Previously on Netflix’s Bridgerton, Benedict and Sophie spend time together as they stay a week at his cottage. The day before they leave, they share a kiss, only to agree to pretend it never happened. 

The episode begins with Benedict and Sophie arriving in London. She learns that Benedict gave her a new job at the Bridgertons’. Once they get into the house, Violet pulls her son aside to tell her that there aren’t any openings for Sophie, but Benedict persuades her to give her the job. Meanwhile, as Sophie gets settled in, Gregory returns home from Eton. During the night, Sophie and Benedict get another moment alone, as she stares out the window. The two of them share a kiss. 

The next day, Violet has tea with Sophie. Violet asks about why she was fired from her previous work, but Sophie tells her there was a disagreement. Violet tells her she wants her to keep her position there full-time. Later, she meets with Agatha, telling her that she feels as though she wants to protect Sophie. 

Agatha wants Alice to become Queen Charlotte’s new lady-in-waiting. So, she decides to have Alice speak to Charlotte regarding Benedict’s mystery woman. Alice believes that she has a neighbor who fits the description. Charlotte is eager to hear and gives her the position. Later, Violet gives Benedict the news about Alice’s neighbor. 

Violet has tea with Alice’s neighbor, Miss Hollis, along with her mother. Benedict realizes she’s not the mystery girl, but continues to converse with them. Sophie comes into the room for tea and notices Benedict, immediately smiling at him, until she notices Miss Hollis. She begins pouring tea, and Benedict says he doesn’t want any, and as she tries to pour some into his cup, it spills on his hand. Sophie rushes off to get another cup, while the Hollises leave. But, before they do, Violet and Benedict learn that Miss Hollis did not attend the ball. 

Sophie comes back into the room to clean up, and Violet stands by the door outside, watching the interaction between the two of them. She tells him that she finds it hard for her to stay there when she sees him every day. He tells her that he will go back to his bachelor lodgings if that will make her more comfortable. 

Benedict decides that he may end his pursuit of finding his ‘Lady in Silver.’ Violet tells him that there will be someone out there for him, even if it’s not his mystery woman. 

Francesca and John host a family dinner, while Violet pretends to be ill, as she secretly meets with Lord Anderson. John’s sister, Michaela, shows up unannounced for the dinner. Francesca is left speechless. Meanwhile, Violet prepares for her visit. 

While in his lodgings, Benedict is drawing Sophie and realizes something, and rushes back home. The two of them bump into each other inside and immediately kiss. He tells her, “I stay away because you consume me.” He asks her to be his mistress, which catches her by surprise. She then hears her colleagues waiting for her, so she leaves him. 

Overall, this was a good episode, with a lot of tension between Benedict and Sophie and Francesca’s surprise guest. Ruth Gemmel has done an amazing job, as always, as Violet. During this episode, she’s starting to branch out and start to experience her romantic life outside of her life with Edmund. With the second part of this season coming out on Thursday, only time will tell what will be next for everyone. 

Rating: 8.5/10