Bridgerton Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Bridgerton Wiki
Advertisement
Register
Bridgerton Wiki
World of Bridgerton
2,289
pages
in: Episodes, S3 Episodes
English

Forces of Nature

Edit

Forces of Nature is the third episode of season three and the nineteenth episode overall of Bridgerton.

Synopsis[]

Penelope catches the eye of the nature-loving Lord Debling, to the dismay of other admirers. A near-catastrophe on a windy day makes a hero out of Colin.

Full Summary[]

Penelope walks out to the garden. Colin walks toward her and thanks her for meeting him so late. He had to see her immediately. He tells her he hasn't slept or eaten. All his thoughts are of their kiss. Penelope feels the same way. They start kissing.

Colin wakes with a start.

Gregory struggles to eat with his left hand as his right arm is in a sling. Benedict asks him if it was worth a glimpse of the balloon and Gregory admits that he fell off the roof before he even saw the balloon. Across the room, Violet asks Francesca to tell her again what the queen said. Eloise is able to quote it because she's heard it already. Violet says if the queen has truly granted Francesca her favor, she'll have her pick of suitors, so this changes everything. Hyacinth asks Francesca who she'll dance with first. Francesca suggests she might go alphabetically. Colin comes in and Benedict notes that he slept late and wonders if something kept him up. Colin denies it and says he slept peacefully, without so much as a dream. Hyacinth knows they're not supposed to mention it, but tells Colin what he did for Penelope was very kind. Benedict knows that Hyacinth waits for the maids to throw out the latest Whistledown because she's not allowed to read it. Colin finds the situation unfortunate. Eloise suddenly gets up and leaves the room. Hyacinth repeats that Penelope is lucky to have Colin as a friend. Colin stammers as he says Penelope is a good acquaintance. Benedict notices his nerves and asks if he's all right. He insists that he's fine.

Everyone sets up for the balloon race.

The queen looks over cards for several suitors for Francesca. She tells Lady Danbury that Francesca must marry someone rich, handsome, and of high rank as she discards several options. Lady Danbury suggests Lord Debling. He's eager to take a wife this season. The queen says Lord Debling spends half his time in nature and the other half talking about it. He is boring. Lady Danbury drops his card on the table, but the queen tells her to throw it like she means it. Lady Danbury says her mind is on something else. She's expecting an unwanted visitor. The queen offers to banish them but Lady Danbury says it's not worth her time. She throws another card and says they should throw it from their minds.

Philippa tells Prudence, Portia, and Penelope that she doesn't think she'll grow when she's with child as she's always kept an elegant figure. Prudence says the baby is what makes the belly. Portia tells her not to worry herself as she's sure Philippa's baby boy will be delivered by stork. Penelope asks how she's sure they'll have boys. Portia is upset that after a week in her room, that's what Penelope says to her. Portia needs a word with Mrs. Varley, but before she can say anything, Mrs. Varley says Penelope has a visitor.

Penelope comes downstairs to find Eloise waiting. Eloise noticed that Penelope hasn't been spotted in society. She knows it's not pleasant to have Lady Whistledown write about you. Eloise thinks what Whistledown wrote about Penelope was unnecessarily harsh. Penelope says it would have looked strange if she had not commented. Eloise says it's her fault that the rumor got out, but she didn't do it on purpose. Penelope invites Eloise to come in, but Eloise declines, saying she's meeting a friend. Before she leaves, she tells Penelope she hopes she finds what she's looking for this season, with or without Colin's help.

Colin and Penelope promenade separately and notice people whispering about them. When Colin looks at Penelope, she turns and walks away. Colin follows Penelope away from others. He apologizes for not coming to see her sooner, but she says it was better that way. She says they can't continue their lessons. He agrees, but asks why she says that. He asks if it's because of what happened between them and she says no, but assures him nothing like that will ever happen again. She apologizes for asking and he says that's not necessary. They're both awkward. Colin asks Penelope about not continuing the lessons. She says they can't continue because she's already embarrassed her family enough. If they continue, they'll embarrass his family as well. It might be better if they keep their distance entirely. Penelope needs to get serious about her prospects, not that she has many. She has even less now. Colin tells her he wishes she'll find happiness. She thanks him for his help and says it'll be because of him if she secures a proposal.

Lord Debling looks up at the three deer heads mounted on the wall.

Lady Malhotra tells Lady Livingston that she finds Lord Debling's interest in nature endearing and thinks he might be the pick of the season. Lady Livingston thinks it's more of a fixation than a concern. He only eats vegetables.

Lady Cowper tells Cressida that Lord Debling has made it clear he intends to marry this season. His estate is vast. Cressida isn't impressed by him. Lady Cowper reminds Cressida that she needs to find a husband soon or she and Lord Cowper will be forced to find one for her. Cressida asks how big his estate is, but Lady Cowper just nudges her toward Lord Debling.

Cressida asks Lord Debling if he's enjoying his evening. He says more than the deer are. Cressida says she'd rather be predator than prey.

Portia finds it a pity that Prudence and Philippa are busy because that gives Penelope fewer people to hide behind. Penelope couldn't stay in her room forever and soon, another scandal will distract everyone. Portia tells her to keep a low profile. As Colin walks in, Penelope says she thinks she sees a corner she can hide in.

Benedict walks in with Eloise and Colin and immediately catches eyes. Benedict tells Eloise to tell anyone who asks for him that he's not there and walks away. Eloise sees Penelope standing in a corner and tells Colin that she spoke to her and apologized for telling the story about them. Colin thanks her and walks away.

Lady Danbury, Violet, and Francesca enter a room. Lady Danbury notes that the queen's favor is working and Violet confirms that their drawing room has been full all week. Francesca lists off some of the suitors who have come to see her. It's as Lady Danbury suspected, that the lower-ranking lords would come first. Once they're done, the higher-ranking lords will come. But when the queen thinks Francesca is ready, she'll introduce Francesca to the highest-ranking of them all, perhaps a family friend. Violet remembers that that's how it happened with Daphne and Prince Friedrich. She reminds Francesca that, as with Daphne, she doesn't have to marry whoever the queen chooses for her. She just needs to follow her heart. Francesca thinks whoever the queen chooses will be the best suitor for her. She says trusts the queen, but Violet thinks she's only saying that because it's easier. Lord Cutbill, an earl, comes up and introduces himself. Francesca leaves with him.

Penelope approaches Lord Stanton and Lord Wilding and asks how their evenings are going. Wilding asks her if she's looking for someone new to help her find a husband. Lord Stanton wishes her luck and they both laugh as they walk away.

Alice and Will enter the party. Lady Cowper greets Alice, surprised by the change in her fashion. Will and Alice just smile as they approach Colin, who compliments their appearance. Alice asks Colin about Penelope and he notes that on top of good fortune and taste, gossip has made its way into their home. Alice says Whistledown has been very educational for her. She doesn't find what Colin did to be shocking, just considerate. Will adds that it's the mark of a good man to help someone in need. Alice is sure his help will get Penelope a husband. Colin says that's the hope.

Benedict goes to talk to Lady Danbury. She sees Lady and Dolores Stowell hovering nearby and tells him he's transparent. He apologizes and also thanks her, because talking to her has successfully protected him from having to speak to them. Lady Danbury says he can express his gratitude by taking her for a turn around the room, which he does happily.

Lord Debling talks to Penelope, asking if she's enjoying the party. She says she is and he is as well, except that he feels like prey. She welcomes him to her hiding place, but says usually only failures and outcasts are allowed. He asks if she won't take pity on a hunted man, but she needs all the pity for herself. He's unaware of why she's an outcast and thinks she must have done something awful. The ton barely tolerates him because he doesn't eat meat. Penelope's surprised that he doesn't read Lady Whistledown. He asks what Lady Whistledown wrote about her and she tells him about Colin helping her. Lord Debling says it's brave of her to step away from the herd due to the risk of her becoming a target, like the deer. Penelope points out that the deer is dead, but Debling says at least he got to come to the party. Penelope finds it to be a rather dull party herself. Debling finds her frankness refreshing.

Colin sees Penelope and Debling talking.

Cressida tells Eloise she's figured out who she'll marry. Eloise asks if the man knows about it. Cressida ignores her question and says it's Lord Debling. Eloise is surprised because Cressida doesn't care for nature or animals, his two great passions. Cressida says she cares for animals and loves a good fur. Eloise advises her not to tell Debling that. Eloise remembers that Debling spent a lot of time talking to Penelope the previous night, but Cressida doesn't believe Penelope is a threat to that. She thinks Debling is only taking pity on Penelope. Eloise warns Cressida that Penelope isn't defenseless. Cressida isn't either. Not everyone has the support of their family like Eloise does. Marrying might be the only way Cressida gets that kind of support. Debling is good-natured and he's her choice. She asks Eloise to help and Eloise offers to lend her some books on natural history.

Mrs. Varley says her mother had five boys and took this every time, except when she had Mrs. Varley, offering Prudence and Philippa a green drink. Prudence and Philippa are grossed out by the smell, but drink the drink. It's not as bad as they thought, but once it's down, they start retching and race to the chamber pots.

An announcer calls to everyone to come see the hot air balloon.

Queen Charlotte tells Lord Samadani she thought the balloon would be bigger.

Prudence tells Harry the balloon is enormous. He tells her now that she's feeling better "it's" ready to fly at a moment's notice. Behind them Philippa asks Albion what they're talking about and Albion thinks they're just balloon enthusiasts.

Gregory wants to be a balloonist one day. Hyacinth corrects that it's an aeronaut.

Colin and Penelope have a secret conversation while pretending to be occupied by sweets. She tells him she's well and tells him about Lord Debling's interest in her. His lessons worked. She was able to stop caring so much about how she was perceived and be herself. He asks if she feels an attachment to Lord Debling. She says it's early, but he has a good character and he's attractive. Penelope buys a sweet and Colin is entranced by watching her lick some frosting off her finger. She sees him looking and asks if she has sugar on her face. He says she got it off and she leaves, telling him to wish her luck.

Cressida tells Eloise she's prepared some thoughts about a bird from the book Eloise lent her. It's a shame they're in danger of extinction. Eloise advises Cressida to avoid calling it silly-looking in front of Debling, who has dedicated his life to saving the species. Cressida hopes Debling wants to talk about birds and not balloons, though they both fly. Eloise corrects that the great auk doesn't fly. Lord Debling greets them and asks how they find the balloon. Cressida asks if he's ever been in one before and he says he hasn't. He favors places so remote he wouldn't be able to return in one. Eloise asks why he's trying to escape civilization and he says he pursues natural beauty, magnificent creatures, and a place where his family can't find him. Cressida is pleased by that last statement and asks if he doesn't get along with his family. He says trying to fit in with them is nigh impossible. Rather than try, he decided to go his own way, far away from them. Cressida understands.

Penelope approaches Lord Debling, but freezes when she sees him talking to Cressida and Eloise. She turns to walk away, but turns back when Lord Debling calls her to him. She doesn't want to intrude, but he assures her she isn't. Cressida tries to get the attention back on her by asking Eloise about the bird she liked. Lord Debling says he's working hard to prevent the great auk from being eradicated. It's in danger. Cressida says that's dreadful. She likes how they mate for life. Penelope interjects that she loves birds and thinks sometimes that the most beautiful birds are also the most common.

Lord Wilding and Lord Stanton approach Colin. They're not surprised to see him there as he loves the fanciful. They ask if that's why he helped Penelope. He says he's done with that.

Alice watches as Nicky, Daisy, and John run around. Will approaches her and happily tells her he's been invited on a hunt. He's starting to feel more at home in this world, though he misses the club. He's been in and out, but it's not the same. Alice misses spending time at home with all the events they must attend. She asks if they have to attend tonight's ball. He asks her what the rule is and she says they can do whatever they want.

Benedict avoids Lady and Dolores Stowell again by ducking into the tent where Lord Hawkins is talking about his balloon. He should be able to stay aloft for two hours. Lord Remington says a sailing ship can last all the way to the Americas. Lord Cho adds that you can also steer a ship. Benedict quietly comments that whether you can steer it or not, it's a great vehicle to escape the eager mamas. He realizes in horror that he's speaking to a woman and apologizes. She asks why he would assume a lady can't be interested in engineering. Lord Cho asks what the use of the balloon is. The lady asks if the tent is a balloon because they're all filling it with air. Lord Hawkins' ingenuity will drive progress forward. She came to hear someone who thinks differently, not to hear what can't be done. Lord Hawkins thanks her. She goes back to Benedict and asks if he has another comment. He says no, he's just excited to hear the lecture. He loves learning about others' passions.

Brimsley presents Francesca to the queen. The queen introduces Francesca to Lord Samadani, who has been living in Vienna. He came to London specifically to meet Francesca. He's a marquess. Lord Samadani has heard a lot about Francesca and is sure she won't disappoint. Lady Danbury and Violet watch the exchange and find the first spark of affection electrifying.

Cressida tells Lord Debling she spends as much time as possible outdoors. Penelope says she does as well. She prefers the natural world to the unnatural. She loves grass more than anything. Lord Debling asks what she loves so much about grass. She says she loves how it's so … green. Lord Debling agrees that it's green.

Colin watches the conversation from a distance. He asks Lord Stanton and Lord Wilding about Lord Debling. Lord Wilding says he has singular passions, but there's nothing untoward about him. Lord Stanton finds his love of vegetables untoward. Lord Wilding says with his fortune, he can afford to be singular. As they continue talking, the wind picks up and the balloon starts to move.

Harry pulls Prudence behind a tent, but she stops him from kissing her, saying it's quite windy. He must feel her lips, he insists. She's windswept. She reluctantly allows him to kiss her, but pushes him off when someone else sees them. He hits a rope, untying it from the anchoring post. The other tethers get pulled from the ground one at a time and the workers try fruitlessly to steady the balloon. Colin sees this and runs to grab one of the loose ropes, calling for others to help him. The crowd watches as Colin, Will, Benedict, Lord Stanton, and Lord Wilding pull the ropes to keep the balloon from hitting Penelope. At the same time, Lord Debling throws himself on top of Penelope's body to protect her. The men are able to stop the balloon in time and Lord Debling and Penelope remain uninjured. Lord Hawkins climbs into the basket and tells the men to let the ropes go. As they drop the ropes, the announcer says Hawkins is off to the skies. Everyone applauds.

A crowd of ladies fawns over Colin, though he insists it was a group effort. He looks over at Penelope.

Eloise tells Cressida that was a thrilling distraction, but Cressida is angry about Lord Debling helping Penelope. Eloise is happy no one was injured, but Cressida fakes an injury to get Lord Debling's attention. He rushes to help her and she claims to have been hit by a rope. He guides her to a seat, vexing Penelope.

Penelope flops down onto her bed.

Night has fallen. The Bridgertons arrive at Lord and Lady Hawkins' Innovations Ball. Benedict escorts Francesca as Eloise asks Colin if he's still upset with her. Colin says no, they're fine. He's just lost in thought. They walk in together. Violet drops a glove and when she reaches to pick it up, another man beats her to it. He hands it back to her and she thanks him.

As the Featheringtons enter the ball, Portia says now everyone will be talking about Colin and the balloon instead of Colin and Penelope. Lord Hawkins approaches and wants to show Portia a lamp, but she brushes him off.

Lady Cowper tells Cressida she needs to secure a dance with Lord Debling. Cressida says she's trying. Lady Cowper knows Cressida thinks she's harsh, but Lord Cowper is trying to put her under his thumb. He's reduced their allowance by half. They may have to wear their dresses a second time.

Benedict and Francesca and Colin and Eloise enter. Miss Malhotra, Miss Hartigan, and Miss Kenworthy stop Colin on the steps and applaud his heroism, but he is distracted.

Penelope stands alone in the middle of the room. She spots Lord Debling and walks toward him. She sees Cressida and it becomes a race to get to him first. Cressida wins and she thanks him for helping her as Penelope stands nearby.

Eloise approaches Miss Kenworthy, Miss Hartigan, and Miss Malhotra, but they're talking about their future wedding days, so she turns away.

Lord Samadani tells Francesca he's pleased that the queen introduced them because they have so much in common. They each have seven siblings. She knows he understands not getting a moment's peace. Francesca loves her family, but finds it lonely to be among all of them at once. He doesn't feel the same. He loves it and wants to have eight of his own so his home will always be filled with chatter. Francesca excuses herself and walks away from him.

Violet, seeing that Francesca has walked away from Lord Samadani, looks around for her. The man she met outside approaches her and asks if she's looking for her other glove. She says no, but thanks him for his help earlier. She says she's looking for her daughter. He remembers that feeling, but all his have flown the nest, if they really ever leave. Violet hasn't seen him before, but before he can introduce himself, Lady Danbury interrupts. She introduces Violet to her brother, Marcus Anderson. Marcus is pleased to meet Violet. Violet stammers as she introduces herself. Lady Danbury says Marcus has just arrived and he's only visiting. Violet didn't know Lady Danbury had a brother and welcomes him to Mayfair. He's enjoying his time there already.

Francesca steps outside and takes a deep breath. A man comes to stand next to her and says good evening. She tells him she was just in need of some quiet. He understands as he's been seeking the same all night. He asks if they can enjoy the silence together. They stand together without speaking, then look at each other and smile. After a few moments, Francesca excuses herself and leaves.

Benedict finds the lady from the tent, who remembers him. She's surprised to see him there, in a mama's favorite hunting ground. He says he braved it just to find her. He hopes to get a proper introduction. He introduces himself, but she knows him already. Everyone's been talking about his and Colin's heroics. She was impressed. Benedict asks if she's softened to him just because he tugged on a rope. He thought she would value ideas over brute strength. She says he misjudged her. She prefers brute strength. She introduces herself as Lady Tilley Arnold. He asks if she's married. She was until he died. Benedict says he's sorry. She's had seasons to mourn and she has no desire to find a new husband, so he doesn't need to fear her. He says he's not afraid of her, which she says is a mistake.

Benedict and Tilley dance. As they dance, her hands roam his body.

Lord Garret goes to Will, who is tending the bar, and asks if it's still his establishment. He says it is. He pours Garret a drink so they can toast to the upcoming hunt, which he's looking forward to. Garret tells him if he's going to be part of society, he can't continue to run the club. Members of society don't work. Will asks if being part of the world doesn't give him the freedom to do what he wants. Garret says that has limits. He looks forward to seeing Will on the hunt.

Penelope watches Cressida and Lord Debling. Then she turns to look at Colin, who is telling some ladies about the balloon. When he sees Penelope watching, he freezes for a moment, then tells the ladies that courage is within them all as long as they're honest with themselves. He watches as Penelope walks toward Debling and excuses himself.

Penelope goes to Debling and he asks if she's had any more encounters with balloons. She tells him no, so he excuses himself to take Cressida a lemonade. Penelope stops him and says she hasn't been honest with him. She doesn't actually love grass. She prefers being indoors. The person she was earlier today was her pretending and she doesn't want to do that anymore. She's someone who enjoys society and gossip even though she hides. She prefers books to exploring the world. She likes watching birds, but from her windowsill. She worries she's said too much, but he asks her how many versions of her there are and where she hides them. It doesn't bother him that she doesn't enjoy nature and says he can talk about many other things. He doesn't want to court someone exactly like himself. He wants to be with someone who is confident in who they are as he is. He believes she is. He hands her the lemonade and they drink together.

Eloise is happy to find Cressida free as she's been weary all night. She sees that Cressida is watching Debling and Penelope and Cressida says she's sure he'll return any moment. Eloise thinks it might be for the best, as a diet of vegetables doesn't suit Cressida.

Violet asks Colin if he's seen Francesca and he tells her he hasn't. He asks her what she hopes for Francesca to find as she sorts through suitable matches. Violet says she wants for Francesca what she wanted for herself and for her other children: passion, excitement, and thrills. Colin says she's always said the best foundation for love was friendship. She still believes that and that's how she and his father began. But it's rare to begin as friends and have both parties feel more. He asks how she knew the feelings were reciprocated. She says Edmund gathered up the courage to ask. Colin looks over at Penelope and Debling, who are still talking. Colin hopes Francesca is brave enough to ask if she finds that. Violet hopes that as well.

Colin goes to Penelope, who notes that he's finally free from his admirers. When he just looks at her, she asks if he's okay. He says he has a question to ask her. Before he can ask, Lord Debling interrupts, saying it's time for their dance. Penelope looks back at Colin, but when he doesn't say anything, she takes Lord Debling's hand.

Colin watches Penelope and Lord Debling dance.

Philippa, Prudence, and Portia also watch. Prudence and Philippa feel sick. Philippa runs away quickly. Portia thought they'd stopped taking the potion. Prudence says they did, so Portia doesn't know what's happening.

Colin watches the dance.

Cast[]

Main Cast[]

Guest Stars[]

Music[]

Song Performer Scene
"Cheap Thrills" Vitamin String Quartet (originally by Sia)
  • The guests arrive at the Innovations Ball.
  • Benedict escorts Francesca and Colin Eloise.
"String Quartet #13 Allegro Mod" APM
"String Quartet No. 15 in D Minor, 1st Mov. Allegro Moderato" APM
"Evening Stars" APM
"Happier Than Ever" Vitamin String Quartet (originally by Billie Eilish)
  • Penelope dances with Lord Debling.
  • Colin watches.
  • Philippa leaves the room feeling sick.

Notes and Trivia[]

  • While filming the hot air balloon scene, Luke Thompson, who portrays Benedict, ripped his trousers several times from squatting to pull the hot air balloon rope. Eventually, the crew gave up and gave Luke underpants that were the same color.[1]
  • The hot air balloon scene was initially not scripted as intensely as it was. In the original script, the hot air balloon came in Penelope's direction and Lord Debling whisked her away. The producers later decided to make it a full stunt, so Nicola Coughlan and Sam Phillips had to do stunt rehearsals for it, which involved Nicola throwing herself onto a crash mat and Sam rugby tackling her. At one point, Sam went in so hardcore that his coat stuck to Nicola’s wig and they were attached to each other.[2]
  • At the Innovation Ball, Cressida wears a dress with puffy sleeves and a corset around the neck, which is Jessica Madsen's favorite outfit on the show.[3]
    • According to the editors, it looked as if Eloise was talking into Cressida's sleeve and Eloise's head looked very tiny in comparison.[3]
  • The hot air balloon was made with CGI. To make the movement of the balloon realistic, the producers referenced balloon crashes, landings and take-offs. They also looked at how a balloon reacts to gusts to wind and translated it digitally.[4]

Gallery[]

Episode Stills[]

Behind the Scenes[]

Quotes[]

Benedict Bridgerton: Something keep you up?
Colin Bridgerton: Not at all. I slept peacefully. No sooner did my head touch the pillow that I was met with complete and immediate darkness. Not even a dream.
Benedict Bridgerton: Congratulations.
Colin Bridgerton: As you consider suitable matches for Francesca, what do you hope she finds?
Violet Bridgerton: I wish for Francesca the same thing I wanted for myself, for Anthony, for Daphne...passion. Excitement, a love that is thrilling.

See Also[]

A complete overview of this episode's crew can be found here.


References

Português do Brasil
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
Advertisement