Learn how Netflix’s adaptation leaves one complex detail about Penelope and Colin as Bridgerton Season 4 tests Lady Whistledown.
Netflix has had its own spin on Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books, and the show tends to overlook one key detail about Penelope: the question of title. Many fans remain confused about whether Penelope, who now has a son with Colin, will be the new Lady Featherington, given that she has provided an heir to the estate.
However, Penelope is neither Lady Featherington nor Mrs. Bridgerton for long. Once Benedict marries, she will be Mrs. Colin Bridgerton. As for being the Lady Featherington, that would have only applied if she were married to Lord Featherington.
Moreover, the title only applies to male heirs. Since her son will be Lord Featherington, only his wife will have the right to that title. As for Colin and Penelope, they will remain Bridgerton. One proof of this is the Mondrichs, whose son is now the Baron of Kent, but they remain Mr. and Mrs Mondrich.
Furthermore, their son’s surname will remain Bridgerton since Lord Featherington is only a title and not a name. Similar to how Simon Basset is the Duke of Hastings, but not Simon Hastings. Meanwhile, until he comes of age and marries, Penelope will at best be the Lady of the House, that is, in charge of managing affairs.
However, at the same time, while the books adhere to the British peerage rules, the Netflix show has already taken several liberties. Therefore, it is not guaranteed that it will adhere to the rules, tweaking them for the sake of storyline and drama.
How the Mondrichs’ Storyline Mirrors Penelope and Colin’s
The Mondrichs, Will and Alice, are key characters in the Netflix series. They end up transitioning from a working-class life to the aristocracy when their eldest son, Nicholas Mondrich, inherits an estate from a distant relative.
In a way, their storyline subtly mirrors that of Penelope and Colin. Both couples end up inheriting an estate because of their sons. While they don’t inherit the titles, both must now navigate the burden of managing the estate until their sons come of age and marry.
Moreover, while Will and Alice are outsiders, in a way, Colin and Penelope are too. Colin is just as unusual as his siblings, but he is more open-minded and less careful of what the ton says. As for Penelope, she has been the wallflower for the longest time, and now her identity as Lady Whistledown has been revealed. While it gives her power, it also excludes her from the rest.
Both couples must now navigate their marriages while trying to fit in with the rest of the ton, even when characters like Penelope are born to stand out.
Penelope’s New Challenge in Bridgerton Season 4 as Lady Whistledown
If Penelope’s title situation is complex, wait till you know about the challenges awaiting her in the upcoming Season 4 of Bridgerton. Now no longer behind curtains but out in the open as Lady Whistledown, she will have to navigate her dual identity in the ton.
In an interview with TV Line, showrunner Jess Brownell confirmed that Season 4 will be a turning point for her, given her profession.
[Season 4 is a] big season for Penelope, because she finally came out as Lady Whistledown, so she’s having to navigate what it’s like being a gossip columnist when the people you’re writing about know you’re the one writing about them.
While Colin will be there to support her, even though it will surely put a strain on their relationship, the challenge is more complex than what we saw in the trailer. We see Penelope standing before Queen Charlotte, as the Majesty instructs her to write.
Given Charlotte’s fascination with the gossip columnist, Penelope will surely struggle with the Queen’s interference in her craft. This is bound to cause rifts between them, now that the Queen may want to use her, as Penelope will fight for control.
What are your thoughts about Penelope and Colin’s storyline in Season 4? Let us know in the comments below.
Bridgerton Season 4 will release in two parts: Part 1 on January 29 and Part 2 on February 26 on Netflix.
