Bridgerton Season 4 is ready to sweep viewers off their feet; this time, it will be our beloved commitment-phobe, Benedict (Luke Thompson), finding the woman of his dreams at his mother Violet’s (Ruth Gemmell) famous Masquerade Ball. Before we don our lavish masks, let’s recap what happens in Season 3, where the social fabric of the ton is changed forever and many of the Bridgerton siblings embark on separate journeys.
Lady Whistledown’s Identity Is Publicly Revealed in ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3
Although viewers have known for quite some time that Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) is the hand behind high society’s most addicting gossip and Queen Charlotte’s (Golda Rosheuvel) most elusive nemesis, Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews), the members of the ton only find out in the Season 3 finale. Throughout the season, Penelope embarks on a whirlwind romance with Colin (Luke Newton), while constantly doing damage control as people discover her trueidentity. Cressida (Jessica Madsen) attempts to blackmail her for a hefty sum to use as an escape from her own dismal fate, which instigates Penelope’s decision to publicly confess the truth.
During her sisters’ ball in the finale, Penelope admits to writing the gossip columns and vows to use her quill responsibly in the future, winning not only the Queen’s pardon but Colin’s devotion. He also admits to feeling inferior to her, but realizes he is lucky to have such a talented wife. A later scene shows them living happily together after bearing a son, while Penelope’s sisters give birth to daughters. Although their family situation is resolved, since Penelope allows her mother to use her Whistledown columns as a cover for their sudden wealth, we’ve yet to see the ripple effects of Penelope’s admission across the ton. Going into Season 4, the social dynamics of high society and their true opinions about the Featheringtons and Bridgertons may have changed.
The Bridgerton Siblings Go Their Separate Ways in Season 3
The Season 3 finale also sees many of the Bridgerton siblings planning to part ways. Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony (Johnathan Bailey) appeared this season in a reduced capacity, but this will be limited further in Season 4 as they plan to visit Kate’s home in India. Meanwhile, Francesca (Hannah Dodd) is also moving to the peace of the Scottish Highlands with her new husband, John (Victor Alli), joined by Eloise (Claudia Jessie), who is desperate to see the world now that her spark for changing it has been rekindled. Eloise had spent most of Season 3 trying to fit in, even befriending Cressida and empathizing with the pressure her parents put on her, but soon realized the ton and the marriage mart weren’t for her.
Alongside these farewells are the promises of something new. Francesca, who had taught Violet that love can be quiet and slow-burning, meets John’s cousin, Michaela (Masali Baduza), and is hit by that peculiar, breathless, and stammering response her mother always thought true love was. It’s clear that the flustered Francesca finds Michaela attractive, which fans of Julia Quinn’s novels will recognize as the female version of Michael, Francesca’s love interest in the sixth book. Something new also blooms for Violet, who meets Lady Danbury’s (Adjoa Andoh) estranged brother, Marcus (Daniel Francis). Lady Danbury smooths things over with Marcus, and by the finale, she gives Violet her blessing to pursue a romance with him, warning that she would pick Violet over her brother any day.
‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Will Focus on Benedict’s Romance
The notable Bridgerton sibling to stay close to home is Benedict, and he is teed up to begin his own romance in Season 4. Throughout Season 3, however, he dives deep into an exploration of his sexuality, especially when he meets the intriguing and mysterious Tilley (Hannah New). He begins a torrid love affair with her that also involves another man, Paul (Lucas Aurelio). His story is less about bisexuality and more about finding freedom in sensuality and not being forced to choose. So, when Tilley expresses that she wants to commit to a deeper relationship, he refuses, and they part amicably.
As such, by the end of Season 3, Benedict is firm in his stance about avoiding attachments and settling down, which establishes the beginning of his embarking on his own romantic journey in Season 4. As we know from the books and previous announcements, his love interest will be Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), a maid with a mysterious past. Judging by how adamant Benedict is about his freedom at the end of Season 3, Sophie will have her work cut out for her, but we can likely expect drama, romance, and glamour from any Bridgerton love story.
