- This page is about the Netflix character. For the book character, see Colin Bridgerton
Colin Bridgerton is the third Bridgerton child and son.
History[]
1813 Social Season[]
At the start of the 1813 social season, Colin attended social events with his family, including the newly-debuted Daphne. At the Danbury ball, Colin noticed Marina, whom he found very attractive, though he didn't know who she was. Despite this, he went to dance with her. The next day, he called on Marina at the Featherington house, though he was among many.
At another event, Colin asked Penelope about Marina and learned she was ill. In her absence, he danced with Penelope after Cressida Cowper tried to interject and spilled her drink on her to get her out of the way.[2]
When Eloise learned that one of the Featheringtons' maids was pregnant from Penelope, she became concerned that she, too, could become pregnant, as she was unaware of how exactly women became pregnant. When her mother refused to tell her, she sat between Benedict and Colin, whom she assumed knew. Colin started to tell her using farm animals, but Benedict stopped him with a slap to his head.[3]
At a future event, Lady Bridgerton tried to set up each of her three eldest sons with eligible ladies.[4]
At a party thrown by Lady Trowbridge, Colin chatted amiably with Penelope about the party's host and Marina, who was repulsed by a potential suitor. When Colin saw this, he intervened and took the next dance with Marina. When Anthony had to take Daphne home from the party early, Colin was left to ensure their mother got home safely. At the end of the night, Colin escorted his mother home and both of them had been drinking. Once he sent their mother to bed, Colin was summoned by his older brothers, who told him that Anthony was going to duel with Simon to defend Daphne's honor.
While the duel was meant to be taking place, Daphne went to Colin to find out where it was so she could stop it. During this conversation, she realized that Cressida Cowper had seen her and Simon alone together in the garden, meaning Cressida could ruin her reputation. She convinced Colin to tell her where the duel was taking place so she could stop it. He rode with her to the duel, and they arrived just as Anthony fired at Simon. Daphne stopped the duel and said Simon had to marry her because of what Cressida saw. He maintained that he couldn't, but they ultimately ended up engaged.[5]
Colin continued to pursue Marina, calling on her at the Featheringtons' home. After Daphne and Simon got married, at their reception, Marina flirted with Colin, then pretended to be faint to lure Colin into a library, where she had him close the door even though they were the only two in the room. She tried to kiss him, but he said he had to preserve her honor and refused to go forward. However, as she left, he proposed to her.
Colin then joined the rest of his family to see Simon and Daphne off.[6]
After Daphne's departure, Colin announced his engagement to his family in public. After the initial announcement, Anthony pulled Colin aside privately and criticized his decision and how he announced it. Colin said he didn't need Anthony's permission, but he wanted his blessing. Anthony refused to give it. He next spoke to his mother, who said she wasn't prepared to have a second child married so soon after Daphne.
Colin went with Anthony and his mother to have dinner with Marina and the Featheringtons. At the dinner, Marina spoke of her desire to travel with Colin, which gave Lady Featherington the opportunity to push for a shorter engagement to take advantage of the nice weather for travel. When he stepped away from the dinner, Penelope confronted Colin in the hallway, telling him about Marina's love with George. Colin said that he didn't care what Marina did before they met and dismissed her concern. Then Marina came out into the hall. She was distressed because she didn't feel wanted by anyone. Even Colin's family was just polite and didn't really like her. He then made a plan to take Marina to Scotland so they could marry immediately. However, their engagement was swiftly ended when Lady Whistledown reported that Marina was pregnant and had been since before she arrived in London.[7]
Even with the scandal, Colin wanted to visit Marina and speak to her. He was upset not to get any say in how their family reacted to the news, as they all prepared to improve the family's public image. Finally, Daphne came to him and said she knew he was hurt by what had happened and told him she could arrange a meeting between him and Marina, chaperoned.
At the meeting, Colin begged Marina to tell him it wasn't true, what Lady Whistledown had said, but Marina couldn't do that. She told him she did what she had to do. In turn, he said that if she had just come to him with the truth, he would have married her immediately because that's how in love with her he was. Instead, he told her he never wanted to see her again and left.
Colin later shared a drink with Anthony and Anthony apologized for being so harsh with him about Marina and told him the pain from loving Marina would fade eventually, though he admitted that sentiment didn't apply to him and Siena.[8]
When news came that Francesca was returning to London soon, Colin said she would be able to tell them all about her time away. Colin then went with his brothers to Will's fight. They then went home and socialized with their siblings, including Francesca, newly back home. While Francesca played piano, Colin sang along.
At a ball thrown by the Bassets, Colin met up with Penelope. He apologized to her for how he'd acted, as he finally understood that she was trying to protect him from Marina's scandal. Penelope then tried to say something to him, but was interrupted by him telling her he was leaving to start his tour as she'd inspired him to.
When Colin was ready to go to Greece, the first place on his tour, his family came to see him off. Hyacinth and Gregory both asked him to bring back gifts for them.[9]
Return Home and Lady Danbury's Soirée[]
After he completed his travels, Colin returned home, where his siblings greeted him happily. He went with his family to the Royal Races, where Will Mondrich told him and his brothers that he was opening his own gentlemen's club and invited them to come to the grand opening. Later, he told Penelope he'd enjoyed his travels when she asked about them. When she asked about him being lonely, he said he was never alone.
Colin later practiced fencing with his brothers while Anthony talked about marrying Edwina and fulfilling his duties. When Colin suggested he turn his attention to someone else because Kate was interfering in his attempts to woo Edwina, Anthony said he wouldn't let Kate get in the way of him getting what he wanted.
Colin attended a soirée at Lady Danbury's with his mother and two of his siblings. Penelope asked him what he was planning to do to impress Edwina, as the party had devolved into the suitors showcasing their talents for her. Colin said he was just watching. Penelope asked him about his previous comment that he was never alone, and he told her that he really meant that he had started a conversation with himself. He'd actually sworn off women while he was away. When Penelope told him she was a woman, he said she was Penelope.[10]
Pall-Mall Game[]
At Aubrey Hall, the Bridgerton siblings prepared for their annual Pall-Mall game. Daphne placed one of the wickets specifically as revenge for Colin's placement the previous year. They then bickered over who would choose their mallet first. Once their mallets were chosen, they started an aggressive game. Colin used one of his turns to launch Kate's ball into the woods where Anthony's ball had just gone, then told them they better go fetch their balls or be prepared to accept defeat.
Later, Colin offered to help Benedict open his mind, using a powder he'd acquired during his travels. Colin was horrified when Benedict poured all the powder in his drink and drank it all in one go. Hours later, Benedict was still feeling the effects of the powder. When Eloise brought a letter saying he'd been admitted to the Royal Academy of Art, Colin noted that he wouldn't shut up about his art after that. He and Eloise watched as Benedict celebrated his admittance.[11]
Visiting Marina[]
As his family prepared for their annual Hearts and Flowers Ball, Colin decided to go visit Marina, having learned that she lived nearby. When he arrived at Marina's house, he learned that she'd had twins. He told her of his travels until Philip returned. He was also intrigued by Colin's travels, especially as they related to botany, and invited Colin to join them for dinner. At dinner, they continued their conversation about the plants he saw on his travels until Marina suggested he had traveled for more than just the plants and might wish to return to his family. Philip left to check on the babies to give them a moment alone. Colin apologized for how he'd acted the previous year and said he forgave her for what she did. She said he didn't need either as it was in the past, and she wanted to move forward with the life she had. When he pointed out that she didn't seem happy with Philip, she said that she was content, and he was a good father, and she couldn't indulge in a fantasy. She also encouraged him to look at his life and see the people he already makes happy, like Penelope, and seek them out instead of her.
When he returned to Aubrey Hall, Penelope said she'd missed him at the ball, and he said he just wasn't up for it after meeting with Marina. He believed seeing her was just what he needed to leave the past behind. He still felt guilty for how hard they'd all been on her, even though she'd told him he was content. He wondered if things would have turned out differently without Lady Whistledown's interference.[12]
As they watched Prudence and Jack ride in a boat together at the lake, Colin told Penelope that Prudence seemed happy. They talked about Jack's mines and Colin suggested it might be time to introduce himself.[13]
Anthony and Edwina's Wedding[]
The night before Anthony and Edwina's wedding, Colin went to Will's club with his older brothers to drink and play pool.
The next morning, Colin was dealing with the effects of all the alcohol he'd consumed. When Violet asked Benedict to do something about that, Benedict gave Colin more alcohol.
As they waited for the wedding to start, Colin talked to Penelope and Eloise about how opulent the wedding was. He expressed his surprise that Eloise and Penelope were friends because he believed they were very different. As an example, he said that Penelope has sense.
Later, after the wedding was abruptly halted, Penelope told Colin he'd find his purpose someday. She was also still looking for hers. During this conversation, Colin realized that Marina was right about Penelope caring for him.[14]
Harmony Ball and Working with Jack[]
In the aftermath of Anthony and Edwina's aborted wedding, Violet and Anthony decided that the family needed to present a united front, starting with promenading together. On this promenade, they were shunned by the rest of the ton, as were the Sharmas. In an attempt to restore both families' reputations, Violet planned a ball to show there was no ill will between the two families.
While this was going on, Colin met with Jack to talk about investing in his mines. As he went to leave, he talked to Penelope about how he wanted to make a name for himself and thought that investment could be the first step on the way to that. He asked her to keep it a secret until it was final as he didn't want Anthony to know.
At the ball, they were shocked when no one outside the two families showed up. Violet was prepared to cancel the whole evening, but Anthony decided to invite the younger children down to join them all for a dance instead. After a lively dance, Violet questioned no one believing their story. Lady Danbury noticed the maids reading a pamphlet and suggested asking them. They learned it was the latest Whistledown, and she'd written about Eloise socializing unsupervised with political radicals.[15]
Revealing Jack's Fraud[]
Colin continued meeting with Jack in preparation to make a deal. When Anthony found out about the money he'd withdrawn, he became irritated with Colin. Colin then met with Jack at Will's club. While they were talking about the mines, Will approached and warned Colin not to entertain any dealings with Jack. Jack took offense to Will calling him a swindler, but Will said his cousin was the same way and Will got caught up in that. Colin said that the Featheringtons were a fine family and their reputation was unfairly sullied. He warned Will not to make accusations like that when he couldn't afford to lose customers. He suggested finding a new place for them to do business.
At the Featheringtons' ball, Colin danced with Cressida, who was wearing the necklace Jack had given her. Colin said the clasp was broken and took the necklace, offering to mend it for her. Once the dance was over, Colin pulled Penelope into another room with him. He told her that there were no gemstone mines in Georgia and Jack was just running a con. Jack and Portia came in and Colin said the necklace was a fraud just like Jack. He was angry at Jack for taking advantage of women without a husband or brother to protect them. It was because of them that Colin agreed to keep things quiet on the condition that Jack returned all the money and left town immediately. Colin then left. When Penelope found him, he asked her to dance. While they danced, Colin said he'd rehearsed the speech for hours, and he was prepared with more if Jack didn't comply. Penelope thanked him for looking out for them. He said he always would, especially her because she was special to him. She said he was to her as well. However, Colin later told a group of men that he would never court Penelope.
Colin later returned and told Will he was right about Jack. He apologized and brought a crowd of new customers to the club.[1]
Return and Start of the 1815 Season[]
Colin returned from traveling on the day his sister, Francesca, was making her societal debut. His family was happy to see him, as were the young ladies of the ton. Unlike his previous travels, Colin was more reluctant to discuss these. He was surprised to find that Eloise had changed her style to be more fashionable and was also friends with Cressida and no longer friends with Penelope.
Colin continued to charm the young ladies as he socialized. When he saw Penelope at an event, he tried to talk to her about Eloise and Cressida, but she walked away from him.
Back at home, Colin distributed the presents he'd purchased for his family. When trying to give Eloise the book he'd brought her, she said she was already reading a book and had taken up reading fiction, saying it was much more realistic than the non-fiction books she'd been reading. Then she told him Cressida had surprised her that summer and she and Penelope had simply grown apart.
At Lady Danbury's Four Seasons Ball, the first ball of the season, Colin noticed Penelope, who had drastically changed her style. When Colin saw Penelope leaving the ball early, he followed her, and she confronted him over his comments that he would never court her, which had hurt her feelings, then left.
The next day, Colin visited Penelope at her home and apologized for his remarks. He then offered to help her find a husband, as charm could be taught. Then he went home to find out that Lady Whistledown had reported disparagingly about how he'd changed during his time away.[16]
Helping Penelope[]
Despite Lady Whistledown's report, Colin persisted in helping Penelope. He encouraged her to approach a group of gentlemen, wave her fan, and bat her lashes so he could assess her skill. However, after watching her do so, he realized how dire it was.
At their next meeting, Colin told Penelope that she actually had all the skills she needed, but lacked confidence. He asked her to remember when they first met and how confident she was because she was a child, unencumbered by the expectations of society. She needed to get back to that. She said she wanted freedom and marriage was her way to get that. Colin asked her where she felt most comfortable, as that would help them practice. She said it used to be Sunday tea at the Bridgertons, but that wasn't possible anymore.
Despite this, Colin invited Penelope to come to his home and brought her into the drawing room. He insisted that they wouldn't be caught as Violet. Eloise, and Francesca were out, and the others were playing a card game, giving them full use of the drawing room. He had her look at him and speak to him like she might a suitor. She made a comment about his eyes which he found enchanting. Their conversation ended when they heard Eloise approaching. Colin had Penelope go hide in the study. A few minutes later, he joined her there and was upset to see that she'd read his journal, in which he'd written about his travels. While attempting to stop her, Colin broke a lamp and cut his hand on the glass. Penelope took some cloth and tended to the wound. She thanked him for the lesson and left.
On their way to a ball, Eloise admitted to Colin that she'd seen Penelope leaving and said while she wanted him to stay friends with Penelope, she didn't want him to bring Penelope to their home. Colin told her that Penelope was seeking a husband, surprising Eloise, as they'd always said they'd be spinsters together. Eloise was surprised to learn that Colin was helping her, as it wasn't proper, but he said she didn't have any male relatives to help her, so someone had to.
At the ball, Colin sent Penelope to flirt with Lord Basilio, a viscount, reminding her that she was Penelope Featherington and building her confidence. This failed when Penelope learned that Lord Basilio's horse had died, and he was distraught.
Colin later celebrated with Penelope when she had a successful interaction with Lord Remington. However, this was short-lived when they realized people around them were talking about them and asked someone only to find out that word had gotten out about Colin helping her, causing a scandal. Colin asked Eloise if she'd told anyone, and she admitted that she'd told Cressida, believing she could trust her. Colin told her off for that and asked what Penelope could have done to deserve that kind of cruelty.
The next day, Whistledown reported on the news, ensuring that everyone in the ton would know. Colin went to Penelope and said he was upset with Whistledown for reporting what she had and would see that her life was ruined if he ever figured out who she was. Penelope then asked Colin for a kiss. She believed she'd never get another and didn't want to die without having ever been kissed. Colin leaned in and kissed her. After a moment, he pulled back, but they both leaned in and kissed for much longer the second time. When they broke apart, Penelope walked away.[17]
In the aftermath of the kiss, Colin dreamt about Penelope, interrupting his sleep. Despite this, he denied anything was wrong. While promenading, he ran into Penelope, and they agreed that the lessons were done and Penelope said if she secured a proposal, it would be because of Colin's help.
At a party at the Stowells', Eloise told Colin she'd spoken to Penelope and apologized, which he thanked her for. He then spoke to the Mondriches, who had also heard about what he'd done and said they found it noble, not scandalous.
Colin attended the hot air balloon debut, where he watched Penelope talk to Lord Debling. They later had a secret conversation with each other under the guise of looking at sweets. She told him about Lord Debling, but Colin became distracted by her licking frosting off her fingers.
When Colin saw the ropes holding the hot air balloon come untethered, he jumped in to help grab the ropes and pull the hot air balloon, keeping it from hitting Penelope. Afterward, the ladies fawned over Colin, applauding his bravery. This continued at the Innovations Ball, though Colin was distracted by watching Penelope with Lord Debling. Colin went to Violet and asked her what she wanted for Francesca. She said she wanted what she wanted for herself and her other children, passion and love. Colin asked her about her previous statement that the best relationships came from friendships. She said she still believed that and that's how she and his father had started, though it was rare. They learned it was mutual when he had the courage to ask. She said she hoped if Francesca found herself in the same situation, she would be brave enough to ask.
Colin went to talk to Penelope, but their conversation was interrupted by Lord Debling coming to get Penelope for a dance. Colin then watched as they danced.[18]
Colin went with his family to the opening of Lord Fuller's collection, but he was distracted watching Penelope with Lord Debling. At the opening, Lords Stanton and Wilding invited Colin to go out with them. They went to Will's bar, where the others shared salacious stories about their travels. They tried to get Colin to share some as well, but he had grown tired of their cavalier attitudes for love and asked if it didn't make them feel lonely.
Engagement[]
The next night, as the family prepared to go to a ball, Colin told his mother he had decided to stay home. She told him he was always one of her most sensitive children and warned him not to live to please others. He said he just wanted to rest for the night. Then she told him that Portia had been going around telling everyone that Lord Debling was going to propose to Penelope.
With his family gone, Colin sat in the study, where he remembered the moment he'd shared with Penelope there. He decided to go to the ball after all. He ran into Fife, Stanton, and Wilding, who were leaving and said it wasn't worth going to and invited him to go out with them. He brushed them off and went inside. Colin found Penelope dancing with Lord Debling and asked if he could have a minute. Debling stepped aside to allow them to resolve whatever they needed to resolve. Penelope was upset, fearing he would ruin her chance of getting a proposal from Debling. He told her he believed she was making a mistake and wouldn't be happy with Debling. She told him the only mistake was asking for his help in the first place and went back to Debling.
After talking to Debling, Penelope abruptly left. Colin went after her, but was unable to stop her carriage from leaving. He chased after them and finally got them to stop. He climbed inside and asked her if Debling proposed. He insisted she couldn't marry Debling because he'd leave her, and he was too particular. She told him he hadn't proposed and had, in fact, rejected her because of Colin. He believed that Colin had feelings for her, which she found preposterous. He admitted that he did have feelings for her and hadn't been able to think of anything but her since they kissed. She said she'd like them to be more than friends, and he leaned in to kiss her. The kiss grew steamier, and he pushed his hand up her dress to pleasure her. When someone knocked on the carriage, they realized they were at Colin's house. He helped fix her clothes, then stepped out. He called back to her, asking if she'd come with him. When she hesitated, he asked whether she was going to marry him or not.[19]
Colin brought Penelope inside the house with her and announced the engagement to his overjoyed family. Everyone was happy except Eloise, though Penelope told Colin to let her handle that. When Anthony returned home, Colin shared the news with him as well, and they went with Benedict to get a drink and toast to their wives. Colin insisted that his affection for Penelope was genuine, but admitted the betrothal was swift. Anthony insisted that Colin express that to Penelope immediately when Colin admitted that he hadn't.
Colin went to the Featherington house, where he overheard Portia implying that Penelope had entrapped Colin. Colin interrupted, setting the record straight. Then he took Penelope to one of his family's properties, which he said would be their home after they married. Colin then took the opportunity to show Penelope how beautiful she was, admiring every part of her. Then they had sex on the couch. When they finished, Penelope immediately asked to do it again. Afterward, they cuddled and Penelope said she had something to tell him, but they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Colin said it was the servants bringing his personal effects. He got dressed and said they could take his carriage through the park to avoid being spotted.
As they rode through the park, one of the queen's messengers stopped them and gave them a message that the queen was offering a monetary reward to anyone who helped her unmask Lady Whistledown. Colin was happy that Whistledown would finally be unmasked.
Colin sat down with Eloise and apologized for not telling her sooner about his feelings for Penelope. He told her that Penelope would be her sister soon and that news would have previously made her happy. Then he told her about the queen's offer.
At their betrothal party, Colin toasted to Penelope and they mingled. During a game of charades, Penelope unexpectedly left the room. Colin tried to follow, but was unable to find her. When she returned, he asked where she'd been. He knew something was wrong with her, but she was unable to tell him what. Then, shortly after Cressida shocked everyone by declaring that she was Lady Whistledown, Penelope collapsed.[20]
Colin went to see Penelope, wanting to make sure she was feeling better. She said it wasn't anything he'd done to make her swoon, but Cressida's announcement. He asked if she really thought Cressida was Lady Whistledown, as he'd always imagined it would be someone cleverer. He then gave her her engagement ring and left so she could rest.
Colin went home and was writing in the study when Eloise came in and asked if he knew she was Lady Whistledown, meaning Cressida. Eloise assured him she didn't and wouldn't have befriended Cressida if she had. Despite his previous assertions about what he'd do to Lady Whistledown if he knew who she was, Colin declared that love had subdued him.
After Francesca and John became engaged, Colin and Benedict took John to Will's bar, which was closing, and they toasted to the marriage as they drank all the remaining alcohol, as Will didn't want it to go to the new owner.
At church, Minister Hughes announced Colin and Penelope's engagement and declared they'd be married in three weeks. After everyone left, Colin took Penelope by the hands and they danced together. He said he knew she had something to tell him, and she told him it was that she'd loved him since the day they met. He apologized to her for not realizing his feelings for her soon.
Discovery of Lady Whistledown[]
At the Mondrich party, Colin and Penelope were surprised when Cressida showed up, but Colin promised not to let her ruin their night. Then he told Penelope he was editing his travel diary into a manuscript. She offered to edit it for him, but he said he wanted to do it himself, to prove he could and that he was worthy of her. Then they saw Cressida approaching the queen and Colin said it was time for Lady Whistledown to receive her consequences. After Cressida distributed an announcement saying that Lady Whistledown would be back soon with a new issue, Colin watched as Eloise and Penelope approached each other and Penelope pulled Eloise out of the room with her.
Colin followed Penelope as she left in a carriage and was shocked when she went to a print shop. After watching her hand over the next issue for publication, he realized she was the real Lady Whistledown.[21] He was immediately angry with her and reminded her of all the terrible things she'd said about his family. He declared that he'd never forgive her and left.
Colin went home and confronted Eloise, asking how long she had known. Eloise admitted to knowing since last year and said she'd initially tried to get Penelope to tell him, but then she remembered how heartbroken she was when she learned and didn't want Colin to have his heart broken like that. Colin asked if she'd forgiven Penelope, and she said that she wanted to.
Colin reluctantly went with Violet to Featherington house, where Violet and Portia planned the wedding breakfast. He told Penelope he was only there because Violet was starting to get suspicious of them not seeing each other. Penelope asked him what their marriage would be like, and he said it would depend. He asked if she'd stop publishing. When she admitted she didn't know, he said they'd just get through the wedding and decide.
The night before the wedding, Colin went out with Benedict, John, and Will to get celebratory drinks. Colin stayed behind after the others left and drank by himself. He left the club and while he was talking, he ran into Penelope, who was leaving Genevieve's shop. He told her he didn't need to hide behind Whistledown anymore and told her it made him feel like she was lying to him about his writing when she was a renowned writer herself. She told him everything she'd said about his writing was true. He questioned her about being out on her own so late at night, but she assured him she was safe and knew how to take care of herself. He angrily asked her what good he was to her if that was the case. She told him she loved him and he kissed her. They were interrupted by a horse passing, then Colin put Penelope in her carriage and said he'd see her tomorrow.
Colin went home to find Kate and Anthony waiting up to give him marital advice on Violet's request. Colin admitted to learning something about Penelope that made him feel like he didn't really know her anymore. Kate cautioned him that marriage was hard work and not to let one mistake ruin their relationship.
Wedding[]
The next day, Colin and Penelope were married. After the ceremony, Penelope found Colin on the edge of the room and said she'd spent too much time standing by the wall at events and wanted to be at the center. She suggested they dance, even though it was daytime. He agreed and they danced. Soon, they were joined by other couples. As the dance ended, the queen entered and dismissed everyone but the Bridgertons. When Penelope started to leave, Colin stopped her and reminded her she was a Bridgerton now. The queen then demanded that the person who was keeping a secret among them step forward. When Francesca admitted to her secret engagement, the queen clarified that she meant that one of them was Lady Whistledown. Anthony said if something like that happened under his roof, he'd know about it and put a stop to it. The queen decided to back off, but promised she would found out soon. After she was gone, Penelope left the room and Colin followed her. She said she didn't know if it would be better for the family to admit it or stay quiet, but Colin said she'd done the right thing. He impressed upon her that it was important that she give up publishing Whistledown. She told him that as a woman, she had no power and no choices and that Whistledown gave her some control of her life. She couldn't change that she was Whistledown. Colin said he couldn't accept that and said he'd be sleeping on the sofa.[22]
The next morning, Colin left to have breakfast at Bridgerton House, leaving Penelope behind. Later, Penelope arrived and told him Cressida was blackmailing her over her identity. Colin insisted that Penelope not pay Cressida and said he would talk to her.
Colin tried to appeal to Cressida's compassion, but instead of relenting, she decided she wanted double what she originally asked for, plus Penelope had to use her column to restore Cressida's reputation. Since he had made things worse, Colin said he'd talk to Benedict and get the money to pay Cressida off.
After John and Francesca's wedding, Colin told Penelope he was going to talk to Benedict that night, but wanted to get through the wedding first. Penelope told him not to talk to Benedict, that she had a better idea and none of them would be paying Cressida. She invited the queen to come to the Dankworth-Finch ball, where she would reveal her own secret identity and make a public plea to the ton for their forgiveness and understanding. After Penelope's speech, the queen said she had been humbled, and they'd make sure she stayed that way.
Months later, after Colin had successfully published his travel journals, Penelope gave birth to their first child, a boy and the new Lord Featherington, while Penelope continued publishing her column under her own name.[23]
Personality[]
The dashing Colin Bridgerton is used to disarming his fellow society members with good-natured jokes, though a serious sense of adventure lurks behind those swoon-worthy eyes. Colin takes a liking to the newest young lady in town — but it's this infatuation that winds up giving him more than he may have bargained for.
Relationships[]
Romantic[]
Penelope Bridgerton[]
Colin was friends with Penelope Featherington for years.[17] Though he would protect her and considered her special, he told his friends that he would never court her.[1] Penelope later revealed she overheard him, and was distant from him. Colin apologized to Penelope, and offered to help her find a husband that season to regain her friendship.[16] The two shared a kiss, and Colin started developing feelings for Penelope, but didn't express them. He was jealous when Penelope started growing close to Lord Debling.[18] He finally admitted his feelings after hearing that Debling would be proposing to Penelope. Penelope admitted that she felt the same, and they became engaged.[19] When Colin discovered Penelope was Lady Whistledown, he felt betrayed and was angry for her lies. He refused to call off the engagement, though, because he had compromised Penelope.[22] Colin still wanted to protect Penelope after he found out Cressida was trying to blackmail her. Colin later expressed that he was jealous of Penelope's success, but she said that she loved him for supporting her. Colin finally made up with Penelope by proclaiming his love for her.[23]
Marina Crane[]
Colin met Marina Thompson, and became infatuated with her. He quickly proposed to her, which was met with disapproval from his family. When Marina expressed sadness at his family’s disapproval, Colin decided to elope with her to prove to Marina that his affections were genuine. They were thwarted, though, when Lady Whistledown published that Marina was pregnant with another man’s child.[7] Colin still refused to give up on Marina, believing the rumor false. When he did meet her, Marina confirmed it was true, and said she wanted Colin to help secure her future. Colin felt betrayed by Marina’s lies.[8] The following year, Colin visited Marina, now married with twins, and apologized for his behavior. Marina dismissed it, saying she had a new life, and he should leave his past behind.[12]
Familial[]
Anthony Bridgerton[]
Anthony and Colin are quite different. While Colin, as the third son, is free to travel and live freely from the ton, Anthony is the viscount and thus oversees the rest of the family at all times. This difference in maturity is quite evident on a couple of occasions. When Colin entered an impulsive engagement to Marina Thompson, Anthony attempted to dissuade him, since he believed that Colin did not know her well enough, although Colin refused to listen, only for Anthony to be proven right when it was revealed she was pregnant with another man's child.[7] When Colin invested money into the ruby mines promised by Jack Featherington, Anthony scolded him for taking money without his permission, and was proven to be in the right once more, as Colin soon discovered that Jack was lying.[1]
When Colin announced that he was engaged to Penelope Featherington, Anthony’s reaction was much more pleasant, possibly because Colin and the rest of the family had already known her for years, although he did question the way Colin's intentions seemed to come out of nowhere. When Anthony figured out that Colin had compromised Penelope, he and Benedict joked about dueling Colin like he had with Simon two years prior. Nevertheless, Anthony sensed that Colin's decision was much more responsible and mature than his last betrothal, and fully supported the couple, even hosting an engagement party with Kate.[20]
Eloise Bridgerton[]
Eloise, who at that point knew that Penelope was Lady Whistledown, grew concerned when Colin and Penelope started getting closer at the start of the 1815 social season,[17] since Colin had made his hatred of Whistledown quite adamant to her.[16] When Colin announced that he was engaged to Penelope, Eloise urged Penelope to tell him the truth, threatening to expose her secret to him herself if Penelope would not, since she knew that it was unfair for Colin to marry her without him knowing the truth.[20] However, Eloise changed her mind about telling Colin when Cressida claimed credit for Whistledown, as she found she valued her brother's happiness more than the truth, and urged Penelope to abandon her column and let Cressida take the fall so that Colin would never find out.[21]
Friendships[]
He had a years-long friendship with Penelope Featherington. Their friendship began when her head covering got caught in the wind and interrupted him while he was horseriding, causing him to fall off his horse into mud.[17] Of all the people he wrote to, he noticed that she is the only one who retained interest in his letters and faithfully replied. When he found out Jack was swindling the ton, he exposed him to protect Penelope and her family from ruin, and vowed that he would look out for her always. However, that same evening, he unabashedly declared to a group of gentlemen that he would never court Penelope "in [his] wildest fantasies," completely unaware that she harbored romantic feelings for him.
Career[]
As the third son, Colin isn't expected to inherit the viscountcy. Therefore, he freely pursues pleasure, constantly going out on travels to exotic locations which he writes to his friends and family about, especially Penelope Featherington.
Notes and Trivia[]
- He is 21 years old in 1814.[1]
- Colin's actor, Luke Newton, originally auditioned for the part of the Duke.[24]
- Luke Newton is left-handed but pretends to be right-handed when he plays Colin. He explains that this is why Colin was not good at fencing in the episode Off to the Races.[25]
- The title of Colin's book, Traveling with Myself, incorrectly uses the American spelling. It should have been spelled, Travelling with Myself, using British spelling.[23]
- Colin's sideburns were real in season three, but not season one.[26]
- Colin's first dance with Penelope in season one is called the Siege of Ennis, which is a famous Irish dance that Nicola has known since she was a little girl.[27]
- Colin's first dance with Penelope in season two was inspired by the tango. During the dance, there are times when they turn and don't see each other, which according to Nicola, reflects what was going on in their relationship at the time.[27]
- Luke thinks Colin's interests include travel, family and food.[28]
- According to Luke, Colin is 22 years old, as of season three.[28]
- According to Luke, Colin's occupation is a very rich stay-at-home son.[28]
- Luke thinks Colin's biggest ick is Lady Whistledown.[28]
- Luke thinks the qualities Colin looks for in a partner is loyalty and a sense of family. Colin wants to be the head of the family and share that experience with someone he cares about.[28]
- Luke thinks Colin's modern-day favorite movies would be Pirates of the Caribbean and something related to travel.[28]
- Nicola thinks Colin's modern-day favorite movies would be Eat, Pray, Love and sexy French films .[28]
- Luke thinks Colin's biggest secret would be the insecurities that he holds quite close.[28]
Gallery[]
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A more complete gallery with pictures of Colin Bridgerton (Netflix) can be found here. |
Memorable Quotes[]
- Colin: Good God, did someone die?[5]
- Colin: But these past few weeks have been full of confounding feelings. Feelings like a total inability to stop thinking about you. About that kiss. Feelings like dreaming of you when I’m asleep. And in fact preferring sleep because that is where I might find you. A feeling that is like torture. But one which I cannot, will not, do not want to give up.[19]
- Colin: I was riding my horse, minding my own business, when I was assaulted by a devilishly yellow head covering.[17]
- Colin: Do you know what I discovered when I was abroad? No one knew me. No one knew who I was supposed to be. I was entirely freed of being the Colin Bridgerton the ton knows me to be. Which is how I became myself.[17]
- Eloise: Since when are you one who simply glides in?
- Colin: Since when do you wear so many ruffles?[16]
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" | ||
| 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" | ||