Original subtitles

Dearest gentle reader, of all the sweet

nothings a man can whisper in a woman's ear, this author believes the three most

common words in Mayfair may be, be my

mistress.

This author knows of at least one mister whose wife is not the only woman in his

life. Certainly such auxiliary pairings are expected.

But if word has reached this author's ears, then a certain mister

should perhaps learn to be more discreet.

Beings from opposing worlds are often drawn to one another.

But... But...

But

though a moth may love a flame... A letter for you got mixed in with the

family's mail this morning.

Thank you.

It will burn, should they meet.

Mrs. Wilson never overslept. Yes.

And it is very unlikely she would fail to wake you in time for me to sneak

In fact, I think Mrs. Wilson would sooner walk naked through Mayfair. My

By Allah.

It's merely that Hyacinth is hosting her ball this week. Well, no, it is not a

ball. It is a rehearsal for her and her peers to practice what they have learned

in their dance lessons. She thinks that they get his ball.

I enjoy seeing how much you enjoy your children's happiness.

And I think they would so much enjoy seeing your happiness.

This Mr. and Mistress you write about, it is Mr.

Hiscox, is it not? Well, please don't ask me that.

No, I thought it was a finely written issue. Well, surely you can tell me.

Because I know it is Mr.

Hiscox. Half the ton knows.

And I thought the whole point of Whistledown is that she always names

She is rather tired of everyone in the ton expecting her to write whatever they

please. I cannot tell you the number of people who told me that gossip. So many

people that I decided to write about it. If only to warn Mr Hiscock to be more

cautious. To ruin the reputation of his entire family.

So it is Mr Hiscock's. Oh.

I felt safe in London, knowing that Penwood House is on the outskirts of

But to know that Araminta could be living anywhere now.

I'm afraid that I do not know to where she's moved.

She and the girls left in such a hurry, and the new Lady Penwood only left to

set the new housekeeper with her, praise be.

Well, whoever the new Lady Penwood is, let us hope for your sake she is less...

Less of a she -devil.

Alfie! Oh, that felt good to say.

Now we shall have to see about the new Lady Penwood next week, after

are complete.

She's yet to show her face.

And your new employers?

You have not said who they are.

A very pleasant family.

Whose name is?

The Bridgers.

What? Who?

The Bridgers.

So fair.

I knew I recognised those colours.

The Bridgers in uniform really suits you.

How did this happen?

Well, it just... I found

employment at Kavanagh House in the countryside.

Philip Cavender turned out to be a knave. I threw a glass of water in his

and then Benedict Bridgerton appeared, and there was a stretch of Cavender's

face. We fled together, got caught in a downpour, took refuge at his cottage,

which is not a cottage at all, may I add. I nursed him back to health. He

me to kiss him while he was asleep, and then I somehow kissed him while we were

both awake.

He well and I kidnapped me and brought me to London, forced me into a job at

mother's house. We avoided each other until it all became too much to bear,

now he has asked me to be his... Good God, he's what?

So? What did you say?

We cannot be together, Alfie. It's a terrible thing to have been asked.

Is it?

You would be given lodging, an allowance, the freedom to come and go as

please. No real duties besides the duty of keeping Mr Bridgerton happy. And am I

wrong to imagine that would please you as well?

It would certainly please me.

What is so terrible about it?

Nearly every high society gentleman had a mistress or so. I know that.

Better than anyone, surely.

What do you mean to do?

That is why I sent for you to meet me.

To inquire if you know of a position elsewhere.

Now that the maid wars have subsided, I hear London has been flooded with more

hands than there are positions.

There is an opening under the new Lady Penwood.

It would be excellent to have you home.

But I thought the old Lady Penwood spread the word that you were not to be

hired. A letter of introduction from Violet Bridgerton means far more in this

town than gossip from Araminta Gunn. Lady Bridgerton had written your letter

introduction.

She will.

I'm certain she will.

Hopefully before I have to see Mr Bridgerton again.

How is Mrs. Modridge?

She is at the palace, being fitted for her lady -in -waiting position.

She's at the palace?

Palace. At the palace.

Very well.

What is it?

There is a woman. Of course there is.

Is it the woman from the masquerade?

No. She does not exist, remember?

I found a new woman, my foolishness.

And... I believe that I have upset her.

Except it was all I could do.

Who is she?

And what you did was... She is not a person of any rank, and I asked her to

with me.

You mean... as your mistress?

I cannot ask her to marry me.

Making her your mistress is the only way tolerated by society.

But no matter her rank, no woman, no man, no person truly desires to

be hidden.

Did you at least make it clear that you wish in some fantastical world that the

two of you could be together legitimately?

No.

But we are not in a fantastical world.

So would not that have been dishonest? It is not about honesty. It is about

gesture.

How can a woman trust you to navigate a complicated life with her when she

cannot trust you even to navigate her feelings?

It's quite tight.

You look magnificent.

Stand taller.

Who is this?

This is your new lady -in -waiting, Your Majesty, Mrs Alice Mondridge.

You may remember it was she who offered a suggestion as to Mr Bridgerton's

unknown lady.

You may take your place.

And was her suggestion well -founded?

Your Majesty, I... I have not heard.

Surely you will find out for me, Lady Danbury.

You and I have such crowded diaries of engagements, Your Majesty. I assure you,

Mrs. Mondridge will deal with this.

Good evening.

Or should I say, good morning?

Nearly. My deepest apologies.

Did we keep you up?

I have not wanted to break up the festivities, but it is four in the

We are planned to have breakfast at 9 .30.

Is there a reason we are breaking up fast at 9 .30?

Perhaps we could push it a little later.

I fear that would be most unkind to our cook, who will already be up at six.

Considering we have probably kept the entire house awake, apologies, truly, we

did not notice the time, perhaps we could give everyone the morning off and

some fruit and bread ourselves.

We used to plunder the kitchen all the time when we were children.

It was great fun. I do not wish to do that.

Let us keep.

to our usual time.

And we will come to bed now.

Thank you.

I do not want Eloise to be present during any of my lessons after my

as she is not in the least interested in my future. That is not...

Exactly true.

I simply... You do realise, Eloise, that if you are no longer sitting in on

finishing lessons, then you must return to the marriage mad. That was our

arrangement. What?

No, you cannot do that. Well, I believe I just did. Mrs Wilson, Sophie, shall we

make a survey of the Grand Hall for the recital?

Hyacinth, let us convene.

Hyacinth, surely we can... Hyacinth, I will be there shortly.

Lady Bridgerton, may I steal a moment of your time? Of course.

Sit, please.

Miss Hyacinth's driving you mad with this recital planning.

She acts as if she were making her debut.

No, my lady, I am enjoying her enthusiasm.

Ma 'am, I know I have not been here for long, and I am so grateful to you for

your many kindnesses, but I am also aware that this position was created for

and I should not like to tax your generosity any longer. Sophie, there is

tax. I have been made aware of a suitable position elsewhere.

And I wondered if you might be so kind as to write me a letter of introduction.

Has something occurred to make you wish to leave?

No, ma 'am.

My desire to leave has nothing to do with anyone in this house.

I simply have an opportunity to work again in the house I grew up in, and I

should like to return to that familiar place.

And what house is that again?

You mentioned you grew up in Aylesbury, yes?

Yes, Mom.

I have not been to Aylesbury.

It's famous for its owls, no?

Yes, though I do not much like owls. They are quite frightening.

I would be happy to write you a letter if that is what you wish.

But do you mind if you wait until after Hyson's recital? Of course, Mom.

Thank you, Lady Bridget, and I am most grateful.

Do you ever get the sense that Sophie is hiding something?

Do you think she's taking advantage from her? No, the opposite.

I wonder if her history is less lowly than she admits with her education, her

manner of speaking.

Sometimes governesses turn out to be the runaway daughters of nobility, do they

not? Governesses, yes, but I've never met a maid of noble origins.

Shall I make inquiries?

Oh, please.

She mentioned that she was from Aylesbury, but when I mentioned the

she was unbothered.

Aylesbury is famous for its ducks. Exactly.

Oh, Mrs Wilson, would you mind extending an invitation to Lord Anderson for the

recital?

I think it is time we come around.

Of course, ma 'am.

In my nearly four decades as butler, not once has the family moved in before the

decoration was complete. It is unusual, or most unusual.

But you see, Lady Penwood, when her husband died, his cousin inherited the

title.

The new Lord Penwood prefers the contrary, so he let our ladyship stay at

Penwood House in London all these years.

Until the new Lord Penwood took a wife, and so he wrote to tell our ladyship and

her girls to vacate to a rented house.

Immediately.

I do like it here.

I much prefer our old home.

Yes, well, at least we are next door to the Bridgerton.

Who do still have one very unmarried son?

Two unmarried sons.

A, B, C, D, E, F.

Gregory, I believe is his name. Who perhaps will be eligible by the time you

ready to marry.

Progress between you and Mr. Bridgerton?

Mrs. Varley?

Yes, my lady.

We had searched through all the crates for my missing shoe clip.

Ma 'am, we have. We could not locate an additional pair.

I had 37 pairs of shoe clips before the move. I now only have 36.

I counted the last time my shoes were all cleaned.

Perhaps you double -counted a pair, then.

Shoe clips do all look so alike.

These were diamond French clips. I do not have another pair like them.

If you wish, I drove a hard bargain for some clips from my previous lady show. I

have an idea about where they went.

I believe they were stolen.

By one of the household servants.

Sophie Beck.

I cannot go back on the marriage mart.

But I cannot avoid it if she will not speak to me, and it seems she will not

speak to me if it is about anything other than the marriage mart.

Perhaps we should introduce Hyacinth to John's cousin.

I don't want to tire her out.

Darling is certainly tiring me out.

Is that

Benedict?

Ah, yes.

He sent for me. But now I have run into you, so he will have to make do with the

two of us.

Eloise, Francesca and Sophie.

Good day.

Shall we walk?

In fact, I wish to speak with Eloise.

I've been thinking how we might get you back into her since Good Grace.

Have you?

I believe the answer is a feather.

A feather?

You know how she was always trying to steal both of your presentation

I thought we could send you into the shop to purchase her one of her own to

for her assignment.

Was that truly your idea?

No.

I had to hatch out Mrs Wilson, but it is a good one, is it not?

You two go on ahead. I will keep Sophie company.

But I do not... Surely your heart will guide you to select the correct one.

And if not, Francesca has exquisite taste.

You knew I would not speak to you at the house.

You made Miss Bridgerton your pawn in order to see me.

Forgive me.

I had to see you. You did not answer my letter. Because I do not wish to see

you. You did not answer my letter, and I understand why.

When we were in the stairwell, I was so taken by the moment. Yes, I understand.

We were both carried away.

Is that all it was to you?

Why have you brought me here? What do you want?

I had hoped for an answer.

To whether or not I will be your mistress.

You truly do not know me at all.

Briefly did you know that being your mistress is the last thing I would ever

want? My answer is no.

Miss Bridgerton.

I simply picked the first one I saw. I think it is an excellent choice.

for you to enter this way, miss.

My ladyship cannot meet with you. If she refuses to come down, I will scream.

She has written about me and disrupted my life. I now have a right to disrupt

hers. Ray.

Mrs. Bridgerton, I tried to send her away, but she was making a scene, so I

to bring her in. Very well.

Just to make sure no one saw.

You are Lady Whistledown.

I am.

What you have written about me. I did not name names. It does not matter.

Everyone knows I'm the mistress to whom you referred.

The moth drawn to the flame. I only wrote what I wrote because word had

spread.

I hope to warn you on Mr Hiscox. And what about me? Did you not think of me?

Everyone may have been speculating, but Whistledown made it real.

Real for the ton.

Real for his family.

And now my plan to save small sums so that I could be independent the day he

inevitably dropped me for someone prettier and younger.

It is all gone.

It is a terrible position that he has left you in.

But I am not sure there is anything I can do.

Help me.

Please. Write again.

Say it is untrue.

Say the ton has confused me for someone else. Please. Virginia, I... It would

not change anything.

My readers would not believe me. You were seen together far too much.

We were careless.

As it is because we love one another.

Love.

But it is your quill that has ruined me.

It is unsurprising you are not feeling your best.

Miss Stirling has kept you up nearly every night.

We will hardly sleep tonight in preparation for her soiree tomorrow.

It is not the lack of sleep.

It is Parliament.

You know, I enjoy Michaela immensely.

She has always brought out a certain lightness in me.

A lightness which I could use at the moment.

Because of Parliament?

Because of Parliament.

The Seditious Meetings Act, the Clergy Residents Act, and on.

And you are certain it is not because you are disappointed that we remain

childless?

I assure you, it is Parliament.

It is only that we were getting along so well before she became our guest.

Now it seems we hardly have any time together.

I understand.

I do miss our routine.

But I also hate to leave Michaela unattended.

Michaela will be well.

Perhaps we could introduce her to some gentlemen tomorrow night.

Then she might make her own routine. Please, let us not.

I believe she's quite insistent on marching in dispensary.

That is all.

I realise I must prove myself to the Queen, but I do not love the idea of

on the Bridgertons.

I do not wish to betray their confidence.

What?

Mr Bridgerton can use all the help he can get.

Trust me, he's a little confused at the moment.

Lady Bridgerton's interests align with those of Her Majesty.

If you are a true friend to the Bridgertons, you will realise that all

intrigue is in their best interest. Could you not talk to Lady Bridgerton

me? No, my dear. The point is for me to step back.

Nicky did have an invitation to Miss Hytham's recital.

He has not had a single dance lesson.

Well, we all have to start somewhere.

Here's

Scott.

Here you are.

Oh, Bridgerton.

Two more.

Oh.

Would you like one as well? I shall help you with yours.

What has happened?

You do not look well.

You are not a reading man.

If you were, you would know of my plight and my stupidity.

You speak of Miss Virginia?

I was forced to end things.

To protect her, in truth, but she does not understand.

What will you do?

What can I do?

As I see it, I have two options.

There is giving up.

And there is giving in.

Returning to the demimonde.

To a midday drunk.

To chasing sorrows in the bottom of the bottle. Would you like to join me in

one?

Not just yet.

What are you doing in here?

I was... I was... I was cleaning.

And you?

I was around the corner and I could not stand the thought of passing by without

seeing you.

Who is this woman to you?

She is...

Someone I met one night at a ball some months ago.

Do you have feelings for her?

I did.

Until I met you.

Is she someone you would have married?

It does not matter.

It is you that I want now.

Why do you find it suitable to kiss me?

Because you are irresistible.

But why is it suitable?

Why was it suitable to kiss me by the lake or in the stairwell?

Would he have found it suitable to kiss the lady that you met at that ball?

Or would he have been a gentleman and refused to ruin her?

Would he have asked her to be your mistress?

Do you truly understand what you're asking me with that question?

You are asking me to relinquish my virtue, my dignity, my self -respect, or

be reduced to a glorified courtesan who will never be able to marry.

I may not be as high as a lady, but I refuse to be that low.

As a maid, I am respectable.

I am necessary, and now here you stand attempting to rob me of that too, and

what?

Tell me, please, for what? I apologize.

Forgive me. I will go.

I do not believe I've heard the name Sophie Beck.

I knew her Mrs. Brock once.

Ah.

Thought I might come across you a lot.

Oh, Mrs. Farley.

What a pleasure to see you. You have been missed.

Yes. Well, my new employer used to live on the other side of town, but we have

just moved into the square.

Oh, that's right. You're no longer at Featherington House.

You must feel like you're on holiday with your new employer, compared to Lady

Featherington.

What are you implying, Rebecca?

Well, she may not have been perfect, but neither is Lady Penwood.

Penwood? I heard she runs through staff faster than tea leaves. She has had me

dismiss more servants over the last few months than I have had in the rest of my

career. Perhaps one of them is your Mrs Brock.

Beck. Sophie Beck.

Have you heard anything about her?

We have recently hired her at Bridgerton House.

I'm not certain.

There's been some trouble with her.

Heavens no. She is one of the finest maids I've ever hired.

Diligent to a fault.

Oh. I'm afraid I cannot tell you anything.

Sophie Beck.

I cannot say I know her, but I did used to work with another Miss Beck many

years ago.

Very good.

Oh, Benedict.

Oh.

The boys and I were just partaking in our monthly dining club when Gregory

happened to stop by.

Our wives are gathered at Dankworth House so that we might enjoy our

cheeses. Would you like a slice of taleggio?

No, thank you.

I woke up thinking today is a very good day for day drinking and came to see if

you'd come with me. But I do not wish to interrupt.

Oh, stay.

We can have Barnes bring you a brandy if you wish.

Gentlemen.

We were just giving Gregory some advice on the matters of the heart. Ah.

Before he attends Hyacinth's recital, he hears a few charming young ladies will

be in attendance.

We do not often encounter the fairest sex, Peter.

Why have you not asked me?

Clearly I am the more seasoned brother.

Yes, but you are not married, so you clearly have not been the most

When I met my Philippa, I knew immediately she was the one.

I courted Mrs. Dankworth an entire summer.

Sometimes affection does take time to grow.

That's the thing. Once I meet someone, how do I know if she's interested? You

cannot.

Not truly.

But you must be brave.

Do what our eldest brother told me to do with Penelope.

You tell her your own feelings.

I know there's nothing more terrifying, but once you've met that young lady who

was meant for you, who challenges you...

sees you as you are, you cannot let any amount of fear stop you from letting

your heart speak.

One ends up on an island.

It is a delightful party, Lady Kilmartin.

Kind of you introduce your cousin to society.

Yes, well, I am missing my baby sister's recital tonight, but we are obliged to

act as host.

She is quite a woman of passion, do you not think?

Yes, absolutely.

I cannot wait for tonight.

Daphne told me that if a young man takes a fancy to you, he will offer to obtain

a lemonade for you.

We must make sure to have enough.

Lemonade have to do it. No one told me about lemonade. There will be plenty, I

assure you.

I shall check that everything is in order. Oh, before you go... I should

like to tell you both that I have a friend attending tonight, and he is

Lord Anderson.

Lady Danbury's brother? Yes, yes.

Lady Danbury cannot attend tonight, but he will, because he is my friend.

I have a friend.

I must ensure the footman will come by with lemonade regularly.

What is this about lemonade?

Oh, Hyacinth, I brought you something for tonight. You do love feathers.

Thank you.

But Sophie has already arranged my hair for my liking, and I do not wish to look

like the silly girl you think I am.

We can begin your return to the marriage mart tonight.

I believe there are several older brothers here as chaperones.

Lady Bridgerton. Yes.

I have information about Sophie.

How? The housekeeper at Lady Luton's house once worked with another Miss

Sophie's mother, surely.

Who is from London and not Aylesbury.

Sophie has a mother's name, which likely means that... She is illegitimate, I

would imagine.

I find I am disappointed.

I had hoped perhaps she was of legitimate nobility so that she may be

Suitable? For what?

Oh, I do not know.

It was foolish. Thank you, Mrs Wilson.

Mrs. Varley. My lady.

It is tea time.

Yes, ma 'am.

And here is the tea.

We should like to take evening tea in the small parlour. We have been waiting

there nearly an hour.

My apologies.

Ma 'am, under my last ladyship... Mrs. Varley, I am not Lady Featherington. And

frankly, I am tired of hearing about her. We misunderstand one another so

frequently.

Perhaps this arrangement has run its course.

Ma 'am, if you could just give me another chance.

To do what? Take advantage of my good nature again?

To leave me without help while you spend nearly an hour at the market as you did

this morning?

I was trying to gather information on the maid who wronged you this morning.

Sophie Beck.

I believe she's working at Bridgerton House.

She is divine.

And so you must be brave.

We will begin with the long ways.

Now the young men may approach.

Matthiasen.

Pleasure seeing you again, Lord Kent.

Take your places.

Posture.

And now, your river run.

Good evening, Matthiasen.

Good evening.

Miss Rochelle, is it?

May I inquire about your interest?

Well, and now we bow and curtsy and take a small break for a refreshment.

So, how did it go? Did you have a good conversation?

I think I may be in love.

Yeah.

I enjoyed our dance very much.

Although I must say, I'm rather thirsty after such activity.

As am I.

I shall fetch some lemonade.

I said to do your footwork for the long way. It was

impeccable. Oh,

Miss Bridgerton.

I've not seen your society for some time. Are you making a return?

You are here.

I am.

You are.

Here, with my family, and the world has not fallen apart.

The time is right.

Lady Bridget, I was wondering how things went with Benedict and Miss Hollis.

Oh, by your neighbour.

We had her and her mother over for tea.

She's most amiable.

Sadly, she is not Benedict's young lady.

That is unfortunate.

Indeed. In fact, I do not think he is even looking for his young lady anymore.

Is that because there is someone else? No.

No.

Rufy.

Mr. Bridgerton.

Do you need something?

No.

I found it.

We will begin the next dance, which our girls will dance with their chaperones.

Are you ready, brother?

Are you ready for our dance?

There's always a comfort to have you in the room.

Thank you, Lady Danbury.

You're most welcome.

I had hoped to be at Hyacinth Recital, but when the Queen called... Yes, I had

hoped to be there as well, but Her Majesty did insist on my bringing you

Thank you.

Your Majesty, as you requested, Mrs.

Bridgerton.

Mrs. Bridgerton, I called you here because I did not like your column this

Why are you no longer naming names?

Your Majesty, I've... And there has not been any news of Mr Bridgerton of late.

How are we to settle our bet if you do not write of him?

I've had to employ Lady Danbury to do your job.

You may answer.

Your Majesty, for so long Whistledown has brought me joy.

And like you, I will always believe in the power of gossip.

But since I have become known publicly, there's been a change.

The power I hold over the ton, it is too great.

There is an imbalance.

I'm no longer a wallflower, an outsider.

I am a Bridgerton.

I'm privileged to visit the Queen.

Whistledown takes up a space which makes it impossible to deliver good, true,

fair gossip.

And I have considered, well, I was wondering if you might consider, knowing

you are a patron not only of Whistledown but also of the arts, if you might

consider letting me rest my column and pursue other writing.

No. No, no, no.

Why does everyone keep asking me these questions?

I should like to retire.

Brimsley.

Francesca, I cannot thank you enough for tonight.

We are most happy to be your host.

I noticed you did not have much of a chance to speak to Lord Taylor.

Miss Sterling.

I believe we spoke, in fact.

It was a pleasure hearing about your barley holdings.

I do love barley.

May I join your conversation?

Certainly. We may bore you, though.

My cousin and I cannot stop reminiscing about our childhood.

Yes, Lady Kilmartin talked a good deal about how much of a family woman you

And I am a family man myself.

Lady Kilmartin believes we have much in common.

If you will excuse me, my lord.

I could use a moment to freshen up.

I asked you, kindly, not to force suitors onto Michaela.

He expressed interest.

I thought perhaps she might be flattered. That is not the point,

I will find her.

I will patch this up.

What are you doing in here?

And on the floor? You've all ruined your dress. Will you please give me a

moment?

You are upset with me.

Why?

Do you not remember ambushing me just now with an unwanted suitor?

I apologise.

I assumed John was overstating the case when he suggested I should not introduce

you to suitors. My cousin asked you not to interfere and you did so anyway.

Lord Taylor is a respectable gentleman.

I was simply trying to help you find a companion.

Francesca, you do not know me.

So please, draw back.

And how am I meant to know someone who is determined to be unknowable?

The entire time we were in Scotland, you could hardly contain your chaos long

enough to stay in one place for longer than five minutes.

And now you turn up here, to our home, uninvited.

How do you suggest I respond when you show me, my husband, so little respect?

assure you, John does not feel this respect.

He appreciates my chaos. You could do with some yourself.

Then why has he been unwell since your return?

Perhaps your insistence on idleness has to blame.

You are causing him distress.

No, I am causing you distress. Of course you are.

You cannot understand what it is like being newly married, desperately wanting

to be a good wife, all the while feeling constantly inadequate, like there is

something wrong with me. Must you add to that?

You have had your housekeeper organise your jigsaw collection numerically.

What could possibly be wrong with you?

He loves you, Francesca.

In John's eyes, you need never worry about being inadequate.

I never intended to cause either of you distress.

I'm only here because I miss my cousin.

I worry for him when I'm away.

We have been through so much together.

But I see now I do not have to worry.

He is you.

He cannot be more secure.

It is only... There are very few people I feel secure with, and John is one of

them.

I have never seen him laugh the way he does when he is with you.

Which is why, if I am honest, I'm a little envious of your chaos.

Perhaps I can be open to it.

As long as you do not expect me to stay up past ten o 'clock.

I may be chaotic, but I'm not struck with madness.

Were you a little drunk?

I knew you were more forthcoming than usual.

You are not the only one who can be spirited.

Well, I could use more spirited friends.

Friends then?

Earlier this week, this author wrote at length about beings from opposing

worlds.

The draw of two differing desires can be torture at best.

This author wonders if perhaps the desire is not the problem,

but the world itself.

Well, my impersonation of Lady Danbury has been another failure.

Perhaps we should leave for home?

Hmm.

Where has Nicky gone?

Run off with Gregory, surely?

I'll try to find him.

Are you?

I'm sorry I'm not an Eton boy.

Don't ask Eton boys, they're not all that astonishing.

But surely that will change.

And I do not wish to miss the moment in front of me.

And let us make it a decent moment.

You've ruined it, you've ruined it.

Back on track.

We're back.

We finally know who the new neighbour is.

She left a calling card before the recital began.

Oh? What is their name?

Araminta Gunn.

The Dowager Lady Penwood.

Araminta Gunn is our next -door neighbour. She was here.

I'm suddenly feeling poorly.

Oh, no.

Will you tell Mrs Wilson I'm going to lie down for a little while?

We will take a brief interlude before we begin with the boulangerie.

Benedict, leave that be.

I've simply forgotten something in my room. Whatever is going on between the

of you, it is not appropriate. Mother, before you chastise me, might I inquire

what you were doing with Lord Anderson?

You are bedding a man who is not your husband with your children sleeping down

the hallway.

That is none of my business, but nor is mine yours.

Sophie, tell me what is wrong.

It would be easier to inform you of what is right.

Well, that is not an answer. Then I'm afraid I shall not give you one. Now,

please, leave me alone.

No, I'm not going anywhere. Not this time.

I'm here for you. But I do not... Ask you to be... Do you not understand that?

To touch me or to kiss me.

I did not ask you to show me a world that could never be mine or to let me

believe it could be.

Each time you show me, it hurts me.

You hurt me.

Please, let us stop this. I cannot be subjected to more. Sophie, please. I

leave first and no other servant see me. I do not care who sees.

All I care about... Of course you do not care who sees, but when do you stop to

think about me?

Every moment of every day.

There is not a single moment you do not fill my mind.

I've heard every qualm you've raised about being with me, and I wish there

some other way for us to be together.

But the thought of spending a single day without you torments my soul.

You deserve the very world, but how else am I to be with a woman society has

made it impossible for me to be with? The woman I was foolish enough to fall

love with.

I love you, Sophie.

You cannot.

No, I cannot.

I cannot love a maid. I cannot be with a maid. I cannot think of a maid every

waking hour, longing for a life with her. And yet, you have

taken possession of me.

Shot me back to life.

Turn me from someone who cannot sit still for a moment to one who wishes to

in one single place.

Beside you.

For as long as I might live.

But you will have to take a wife.

Society, your mother, it will be expected eventually.

I'm the second son. I'm not even needed as a spare anymore.

There is already an heir.

I would not marry. I could not look twice at anyone else.

If only you would love me back.

You will change your mind. Your attention will be drawn elsewhere.

You are not that kite in my study.

You're the person I've been searching for all my life.

I love you.

I love you.

I want you.

I wanted you.

I heard it can hurt.

Hmm.

Huh?