Previously on Netflix’s Bridgerton, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) became caught in a love triangle between Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) and Lord Debling (Sam Phillips). Both Penelope and Colin found themselves thinking of each other as more than just friends. They tried to ignore their feelings for one another as the tension ran high between the two. Viewers were also introduced to Lady Agatha Danbury’s (Adjoa Andoh) brother Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis), who could be a possible love interest for Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell).
Now, we’re here for the fourth episode, “Old Friends.” The episode starts with the sisters, Phillipa (Harriet Cains) and Prudence Featherington (Bessie Carter), hurrying to spy on Penelope as Lord Debling visits her. Their mother Portia (Polly Walker) is watching as well. Lord Debling brings her a planted flower as a gift. Penelope’s face is filled with joy as she tells him that she’s glad to be there with him.
Next, we see Colin reading his journal, putting it away as his mother walks into his study. Violet tells him that they’re expecting Lord Samadani (David Mumeni) to call on Francesca. And although Violet would like for him to attend, he tells her that it wouldn’t be best. Colin warns her that if he were to come, he’d eat most of the food, but it is just a cover-up on why he doesn’t want to attend.
As Lady Whistledown begins to narrate, we see Benedict visiting Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New). He has a bouquet in his hand as he comes to call on her. Although she tells him no, they quickly become intimate in her bedroom.
We see Violet and her children prepare for their morning as Francesca awaits Lord Samadani’s arrival. A suitor comes, but not Lord Samadani. To Francesca’s surprise, it’s John Stirling (Victor Alli), the gentleman she met briefly the night of the Hawkins Ball, and her nervous breakdown. The two sit and smile in silence, while Violet, Eloise (Claudia Jessie), and their younger siblings watch from across the room. Lord Samadani finally arrives, interrupting Francesca and John’s quiet moment. John leaves allowing Francesca and Lord Samandani time together. But, Francesca keeps her eyes on John as he exits the doorway.
Everyone comes to attend another event in a huge library. Penelope goes straight to the books, grabbing one to read until her mother comes to her, closing the book. Portia tells her daughter that she must have all of her focus on Lord Debling for the day. As they’re talking about him, he comes their way. As the Bridgertons make their way inside the library, Colin notices Lord Debling and Penelope talking. Lord Debling brings up his interest in her passion for reading. Then, Lord Debling brings up asking for her hand in marriage, theoretically. Penelope becomes nervous thinking about how soon he could propose while she still may have feelings for Colin.
The next day, Francesca and Violet are walking through town when they see John. Francesca quickly walks up to him. As he comments on a violin being played on the street, she tells him why the tune is wrong. He seems interested in the conversation, but abruptly walks away, leaving both Francesca and Violet confused.
Later, we see Penelope as she finds Lord Debling in her home. Portia tells her that he has come to ask for her permission to propose. Although exciting, Penelope looks more nervous and upset. She’s still hopeful about Colin. When Portia finds out that she’s waiting for love, she’s disappointed because she doesn’t believe in true love like her daughter.
At the next event hosted by Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), Lord Debling dances with Penelope, while Violet and Lord Anderson get to know each other more. We learn that the Lord’s wife has passed, making the loss of a spouse something they have in common.
While everyone is gathered at the event, Colin is at home in his study. He starts to think about moments with Penelope. Because of that, he leaves and goes to the event to find her.
Back at the party, after dancing with Lord Samadani, Francesca talks to John. As he’s handing her a gift, he apologizes for his abrupt disappearance from earlier. The gift is a sheet of music for her piano. Overwhelmed, Francesca tells Violet that she’d like to go home early. The Queen watching from her seat is confused by Francesca’s leaving.
Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) points out to Eloise that Colin is making his way to Penelope and Lord Debling as they dance. The two of them watch from across the room. Colin asks to take turns and Lord Deblings allows it, making Cressida take her turn to dance with him. Penelope tells Colin that she is going to accept the Lord’s proposal. Penelope glances at Lord Debling as he exits the room and follows after him.
Penelope stops him from leaving as he confronts her about her feelings for Colin. Even though she tries to deny it, Lord Debling knows it’s the truth. He tells her that she should try to figure things out with Colin and ends up leaving. Colin comes outside as he notices Penelope’s carriage leaving the premises and chases after her. He stops the carriage, but Penelope doesn’t want to speak with him. Colin asks if Lord Debling proposed, which he did not.
Colin tells her that he cares about her and that she cannot marry Lord Debling. She tells him what happened between her and Lord Debling. The two of them finally confess their feelings for each other.
This was overall a very satisfying episode as we see Penelope and Colin finally confessing their love for each other. The episode ends with Colin abruptly asking Penelope if she’s going to marry him or not, which the viewers know that she will. Their chemistry is incredible. Although it was slow in the beginning, there were so many things happening all at once. It’s exciting to see what the next episode will bring.
Rating: 9/10