt seen before.

And then there is...

the way your hair

cascades down your shoulder.

The way your eyes shine

when you look at me,

like two blue pools.

The firmness of your lips parted just so.

The softness of your skin.

And then there are...

other parts I've been...

I've been dreaming about.

You must tell me to stop

if you do not wish for this.

I do not wish for you to stop.

Lie down.

You are so beautiful.

Tell me what to do.

- I will do everything.

- No.

Tell me.

You could... touch me.

Where?

Anywhere.

Not there.

Not yet.

May I?

Oh, yes.

Why did you stop?

Are you ready?

Is there more?

This may hurt.

I cannot help it, I promise. But...

it should only be this first time.

All right?

It is all right, yes.

Was it all right?

It was perfect.

Can we do it again?

Give me five minutes.

Maybe ten.

Anthony, we cannot.

Why not?

Because Newton is watching.

I want it noted I was right.

What? About your dog?

Our dog.

And no, about our news.

It is not the appropriate time

to tell the family.

Not with the betrothal

and Francesca's courtship

with Lord Kilmartin.

Your mother has her hands full.

We can keep our secret a little longer.

Is this the only reason

you wish to delay our news?

You are happy, I hope?

Oh... very happy.

And very busy.

I must plan

the best betrothal party ever thrown

before they nominate

someone else as viscountess.

I would say so.

Fine-looking hound.

Good boy.

I have been playing

since I was five years old,

even though my fingers

were too small to reach all of the keys.

My sister Daphne

had just begun her lessons,

and I begged Mama

to let me sit with her as she learned.

On the days her tutor came,

I would wake at six to practice.

I would certainly rather be awakened

by your playing than by my valet.

My family did not see it that way.

Anthony once hid my piano stool

for a whole week.

So I would not wake him so early.

I believe it was the reason

he moved to a bachelor's apartment.

Uh... the viscount is home now, is he not?

- Indeed. With my new sister.

- Mm.

It is almost nauseating

how perfect they are together.

Almost.

Ha.

Would you be nauseated

by the idea of marriage for yourself?

No, I...

I wish to be married. Very much, in fact.

I just hope my husband

will not hide my piano stool from me.

Hm.

I would not dream of it.

We may need an extra table or two

in here for the desserts.

Oh, and have cook

make extra cinnamon biscuits.

Gregory's favorite.

Of course, ma'am.

That is all for now, Mrs. Wilson.

Thank you.

Well...

I have been needing a respite

from planning our hospitality.

You seem to be quite good at it.

Oh, I am.

But I'd still much rather

be out riding somewhere.

- Do not tell your mother.

- Hm.

Is your mind on Penelope?

I am not entirely surprised

she kept a secret from me.

This is not the first time

she has done so.

But Colin...

And once again, I am left to face the fact

that everyone eventually pairs off.

While I, too, would rather be out riding.

Metaphorically speaking.

I do not much like horses.

Family is everything.

It is why you must talk to Colin,

tell him how you are feeling.

There is no better feeling than the truth.

You should know

Gregory hates cinnamon biscuits

since Benedict dared him to eat

a whole plate, and he threw them up.

Ah.

He likes fruit jellies now.

Oh.

Well, fruit jellies it is.

Thank you.

Ma'am.

Are you all right?

Am I to take it as an insult

that Mr. Bridgerton thinks

I am preoccupied with standing?

As if it is a misdeed

to protect this family's place in society.

There's nothing wrong with that, ma'am.

And how was I to know

that it was a love match between them?

It is certainly uncommon.

Not just for Penelope.

For any of us.

I am certain she will understand.

You were only trying to protect her.

Perhaps you should tell them as much.

Speaking of standing...

A connection to the Bridgertons

wouldn't hurt at this moment.

I told him you weren't here.

That solicitor

poking into Jack Featherington.

He wants to see you again.

Do I look a mess?

Yes.

But you are my mess.

I hope I was all right for you.

I know you are more experienced.

There is nothing that compares to this.

Not even the women in Paris?

Will you let me read more of your writing?

- You promised me you would.

- That is true.

And I do not like to break a promise.

Colin, there is something I must tell you.

What is it?

Damn. That must be the servants, no doubt,

bringing over my personal effects.

We can take my carriage across the park.

No one will see us.

Lady Danbury.

Take a seat, and enjoy

this momentous day with me.

What is it that we are... celebrating?

The demise of Lady Whistledown.

Do you smell that?

It reeks of weakness.

She antagonizes no one.

She makes no attempt to gloat

about my sparkler's turn

toward the mediocre.

She is undefended.

Thank you.

Now is the time to strike.

And what is your plan, Your Majesty?

- It is already done.

- Ah.

My Royal Messengers are marching

through the streets as we speak.

Hm.

Oh, Lady Danbury.

We are going to have so much fun.

A letter from the queen.

- From the queen.

- Thank you.

Whoa! Easy.

By proclamation of the queen.

What is it?

Go on!

- It is a message from the queen.

- Mm.

"Dearest members

of my most esteemed ton, I hereby..."

"...declare that whoever

brings legitimate evidence

of Lady Whistledown's identity

to the palace

shall receive a £5,000 reward."

"Yours truly,

Her Majesty Queen Charlotte."

Finally, the woman will get

the consequences she deserves.

Imagine... unmasking Whistledown.

You'll not try, will you?

I am certain I will not have to.

Someone else will surely root her out.

Now, what did you wish to tell me?

Nothing.

It is not important now.

Hm.

Eloise. I have been looking for you.

Uh... may we?

I apologize... for not telling you sooner

about my feelings for Penelope.

- In fact, I think I shall stand.

- Eloise.

It is strange enough to have one's brother

speaking about feelings for one's friend,

but you knew we were at odds

and still went behind my back.

I know. And I am deeply sorry.

But I love her, El,

in more ways than I can even express.

Perhaps it is better you do not try.

And you loved her once too.

You were inseparable.

I remember the day the Featheringtons

moved in across the square.

From that day on, it was,

"Penelope this," and "Penelope that,"

and "Penelope and I are going to read

Don Quixote, and going to be knights."

I was devastated to learn we were

not allowed to take fencing lessons.

Mm.

Penelope is going to be your sister soon.

There was once a time

that would've been your greatest dream.

It would mean the world to me

to have your blessing.

And I know it would mean

a great deal to Penelope too.

Oh. I almost forgot.

I have a gift for you.

I know you despise Whistledown

as much as I do.

We are delighted by your intentions

towards our daughter, Lord Greer.

I assure you, should we marry,

we shall be pillars of society.

As my wife, Miss Cowper will reflect me.

None of this fashionable dress.

Somber clothing is best. Gray or brown.

And we do not flit about town,

engaged in gossip within the ton.

We shall attend no more

than one ball per month

and only if the hosts

are of strong moral character.

I certainly do not believe in music,

and modern art nowadays

is absolutely scandalous.

Her tender eyes and ears

will never be exposed to such filth.

That sounds delightful.

Do you not agree, Cressida?

Very good.

And, of course, I do still expect babies.

I so love children.

I would be happy with four or five.

Hmm. Of course.

Why does no one simply consult

the local parish registry for her name?

She must live somewhere.

You suggest to look in a registry

for someone named Lady Whistledown?

Well, obviously, not that exactly.

But she must have a first name.

That is how you think

Whistledown will be discovered?

She shall not be discovered.

She is too good at hiding herself.

Speaking of hiding...

how did you secure Mr. Bridgerton?

Did you find a spell in one of your books?

Girls, you shall not abuse your sister

in this household.

You were the one who--

We have all been acting

in an uncouth way of late.

With the excitement of dual pregnancies

and a surprise engagement,

we have all quite forgotten ourselves.

But as head of this household,

I will remind us.

Featheringtons support one another.

Is that what you were doing?

Supporting me?

You are right. I have been unkind.

But it stops now.

And thankfully,

we have your engagement party coming up

to allow us our fresh start.

We do?

Which Penelope and I shall attend alone.

It will give you two time to deliberate

on how best to amend your behavior

towards your sister.

I am going to my room to read.

Very well.

It seems

the only thing quicker than the match

between Miss Featherington

and Mr. Bridgerton

is the rest of London's

quick return to old ways,

with Lady Featherington racing

to attach herself to the Bridgertons

and the queen back on her fruitless hunt

for Lady Whistledown.

But this secret is one

that cannot be rushed.

Forks go to the left,

while knives and spoons go to the right.

- Mm-hmm.

- Perfect. He's learned so quickly.

He gets his quick mind from his mother.

Do you not think, Will?

Excuse me.

You shall be quite ready

for your first outing in society.

How are your ledgers?

Still emptier than they should be.

- You must take some time off this week.

- I cannot--

You can.

And I insist you do.

Perfect.

Your ledgers will not miss you,

but your family will.

That's it, to the right.

Well done.

Thank you.

Good evening, gentlemen.

You have outdone yourself, sister.

- Look at the place.

- Thank you. You all look dashing.

Not as much as Gregory.

Brother, wherever

did you get such a fine hat?

I will be an Eton man soon.

It is high time I begin

presenting myself as one.

Perhaps Eton will make your brain

big enough to fill that hat.

Oh! Ah...

Well, as a man of the house,

you must greet our guests.

Ah. Welcome.

Miss Hyacinth.

A pleasure to make

your acquaintance, Lord Kent.

Do not take interest in her.

I have a new bow and arrow.

Would you like to see it?

Hm.

The decorations are somewhat

more drab than I remember, are they not?

My bride-to-be.

Good evening.

And here is my son-to-be.

Lady Featherington.

It is pleasant to receive

such a warm greeting from you.

I deeply regret my earlier comments.

Let us put it in the past.

Tonight, we celebrate

our collective future.

Well, if that is your intent,

then it shall be mine to honor it.

Oh, I must tell your mother

how much I love

what she has done with the decoration.

Are the drinks nearby?

Eloise mentioned

that Miss Cowper invited herself.

I was not sure I could say no.

- It is all right.

- Good.

I rather relish her presence,

so that she can watch you in your triumph.

Hm.

Anyone who

questions their match is a fool.

And all she had to do to get him

to marry her was be herself.

She is an extraordinary young woman.

Lady Bridgerton.

Lord Anderson, welcome.

Marcus. I did not realize

that you were coming tonight.

We ran into each other

out promenading the other day.

A happy coincidence.

Indeed.

And I invited him.

I see.

Well, to the happy couple.

Mm.

Lord Greer is horrible, Eloise.

I have been thinking on ways

to circumvent his proposal.

Will you help me?

Of course. Just... excuse me.

Either my brother is the most

understanding person ever born,

or you have not yet told him.

I am waiting for the right time.

It does not concern only you.

This secret, this lie, with the queen's

reward, it is bound to come out.

And when it does, Colin will know

I kept it from him as well.

If it proves too difficult

for you to reveal the truth,

I will be merciful

and reveal it to him myself.

You have until midnight.

Your refreshment.

Is everything all right?

Good evening.

Lady Arnold, please allow me to introduce

you to my sister, Lady Bridgerton.

Delighted to make your acquaintance.

It seems you host a hell of a party.

I like her already.

May I present my brother,

Viscount Bridgerton.

I've heard nothing

but the highest praise for you, my lord.

So, you have not been

speaking with my family then?

Lord Kilmartin, you must tell them

the amusing story

you were telling me the other day,

about the boots.

Ah, yes.

The boots.

Well, there was, uh... there was mud...

a great deal of mud on them.

Shall we get some refreshment?

Mm.

What do you think?

They are rather... similar.

Yes, but do you not think

Francesca could use someone

to bring her out of her shell?

And given that the queen is opposed...

Oh! So much so it may have inspired

her Whistledown reward today.

Perhaps you should take

the direct approach, for once.

I know it is unlike you

to cajole your children.

- You mock me.

- As you rightly mocked me all last season.

- Excuse me.

- Yes.

There you are, Lady Bridgerton.

We keep missing one another.

Duty of a hostess, I am afraid.

- Well understood.

- Mm-hmm.

Good evening, everyone.

If you will allow me a few words.

Most people, when they fall off a horse,

are counseled to get back on it again.

I say stay down, for in the mud,

you may happen to be blessed

with your future bride.

It was my atrocious riding

that led me to meet Miss Featherington,

Pen... and I am so grateful

to be here with her tonight.

I look forward to our life together,

to knowing each other fully,

and to never taking

a single day with you for granted.

Congratulations.

Hear, hear.

Health and happiness.

Congratulations to you both.

Here is to truly knowing each other.

Completely.

Before the clock runs out.

Hm. The clock of life, of course.

Ticks for us all.

To your good health!

Thank you, Eloise. I...

I should like to add how... proud I am

of my lovely daughter, Penelope.

To the match of the season,

and the Featherington-Bridgerton family.

I cannot tell if this party

needs stronger drinks or weaker ones.

Now, perhaps some dessert

and charades in the drawing room.

Shall we?

Of course.

Bridgerton rules, everyone.

The person who guesses correctly

shall take the next turn.

We shall continue swapping around the room

until the intellectual genius of the group

reveals him or herself.

Who shall go first?

Ah. I think Penelope.

It is her night, after all.

- Yes.

- Very well.

Yes.

"My second is conveyed

to my first by the company of family."

"My whole is a product of spring."

"A product of spring..."

Surely a flower of some kind.

- Lilies. Forget-me-not. Lilacs!

- No!

Ease is conveyed to one's heart

by the company of family.

Heart's-ease, the flower.

- Eloise is correct.

- Yes.

- Very good, sister.

- Well done. Your turn, then.

Here we go. Round two.

Thank you.

"My first is a contraction for society."

"My second denotes a recluse."

"My third forms a part of the ear.

My whole is but a quibble."

- Something "nun."

- Yes, exactly.

- Earlobe. Earlobe!

- Um, no! Wait, no.

Is it not, um...

A "conundrum"?

- Yah! Yes!

- Clever.

Very good.

You are good.

Clever. Well done.

"My first, I would venture for.

My second, I would venture in."

"My whole is more

talked of than practiced."

A dwelling, perhaps?

No. "Venture for, venture in."

It is friendship, is it not?

It is.

Will the rest of us

participate in the game as well?

- There is a history between these two.

- And perhaps it will finally be settled.

I will get us a drink.

"My first is somewhat soft

and yellow, especially in the spring."

"My next are busy,

meddling fellow forever on the..."

It looks like Nicky

is about to learn chess.

Mm.

Well, you know,

Daisy finally mounted a horse this week.

- She did?

- Mm-hm. She had this look in her eye.

Her fear subsided,

and she did what was most difficult.

And all I could think was...

"I wish her father were here to see this."

- I'll get us a drink.

- That'd be lovely.

- Lemonade?

- Yes, they're just over there.

Very good, Will.

Finally. The cycle is broken.

"My first wettens the wilds

to create new life."

"My second adorns a young girl's hair

until she becomes a wife."

"My whole can lead to pots of gold,

ending years of strife."

Rainbow.

That is the one.

Ah!

Very good.

Bravo.

Very good.

"My first is a term

to relay a circumstance present at..."

Do you want to hear my plan?

To avoid marrying Lord Greer?

Of course.

I am going to take a flat in Vienna,

live my own life with the reward money

from identifying Whistledown.

Eloise, do you not care I'm being forced

to marry a man thrice my age?

Uh, of course I care.

And I'd very much like

to shout at your parents

if I thought it'd make any difference.

But as much as I would love

to see Whistledown finally exposed,

you will never find her.

You do not think I am clever enough.

No... No, that is not what I meant.

I could not find her myself.

And you are far more clever than I.

Cressida, I am sorry.

Please, I cannot do this right now.

I will find a way to obtain that reward.

Lord Kilmartin,

are you enjoying your evening?

Yes. Thank you.

Without such an audience,

I should like to share with you three

the true story of my muddy boots.

Here is what truly happened. Um...

A suspicious streak of mud

found its way into our home.

And there we were, myself,

the servants, even my mother,

chasing this mysterious mud

through the house.

Even as servants tried to clean it,

more spots appeared, as if from a phantom.

As I reached the end of my rope,

I finally looked down to discover

the phantom was, in fact,

me.

Chasing the mud with my own boots.

All that to say, sometimes I miss

what is right in front of me.

But not Miss Francesca.

Her... I saw straightaway.

You are right.

This is quite a story, after all.

Mr. Bridgerton.

- Here.

Very good.

Hm.

Thank you.

"My first is nothing but a name.

My second's still more small."

"My whole of so much smaller fame,

it has no name at all."

How about... "nameless"?

Aw... Well, yes.

Something Lady Whistledown

will not be for much longer.

- The queen has made sure of that.

- Well, I think she is--

Who'd pursue a matter as trivial

as Whistledown's identity?

It all feels... vulgar.

I would argue

Whistledown is the vulgar one.

Though the ton can do

with a little vulgarity.

What I was trying to say--

If she is unmasked,

it will spell ruin for her family.

And certainly any hope of marriage.

Excuse me.

We should tell them tonight.

I thought you wanted to wait.

You and I...

we are at our happiest in this moment.

And if I am honest, I have wished for it

to just be the two of us a little longer.

It is a great change, but you and I

will make our way with our child

the way we have

always done with each other.

Such reward is not enough to entice

Lady Whistledown to come forward.

Indeed, many would

commit wilder acts for such a sum.

We saw three young ladies

chasing after delivery boys this morning

to seek her identity.

Surely she would

hate to be unmasked.

Perhaps she would love to be unmasked.

The power, the infamy,

freedom to do whatever she wants.

Not to mention the money.

And then, of course, there's the fact

that she would not have to marry.

That is a good point.

She may see herself

living a finer life than any of us.

But can you imagine

living with that secret all this time?

It must burn away at her.

Terrible,

living a double life like that.

I could not keep that secret

for more than an hour.

Nor I, surely.

Pen. Where did you run off to?

I was looking for you.

I... I only needed a moment.

I know something is bothering you.

I can feel it. All evening,

you have been shirking my gaze.

No, Colin...

I would understand

if you got swept up in the carriage.

If you do not now share my feelings.

Colin... I need to tell you something.

Pen. Pen. Are you well?

Colin. I need to tell--

Eloise, please have a servant

fetch a cool towel.

Pen.

Mother, Lady Danbury.

We have some news.

We are expecting.

Oh! That is the best news!

Let us tell the family.

They will be so delighted.

Excuse us, everyone.

I have an announcement.

It is time

that I put an end to the speculation.

You would like to know

who Lady Whistledown is?

You shall know.

I am she.

Miss Cowper, surely you jest.

I jest not.

I am Lady Whistledown. And you are right.

I can do whatever I want.

Colin... I cannot breathe.

Miss Wilson!

Get some water.

Give her some air.

Pen!

[scribbling]

[gentle music playing]

[Lady Whistledown] Dearest Reader.

While most seasons

of our fair marriage mart

follow a predictable pattern,

this author likes it most when there is...

a surprise.

[gentle music builds slowly]

[Lady Whistledown] It is said

that surprise

is one part secrecy and one part speed.

[heartbeat thumping]

And last night,

an announcement came

with great speed, indeed.

[muffled laughter and chatter]

[Colin, muffled] We are engaged!

[music peaks and fades]

- Oh!

- [gasping, laughter]

[uplifting music playing]

Hyacinth, I do not think

Penelope can breathe.

[Hyacinth] It is just...

we've known Penelope for all these years,

and now she will be my sister!

I am delighted for you both.

- Thank you, Lady Bridgerton.

- [Violet chuckles]

[Francesca] What is

your sour expression for?

I cannot believe you shall be married

before I am old enough

to go to one tavern with you.

I'm sorry about that, brother.

[all chuckling]

Excuse me.

[music fades out]

Let me. Please.

Eloise. Eloise, wait.

My brother?

Are you quite serious?

For how long has this been going on?

It is very new.

I am as surprised as you are.

For how long

have you had feelings for him?

Do not answer that. I do not want to know.

You cannot marry him!

- Eloise--

- Does he know... that you are Whistledown?

No. He does not know.

Please. Eloise, please do not tell him.

Colin is not like Lord Debling.

He will not be gone for years at a time.

He will find out.

And until he knows the real you,

he cannot possibly love you.

You are right. But... please.

Just let him hear it from me.

I just need a little time

to find the right moment.

But I will tell him. You have my word.

Very well.

[brisk classical music playing]

What happened?

She's upset, understandably.

All will be well.

I am sure of it.

[Lady Whistledown]

Regardless of how it happened...

it is surely a wonderful time

for the happy couple.

[music peaks and fades]

[wind gusting]

[child 1] Get your Whistledown!

- [child 2] Whistledown, cheap!

- Whistledown!

[children chattering]

- Come on, get your Whistledown!

- I will take one.

[man] Mmm.

[kissing, moaning]

[both chuckling softly]

[sighs]

Is that Lady Whistledown?

I'd think you would find her

rather common.

[chuckles] It is anything but common

to be a lady who speaks her mind.

Mmm.

In fact... you might want

to read this one as well.

What?

"It is said that surprise

is one part secrecy and one part speed,

and last night, an announcement

came with great speed, indeed."

Must you continue

reading aloud, Mr. Dankworth?

If we use our minds to read,

there may not be

enough wits left for the baby.

Mama must've read a great deal

when she was pregnant with you, then.

She goes on to say,

"It may come as a surprise to all

that Mr. Bridgerton's rumored assistance

in helping Miss Featherington

find a husband

has, instead, led to the two of them

finding each other."

- [spluttering]

- [chuckling]

Give that to me.

[music fades out]

Mmm.

Colin Bridgerton betrothed

to Miss Penelope Featherington.

[Lady Danbury] Ha!

Is this one you had a hand in?

I certainly did not.

But I am rather pleased by it.

What the city lacks in natural beauty,

it certainly makes up for

in entertainment.

Who needs fresh air

when there is fresh gossip?

Oh, good grief.

[rousing music plays]

[Charlotte] I let my guard down

for one week,

and then my sparkler

refuses the lemonade from my marquess.

I can only imagine the analogies

Whistledown will see fit to make.

She will compare me to a sour fruit

or find some impudent quotation

to ridicule me in front of my peerage.

- [huffs]

- [door opens]

[Brimsley] It is here, Your Majesty.

- Read it to me.

- [Brimsley] Mm...

[door shuts]

Ah. "Miss Francesca Bridgerton

is also making the most of the season."

"Her eye seems to be no longer

on the Marquess Samadani

and instead

on John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin."

"Certainly a fine match."

Is that all?

Uh, yes, Your Majesty.

[rousing music ends]

[light classical music plays]

[Kate exhales] Hmm...

I hope you are thinking pure thoughts,

considering we are returning

to our family home.

I am simply enjoying

the view of my ravishing wife

and soon-to-be mother of my child.

[Kate] Mmm.

I am eager to tell the family.

So much so that I can shout

for all of Mayfair to hear!

[Kate chuckles]

[Anthony sighs]

[gentle music playing]

[indistinct chattering]

[horses whinnying lightly]

- [chuckling]

- [Violet sighs] Oh.

[laughing] Oh, my dears!

Finally, you arrive!

[laughter]

I could get used to such long journeys

if every return was like this.

Brother.

[laughter and chattering]

Brother. Good day.

[Kate] You too.

And from where have you returned?

- Just out for a morning stroll.

- [Colin] Yes.

I read a curious piece of news

in Whistledown this morning.

- [Colin] Mm-hmm.

- Ah.

Oh. What is it?

Brother, you must tell them.

- You delay, so I shall.

- [Violet laughs]

Colin is engaged

to Penelope Featherington.

Hyacinth may be

the most excited of us all.

- Congratulations.

- Thank you.

[Kate] Ah.

- Oh, well, what wonderful news.

- Of course.

Thank you. I am in high spirits.

It seems... [clears throat]

...we brothers have much

to catch up on, indeed.

[chuckling]

- [Violet chuckles]

- What else did I miss?

- I am one of the brothers as well.

- I think of you as the family pet.

- Why?

- [chuckles]

- [Gregory] That is so unnecessary.

- [chattering]

[Violet] Yes, we do.

[music fades out]

[Eloise] She used me.

That is the only conclusion one can draw.

Do you know she, in fact,

met my brother first?

Which leaves me thinking

that our entire friendship

must've been a ruse

to get to him all along.

It's a good thing

your friendship is long over, then.

Forgive me. It is rather shocking.

But I have had a shock of my own.

My parents told me they are in the process

of arranging a marriage proposal.

From Lord Greer.

Lord Greer?

Is he not on death's doorstep?

Sadly, no.

Though ripe in years,

he has assured my father

he is the picture of health.

[sighs softly]

I would not have gone on and on

if I had known your plight.

No, it is all right.

If I do have to marry a man

who could be my great-grandfather,

we can at least use his money to shop

and queen over society like Lady Danbury.

Throw splendid balls

and flirt shamelessly with widowers.

[both chuckle]

[soft music playing]

It sounds like quite a life.

[chuckles softly]

[music fades out]

Devon was very well,

but... we have bigger fish to fry.

- [Benedict] Hm.

- Hm.

[Anthony] First...

[sighs]

...explain.

- [Benedict chuckles]

- No furtive looks necessary.

Come now, you must admit,

it's all rather sudden.

What was sudden was my last betrothal.

So I cannot blame either of you

if you are prone to think me foolish.

My feelings for Penelope

are not a thunderbolt from the sky.

I have known her a very long time,

and perhaps

I have always felt something for her.

My only foolishness this time

was not realizing it sooner.

- [sighs]

- [Colin] Mm.

Have you said these words to her?

The final part, the betrothal, it...

it did all happen rather swiftly.

Ah, it's swift because you--

Are you going to duel

with your own brother, or...

Well, you are marrying her,

and for all the right reasons, it seems.

That's all that matters.

But tell her.

[light music plays softly]

Very well.

Perhaps I shall go and see Penelope now.

First... to your wives.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

[clears throat, sniffs]

[sighs] Can you believe that?

I did not know that.

[music fades out]

Mama.

This is how I hear

of my daughter's engagement?

You hide out in your room all day,

and you let me read about it

in Whistledown?

I did not much feel like

announcing the happy news to you.

"Happy"?

Is that what you think this is?

What else could it be? I am to be married.

Lord Debling was a reasonable match.

A reach, to be sure,

but with all his eccentricities,

it was a secure match.

And you've thrown that away

to play out, what?

A fancy on the neighbor boy,

who happens to be

the most desired man of the season?

I do not think it's unreasonable.

Colin cares for me.

Has he told you that he loves you?

[soft music builds slowly]

Not in... those exact words.

Oh, Penelope.

Do you not remember how

the Bridgertons treated us like dogs

when Marina's scheme was uncovered?

Now you've been out

all hours of the night with no chaperone.

And then you traipse in this morning

with news of an engagement

to the very same Bridgerton boy,

using Lord knows what wiles to entrap him.

- Excuse me.

- Mr. Bridgerton is here, ma'am.

Mr. Bridgerton.

What an unexpected delight.

I will not be staying long.

But since we are all speaking so freely--

- That was not meant for your ears.

- I am still speaking.

Your daughter did not entrap me.

I proposed to her out of love,

nothing less.

[gasps softly]

And were you not so narrowly concerned

over your own standing,

you might see that Penelope

is the most eligible amongst you.

In the future, I advise you

not to sully our Bridgerton name

by suggesting otherwise.

[soft music builds]

[music fades out]

I wanted to show you this

before our wedding.

It's been in the family a very long time.

This is to be our home.

I know it does not look like much now, but

once we lay out some

of our furnishings and decorations...

Are you concerned

that we should not be here alone?

There is not yet any staff, but I thought,

well, since we are to be married--

No.

You do not realize

how much that meant to me.

What you said to my mother.

No one has ever stood up for me like that.

Oh, I will always stand up for you.

Because I love you... Pen.

[tearfully] Are you sure?

Everything I said to your mother is true.

And you should see it as well.

[gentle music playing]

You... are the cleverest,

bravest woman I have ever known.

You make me feel seen

in ways I have never felt seen before.

And then there is...

the way your hair

cascades down your shoulder.

The way your eyes shine

when you look at me,

like two blue pools.

The firmness of your lips parted just so.

The softness of your skin.

And then there are...

other parts I've been...

I've been dreaming about.

[breathing heavily]

You must tell me to stop

if you do not wish for this.

I do not wish for you to stop.

[panting, moaning softly]

Lie down.

[music peaks and fades out]

[romantic music playing]

[chuckles softly]

[exhales]

[clears throat]

You are so beautiful.

Tell me what to do.

- I will do everything.

- No.

Tell me.

You could... touch me.

Where?

Anywhere.

- Not there.

- [gasps softly]

Not yet.

May I?

[panting]

[moans softly]

[breathing heavily]

[whispering] Oh, yes.

[panting]

Why did you stop?

Are you ready?

Is there more?

[chuckles softly]

This may hurt.

I cannot help it, I promise. But...

it should only be this first time.

- [inhales sharply]

- [Colin sighs]

[grunts, panting]

[chuckling softly]

[moans softly]

All right?

It is all right, yes.

[both panting softly]

[breathing heavily]

[both grunt lightly]

[gentle music stirring]

[both breathing rapidly]

[Penelope moaning]

[Colin sighing]

[both chuckling]

Was it all right?

It was perfect.

Can we do it again?

Give me five minutes.

Maybe ten.

[both laughing]

[music fades out]

[whispers] Anthony, we cannot.

Why not?

[chuckling] Because Newton is watching.

[chuckling]

I want it noted I was right.

What? About your dog?

Our dog.

And no, about our news.

It is not the appropriate time

to tell the family.

Not with the betrothal

and Francesca's courtship

with Lord Kilmartin.

Your mother has her hands full.

We can keep our secret a little longer.

Is this the only reason

you wish to delay our news?

You are happy, I hope?

Oh... very happy.

[bright classical music playing]

And very busy.

[sighs] I must plan

the best betrothal party ever thrown

before they nominate

someone else as viscountess.

[up-tempo classical music playing]

[indistinct chattering]

I would say so.

Fine-looking hound.

- Good boy.

- [dog barks]

[Francesca] I have been playing

since I was five years old,

even though my fingers

were too small to reach all of the keys.

My sister Daphne

had just begun her lessons,

and I begged Mama

to let me sit with her as she learned.

On the days her tutor came,

I would wake at six to practice.

I would certainly rather be awakened

by your playing than by my valet.

My family did not see it that way.

Anthony once hid my piano stool

for a whole week.

- So I would not wake him so early.

- [chuckling]

[Francesca] I believe it was the reason

he moved to a bachelor's apartment.

Uh... the viscount is home now, is he not?

- Indeed. With my new sister.

- Mm.

It is almost nauseating

how perfect they are together.

Almost.

Ha.

Would you be nauseated

by the idea of marriage for yourself?

No, I...

I wish to be married. Very much, in fact.

I just hope my husband

will not hide my piano stool from me.

Hm.

I would not dream of it.

[music peaks and fades out]

We may need an extra table or two

in here for the desserts.

Oh, and have cook

make extra cinnamon biscuits.

Gregory's favorite.

Of course, ma'am.

That is all for now, Mrs. Wilson.

Thank you.

Well...

I have been needing a respite

from planning our hospitality.

You seem to be quite good at it.

Oh, I am. [chuckles]

But I'd still much rather

be out riding somewhere.

- Do not tell your mother.

- Hm. [chuckles]

Is your mind on Penelope?

I am not entirely surprised

she kept a secret from me.

This is not the first time

she has done so.

But Colin...

And once again, I am left to face the fact

that everyone eventually pairs off.

While I, too, would rather be out riding.

Metaphorically speaking.

I do not much like horses.

Family is everything.

It is why you must talk to Colin,

tell him how you are feeling.

[solemn music playing]

There is no better feeling than the truth.

You should know

Gregory hates cinnamon biscuits

since Benedict dared him to eat

a whole plate, and he threw them up.

Ah. [chuckles]

He likes fruit jellies now.

- Oh.

- [chuckles]

Well, fruit jellies it is.

[both chuckle]

Thank you.

- [sighs deeply]

- [music fades out]

[footsteps approaching]

[Varley] Ma'am.

Are you all right?

Am I to take it as an insult

that Mr. Bridgerton thinks

I am preoccupied with standing?

As if it is a misdeed

to protect this family's place in society.

There's nothing wrong with that, ma'am.

And how was I to know

that it was a love match between them?

It is certainly uncommon.

Not just for Penelope.

For any of us.

I am certain she will understand.

You were only trying to protect her.

Perhaps you should tell them as much.

Speaking of standing...

[sighs] A connection to the Bridgertons

wouldn't hurt at this moment.

I told him you weren't here.

That solicitor

poking into Jack Featherington.

He wants to see you again.

[gentle music plays]

[sighs softly]

Do I look a mess?

- Yes.

- [chuckles]

But you are my mess.

I hope I was all right for you.

I know you are more experienced.

There is nothing that compares to this.

Not even the women in Paris?

[both laughing]

Will you let me read more of your writing?

- You promised me you would.

- That is true.

And I do not like to break a promise.

Colin, there is something I must tell you.

What is it?

[knocking at door]

[tense music plays lightly]

Damn. That must be the servants, no doubt,

bringing over my personal effects.

We can take my carriage across the park.

No one will see us.

- [footsteps approaching]

- [Charlotte chuckles lightly]

- [liquid splashes]

- [door opens]

Lady Danbury.

Take a seat, and enjoy

this momentous day with me.

What is it that we are... celebrating?

The demise of Lady Whistledown.

[inhales deeply]

[exhales sharply]

Do you smell that?

It reeks of weakness.

She antagonizes no one.

She makes no attempt to gloat

about my sparkler's turn

toward the mediocre.

She is undefended.

[quietly] Thank you.

Now is the time to strike.

And what is your plan, Your Majesty?

- It is already done.

- Ah.

My Royal Messengers are marching

through the streets as we speak.

Hm.

Oh, Lady Danbury.

We are going to have so much fun.

[mischievous music plays]

- [horses whinny]

- [music fades out]

[fanfare playing]

A letter from the queen.

- From the queen.

- Thank you.

[indistinct chatter]

Whoa! Easy.

[man] By proclamation of the queen.

- What is it?

- [driver] Go on!

- It is a message from the queen.

- Mm.

"Dearest members

of my most esteemed ton, I hereby..."

[Charlotte] "...declare that whoever

brings legitimate evidence

of Lady Whistledown's identity

to the palace

shall receive a £5,000 reward."

"Yours truly,

Her Majesty Queen Charlotte."

Finally, the woman will get

the consequences she deserves.

Imagine... unmasking Whistledown.

You'll not try, will you?

I am certain I will not have to.

Someone else will surely root her out.

[tense music playing]

Now, what did you wish to tell me?

Nothing.

It is not important now.

Hm.

Eloise. I have been looking for you.

Uh... may we?

[Eloise clears throat]

I apologize... for not telling you sooner

about my feelings for Penelope.

- In fact, I think I shall stand.

- Eloise.

It is strange enough to have one's brother

speaking about feelings for one's friend,

but you knew we were at odds

and still went behind my back.

I know. And I am deeply sorry.

But I love her, El,

in more ways than I can even express.

Perhaps it is better you do not try.

And you loved her once too.

You were inseparable.

I remember the day the Featheringtons

moved in across the square.

From that day on, it was,

"Penelope this," and "Penelope that,"

and "Penelope and I are going to read

Don Quixote, and going to be knights."

I was devastated to learn we were

not allowed to take fencing lessons.

Mm.

Penelope is going to be your sister soon.

There was once a time

that would've been your greatest dream.

It would mean the world to me

to have your blessing.

And I know it would mean

a great deal to Penelope too.

Oh. I almost forgot.

I have a gift for you.

I know you despise Whistledown

as much as I do.

[Eloise exclaims softly]

[tense music plays]

[music fades out slowly]

[Lady Cowper]

We are delighted by your intentions

towards our daughter, Lord Greer.

I assure you, should we marry,

we shall be pillars of society.

As my wife, Miss Cowper will reflect me.

None of this fashionable dress.

Somber clothing is best. Gray or brown.

And we do not flit about town,

engaged in gossip within the ton.

We shall attend no more

than one ball per month

and only if the hosts

are of strong moral character.

I certainly do not believe in music,

and modern art nowadays

is absolutely scandalous.

Her tender eyes and ears

will never be exposed to such filth.

[clears throat] That sounds delightful.

Do you not agree, Cressida?

Very good.

And, of course, I do still expect babies.

I so love children.

I would be happy with four or five.

Hmm. Of course.

[pensive music playing]

[breathes deeply]

[music fades out slowly]

Why does no one simply consult

the local parish registry for her name?

She must live somewhere.

You suggest to look in a registry

for someone named Lady Whistledown?

Well, obviously, not that exactly.

But she must have a first name.

That is how you think

Whistledown will be discovered?

She shall not be discovered.

She is too good at hiding herself.

Speaking of hiding...

how did you secure Mr. Bridgerton?

Did you find a spell in one of your books?

[both chuckling]

Girls, you shall not abuse your sister

in this household.

[scoffs]

You were the one who--

We have all been acting

in an uncouth way of late.

With the excitement of dual pregnancies

and a surprise engagement,

we have all quite forgotten ourselves.

But as head of this household,

I will remind us.

Featheringtons support one another.

[chuckling scoffs]

Is that what you were doing?

Supporting me?

[sighs]

You are right. I have been unkind.

But it stops now.

And thankfully,

we have your engagement party coming up

to allow us our fresh start.

We do?

Which Penelope and I shall attend alone.

It will give you two time to deliberate

on how best to amend your behavior

towards your sister.

I am going to my room to read.

[Lady Featherington] Very well.

[pensive music plays]

[Lady Whistledown] It seems

the only thing quicker than the match

between Miss Featherington

and Mr. Bridgerton

is the rest of London's

quick return to old ways,

with Lady Featherington racing

to attach herself to the Bridgertons

and the queen back on her fruitless hunt

for Lady Whistledown.

But this secret is one

that cannot be rushed.

[music fades out]

Forks go to the left,

while knives and spoons go to the right.

- Mm-hmm.

- Perfect. He's learned so quickly.

He gets his quick mind from his mother.

Do you not think, Will?

[softly] Excuse me.

[woman] You shall be quite ready

for your first outing in society.

How are your ledgers?

Still emptier than they should be.

- You must take some time off this week.

- I cannot--

You can.

And I insist you do.

[woman] Perfect.

Your ledgers will not miss you,

but your family will.

[woman] That's it, to the right.

Well done.

[solemn music playing]

[music fades out]

[indistinct chatter]

[up-tempo classical music playing]

Thank you.

Good evening, gentlemen.

You have outdone yourself, sister.

- Look at the place.

- Thank you. You all look dashing.

Not as much as Gregory.

Brother, wherever

did you get such a fine hat?

I will be an Eton man soon.

It is high time I begin

presenting myself as one.

Perhaps Eton will make your brain

big enough to fill that hat.

- [Kate] Oh! Ah...

- [laughing]

Well, as a man of the house,

you must greet our guests.

Ah. Welcome.

Miss Hyacinth.

A pleasure to make

your acquaintance, Lord Kent.

[Gregory] Do not take interest in her.

I have a new bow and arrow.

Would you like to see it?

[both chuckle softly]

[light classical tune playing]

[Lady Featherington] Hm.

The decorations are somewhat

more drab than I remember, are they not?

My bride-to-be.

Good evening.

And here is my son-to-be.

Lady Featherington.

It is pleasant to receive

such a warm greeting from you.

[sighs]

I deeply regret my earlier comments.

Let us put it in the past.

Tonight, we celebrate

our collective future.

Well, if that is your intent,

then it shall be mine to honor it.

Oh, I must tell your mother

how much I love

what she has done with the decoration.

Are the drinks nearby?

Eloise mentioned

that Miss Cowper invited herself.

I was not sure I could say no.

- It is all right.

- Good.

I rather relish her presence,

so that she can watch you in your triumph.

Hm.

[Lady Danbury] Anyone who

questions their match is a fool.

And all she had to do to get him

to marry her was be herself.

- She is an extraordinary young woman.

- [chuckles]

Lady Bridgerton.

Lord Anderson, welcome. [chuckles]

Marcus. I did not realize

that you were coming tonight.

We ran into each other

out promenading the other day.

A happy coincidence.

Indeed.

And I invited him.

[inhales sharply]

I see.

Well, to the happy couple.

[Violet] Mm.

[Cressida] Lord Greer is horrible, Eloise.

I have been thinking on ways

to circumvent his proposal.

Will you help me?

Of course. Just... excuse me.

Either my brother is the most

understanding person ever born,

or you have not yet told him.

I am waiting for the right time.

It does not concern only you.

This secret, this lie, with the queen's

reward, it is bound to come out.

And when it does, Colin will know

I kept it from him as well.

If it proves too difficult

for you to reveal the truth,

I will be merciful

and reveal it to him myself.

You have until midnight.

[stirring music plays]

Your refreshment.

Is everything all right?

[clock ticking]

[breathing shakily]

[pleasant classical music playing]

Good evening.

Lady Arnold, please allow me to introduce

you to my sister, Lady Bridgerton.

Delighted to make your acquaintance.

It seems you host a hell of a party.

I like her already.

[Francesca] May I present my brother,

Viscount Bridgerton.

I've heard nothing

but the highest praise for you, my lord.

So, you have not been

speaking with my family then?

[all laughing]

Lord Kilmartin, you must tell them

the amusing story

you were telling me the other day,

about the boots.

Ah, yes.

The boots.

Well, there was, uh... there was mud...

a great deal of mud on them.

[hesitates]

[chuckling lightly]

Shall we get some refreshment?

Mm.

What do you think?

They are rather... similar.

Yes, but do you not think

Francesca could use someone

to bring her out of her shell?

And given that the queen is opposed...

Oh! So much so it may have inspired

her Whistledown reward today.

Perhaps you should take

the direct approach, for once.

I know it is unlike you

to cajole your children.

- You mock me.

- As you rightly mocked me all last season.

[chuckling]

- Excuse me.

- Yes.

[chuckling]

There you are, Lady Bridgerton.

We keep missing one another.

Duty of a hostess, I am afraid. [chuckles]

- Well understood.

- Mm-hmm.

[clinking]

Good evening, everyone.

If you will allow me a few words.

Most people, when they fall off a horse,

are counseled to get back on it again.

I say stay down, for in the mud,

you may happen to be blessed

with your future bride.

[light laughter]

It was my atrocious riding

that led me to meet Miss Featherington,

Pen... and I am so grateful

to be here with her tonight.

I look forward to our life together,

to knowing each other fully,

and to never taking

a single day with you for granted.

[Violet sighs]

- [man] Congratulations.

- [woman] Hear, hear.

[guests clapping]

[guests exclaiming]

[Lady Danbury] Health and happiness.

- [clinking]

- [clears throat]

[tense notes play]

Congratulations to you both. [chuckles]

Here is to truly knowing each other.

Completely.

Before the clock runs out.

- [tense music plays]

- [clock ticking]

Hm. The clock of life, of course.

[chuckles] Ticks for us all.

To your good health!

- [music stops]

- Thank you, Eloise. I...

I should like to add how... proud I am

of my lovely daughter, Penelope.

[Violet chuckles]

To the match of the season,

and the Featherington-Bridgerton family.

[chuckles]

I cannot tell if this party

needs stronger drinks or weaker ones.

Now, perhaps some dessert

and charades in the drawing room.

[indistinct chattering]

[pensive music playing]

Shall we?

Of course.

Bridgerton rules, everyone.

[music fades out]

The person who guesses correctly

shall take the next turn.

We shall continue swapping around the room

until the intellectual genius of the group

reveals him or herself.

Who shall go first?

Ah. I think Penelope.

It is her night, after all.

- Yes.

- Very well.

Yes.

[clears throat] "My second is conveyed

to my first by the company of family."

"My whole is a product of spring."

"A product of spring..."

Surely a flower of some kind.

- Lilies. Forget-me-not. Lilacs!

- No!

Ease is conveyed to one's heart

by the company of family.

Heart's-ease, the flower.

- Eloise is correct.

- Yes.

- Very good, sister.

- Well done. Your turn, then.

[light music playing]

Here we go. Round two.

[clears throat] Thank you.

"My first is a contraction for society."

"My second denotes a recluse."

"My third forms a part of the ear.

My whole is but a quibble."

- Something "nun."

- Yes, exactly.

- Earlobe. Earlobe!

- Um, no! Wait, no.

- [man laughing]

- Is it not, um...

A "conundrum"?

- Yah! Yes!

- Clever.

- Very good.

- [Benedict] You are good.

Clever. Well done.

[overlapping chatter]

"My first, I would venture for.

My second, I would venture in."

"My whole is more

talked of than practiced."

A dwelling, perhaps?

No. "Venture for, venture in."

It is friendship, is it not?

It is.

- [chuckling]

- [light clapping]

Will the rest of us

participate in the game as well?

- There is a history between these two.

- And perhaps it will finally be settled.

- [Lady Arnold speaking softly]

- [Benedict] I will get us a drink.

[music fades out]

[Eloise] "My first is somewhat soft

and yellow, especially in the spring."

"My next are busy,

meddling fellow forever on the..."

[chuckling]

It looks like Nicky

is about to learn chess.

[Alice] Mm.

Well, you know,

Daisy finally mounted a horse this week.

- She did?

- Mm-hm. She had this look in her eye.

Her fear subsided,

and she did what was most difficult.

And all I could think was...

"I wish her father were here to see this."

- I'll get us a drink.

- That'd be lovely.

- Lemonade?

- Yes, they're just over there.

- [Colin] Very good, Will.

- [Anthony] Finally. The cycle is broken.

[overlapping chatter]

[Will] "My first wettens the wilds

to create new life."

"My second adorns a young girl's hair

until she becomes a wife."

"My whole can lead to pots of gold,

ending years of strife."

Rainbow.

- That is the one.

- [Colin] Ah!

[Anthony] Very good.

[clapping]

[woman] Bravo.

Very good.

[somber music playing]

[Lady Featherington] "My first is a term

to relay a circumstance present at..."

Do you want to hear my plan?

To avoid marrying Lord Greer?

[clears throat] Of course.

I am going to take a flat in Vienna,

live my own life with the reward money

from identifying Whistledown.

[chuckles softly]

Eloise, do you not care I'm being forced

to marry a man thrice my age?

Uh, of course I care.

And I'd very much like

to shout at your parents

if I thought it'd make any difference.

But as much as I would love

to see Whistledown finally exposed,

you will never find her.

You do not think I am clever enough.

No... No, that is not what I meant.

I could not find her myself.

And you are far more clever than I.

Cressida, I am sorry.

Please, I cannot do this right now.

I will find a way to obtain that reward.

[music fades out]

Lord Kilmartin,

are you enjoying your evening?

Yes. Thank you.

Without such an audience,

I should like to share with you three

the true story of my muddy boots.

- [Violet clears throat]

- Here is what truly happened. Um...

[clears throat]

A suspicious streak of mud

found its way into our home.

And there we were, myself,

the servants, even my mother,

chasing this mysterious mud

through the house.

Even as servants tried to clean it,

more spots appeared, as if from a phantom.

As I reached the end of my rope,

I finally looked down to discover

the phantom was, in fact,

me.

[chuckles]

Chasing the mud with my own boots.

[gentle music playing]

All that to say, sometimes I miss

what is right in front of me.

But not Miss Francesca.

Her... I saw straightaway.

You are right.

This is quite a story, after all.

- [woman] Mr. Bridgerton.

- Here.

[Colin] Very good.

[Violet] Hm.

[Lord Kilmartin] Thank you.

"My first is nothing but a name.

My second's still more small."

"My whole of so much smaller fame,

it has no name at all."

[guests exclaiming]

How about... "nameless"?

Aw... Well, yes.

Something Lady Whistledown

will not be for much longer.

[guests chuckling]

- The queen has made sure of that.

- Well, I think she is--

Who'd pursue a matter as trivial

as Whistledown's identity?

It all feels... vulgar.

I would argue

Whistledown is the vulgar one.

Though the ton can do

with a little vulgarity.

What I was trying to say--

If she is unmasked,

it will spell ruin for her family.

And certainly any hope of marriage.

[tense music playing]

[breathing shakily]

[clock ticking]

[tense music builds]

Excuse me.

[music fades out]

We should tell them tonight.

I thought you wanted to wait.

You and I...

we are at our happiest in this moment.

And if I am honest, I have wished for it

to just be the two of us a little longer.

It is a great change, but you and I

will make our way with our child

the way we have

always done with each other.

[stirring music builds slowly]

[breathing heavily]

Such reward is not enough to entice

Lady Whistledown to come forward.

[Lady Featherington] Indeed, many would

commit wilder acts for such a sum.

[Alice] We saw three young ladies

chasing after delivery boys this morning

to seek her identity.

[gasping]

[Will] Surely she would

hate to be unmasked.

Perhaps she would love to be unmasked.

The power, the infamy,

freedom to do whatever she wants.

Not to mention the money.

[men chuckling]

And then, of course, there's the fact

that she would not have to marry.

That is a good point.

She may see herself

living a finer life than any of us.

[Alice] But can you imagine

living with that secret all this time?

It must burn away at her.

[Lady Featherington] Terrible,

living a double life like that.

[Will] I could not keep that secret

for more than an hour.

[Marcus] Nor I, surely.

[clock ticking]

Pen. Where did you run off to?

I was looking for you.

I... I only needed a moment.

I know something is bothering you.

I can feel it. All evening,

you have been shirking my gaze.

[clock ticking, clanks]

No, Colin...

I would understand

if you got swept up in the carriage.

If you do not now share my feelings.

Colin... I need to tell you something.

Pen. Pen. Are you well?

- [Penelope gasping]

- Colin. I need to tell--

Eloise, please have a servant

fetch a cool towel.

- Pen.

- [Anthony] Mother, Lady Danbury.

We have some news.

- We are expecting.

- [Lady Danbury gasps]

[laughing] Oh! That is the best news!

[exclaiming]

Let us tell the family.

They will be so delighted.

[exhales]

Excuse us, everyone.

I have an announcement.

It is time

that I put an end to the speculation.

You would like to know

who Lady Whistledown is?

You shall know.

I am she.

[guests exclaiming quietly]

Miss Cowper, surely you jest.

I jest not.

I am Lady Whistledown. And you are right.

I can do whatever I want.

[stirring music continues]

Colin... I cannot breathe.

[gasping for air]

- [guests exclaiming]

- [Violet] Miss Wilson!

[frenetic music playing]

[Anthony] Get some water.

[Eloise] Give her some air.

[Colin] Pen!

[indistinct chattering]

[music peaks and fades]

[theme music playing]

[music ends]

ФЕЛЬЕТОН ЛЕДИ УИСЛДАУН

УОЛТЕР ДАНДЭС, ЭСКВАЙР, СОЛИСИТОР

С ПОЧТЕНИЕМ

ЕЁ ВЕЛИЧЕСТВО КОРОЛЕВА ШАРЛОТТА

ВОЗНАГРАЖДЕНИЕ В ПЯТЬ ТЫСЯЧ ФУНТОВ

Дорогой читатель.

Хотя в большинстве сезонов

заключение брачных союзов

имеет предсказуемый характер,

автор сих строк предпочитает

сюрпризы.

Говорят, что секрет сюрприза —

тайна и скорость в равной пропорции.

И вчера вечером

объявление произошло

с невероятной скоростью.

Мы обручились!

Джасинт, боюсь, Пенелопе нечем дышать.

Просто мы всю жизнь знаем Пенелопу.

А теперь станем сестрами!

- Я очень рада за вас обоих.

- Спасибо, леди Бриджертон.

А ты чего такая кислая?

Не верится, что ты женишься до того,

как я смогу с тобой выпить.

Прости, братишка.

Простите.

Позволь мне. Прошу.

Элоиза. Элоиза, постой.

Мой брат?

Ты серьезно?

Давно это у вас?

Только началось. Сама удивлена.

Давно у тебя к нему чувства?

Не отвечай. Я не хочу знать.

Ты не можешь выйти за него!

- Элоиза...

- Он знает, что ты Уислдаун?

Нет. Он не в курсе.

Прошу. Элоиза, не говори ему.

Колин — не лорд Деблинг.

Он не уедет на долгие годы.

Он всё узнает.

И пока он не знает тебя настоящую,

он не сможет любить тебя.

Ты права. Но я прошу тебя.

Позволь рассказать самой.

Мне лишь нужно время,

чтобы улучить момент.

Но я обязательно скажу. Даю слово.

Хорошо.

Что случилось?

Она расстроена. Предсказуемо.

Всё будет хорошо.

Я в этом уверен.

Как бы это ни случилось...

...для пары это несомненно

чудесное время.

БРИДЖЕРТОНЫ

Новый фельетон!

- Фельетон Уислдаун!

- Уислдаун!

- Покупайте фельетон Уислдаун!

- Беру.

ФЕЛЬЕТОН ЛЕДИ УИСЛДАУН

Фельетон леди Уислдаун?

Для тебя это не слишком банально?

Леди, выражающая свое мнение,

не может быть банальной.

Думаю, ты и сам

будешь не прочь прочитать это.

Что?

«Говорят, что секрет сюрприза —

тайна и скорость в равной пропорции.

И вчера вечером объявление произошло

с невероятной скоростью».

Мистер Дэнкуорт,

обязательно читать вслух?

Если мы будем читать сами,

малышам не достанется смекалки.

Выходит, мама зачитывалась,

когда носила тебя.

Дальше пишет вот что.

«Для всех стало сюрпризом то,

что помощь мистера Бриджертона

в поисках мужа для мисс Фэзерингтон

привела к тому,

что они нашли друг друга.

Дай сюда.

Колин Бриджертон обручился

с мисс Пенелопой Фэзерингтон.

Ты этому способствовала?

Никоим образом.

Но эта новость меня радует.

Город проигрывает в природной красоте,

но даст фору в развлечениях.

К чему свежий воздух,

когда есть свежие сплетни?

Ну надо же.

Я на неделю ослабила контроль,

и вот уже бриллиант

отвергает лимонад из рук маркиза.

Представляю, какими сравнениями

удостоит меня Уислдаун.

Сравнит с каким-нибудь кислым фруктом.

Или найдет нахальную цитату,

чтобы высмеять меня у всех на глазах.

Принесли, Ваше Величество.

Читай вслух.

«Мисс Франческа Бриджертон

не теряет времени зря.

Она потеряла интерес

к маркизу Самадани.

Теперь ее взгляд устремлен

на Джона Стёрлинга, графа Килмартина.

Прекрасная пара».

И это всё?

Да, Ваше Величество.

Надеюсь, твои мысли чисты,

ведь мы возвращаемся в семейный дом.

Я просто любуюсь своей прекрасной женой

и будущей матерью моего ребенка.

Я так хочу рассказать семье.

Я даже готов

кричать об этом на весь Мейфэр.

О, мои дорогие!

Наконец-то вы здесь!

Я могу привыкнуть к долгим отлучкам,

если всегда будет такой прием. Брат.

Брат. Добрый день.

О, и ты тоже.

А ты откуда вернулся?

- Просто утренняя прогулка.

- Да.

Утром у Уислдаун

я прочел удивительную новость.

О. Какую же?

Брат, скажи им.

Тормозишь, я сама.

Колин обручился

с Пенелопой Фэзерингтон.

Джасинт, пожалуй, рада больше всех.

- Поздравляю.

- Спасибо.

- Что ж, чудесная новость.

- Разумеется.

Спасибо. Я очень счастлив.

Вижу, братьям надо о многом поговорить.

- Что еще я пропустила?

- Я тоже их брат.

Ты скорее домашний питомец.

Почему? Обязательно так говорить?

Да, так и есть.

Она меня использовала.

Только это приходит в голову.

Сначала она познакомилась с ним.

Мне уже кажется, что наша дружба была

лишь для того, чтобы заполучить его.

Хорошо, что она уже давно позади.

Прости. Это шокирующая новость.

Но меня тоже шокировали.

Родители утром сообщили мне,

что собираются выдать меня замуж.

За лорда Грира.

Лорд Грир?

Разве он не одной ногой в могиле?

К сожалению, нет.

Он уже в летах,

но заверил моего отца,

что пышет здоровьем.

Я бы не твердила про свое,

если б знала.

Нет, всё хорошо.

Если придется выйти за того,

кто годится мне в прадеды,

то хоть смогу тратить его деньги

и правит обществом как леди Данбери.

Давать блестящие балы

и бесстыдно флиртовать с вдовцами.

Звучит вполне заманчиво.

В Девоне всё отлично.

Но у нас есть темы поважнее.

Для начала...

Рассказывай.

К чему косые взгляды?

Признай, это довольно неожиданно.

Неожиданной была прошлая помолвка.

Так что я не виню вас в том,

что вы считаете меня глупцом.

Мои чувства к Пенелопе

не возникли на ровном месте.

Я давно ее знаю.

И, возможно, всегда

что-то к ней испытывал.

Моя глупость лишь в том,

что я не осознал этого раньше.

Ты это ей сказал?

Финальная часть, помолвка,

произошла довольно скомкано.

А, потому что...

Ты вызовешь на дуэль

собственного брата?

Что ж, ты женишься на ней.

Похоже, так и должно быть.

Это самое главное.

Но скажи ей.

Хорошо.

Пожалуй, пойду к Пенелопе.

Сначала тост за ваших жен.

Поздравляю.

Спасибо.

Можешь в это поверить? Я не знал.

Мама.

Так я узнаю о помолвке дочери?

Ты весь день прячешься у себя.

А я узнаю обо всём

из фельетона Уислдаун?

Я была не в настроении

сообщать счастливую весть.

«Счастливую»?

Ты так считаешь?

А как иначе? Я выхожу замуж.

Лорд Деблинг был достойной партией.

Да, с натяжкой,

учитывая его эксцентричность.

Но это был надежный брак.

И на что ты это променяла?

На мечты о соседском парне,

которого считают

самым желанным женихом сезона?

Я не считаю это неразумным.

Колин ценит меня.

Он признался тебе в любви?

Именно этих слов он не говорил.

О, Пенелопа.

Ты забыла, как с нами

обращались Бриджертоны,

когда вскрылась схема Марины?

Ты пропадаешь ночами без компаньонки.

А теперь ты являешься сюда

с новостями о помолвке

с тем самым Бриджертоном,

захомутав его неведомо какими уловками.

- Простите.

- Мэм, мистер Бриджертон.

Мистер Бриджертон.

Какая неожиданная радость.

Я ненадолго.

Но раз уж мы говорим начистоту...

- Это было не для ваших ушей.

- Я не закончил.

Ваша дочь меня не хомутала.

Я сделал предложение из любви и только.

Не будь вы так озабочены

собственным положением,

вы бы увидели, что Пенелопа —

самая достойная из всех вас.

На будущее советую вам

не пятнать имя Бриджертонов

своими предположениями.

Я хотел показать тебе это до свадьбы.

Он в семье уже очень давно.

Это наш будущий дом.

Знаю, пока выглядит не очень.

Но когда поставим тут

нашу мебель и предметы интерьера...

Тебе не нравится, что мы будем не одни?

Тут пока нет прислуги.

Но раз мы женимся...

Нет.

Ты не знаешь, как это важно для меня.

То, что ты сказал моей матери.

За меня никто так не заступался.

Я всегда буду за тебя заступаться.

Ведь я люблю тебя, Пен.

Ты уверен?

Всё, что я сказал

твоей матери, — правда.

И ты должна это видеть.

Ты самая умная и храбрая женщина

из тех, кого я когда-либо знал.

С тобой я чувствую, что меня видят так,

как еще никогда не видели.

А еще то,

как твои волосы струятся вдоль плеч.

Как сияют твои глаза,

когда ты смотришь на меня.

Словно два синих водоема.

Упругость твоих чуть приоткрытых губ.

Нежность твоей кожи.

А еще...

Еще другие части,

о которых я мечтал.

Вели мне остановиться,

если не хочешь этого.

Не останавливайся.

Ложись.

Ты такая красивая.

Говори, что делать.

- Я сам.

- Нет.

Скажи мне.

Ты можешь дотронуться до меня.

Где?

Везде.

Не там.

Пока нет.

Можно?

О да.

Почему остановился?

Ты готова?

Это не всё?

Будет больно.

Тут ничего не поделать. Но...

Так будет только первый раз.

Всё хорошо?

Хорошо, да.

Всё хорошо?

Идеально.

Можем повторить?

Дай мне пять минут.

Может, десять.

Энтони, нельзя.

Почему?

Ньютон смотрит.

Признай, я была права.

- В чём? Насчет твоего пса?

- Нашего пса.

Нет, насчет нашей новости.

Сейчас не время говорить семье.

Тут и помолвка,

и ухаживания лорда Килмартина

за Франческой.

Твоей матери и так нелегко.

Пусть это пока останется секретом.

Ты только поэтому

не хочешь пока говорить?

Ты же счастлива, надеюсь?

Очень счастлива.

И очень занята.

Нужно спланировать

лучший прием в честь помолвки.

Не то виконтессой

провозгласят кого-то еще.

Согласна.

Отличная гончая.

Молодец.

Я играю с пяти лет.

Хотя едва дотягивалась пальцами

до всех клавиш.

Дафна только начала брать уроки.

И я упросила маму

позволить сидеть с ней рядом.

Перед приходом учителя

я вставала на заре и упражнялась.

Я бы предпочел быть разбуженным

вашей игрой, а не своим камердинером.

Моя семья другого мнения.

Энтони как-то неделю прятал табурет,

чтобы я не будила его по утрам.

Думаю, именно поэтому

он переехал на квартиру.

Виконт недавно вернулся, верно?

Да. С моей новой сестрой.

Даже немного тошнит от их идеальности.

Немного.

Вас так же тошнит

от идеи собственного замужества?

Нет, я...

Я хочу выйти замуж. Даже очень.

Я лишь надеюсь,

что муж не станет прятать табурет.

Я бы ни за что не посмел.

Могут понадобиться

дополнительные столы для десертов.

Пусть повар испечет

побольше коричного печенья.

Грегори его обожает.

Разумеется, мэм.

На этом всё, миссис Уилсон. Спасибо.

Что ж...

Мне нужна передышка

от подготовки приема.

- Похоже, ты в этом мастер.

- Еще какой.

Но всё равно бы предпочла

прогулку верхом. Не говори матери.

Думаешь о Пенелопе?

Я не удивлена,

что на скрыла это от меня.

Такое уже случалось.

Но Колин...

И я опять поставлена перед фактом,

что в конце концов все находят пару.

А я бы тоже предпочла прогулку.

Это метафора. Не люблю лошадей.

Семья превыше всего.

Поговори с Колином,

расскажи о своих чувствах.

Правда приносит облегчение.

Грегори ненавидит коричное печенье.

Бенедикт на спор

скормил ему целое блюдо. Его стошнило.

Теперь любит мармелад.

Что ж, пусть будет мармелад.

Спасибо.

Мэм.

Вы в порядке?

Мне смириться с оскорблением,

что меня заботит положение в обществе?

Словно попытка

защитить свою семью — это проступок.

В этом нет ничего плохого, мэм.

Откуда мне было знать,

что они обручились по любви?

Это крайне необычно.

Не только для Пенелопы. Для всех нас.

Уверена, она поймет.

Вы лишь хотели защитить ее.

Возможно, так и следует им сказать.

К разговору о положении.

Связь с Бриджертонами

сейчас будет кстати.

Я сказала, что вас нет.

Стряпчий, вынюхивающий

про Джека Фэзерингтона.

Снова хочет вас видеть.

Я вся растрепанная?

Да.

Но ты моя растрёпа.

Надеюсь, я справилась.

Знаю, у тебя больше опыта.

С этим ничто не сравнится.

Даже парижанки?

Дашь мне еще почитать?

- Ты мне обещал.

- Твоя правда.

Я не люблю нарушать обещания.

Колин, я должна кое-что сказать.

Что?

Чёрт, это, наверное, слуги.

Принесли мои вещи.

Пересечем парк в моей карете.

Нас никто не увидит.

Леди Данбери.

Присаживайтесь и разделите со мной

этот знаменательный день.

Что мы празднуем?

Падение леди Уислдаун.

Вы это чувствуете?

Так и несет слабостью.

Никакого антагонизма.

Она не злорадствует о том,

что мой бриллиант

выбрал посредственность.

Она беззащитна.

Благодарю.

Самое время нанести удар.

И каков же ваш план, Ваше Величество?

Уже всё готово.

Королевские гонцы на улицах

в этот самый момент.

О, леди Данбери.

Мы отлично повеселимся.

Послание королевы.

- От королевы.

- Спасибо.

Тпру! Стой.

По повелению королевы.

- Что это?

- Пошел!

Послание королевы.

«Уважаемые члены

высшего общества, настоящим я...»

«...провозглашаю, что любой,

кто представит

во дворец подтверждение

личности леди Уислдаун,

получит награду в 5 000 фунтов.

Искренне ваша,

Ее Величество королева Шарлотта».

Наконец-то эта дама

получит по заслугам.

Представь — раскрыть Уислдаун.

Ты же не станешь?

Уверен, мне не придется.

Кто-то наверняка ее выследит.

Что ты хотела сказать?

Ничего.

Это уже неважно.

Элоиза. Я тебя искал.

Присядем?

Прости меня, что не сказал тебе раньше

о своих чувствах к Пенелопе.

- Лучше встану.

- Элоиза.

И без того странно, когда брат заявляет

о чувствах к твоей подруге.

А действовал за моей спиной,

зная, что мы в ссоре.

Знаю. И мне очень жаль.

Но я люблю ее, Эл.

Так сильно, что и не передать.

Вот и не пытайся.

Ты тоже ее когда-то любила.

Вы были неразлучны.

Помню день, когда Фэзерингтоны

переехали сюда.

С тех пор только и было слышно:

«Пенелопа то, Пенелопа сё».

«Мы с Пенелопой прочтем

"Дон Кихота", будем рыцарями».

Ужасно, что нам не разрешили

учиться фехтованию.

Теперь Пенелопа станет твоей сестрой.

Когда-то ты только об этом и мечтала.

Для меня невероятно важно

твое благословение.

Так же, как для Пенелопы.

Я чуть не забыл.

У меня для тебя подарок.

Знаю, мы одинаково презираем Уислдаун.

Мы рады вашим намерениям

в отношении нашей дочери, лорд Грир.

Уверяю, если мы поженимся,

то станем столпами общества.

В качестве моей жены

мисс Каупер станет моим отражением.

Никаких вычурных фасонов.

Приглушенные цвета.

Серый или коричневый.

И мы не шастаем по городу,

погрязши в сплетнях высшего общества.

Не больше одного бала в месяц.

И только если устроитель —

достойный человек.

Я не являюсь поклонником музыки.

А современное искусство

просто постыдно.

Ее нежных глаз и ушей

не коснется эта скверна.

Это просто прекрасно.

Не правда ли, Крессида?

Очень хорошо.

И, разумеется, я планирую детей.

Я очень люблю детей.

Четыре или пять для полного счастья.

Разумеется.

НАГРАДА В ПЯТЬ ТЫСЯЧ ФУНТОВ

Почему просто не посмотреть

в приходской книге?

Она же где-то живет.

Предлагаешь искать там

человека по имени леди Уислдаун?

Ну, не так буквально.

У нее должно быть еще и имя.

Ты считаешь, ее так найдут?

Ее не найдут. Она мастерски скрывается.

Кстати, про скрытность.

Как ты отхватила Бриджертона?

Вычитала приворот в книгах?

Девочки, в этом доме

вы не должны оскорблять сестру.

Так ты сама...

В последнее время

мы все вели себя недопустимо.

На радостях от двух беременностей

и неожиданной помолвки мы забылись.

Но будучи главой семьи,

я вынуждена напомнить.

Фэзерингтоны стоят друг за друга.

Так это была твоя поддержка?

Ты права. Я вела себя недобро.

Но с этим покончено.

К счастью, впереди прием

в честь твоей помолвки.

Мы начнем с чистого листа.

Вот как?

На прием отправимся

лишь мы с Пенелопой.

Так у вас будет время подумать над тем,

как изменить свое отношение к сестре.

Пойду к себе, почитаю.

Хорошо.

Лишь одно может сравниться

в скорости с помолвкой

мисс Фэзерингтон и мистера Бриджертона.

Это то, как быстро лондонское общество

вернулось к прежним занятиям.

Леди Фэзерингтон стремится

быстрее породнится с Бриджертонами,

а королева продолжает бесплодную охоту

на леди Уислдаун.

Но в отношении этой тайны

спешка не приемлема.

Вилки слева,

а ножи и ложки справа.

Отлично. Он быстро учится.

Сообразительностью он в мать.

Верно, Уилл?

Простите.

Нужно быть готовым

к первому выходу в свет.

Как твои ведомости?

Всё еще хуже, чем должно быть.

- Возьми несколько дней отдыха.

- Не могу.

Можешь.

Я настаиваю.

Прекрасно.

Ведомости без тебя проживут.

А семья — нет.

Верно. Справа.

Молодец.

Спасибо.

Добрый вечер, джентльмены.

Ты превзошла себя, сестра.

- Красота.

- Спасибо. Вы все прекрасно выглядите.

Грегори превзошел всех.

Брат, где ты достал

такую прекрасную шляпу?

Я скоро поступлю в Итон.

Мне пора одеваться как мужчине.

Может, там твой мозг

разовьется до размеров этой шляпы.

Как хозяин дома

ты должен приветствовать гостей.

Добро пожаловать.

Мисс Джасинт.

Рада знакомству, лорд Кент.

Не обращай на нее внимания.

У меня новый лук и стрелы. Показать?

Украшения выглядят более унылыми,

чем я их помню, верно?

Моя будущая невеста.

Добрый вечер.

Мой будущий зять.

Леди Фэзерингтон.

Я рад столь теплому приветствию.

Я глубоко раскаиваюсь

в том, что сказала раньше.

Давайте оставим это в прошлом.

Сегодня мы празднуем

наше общее будущее.

Что ж, если таковы ваши намерения,

я их поддержу.

Я должна выразить вашей матери

свое восхищение оформлением.

Где тут выпивка?

Элоиза сказала,

мисс Каупер придет без приглашения.

Я не смог отказать.

- Ничего.

- Хорошо.

Я даже рад ее присутствию.

Путь наблюдает за твоим триумфом.

Любой, кто не понимает

эту партию, — дурак.

Чтобы заполучить его,

ей нужно было одно — быть собой.

Она выдающаяся юная леди.

- Леди Бриджертон.

- Лорд Андерсон, приветствую.

Маркус. Не знала,

что ты тоже будешь присутствовать.

На днях мы столкнулись на прогулке.

Счастливое совпадение.

Верно.

И я его пригласила.

Понятно.

Что ж, за счастливую пару.

Элоиза, лорд Грир ужасен.

Я пытаюсь придумать,

как расстроить помолвку.

Ты мне поможешь?

Разумеется. Только... Прости.

Либо мой брат

самый понимающий из людей,

либо ты промолчала.

Я жду подходящего момента.

Это касается не только тебя.

Этот секрет, эта ложь...

С наградой королевы всё всплывет.

И тогда Колин узнает,

что я тоже молчала.

Раз тебе так трудно сказать правду,

я проявлю милосердие

и сама всё ему открою.

Я жду до полуночи.

Я принес лимонад.

Всё хорошо?

Добрый вечер.

Леди Арнольд, представляю вам

мою сестру, леди Бриджертон.

Я очень рада знакомству.

Вы устроили прекрасный прием.

Она мне уже нравится.

Представляю вам моего брата,

виконта Бриджертона.

Я слышал о вас только похвалы, милорд.

Значит, с моей семьей

вы еще не говорили.

Лорд Килмартин, расскажите им

ту забавную историю про сапоги.

Ах да.

Сапоги.

Что ж, они были грязные...

Очень грязные.

Может, выпьем лимонада?

Что скажете?

Они довольно похожи.

Да, но не кажется ли вам,

что Франческе нужен тот,

кто вытащит ее из ее раковины?

А если учесть, что королева против...

Настолько, что даже назначила

награду за Уислдаун.

Может, в виде исключения

тут подойдет прямой подход?

Ты же обычно не уговариваешь детей.

- Насмехаешься.

- Как ты надо мной в прошлом сезоне.

- Простите.

- Да.

Вот вы где, леди Бриджертон.

Мы никак не пересечемся.

Боюсь, таков удел хозяйки.

Как я вас понимаю.

Всем доброго вечера.

Позвольте минуту внимания.

Большинству при падении с лошади

советуют снова сесть в седло.

Я же останусь. Ведь в грязи

можно найти свою будущую невесту.

Скверные навыки наездника подарили мне

встречу с мисс Фэзерингтон.

Пен. И я очень рад

быть здесь сегодня с ней.

Я жду наше совместное будущее.

Где мы по-настоящему узнаем друг друга.

Я буду ценить каждый день,

проведенный вместе.

Поздравляю.

Верно.

Здоровья и счастья вам.

Поздравляю вас обоих.

Выпьем за то, чтобы узнать друг друга.

По-настоящему.

Пока еще есть время.

Время нашей жизни.

Ведь оно неумолимо. Ваше здоровье!

Спасибо, Элоиза, я...

Я хочу добавить, что я очень горжусь

своей чудесной дочерью, Пенелопой.

За партию сезона

и семью Фэзерингтонов–Бриджертонов.

Не уверен, нужны ли тут

напитки покрепче или послабее.

В столовой нас ждет десерт и шарады.

Идем?

Конечно.

Правила Бриджертонов.

Угадавший получает следующий ход.

Продолжим двигаться по комнате,

пока интеллектуальный гений

не обнаружит себя.

Кто начинает?

Думаю, Пенелопа. Это же ее вечер.

- Да.

- Хорошо.

Да.

«Одна теплая, другая холодная.

Обе — одна семья.

А целое — продукт весны».

«Продукт весны...»

Это точно какой-то цветок.

- Лилии. Незабудки. Сирень!

- Нет!

Мать — теплая, мачеха — холодная.

Обе — часть одной семьи.

Мать-и-мачеха. Растение.

- Элоиза права.

- Да.

- Молодец, сестра.

- Хорошо, твоя очередь.

Продолжаем. Второй раунд.

Спасибо.

«Первое — почти что цветок.

Второе — животное.

Третье — инструмент.

Всё вместе — софизм».

- Животное — лама?

- Верно.

- Цикламен!

- Нет!

Это «каламбур»?

- Да.

- Умно.

- Молодец.

- Здорово.

Умно. Молодец.

«С ним можно проводить досуг.

Он всегда протянет спасательный круг.

Что зарифмуете с этим вдруг?»

Может, супруг?

Нет. «Досуг, спасательный круг».

Это друг, верно?

Верно.

Наше участие предполагается?

- Между ними давняя история.

- Может, наконец-то ее решат.

Принесу нам выпить.

«Первая часть — мягкая и желтая,

особенно весной.

Вторая — стремится слиться с...»

Похоже, Ники будет учиться

игре в шахматы.

А Дейзи на этой неделе

наконец-то села на лошадь.

- Правда?

- Ты бы видел ее взгляд.

Страх отступил,

и она сделала самое трудное.

А я всё думала:

«Вот бы ее отец это видел».

- Схожу за напитками.

- Хорошо.

- Лимонад?

- Да, вон там.

Молодец, Уилл.

Наконец-то.

«Первая часть

характеризует интенсивность.

На вторую сажают преступников.

А всё вместе — забор».

Частокол.

Верно.

Здорово.

Здорово.

«Первая часть — термин, выражающий...»

Рассказать мой план?

Чтобы избежать брака?

Конечно.

Я сниму квартиру в Вене

и буду жить сама по себе

на деньги за раскрытие Уислдаун.

Элоиза, меня выдают за мужчину,

втрое меня старше!

Я очень тебе сочувствую.

Я бы с радостью наорала

на твоих родителей, если б это помогло.

Как бы я ни желала того,

чтобы Уислдаун раскрыли,

тебе ее не найти.

Думаешь, мне мозгов не хватит.

Нет, я не об этом.

Я сама не смогла ее найти.

А ты гораздо умнее меня.

Крессида, прости.

Пойми, я сейчас не могу.

Я найду способ получить вознаграждение.

Лорд Килмартин,

вы хорошо проводите время?

Да, спасибо.

В узком кругу

я всё-таки расскажу историю

про мои грязные сапоги.

Вот что произошло.

В нашем доме появились

странные грязные пятна.

Все, включая меня, слуг, даже мою мать,

преследовали загадочную грязь

по всему дому.

Слуги старались всё оттереть,

но грязь появлялась снова и снова.

Когда я уже потерял терпение,

я наконец-то взглянул вниз

и обнаружил, что источник грязи —

я, бегающий за грязью

в грязных сапогах.

Это я к тому, что иногда я упускаю

из вида то, что прямо передо мной.

Но не мисс Франческу.

Ее я разглядел сразу.

Вы правы. Это прекрасная история.

- Мистер Бриджертон.

- Прошу.

Хорошо.

Спасибо.

«Первое означает отсутствие.

Второе — всего лишь имя.

А вместе мы столь незначительны,

что не имеем названия».

Может, это «безымянный»?

Ну да.

Скоро это будет не про леди Уислдаун.

- Королева об этом позаботиться.

- Думаю, она...

Кому есть дело

до столь тривиальной вещи

как ее личность? Это вульгарно.

Я считаю вульгарной Уислдаун.

А обществу не повредит

немного вульгарности.

Я хочу сказать...

- Если ее раскроют, ее семью ждет крах.

- А она лишится шансов на замужество.

Простите.

Скажем им сегодня.

Ты же хотела подождать.

Мы с тобой...

У нас сейчас самый счастливый период.

Если говорить начистоту, я хотела

еще какое-то время побыть вдвоем.

Это большие перемены. Но мы с тобой

справимся с ребенком так же,

как справлялись, будучи вдвоем.

Этой награды недостаточно,

чтобы раскрыть леди Уислдаун.

Многие пойдут на всё

ради подобной суммы.

Сегодня утром три молодые леди

выслеживали посыльных,

пытаясь раскрыть ее тайну.

Разумеется, она не хочет

быть раскрытой.

Возможно, она этого желает.

Власть, огласка,

свобода делать всё, что угодно.

Не говоря про деньги.

К тому же ей не придется

выходить замуж.

Верно сказано.

Она сможет жить лучше,

чем любой из нас.

Но каково постоянно жить с этой тайной?

Должно быть, это ее опустошает.

Ужасно вести подобную двойную жизнь.

Я бы и час не удержал это в секрете.

Я тоже, уверен.

Куда ты делась? Я тебя искал.

Удели мне секунду.

Знаю, тебя что-то гнетет.

Я это чувствую. Весь вечер

ты избегаешь смотреть на меня.

Нет, Колин...

Я пойму, если ты потеряла контроль

над собой в карете.

Если наши чувства не взаимны.

Колин, я должна кое-что тебе сказать.

Пен. Ты в порядке?

Колин, я должна...

Элоиза, попроси холодное полотенце.

- Пен.

- Мама, леди Данбери.

У нас новости.

Мы ждем ребенка.

Это самые лучшие новости!

Расскажем семье. Они будут счастливы.

Минуту внимания.

Я хочу сделать объявление.

Я хочу положить конец домыслам.

Хотите знать, кто такая леди Уислдаун?

Так знайте.

Это я.

Мисс Каупер, вы же шутите.

Вовсе нет.

Я леди Уислдаун. И вы правы.

Я могу делать всё, что захочу.

Я не могу дышать.

Принесите воды.

Расступитесь!

Пен!

Перевод субтитров: Ксения Гребеникова