К свету

Good morning.

How did you sleep?

Fitfully.

I am off to Bridgerton House

for breakfast.

But my mother is coming.

I will give you and your mother

some privacy.

- No, you do not have to leave.

- I wish to.

Ma'am, you have a visitor

in the drawing room.

Um... Serve her tea.

I am not yet ready.

Good morning, Mama.

Cressida.

Good morning.

I trust you had a happy wedding night?

What are you doing here?

I am simply paying a visit...

to the esteemed Lady Whistledown.

I know your secret.

Whatever you think you know,

you are incorrect.

Now I wish you to leave.

You know, thinking back on everything,

it makes perfect sense.

No one would ever suspect you

as you are so very forgettable.

That look is enjoyable.

Shame I cannot stay long to savor it,

seeing as I am under lock and key

until my aunt arrives

to steal me to the countryside.

- You are leaving town?

- Yes. But not to my Aunt Joanna's house.

You see, you are going to pay me

double the queen's reward

so that I might set up my life abroad,

or I will tell everyone

of your true identity.

No one will believe you, Cressida.

Your reputation

could not be any lower at present.

Miss Cowper.

Lady Featherington.

Penelope and I were just discussing

whether or not I am to be believed.

Let us find out.

Think of your daughter's love

of the written word.

And think of how

she is so easily overlooked,

allowing her to disappear

for great periods of time.

And think of how

all those she views as enemies

end up humiliated in print.

And then ask yourself

how it took you this long to realize

she is the true Lady Whistledown.

You will pay me my sum,

or I will reveal the truth

to the entire ton.

Do enjoy your morning, ladies.

Penelope.

Tell me it is not true.

For once, Cressida does not lie.

At every ball,

always there is an hour

at which you disappear.

I thought it was because

your social manners run dry at a point,

but now I realize...

what a fool I have been.

Mama--

All the terrible things

you have written about your sisters,

about me, about yourself.

I have fought

with every tool at my disposal

to claw us out of ruin

time and time again,

and yet, under my own roof,

my own blood has been sowing

the seeds of our ruin all along.

How could you, Penelope?

Does your husband know?

Oh...

Well, he cannot know

about this latest scandal.

For a gentleman

such as Mr. Bridgerton to know

that your actions have led to blackmail,

he'd have grounds for an annulment even

the most sanctimonious bishop would grant.

Mama, I do not wish to lie anymore.

I must tell Colin.

Well, I would forbid it.

But clearly, my word

is not one you choose to follow.

I must get dressed.

You play carelessly today,

Lady Danbury.

The game will not last long.

Her Majesty has been quite forthcoming

with accusations of late.

I was wondering

how we would come around to that.

The Bridgertons

are such favorites of yours.

But no, it was no accusation.

It is the truth.

I am closer to finding Lady Whistledown

than ever before.

And what will you do

once you have uncovered her?

I will have won, of course.

And then?

Will you command her to stop writing?

Lock her in a dungeon?

What are you trying to say, Lady Danbury?

When Whistledown first started writing,

I assumed she was someone

with power in the ton.

But in her latest editions,

it has become evident

that there is a vulnerability there,

a certain... grasping to find herself.

Do you, in fact, know who Whistledown is?

Is that why you are trying

to protect the Bridgertons?

I am on to something, aren't I?

I am simply saying

that perhaps Lady Whistledown is not

trying to beat you at your own game.

Perhaps she is merely trying

to stay in the game.

As a vulnerable player.

A feeling perhaps you can relate to?

Perhaps a long time ago.

You could have had me

in checkmate, Lady Danbury.

I realize that.

But then the game would be over early.

And what fun is there in that?

Oh, we should ready our autumnal wardrobe.

Ah, is that why

you no longer sneeze, Alby?

The warm weather we've been having?

It is not seasonal.

It is a nervous sneeze

quelled by our happy marital bliss.

I contend with the chill already.

Must I contend, too, with your displays?

Do you wish to retreat home, my love?

Certainly no one would notice.

Now that Penelope

has married her Bridgerton,

we are yesterday's news.

As our bellies grow, so too will

the ton's appreciation of our efforts.

Have you ever seen

a lady with child at a ball, Philippa?

Well... no.

That is because once women start showing,

they are expected to retreat from society.

I, for one,

do not wish to go out on a whimper.

I would do anything

to help you avoid that fate, my sweet.

Good.

Because Philippa and I

are going to host a ball.

Ah!

- Centered on the color purple.

And orange!

There will be... crystal, and gold,

and hundreds of flowers.

And we can have bugs!

And, uh... should we discuss a budget?

Of course. It should be very, very large.

Are you sure we should be in public?

The queen knows about your engagement.

There is no use hiding it any longer.

She thinks one of us is Whistledown.

And I know well enough as the matriarch

of our household that no one is.

The best thing that we can do right now

is be out in the world

so that the ton does not start to think

that we have something to hide.

Perhaps our nonchalance

will convince the queen

that her accusations are incorrect.

God help us.

Now, go ahead, eat. Mm?

See?

We are out, like any other family,

having ice cream and planning the wedding.

There is still going to be a wedding?

Of course.

It is only that John and I

are going to apply for a special license

so that we can have a simple,

small ceremony at home,

after which we shall retreat

to John's family estate.

To avoid any further bluster

from the queen.

Yes, I... I suppose that is wise.

And I assume your Oxfordshire estate

cannot be more than a day's ride away?

In fact... we should like

to take residence at John's

primary estate.

In Scotland?

Uh, where is that, exactly?

It's close to the border?

No. The Highlands.

But it's not too far from Glasgow.

That must be at least

a fortnight's ride away.

Oh, it is why I so enjoy staying there.

The distance creates

a true sense of peace.

I cannot wait for the quiet.

Oh.

How are you?

Trying not to think about yesterday.

I think Mama was just thrilled

the queen graced your wedding breakfast.

Mm.

You know the family will be fine.

Do you believe that?

Her Majesty accused me of being

Whistledown once, and I survived it.

Mm.

Though not without some scars.

Do not let your marriage be the scar.

- No.

- You know you will resolve things with--

Penelope. What are you doing here?

I, um... I was not expecting

to see you till later this afternoon.

She knows, Colin.

You do not have to hide your ire.

Certainly we should not be having this

discussion in front of Miss Bridgerton.

She knows everything as well.

- Wonderful.

Glad to see the whole of Mayfair

seemed to know before your mother.

And why do we all

suddenly know that we know?

Because Cressida discovered my secret.

And she demands £10,000 to keep it.

- You cannot be serious.

- How did she discover you?

I am not sure.

- It does not matter how.

If she knows,

we must prevent her from revealing it.

I'm not asking for your help.

I merely wanted to be honest with you.

It is not up to you what we do.

If Miss Cowper spreads this gossip,

it will besmirch our Bridgerton name.

The entire family.

And I will not stand

for anyone blackmailing my wife.

- Well, that is certainly a relief to hear.

- No, that is kind, Colin, but...

I can pay her.

You have made that high a sum?

Slightly more, if we are being honest.

All this time?

You are not paying Miss Cowper

a single penny.

- But Colin, it is my--

- Perhaps you will pay her, Mr. Bridgerton?

- No, he cannot.

- No one is paying her.

- Then what do you propose we do?

- Please, if you just let me--

I will not cower to Miss Cowper.

I will call upon her tomorrow.

Bring her to see this course of action

is ruinous for everyone involved.

It is the only way forward.

Mr. Bridgerton.

Lady Cowper.

I was hoping to have

a moment alone with your daughter.

Despite what the ton might say,

you insult me if you think

this is not still a respectable household.

Mother, leave us.

It does not matter any longer.

Please go.

I will give you five minutes.

I take it your mother does not know

about your blackmailing my wife?

I no longer trust anyone but myself.

That must feel terribly lonely.

I have known

what it is like to be truly alone,

when I am off on my travels.

Poor Mr. Bridgerton.

Traveling the continent,

seeing the great sights of the world,

as only a man can do.

Hmm. You sound like Eloise.

Hm.

You are right.

It is a privilege to travel.

But this last year,

I found myself yearning

to hear word from home.

From Penelope, in fact.

But I did not hear back from her.

Or anyone else, for that matter.

It felt as if everyone

was busy with their lives,

without the need for me in them.

So I attempted to pardon myself

into a man... with no needs of his own.

It is not a path I would recommend.

Mr. Bridgerton, I am confused.

It seems you have come for me

to pay you sympathy,

but I am the one who is meant to be paid.

I have not come for your sympathy.

I have come for your mercy.

Penelope is no villain.

Trust me,

I can understand

why you might hate Whistledown.

Her words are cutting and sharp,

and still, her readers are willing to pay

to read about themselves week after week.

You do not sound

as if you hate Whistledown.

You sound as if you are jealous of her.

No, I am not.

My point is, there is Whistledown

and then there is Penelope,

who has experienced a kind of loneliness

surely neither of us can fathom.

Imagine being so ignored,

you feel... invisible.

It does not excuse what she has done,

but perhaps

it is understandable that, at times,

her column has reflected

the cruelty around her.

A cruelty, I imagine, you have felt too.

For her hand in your troubles,

I know Penelope feels remorse.

And she did not savage you

in her latest column.

If even Penelope can find grace for you,

do you not see

that the ton, too, will forgive you?

And surely, your father will welcome you

back to London when all this passes.

A family's love is enduring.

That is the difference between you and me.

You take for granted that you will

always have your family's support.

We are not the same, Mr. Bridgerton,

and we never will be.

Miss Cowper.

Miss Cowper.

Miss Cowper!

You will not be believed

if we say you are lying.

You have no proof.

I have a printer's apprentice

who is willing to corroborate the truth,

all for the pleasure

of meeting the real Lady Whistledown.

You have until

the Dankworth-Finch ball to pay me,

or the following morning,

I will tell everyone.

In fact, reflecting upon the lack

of support I shall have in the future,

perhaps I am not asking

for enough from you.

Just a little extra funds

to throw the ball of the season.

Think small creatures with many legs.

Surely we are owed, as you spent much more

on Penelope's wedding than on ours.

Because you both married untitled misters,

while Penelope married

a very wealthy Bridgerton.

Who is sure

to take care of you in your old age.

What need could you have

to hold on to your money now?

Let us in.

Now is not a good time.

I am expecting a visitor.

Who?

Mm.

Have no fear, ladies.

Of all the house staff in London,

I must be the most experienced

at doing more with less.

At least my sisters will be content

when my actions lead to destruction.

Perhaps we might aim a little higher

with our positive thinking?

Colin can be compelling

when he wants to be.

It is not him I am worried about.

Cressida has her reasonable moments.

Let us hope today is one.

Did you truly like her?

Or did you befriend her

simply to punish me?

I am not so petty.

I genuinely enjoyed her at the start.

Though... perhaps

the very initial befriending

was tinged with just

the tiniest bit of pettiness.

Tell me what you are reading.

I am afraid I have failed.

And... she wants double now.

£20,000.

- She's lost her mind.

- I do not have that sum.

There is more.

She requires you use your column

to restore her reputation.

I must apologize. I...

It seems I have made everything worse.

This is my fault entirely.

What do we do now?

Perhaps Penelope was right.

It'd have been better to just pay her.

I have the funds.

I will have to ask Benedict

to sign off on such a large expenditure.

You'd tell your brother

about Penelope's identity?

No. I will have to invent

some kind of a lie.

We will keep her identity shielded.

Well,

I am certain the Cowper girl

only wants you to write

a few glowing words

on her appearance and charm.

It is not a happy outcome.

I suppose I should not have expected

any more from Cressida.

I'm so very grateful

for all your counsel.

Does, uh, Her Majesty seem as though

she will relent on this quest of hers?

I am hopeful that she will soon

find another distraction.

Oh, speaking of which...

Mm-hm.

- Mmm.

Mm.

It is rather strong.

Only the Scottish

could dream up such a drink.

It is needed to fight

the bitter cold up there.

Oh, do not frighten me

more than I already am, Agatha.

I would not worry.

Francesca seems

to have found an inner courage.

Yes, she has.

And now she is using it to get

as far away from her mother as possible.

I purchased this

on a trip to Scotland many years ago.

At first,

it was quite harsh on the palate.

But with time... it grows on one.

It's still harsh.

You will have my support

in Francesca's absence.

And also my brother's,

if you wish it.

Uh, we do not have to discuss that.

But perhaps we should?

Lord Anderson has been

an exemplary gentleman.

And, uh, if you were

to... give your blessing--

It is certainly not my place to give

or withhold a blessing on the matter.

You are both adults.

You may do as you wish.

After all, it is not as though

I asked your permission.

It's suddenly going down rather smoothly.

You know.

Yes?

I know my father was a good man.

And that you have been a very good friend.

And that is all I need to know.

And my brother is a good man.

And you are a good friend.

And that is all I need to know as well.

But if he sours things

between the two of you,

I will pick you over him.

I shall not lose you for his folly.

There is nary a man alive with such power.

Can you imagine the three of us at a ball?

How would we explain ourselves

to, say, The Dowager Lady Cheltenham?

We'd certainly have

to get our story straight.

As if you be caught dead at a ball.

True.

How do you stand society events?

Mmm...

I suppose I feel

I have love to give in abundance.

Love for a bit of chitchat.

And love for a good party.

Especially... a party of three.

Good night, sir.

I only need a blanket for the settee.

Of course.

I'm going to have tea with my mother

before your sister's wedding.

I thought I would spare you

the confines of a shared carriage.

Ma'am.

Oh, is Penelope here?

I cannot put him off any longer, ma'am.

That solicitor. He is here.

Show him in, I suppose.

Oh.

- Lady Featherington. Walter D--

- Walter Dundas, Esquire. I do remember.

I take it you are here to congratulate us

on my daughter's marriage

into one of the most esteemed

and respected families of the ton?

Regrettably, no,

I have not come on happy business.

Though, some have told me

they do find release from deception

a comforting feeling.

I pray you have sufficient evidence

for all the accusations

you seem poised to make.

Not the evidence I sought, no,

but all the evidence I shall need.

Hm. Ah!

The money you inherited

from your Aunt Petunia.

I thought it quite curious

you came into such a fortune

just as Jack Featherington

ran away with yours.

And, in fact, Aunt Petunia's neighbors

in Cornwall seem to agree with me.

From what I hear,

she was in a perpetual state of poverty.

Who is to say she was not a great saver,

living frugally

so that others might one day benefit?

Her creditors.

Oh, Lady Featherington.

I know your funds

came from Jack Featherington's

fraudulent activities.

And I believe the Crown will agree

that the Featherington title

should be transferred to a more

scrupulous family.

I shall be submitting my discoveries

to the royal authorities this week.

Good day.

Ah.

Penelope.

Is it true?

Is your money the money

Cousin Jack took from the ton?

It's not as if any of them

needed that money the way we did.

You stole from them!

And you humiliated them.

- You stole their dignity.

- No--

What you and I have done is not different.

What you have done is a crime!

I did what I had to do

to protect this family.

Who were you protecting with your column?

- Myself!

- Oh. From whom?

I see.

You know, it's...

...no easy thing being a parent.

How was I to raise daughters

when, all my life,

I was taught that

all power comes from a man?

What you have done,

you have done... entirely on your own.

Even if I do not like

what you have written over the years,

it is a great regret of mine

that I have overlooked you for so long.

You and I both,

we have done the best we can

with the opportunities

that society has afforded us.

Fine.

Perhaps there were other ways.

But at the time, I... I could not see them.

What would Lady Whistledown write

about our disgrace when I am exposed?

She will write whatever I like her to.

That is a great power.

What a thing you have made for yourself.

Thank you.

Perhaps we are more alike

than I care to admit.

If we survive this round...

we must do better.

Oh, my dear.

Mama.

You are going to bring

so much brightness to Scotland.

- Are you upset about me leaving?

- No, of course not.

I-- I only... Well, I did not expect you

to settle quite so far away.

- Anthony and Kate are headed for India.

- Yes.

But you have spent

so much time away from us already,

in Bath with your aunt

or on your own when you are home.

And now I fear

I may be losing you for good.

Mama, it is the opposite.

It is difficult sometimes

to hear my own voice

amidst the noise of this house.

Whereas, with John,

I hear myself more and more.

It is my great hope

that the silence and beauty of Scotland

will allow me to know myself better

so that you can all

know me better as well.

Because I want

nothing more than to be close.

And you could not have found

silence and beauty on Oxfordshire?

I would've been too tempted

to come home regularly.

But you will come back?

Of course.

My brave, clever girl.

You know, when I first met your father...

I could barely speak my own name.

I was so taken by him.

- I stumbled over words most familiar--

- Mama, I...

I thought we had moved past this. John...

...is a fine man... and a good choice.

What I was going to say is that,

for the longest time,

I thought that that is

what love must be like for everyone.

Surprising, forceful, quick.

But you have shown me

that there is another way.

There is... beauty in the slow approach.

You are already so wise beyond your years.

I think you will do very well in Scotland.

I take thee to be my lawful wedded wife,

to have and to hold from this day forward,

for richer and for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

till death do us part.

I take thee to be my lawful husband,

to have and to hold from this day forward,

for richer and for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

till death do us part.

May you now live together

in holy matrimony until your dying breath.

Amen.

Oh, my dear.

Congratulations.

I cannot wait for my wedding.

Did you enjoy that?

Have I been overly influenced

by the minister's treacle speech,

or does Lord Anderson seem

rather taken by Mother?

She looks happy.

If that is the case, who are we to judge?

He looks like a fine fellow

who is very lucky

that Anthony has already left town.

You should be

grateful to Lord Anderson.

Now that I am wed,

Mother's attention may turn to you again

unless she is distracted.

Excuse me.

I feel I should greet Mrs. Mondrich.

Hello.

It was a beautiful ceremony.

- I thought so.

- Mm-hm.

Second only to the beauty of its hostess.

You flatter me.

I am sincere.

And sincere in wondering

if you would be so kind as to...

save a dance for me at the next ball?

Uh, wha-- The, uh... Dankworth-Finch ball?

I... Uh, well...

Yes.

That...

That would be most adequate.

Good.

Very good.

A toast, if I may.

To my beautiful wife,

I have not the words

to express my adoration.

A fact for which

I am sure you must be grateful,

as I know you are loath to be made

the center of attention for too long.

So, instead, I shall offer

a few humble words to your family.

Especially your mother.

Lady Bridgerton,

I see your openness reflected in Benedict,

your charm in Colin,

your wisdom in Eloise,

and a brightness you have instilled

in both Gregory and Hyacinth.

In this moment when I feel

so much gratitude for my new wife,

I feel it in equal measure

for the remarkable woman who raised her.

Mama.

I thank you,

all of you, from the bottom of my heart.

Ah.

Oh, dear.

Cheers.

Ah, forgive me. Tears were

the last thing I meant to evoke.

Hyacinth's been crying this entire time.

One day, you too will have a heart.

Mama, will you play a duet with me?

Have a duet. Now?

I... Well, I am dreadfully out of practice.

I believe the last time I nearly moved you

to tears was when I first started playing.

She's not the only one. I wept in my room

from the hideous chord combinations.

Ha ha.

Thankfully, Mama did not abandon me.

And I shall not abandon you now.

Is that a threat?

- Good luck.

- Thank you.

- Thank you, John.

- Thank you.

Um...

Bravo!

Bravo. Encore!

Encore!

May I speak with you?

That was a splendid presentation.

If you are concerned

about Miss Cowper's funds,

I plan to speak with Benedict tonight.

I only wanted to wait

until after the wedding.

Good.

I do not wish for you to speak to him.

But we are running out of time.

I cannot ask you

to lie to your brother on my behalf.

Your family... the one you have so kindly

shared with me, they are too good.

Too warm and wonderful

to deceive or cheat in any way.

I will not let my lies spread

any further than they already have.

Then how am I meant to help you?

By loving me.

You've given me so much already.

You've taught me to hold my own.

You have shown me I am capable

of pleasure beyond imagination.

But... it is not what you do for me

that makes me love you.

It is your kindness.

Your empathy.

How much you care.

Just being you is enough, Colin.

I do not need you to save me.

I just need you to stand by me.

To hold me.

To kiss me.

I want very much to do those things.

And what is it that restrains you?

I do not know.

But I do know this.

Miss Cowper still hangs over us.

And as long as you live with this secret...

there will always be something between us.

I know.

Perhaps that is the key.

What are you saying?

A letter for you, Your Majesty.

Colin.

I have received a letter from your wife.

We had better sit.

It is no wonder

she has turned out the way she has.

The house is far too warm.

You are right, Sister.

It is my wife's doing.

I forgot

what a truly terrible woman she is.

I am not going anywhere with her.

You have no choice, Cressida.

You would truly allow me

to succumb to such a fate?

Come, girl. Present yourself,

so that I may see

what I have to work upon.

Certainly, Aunt Joanna.

After tonight, it will matter no more.

Your maid sent me right up.

I'm beginning to enjoy

such privileged entry.

You look handsome, as always.

Mm. Is, uh, Paul meeting us?

I believe he is with someone else tonight.

Of course.

- Hmm.

Should we invite someone else

to join us, then?

- Ah...

- Hmm?

- I must be honest with you.

- Mm-hm.

As much as I have enjoyed

the three of us together,

I was hoping it could just be

the two of us tonight.

Oh.

Have you not enjoyed having Paul with us?

I have.

Very much.

But my relationship with Paul is friendly,

and I am finding that...

I am beginning to care for you, Benedict.

As more than friends.

Your openness,

your abundance of love...

I have never met someone so similar to me.

And I am beginning to wonder,

what if we did allow things

to grow more serious between us?

Tilley... you are extraordinary.

But...

I am not certain

that serious is what I want.

Is it... because of Paul?

No. Paul could be Patricia,

or Polly, or Peter, or all three at once.

What happened between the three of us,

what has happened ever since I met you,

has made me realize

how good it feels to be free.

You have opened my world.

And I am not ready

to close it again just now.

I thought you wanted the same thing.

I did.

Until I saw

what it felt like to share you.

I am as surprised as you are.

I support your wishes.

But I must say,

even merriment can grow tiring.

It felt good, for once,

to want to commit to someone.

Thank you for reminding me

that is possible.

Well, fancy finding you here.

I think it rather ordinary, in fact,

that I find myself, yet again,

swinging to and fro,

not moving in any particular direction.

Where is it you wish you were going?

For now,

I should like to be with the family,

until this Whistledown business

with the queen blows over.

And it will.

And then?

Anywhere, really.

I've spent nearly all of my life

in either Mayfair or at Aubrey Hall.

If I am going to attempt

to make change in the world,

certainly, I shall need

to see some of it first.

Meet people who are not my family

or debutantes on the marriage mart.

You wish to change the world again?

I thought you were more interested

in fitting in this year.

I think I am properly done

with all of that.

There she is.

Does your silence betray

you know something I do not?

No.

Certainly not.

Believe me... the more I learn,

the more I realize how little I know.

It feels...

It feels right now

that the next thing I might learn

may change me entirely.

I agree profoundly

with everything you've said,

as I have absolutely no idea

what you are talking about.

Mm.

- There is one thing I do know.

- Ah.

We should not let so long

pass again between us

before we meet on these swings

to be entirely confused together.

You look lovely.

My efforts will be wasted,

knowing the disappointment

that awaits behind those doors.

I am certain Varley has done her utmost.

She got the ostrich feathers!

And the purple orchids!

Philippa, there is a...

one, two, three, four.

Eight-piece ensemble!

Did we get them?

We got them.

Philippa, you caterwaul like a child

receiving their first bite of cake.

Mama... thank you!

What is the meaning of this?

Well, it must've been you

who paid for all of this.

Mama told me she wished for you to have

the greatest ball Mayfair has ever seen.

Hmm. You are welcome.

Thank you.

It is beautiful.

I am proud of you.

Oh!

Have a lovely time.

The purple was my idea.

If this is our last night in society,

at least Prudence and Philippa

are having the time of their life.

Your Majesty!

Forgive us, Your Majesty.

We do not have a perch for you

because we did not think

you would accept our invitation.

It is not your invitation

that brings me here.

Cease playing.

As a result of my tireless search

placing her in an impossible situation,

I received a letter... earlier this week

from Lady Whistledown.

She calls upon my mercy,

asking to address you all herself.

To plead her case publicly

before I pass my judgment.

So I turn the floor over now...

to the scribe herself.

Not him.

My apologies.

Her.

Hello, all.

Or should I say, "Dearest Gentle Readers"?

I know it is no laughing matter

what I have done.

In the beginning,

I never thought anyone

would take my writing seriously.

Why should they?

No one has ever taken

any part of me seriously.

I only realize now

how common that feeling must be.

To be a young lady to whom no one listens.

I wrote about all of you

because I was captivated by you,

living your lives so out in the open.

And in writing about all of you,

I suddenly felt as if I had a life.

I had power.

And for anyone in this room

who has ever had a taste of that,

they should know it can be intoxicating.

But I was careless with that power.

It was easy to cast aspersions from

the shadows where I could not be found.

But I see now how much courage it takes

to live a life out in the open.

To honor one's weaknesses publicly

for all to see.

And to know,

regardless of the outcome...

one always has worth.

All of us talk.

We gossip.

Gossip is information.

It forges bonds.

Especially for those of us

who are told so little.

But I can no longer conceal

the biggest piece of information I have.

My identity.

That is why

I am so very grateful to our queen

for forcing me out of the shadows

with her most cunning scheme.

If she affords me the chance to continue,

I mean to aim my quill more responsibly.

That is my repentance

and my plea.

She seems humbled.

But we will be watching

that she remains so.

What is life without a little gossip?

Really?

Now, Varley! The bugs!

I did not know

there were going to be butterflies.

Like I said, bugs.

You... are a genius.

I know.

Shall we dance?

You "cannot tolerate a lie"?

Lady Danbury.

Your last column.

Her Majesty was close when she assumed

Whistledown was a Bridgerton

protecting their own.

But I know the family well enough

to know it was not one of them.

There is only one person

who loves the Bridgertons more than I.

You knew it was me.

Hm... I suspected.

You are not the only lady of the ton

who can keep a secret.

I look forward to your next edition.

Mm?

You are a wonder.

Could not have done that

without your support.

And the queen's.

Yes. And with her acceptance,

we can tell that solicitor

your money came from my writing.

He will have no recourse.

Time for us to do better.

My girl.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Thank you for your letter.

I do not believe I have seen my mother

so quickly shocked.

And also... so quickly impressed.

I believe she is proud of you.

There's something

I left out of that letter.

That I would not object

to an annulment if you requested one.

I do not wish for any harm to come to you

or your family as a result of today.

The queen herself has accepted you.

For now.

As must everyone else publicly.

But Whistledown has upset many

who will not soon forget.

The future may not hold such happy days.

Pen, ever since I found out

you are Whistledown,

I have done everything I can

to try to separate you from her.

But the other day, I went back and read

all of the letters you have sent me.

Your letters have always been

the ones I am most eager to read.

And I realized...

you are her.

You have always had one voice.

There is no separating you

from Whistledown.

And after seeing you speak today, I...

Well, I would not want to.

Because forgive me,

but that was bloody brilliant.

I think, in truth, I...

I have been envious of you.

Of your success.

Of your bravery.

And now I simply cannot believe

that a woman with such bravery loves me.

How lucky I am to stand by your side

and soak up

even a little bit of your light.

If my only purpose in life

is to love a woman as great as you...

then I will be

a very fulfilled man, indeed.

I love you.

You are a very good man, Mr. Bridgerton.

I love you.

Now,

will you please do me the honor

of joining me

on the dance floor, Mrs. Bridgerton?

They all seem happy.

That they do.

And you?

I am positively elated...

because I have come up with

a rather brilliant idea.

Or a request, rather.

And what request is that?

Let me accompany you to Scotland?

Mama will love the idea

of me keeping an eye on you.

But in truth,

I simply wish to live for a little while

outside our tiny bubble.

Have some adventures.

I cannot change the world

without seeing more of it.

I promise you, I will give you your space.

What do you think?

As long as you stay

in your wing of the castle.

We will be living in a proper castle? Ha!

"We"?

- Oh.

Eloise has asked to accompany us.

Um, if that does not burden you, my lord.

Not at all.

That is wonderful news.

And thankfully, my cousin has arrived

to complete our travel party.

It gives me great pleasure to introduce...

Michaela Stirling.

I caution you, every sordid detail

John has spoken about me is a lie.

The truth is far worse.

And you must be...

Uh, I am...

Well, I'm...

Francesca Bridgerton. Kilmartin.

Kilmartin is my name now.

A pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Dearest Gentle Reader,

I find myself suddenly

at a loss for words.

My reticence is not due to a desire

to protect any risqué couplings.

Though I have heard whispers of a few.

My restraint comes from a place of joy.

To all those who feel

they have been wronged

by this humble writer,

my sincere apologies.

I wish you only the best.

I will miss you.

- Only until next year.

- Mm.

Do you think Mama would ever

let me miss her Masquerade Ball?

Mm. I suppose not.

I will be there, hiding out behind a mask,

avoiding eligible ladies like the plague.

I shall join you

in your hiding place, then.

Hm.

It is time now

to look toward the future,

whatever it may bring.

This author knows better

than to make any predictions

about what the future may hold.

But with

every closing chapter, the story is sure

to grow richer and deeper.

It has been

quite a journey we have taken together.

And so it is with the heaviest heart

that I write this final,

unbelievably short sentence

as Lady Whistledown.

Goodbye.

- Who is the most handsome of them all?

- Yes.

- You are.

- Yes.

- Cooee.

- You are so handsome.

Yes, you are. Yes. Come up.

I still cannot fully believe

you had a boy.

And the heir, no less.

The new Lord Featherington

is quite handsome.

Gets that from his father.

Your father is always trying to distract

with a clever word and a beguiling smile.

You think my smile is beguiling?

I am glad we had daughters.

I am certain

they will both marry very well.

I think little Philomena

will one day become a great writer

without any need of a husband.

Well, it certainly runs in the family.

I could not have written my book

without the help

of Philomena's Auntie Penelope.

It Is better than I expected.

Are you old enough to read that?

- Yes.

- It is here!

I got almost enough for everyone.

- Oh. Thank you.

- Here, let me hold the baby.

And with

the retirement of my literary persona,

I should like

to formally introduce myself.

Previous wallflower,

current columnist,

observer,

wielder of a quill.

Nobody unique, and yet, I have my moments.

And hopefully, dear reader,

you will stay on to enjoy them with me

as we begin this next part of our journey.

Yours Truly,

Penelope Bridgerton.

[tense music builds slowly]

Good morning.

How did you sleep?

Fitfully.

I am off to Bridgerton House

for breakfast.

[Penelope] But my mother is coming.

I will give you and your mother

some privacy.

- No, you do not have to leave.

- I wish to.

- [knocking at door]

- [door opens]

Ma'am, you have a visitor

in the drawing room.

[Penelope] Um... Serve her tea.

I am not yet ready.

[light music playing]

Good morning, Mama.

- [music fades]

- Cressida.

Good morning.

I trust you had a happy wedding night?

What are you doing here?

I am simply paying a visit...

to the esteemed Lady Whistledown.

[music turns ominous]

I know your secret.

Whatever you think you know,

you are incorrect.

Now I wish you to leave.

You know, thinking back on everything,

it makes perfect sense.

No one would ever suspect you

as you are so very forgettable.

[chuckles lightly] That look is enjoyable.

Shame I cannot stay long to savor it,

seeing as I am under lock and key

until my aunt arrives

to steal me to the countryside.

- You are leaving town?

- Yes. But not to my Aunt Joanna's house.

You see, you are going to pay me

double the queen's reward

so that I might set up my life abroad,

or I will tell everyone

of your true identity.

No one will believe you, Cressida.

Your reputation

could not be any lower at present.

[door opens]

Miss Cowper.

Lady Featherington.

Penelope and I were just discussing

whether or not I am to be believed.

Let us find out.

[tense music builds]

Think of your daughter's love

of the written word.

And think of how

she is so easily overlooked,

allowing her to disappear

for great periods of time.

And think of how

all those she views as enemies

end up humiliated in print.

And then ask yourself

how it took you this long to realize

she is the true Lady Whistledown.

You will pay me my sum,

or I will reveal the truth

to the entire ton.

Do enjoy your morning, ladies.

Penelope.

[gasps softly]

[tense music peaks and fades]

Tell me it is not true.

For once, Cressida does not lie.

[sighs] At every ball,

always there is an hour

at which you disappear.

I thought it was because

your social manners run dry at a point,

but now I realize...

what a fool I have been.

Mama--

All the terrible things

you have written about your sisters,

about me, about yourself.

I have fought

with every tool at my disposal

to claw us out of ruin

time and time again,

and yet, under my own roof,

my own blood has been sowing

the seeds of our ruin all along.

How could you, Penelope?

[tense music plays]

Does your husband know?

Oh...

Well, he cannot know

about this latest scandal.

For a gentleman

such as Mr. Bridgerton to know

that your actions have led to blackmail,

he'd have grounds for an annulment even

the most sanctimonious bishop would grant.

Mama, I do not wish to lie anymore.

I must tell Colin.

Well, I would forbid it.

But clearly, my word

is not one you choose to follow.

I must get dressed.

- [music fades]

- [door closes]

[Charlotte] You play carelessly today,

Lady Danbury.

The game will not last long.

Her Majesty has been quite forthcoming

with accusations of late.

I was wondering

how we would come around to that.

The Bridgertons

are such favorites of yours.

But no, it was no accusation.

It is the truth.

I am closer to finding Lady Whistledown

than ever before.

And what will you do

once you have uncovered her?

I will have won, of course.

And then?

Will you command her to stop writing?

Lock her in a dungeon?

What are you trying to say, Lady Danbury?

When Whistledown first started writing,

I assumed she was someone

with power in the ton.

But in her latest editions,

it has become evident

that there is a vulnerability there,

a certain... grasping to find herself.

Do you, in fact, know who Whistledown is?

Is that why you are trying

to protect the Bridgertons?

I am on to something, aren't I?

[Lady Danbury] I am simply saying

that perhaps Lady Whistledown is not

trying to beat you at your own game.

Perhaps she is merely trying

to stay in the game.

As a vulnerable player.

A feeling perhaps you can relate to?

Perhaps a long time ago.

You could have had me

in checkmate, Lady Danbury.

[Lady Danbury] I realize that.

But then the game would be over early.

And what fun is there in that?

[light music plays]

Oh, we should ready our autumnal wardrobe.

[gasps] Ah, is that why

you no longer sneeze, Alby?

The warm weather we've been having?

It is not seasonal.

It is a nervous sneeze

quelled by our happy marital bliss.

[both chuckling]

I contend with the chill already.

Must I contend, too, with your displays?

Do you wish to retreat home, my love?

[sighs] Certainly no one would notice.

Now that Penelope

has married her Bridgerton,

we are yesterday's news.

As our bellies grow, so too will

the ton's appreciation of our efforts.

Have you ever seen

a lady with child at a ball, Philippa?

Well... no.

That is because once women start showing,

they are expected to retreat from society.

I, for one,

do not wish to go out on a whimper.

I would do anything

to help you avoid that fate, my sweet.

Good.

Because Philippa and I

are going to host a ball.

- [gasps] Ah!

- Centered on the color purple.

And orange!

There will be... crystal, and gold,

and hundreds of flowers.

And we can have bugs!

And, uh... should we discuss a budget?

Of course. It should be very, very large.

[Philippa chuckling]

[music fades out]

[indistinct chattering]

Are you sure we should be in public?

The queen knows about your engagement.

There is no use hiding it any longer.

She thinks one of us is Whistledown.

And I know well enough as the matriarch

of our household that no one is.

The best thing that we can do right now

is be out in the world

so that the ton does not start to think

that we have something to hide.

Perhaps our nonchalance

will convince the queen

that her accusations are incorrect.

God help us.

Now, go ahead, eat. Mm?

See?

We are out, like any other family,

having ice cream and planning the wedding.

[Violet chuckles]

There is still going to be a wedding?

[John] Of course.

It is only that John and I

are going to apply for a special license

so that we can have a simple,

small ceremony at home,

after which we shall retreat

to John's family estate.

To avoid any further bluster

from the queen.

Yes, I... I suppose that is wise.

And I assume your Oxfordshire estate

cannot be more than a day's ride away?

In fact... we should like

to take residence at John's

primary estate.

In Scotland?

Uh, where is that, exactly?

It's close to the border?

[John] No. The Highlands.

But it's not too far from Glasgow.

That must be at least

a fortnight's ride away.

Oh, it is why I so enjoy staying there.

The distance creates

a true sense of peace.

I cannot wait for the quiet.

Oh.

[Eloise clears throat]

How are you?

Trying not to think about yesterday.

I think Mama was just thrilled

the queen graced your wedding breakfast.

[Colin] Mm.

You know the family will be fine.

- Do you believe that?

- [chuckles]

Her Majesty accused me of being

Whistledown once, and I survived it.

[Colin] Mm.

Though not without some scars.

Do not let your marriage be the scar.

- No.

- You know you will resolve things with--

Penelope. What are you doing here?

I, um... I was not expecting

to see you till later this afternoon.

She knows, Colin.

You do not have to hide your ire.

Certainly we should not be having this

discussion in front of Miss Bridgerton.

- [Penelope] She knows everything as well.

- Wonderful.

Glad to see the whole of Mayfair

seemed to know before your mother.

And why do we all

suddenly know that we know?

Because Cressida discovered my secret.

And she demands £10,000 to keep it.

- You cannot be serious.

- How did she discover you?

- [Penelope] I am not sure.

- It does not matter how.

If she knows,

we must prevent her from revealing it.

I'm not asking for your help.

I merely wanted to be honest with you.

It is not up to you what we do.

If Miss Cowper spreads this gossip,

it will besmirch our Bridgerton name.

The entire family.

And I will not stand

for anyone blackmailing my wife.

- Well, that is certainly a relief to hear.

- No, that is kind, Colin, but...

I can pay her.

[pensive music plays]

You have made that high a sum?

Slightly more, if we are being honest.

All this time?

You are not paying Miss Cowper

a single penny.

- But Colin, it is my--

- Perhaps you will pay her, Mr. Bridgerton?

- No, he cannot.

- No one is paying her.

- Then what do you propose we do?

- Please, if you just let me--

I will not cower to Miss Cowper.

I will call upon her tomorrow.

Bring her to see this course of action

is ruinous for everyone involved.

It is the only way forward.

[pensive music fades out]

[enticing music plays]

- [kissing]

- [panting]

[music intensifies]

[music fades out]

[overlapping chatter]

[Lady Cowper] Mr. Bridgerton.

Lady Cowper.

I was hoping to have

a moment alone with your daughter.

Despite what the ton might say,

you insult me if you think

this is not still a respectable household.

[Cressida] Mother, leave us.

It does not matter any longer.

Please go.

[clears throat]

I will give you five minutes.

I take it your mother does not know

about your blackmailing my wife?

I no longer trust anyone but myself.

That must feel terribly lonely.

I have known

what it is like to be truly alone,

when I am off on my travels.

[Cressida] Poor Mr. Bridgerton.

Traveling the continent,

seeing the great sights of the world,

as only a man can do.

Hmm. You sound like Eloise.

Hm.

[Colin] You are right.

It is a privilege to travel.

But this last year,

I found myself yearning

to hear word from home.

From Penelope, in fact.

But I did not hear back from her.

Or anyone else, for that matter.

It felt as if everyone

was busy with their lives,

without the need for me in them.

So I attempted to pardon myself

into a man... with no needs of his own.

It is not a path I would recommend.

Mr. Bridgerton, I am confused.

It seems you have come for me

to pay you sympathy,

but I am the one who is meant to be paid.

I have not come for your sympathy.

I have come for your mercy.

Penelope is no villain.

Trust me,

I can understand

why you might hate Whistledown.

Her words are cutting and sharp,

and still, her readers are willing to pay

to read about themselves week after week.

You do not sound

as if you hate Whistledown.

You sound as if you are jealous of her.

No, I am not.

[solemn music builds]

My point is, there is Whistledown

and then there is Penelope,

who has experienced a kind of loneliness

surely neither of us can fathom.

Imagine being so ignored,

you feel... invisible.

It does not excuse what she has done,

but perhaps

it is understandable that, at times,

her column has reflected

the cruelty around her.

A cruelty, I imagine, you have felt too.

For her hand in your troubles,

I know Penelope feels remorse.

And she did not savage you

in her latest column.

If even Penelope can find grace for you,

do you not see

that the ton, too, will forgive you?

And surely, your father will welcome you

back to London when all this passes.

A family's love is enduring.

That is the difference between you and me.

You take for granted that you will

always have your family's support.

We are not the same, Mr. Bridgerton,

and we never will be.

Miss Cowper.

Miss Cowper.

[music turns tense]

Miss Cowper!

You will not be believed

if we say you are lying.

You have no proof.

I have a printer's apprentice

who is willing to corroborate the truth,

all for the pleasure

of meeting the real Lady Whistledown.

You have until

the Dankworth-Finch ball to pay me,

or the following morning,

I will tell everyone.

In fact, reflecting upon the lack

of support I shall have in the future,

perhaps I am not asking

for enough from you.

[music fades out slowly]

Just a little extra funds

to throw the ball of the season.

Think small creatures with many legs.

Surely we are owed, as you spent much more

on Penelope's wedding than on ours.

Because you both married untitled misters,

while Penelope married

a very wealthy Bridgerton.

Who is sure

to take care of you in your old age.

What need could you have

to hold on to your money now?

Let us in.

Now is not a good time.

I am expecting a visitor.

Who?

[Lady Featherington] Mm.

Have no fear, ladies.

Of all the house staff in London,

I must be the most experienced

at doing more with less.

[exhales sharply]

At least my sisters will be content

when my actions lead to destruction.

Perhaps we might aim a little higher

with our positive thinking?

Colin can be compelling

when he wants to be.

It is not him I am worried about.

Cressida has her reasonable moments.

Let us hope today is one.

Did you truly like her?

Or did you befriend her

simply to punish me?

[chuckles softly] I am not so petty.

I genuinely enjoyed her at the start.

Though... perhaps

the very initial befriending

was tinged with just

the tiniest bit of pettiness.

[both chuckle]

Tell me what you are reading.

[Colin clears throat]

[tense music builds]

I am afraid I have failed.

And... she wants double now.

£20,000.

- She's lost her mind.

- I do not have that sum.

There is more.

She requires you use your column

to restore her reputation.

I must apologize. I...

It seems I have made everything worse.

This is my fault entirely.

What do we do now?

Perhaps Penelope was right.

It'd have been better to just pay her.

I have the funds.

I will have to ask Benedict

to sign off on such a large expenditure.

You'd tell your brother

about Penelope's identity?

No. I will have to invent

some kind of a lie.

We will keep her identity shielded.

Well,

I am certain the Cowper girl

only wants you to write

a few glowing words

on her appearance and charm.

It is not a happy outcome.

I suppose I should not have expected

any more from Cressida.

I'm so very grateful

for all your counsel.

[music fades out]

[enticing music playing]

[music fades out]

Does, uh, Her Majesty seem as though

she will relent on this quest of hers?

I am hopeful that she will soon

find another distraction.

Oh, speaking of which...

[both chuckle]

- [Violet] Mm-hm.

- Mmm.

- Mm.

- [Violet coughing]

It is rather strong. [hiccups]

Only the Scottish

could dream up such a drink.

It is needed to fight

the bitter cold up there.

Oh, do not frighten me

more than I already am, Agatha.

I would not worry.

Francesca seems

to have found an inner courage.

Yes, she has.

And now she is using it to get

as far away from her mother as possible.

I purchased this

on a trip to Scotland many years ago.

At first,

it was quite harsh on the palate.

But with time... it grows on one.

- It's still harsh.

- [Lady Danbury chuckles]

You will have my support

in Francesca's absence.

And also my brother's,

if you wish it.

Uh, we do not have to discuss that.

But perhaps we should?

[solemn music plays softly]

Lord Anderson has been

an exemplary gentleman.

And, uh, if you were

to... give your blessing--

It is certainly not my place to give

or withhold a blessing on the matter.

You are both adults.

You may do as you wish.

After all, it is not as though

I asked your permission.

It's suddenly going down rather smoothly.

You know.

Yes?

I know my father was a good man.

And that you have been a very good friend.

And that is all I need to know.

[inhales shakily]

And my brother is a good man.

And you are a good friend.

And that is all I need to know as well.

But if he sours things

between the two of you,

I will pick you over him.

I shall not lose you for his folly.

There is nary a man alive with such power.

[both chuckling lightly]

[all laughing]

Can you imagine the three of us at a ball?

How would we explain ourselves

to, say, The Dowager Lady Cheltenham?

We'd certainly have

to get our story straight.

As if you be caught dead at a ball.

[Paul] True.

[chuckles]

[light music builds slowly]

How do you stand society events?

[Benedict] Mmm...

I suppose I feel

I have love to give in abundance.

Love for a bit of chitchat.

[chuckles]

And love for a good party.

Especially... a party of three.

[enticing music plays]

[music fades out slowly]

Good night, sir.

[door opens and shuts]

[gentle music builds slowly]

I only need a blanket for the settee.

Of course.

[light music playing]

[music fades out]

I'm going to have tea with my mother

before your sister's wedding.

I thought I would spare you

the confines of a shared carriage.

[door squeaks shut]

Ma'am.

Oh, is Penelope here?

I cannot put him off any longer, ma'am.

That solicitor. He is here.

[Lady Featherington gasps]

Show him in, I suppose.

Oh. [sighs]

- Lady Featherington. Walter D--

- Walter Dundas, Esquire. I do remember.

I take it you are here to congratulate us

on my daughter's marriage

into one of the most esteemed

and respected families of the ton?

Regrettably, no,

I have not come on happy business.

Though, some have told me

they do find release from deception

a comforting feeling.

I pray you have sufficient evidence

for all the accusations

you seem poised to make.

Not the evidence I sought, no,

but all the evidence I shall need.

Hm. Ah!

The money you inherited

from your Aunt Petunia.

I thought it quite curious

you came into such a fortune

just as Jack Featherington

ran away with yours.

And, in fact, Aunt Petunia's neighbors

in Cornwall seem to agree with me.

From what I hear,

she was in a perpetual state of poverty.

Who is to say she was not a great saver,

living frugally

so that others might one day benefit?

Her creditors.

Oh, Lady Featherington.

I know your funds

came from Jack Featherington's

fraudulent activities.

And I believe the Crown will agree

that the Featherington title

should be transferred to a more

scrupulous family.

I shall be submitting my discoveries

to the royal authorities this week.

[tense music rises slowly]

Good day.

Ah.

[music fades out]

Penelope.

Is it true?

Is your money the money

Cousin Jack took from the ton?

It's not as if any of them

needed that money the way we did.

You stole from them!

And you humiliated them.

- You stole their dignity.

- No--

What you and I have done is not different.

What you have done is a crime!

I did what I had to do

to protect this family.

Who were you protecting with your column?

- Myself!

- Oh. From whom?

I see.

[sighs]

You know, it's... [sighs]

...no easy thing being a parent.

How was I to raise daughters

when, all my life,

I was taught that

all power comes from a man?

[solemn music plays]

What you have done,

you have done... entirely on your own.

Even if I do not like

what you have written over the years,

it is a great regret of mine

that I have overlooked you for so long.

You and I both,

we have done the best we can

with the opportunities

that society has afforded us.

Fine. [huffs]

Perhaps there were other ways.

But at the time, I... I could not see them.

What would Lady Whistledown write

about our disgrace when I am exposed?

She will write whatever I like her to.

That is a great power.

What a thing you have made for yourself.

Thank you.

Perhaps we are more alike

than I care to admit.

If we survive this round...

we must do better.

[solemn music fades out]

[birds chirping]

[Violet] Oh, my dear.

- Mama.

- [Violet chuckles]

You are going to bring

so much brightness to Scotland. [chuckles]

- Are you upset about me leaving?

- No, of course not.

I-- I only... Well, I did not expect you

to settle quite so far away.

- Anthony and Kate are headed for India.

- Yes.

But you have spent

so much time away from us already,

in Bath with your aunt

or on your own when you are home.

And now I fear

I may be losing you for good.

Mama, it is the opposite.

It is difficult sometimes

to hear my own voice

amidst the noise of this house.

Whereas, with John,

I hear myself more and more.

[Violet chuckles]

It is my great hope

that the silence and beauty of Scotland

will allow me to know myself better

so that you can all

know me better as well.

Because I want

nothing more than to be close.

And you could not have found

silence and beauty on Oxfordshire?

[chuckles] I would've been too tempted

to come home regularly.

But you will come back?

- Of course.

- [both chuckle]

My brave, clever girl.

[solemn music plays]

You know, when I first met your father...

I could barely speak my own name.

I was so taken by him.

- I stumbled over words most familiar--

- Mama, I...

I thought we had moved past this. John...

...is a fine man... and a good choice.

What I was going to say is that,

for the longest time,

I thought that that is

what love must be like for everyone.

Surprising, forceful, quick.

[chuckles lightly]

But you have shown me

that there is another way.

There is... beauty in the slow approach.

You are already so wise beyond your years.

I think you will do very well in Scotland.

[Violet chuckles]

[chuckles]

[solemn music fades out]

[bright music playing]

I take thee to be my lawful wedded wife,

to have and to hold from this day forward,

for richer and for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

till death do us part.

I take thee to be my lawful husband,

to have and to hold from this day forward,

for richer and for poorer,

in sickness and in health,

till death do us part.

May you now live together

in holy matrimony until your dying breath.

Amen.

[music rises]

[guests clapping]

[quiet cheering]

Oh, my dear.

Congratulations.

[pleasant classical music playing]

[indistinct chattering]

- [woman] I cannot wait for my wedding.

- [man] Did you enjoy that?

Have I been overly influenced

by the minister's treacle speech,

or does Lord Anderson seem

rather taken by Mother?

[Benedict] She looks happy.

If that is the case, who are we to judge?

He looks like a fine fellow

who is very lucky

that Anthony has already left town.

[Francesca] You should be

grateful to Lord Anderson.

Now that I am wed,

Mother's attention may turn to you again

unless she is distracted.

[chuckling]

Excuse me.

I feel I should greet Mrs. Mondrich.

[both chuckling]

Hello.

It was a beautiful ceremony.

- I thought so.

- Mm-hm.

Second only to the beauty of its hostess.

[laughs] You flatter me.

I am sincere.

And sincere in wondering

if you would be so kind as to...

save a dance for me at the next ball?

Uh, wha-- The, uh... Dankworth-Finch ball?

I... Uh, well...

[chuckles] Yes.

- [chuckles]

- That...

That would be most adequate.

Good.

Very good. [chuckles]

[glass clinking]

A toast, if I may.

To my beautiful wife,

I have not the words

to express my adoration.

A fact for which

I am sure you must be grateful,

as I know you are loath to be made

the center of attention for too long.

So, instead, I shall offer

a few humble words to your family.

Especially your mother.

Lady Bridgerton,

I see your openness reflected in Benedict,

your charm in Colin,

your wisdom in Eloise,

and a brightness you have instilled

in both Gregory and Hyacinth.

[chuckling]

In this moment when I feel

so much gratitude for my new wife,

I feel it in equal measure

for the remarkable woman who raised her.

[Francesca] Mama.

[John] I thank you,

all of you, from the bottom of my heart.

- [Marcus] Ah.

- [Violet] Oh, dear.

- [chuckling]

- [Marcus] Cheers.

Ah, forgive me. Tears were

the last thing I meant to evoke.

- [laughter]

- Hyacinth's been crying this entire time.

One day, you too will have a heart.

[scattered laughter]

Mama, will you play a duet with me?

[chuckling] Have a duet. Now?

I... Well, I am dreadfully out of practice.

I believe the last time I nearly moved you

to tears was when I first started playing.

She's not the only one. I wept in my room

from the hideous chord combinations.

Ha ha.

Thankfully, Mama did not abandon me.

And I shall not abandon you now.

Is that a threat?

[Violet and Marcus chuckle]

- Good luck.

- Thank you. [chuckles]

- Thank you, John.

- Thank you.

- Um...

- [light chuckling]

[light piano tune]

- [chords clashing]

- [both chuckling]

[chuckles]

[all laughing]

[scales ascending]

[piano tune continues]

- Bravo!

- [clapping]

[Benedict] Bravo. Encore!

- Encore!

- [clapping continues]

May I speak with you?

[Marcus] That was a splendid presentation.

[indistinct chattering continues]

If you are concerned

about Miss Cowper's funds,

I plan to speak with Benedict tonight.

I only wanted to wait

until after the wedding.

Good.

I do not wish for you to speak to him.

But we are running out of time.

I cannot ask you

to lie to your brother on my behalf.

Your family... the one you have so kindly

shared with me, they are too good.

Too warm and wonderful

to deceive or cheat in any way.

I will not let my lies spread

any further than they already have.

Then how am I meant to help you?

By loving me.

[gentle music plays]

You've given me so much already.

You've taught me to hold my own.

You have shown me I am capable

of pleasure beyond imagination.

But... it is not what you do for me

that makes me love you.

It is your kindness.

Your empathy.

How much you care.

Just being you is enough, Colin.

I do not need you to save me.

I just need you to stand by me.

To hold me.

To kiss me.

I want very much to do those things.

And what is it that restrains you?

I do not know.

But I do know this.

Miss Cowper still hangs over us.

And as long as you live with this secret...

there will always be something between us.

I know.

Perhaps that is the key.

What are you saying?

[energetic music playing]

[Brimsley] A letter for you, Your Majesty.

Colin.

I have received a letter from your wife.

We had better sit.

[music intensifies]

[music peaks and fades out]

It is no wonder

she has turned out the way she has.

The house is far too warm.

You are right, Sister.

It is my wife's doing.

[pensive music plays]

[quietly] I forgot

what a truly terrible woman she is.

I am not going anywhere with her.

You have no choice, Cressida.

You would truly allow me

to succumb to such a fate?

[exhales]

Come, girl. Present yourself,

so that I may see

what I have to work upon.

Certainly, Aunt Joanna.

After tonight, it will matter no more.

[music fades out]

Your maid sent me right up.

I'm beginning to enjoy

such privileged entry.

You look handsome, as always.

[breathing deeply]

Mm. Is, uh, Paul meeting us?

I believe he is with someone else tonight.

- [Benedict] Of course.

- Hmm.

Should we invite someone else

to join us, then?

- Ah...

- Hmm?

- I must be honest with you.

- Mm-hm.

As much as I have enjoyed

the three of us together,

I was hoping it could just be

the two of us tonight.

Oh.

Have you not enjoyed having Paul with us?

[chuckles softly]

I have.

Very much.

But my relationship with Paul is friendly,

and I am finding that...

I am beginning to care for you, Benedict.

As more than friends.

Your openness,

your abundance of love...

I have never met someone so similar to me.

And I am beginning to wonder,

what if we did allow things

to grow more serious between us?

Tilley... you are extraordinary.

But...

I am not certain

that serious is what I want.

[solemn music playing]

[gasps softly]

- Is it... because of Paul?

- [sighing]

No. Paul could be Patricia,

or Polly, or Peter, or all three at once.

What happened between the three of us,

what has happened ever since I met you,

has made me realize

how good it feels to be free.

You have opened my world.

And I am not ready

to close it again just now.

I thought you wanted the same thing.

[both chuckle lightly]

I did.

Until I saw

what it felt like to share you.

I am as surprised as you are.

I support your wishes.

But I must say,

even merriment can grow tiring.

It felt good, for once,

to want to commit to someone.

Thank you for reminding me

that is possible.

[door opens and shuts]

[music fades out]

Well, fancy finding you here.

I think it rather ordinary, in fact,

that I find myself, yet again,

swinging to and fro,

not moving in any particular direction.

Where is it you wish you were going?

For now,

I should like to be with the family,

until this Whistledown business

with the queen blows over.

And it will.

And then?

[exhales deeply]

Anywhere, really.

I've spent nearly all of my life

in either Mayfair or at Aubrey Hall.

If I am going to attempt

to make change in the world,

certainly, I shall need

to see some of it first.

Meet people who are not my family

or debutantes on the marriage mart.

You wish to change the world again?

I thought you were more interested

in fitting in this year.

I think I am properly done

with all of that.

There she is.

[both chuckle lightly]

Does your silence betray

you know something I do not?

[chuckling] No.

Certainly not.

Believe me... the more I learn,

the more I realize how little I know.

[Benedict sighs]

It feels...

It feels right now

that the next thing I might learn

may change me entirely.

[solemn music plays]

I agree profoundly

with everything you've said,

as I have absolutely no idea

what you are talking about.

- Mm.

- [both chuckle]

- There is one thing I do know.

- Ah.

[sighs]

We should not let so long

pass again between us

before we meet on these swings

to be entirely confused together.

[Philippa] You look lovely.

My efforts will be wasted,

knowing the disappointment

that awaits behind those doors.

I am certain Varley has done her utmost.

[both gasping]

[spirited music playing]

[gasps] She got the ostrich feathers!

[Philippa] And the purple orchids!

[laughs]

[Prudence] Philippa, there is a...

one, two, three, four.

Eight-piece ensemble!

Did we get them?

We got them.

[squeals, laughs]

Philippa, you caterwaul like a child

receiving their first bite of cake.

Mama... thank you!

What is the meaning of this?

Well, it must've been you

who paid for all of this.

Mama told me she wished for you to have

the greatest ball Mayfair has ever seen.

Hmm. You are welcome.

Thank you.

[sighs]

It is beautiful.

I am proud of you.

[spirited music peaks and fades]

["Lights (Stripped Down)"

by Archer Marsh playing]

[inaudible conversation]

[chuckling lightly]

- [light chuckling]

- [inaudible dialogue]

Oh!

["Lights (Stripped Down)" ends]

Have a lovely time.

[up-tempo classical music playing]

The purple was my idea.

If this is our last night in society,

at least Prudence and Philippa

are having the time of their life.

[gasps, sighs]

[gasps] Your Majesty!

Forgive us, Your Majesty.

We do not have a perch for you

because we did not think

you would accept our invitation.

It is not your invitation

that brings me here.

Cease playing.

As a result of my tireless search

placing her in an impossible situation,

I received a letter... earlier this week

from Lady Whistledown.

- [tense music builds]

- [indistinct hushed murmuring]

[murmuring ceases]

She calls upon my mercy,

asking to address you all herself.

To plead her case publicly

before I pass my judgment.

So I turn the floor over now...

to the scribe herself.

[hushed murmuring resumes]

[loud sneeze]

Not him.

My apologies.

Her.

- [music rises]

- [guests exclaiming]

[music peaks and ends]

- [gasping]

- [hushed chattering]

[sighs]

[breathing shakily]

[chattering dwindles]

Hello, all.

Or should I say, "Dearest Gentle Readers"?

I know it is no laughing matter

what I have done.

[solemn music plays]

In the beginning,

I never thought anyone

would take my writing seriously.

Why should they?

No one has ever taken

any part of me seriously.

I only realize now

how common that feeling must be.

To be a young lady to whom no one listens.

I wrote about all of you

because I was captivated by you,

living your lives so out in the open.

And in writing about all of you,

I suddenly felt as if I had a life.

I had power.

And for anyone in this room

who has ever had a taste of that,

they should know it can be intoxicating.

But I was careless with that power.

It was easy to cast aspersions from

the shadows where I could not be found.

But I see now how much courage it takes

to live a life out in the open.

To honor one's weaknesses publicly

for all to see.

And to know,

regardless of the outcome...

one always has worth.

All of us talk.

We gossip.

Gossip is information.

It forges bonds.

Especially for those of us

who are told so little.

But I can no longer conceal

the biggest piece of information I have.

My identity.

That is why

I am so very grateful to our queen

for forcing me out of the shadows

with her most cunning scheme.

If she affords me the chance to continue,

I mean to aim my quill more responsibly.

That is my repentance

and my plea.

[solemn music rises]

She seems humbled.

But we will be watching

that she remains so.

[light music plays]

What is life without a little gossip?

[Penelope gasps softly]

[music turns solemn and fades out]

[indistinct chattering rises]

Really?

Now, Varley! The bugs!

[uplifting classical music plays]

[guests exclaiming]

[chuckling]

[guests applauding]

[gasps] I did not know

there were going to be butterflies.

Like I said, bugs.

You... are a genius.

- I know.

- [both chuckle]

Shall we dance?

- [music fades]

- [sighs, inhales deeply]

[exhales]

[up-tempo classical tune playing]

You "cannot tolerate a lie"?

Lady Danbury.

Your last column.

Her Majesty was close when she assumed

Whistledown was a Bridgerton

protecting their own.

But I know the family well enough

to know it was not one of them.

There is only one person

who loves the Bridgertons more than I.

You knew it was me.

Hm... I suspected.

You are not the only lady of the ton

who can keep a secret.

I look forward to your next edition.

Mm? [chuckles]

You are a wonder.

Could not have done that

without your support.

And the queen's.

Yes. And with her acceptance,

we can tell that solicitor

your money came from my writing.

- [sighs]

- He will have no recourse.

Time for us to do better.

My girl.

[music ends]

Good evening.

Good evening.

Thank you for your letter.

I do not believe I have seen my mother

so quickly shocked.

And also... so quickly impressed.

I believe she is proud of you.

There's something

I left out of that letter.

That I would not object

to an annulment if you requested one.

I do not wish for any harm to come to you

or your family as a result of today.

The queen herself has accepted you.

For now.

As must everyone else publicly.

But Whistledown has upset many

who will not soon forget.

The future may not hold such happy days.

Pen, ever since I found out

you are Whistledown,

I have done everything I can

to try to separate you from her.

But the other day, I went back and read

all of the letters you have sent me.

Your letters have always been

the ones I am most eager to read.

And I realized...

you are her.

You have always had one voice.

There is no separating you

from Whistledown.

[gentle music playing]

And after seeing you speak today, I...

Well, I would not want to.

Because forgive me,

but that was bloody brilliant.

I think, in truth, I...

I have been envious of you.

Of your success.

Of your bravery.

And now I simply cannot believe

that a woman with such bravery loves me.

How lucky I am to stand by your side

and soak up

even a little bit of your light.

If my only purpose in life

is to love a woman as great as you...

then I will be

a very fulfilled man, indeed.

I love you.

You are a very good man, Mr. Bridgerton.

I love you.

Now,

will you please do me the honor

of joining me

on the dance floor, Mrs. Bridgerton?

[bright classical music plays]

[Eloise chuckles]

They all seem happy.

That they do.

And you?

I am positively elated...

because I have come up with

a rather brilliant idea.

Or a request, rather.

And what request is that?

Let me accompany you to Scotland?

Mama will love the idea

of me keeping an eye on you.

But in truth,

I simply wish to live for a little while

outside our tiny bubble.

Have some adventures.

I cannot change the world

without seeing more of it.

I promise you, I will give you your space.

What do you think?

As long as you stay

in your wing of the castle.

We will be living in a proper castle? Ha!

- [John] "We"?

- Oh.

Eloise has asked to accompany us.

Um, if that does not burden you, my lord.

Not at all.

That is wonderful news.

And thankfully, my cousin has arrived

to complete our travel party.

It gives me great pleasure to introduce...

Michaela Stirling.

I caution you, every sordid detail

John has spoken about me is a lie.

[laughing]

- The truth is far worse.

- [Eloise chuckles]

And you must be...

Uh, I am...

Well, I'm...

Francesca Bridgerton. Kilmartin.

- Kilmartin is my name now.

- [music fades out]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance.

[Lady Whistledown] Dearest Gentle Reader,

I find myself suddenly

at a loss for words.

[light classical music playing]

My reticence is not due to a desire

to protect any risqué couplings.

[breathing deeply]

[Lady Whistledown]

Though I have heard whispers of a few.

My restraint comes from a place of joy.

To all those who feel

they have been wronged

by this humble writer,

my sincere apologies.

I wish you only the best.

[music picks up]

[music fades out]

[chuckles]

[sighs] I will miss you.

[chuckling]

- Only until next year.

- Mm.

Do you think Mama would ever

let me miss her Masquerade Ball?

Mm. I suppose not.

I will be there, hiding out behind a mask,

avoiding eligible ladies like the plague.

I shall join you

in your hiding place, then.

- Hm.

- [chuckles]

[solemn music builds slowly]

[Benedict chuckles]

[Lady Whistledown] It is time now

to look toward the future,

whatever it may bring.

This author knows better

than to make any predictions

about what the future may hold.

[indistinct chattering]

[Lady Whistledown] But with

every closing chapter, the story is sure

to grow richer and deeper.

[uplifting music plays]

[Lady Whistledown] It has been

quite a journey we have taken together.

And so it is with the heaviest heart

that I write this final,

unbelievably short sentence

as Lady Whistledown.

Goodbye.

[music rises and fades out]

[light music plays]

- Who is the most handsome of them all?

- Yes.

- You are.

- Yes.

- Cooee.

- You are so handsome.

Yes, you are. Yes. Come up.

- [babies cooing]

- [all chuckling softly]

I still cannot fully believe

you had a boy.

And the heir, no less.

The new Lord Featherington

is quite handsome.

- Gets that from his father.

- [chuckling]

Your father is always trying to distract

with a clever word and a beguiling smile.

You think my smile is beguiling?

[Penelope laughs]

I am glad we had daughters.

I am certain

they will both marry very well.

I think little Philomena

will one day become a great writer

without any need of a husband.

Well, it certainly runs in the family.

I could not have written my book

without the help

of Philomena's Auntie Penelope.

- [chuckling]

- [chattering lightly]

It Is better than I expected.

Are you old enough to read that?

- Yes.

- It is here!

I got almost enough for everyone.

- Oh. Thank you.

- Here, let me hold the baby.

[Lady Whistledown] And with

the retirement of my literary persona,

I should like

to formally introduce myself.

Previous wallflower,

current columnist,

observer,

wielder of a quill.

Nobody unique, and yet, I have my moments.

[Penelope] And hopefully, dear reader,

you will stay on to enjoy them with me

as we begin this next part of our journey.

Yours Truly,

Penelope Bridgerton.

[gentle music rises]

[music fades out]

[classical rendition of ballad plays]

[music ends]

МИСС БРИДЖЕРТОН

КОЛИН БРИДЖЕРТОН

ПАРИЖ, ФРАНЦИЯ

МАРСЕЛЬ, ФРАНЦИЯ

БАЛ ДЭНКУОРТОВ И ФИНЧЕЙ

КОЛИН БРИДЖЕРТОН

«ПУТЕШЕСТВИЕ С CАМИМ СОБОЙ»

ФЕЛЬЕТОН ЛЕДИ УИСЛДАУН

Доброе утро.

Как спалось?

Урывками.

Позавтракаю в Бриджертон-хаус.

Но придет моя мать.

Я не стану вам мешать.

- Ты не обязан уходить.

- Я так хочу.

Мэм, в гостиной вас ждет посетитель.

Подайте ей чай. Я еще не готова.

Доброе утро, мама.

- Крессида.

- Доброе утро.

Надеюсь, брачная ночь удалась?

Зачем ты здесь?

Решила нанести визит.

Уважаемой леди Уислдаун.

Я знаю твой секрет.

Что бы ты себе ни возомнила,

ты ошибаешься. Уходи.

Знаешь, если оглянуться назад,

всё сходится.

Никто не мог заподозрить тебя,

ведь ты абсолютно непримечательна.

До чего приятное зрелище.

Жаль, не смогу насладиться им подольше.

Ведь я под замком.

В ожидании тети

и последующей ссылки в глушь.

- Уезжаешь?

- Да. Но не к тетке Джоанне.

Ты заплатишь мне вдвое больше,

чем обещала королева,

чтобы я могла устроиться за границей.

Или я разглашу, кто ты на самом деле.

Никто тебе не поверит, Крессида.

Твоя репутация достигла

абсолютного дна.

Мисс Каупер.

Леди Фэзерингтон.

Мы с Пенелопой как раз обсуждали,

можно ли мне верить.

Сейчас и узнаем.

Ваша дочь обожает печатное слово.

А еще вы на многое закрываете глаза.

Позволяя ей надолго исчезать.

А теперь задумайтесь. Все, кого она

считает врагами, были осмеяны в печати.

И задайтесь вопросом.

Почему вы до сих пор не догадались,

что она и есть настоящая леди Уислдаун?

Ты заплатишь всю сумму,

или весь свет узнает правду.

Приятного утра, леди.

Пенелопа.

БРИДЖЕРТОНЫ

Скажи, что это неправда.

На этот раз Крессида не лжет.

На каждом балу

в какой-то момент ты исчезала.

Я думала, ты уже махнула рукой

на соблюдение приличий.

Но теперь я вижу, какой дурой я была.

Мама...

Какие гадости ты писала

о своих сестрах, обо мне,

о себе.

Раз за разом я всеми силами

стремилась спасти нас от краха.

А всё это время в моём доме

моя плоть и кровь

планомерно вела нас к нему.

Как ты могла, Пенелопа?

Твой муж знает?

Мистер Бриджертон не должен

знать о случившемся.

Для джентльмена вроде него узнать,

что жену шантажируют...

Он подаст на аннуляцию брака.

Даже самый набожный епископ ее одобрит.

Мама, я больше не стану лгать.

Я скажу Колину.

Я запрещаю.

Хотя очевидно,

что ко мне ты не прислушаешься.

Мне нужно одеться.

Сегодня вы неосмотрительны,

леди Данбери.

Игра долго не продлится.

В последнее время Ваше Величество

решительно настроены обвинять.

Я всё думала,

как зайдет об этом разговор.

Вы так благоволите Бриджертонам.

Но я вовсе не обвиняла.

Это правда.

Я как никогда близка

к раскрытию леди Уислдаун.

Что будете делать, когда это случится?

Одержу победу, разумеется.

А потом?

Велите ей перестать писать?

Запрете в темнице?

Что вы хотите сказать, леди Данбери?

Когда Уислдаун только начала писать,

я решила, что у нее есть

влияние в обществе.

Но в последних выпусках стало очевидно,

что она уязвима.

Она словно пытается обрести себя.

Так вы знаете, кто такая Уислдаун?

Поэтому пытаетесь

защитить Бриджертонов?

Я близка к разгадке, верно?

Я лишь говорю,

что, возможно, леди Уислдаун

вовсе не пытается обыграть вас.

Может статься, она лишь пытается

удержаться в игре.

Будучи уязвимым игроком.

Возможно, вы сами с этим сталкивались?

Давным-давно, возможно.

Вы могли поставить мне шах и мат,

леди Данбери.

Я знаю.

Но тогда игра завершится слишком рано.

А какое в этом удовольствие?

О, нужно приготовить осенний гардероб.

Альби, ты поэтому больше не чихаешь?

Из-за того, что стояла теплынь?

Это не сезонное.

Это нервный чих, который сокрушило

наше семейное счастье.

Я и так терплю похолодание.

Теперь еще и ваши нежности терпеть?

Хочешь вернуться домой, любимая?

Никто ведь и не заметит.

Пенелопа вышла за своего Бриджертона.

Теперь мы вчерашняя новость.

По мере роста животов будет расти

восхищение общества нашими усилиями.

Филиппа, ты хоть раз

видела на балу леди в положении?

Ну, нет.

Когда становится заметно,

леди перестает появляться в обществе.

Лично я не хочу незаметно исчезнуть.

Я сделаю всё,

чтобы тебя не постигла эта участь.

Хорошо.

Ведь мы с Филиппой дадим бал.

Темой станет фиолетовый цвет.

И оранжевый!

Много хрусталя, золота и сотни цветов.

И еще насекомые!

Пожалуй, стоит обсудить бюджет.

Разумеется. Он должен быть огромным.

Нам стоит быть на публике?

Королева знает о помолвке.

Больше нет смысла скрывать это.

Она думает, что среди нас Уислдаун.

А я, будучи вашей матерью,

точно знаю, что это не так.

Лучшее, что можно

сейчас предпринять — быть на людях.

Чтобы общество знало,

что нам нечего скрывать.

Возможно, наша невозмутимость

убедит королеву,

что ее обвинения беспочвенны.

Да поможет нам Бог.

Не тушуйтесь, ешьте.

Вот так.

Мы на людях. Как любая другая семья.

Едим мороженое и планируем свадьбу.

Свадьба в силе?

Конечно.

Просто мы с Джоном хотим

испросить специальное разрешение

на простую, скромную

домашнюю церемонию.

А потом мы отбудем

в семейное поместье Джона.

Чтобы избежать

дальнейшей реакции королевы.

Да, пожалуй, это разумно.

Полагаю, ваше поместье в Оксфордшире

всего в дне езды, не так ли?

Дело в том, что мы хотим поселиться

в главном поместье Джона.

В Шотландии?

Где именно оно находится?

Рядом с границей?

Нет, на Высокогорье.

Но оно не так уж далеко от Глазго.

Туда ехать минимум две недели.

Именно поэтому я так его люблю.

Расстояние создает

ощущение полного покоя.

Я так хочу тишины.

Как ты?

Стараюсь не думать о вчерашнем.

Мама в восторге, что королева

почтила присутствием твою свадьбу.

С семьей всё будет в порядке.

Ты в это веришь?

Ее Величество однажды решила,

что я Уислдаун. Я выжила.

Хоть и не без рубцов.

Не позволяй браку стать рубцом.

- Нет.

- В итоге вы всё уладите с...

Пенелопа. Что ты тут делаешь?

Я не рассчитывал

увидеть тебя до вечера.

Колин, она знает.

Можешь не сдерживаться.

Не стоит говорить об этом

при мисс Бриджертон.

Она тоже в курсе.

Отлично.

Выходит, весь Мейфэр узнал раньше,

чем твоя мать.

С чего вдруг такая открытость?

Крессида раскрыла мой секрет.

И требует 10 000 за молчание.

- Ты шутишь?

- Как ей это удалось?

- Не знаю.

- Не важно, как ей это удалось.

Мы должны предотвратить разглашение.

Мне не нужна помощь.

Я лишь не хотела скрывать.

Решать не тебе.

Если мисс Каупер пустит слух,

это опорочит имя Бриджертонов.

Всю семью.

Я не допущу,

чтобы кто-то шантажировал мою жену.

Какое облегчение!

Нет, Колин, ты очень добр, но...

Я могу откупиться.

Ты заработала такую сумму?

Чуть больше, если начистоту.

Всё это время?

Ты не заплатишь мисс Каупер ни пенни.

- Колин, это мне...

- Заплатите вы, мистер Бриджертон?

- Нет.

- Никаких денег.

- Что ты предлагаешь?

- Прошу, позволь мне...

Мисс Каупер меня не запугать.

Завтра же нанесу ей визит.

Объясню, что в результате этого

пострадают все участники.

Это единственный выход.

Мистер Бриджертон.

Леди Каупер.

Вы могли бы оставить нас?

Что бы ни думали в обществе,

вы оскорбляете меня, считая,

что в этом доме

не соблюдаются приличия.

Мама, оставь нас.

Это уже не имеет значения. Прошу, иди.

Даю вам пять минут.

Ваша мать не в курсе,

что вы шантажируете мою жену?

Теперь я доверяю лишь самой себе.

Должно быть, вам одиноко.

Я знаю, каково быть

в полном одиночестве.

По своим путешествиям.

Бедный мистер Бриджертон.

Объездить весь континент,

любоваться красотами мира.

Такое по силам лишь мужчине.

Вы похожи на Элоизу.

Вы правы. Путешествия — это привилегия.

Но в прошлом году

я понял, что с тоской

жду весточки из дома.

От Пенелопы.

Но она не писала мне.

Никто не писал.

Казалось, все заняты своей жизнью.

А для меня в ней места не было.

И я попытался закалить себя.

Стать тем, у кого нет потребностей.

Я бы не рекомендовал идти этим путем.

Мистер Бриджертон, я в недоумении.

Похоже, вы здесь

в расчете на мое сочувствие.

Я же рассчитываю на ваши деньги.

Мне не нужно ваше сочувствие.

Мне нужно ваше сострадание.

Пенелопа — не злодей.

Поверьте мне,

я могу понять,

почему вы можете ненавидеть Уислдаун.

Ее слова остры и язвительны.

Но при этом читатели с радостью платят,

чтобы снова и снова прочесть о себе.

Непохоже, чтобы вы ненавидели Уислдаун.

Скорее, вы ей завидуете.

Это не так.

Я лишь хочу сказать,

что есть Уислдаун и есть Пенелопа.

И она знавала одиночество,

которое нам с вами и не снилось.

Представьте, что вас не замечают.

Вы чувствуете себя невидимкой.

Это ее не оправдывает.

Но очевидно, что, зачастую, ее фельетон

отражал жестокость, окружавшую ее.

Которую вы тоже успели на себе ощутить.

Ей жаль, что она приложила руку

к вашим несчастьям.

И она не разгромила вас

в своем последнем выпуске.

Вам не кажется, что если даже Пенелопа

смогла пощадить вас,

то и общество сумеет простить вас?

А ваш отец примет вас в Лондоне,

когда утихнет вся шумиха.

Любовь семьи выдержит всё.

В этом разница между вами и мной.

Вы не сомневаетесь

в безусловной поддержке вашей семьи.

Мы разные, мистер Бриджертон.

И так будет всегда.

Мисс Каупер.

Мисс Каупер!

Мы будем всё отрицать. Вам не поверят.

У вас нет доказательств.

Есть помощник типографа,

желающий дать показания.

Ради знакомства

с настоящей леди Уислдаун.

Я жду до бала Дэнкуортов и Финчей.

На следующее утро я открою правду.

Вы навели меня на мысль,

что в будущем я останусь без поддержки.

Возможно, я попросила слишком мало.

Всего-то еще немного средств

на лучший бал сезона.

С маленькими созданиями

со множеством ножек.

Ты перед нами в долгу. Свадьба Пенелопы

была куда шикарнее наших.

Так ведь у ваших мужей

ни денег, ни титулов.

А Пенелопа вышла

за очень богатого Бриджертона.

Который позаботится о тебе

на старости лет.

Так чего ты так экономишь сейчас?

Впусти нас.

Сейчас не подходящий момент.

Я жду посетителя.

Кого?

Не волнуйтесь, леди.

Из всей прислуги Лондона

у меня самый богатый опыт

работы с минимальным бюджетом.

Ну хоть сёстры будут рады моему краху.

Пожалуй, следует еще поработать

над позитивным настроем.

При желании Колин умеет убеждать.

Я не о нём беспокоюсь.

У Крессиды бывают озарения.

Будем надеяться, сегодня такой день.

Она правда тебе нравилась?

Или ты дружила с ней мне на зло?

Я не настолько мелочна.

Поначалу она мне правда нравилась.

Хотя, возможно, сама идея дружбы с ней

изначально не была

лишена капли склочности.

Что ты сейчас читаешь?

Боюсь, я не справился.

И теперь она хочет в два раза больше.

20 000 фунтов?

- Она сошла с ума.

- У меня их нет.

Это еще не всё.

Ты должна в своем фельетоне

восстановить ее репутацию.

Простите меня. Я...

Похоже, я сделал только хуже.

Виновата только я.

Что теперь делать?

Возможно, Пенелопа права.

Было бы лучше заплатить.

У меня есть средства.

Я попрошу Бенедикта

одобрить выдачу такой крупной суммы.

Он тоже будет знать о Пенелопе?

Нет, мне придется что-то соврать.

Мы сохраним всё в тайне.

Что ж.

Уверена, девица Каупер просто ждет,

что ты напишешь пару хвалебных слов

о ее внешности и шарме.

Не такой развязки мы ждали.

Чего еще было ждать от Крессиды.

Я очень благодарна

за всё твое участие.

Не похоже, что Ее Величество

намерена ослабить свои поиски?

Я надеюсь, что скоро

она найдет другое развлечение.

Кстати об этом...

Очень крепкое.

Такое могли создать только шотландцы.

Оно им необходимо,

чтобы выживать в суровые холода.

О, Агата, не пугайте меня еще больше.

Я бы не волновалась.

Похоже, Франческа обрела

внутреннюю силу.

Да, так и есть.

И теперь с ее помощью

пытается отдалиться от матери.

Я купила этот скотч много лет назад,

путешествуя по Шотландии.

Поначалу вкус был очень неприятным.

Но со временем привыкаешь.

Всё равно неприятно.

В отсутствие Франчески

можете положиться на меня.

И на моего брата.

Если хотите.

Мы не обязаны говорить об этом.

Но, может, стоит?

Лорд Андерсон — настоящий джентльмен.

И если вы сочтете нужным благословить...

Тут я точно не вправе давать

или не давать благословение.

Вы взрослые люди.

И вправе сами решать.

В конце концов, я же не спрашивала

у вас вашего разрешения.

Внезапно вкус стал довольно мягким.

Вы знаете.

Да?

Я знаю, что отец был хорошим человеком.

А вы очень хороший друг.

Это всё, что мне нужно знать.

И мой брат хороший человек.

А вы хороший друг.

И это всё, что мне нужно знать.

Но если он с вами повздорит,

я выберу вас, а не его.

Я не потеряю вас из-за его дури.

Ни одному мужчине

это не удастся провернуть.

Представляете нас троих на балу?

Как объяснить наши отношения,

скажем, вдовствующей леди Челтнем?

Нужна тщательно продуманная история.

Да тебя на бал не заманишь.

Верно.

Как вы выносите светские мероприятия?

Думаю, у меня уйма

нерастраченной любви.

Я люблю поболтать.

И люблю развлечься.

Особенно развлечься втроем.

Доброй ночи, сэр.

Я просто зашел за пледом.

Разумеется.

Выпью чаю с мамой

перед свадьбой твоей сестры.

Чтобы не смущать тебя

совместной поездкой.

МИСС БРИДЖЕРТОН

КОЛИН БРИДЖЕРТОН

ПАРИЖ, ФРАНЦИЯ

М-РУ К. БРИДЖЕРТОНУ

МАРСЕЛЬ, ФРАНЦИЯ

С УВАЖЕНИЕМ, ПЕНЕЛОПА

Мэм.

Пришла Пенелопа?

Мэм, я больше не могу его не пускать.

Тот стряпчий. Он здесь.

Пригласи его, пожалуй.

- Леди Фэзерингтон, Уолтер Д...

- Уолтер Дандэс, эсквайр. Я помню.

Вы пришли поздравить нас

со свадьбой моей дочери

с членом одной из самых уважаемых семей

высшего общества?

К сожалению, нет.

Повод для визита отнюдь не радостный.

Хотя, некоторые говорят мне,

что после раскрытия обмана

испытывают облегчение.

Надеюсь, у вас есть доказательства,

раз вы решились на такие обвинения.

Я рассчитывал на иное.

Но теперь у меня есть всё необходимое.

Деньги, полученные вами

в наследство от тети Петунии.

Забавное совпадение

получить состояние как раз тогда,

когда Джек Фэзерингтон сбежал

с вашими деньгами.

И соседи тети Петунии

в Корнуолле согласились со мной.

Говорят, она жила в вечной бедности.

Кто сказал,

что она не откладывала средства,

живя скромно,

чтобы потом осчастливить родню?

Ее кредиторы.

О, леди Фэзерингтон.

Ваши средства получены

в ходе мошенничеств Джека Фэзерингтона.

Думаю, Корона согласится,

что титул Фэзерингтонов должен перейти

более добросовестной семье.

На этой неделе я передам

результаты расследования властям.

Доброго дня.

Пенелопа.

Это правда?

Ты живешь на деньги,

которые кузен Джек украл у общества?

Никто из них

не нуждался в них так, как мы.

Ты их обокрала!

А ты их унижала.

Ты украла их достоинство.

Мы ничем не отличаемся.

Ты совершила преступление!

Я делала то, что было нужно,

чтобы спасти нашу семью.

Кого ты защищала своим фельетоном?

- Себя!

- О. От кого же?

Ясно.

Знаешь...

Быть родителем непросто.

Как мне было воспитывать дочерей,

если всю жизнь мне внушали,

что вся власть в руках мужчины?

А то, что сделала ты...

Ты сделала абсолютно самостоятельно.

Хоть мне и не нравится то,

что ты писала все эти годы,

я раскаиваюсь в том,

что так долго не уделяла тебе внимания.

Мы с тобой,

мы обе делали всё, что могли,

с учетом тех возможностей,

что предоставило нам общество.

Ладно.

Возможно, были другие пути.

Но в тот момент я... Я их не видела.

Что напишет леди Уислдаун

о нашем позоре, когда меня разоблачат?

Она напишет всё, что захочу написать я.

Это огромная сила.

И ты сама ее создала.

Спасибо.

Возможно, у нас больше общего,

чем я хотела бы признать.

Если выживем в этой схватке...

...нам стоит исправиться.

О, моя дорогая.

Мама.

Ты принесешь столько света в Шотландию.

- Ты расстроена из-за моего отъезда?

- Нет, что ты.

Просто... Я не ожидала,

что вы обоснуетесь так далеко.

- Энтони и Кейт собрались в Индию.

- Да.

Но ты и так столько жила вдали от нас

в Бате со своей тетей.

Да и будучи дома держалась особняком.

Я боюсь окончательно тебя потерять.

Мама, всё как раз наоборот.

Иногда мне бывает трудно

услышать собственный голос

среди суматохи этого дома.

А с Джоном

я всё лучше и лучше себя слышу.

Я очень надеюсь, что тишина

и красоты Шотландии помогут мне

лучше себя узнать,

чтобы вы все тоже смогли

лучше меня узнать.

Ведь я так хочу быть близка вам.

А тишина и красоты Оксфорда

не могут в этом помочь?

Искушение часто вас навещать

было бы слишком велико.

Но навещать будешь?

Разумеется.

Моя храбрая, умная девочка.

Знаешь, встретив твоего отца...

...я даже имя свое забыла.

Настолько была увлечена.

- Я с трудом общалась с родней...

- Мама, я...

Я думала, мы это уже обсудили. Джон...

Хороший человек и хорошая партия.

Я лишь хотела сказать,

что очень долго думала,

что у всех должна быть

именно такая любовь.

Ошеломительная, сильная, стремительная.

Но ты показала мне, что бывает иначе.

В неспешном подходе есть своя красота.

Ты уже мудра не по годам.

Думаю, в Шотландии

у тебя всё будет отлично.

Я беру тебя в законные жены,

чтобы любить и заботиться о тебе

в богатстве и бедности,

в болезни и здравии,

пока смерть не разлучит нас.

Я беру тебя в законные мужья,

чтобы любить и заботиться о тебе

в богатстве и бедности,

в болезни и здравии,

пока смерть не разлучит нас.

Живите вместе в священном браке

до последнего вздоха.

Аминь.

О, моя дорогая.

Поздравляю.

- Скорее бы и мне замуж.

- Вам понравилось?

На меня так повлияли

слащавые речи пастора

или лорд Андерсон

и правда увлечен нашей мамой?

Она выглядит счастливой.

Даже если так, разве нам судить?

Похоже, он хороший человек.

И ему повезло, что Энтони уже уехал.

Тебе бы радоваться этому вниманию.

Я замужем. Так что мама

снова переключится на тебя.

Если только ее не отвлечь.

Простите меня.

Пойду поздороваюсь с миссис Мондрич.

Здравствуйте.

Красивая церемония.

Согласна.

Лишь красота хозяйки

способна ее затмить.

Вы мне льстите.

Я говорю искренне.

А еще я искренне интересуюсь,

не окажете ли вы мне честь,

потанцевав со мной на следующем балу?

На балу у Дэнкуортов и Финчей?

Я... ну...

Да.

Это вполне подобающе.

Хорошо.

Очень хорошо.

Позвольте произнести тост.

За мою прекрасную жену.

У меня нет слов,

чтобы выразить мое восхищение.

Уверен, ты этому даже рада.

Ведь ты ненавидишь

слишком долго быть в центре внимания.

Поэтому я поблагодарю твою семью.

Особенно твою мать.

Леди Бриджертон,

я вижу вашу открытость в Бенедикте,

ваш шарм в Колине,

вашу мудрость в Элоизе,

а ваша яркость передалась

Грегори и Джасинт.

Я очень благодарен судьбе

за свою замечательную жену.

И в равной мере я благодарен

замечательной женщине, вырастившей ее.

Мама.

Благодарю вас.

Всех вас. От всего сердца.

О боже.

Успокойся.

Простите. Я вовсе не хотел

вызвать слёзы.

Джасинт всё время плачет.

Однажды и у тебя будет сердце.

Мама, сыграем дуэтом?

Боже. Сейчас?

Я сто лет не практиковалась.

В последний раз я тронула тебя до слёз,

когда начала играть.

Не только ее.

Я рыдала у себя от этих жутких звуков.

Ха-ха.

К счастью, мама меня не оставила.

И теперь я не оставлю тебя.

Это угроза?

- Удачи.

- Спасибо.

- Спасибо.

- Спасибо.

Браво!

Браво.

Бис!

Мы можем поговорить?

Блестящая игра.

Если ты переживаешь из-за выплаты,

я сегодня же поговорю с Бенедиктом.

Не хотел делать это до свадьбы.

Хорошо.

Не надо с ним говорить.

Но время на исходе.

Ты не должен из-за меня врать брату.

Твоя семья... в которую ты впустил меня.

Они слишком добры.

Нельзя обманывать таких чудесных людей.

Я не позволю

своей лжи распространяться.

Тогда как мне тебе помочь?

Своей любовью.

Ты уже столько мне дал.

Научил меня постоять за себя.

Показал, что я способна

испытывать невероятное блаженство.

Но я люблю тебя не за то,

что ты делаешь для меня.

А за твою доброту.

Твое участие.

За всю твою заботу.

Достаточно просто быть

самим собой, Колин.

Не нужно меня спасать.

Просто будь рядом.

Обнимай меня.

Целуй меня.

Я очень хочу всего этого.

И что же тебя сдерживает?

Я не знаю.

Но одно я знаю точно.

Мисс Каупер всё еще нам угрожает.

И пока ты живешь с этой тайной...

...это будет стоять между нами.

Знаю.

Возможно, это ключ.

О чём ты?

Ваше Величество, вам письмо.

Колин.

Я получила письмо от твоей жены.

Нам лучше сесть.

Неудивительно, что она такое выкинула.

В доме слишком тепло.

Ты права, сестра.

Это дело рук моей жены.

Я и забыла, до чего ужасна эта женщина.

Я никуда с ней не поеду.

У тебя нет выбора, Крессида.

Ты позволишь мне

подчиниться такой судьбе?

Ну, девочка.

Расскажи о себе, чтобы я поняла,

с чем мне предстоит работать.

Конечно, тетя Джоанна.

Завтра это уже не будет иметь значения.

Горничная велела идти наверх.

Я начинаю к этому привыкать.

Ты как всегда неотразим.

Пол к нам присоединится?

Кажется, он сегодня с кем-то другим.

Разумеется.

Может, нам тоже

позвать кого-то другого?

Буду честна с тобой.

Хоть мне и понравилось быть втроем,

я надеялась провести эту ночь вдвоем.

Тебе не понравилось присутствие Пола?

Что ты.

Очень. Но моя связь с Полом дружеская.

А я стала замечать, что начала...

...испытывать к тебе чувства, Бенедикт.

Не просто дружеские.

Твоя открытость,

любвеобильность.

Я еще не встречала никого,

столь похожего на меня.

И я стала задумываться,

не стоит ли нам

перейти к более серьезным отношениям?

Тилли, ты потрясающая.

Но...

...я не уверен,

что мне нужна серьезность.

Всё дело в Поле?

Нет, Пол может быть Патришей, Полли

или Питером. Или всеми вместе взятыми.

То, что было между нами троими,

всё, что было с нашей с тобой встречи.

Я понял, до чего хорошо быть свободным.

Ты открыла мой мир.

И я еще не готов снова его закрыть.

Я думал, ты тоже этого хочешь.

Так и было.

Пока не пришлось делиться тобой.

Я удивлена не меньше твоего.

Я поддержу твое желание.

Но помни. Даже веселье может надоесть.

Было здорово ощутить

желание связать свою жизнь с кем-то.

Спасибо, что напомнил мне,

что это возможно.

Надо же, какая неожиданная встреча.

Всё как обычно. Я по-прежнему

продолжаю раскачиваться туда-сюда

вместо того, чтобы двигаться

в конкретном направлении.

А куда ты стремишься?

Я хочу быть с семьей,

пока не уляжется вся шумиха с Уислдаун.

Так и будет.

А потом?

Куда угодно. Правда.

Я провела почти всю свою жизнь

либо в Мейфэр, либо в Обри-холле.

Если я хочу изменить мир,

сначала надо его увидеть.

Познакомиться с кем-то

помимо семьи и девушек на выданье.

Ты снова хочешь изменить мир?

Я думал, в этом году

ты решила не выделяться.

Думаю, с этим покончено.

Узнаю тебя.

Молчишь, потому что что-то знаешь?

Нет. Вовсе нет.

Поверь. Чем больше я узнаю,

тем больше понимаю, как мало знаю.

Кажется...

Сейчас мне кажется,

что следующее открытие

может полностью меня изменить.

Я абсолютно с тобой согласна.

Ведь я не представлю, о чём ты.

Одно я знаю точно.

Стоит сделать эти встречи

на качелях регулярными,

чтобы вместе недоумевать и удивляться.

Мило выглядишь.

Усилия пойдут насмарку,

учитывая разочарование,

ожидающее за этой дверью.

Уверен, Варли превзошла себя.

Она достала страусиные перья!

И фиолетовые орхидеи!

Филиппа, тут... Раз, два, три, четыре.

Целых восемь музыкантов!

Мы их достали?

Достали.

Филиппа, ты орешь как ребенок,

получивший первый кусок торта.

Мама, спасибо!

О чём это ты?

Но это же ты заплатила за всё это.

Мама сказала, вы хотите

лучший бал в истории Мейфэр.

Что ж, не за что.

Спасибо.

Красиво.

Я вами горжусь.

БАЛ ДЭНКУОРТОВ И ФИНЧЕЙ

Приятного вечера.

Фиолетовый — моя идея.

Наш последний вечер в обществе.

Ну хоть Пруденс и Филиппа

счастливы как никогда.

Ваше Величество!

Простите, мы не подготовили

для вас место, не рассчитывая,

что вы примете приглашение.

Я здесь не по вашему приглашению.

Тишина.

В результате моих неустанных поисков

я поставила ее в такое положение,

что на этой неделе получила письмо

от леди Уислдаун.

С просьбой о прощении.

Она желает сама обратиться к вам.

Чтобы высказаться в свою защиту прежде,

чем я вынесу свой вердикт.

Поэтому я передаю слово

небезызвестной авторше.

Это не он.

Простите.

Ей.

Приветствую всех.

Или лучше так. Дорогой читатель.

Знаю, это не смешно.

Всё, что я сделала.

Поначалу

я и не думала,

что мою писанину воспримут всерьез.

С чего бы вдруг?

Никто никогда

не воспринимал меня всерьез.

Лишь сейчас я понимаю,

что это не такая уж редкость.

Молодая леди, которую никто не слышит.

Я писала о вас потому,

что восхищалась всеми вами.

Вы так открыто жили своей жизнью.

И начав писать об этом,

я вдруг ощутила, что тоже живу.

У меня была власть.

Каждый из присутствующих,

кому знакомо это чувство,

знает, что это может опьянить.

Я была беспечна с этой властью.

Легко критиковать, находясь в тени,

где никто меня не найдет.

Но теперь я знаю, что нужно мужество,

чтобы жить в открытую.

Публично признать свои слабости.

У всех на глазах.

И знать,

несмотря на исход,

что ты всё равно достоин уважения.

Мы все общаемся.

Сплетничаем.

Сплетни — это информация.

Они формируют связи.

Особенно для тех из нас,

о ком почти не упоминают.

Но я больше не могу скрывать

важнейшие данные, которыми располагаю.

Кто я.

Поэтому я очень благодарна

нашей королеве за то,

что она так хитро

заставила меня выйти из тени.

Если она позволит мне продолжить,

обещаю быть более ответственной.

Я раскаиваюсь

и прошу о пощаде.

Похоже, она извлекла урок.

Но мы будем следить,

чтобы так и оставалось.

Что за жизнь

без небольшой порции сплетен?

Неужели?

Давай, Варли! Выпускай!

Я не знала, что будут бабочки.

Я же сказала — насекомые.

Ты... Ты гений.

Знаю.

Потанцуем?

«Я не выношу ложь»?

Леди Данбери.

Твой последний фельетон.

Ее Величество была близка к разгадке,

решив, что Уислдаун —

Бриджертон, защищающая своих.

Но я слишком хорошо знаю их семью,

чтобы понять, что они ни при чём.

Есть лишь один человек,

любящий Бриджертонов больше, чем я.

Вы знали, что это я.

Подозревала.

Ты не единственная леди,

умеющая хранить тайну.

С нетерпением жду

твоего следующего выпуска.

Ты чудо.

Без тебя я бы не справилась.

И без королевы.

Да. И раз она дала мне добро,

скажем стряпчему,

что те деньги — моя выручка.

Он закроет дело.

Пришло время всё исправить.

Моя девочка.

Добрый вечер.

Добрый вечер.

Спасибо за письмо.

Мама впервые была

столь быстро шокирована.

И столь быстро впечатлена.

Думаю, она тобой гордится.

Я не всё написала в том письме.

Я не стану возражать,

если решишь аннулировать брак.

Я не хочу, чтобы в результате всего

пострадал ты или твоя семья.

Сама королева дала тебе добро.

Пока.

Как и всё общество.

Но многие нескоро забудут обиды,

причиненные Уислдаун.

В будущем может не всегда так везти.

Пен, с тех пор,

как я узнал, что ты Уислдаун,

я делал всё возможное,

чтобы ты отказалась от нее.

Но на днях я перечитал

все письма, что ты мне писала.

Именно их я всегда ждал больше всего.

И я понял,

что ты и есть она.

У вас всегда был один голос.

Ты неотделима от Уислдаун.

А услышав сегодня твою речь...

Я этого не хочу.

Ты уж прости,

но это было чертовски хорошо.

Думаю, на самом деле я...

Я тебе завидовал.

Твоему успеху.

Твоей храбрости.

И теперь я не могу поверить,

что столь храбрая женщина любит меня.

Как мне повезло быть рядом с тобой

и впитывать каждый лучик твоего света.

Если мое единственное предназначение —

любить такую великую женщину, как ты...

...я буду несказанно этому рад.

Я люблю тебя.

Ты прекрасный человек,

мистер Бриджертон.

Я люблю тебя.

А теперь

вы окажете мне честь

и потанцуете со мной,

миссис Бриджертон?

Все такие счастливые.

Верно.

А ты?

А я в восторге. Мне тут пришла в голову

просто блестящая идея. Скорее, просьба.

И что же это?

Возьмешь меня в Шотландию?

Мама будет рада,

что я за тобой присмотрю.

Но, по правде,

я просто хочу немного пожить

вне своего крошечного мирка.

Я хочу приключений.

Нельзя изменить мир, не увидев его.

Обещаю, я не буду мешаться.

Что скажешь?

Обещаешь сидеть в своем крыле замка?

Мы будем жить в настоящем замке?

«Мы»?

Элоиза просится ехать с нами.

- Если вам это не в тягость, милорд.

- Вовсе нет. Чудесная новость.

Хорошо, что приехала моя кузина.

Отправимся все вчетвером.

С удовольствием представляю вам...

Микейла Стёрлинг.

Предупреждаю: все гнусности,

что рассказал обо мне Джон, — ложь.

Правда гораздо хуже.

А вы, должно быть...

Я... Ну, я...

Франческа. Бриджертон. Килмартин.

Теперь я Килмартин.

Я очень рада знакомству.

Дорогой читатель,

внезапно я не знаю, что написать.

Моя сдержанность

никак не связана с желанием

защитить какие-то рискованные связи.

Хотя я краем уха слышала

о нескольких случаях.

Причина моей немногословности —

радость.

Я приношу извинения всем тем,

кто считает, что ваша покорная слуга

обошлась с ними несправедливо.

Я желаю вам всего наилучшего.

Я буду скучать.

Я вернусь в начале года.

Думаешь, мама позволит

пропустить ее бал-маскарад?

Думаю, нет.

Я там буду в маске. Шарахаясь

от девиц на выданье как от чумы.

Будем скрываться вместе.

Пришло время взглянуть в будущее,

что бы оно нам ни готовило.

Ваша покорная слуга не настолько глупа,

чтобы загадывать, что оно нам принесет.

Но с каждой завершенной главой

история становится богаче и глубже.

Мы вместе прошли немалый путь.

Поэтому я с тяжелым сердцем

пишу эту последнюю,

невероятно короткую строчку

как леди Уислдаун.

Прощайте.

- Кто красивее всех?

- Да.

Да.

- Эй!

- Красавчик.

Да, верно. Иди на ручки.

До сих пор не верится,

что у тебя мальчик.

Да еще и наследник.

Новый лорд Фэзерингтон —

само очарование.

Весь в отца.

Твой отец вечно пытается отвлечь

умным словом или милой улыбкой.

У меня милая улыбка?

Я рада, что у нас девочки.

Уверена, они сделают отличные партии.

Думаю, малышка Филомена

станет великой писательницей.

И муж будет не нужен.

У вас это семейное.

Я бы не написал книгу

без помощи Пенелопы, тетушки Филомены.

ПУТЕШЕСТВИЕ С САМИМ СОБОЙ

Лучше, чем я ожидал.

Тебе еще рано такое читать.

- Нет.

- Принесли!

Я взяла на всех.

- Спасибо.

- Я возьму его.

Мое литературное я ушло на покой.

Так что позвольте

должным образом представиться.

Раньше я стояла у стенки,

теперь же пишу для печати.

Обозревательница.

Мастер пера.

Я ничем не примечательна.

Но у меня бывают моменты успеха.

Дорогой читатель, надеюсь,

вы продолжите со мной этот путь,

ведь мы открываем новую главу.

С уважением,

Пенелопа Бриджертон.

Перевод субтитров: Ксения Гребеникова