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.
Hatch!
Sir.
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.
Morning.
Good morning.
I… I am concerned that Mrs. Wilson may have overslept.
-Mrs. Wilson never oversleeps. -Well, yes, but…
And it is very unlikely she would fail to wake you in time for me to sneak away.
In fact, I think Mrs. Wilson would sooner walk naked through Mayfair.
Marcus.
Violet.
It's merely that Hyacinth is hosting her ball this week.
Wait-- No, no, it is not a ball.
It is a… a rehearsal for her and her peers to practice
what they learned in their dance lessons, but she seems to think it is a ball.
I enjoy seeing how much you enjoy your children's happiness,
and I think they would so much enjoy seeing your happiness.
Mmm.
This mister and mistress you write about, it is Mr. Hiscox, is it not?
Please do not 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 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. Hiscox to be more cautious,
lest he ruin the reputation of his entire family.
So it is Mr. Hiscox.
Oh…
-Thank you. -Thanks, miss.
I felt safe in London knowing that Penwood House is on the outskirts of town,
but to know that Araminta could be living anywhere now…
I am afraid that I do not know to where she's moved.
She and the girls left in such a hurry.
The new Lady Penwood only let her take the new housekeeper with her, praise be.
Whoever the new Lady Penwood is, let us hope for your sake she is less…
-Less of a she-devil? -Alfie!
Ooh… That felt good to say.
Then we shall have to see about the new Lady Penwood next week,
after renovations are complete.
She has 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 Bridgertons. Mm.
Sophie.
I knew I recognized those colors.
The Bridgerton uniform really suits you.
How did this happen?
Well, it just… simply…
I found employment at Cavender House in the countryside.
Phillip Cavender turned out to be a knave. I threw a glass of water in his face.
Then Benedict Bridgerton appeared and threw his fist at Cavender's face.
We fled, 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 asked me to kiss him while he was asleep.
I somehow kissed him while we were both awake.
He well-nigh kidnapped, brought me to London,
forced me into a job at his mother's house.
We avoided each other until it all became too much to bear,
and now he has asked me to be his…
…his…
Good God, his what?
…his mistress.
And so? What did you say?
We cannot be together, Alfie. It is a terrible thing to have been asked.
Is it?
You would be given lodging, an allowance, the freedom to come and go as you 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 has a mistress, Sophie.
I know that. Better than anyone, surely.
Well, 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 from Violet Bridgerton means far more than gossip from Araminta Gun.
Lady Bridgerton has written you a letter of introduction?
She will.
I am certain she will.
Hopefully before I have to see Mr. Bridgerton again.
And how is Mrs. Mondrich?
She is at the palace, being fitted for her lady-in-waiting position.
She is at the palace?
Alice 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 have found a new woman to inspire 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 be with me.
You mean,
as your mistress?
Well, 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 is quite tight.
You look
magnificent.
Stand taller.
Who is this?
This is your new lady-in-waiting, Your Majesty, Mrs. Alice Mondrich.
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. Mondrich
will deal with this.
You'd be broken, vase.
That can't have happened.
Uncle was furious.
-Of course! -I have never seen his face like that.
Good evening.
Or should I say, good morning.
Nearly.
My deepest apologies. Um…
Did we keep you up?
I have not wanted to break up the festivities, but it is…
four in the morning.
We are planned to have breakfast at 9:30.
Is there a reason we're breaking our 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 find some fruit and bread ourselves.
We used to plunder the kitchen all the time when we were children.
Yes, it was great fun.
I do not wish to do that.
Well, 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 rehearsal,
as she is not in the least interested in my future.
That is not… exactly true. I simply--
You do realize, Eloise, that if you are no longer sitting in on finishing lessons,
then you must return to the marriage mart.
That was our arrangement.
What?! No, you cannot do that.
-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.
Is Hyacinth 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 me,
and I shall not like to tax your generosity any longer.
There is no tax, truly.
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 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… you mentioned you grew up in Aylesbury, yes?
-Yes, ma'am. -Mm-hmm.
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.
Hm.
I would be happy to write you a letter if that is what you wish.
But do you mind if you wait until after Hyacinth's recital?
Of course, ma'am.
Thank you, Lady Bridgerton. I am most grateful.
-Miss Hyacinth. -These can go right there.
The dessert menus can go there.
Mrs. Wilson, do you ever get the sense that Sophie is hiding something?
Do you think she's taking advantage somehow?
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 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 famous owls, she was unbothered.
Aylesbury is famous for its ducks.
Exactly.
-Mm. -Oh, Mrs. Wilson.
Um…
Would you mind extending an invitation to Lord Anderson for the recital?
I think it is time he 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, uh… unusual?
Mm. Most unusual. But you see, Lady Penwood,
when her husband died, his cousin inherited the title.
The new Lord Penwood prefers the country, 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.
Though I much prefer our old home.
Yes, well,
at least we are next door to the Bridgertons,
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 are ready to marry.
Has there been any progress between you and Mr. Bridgerton?
Mrs. Varley?
Uh, yes, my lady.
Have you searched through the crates for my missing shoe clips?
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 for my previous ladyship.
I have an idea about where they went.
I believe they were stolen
by one of the household servants.
Sophie Baek.
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.
That ought to tire her out.
Miss Stirling is certainly tiring me out.
Is that Benedict?
Ah yes, he sent for me.
But 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 Hyacinth's good graces.
-Have you? -Mm. I believe the answer is a feather.
A feather?
You know how she was always trying to steal your presentation feathers?
I thought we'd send you to the shop to purchase her one of her own,
to wear for her recital.
Was that truly your idea?
No. I had Hatch ask 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.
Sophie.
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?
Um… I…
I had hoped for an answer.
To whether or not I will be your mistress?
-Well-- -You truly do not know me at all.
If you did, you'd know 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.
Oh.
Thank you.
It is not proper 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. -Rae.
Mrs. Bridgerton, I tried to send her away, but she was making a scene.
-So I had to bring her in. -Very well.
I trust you made 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 already spread.
-I hoped to warn your 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. -Miss Virginia, I…
It would not change anything.
My readers would not believe me. You were seen together far too much.
We were careless.
But it is because we love one another.
Loved.
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,
and 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 Residence Act, and on.
And you are certain it is not because you are disappointed that we remain childless?
No, 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.
-She might make her own routine. -Please, let us not.
I believe she is quite insistent on marching into spinsterhood.
That is all.
I realize I must prove myself to the Queen,
but I do not love the idea of spying 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 is a little, uh, 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 realize that all this intrigue
is in their best interest.
Could you not talk to Lady Bridgerton for me?
No, my dear. The point is for me to step back.
Nicky did have an invitation to Miss Hyacinth's recital.
He has not had a single dance lesson.
Well, we all have to start somewhere.
Hm.
Hiscox, are you well?
Oh, Bridgerton!
-Two more! -Oh…
Um… would you like one as well?
No. I shall help you with yours.
What? 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 here? -What are you doing in here?
Uh, I was… I was…
Uh…
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?
No, I did.
Until I met you.
Is she… someone you would have married?
It does not matter.
It is you that I want now, Sophie.
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 you have found it suitable to kiss the lady that you met at that ball?
Or would you have been a gentleman and refused to ruin her?
Would you 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,
all to 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 for what?
No.
-Tell me, please, for what? -No, I apologize.
Forgive me, I… I will-- I will go.
I do not believe I have heard the name. Sophie Baek.
I knew a Mrs. Brock once.
Ahh… Thought I might come across you lot.
Oh, Mrs. Varley.
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.
Baek, Sophie Baek.
Have you heard anything about her?
We have recently hired her at Bridgerton House.
Mmm… I'm not certain.
Um, has there 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 Baek… I cannot say I know her,
but I did used to work with another Miss Baek 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 imported cheeses.
-Mm. -Would you like a slice of Taleggio?
No, thank you.
I woke up thinking today is a 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 fairer sex at Eton.
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 successful.
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 is the thing. Once I meet someone, how do I know if she's interested?
-Well-- -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… well, once you have met that young lady who is 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.
And suddenly we realized our compass had broken.
Our compass had broken. Can you believe it?
We simply decided it was a sign to continue on sailing.
And that is how one ends up on an island.
It is a delightful party, Lady Kilmartin.
Kind of you to introduce your cousin to society.
Yes, well… I am missing my baby sister's recital tonight,
but we were obliged to act as hosts.
She is quite a woman of passion, do you not think?
Yes, absolutely. Do you want to go in? Everyone.
Do you want to come in? Let's go.
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.
What does lemonade have to do… No one told me about lemonade.
There will be plenty, I assure you.
I shall check that everything is in order.
Before you go…
I should like to tell you both that I have a…
a… a friend attending tonight, and he is called 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, uh… I brought you something.
For tonight. Eh, you do love feathers.
Thank you, but Sophie has already arranged my hair to 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 Baek.
Sophie's mother, surely?
Who is from London and not Aylesbury.
Sophie has her mother's name, which likely means that…
She is illegitimate, I would imagine.
Mm-hm.
I find I am disappointed.
I had hoped perhaps she was of legitimate nobility
so that she may… be suitable.
Uh… suitable? For what?
Oh.
I do not know.
It was foolish. Thank you, Mrs. Wilson.
-Mrs. Varley? -My lady.
It is teatime.
Yes, ma'am.
And here is the tea.
We should like to take evening tea in the small parlor.
We have been waiting in 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…
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… I was…
trying to gather information on the maid who wronged you this morning.
Sophie Baek.
And?
I believe she is working at Bridgerton House.
Hi.
We have lots of lemonade…
She is divine.
And so you must be brave.
We will begin with a longways. Now the young men may approach.
Miss Hyacinth.
Pleasure seeing you again, Lord Kent.
Take your places.
Posture.
And now, your reverence.
Oh…
Good evening, Miss Hyacinth.
Good evening.
Miss Rochelle, is it?
-May I inquire about your interests? -Well…
And now we bow and curtsy and take a small break for refreshments.
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.
Sister, your footwork for the longways was impeccable, of course.
-Oh. -Miss Bridgerton.
I've not seen you in society for some time.
Are you making a return?
I… Ooh…
Smile.
Oh.
You are here.
I am.
You are here with my family, and…
the world has not fallen apart.
The time is right.
Lady Bridgerton.
I was wondering how things went with Benedict and Miss Hollis.
Oh, my. Your neighbor.
We had her and her mother over for tea.
She is most amiable.
But, sadly, she is not Benedict's young lady.
Aww. 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.
Sophie.
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?
-Hm? -Are you ready for our dance?
It is always a comfort to have you in the room.
-Thank you, Lady Danbury. -You are most welcome.
I had hoped to be at Hyacinth's recital, but when the Queen calls…
Yes, I had hoped to be there as well.
But Her Majesty did insist on my bringing you in.
Thank you.
Your Majesty,
as you requested,
Mrs. Bridgerton.
Hmm. Mrs. Bridgerton.
I called you here because I did not like your column this week.
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 has been a change.
The power I hold over the ton, it is too great.
There is an imbalance. I…
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…
I was wondering if… if you might consider,
knowing that 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?
Huh… I should like to retire.
Brimsley.
Francesca, I cannot thank you enough for tonight.
Mm. We are most happy to be your hosts.
I noticed you did not have much of a chance to speak to Lord Taylor.
Miss Stirling.
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,
as my cousin and I cannot stop reminiscing about our childhood.
Lady Kilmartin talked a good deal about how much of a family woman you are.
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, Francesca.
I will find her.
I will patch this up.
What are you doing in here? And on the floor?
-You will ruin 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 apologize.
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?
I assure you John does not feel disrespected.
He appreciates my chaos. You could do with some yourself.
Then why has he been unwell since your return?
Perhaps your insistence on idleness is 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 organize 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 am only here because I miss my cousin.
I worry for him when I am away.
We have been through so much together.
But I see now, I do not have to worry.
He has you.
He cannot be more secure.
It is only…
There are very few people I feel secure with, and John is one of them.
Truthfully…
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 am not struck with madness.
Are 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 an utter failure.
Perhaps we should leave for home?
Mmm.
Where has Nicky gone?
Run off with Gregory, surely.
I'll try to find him.
Are you well?
Are you?
I'm sorry I'm not an Eton boy.
Turns out Eton boys are not all that astonishing.
But surely that will change.
And I do not wish to miss the moment in front of me.
Then let us make it a decent moment.
You've ruined it.
Back on track.
We finally know who the new neighbor is.
She left a calling card before the recital began.
-Oh? -What is her name?
Araminta Gun.
The Dowager Lady Penwood.
Araminta Gun is our next-door neighbor? She was here?
Mmm.
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 Boulangère.
Benedict.
Leave her be.
I… I've simply forgotten something in my room.
Whatever is going on between the two of you, it is not appropriate.
Mother.
Before you chastise me, might I inquire what you are 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?
Sophie, tell me what is wrong.
It would be easier to inform you of what is right.
-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 did not… ask you to be.
Do you not understand that?
I did not ask for any of this.
I did not ask you to pursue me or… or 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.
So please, let us stop this. I… I cannot be subjected to more.
-Sophie, please. -I will leave first so no servants see me.
I do not care who sees. All I care--
You do not care, 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 have raised about being with me,
and I wish there were 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 in love with.
What?
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,
turned me from someone who could not sit still for a moment to one
who wishes to be 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.
But you will change your mind.
Your attention will be drawn elsewhere.
You are not that kite in my study.
You're the person I have been searching for all my life.
I love you.
Of course I love you.
I love you.
Is it all right?
I want you. I've wanted you for so long.
Slow at first, please.
I've heard it can hurt.