Previously on Netflix’s Bridgerton, Benedict asked Sophie to be his mistress, but she did not respond. Francesca and John have begun to explore their intimacy, but his cousin, Michaela, has shown up unannounced. Meanwhile, Hyacinth has started her preparation for the recital that she will be hosting, with Eloise’s assistance.
The episode starts with Benedict sulking in his room as he sends a letter to Sophie, asking to meet. Sophie receives it and throws it into the fire. The next day comes, and Sophie walks around town with Alfie. She tells him about working for the Bridgertons, and he’s shocked. She also tells him about her intimate moments with Benedict. She voices to him that she wants to leave and find work elsewhere. Meanwhile, Benedict tells Will Mondrich about her, who makes him question his situation with her.
It is Alice Mondrich’s first day as Queen Charlotte’s new lady-in-waiting. Lady Agatha Danbury goes with her in support, but Charlotte is on a mission to figure out if Alice’s presumption from the previous episode was correct or not about Benedict’s mystery girl. Alice is now put in an uncomfortable situation, having to figure out if it’s true or not, by going to Violet or Benedict for answers.
Francesca finds Michaela and John laughing late at night. Francesca finds it disrespectful that they are up so late and being loud. She makes John go to bed with her.
The next morning, Sophie talks with Violet about her position. Violet agrees to write her a letter of recommendation, but wants to wait until Hyacinth’s recital. After their talk, Violet talks to Mrs. Wilson, feeling like Sophie has been hiding something from them.
The Penwoods move next door to the Bridgertons. Later on, Lady Penwood finds out that there’s a possibility that Sophie is working for the Bridgertons.
Francesca and Eloise go walking around town with Sophie. Across the street, Benedict walks over to them. He sends his sisters to the store so that he can get Sophie alone. She gives him her answer: no. Later that night, she sneaks into Benedict’s office to look around. She finds the painting of her from New Year’s Eve. She then begins to find drawings of her. Benedict finds her. She asks about the mysterious woman. He tells her, “It is you that I want now, Sophie.” He tries to kiss her, but she doesn’t let him.
Michaela has John and Francesca hosting a gathering for her, meaning that Francesca can’t attend her sister’s recital. Later that evening, Francesca and Michaela get into an argument, with Francesca admitting that she’s jealous of how Michaela makes John smile and laugh.
During the recital, through the entire evening, Benedict and Sophie find themselves looking at each other from across the room. Violet notices from afar, watching both of them. Sophie overhears that Lady Penwood and her daughters have taken residence next door. Sophie runs upstairs, and before Benedict can follow, Violet tells him to “leave her be.” He tells her that he knows that Marcus isn’t just a “friend” of hers and goes to Sophie.
Benedict confesses his feelings for her, telling her that he thinks of her every single day. He tells her that he loves her, and she says that he cannot, which he knows, but it won’t stop him. He tells her, “You’re the person I’ve been searching for, all my life.” She tells him she loves him too, and they kiss, giving in to each other.
Overall, this was a well-awaited episode. It’s wild to think how long this series has been on, especially as we’re now seeing the youngins Gregory and Hyacinth getting older. It’s relieving that Benedict realized he had to open himself to Sophie and ignore all of the negativity coming from his mother and others. The moment he told her that he loved her was Bridgerton written all over it, with the Bridgertons always having the tension and emotionally filled moments of expressing themselves. Now that they have shared intimacy, what will Benedict and Sophie decide to do in the next episode?
Rating: 9/10