- This page is about the Netflix character. For the book character, see Lady Danbury
Agatha Danbury (née Soma Anderson) is a senior matron who is considered one of the most powerful women in London high society.
History[]
Early Life[]
Born Soma Anderson in Sierra Leone, she was betrothed at age three by her parents to Lord Herman Danbury, a man much older than her. She was taught to like all of his favorite things and perform all of his favorite songs on the piano. She married him at a considerably young age. Over the course of the union, she would bear him four children, although she would come to loathe and resent her husband.[2]
King George and Queen Charlotte's Wedding[]
After an uncomfortable encounter with her husband, he told her he had a surprise for her, but didn't tell her what it was. As soon as he fell asleep, she got up and took a bath. She complained to her maid, Coral, that she hadn't gotten any warning that he would be coming to her. Coral said she didn't get any warning because Coral hadn't gotten any from the butler. She suspected the spontaneous coupling was tied in with the surprise, which was that they'd been invited to the royal wedding. She was surprised as their side never mixed with the other, but Coral said the Bassets had also received an invitation. Additionally, she would attend the queen as a part of her court.
They attended the wedding, where Princess Augusta informed them that they would be titled members of the ton, as they would be uniting society. When they entered the wedding, Lady Danbury got a glimpse of the future queen and understood, as she was brown like them.
At the reception following the ceremony, Lady Danbury introduced herself and said she'd be part of the queen's court. She warned Queen Charlotte to be careful and promised to come if Queen Charlotte sent for her.[3]
Meeting Queen Charlotte[]
In the days following the wedding, Lady Danbury was subjected to additional attention from her husband as he became frustrated that the men of the ton were not including the newly-titled men in her outings and were not allowing them into White's.
Lady Danbury was surprised to be summoned to meet with Queen Charlotte. She arrived to find that Queen Charlotte had requested her because Brimsley said she'd be the most discreet about meeting with the queen during her honeymoon, when she wasn't meant to be receiving visitors. Lady Danbury asked if she could speak freely and Queen Charlotte dismissed her staff so they could. Queen Charlotte admitted that her wedding night had been a disaster and they hadn't consummated the marriage. Lady Danbury said that meant they weren't actually married and her position was in danger. Then she drew pictures to illustrate exactly what Queen Charlotte and King George needed to do. She also told the queen that she'd never found pleasure in it, though she supposed one could.
After this meeting, Lady Danbury met with Princess Augusta, who knew she'd had tea with the queen and wanted to know what they'd talked about. Lady Danbury used this as leverage to get Princess Augusta to agree to use her influence to get the other members of the ton to include the newly-titled men in societal events as well as money and an estate for her and her husband. In exchange, she could provide the information Princess Augusta wanted. Lady Danbury and Lord Danbury went to their new estate together and she let him believe that it was his father's relationship with the former king that caused it.[4]
First Ball[]
Princess Augusta invited Lady Danbury to another tea. Before she went, Lord Danbury asked her to declare that she wanted to throw the first ball of the year and get Princess Augusta's support. She promised to address it when he tried to get her to cancel the tea. At the tea, Lady Danbury lied and told her the king and queen were happy together and enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon. She also said she'd spoken to Queen Charlotte about an heir.
Privately, Lady Danbury told Queen Charlotte that she would get through her marriage by focusing on producing an heir.
At a later meeting, Lady Danbury told Princess Augusta that Queen Charlotte showed no signs of being with child. Princess Augusta asked her to keep an eye on that as a royal baby would seal the Great Experiment. Lady Danbury suggested that she could throw a ball, the first of the year, that would also help. Princess Augusta said that wouldn't be accepted, but Lady Danbury used Princess Augusta's reliance on her for information to get her support.
Instead of waiting for Princess Augusta's approval, Lady Danbury decided to send out invitations to the ball, heading her off.
While listening to a young Mozart with Queen Charlotte and the other ladies-in-waiting, Vivian Ledger told Lady Danbury that she'd received the invitation but wouldn't be able to come to the ball. Several other ladies agreed.
Desperate, Lady Danbury went to Queen Charlotte and told her she needed Queen Charlotte to encourage the other ladies-in-waiting to attend the ball. She also explained the racial tension in the ton and how her life would be different if she were not the queen. She encouraged the queen to think about her country and her people as she held their fates in her hands.
Lady Danbury prepared for the ball and was pleased when several families from the ton who had previously declared they weren't coming showed up. Lord Ledger informed her that the king sent them a personal note and they decided they couldn't miss an event the king was attending. Despite their presence, Lady Danbury was displeased that the two sides weren't mixing. This was resolved when the king and queen arrived and started dancing together, followed by Lord Ledger asking Lady Danbury to dance.[5]
Lord Danbury's Death and Mourning[]
That night, Lord and Lady Danbury were having sex when Lord Danbury suddenly collapsed and died. Lady Danbury went to Coral and subtly told her what had happened. Then Coral helped her put on a show for the other servants, pretending to be wracked with grief at his death.[5]
In the days following Lord Danbury's death, Lady Danbury reflected on her marriage and how she'd been raised to be his wife after being betrothed to him at the age of three. She was taught to love all the things he loved, leaving her not knowing how she actually felt about things. She needed to learn how to exist in the world now that that was over.
After talking to some of the other newly-titled families, Lady Danbury worried that her son might not inherit his father's title and estate, leaving their future uncertain. To help her figure out where she stood, she sent a letter to her husband's solicitor and met with him, through which she learned that her husband had depleted much of their money funding their new lifestyle.
During her mourning period, she began taking walks around her property. On her first walk, she met Lord Ledger, whose property shared a boundary with hers. They began walking together daily, talking. She confided in him her troubles with the estate and her son's title. She also said she had a birthday coming, but it would just be another day spent in mourning.
Wanting to establish some security for herself, Lady Danbury took her eldest son, Dominic, to meet Princess Augusta. Despite Lady Danbury's efforts, Princess Augusta refused to acknowledge him as Lord Danbury.
When she returned home, she learned that Queen Charlotte was there. Queen Charlotte asked to stay with Lady Danbury, but Lady Danbury knew she had to go home because she was pregnant with the heir to the throne and it would be treasonous for Lady Danbury to hide her. She went to Queen Charlotte and said that if they wanted to be friends, they needed to start over. And if they wanted to live the lives they wished for, they needed to make the men think of them.
Soon after that, Lady Danbury went to leave, but found Lord Ledger at her door. He had a birthday hat he'd made for her because he didn't want her birthday to pass without celebration. Then they finally gave into the pull and started kissing. They moved to a bedroom, where they had sex.[2]
Starting a New Life[]
As Lady Danbury prepared to go for another walk to meet Lord Ledger, she told Coral that he was kind and joyful and she felt joy when she was with him. When she met up with Lord Ledger, she was surprised to see he'd brought his daughter, Violet. They subtly said goodbye to each other and parted ways.
Lady Danbury then met with Princess Augusta, who tried to get information out of Lady Danbury and in exchange hinted that she could help solidify her son's title.
When Lady Danbury told Coral about this, Coral suggested that Lady Danbury give Princess Augusta something small, though Lady Danbury said she couldn't as she'd promised Queen Charlotte friendship. She also couldn't trouble Queen Charlotte by asking her to intervene in the issue over her son's title.
Lady Danbury met with Queen Charlotte, who was progressing in her pregnancy. She said the royal physician had told her it would be quick and painless to give birth, but wanted Lady Danbury's experience. Lady Danbury said it was the worst pain imaginable, but then backpedaled and said it would only hurt a little and she'd barely remember it.
When Duke Adolphus arrived in London for business, he asked if he could call on Lady Danbury. She said she'd like that. She told Coral it solved her problem, because marrying him would solidify her future.
Queen Charlotte went into labor and Lady Danbury supported her while she gave birth.
After the birth, Lady Danbury continued to socialize with Duke Adolphus. She also met with Princess Augusta, who told her that after her husband died, she had to throw herself on the mercy of her late husband's father, a cruel man who abused her and her son. But it allowed her to manage her own fate. She urged Lady Danbury not to lose control of her own fate.
At the conclusion of Adolphus's business, he said he was going to return home. Lady Danbury said she'd see him on his next visit, but he actually wanted her to go with him as his wife. He believed they could be happy together. He told her to think about it and he'd wait for her answer.
Lady Danbury was invited to and attended a ball thrown by the king and queen to introduce the newborn prince. At the ball, Adolphus found her hiding away from the crowd and she asked him what their marriage would look like. He told her she'd have some duties and she'd have to learn the language. And she'd have to have some more children. Though he promised to raise the Danbury children as his own, he would also need an heir. They could even come back to England together every few years. Lady Danbury told him she couldn't marry him because she couldn't marry anyone. She'd grown up breathing someone else's air and needed to learn who she was on her own. It might be a mistake, but it was hers to make.
As Lady Danbury went to leave the ball, Queen Charlotte stopped her and asked her about refusing Adolphus's proposal. She said she was upset that Lady Danbury didn't come to her with her concerns over her estate and title. Lady Danbury said she didn't want to put her burdens on top of the queen's, but the queen said they had one crown and the burdens were shared. She and the king ruled for the welfare of their subjects, new and old. She expects Lady Danbury to come to her directly with her concerns in the future and address her by her title, ensuring it was hers to keep.[6]
Taking Simon In[]
Lady Danbury was a dear friend of Simon Basset's mother, Sarah. When Sarah became pregnant and prepared to give birth, Lady Danbury came to the estate to be at her side. However, Sarah's husband, the duke, wouldn't allow her into the room. When the duchess cried out, the duke ran into the room, leaving Lady Danbury on the other side. The duke was only interested in learning if he had a son and when it was confirmed that he did, he took the newborn Simon to present him to the crowd while Lady Danbury went to Sarah's side. She soon after passed out from blood loss due to hemorrhage and died with Lady Danbury by her side.
Lady Danbury visited the estate a few years later and found young Simon practicing his schooling and not dead as she'd been led to believe he was. She was shocked to learn he didn't have any manners despite having learned to read and write. He quickly demonstrated that he had a significant stutter. She decided to take him under her wing, saying she'd help him with his stammer and in exchange, he'd promise that when he stood in the light, he'd be worthy of the attention he commanded. When Simon was eleven, she presented him to his father, now extremely accomplished for his age. Despite this, his father still rejected him and called him his worst failure. Lady Danbury was quick to remind him that Simon would be the next duke, though the duke still sent them both away.[7]
Start of the 1813 Season[]
After the death of his father, Simon returned to London to put his father's affairs in order. While he was there, Lady Danbury greeted him and encouraged him to join in the social events for the year, including a ball she was hosting. When she put pressure on him, he agreed to make a brief appearance at her ball. At the ball, Lady Danbury notices Daphne, who was struggling to find suitable matches due to her brother's overbearing presence, something Lady Danbury sympathized with.
At a show, Lady Danbury invited Daphne and her mother to sit in her box. She and Lady Bridgerton gossiped about the king and Lady Whistledown. They also established that Daphne and Simon would make a good match together.[8]
Lady Danbury and Lady Bridgerton were delighted to observe Simon and Daphne's courtship, unaware they were faking it. Lady Danbury told Simon directly that the two of them made a beautiful match.[7]
Lady Bridgerton later became concerned that Simon and Daphne hadn't become engaged, though Lady Danbury wasn't worried. However, she went to Simon and asked him if the time he'd been spending with Daphne was leading toward anything. With Prince Friedrich starting to show interest, Lady Danbury warned him to let her go if he didn't plan to propose, so that she could be allowed to find a better match. Spurred by this conversation, Simon ended things with Daphne and told Lady Danbury he was leaving London. To that, she called him a fool.[9]
When Simon prepared to leave, Lady Danbury went to see him off, but still told him he was a fool for letting Daphne slip away. She reminded him of how far they'd come, how there used to be two societies, separated by color, until the King fell in love with one of them. She told him love conquers all, but Simon was unconvinced.[10]
When Simon and Daphne became engaged, Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton accompanied them out as they went to events. When the archbishop rejected their special license to marry quickly, Lady Danbury said it was the queen's doing, as she was taking Daphne's rejection of her nephew personally. The solution was to make a personal appeal to the queen without begging or insincerity. They just needed to tell her they were in love. She went with them when they appeared before the queen. After they spoke, the queen granted their special license. They married quickly, with Daphne's family present on her side and Will, Alice, and Lady Danbury present for Simon.
Eloise accused Lady Danbury of being Lady Whistledown. She insisted that she was not, but wanted to know who it was when Eloise figured it out.[11]
When the news broke that Marina Thompson was pregnant and her engagement to Colin Bridgerton was called off, Daphne and Simon returned to London to support her family. Lady Danbury noticed the timing of their return, though Daphne claimed it was purely coincidence. Lady Danbury then invited Daphne to a party she was throwing for married ladies of the ton. Lady Danbury also became suspicious of Daphne and Simon after seeing Daphne and her mother arguing in the garden. Daphne ultimately decided to attend Lady Danbury's party, where the ladies gambled, drank, and socialized.[12]
When Daphne found the letters Simon had written to his father, which his father left unopened and unanswered, she asked Lady Danbury if she knew about them. Lady Danbury confirmed that she did. The late duke demanded perfection from his son and when that didn't happen, he abandoned his son. Lady Danbury took up the torch and encouraged Simon.
Lady Danbury then spoke to Simon and asked if his plans had changed. He said they hadn't and she told him his pride would leave him with nothing. Soon after that, Daphne and Simon danced together, a waltz they'd agreed upon. As they danced, it began to rain. As they danced, they rekindled their romance. When another couple tried to join them to dance in the rain, Lady Danbury stopped them with her cane and sent everyone home.[13]
Hosting the Sharmas[]
Lady Danbury agreed to host Mary Sharma and her two daughters, Kate and Edwina, so they could search for a proper match for Edwina. Lady Danbury hosted the first ball of the season, which was their introduction to society. Lady Danbury was impressed with how well Edwina had been brought up, speaking multiple languages and playing instruments. She also knew how to dance.
At the ball, Lady Danbury introduced the Sharmas and pointed out suitors who might make good matches for Edwina and even for Kate, who was insistent that she was focused only on finding a match for Edwina. Lady Danbury noticed how strict Kate was concerning who Edwina could dance and socialize with. She also told Violet she was looking forward to showing the other mamas of the ton how it was done. She was shocked when Kate approached saying she, Edwina, and Mary were leaving early.
When Lady Danbury received a letter from Mary's parents, the Sheffields, she confronted Kate over it. Kate admitted that they'd offered to pay Edwina's dowry, but only if she married English nobility. She and Mary had always hidden from Edwina how much they struggled to make ends meet and she didn't want to tell Edwina about the dowry, because she wanted Edwina to marry for love, not out of obligation. She asked Lady Danbury not to tell Edwina.
At the queen's ball, Edwina was named the season's diamond, which Kate credited to Lady Danbury.[14]
Royal Races and Soiree[]
Wanting to keep Edwina away from Anthony Bridgerton, Kate compiled a list of suitable matches, leaving Anthony off. Lady Danbury questioned her about it, but she said he was only looking to marry to fulfill his duty. Lady Danbury reminded her that most marriages in the ton were business arrangements and true love matches were rare.
Lady Danbury later attended the Royal Races with the Sharmas. She introduced them to Thomas Dorset, who claimed interest in Kate when told Edwina already had an escort. At the event, she talked to Violet about Edwina and Anthony's budding relationship. Lady Danbury said she wanted to remain neutral about it until Edwina had made her choice, but said Kate might be an obstacle. However they both remind each other that last year they helped assist Daphne in finding her husband and succeeded
At a visit with the queen, the queen told Edwina to let her know if anyone tried to mess with her or break them up. Lady Danbury realized she was trying to use Edwina to identify Lady Whistledown and asked if that was her reason for naming Edwina the season's diamond.
Lady Danbury decided to throw a party so Edwina could get to know all of her suitors better. She suggested a poetry reading, but it led to all the men showing off their talents. After the last suitor had performed, Lady Danbury thanked them for coming. Anthony Bridgerton then came in and asked for his own shot, despite not having been invited to the party. He started to recite a poem he claimed to have written, but then admitted they weren't his words, his brother gave him those words. He told Edwina he couldn't promise love or passion, but he could promise duty and action.
During the party, Kate slipped away to her room. Lady Danbury found her there and suggested she return to the party. Kate said she was upset that Anthony was trying to manipulate her sister, so Lady Danbury suggested she focus on satisfying her own needs. Kate said she just wanted to get Edwina married, then she would leave and never return. She told Lady Danbury she'd become a governess and be content in her life alone, the way Lady Danbury was. Lady Danbury corrected that she was a widow who had lived a full life with her husband. She'd earned the right to do whatever she pleased, unlike Kate.[15]
Trip to Aubrey Hall[]
Lady Danbury went with the Sharmas when they were all invited to come to Aubrey Hall ahead of the other guests so the two families could get to know each other better. Lady Danbury said the early invitation was a good sign and by the time the other guests arrived, Edwina might have secured herself a proposal. Lady Danbury was excited to see Simon and Daphne's son, Augie, when she arrived and held him.
Lady Danbury sat with Violet and Mary while the two sets of siblings played a vicious game of Pall-Mall. As they watched, she and Violet looked at Daphne and said they hoped that year's matchmaking would be as fruitful as the one prior.
That evening, Lady Danbury eavesdropped at the door as Edwina and Kate talked about Anthony. Edwina said she was sure a proposal was coming. At the same time, Violet eavesdropped on Daphne and Anthony talking about Edwina.
The next day, Lady Danbury proposed a toast and left space for Anthony to propose, but he surprised them all by simply thanking them all for coming.[1]
As the visit to Aubrey Hall continued, Lady Danbury watched Kate and Anthony interact. One night, Lady Danbury went to Kate and asked if she'd told Edwina about the strings attached to her inheritance. Kate said there was no point, because she didn't believe Anthony would propose after all. She worried she'd ruined it because they couldn't get along, but Lady Danbury told her to be honest with herself about why she was getting in the way of what her family needed for survival and what Edwina wanted. She told Kate to be honest with Edwina about how she felt, however that was. The next day, as they prepared to leave, Anthony came out of the house and proposed to Edwina, who happily accepted.[16]
Shortly after the engagement, Lady Danbury told the Sharmas that Mary's parents were in London and wanted to meet Edwina and Anthony. She proposed inviting them to the engagement dinner. When Mary claimed a headache, Lady Danbury stepped in to chaperone Edwina and Anthony's promenade and roped Kate into going with her.
As they walked, Kate said she was upset that Lady Danbury had invited the Sheffields to dinner, as she wanted to save the reunion until after the wedding because she hadn't told Edwina about the arrangement she'd made. Lady Danbury wondered if she secretly wanted the engagement called off. She told Kate what a scandal that would be, the kind that could ruin her family. It would be foolish to jeopardize the marriage. She asked if Kate was a fool and Kate said she wasn't.
Later, when the Sheffields arrived for the dinner, Lady Danbury privately told Kate that a life of independence was more than a consolation prize for getting the man she wanted and some would even think it the better prize. Lady Danbury made introductions. The Sheffields were delighted to meet Edwina, but largely ignored Kate, even as dinner started. When they started to talk about Mary's decision to reject their match for her and marry a commoner instead, Lady Danbury and Violet both unsuccessfully tried to change the subject. After they then revealed the deal Kate had made for Edwina's dowry, Anthony finally spoke up and told them he wouldn't stand for them insulting Kate and the other Sharmas. He ordered them to leave, then left himself after they were gone.[17]
Anthony and Edwina's Wedding[]
On the day of Anthony and Edwina's wedding, Lady Danbury and Violet greeted each other. They hadn't seen each other since the dinner with the Sheffields. When Edwina abruptly left the wedding in the middle of the ceremony, Lady Danbury went to the queen and told her it wasn't her fault the wedding was called off. The queen said Lady Whistledown would blame her anyway and her words carried a lot of weight. They discussed what they should do and the queen told Brimsley to take all the guests out to the garden and not let anyone leave.
She later talked to Violet and said that while the queen wanted her to fix things and for the first time in her life, she had no idea what to do. Violet asked if she thought Edwina would return to the altar and Lady Danbury said that only Edwina could answer that.
She and Violet talked to the queen, who was upset that the wedding wasn't going forward.[18]
Harmony Ball[]
As they returned to public life after the wedding debacle, Lady Danbury reminded the Sharmas to say that it was a mutual agreement between Anthony and Edwina if people asked about it. She also said the ton has a short attention span and with any luck, within a week, they'd have moved on to something else. However, they quickly realized they were being shunned by the rest of the ton, and so were the Bridgertons. When they returned home, Lady Danbury said they needed to change the way the ton thought of them and quickly. She and Violet decided to throw a ball together, to prove they held no ill will toward each other. And in order to sell it, Kate and Anthony would need to stay far away from each other, so no one would see the obvious attraction between them.
At the art gallery, Lady Danbury and Violet spoke to other ladies, who were surprised to see them out and about. Violet told them about the ball and said she'd see if there was still room to invite them, as they were expecting a full house.
The night of the ball, they were shocked when no one else came. As they prepared to send everyone home, Anthony called the younger kids down to join them and started a lively dance. After the dance, Violet expressed her shock that the ton didn't believe their story. Lady Danbury noticed the maids reading the latest Whistledown and suggested asking them. They learned that the latest issue had reported that Eloise was associating with political radicals.[19]
Kate's Accident and Recovery[]
That night, Kate was thrown from her horse and hit her head. Anthony brought her back to Lady Danbury's, where Lady Danbury, Mary, and Edwina watched anxiously as he put her in bed so the surgeon could examine her. Then they waited by her bedside as she slept.
Lady Danbury met with the queen, who asked why the wedding was really called off, if it was because of Eloise. Lady Danbury said they were busy tending to Kate and didn't know. They then talked about who else in the ton might marry that year, but realized they didn't know of anyone.
Finally, Kate woke up and Lady Danbury had someone send for a doctor. While they waited, Kate relayed what she remembered of the accident and asked if Anthony had been to visit her. Lady Danbury said he'd rescued her in the park and brought her home, but hadn't visited since.
Despite the scandal surrounding the family, Lady Danbury and the Sharmas went to the Featherington ball, meant to be Kate's last event before returning to India alone as Lady Danbury had offered to host Mary and Edwina for another season. However, at the ball, Anthony proposed to Kate and she accepted.
Six months later, Lady Danbury joined the Bridgertons, including the now-married Kate and Anthony, at Aubrey Hall for their Pall Mall game.[20]
Princess Royal's Death[]
When the princess royal died in childbirth, Lady Danbury received the news.[3] With the pressure on to produce an heir, Queen Charlotte called Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton to her to ask them for advice. Lady Danbury had none as her children had all moved continents away from her. She also viewed marriage as a duty, not a pleasure.[4]
Lady Danbury went to the church, where she found Violet lighting a candle for Edmund on his birthday. Violet shared how hard the day was for her and Lady Danbury declared her fortunate, confusing Violet. At a later meeting, Lady Danbury shared how her marriage had been filled with hatred and scorn, which is why she felt Violet was fortunate to have a marriage that was full of love and passion.[5]
Advising Violet[]
Violet confided in Lady Danbury when she realized she was feeling sexual desire for the first time since her husband's death. Lady Danbury shared that she never felt sexual desire at all until after her husband had died and told Violet it was okay to want that kind of affection and to pursue it.[2]
While preparing for a walk, Violet and Lady Danbury discussed Violet's plans to start anew. Lady Danbury said she was happy for her. When Lady Danbury stepped out for a minute, Violet noticed a birthday hat on the mantle like her father had made for her. On their walk, a now-suspicious Violet questioned Lady Danbury about her garden blooming after her husband's death. Lady Danbury said she had loved and been loved, but that was all she could say as she was discreet. When Violet probed, Lady Danbury asked if she'd ever told Violet about the queen's brother. Violet was surprised, which Lady Danbury attributed to her discretion.
Lady Danbury went to Violet's to have tea and saw that Violet had several birthday hats spread throughout the room. Violet told Lady Danbury she was going to pack them away again. She and Lady Danbury shared meaningful eye contact and Lady Danbury said she should keep the hats out because they were lovely and cheerful.[6]
1815 Social Season[]
Shortly after the 1815 debuts, Lady Danbury attended a social event, where everyone questioned the queen's absence. Lady Danbury said she thought the queen was a bit reticent after her instincts failed her the previous season.
Lady Danbury then threw the first ball of the season, The Four Seasons Ball. At the ball, she talked to the queen about the season's debutantes, none of whom had impressed the queen. The queen said that people expected a diamond every season, but diamonds were rare, so they shouldn't. Lady Danbury reminded her that she'd actually only named one diamond and that Lady Whistledown had actually named the first one.[21]
Desperate mamas began sending the queen gifts in the hopes of her naming their daughters the diamond. The queen quickly grew tired of it and told Lady Danbury that she wouldn't name a diamond because it would give Lady Whistledown too much satisfaction. Instead, she would call it something else, but was still looking for someone worthy.
Lady Danbury went to the Bridgerton house, where she shared this news with Violet and Francesca and also said that there were several suitors with an interest in music who might make good matches for Francesca.
At the ball, Lady Danbury noticed Violet watching Francesca talk with one such suitor and suggested that Violet let Francesca stay in her natural sphere. When the conversation ended, Lady Danbury summoned Francesca to her and walked away with her.
When the queen decided she was done for the evening and wanted to leave, Lady Danbury got her to stay a bit longer under the guise of seeing a painting. Instead, she led the queen to where Francesca was privately playing pianoforte. Lady Danbury was pleased when the queen applauded the performance and declared Francesca sparkling.
That evening, a footman brought Lady Danbury a letter. She read it and told him to have Mrs. Walsh prepare for a visitor.[22]
Lady Danbury met with the queen to go over the possible suitors for Francesca. When the queen noticed Lady Danbury's lack of enthusiasm, Lady Danbury admitted she was distracted by an unwanted visitor. The queen offered to have them banished, but Lady Danbury said it wasn't worth her time and they went back to Francesca's suitors.
At a party, Lady Danbury talked to Francesca and Violet about all the suitors who had come calling. Lady Danbury said it was as she suspected, as the lower-ranking lords could come first and then the higher-ranking ones would come once they were done. And when the queen thought she was ready, she would introduce Francesca to the highest-ranking of them all. Despite this, Violet reminded Francesca she didn't have to marry whoever the queen picked.
Later, Benedict approached Lady Danbury and she knew he was doing so to avoid Lady and Dolores Stowell. She said he could express his gratitude to her by taking her for a turn about the room, which he did.
At the hot air balloon debut, the queen introduced Francesca to Lord Samadani, whom she brought from Vienna just to meet her. Violet and Lady Danbury watched them and enjoyed the first sparks of attraction.
At the Innovations Ball, Lady Danbury noticed Violet talking to her newly-arrived brother, Marcus Anderson and introduced them.[23] While they ate together, Lady Danbury asked Marcus why he was there. He said he was there to meet ladies.
At an event, Lady Danbury told the queen that her sparkler was shining brightly. The queen was pleased about that and her recent agreement with Lady Whistledown. Lady Danbury then talked to Alice, who was there alone because Will was at his club. Lady Danbury told her that the queen wouldn't look kindly on Will working at the club and impressed upon Alice the need to show Will that his new life was worth the sacrifice.
Lady Danbury decided to leave early and Marcus asked her where she was going. She told him she'd done what she needed to do for the night, so she was leaving. He'd heard that she molded society to her will and asked her to help him find a lady. She asked him to leave her out of his raking about town, but he said he was pure of heart.[24]
When Marcus learned that Colin and Penelope Featherington were engaged, he asked his sister if it was her doing. She said it wasn't, but she was pleased by it.
Lady Danbury then went to see the queen, who was pleased that Lady Whistledown hadn't antagonized her while reporting on Francesca choosing John Stirling over Lord Samadani. She believed it showed a weakness and that made it the perfect time to unmask her. To that end, she offered a monetary reward to anyone who helped.
Lady Danbury attended Colin and Penelope's betrothal party, where she and Violet watched the couple from above and commented how one would be foolish to question the match.
After Francesca introduced John to her brother and he failed to find the words to tell a story, Violet questioned the match. Lady Danbury commented that they were very similar, but Violet thought that might hold Francesca back.
Later in the evening, Anthony and Kate told Lady Danbury and Violet that they were expecting, to their delight. However, when they went to tell the rest of the party, they were surprised when Cressida Cowper stood up and declared herself Lady Whistledown and then Penelope collapsed.[25]
Lady Danbury was pleased when Alice and Will told her they were planning to sell the club. She encouraged them to draw some positive attention to themselves by throwing a ball. They reluctantly agreed.
Noticing that Marcus and Violet had caught each other's eyes, Lady Danbury started to introduce her brother to other widows, hoping to keep him away from Violet. She finally confronted him about it when he tried to follow Violet as she left the Mondrich party. He asked what he'd done to draw such hatred from her and believed it was due to their childhood, in which their father favored him for being the first son, despite Lady Danbury being the firstborn. Lady Danbury said she didn't care about that, but did care about Marcus ruining her chance at happiness by foiling her plan to run away the night before her wedding. She knew it was him as she heard their father thanking him. She told him he could have any lady he wanted except her friend.[26]
Lady Danbury was pleased when the real Lady Whistledown published an issue discrediting Cressida's claim to the name. She talked to Violet, who was also relieved as Cressida's version of the column had heavily disparaged the Bridgerton family. Violet asked Lady Danbury if she could arrange an audience with the queen so Violet could talk to her about Francesca and John. Lady Danbury advised against it, as the queen was already upset about Lady Whistledown. But she said she could try if Violet wanted. Violet said she didn't have to do that and told Lady Danbury she enjoyed their friendship and not just for what Lady Danbury could do for her. Lady Danbury said that meant a lot to her.
Lady Danbury went home to find Marcus waiting for her. He apologized for sabotaging her escape and said he was only ten years old and didn't understand what she was running away from. All he knew was that the world was dangerous for young girls and he wanted her to stay longer so he could prove himself to her. He wished he'd stood up to their father for both of them, as he had hurt both of them. She admitted she'd been hard on Marcus because she was finally happy and she worried he'd take that away. He said he wished to be part of her joy and they left to attend Colin and Penelope's wedding together.
After the wedding, they went to the wedding breakfast, where the queen interrupted. She dismissed everyone except the Bridgertons. Lady Danbury stayed and heard the queen declare that she knew Lady Whistledown was among them and demand that she reveal herself. The queen backed off when Anthony promised he would not have let something like that continue in his house.[27]
Lady Danbury played chess with the queen, who knew she was distracted. The queen asked if Lady Danbury knew who Lady Whistledown was and if that's why she was defending the Bridgertons, to keep the secret. Lady Danbury said she only meant to suggest that perhaps, Lady Whistledown wasn't trying to beat the queen at her own game, but instead just trying to stay in the game herself.
Lady Danbury then met with Violet and they talked about Violet seeing Marcus. Lady Danbury said that they didn't need her approval and she only needed to know that Violet was a good friend. They quietly established that Violet knew that Lady Danbury had had an affair with Violet's father, but Violet insisted that Lady Danbury was a good friend and her father was a good man and that was all she needed to know. They also agreed they wouldn't let Marcus come between them.
Lady Danbury attended John and Francesca's wedding and then the Dankworth-Finch Ball. At the ball, the queen came at Penelope's request and allowed Penelope to address the crowd and reveal herself as Lady Whistledown. After she explained why she'd done it, the queen said it appeared she'd been humbled and influenced the crowd to agree. Then the queen left. Lady Danbury came to Penelope and admitted that she suspected Penelope was Lady Whistledown, as she knew the Bridgertons well enough to know it wasn't any of them. She said she looked forward to Penelope's next issue.[28]
Personality[]
The legendary, acerbic, lioness of a dowager who runs this town. Unconcerned with the rules of polite society, Lady Danbury is a straight shooter - both formidable and a little scary. And while her judgments may be sharp, they're always accurate. She is a friend of Simon's late mother, having shown the now Duke a rare kindness when he was a child.
Relationships[]
Romantic[]
She was married to Lord Herman Danbury until his death.
She had a brief fling with Lord Ledger.
She was courted by Duke Adolphus before rejecting his proposal and declaring she would never marry again.[6]
Familial[]
Her father-in-law was a king.[4]
Friendships[]
Sarah Basset[]
Lady Danbury was a close friend of Simon's mother, the Duchess of Hastings. She was at her side when Sarah gave birth to the long-coveted male heir, and saw her die shortly after. Years later, Lady Danbury took Sarah's son under her wing and helped him grow with the love and affection he lacked from his father.
Violet Bridgerton[]
When Violet's daughter, Daphne, was losing her social capital, Lady Danbury proposed the idea to set up Daphne with Simon. They were quite pleased when their plan seemed to have worked, and chatted gleefully about the future in store for Daphne as the new Duchess of Hastings.
Their goals for the following season meshed again when Violet's eldest son, Anthony, started courting Edwina Sharma, whom Lady Danbury was sponsoring. When Violet learned about the conditions of Edwina's dowry, she was at first hurt that Lady Danbury had not told her, but they made up after the failed wedding.
Mary Sharma[]
Lady Danbury sponsored Mary's daughters for the 1814 social season. Many of the ton were still scandalized by Lady Mary's presence, after her decision years before to marry a working-class man and single father, rather than the noble gentleman her parents had chosen for her. Lady Danbury was not one of those people. She nudged the queen to select Edwina as the season's diamond, and advised the older Kate on what she wanted with her life.
Notes and Trivia[]
- Lady Danbury has royal blood of the Kpa-Mende Bo Tribe in Sierra Leone.[2]
- There are several portraits of Lady Danbury in her home, painted in the style of the period. The artist who did the portraits also stood in for Lady Whistledown during shots that show her handwriting as calligraphy.[29]
- Golda Rosheuvel, who portrays Queen Charlotte, originally auditioned for the part of Lady Danbury.[30]
- Adjoa Andoh, who portrays Lady Danbury, requested that her character wear a hat. Men in the Regency period often had a cane and a hat. Adjoa wanted her character to embody some of the masculine within her feminine, to reflect the position of wealth and power that she had within a society that didn't allow women a huge amount of freedom.[31]
- Adjoa thinks getting Lady Danbury a love interest would be a good idea.[32]
- In the books, Lady Danbury often uses her cane to poke people and swing around to make a point. Adjoa thinks that if Lady Danbury were to use her cane more often in the show, she would injure someone.[32]
Gallery[]
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A more complete gallery with pictures of Agatha Danbury (Netflix) can be found here. |
Memorable Quotes[]
- Lady Danbury: When I was a girl, some centuries ago, I was afraid of my own reflection. I entered a room and attempted to dissolve into the shadows. But there is only so long for one in a position such as ours can hide. I knew that I would have to step into the light someday and I could not very well be frightened. So, instead, I made myself frightening. I sharpened my wit, my wardrobe, and my eye, and I became the most terrifying creature in any room I entered.[7]
- Simon: Neither, it appears, has your ability to somehow hear of every piece of gossip that transpires in this town.
- Lady Danbury: When will you accept it? I know all.[13]
- Lady Danbury: Oh, I do relish a challenge.[14]
- Queen Charlotte: Why do I sense my strings being pulled, Lady Danbury?
- Lady Danbury: You said you wanted to shake up the season. Now is your chance.[14]
- Lady Danbury: Some advice, Miss Sharma? When one is frustrated, it is often much wiser to focus upon satisfying one's own needs. Attempting to influence others as to the correct course of action, well, it is often a trying and irritating endeavor that only brings out the worst in us before we discover it has been fruitless all along.[15]
- Kate: I watch you. I see you. You are more than content.
- Lady Danbury: Because I have lived a life. I am a widow. I have loved. I have lost. I have earned the right to do whatever I please, whenever I please, and however I please to do it.[15]
- Simon: I must ask you to accept my regrets.
- Lady Danbury: Your regrets...are denied.[8]
- Lady Danbury: I know all that goes on in my home.[14]
Appearances[]
| Bridgerton, Season 1 | |||||
| #01 | "Diamond of the First Water" | #04 | "An Affair of Honor" | #07 | "Oceans Apart" |
| #02 | "Shock and Delight" | #05 | "The Duke and I" | #08 | "After the Rain" |
| #03 | "Art of the Swoon" | #06 | "Swish" | ||
| Bridgerton, Season 2 | |||||
| #01 | "Capital R Rake" | #04 | "Victory" | #07 | "Harmony" |
| #02 | "Off to the Races" | #05 | "An Unthinkable Fate" | #08 | "The Viscount Who Loved Me" |
| #03 | "A Bee in Your Bonnet" | #06 | "The Choice" | ||
| Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story | |||||
| #01 | "Queen to Be" | #03 | "Even Days" | #05 | "Gardens in Bloom" |
| #02 | "Honeymoon Bliss" | #04 | "Holding the King" | #06 | "Crown Jewels" |
| Bridgerton, Season 3 | |||||
| #01 | "Out of the Shadows" | #04 | "Old Friends" | #07 | "Joining of Hands" |
| #02 | "How Bright the Moon" | #05 | "Tick Tock" | #08 | "Into the Light" |
| #03 | "Forces of Nature" | #06 | "Romancing Mister Bridgerton" | ||