All language subtitles for Bridgerton.S02E01.WEBRip.x264-ION10

[horses neighing]

[driver] Whoa. Whoa.

-I just think it's important… No, no, no.
-[chattering]

-Gregory, you…
-[indistinct chatter]

Shh! Let her come out on her own.

-Is this the plan?
-Thank goodness you're here.

-She's requested time.
-We do not have time. Stand back.

No offense, Sister, but you are
the last person she'd like to see.

-What does that mean?
-Are we sure she's in there?

-Of course she is.
-Where else would she be?

-Climbed through the window, the chimney--
-Quiet! She may hear you.

I left my husband
and child at home for this.

I told everyone this would happen,
now we're late for the queen.

I hear something.

[muffled, distant chatter]

-[groans]
-[Violet] Anthony.

If one of you utters a single word…

Let us get this over with.

I yearn for someone fresh,
someone unexpected,

to turn this season on its head.

That is what we need.
There is no room for indifference.

Apathy is a blight
the monarchy simply cannot endure.

Of course, Your Majesty. But remember,

a young lady cannot be a diamond

until you anoint her as such.

So if for any reason you do not find one
among the candidates today--

Do you think she will return?

We have heard nary a peep
from Lady Whistledown

since last season ended.

Perhaps the writer came to her senses.

Perhaps she realized
taking on her queen was a bad idea,

and she will never publish again.

It is a convincing theory, ma'am.

Or

she simply left for the country,
as the rest of us did in the off-season,

bored by the lack of any real gossip.

[Lady Danbury] Hmm.

You do know
what that would make her, then?

One of us.

[Lady Danbury] Hmm.

[Prudence] Could we not have
appealed to the queen, Mama?

After having mourned
dear Papa for so very long,

perhaps Her Majesty
might extend a kindness

and allow us to be presented again.

I see no need
to go through all of that again

when I myself am
already betrothed to Mr. Finch.

Mr. Finch may very well
still change his mind.

Particularly when he notices
there is still no dowry.

Hush! The new Lord Featherington
shall see to that,

when he finally decides
to show his miserly face.

Just remember to remain composed.

And control your emotions.

Her Majesty does not take kindly
to any hint of hysterics.

I found a small smile worked best
to appear open and approachable,

but not too eager.

Now, let us see it.

No.

She's practically melting.

-Here. Allow me.
-[Violet] And your curtsy, dearest.

Tell your sister
how you managed such balance.

Simply locate a stationary object
and keep your eyes set.

I used a painting nearby. We practiced it.

-[Eloise whimpers]
-[Daphne] Several times.

-You have natural gifts--
-Do not patronize me.

-And give me that!
-[Francesca] Oh!

My task this season
cannot be exceptionally difficult.

Hastings did it after all.
How hard can it be?

-Ah. Spoken with such feeling too.
-[Anthony] I do not need feeling.

What I need is what I have,
and that is a list.

Tolerable, dutiful,
suitable enough hips for childbearing,

and at least half a brain.

And that last part is not so much
a requirement but a preference, in fact.

[man] Miss Cordelia Patridge.

The Lady Abigail Evans.

Miss Mary Ann Hallewell.

Miss Margaret Goring.

It is not too late.

-You could say I collapsed.
-[chuckles]

That I got something
unmentionable on my gown.

All the feathers affected my senses.

Anything, Mama,
to get me out of doing this.

-My darling girl.
-[breathes shakily]

No matter what,
you will always be a diamond to me.

If Penelope were here…

Penelope? How many times
must I warn you to be wary of that window?

Do you wish to appear
like a befreckled beggar

spending all day in the sun?

-[chuckles]
-[Penelope] Of course not, Mama.

My apologies.

[man] The Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton

and Miss Eloise Bridgerton.

[Eloise breathes heavily]

It is here.

[breathing heavily]

[whispers] Smile.

What is the meaning of this?

[chuckles lightly]

I've seen enough.

-[man] But Your Majesty, there are still--
-I have seen enough!

Does this mean I can go?

I don't know what this means.

-[Violet mutters quietly]
-[gasps]

Eloise.

[chuckles]

[scoffs lightly]

Truly, I cannot say
I will long for any of this.

Best of luck to you, Brother.

You shall certainly need it this season.

[Lady Whistledown] Dearest gentle reader.

Did you miss me?

[Lady Whistledown] As the members
of our esteemed ton lazily sojourned

in their rustic retreats,

this author was doing but one thing.

I knew she would return!

[Lady Whistledown] Honing my skills.

Increased her price too, I see.

[Lady Whistledown] Or should I say,
hatching my plans?

Is she truly that good a writer?

[light chuckle]

[Lady Whistledown] No, even better.

I was sharpening my knives…

-"For all of you."
-…for all of you.

How do you think she does it?

Certainly not by herself.
[chuckles] How could she?

[woman] Oh.

Eighteen? We agreed on 20.

[in Irish accent]
My mistress changed her mind.

You're new to this arrangement,
so I'll say this only once.

What my mistress wants, she gets.

For whatever reason,
that would be you at the moment.

That doesn't make you special, Mr. Harris.

Printers in this town are ten-a-penny.

But there's only one Lady Whistledown,

and she could just as easily
take her business elsewhere.

So it's 18,

not a penny more.

And the delivery boys
need a wage increase.

They're running around town
while you get to sit on your lazy arse.

Yes, ma'am.

Then my mistress
thanks you for your services.

[Lady Whistledown] Questions abound
as to this author's identity and means.

Seeking those answers
shall prove fruitless, indeed.

I am off to the market with my maid, Mama.

I have just a tiny bit
of pin money left, and I--

[Lady Whistledown] There is, of course,
another unknown identity at present.

Though, this one
you will be able to unearth.

I speak of the season's diamond,
wherever she may be.

Your move, Your Majesty.

[classical dance tune on piano]

One and two. One and two.

I do not think she's very good.

-I believe she can hear you.
-I can hear you.

-Ow! Watch my feet!
-Might we be done?

If you are to catch the queen's eye after
that interruption, you must be perfection.

I believe it was the interruption
that was perfection.

Shocking that Eloise Bridgerton was not
named the season diamond, was it not?

Was anyone else aware that
dear Colin has decided to add Albania

or some such place to his itinerary
as he gads about the world?

No. But how happy for him
that he can simply decide to do that.

Joining us for tea, Anthony?

Uh, I'm afraid I must pass.
Too many calls on my funds today.

Now that the season has started,

I need to fill your coffers at the modiste
and oversee the hiring of extra staff.

Your ring.
When you get the chance, I need it.

The fields by Ferryhallow.
I was thinking we might hold off

on leasing them due to the hard frost.

I beg your pardon?

The frost hardens the soil,
saps it of nutrients.

That is very well.
But you requested my ring?

Father's betrothal ring.

Did someone catch your eye
at the presentation, Brother?

I thought all the young ladies
looked beautiful.

Not particularly. And all the young ladies
looked the same. Like ladies.

I'd simply like to be prepared
for when the opportunity presents itself.

The opportunity?

I've compiled an index of the season's
eligible misses and arranged interviews.

[chuckling] Interviews! [inhales]

Dearest, I shall be more than happy
to give you my ring when you find someone

with whom you are very much in love.

Besides, it is
in safekeeping at Aubrey Hall.

-Very well.
-See that he is quite well.

Me?

I'm not in need of coddling.

I assure you all, everything is in order.

[classical rendition
of "Stay Away" playing]

Are you looking forward to being a mother?

Oh, very much. I am quite close
with my brothers and sisters.

I love children.

What number do you have in mind?

Of children?

Four. Or five. No. Perhaps six.

Three children is what
I have always wanted, my lord.

If your daughter had
a penchant for overspending,

how would you deal with that?

[whimsical classical music continues]

We must secure a new lady's maid
for Eloise, now that she is out.

Ensure she is even more
strong-willed than the last.

-[clears throat]
-What are those?

Uh, accounts requiring
your signature, my lord.

The harp is
a wonderful instrument, my lord,

teaching one patience, strength,

and an appreciation for beauty,
of course. [chuckles]

But do you read?

Books?

[exhales deeply]

I am fluent in French, Italian, Latin.

And your Greek?

Apologies, my lord.
I much prefer a quadrille.

I ride. I paint.

I sing. I dance.

I can divide and multiply.

I even construct my own hats.

Five and twenty more, my lord.

[coins clattering]

[whimsical classical music fades]

[quacking]

[horse snorts]

[distant horse neighs]

Whoa, there!

Miss, are you in trouble?

-[horse neighing]
-Come on.

Come on.

Careful, now!

Whoa, there!

[horse snorts]

[distant horse neighs]

[panting softly]

[horse nickers]

[sighs]

Enjoying your victory lap?

[speaks Hindi]

You'll not be afforded
such an ample head-start this time.

Apologies, sir.

I did not mean to cause anyone concern.

Does your maid know
you are riding astride?

I have no maid.

Then you're married.

Forgive me.

Then you are lost.

I am not lost either.
I'm on my way back to Mayfair.

-It is just ahead.
-Mayfair?

Well, then--

I appreciate your attention, sir,
but I assure you I am perfectly safe.

Perhaps we pretend
this encounter never took place?

You allow me to go my way,
and you go yours.

You worry about being seen.

I worry about meeting
strange men in parks at dawn

who fail to leave me alone
with their questions.

Your secret is safe.
I shall not tell a soul.

How grateful I am.

Losing races to strange women
in such parks at dawn.

I can only imagine
the questions I would be asked.

[both chuckle lightly]

Is that what that was?

-A race?
-Was it not?

Does one not need
actual competition for a race?

If we had decided
on a finish line together,

but alas, we made no such agreement.

I see you are not one for losing.

I shall have you--

In the rare instances it occurs,

I'd admit that I have
either lost or am in the wrong.

But I'm afraid
the same cannot be said for you.

-I beg your pardon?
-Mayfair is not right ahead.

It's the other way entirely.

[men chattering]

[Anthony] Not lost, you said?

-Good day, sir.
-[horse snorts]

Let's go.

We have not yet been introduced.

I am afraid that is not possible.
Not when I have a victory lap to enjoy.

[chuckles]

[horse whinnies]

Well, what do you mean
she was not in her room?

I went to find her after awakening,
but she was not there.

[Lady Danbury] Lady Mary.

Lady Danbury.

Oh, how delightful it is to see you.

And you.

-After all these years.
-[chuckles softly]

You look well.

Allow me to introduce to you my youngest,

-Miss Edwina Sharma.
-Ah.

[Edwina] A true pleasure, Lady Danbury.

I am so grateful for your hospitality.

Your home, it is magnificent.

Consider it yours for the season.

Though, I was expecting another?

Yes. My eldest.

Kate.

Kate. Yes.

Well, she did get off the ship
with you last night, did she not?

-Apologies.
-[Edwina] Kate!

-There you are, dearest.
-I hope I did not keep you waiting long.

The gardens here are so lovely.

After such a lengthy journey,

I found that I wanted
some freshness and morning air.

But, uh… [clears throat] I am here now.

My eldest, Lady Danbury. Miss Kate Sharma.

[Lady Danbury] Hmm.

Well, now that we are all arrived--

[Kate] Almost.

I beg your pardon?

We have almost all arrived.
There is also Newton.

Is he still upstairs?

[chuckles softly]

[panting]

Mama tells us you host the first ball
of every season, Lady Danbury.

Yes. I have appropriated a conservatory

for this year's festivities.

Did you hear that, Edwina?

Well, that sounds delightful.

It will make for a most spectacular
entrance to society, indeed.

I cannot tell you
how eager the young ladies are

for the upcoming season.

As am I.

I would've ensured their presentation
to Her Majesty the Queen,

but I thought it wise for me
to examine their deportment

prior to their first engagement.

Her Majesty is most discerning,
you understand.

So Her Majesty will be
in attendance, then, at the ball?

Well, there is no reason
for concern, Lady Mary.

You will be with me, after all.

Of course.

Now, I have made all the arrangements.

The pianoforte is tuned,
the instructors hired.

Dance lessons begin at noon,

followed by a short
but comprehensive visit

from a lovely French tutor I have secured.

Well, stand up.

Both of you. Could you, uh-- [chuckles]

[dog whimpers]

Exceptional posture.

Beautiful smiles.

Yes, they are, quite.

The age of the elder miss
may raise concern.

Any suitable gentleman
will require some persuading,

whether we like it or not,

as she will already be regarded
as an old maid at the mature age of…

Six and twenty, ma'am.

But it should truly be
of no concern, as I assure you

I am not here
to find a husband for myself,

only for my sister,
who, indeed, stands quite tall

and smiles rather exquisitely.

Even more so
when she speaks French, I rather think.

[speaks French]

[Kate] She is accomplished
in both Latin and Greek,

in addition to Marathi
and Hindustani, of course.

She not only plays sitar
and maruli, but pianoforte too.

And as for her dancing, well,

it is quite remarkable,
if I do say so myself.

And I do say so,

considering it was I who taught my sister
the cotillion, the quadrille, the waltz.

Self-taught, naturally,
but still quite remarkable nonetheless.

Hmm! Well--

Kate feels quite passionately
about her sister's prospects this season.

I hope you did not go to too much trouble,
finding all of those instructors?

Not at all.

My mama did not err
in her description of you,

a woman of such grace and kindness.

I am sure we have much to learn from you,

such as the preparation
of this most excellent tea.

[Lady Mary chuckles nervously]

-Kate, dear?
-Mm-hmm?

Might Newton require a walk

before he makes his mess
all over these fine carpets?

Indeed. Delighted
to make your acquaintance, Lady Danbury.

My sister and I do look forward
to your sponsorship this season.

[dog barks]

Daphne provided me
a list of recommendations

for a successful season.

Private advice regarding
the top ten ways in which to entrap a man.

I'm telling you, Pen,

the season has barely begun
and already I feel touched in the head.

[Penelope laughs]

Another quill? You do get
through them at an extraordinary rate.

I have been busy with my correspondence.

-To the new heir? Is he here yet?
-No.

Oh.

I only mean, Colin has been keeping me
informed of his adventures in Greece.

In fairness, I have stopped
reading his letters. He rambles.

-He's certainly no Lady Whistledown.
-No.

But, then again, Colin has,
in fact, been somewhere, unlike her.

Well, I thought you revered Whistledown.

Did her arrival not save you
from your presentation to the queen?

I was delighted
by the diversion, to be sure. But,

I sat with her paper all morning,

and in truth, all she does
is repeat what she hears.

Someone must report the gossip.
Does she not have a way with words?

But what is she saying with those words?

Truly, I did not mind
Whistledown's silence the last ten months,

as it finally gave me some time
to read a few articles of substance.

[clears throat]

"My own sex, I hope, will excuse me
if I treat them like rational creatures,

instead of flattering
their fascinating graces."

Wollstonecraft.

Rather haughty.

Imagine if Whistledown wrote like this,

instead of simply turning our eye
to every newly-minted debutante.

Perhaps then we might find our respite

from the tedious sequence
of tea parties and balls.

I rather think the only reason
Whistledown writes about such things

is because she is not
an active participant in them.

Oh. Everyone has their theory, I suppose.

[Eloise] Mmm.

Would you like me to prepare some potatoes
for the ladies downstairs, ma'am?

Potatoes? Again?

Why are we always eating potatoes?

Because these days, I am the housekeeper,
lady's maid, scullery maid, and cook.

Have all the staff truly departed?

Though I am quite good at boiling the veg.

Thank you, Mrs. Varley.
Potatoes would be lovely.

A season with no new dresses,
nor servants.

Are we to empty our own chamber pots too?

-Mama, I cannot do that.
-Calm yourselves.

As I have told you,
once the new Lord Featherington arrives,

we will be provided for.

Well, where is he?
Why is he taking so long?

Because he wishes to make us suffer.

[sighs]

The new Lord Featherington
is off somewhere,

delighting in our misfortune,

because the man is as cruel as can be.

I hear he cast his only son
out to the Americas

for daring to question his word.

I tremble to think where he will send
the rest of us if he has a mind.

Cornwall, perhaps.

Cornwall?

Well, I suppose
you may visit Mr. Finch and me.

If there is nary a penny
for new dresses or staff,

there is none for her dowry.

He shall prevent me from marrying?

Of course not.

The man may be an old,
bitter curmudgeon, but he is a gentleman

and he will keep a gentleman's agreement.

Which is why we must waste no time
in finding matches for the lot of you.

Unless you are all betrothed
by the time our cousin arrives

to claim the Featherington estate,
we shall be at his mercy.

And then… heaven help us all.

You could always sell the silverware.

The dinner service
should fetch a handsome price.

Are you thinking of wearing that one?

-[sighs]
-It is quite beautiful.

No. These are for you, Bon.

We have come to London
to find your husband, not mine.

Yes. You are but a dear old maid.

Ah. Who shall be perfectly happy doting on
my many nieces and nephews one day soon.

I shall spoil them exceedingly.
You do know that, yes?

What is it?

I…

only hope they like me tonight.

How could they not?

[sighs] Mama is doing that thing
she always does when she is worried.

The gossip she endured after marrying Appa

had to have been unbearable,
do you not think?

Is this what troubles you?
That was many years ago.

Everyone will still have questions.

About our family.
About how you and I are related.

We are sisters.

This place may feel different,

but it will never change
the way you and I see each other.

Besides, you heard Lady Danbury.
She will smooth everything over.

She is on our side.

[sighs] The dowager is
more formidable than I imagined.

She will have your head when she learns
of your secret morning ride.

Are you certain no one saw you?

Yes. Now, never mind her.

The dowager is not half as frightening
as she thinks she is.

[chuckles]

You must be excited.

This is the first chapter
of a happy story.

All you have to do this evening

is remember
what it is you are looking for.

Hmm.

-Someone charming.
-Mm-hmm.

And handsome, of course.

A prince or a duke, perhaps.

It is not a man's appearance
or title that will woo you.

It is his mind and spirit
that will court yours.

He will speak in a manner
that only your heart can hear.

That is what you are looking for.

That is the true love you deserve.

[inhales]

This one?

-They will not be ready.
-[Edwina chuckles]

[Kate chuckles]

[classical rendition
of "Material Girl" playing]

Just remember to breathe, Bon.

[gasps softly] Ah.

The Marquis of Ashdown.

A little young, to be sure,
but he has 10,000 a year.

The Earl of Gloucester.
His wife recently died of influenza.

He might make
a particularly estimable addition

to your dance card
this evening, Miss Sharma.

I will not be taking
to the floor tonight, Lady Danbury.

Is there someone back home
you've yet to tell me about?

Come now. I am long past all of that.

The only match I am interested in
is for my sister.

She trusts me implicitly.
Now, what about the Duke of Suffolk?

According to Debrett's,
he should be quite the catch this year.

The duke flaunts his mistresses.

I assure you, Miss Sharma,
I have our prospects well in hand.

[gasps softly] Ah.

There she is.

So many flowers,

when what I really seek is a gem.

Oh.

So soon, Lady Danbury?

Lady Danbury.
A delightful soiree, as expected.

Though my own later this week
will be much more exclusive.

Your Majesty,
I would not think to compare.

And rightly so.

Your Majesty,
may I present Lady Mary Sharma,

whom you must remember.

And may I present her daughters,

Miss Sharma and Miss Edwina Sharma,

my personal special guests for the season.

A high honor, indeed.

I hear you have made quite a journey

to join us again
after all these years, Lady Mary.

If only you had extended the courtesy

of offering your queen
a final farewell before you left.

Oh, I do relish a challenge.

[song ends]

[Violet chuckles]

[Eloise sighs]

Stop fussing with your dress.

You look lovely, dear.

I look like a prize calf,
trussed up for auction.

[Benedict moos]

Even Daphne felt most apprehensive

at her first official ball,
and look how well her season turned out.

Oh, right.

[Violet chuckles] Oh.

Come, Sister. The cakes
at these occasions are surprisingly good.

[hesitates] Uh… Uh…

It truly is a sparse crop.

Oh, I am sure there is
someone here who will charm you.

After all, this is the season
the viscount intends to find a wife.

-You honestly just did that?
-I believe I did.

-Lady Bridgerton.
-[Violet chuckles]

Lord Bridgerton.

-Dance, please, Lord Bridgerton?
-[Anthony] Good evening.

[classical music playing]

Is that Lady Mary Sheffield Sharma?

I can't believe
she would show her face here again.

A scandal, Mama?

Lady Mary was
the incomparable of our season,

until she fell in love with
and married some kind of clerk, I hear.

The two of them
absconded to India thereafter.

A maharajah I would have understood,

but the man was no more than
a common worker who already had a child.

That must be her.

The older one.

Lady Mary's parents, the Sheffields,
never lived down the shame, did they?

Too ashamed to show their faces in London.

If only every family
could be as respectable as ours.

[chuckles softly] Yes, Lady Featherington?

[gasps softly] Dearest!

My love.

Hmm.

Mr. and Mrs. Finch.

Lady Featherington.

It is a delightful surprise
to see you in attendance.

After such a long mourning period.

Almost as long as our son
has been courting Philippa,

if you can imagine.

[chuckles] Yes.

It has been a difficult time, indeed.

Darkness has been our candle
in recent months.

Mmm. Have you come unaccompanied?

Or has the new heir finally come to manage

this unsettled business
of your daughter's dowry?

"Unsettled."
That is the precise word, Mr. Finch,

because I, too, have been… [sighs]

…very unsettled, indeed.

Shaken to the bone, in fact, by…

[tearfully] …by grief.

Missing my dear, dear, very dead husband.

-[feigns sobbing]
-I told you it was too soon!

You told me you wished
for the boy to be out of the house!

Our apologies, Lady Featherington.

Do let us know when you are more… settled.

-Yes?
-[feigns sobbing]

[sniffles]

[song ends]

-Number eight?
-Yes.

I know that gentleman.

-Who?
-The viscount?

I do not believe
I have yet made an introduction.

Of course.

It must be my mistake.

Though you have quite the eye.

Viscount Bridgerton is
wealthy, well-connected,

and from one of the ton's
most illustrious families.

Apparently hoping to marry this season,

he may very well be
our most eligible bachelor, indeed.

He is very handsome.

Yes.

I suppose he is.

Lord Corning.
I was hoping to see you this evening.

Allow me to introduce Miss Sharma

and Miss Edwina Sharma.

It is a pleasure. Miss Edwina,
would you honor me with a dance?

Corning, you said?

The Baron Corning.

I would be delighted, my lord.

[classical music plays]

I do not recall reading
of Corning's family in my research.

It does not matter
what you have and have not read.

It is unacceptable here

for a lady to decline
a dance with a gentleman

unless she's already reserved by another.

I see we have much to learn.

[cane taps]

Spanish dance?

[indistinct conversation]

And they say
Millerson has a whelp in the country.

Spitting image of his father.

There you are.

Oh, Pen, I'm so glad to see you.
Mama is already being insufferable.

At least she did not see fit
to dress you as a sunflower.

I declare a bee
might mistake me for the real thing.

Miss Bridgerton.
May I request your next dance?

Or I might accompany you
to fetch some lemonade?

-You seem parched.
-How can you tell? Is she wilting?

Or punch, if you prefer?

-A plant pun, if you're wondering.
-Apologies, gentlemen.

I regret to inform you
that my dance card is already full.

[clears throat]

Lord Byron? Wellington?
Eloise, these names are false!

I am merely following
my sister's valuable advice.

She told me that it is
of the utmost importance

for a lady's dance card
to be filled with all of the right names.

-[both laugh]
-[Violet] Eloise?

There you are, dear. [chuckles]

Come. There is someone
I would like you to meet.

[Eloise groans softly]

[classical rendition
of "Diamonds" playing]

-[exhales deeply]
-[man] Bridgerton!

I owe you a drink.

Whatever for?

With you as the prize catch of the season,
the rest of us shall receive a respite

from the marriage-minded mamas
this season, indeed.

Enjoy your freedom while it lasts.

You, too, will soon submit
to this ridiculous rigmarole of courtship.

Squiring every eligible miss around town
until you're barely able to see straight.

Is one lady unlike any other?

Simply pick the least objectionable
and get her wed, bed, and bred.

Then you can return
to more pleasurable pursuits.

And more pleasurable partners. [chuckles]

You may be cavalier, but if I must
leg-shackle myself in marriage,

the lady in question
should have more to recommend her.

Do not tell us
you are hoping for a love match?

[Anthony] Love is the last thing I desire.

But if my children
are to be of good stock,

then their mother must be
of impeccable quality.

A pleasing face, an acceptable wit,

genteel manners enough
to credit a viscountess.

It should not be hard to find.

And yet, the debutantes of London
fall short at every turn.

You want the best. Perhaps the queen
will finally name a diamond.

Save you some trouble.
At least, of choosing her.

Wooing the piece
will be a different story, indeed.

I shall have no problem there.

[all chuckle]

-Smoking room, gentlemen?
-I shall be there anon.

[clattering]

[Anthony] Is someone there?

I can hear y…

you.

Pardon me, my lord.

I never got your name.

I was wondering if we'd meet again.

So you might discern
if my wit is acceptable,

my manners genteel?

You were eavesdropping?

It was hardly an effort,

seeing as you were proclaiming
your many requirements for a wife

loud enough for the entire party to hear.

You take issue with them?

I take issue with any man who views women
merely as chattels and breeding stock.

None of that was meant--

Viscount Bridgerton, yes?

When you manage to find
this paragon of virtue,

whatever makes you think
she will accept your suit?

Are the young ladies of London
truly so easily won

by a pleasing smile
and absolutely nothing more?

So, you find my smile pleasing.

I find your opinion
of yourself entirely too high.

Your character is
as deficient as your horsemanship.

I shall bid you good night.

[Eloise] Ah. Pen!

Pen. Are you going somewhere?

I was… just getting some air.
It is so very stifling in the ballroom.

[scoffs]

-The air or the dreary conversation?
-[chuckles]

I do suppose this is
the one benefit of being out.

I have you to run off with.
We shall never have to be alone.

[chuckles]

My thoughts exactly.

Have you seen your brother or your sister?

They managed to escape you? Good for them.

Lady Danbury. [chuckles] Splendid evening.

For the most part.

There are a few guests whose absence
I might not have regretted.

[laughs] I do hope I am not one of them.

You and I have
common interests this season, it seems.

I heard. Your wards,
I look forward to meeting them.

And I look forward
to showing these other mamas

how the game ought to be played.

Though, it appears you have already
stoked the fire by informing them

of the viscount's intentions
for this season.

My son said he was ready.
Who am I to question it?

They all must come around
eventually, I suppose.

Lady Danbury, we wish to leave.

Miss Sharma, allow me to introduce you--

Charmed. My mama
is already in our carriage.

We will see you at home.

People are watching, my dear.
You are clearly upset--

What is clear is
we are woefully unprepared

to navigate this lion's den.
I am sure Edwina's absence

will only make her
that much more desirable.

It truly was
a magnificent soiree, Lady Danbury.

We are most grateful.

Well,

it would seem both of us
may have our hands full this year.

Not if I have something to say about it.

And as you very well know,
I always have something to say.

[chuckles softly]

Delightful evening, Mama!

Night, Sisters!

[Lady Featherington]
Good night, young ladies!

[doors closing]

[breathing heavily]

[sighs]

-Can you go any faster?
-[driver] Yes, miss!

Lawks, I thought you weren't coming.

[in Irish accent] My mistress
apologizes for the delay.

This is for today.
It must print before noon.

[scoffs]

Last edition's takings, yes?

800 copies at five pence apiece,
sold for eight pence each,

minus the delivery boys' wages,
there should be eleven pounds,

two shillings here altogether.

My mistress
is willing to take an even ten.

You get to keep the surplus
for your rapid service.

These delays will be more frequent now
due to an… unforeseen circumstance,

so, it's really a bargain.

[Lady Whistledown]
There is nothing quite like

the sweet-scented smell of success.

But after taking in the scene
from last night's festivities,

it is clear the season won't be
quite so fragrant for everyone.

The Viscount Bridgerton's own mama

may have loudly declared her eldest son's

lofty intentions to marry,

yet I cannot be the only one wondering

if this former Capital-R-Rake

is, indeed, ready to flourish.

Perhaps the viscount, like the rest of us,

is simply waiting for the queen
to finally name her diamond.

Or perhaps this author

should take matters into her own hands.

I shall not be hustled
into making my selection.

Not by anyone.

Of course, Your Majesty.

Take this away.

And bring me a list of the peerage.

Some tea, my lord?

Perhaps some warm milk may be better.

Oh! Are those marbles?

What fun!

Might I go and read now?

[Lady Whistledown] Though,
of the many purportedly well-trained

and bred hothouse flowers
on display this year,

this author must wonder

if a more surprising choice
might still be in store.

The younger one would do,
if the eldest just got out of the way.

[man 2] The sister is dreadful.

[dog barks]

[Lady Danbury] Not on my chair!

[dog whimpers]

[sighs]

[Lady Whistledown] Whichever darling miss
receives such high esteem,

let us hope there is a suitor available
of only the sharpest wit,

lest his dry musings leave
a young lady wilting like a parched rose.

[snorting chuckle]

It is rather clever
the way she uses plant puns to belittle.

[laughter]

Clever indeed!

The candlesticks, see what they're worth.

[Varley] Yes, ma'am.

-[classical piano tune playing]
-[Violet chuckles] There. You see?

Lady Goring was quite taken

with Eloise's dress last night,
Madame Delacroix.

She would keep saying how well
it complemented her complexion.

She said you reminded her
of Daphne, dearest.

I am not Daphne.

-This is the one.
-Ah.

With pleasure, Lady Bridgerton.

[clears throat]

You do know, Eloise,
that you might enjoy the next ball

if you, in fact, danced with someone.

Meeting new people, it can be thrilling.

Yes, it certainly seemed
as though Anthony had a thrilling time.

Swept away by many
a nimble-footed young lady, Brother?

I can still barely feel my toes.

I thought you ladies were taught to dance.

I thought you gentlemen
capable of worthwhile conversation.

How sad both of our hopes were dashed.

I think Eloise
would make a brilliant diamond.

I could not agree more, Hyacinth.

Perhaps Her Majesty will take note
at her ball tomorrow night.

-I despise you.
-[chuckling]

Madame Delacroix.

I didn't know you were back in town.

Bien sûr!

Who else could dress
these delicate debutantes for the season?

[Benedict chuckles]

Does that mean
I shall see you later on tonight?

I hear there's a party.

I have much work to do, Mr. Bridgerton,

and my art must come before all else.

Enjoy your time.

Brother.

Are you and the modiste
still, uh, making a stitch?

Apparently not. Have you found a wife yet?

Or are you planning to offend
every girl until there are none left?

Is Mother aware?

-Aware of what?
-I'm off to deal with our solicitor.

Have fun
with your pretty pictures, Brother.

-[Violet] Anthony?
-[door closes]

There were some lovely young ladies
in attendance last night, were there not?

Lady Delilah has beautiful manners,

and I hear Miss Goodrum
is very accomplished in her needlework.

Perhaps you shall
get to know them better soon.

Lady Delilah can barely
string a sentence together,

and Miss Goodrum thought
that Napoleon fights for the Spanish.

As for every other eager chit
you pushed in my direction,

I'd happily never lay eyes on them again.

-Anthony--
-I am looking for perfection, Mother.

And you should be too.

The woman I marry
shall be the Viscountess Bridgerton.

The lady of this household,
responsible for launching my sisters

and bearing my children.

Do you desire them to be raised by a woman

who does not know how to so much
as hold a map right side up?

This is the duty I must fulfill.

You will end up alone

with such expectations.

Good day, Mother.

-[Prudence singing scales in distance]
-[creaking in hallway]

-[coin clinks]
-[clattering]

[Prudence] ♪ La-la-la-la-la-la-la ♪

[knock at door]

Why is it so quiet in here?

Because I am alone?

Reading, as I always do.

[sighs deeply] You are so boring.

I will be perfectly putrefied
if Philippa does manage to marry Finch.

"Petrified." The word is "petrified."

What is that?

What is what?

-What you are writing.
-I am not writing.

But you were.

Prudence. Do not-- Hand it back!

Why, you little devil-doll!

This is what occupies your "quiet" time?

What are you ladies doing, still up?

Penelope was writing…

to Colin Bridgerton.

Well, that would explain
the ink all over her fingers.

I declare, Penelope.

-Colin is my friend!
-[giggles]

As if he would ever waste his ink
on someone like you.

-Are these worth anything?
-What?

Your books. Books can be
worth something, can they not?

I do not think so, Mama.

Oh, pity.

You must stop wasting your precious time

on such pointless pursuits
as writing silly letters.

Colin Bridgerton is no more your friend
than I am the next Catherine the Great.

Now, wipe your hands,
lest someone should think you a commoner.

[door closes]

[sighs]

Ma'am.

A letter for you.

[door opens]

Your tea grows cold.

My horses do not.

Did you plan
to ride again tomorrow morning?

I know all that goes on in my home.

And since you insist on sneaking around,

I may as well save us both the trouble.

Correspondence from your grandparents,
the Sheffields.

I wrote to them before you arrived.

Those people are not my grandparents,
Lady Danbury.

I have no relation
to them whatsoever, in fact.

It seems you have not been
straightforward with me.

I realize I should not have gone out
for a morning ride without a chaperone.

And what about failing to tell me

why you have truly
come to London with your sister?

I'm rather more concerned about that.

We have come to find Edwina a husband.

And is that all?

You would be wise to reconsider

resorting to more forgeries
and half-truths, Miss Sharma.

Very few attempt to outwit me,
and even fewer succeed.

You are living under my roof,
under my care,

relying on my good name,
my connections, my money.

I vouched for you and your sister
in front of Her Majesty the Queen,

all because

I thought I was paying
a kindness to an old friend--

And we are truly grateful for everything.

Your mama misses your father, naturally.

But she never really wanted
to come back here, did she?

You did!

I have no interest in being used
as a pawn in someone else's game.

That is not what we are doing.

Then tell me what stipulations
the Sheffields have apparently set down

with regard to Edwina's match.

Stipulations which,
if met, will, I am guessing,

guarantee great fortune
for you and your family.

Edwina must marry
an Englishman of nobility.

They could not control
your mama's marriage,

so they mean
to interfere with your sister's.

[Kate] Yes.

They never recovered
from my father's lack of rank and title.

Though let me assure you, Lady Danbury,
I am not here for selfish reasons.

After my father died,
Mama and I did the best we could

to raise Edwina, all so she would
never know of our struggles.

But our money ran low.
We used the last for this very journey.

The Sheffields have agreed
to bestow a sizable dowry on my sister,

and to look after my mama.

But only if Edwina marries properly.

And what about you?

If I could marry
for the sake of my family, I would.

But I am not
my mama's daughter by birth. Edwina is.

[softly] Oh.

I've spent the last eight years

raising my sister
to walk in the right way,

to talk in the right way,
to play the pianoforte just so.

Teaching her twice as much and watching
her work twice as hard as anyone else.

I even taught her how to make this pitiful
excuse for tea the English so adore.

I despise English tea.

[laughs]

But if it means my sister
will not be left destitute,

then I will smile, and I will nod politely

after each and every sip, to be sure.

[breathes deeply]

Your sister has a right to know.

As you said, it is her future.

That is precisely why I shield her.
Because I know her.

If she was made aware
of the circumstances,

she would marry quickly only to please us.

She would say yes
to any man kind enough to ask.

Edwina deserves a chance
to find love without such a burden.

Please, you must not tell a soul.

[Lady Danbury] Mmm.

[Lady Whistledown]
Formed under pressure, desired by many,

yet possessed only by a fortunate few,

there is nothing on earth quite so envied

as a diamond.

Might our queen finally

extinguish the fevered speculation

and bestow the highest of honors

to a most fortunate young lady tonight?

With so many futures at risk,

I do suspect this author
is not the only one

waiting with bated breath.

I do hope you are finding
everything in town to your satisfaction,

Lady Mary.

Indeed I am, Your Majesty.

This time around, that is.

Perhaps your mother would enjoy
some refreshment, Miss Sharma.

I might think Lady Mary
deserves some recognition, ma'am.

It's certainly a sign
of true devotion on her part,

having sought to introduce her daughters

under the discerning eye
of Your Majesty, after all.

The youngest one, in particular, I think,

will certainly make a match
that will be the envy of the ton.

Why do I sense my strings
being pulled, Lady Danbury?

You said you wanted
to shake up the season.

Now is your chance.

[Eloise groans]

Anyone here you've not yet rejected?

You're the artist.
Do you see anyone remotely inspiring?

We shall have our diamond tonight,
and I shall have a wife.

Lady Bridgerton. Miss Bridgerton.

Such a shame your presentation
at court was so rudely interrupted.

Shame, indeed.

[Queen Charlotte] I nearly forgot
you were making your debut this season.

After your elder sister's triumph,

perhaps good fortune
might run in the family.

[laughter]

Uh, it is a delightful ball, Your Majesty.

Very diamond-y. [chuckles]

Though, I must admit,
I am more of an emerald person myself.

[clears throat]

[laughing heartily]

Oh, dear!

My favorite necklace is one of emeralds.

-How thoughtful of you to know that.
-Oh. [chuckles]

It seems you have indeed

come a long way
since last year, Miss Bridgerton.

[hesitant chuckle]

[softly] Excuse me.

If the queen, in fact,
names Eloise the diamond,

whom will you marry then, Brother?

Hush, you.

[classical dance tune playing]

[breathing heavily]

Pen!

Pen! Pen, Pen. Pen.

We must leave.

The queen, she--
I somehow managed to charm her.

-She seems to, in fact, like me. I don't--
-Eloise, you must calm down.

Eloise Bridgerton.

[chuckles] The diamond.

Perhaps now you might stop spending time
with insipid wallflowers all evening

and refine your circle of friends.

-[Penelope sighs]
-I may have an opening--

-I would rather die.
-[gasps]

[stifling laughter]

[sighs]

[Eloise] How you managed
an entire season of these absurd events

alongside people like
Cressida Cowper is beyond me.

And it's not just her. It is all of them.

Staring at me as if I were
some fine china teapot.

How did you do it on your own, Pen?

I do not share your difficulties, El.

-"Insipid wallflower," remember?
-Ugh. That is not--

Cressida is incensed
that even her new dress

cannot hide her character.

[chuckles]

[Eloise sighs]

It's not that bad, you know.

-The wallflower thing.
-Mmm.

I always get the first glass of lemonade.

I know who all the best dancers
are just from watching.

I can always tell when a suitor is serious

about courtship just by how he looks
when a young lady dances with another.

The wall even affords me the chance
to hear what the footmen say in secret.

You've been keeping it from me.

You do not have
to pretend any longer, Pen.

-You like all of this.
-[chuckles]

-Well, it can be amusing.
-[chuckles]

I know you have begun
to think little of her,

but is Lady Whistledown
still not a source of amusement?

It's not that I think little of her.

When she was gone,
I thought I would miss her.

I thought I needed her
to make sense of this world. But…

now she is back,
reporting on the same old things.

Just another reminder of how trapped I am.

I can feel people's eyes on me.

Every time I walk into a ballroom,
I know they are comparing me to Daphne.

She was so good at being the diamond
and it made my mother so happy.

I can never live up to that.

I do not want to live up to that,
but it does not make it any easier to know

you are constantly disappointing people
just by walking into a room.

I never thought of it that way.

No one truly notices me.

I suppose that is what I like.

When you're invisible, you have
all the amusement you want

without any of
the expectations popularity brings.

It frees you.

Do you think that is why
Whistledown remains anonymous?

Perhaps.

Do you think that is why
Cressida is so cruel?

No.

I think she just wears her hair too tight.

[both laughing]

[Eloise] Oh.

[playing fanfare]

[hushed chatter]

Your presence is noted,

and your queen most appreciative.

Allow it to now be my honor
to present to you the season's diamond.

Miss Edwina Sharma.

[attendees gasping, muttering]

[classical music playing]

You look at her the way I look
at a finished painting, Brother.

Every man needs a muse, does he not?

Viscount Bridgerton.

Have you yet met my new incomparable?

I am most grateful
for the introduction, Your Majesty.

I only hope I shall be afforded
the pleasure of a dance.

I suppose I should thank you.

[chuckles softly]

Oh, child. It is much too soon for that.

You must know the real work begins now.

Indeed. There will be
a mire to wade through

on behalf of my sister, to be sure.

Speaking of, where is my sister?

Forgive my directness.
Do you have any thoughts about children?

Other than the fact that I desire them so?

However many I have, my lord,
I shall feel most fortunate.

Together with my husband,
we will chart the best course.

How very sensible.

Do you play
any musical instruments, by chance?

[chuckles lightly]

Many, in fact.

But, for the most part, my education
was taken up by more serious pursuits.

Modern languages, classical literature.

I do love to read.

You do not seem discomposed
by my line of questioning.

Why ever would I be?

A man who knows
what he wants is most admirable.

Is your father in attendance?
I should like to speak with him.

Sadly, my father died years ago.

Ah.

I'm so sorry.

As did mine.

[song ends]

Though, perhaps
you could speak with my sister.

It is her blessing
you shall need if we are…

Oh! Here she is now.

-Kate!
-[Lady Danbury] Ah, Lord Bridgerton.

I see you've met Miss Edwina. This is--

Her sister.

-Miss Sharma, my lord.
-Oh.

The Viscount Bridgerton
is a most excellent dancer.

Perhaps I may learn
a thing or two from you, my lord.

Would you join me
in the retiring room, Sister?

Is something wrong, Didi?

You are not to go near that man.
Do you understand?

She is a lovely diamond, dearest.

Indeed.

She is who I shall marry.

There are a few things
I must make you aware of.

[Lady Whistledown]
Color, clarity, carat, cut.

At long last, the queen
has named her most precious stone.

What is all this?

[Varley sighs]

Ma'am.

He is here.

The new Lord Featherington.

[footsteps descending]

Lady Featherington.

That still work if we are not married?

It's rather strange.

I thought the heir was old.

-I thought the heir was ugly.
-Ladies.

It is quite all right.
You must mean my father.

And no offense taken. He was ugly.

And very old.

So old that, well, he died.

I'm terribly sorry for my late arrival.
I made the trip from America.

But don't worry,
I've started taking care of things.

Philippa. That must be you.

Your dowry
to that fine Finch fellow is paid.

The late Lord's books
are on their way to me now.

And I even took the liberty
of having your possessions

moved from your bedchamber,
Lady Featherington.

[chuckling] Yes, it's still strange.

You had my possessions moved?

Well, I shall be taking over those rooms,
now that the home is mine.

You understand, yes?

[Penelope] It is like you said, Mama.

The new Lord Featherington
is here to provide.

[Lady Whistledown]
While this author finds Miss Edwina Sharma

to be an exceptional young lady,

it is about time I used these pages

of record for something else.

A shift.

Is the entire practice
of naming a diamond not…

well, rather ridiculous?

Should a woman not be valued
for so much more than her dancing skills

or her comportment?

Should we not value a woman instead

for her candor, her character,

her true accomplishments?

What do you think, Eloise?

-I love it.
- [chuckles]

Perhaps if the queen abandoned
this absurdity that is the diamond,

we would all see
that a woman can be so much more.

What is it, Your Majesty?

Edwina Sharma.

My diamond.

It seems she will need to do more
for me this season than simply sparkle.