Bridgerton season 2 revealed a character’s heartbreak, which explored the harsh truth about love, choices, and her journey to self-agency.
Bridgerton character Edwina Sharma’s (Charithra Chandran) heartbreak comes from a simple yet painful truth: reality didn’t bend into the fantasy she chose to believe. In the Netflix series, Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) was drawn to her for her status as the “diamond” of the season, not for romance. Edwina misread Anthony’s attention as the start of a fairy tale romance. He gave signs from the beginning that he could not offer Edwina a passionate love match.
She was disappointed when he didn’t propose during their time in the countryside. However, their relationship eventually led them to the altar, but it didn’t succeed until she realized his attention was on someone else. Her sister Kate (Simone Ashley) presented her with the truth, but she willingly embraced a fantasy, drawn to Anthony’s title.
Edwina was named the diamond of the season and was admired for her grace and beauty. She has been given many choices for a suitor, but she decided to choose status rather than genuine affection. Her pain at the altar was not caused by betrayal but by the clash between her expectations and reality.
Did Edwina Get a Happily Ever After in Bridgerton?
In season 2, episode 6, The Choice, Edwina’s heartbreak comes to a head. On the day of her wedding to Anthony, she realizes his eyes are often on Kate and that his heart is not truly with her. When Kate nervously dropped her mother’s bangle, Anthony quickly picked it up, and while handling it back, he gently touched Kate’s hand. Edwina was quick to understand what’s between them.
Edwina runs from the altar, confronting the truth about Anthony and Kate’s feelings. She meets Queen Charlotte, who tells her everyone deserves to know the power of true love. She also advised Edwina that it is the hardest to decide on love and the greatest choice anyone can ever make. Ultimately, she chooses not to marry Anthony.
Queen Charlotte plays a pivotal role in Edwina’s arc. The monarch suggests her nephew, Prince Friedrich, as a suitable match. Queen Charlotte in season 3 reminded us that Edwin had a splendid match abroad. While Prince Friedrich’s storyline is left open in the series, it hints at a potential love match in the future.
In the novels by Julia Quinn, Edwina does not marry Prince Friedrich, as he does not exist in the original books. Instead, she ends up with Mr. Bagwell, a kind scholar who shares her interests. They enjoy a love built on companionship and mutual respect. If the couple has the chance to appear in future seasons, it could give her a true romantic resolution while bringing the prince back into the story.
Charithra Chandran on Playing Edwina in Bridgerton
Charithra Chandran has described playing Edwina for the first time as truly an emotional experience. Speaking to Teen Vogue in April 2022, she said,
The costume experience was a really special one for me. It was actually the first time I cried as part of my Bridgerton experience, just because that was when it became really real, right? Seeing myself in those empire waistlines and a beautiful pink gown, it was really, really special.
Chandran explained that stepping into Edwina physically, through hair, makeup, and wardrobe, helped her fully inhabit the character. She said,
Once I have my hair in Edwina’s updo and I have my makeup on and my dress on, [it’s] like I’ve become the character.
Bridgerton made a significant South Asian representation by choosing Chandran and Ashley, both British-Indian actresses, as the leads of season 2. Chandran has also emphasized the significance of representing South Asian culture on screen. Their roles challenge stereotypes and bring more diversity to period dramas. Chandran also shared that she cried hearing the Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum cover, a popular Bollywood song, in the series.
What do you think Edwina’s love will be seen in future seasons? What are your thoughts on her character? Let us know.
Bridgerton Seasons 1-3 are available to stream, and Season 4 Part 1 is premiering on January 29, 2026, on Netflix (US).
