Dearest reader, the moment is nearing for yet another season of romance and merriment in Netflix and Shondaland’s Bridgerton.
We have relished the previous three seasons showcasing the Bridgerton family’s romantic adventures: the Duke of Hastings and Daphne, then Kate Sharma and Anthony, followed by Penelope Featherington and Colin — along with a spinoff season focused on Queen Charlotte and King George. This time, drawing inspiration from the third novel in Julia Quinn’s series, An Offer from a Gentleman, showrunner Jess Brownell highlights another Bridgerton: the delightful Benedict (Luke Thompson).
But what transpired in the last season? Here’s a summary of the crucial points to remember from Season 3 of Bridgerton before diving into Season 4. Who tied the knot? What unfolded at the final ball? And what happened to Lady Whistledown?
Penelope’s identity as Lady Whistledown was revealed.
This was the pivotal revelation in Season 3: Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) was uncovered as the mastermind behind Lady Whistledown’s influential Society Papers. Pen was initially discovered by her closest friend Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) during the Season 2 finale, leading to a confrontation between them in Season 3. Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) confronted his new wife Penelope at the printers, creating a tense atmosphere given her writings about him and the Bridgertons. Moreover, Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) deduced Lady Whistledown’s identity by visiting every printer in the Ton, falsely claiming to be the author and blackmailing Penelope, only to be thwarted and taken away by her Aunt Joanna.
The truth was revealed at the Dankworth-Finch ball in the season finale. Feeling neglected in their marriages, Prudence (Bessie Carter) and Philippa (Harriet Cains) hosted a lavish ball, financed by their sister Penelope and graced by Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel). After accusing everyone of being Lady Whistledown, the Queen finally encountered her social adversary.
At the ball, Penelope gave an impactful speech detailing her reasons for becoming Lady Whistledown, desiring to be recognized and enthralled by the Ton. She sought the Queen’s permission to keep writing “responsibly,” which was granted. Penelope identified herself to her audience as Penelope Bridgerton in a new Whistledown column.
Penelope also assisted her mother, Lady Portia Featherington (Polly Walker), with financial difficulties resulting from Jack Featherington’s fraudulent actions in Season 2, by persuading a crown solicitor that the funds they siphoned off were her Lady Whistledown earnings.
Penelope and Colin tied the knot.
Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton professed their love after three seasons of yearning, but only after their friendship transitioned into romance. The revelation of Whistledown put a strain on their fresh marriage, as Colin felt betrayed and envious of her success as a writer. However, he eventually reconciled Penelope and Lady Whistledown as “one voice,” confessed his jealousy, and reaffirmed his love. In the closing moments of Season 3, Pen and Colin welcome a baby boy, while Philippa and Prudence celebrate the birth of daughters, making Pen and Colin’s son the new Lord Featherington.
Alice and Will Mondrich advanced socially.
In Season 3, Alice Mondrich (Emma Naomi) and Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe) gained social status, although they were kept in separate bedrooms due to a prudish housekeeper. Alice’s great-aunt bequeathed their son Nicky an estate and title: Baron of Kent, elevating their standing from Will’s prior life as a boxer and club owner.
Benedict explored a steamy polyamorous relationship.
Benedict, a part of the Ton’s artistic community, ventured into polyamory since Season 1. In Season 3, he embarked on a polyamorous relationship with widow Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) and Paul Suarez (Lucas Aurelio). However, their connection grew strained as Tilley developed feelings for Benedict, who leaned towards consensual non-monogamy, ultimately leading to their breakup.
Unfortunately for Benedict, Season 2 lovebirds Viscount Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and Viscountess Kate (Simone Ashley) departed for India in Season 3, leaving him to manage the Bridgerton family and find his spot on the marriage market.
Francesca and John tied the knot, but then…
Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) married John Stirling (Victor Alli) in the Bridgerton drawing room, gearing up for a move to his Scottish estate. Eloise opted to travel instead of entering the marriage market, accompanying Francesca and John to Scotland. John’s cousin Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza) joined their entourage, causing Francesca to feel flustered.
Lady Bridgerton and Lord Anderson developed strong feelings for each other.