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How Bright the Moon

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How Bright the Moon is the second episode of season three and the eighteenth episode overall of Bridgerton.

Synopsis[]

Penelope begins her private lessons in charming suitors, but the arrangement quickly grows complicated. A dazzling debutante seizes the queen's attention.

Full Summary[]

Lady Danbury and the queen admire Queen Charlotte's new gift, a diamond-encrusted pineapple. Lady Danbury comments that diamonds aren't so rare after all. That is why the queen isn't choosing one, no matter how many jewels anxious mamas send her. Lady Danbury asks her about what Whistledown says. The queen says she's not afraid. Her choice from last year, Edwina, made a splendid match abroad. Lady Danbury suggests she should continue her success, but the queen thinks that will give Lady Whistledown too much satisfaction. And she hasn't seen enough of this year's debutantes. They need to do more to earn her favor. She'll choose someone who sparkles. The person she picks will make the best match of the season. Then Lady Whistledown will realize she's the one who should be afraid.

Lady Whistledown writes about ladies who married after they were thought to be too old, including Kate.

Rae is helping Penelope get ready when Mrs. Varley comes in and compliments her dress.

Mrs. Khanna shows the Mondrich family around their new estate. John and Nicky stop and look around, overwhelmed by the sight, before being called to join them. Upstairs is the library, a music room, a drawing room, a writing room, and a study. There are twenty-seven rooms in total, including the servants' quarters. Alice warns Nicky not to bother Mrs. Khanna or he'll have to clean all those rooms himself. Mrs. Khanna shows Alice her bedchamber, separate from Will's. That is how it is done.

Portia is upset that the Kent estate has gone to the Mondrich family. She worries about who might be next in line for theirs. Mrs. Varley tells her not to worry, that one of the girls will make good. Penelope comes in and tells Portia that Rae is accompanying her to Rotten Row, but Portia brushes her off, saying they're busy. Penelope watches as Philippa and Albion and Prudence and Harry play with grapes, then leaves.

Eloise walks with Benedict and Colin. She denies the implication that she'd have more fun with the other debutantes, considering them boring. Plus, they're looking at Colin, not her. Benedict doesn't understand how she can be close with Cressida, but none of the others. Eloise tries to turn his attention to Colin's changes and Colin reminds Benedict that he promised Anthony he'd give society a try. Colin excuses himself and meets up with Penelope.

Penelope asks Colin how they start, if there's a book. Colin asks if she still wants his help after what Lady Whistledown wrote. Penelope says she's wrong and to pay her no mind. Colin agrees and says she'll be caught sooner or later. Colin says to secure a match, Penelope must engage in real life. He wants to assess her skills first. She claims not to have any, but he says men are simple beings and she knows how to wave her fan and bat her lashes. He gestures to some gentlemen and says she should test it on them. Penelope is awkward and stilted as she waves her fan and flutters her lashes, startling Lord Wilding, who says she seems discomposed. She tells him she's well, despite how it seems.

Penelope goes to her room and faceplants on her bed.

Lady Danbury and Violet discuss eligible suitors with Francesca. Lord Courtenay loves music, so he might be a good match for her. Lords Petri and Godwin are also supporters of the arts. Hyacinth asks if they're all handsome as Violet tells Francesca she must talk with all of them. Francesca just says it's good to have options. Lady Danbury says the queen is not done with the season and is still seeking her diamond, under another name. She wants to see more of the debutantes. Anyone could be the one she seeks.

Prudence yawns as she takes her tea. She finds it fatiguing to prepare to be lady of the house. Portia asks if her fatigue is a sign that she's working on producing an heir. Philippa says she and Albion have frequented three places of business just this morning. Portia asks what she means and she says she's been to an upholsterer, a silk mercer, and a new housekeeper, though she wants to keep that from Mrs. Varley. She wants to change some things when she becomes the new Lady Featherington. Prudence wants to keep Varley. Portia says they're putting the cart before the horse. She hopes before long, both of them will be producing heirs. Philippa says she and Albion are very passionate. Prudence says she and Harry have been familiar with each other. But only once, on their wedding night. Portia says they must do that often to make an heir, though Prudence wants to show her husband off, not be alone in bed with him. Portia tells her she must try harder if she wants to beat her sister. She suggests making good use of the upcoming full moon, a harbinger of fertility.

Colin lies in bed, between two nude women. When he sees the time on the clock, he tells them he's late and kisses them each once more before leaving. Sasha asks if he'll be back at the same time tomorrow and he says he might.

Penelope finds Colin and asks if he's sure he wants to resume her lessons. He says she doesn't need a lesson. She already knows all she needs to know. He asks if she remembers how they first met. He was riding his horse and he was hit by her hat. She says the wind blew it off her head, though she seemed pleased when he landed in the mud. He recalls her teasing him about it. They were children, so she wasn't self-conscious yet. She says it's impossible to ignore other people and their judgments in society. He says when he was abroad, no one knew who he was or what he was supposed to be. He was free of being Colin Bridgerton. That's how he became himself. Once you stop living for others, you become free, but Penelope doesn't think that's so easy. Colin asks her why she wants a husband. She says it's freedom she wants, and to feel comfortable in the world. He says finding that comfort in herself will get her there. He asks what makes her most comfortable. It used to be Sunday teas at the Bridgerton House, but that's no longer possible. He asks her what happened between her and Eloise. She doesn't answer, but glances at Rae and says she should get back before they're noticed.

Will lies awake alone in bed.

In her room, Alice does the same.

Alice tells Genevieve she's marveled at her shop from the street, but it's entirely different to be inside. Geneieve expects that Alice is experiencing many new pleasures. Alice says she has more than 30 new gowns and they all must be altered. Genevieve wanted to craft something more contemporary for the last Lady Kent, but she'd refused. Genevieve says Alice could spend some of her new fortune on something more grand, but Alice wants to show the ton that not everything has changed. Genevieve understands, but says the ton feeds on the nouveau.

Violet enters Genevieve's with Eloise and Francesca. She sees a beautiful blue fabric she's sure will catch the queen's eye. Eloise is grateful to have Francesca to take some of the attention off of her, which will allow her to put off finding a husband for another year, longer if Francesca holds out as well. Francesca says the prospect of marriage is the only appealing part of the season for her. She wants to find a suitable match and be done with it before Violet draws the queen's attention to her. Eloise notices some other debutantes and says perhaps it won't matter if there are others vying for the queen's favor. She calls Miss Hartigan and Miss Malhotra over and says she has information they might want to know.

Colin, Gregory, Benedict, and Hyacinth are playing cards. Hyacinth decides she's pleased with her hand, but Gregory decides to trade. Colin sees a servant in the distance and says he's out this hand.

Colin greets Penelope, saying he was waiting for her visit. She wonders if it would have been better for them to meet at the market, but he says they're not going to the market this time. They're going to the Bridgerton drawing room. Eloise, Violet and Francesca are out for the afternoon and the others are playing cards in the garden, so they'll be undisturbed. They're very competitive. Hyacinth loves winning and Gregory hates losing to Hyacinth, so Benedict will refuse to miss the spectacle. No one will leave the table anytime soon.

They enter the drawing room, where Penelope had said she was most comfortable. They needed a place to be alone. They can pretend they're at a ball. He sets the scene. They're starting at the lemonade table. Penelope needs to pretend to flirt with the suitor she's met over the refreshments. He's perfect to practice on because she knows him. She says knowing him will make her feel even more embarrassed. She knows she can be clever and amusing, but that gets lost between her heart and her mouth, so she says the wrong thing or says nothing at all. He tells her to think about what she would say to him, a potential suitor, without thinking about how it'll sound to him. She looks at him and says his eyes are the most remarkable shade of blue and shine even brighter when he's crying. There's an awkward moment and then she says she might say something like that to a suitor. Colin says that was rather direct. They hear Eloise and Francesca approaching, so he hides Penelope in the study.

In the study, Penelope looks around. She sees Colin's coat and strokes it, then reads from the open journal on the desk. It's about Colin's travels and specifically speaks of the beautiful women. Colin comes in, startling her. He asks if she was reading and she says she didn't mean to. He says it wasn't meant for anyone but him. As he grabs for it, he knocks a lamp off the desk and it breaks. He cuts himself on the glass and reluctantly allows Penelope to put a cloth on the cut to stop the bleeding. She tells him his writing is very good and they have a moment before they break apart and agree to stop for the day. She thanks him for the lesson and leaves.

Eloise spots Penelope as she leaves and they look at each other for a moment before breaking eye contact.

Alice's ladies' maid asks if she wants any adornments and suggests she look at them first when she says it might be better to go simple. Her eyes widen when she sees the beautiful jewels available to her. She chooses a necklace.

Colin looks down at his bandaged hand and then at Eloise as they ride in a carriage together. He asks if something is troubling her and she tells him about seeing Penelope at their house. He apologizes for that, but tells her it's difficult to know how to act when he still doesn't know what happened between them. She says they just grew apart, but he doesn't believe that. He asks if she wishes for him to cast Penelope out. She doesn't want that, because she doesn't want Penelope to be friendless. She just doesn't want Penelope at their home. Eloise asks how Penelope is. She doesn't need details, but she wants to know Penelope's not suffering or despondent. Colin says she is neither of those. In fact, she's seeking a husband this season. Eloise is shocked and says that's unlike Penelope. Eloise worries she's seeking Colin specifically, but Colin says he's just helping her. Eloise asks if that's really wise and wonders what would happen if someone found out that he was helping her. Colin says she doesn't have any male relatives to help her, so someone has to. Eloise says he's the most eligible suitor right now and it wouldn't look right. Colin says that's why they're not telling anyone.

The queen watches as several couples dance at a ball. Two ladies come before the queen and curtsey. She tells Brimsley she's pleased to see them finally putting in effort. When Miss Barragan struggles to stand after her curtsey, the queen thinks maybe they're putting in too much work.

Cressida and Lady Cowper watch this and Lady Cowper comments that Cressida should have curtsied that low her first season out.

Violet tells Eloise she won't be pushing suitors on her this season, but she might want to become acquainted with the other ladies so she has more than just Cressida. Miss Hallewell and Miss Malhotra invite Eloise to take a turn around the room with them and she accepts. With Eloise gone, Violet suggests Francesca go with her to greet the queen. Francesca wants to wait and meet the suitor Lady Danbury mentioned as being musically-inclined.

Miss Kenworthy and Miss Stowell greet Benedict and Colin. Miss Goring joins them as Benedict welcomes them. Miss Stowell says she hasn't seen Benedict on the dance floor, so Benedict asks her to dance.

Penelope enters with Harry and Albion. Portia asks them where Prudence and Philippa are. Harry has lost Prudence and Albion sent Philippa to look for pastries. Portia says perhaps if Albion savored his wife as much as he did food, they'd have their heir. Portia leaves to find her daughters. Albion tells Penelope her mother is terrifying.

Penelope goes to Colin and asks him how his hand is. He says it's much better, thanks to her. She apologizes again for reading his writing, but tells him he writes so well. He makes it seem effortless, which is hard. She'd like to read more if he'll let her someday. He says he'll consider it if she speaks to at least one lord tonight. She agrees to that deal. He suggests Lord Basilio, who is standing nearby. Penelope says Lord Basilio is a viscount. Colin counters that she's Penelope Featherington, a fact she shouldn't forget.

Penelope approaches Lord Basilio and pretends not to have seen him when he greets her. She starts to flirt with him, but he begins to cry and excuses himself.

Colin checks on Penelope, who tells him that Lord Basilio's horse recently died. Colin didn't know. He says they need to find someone who isn't in mourning.

Eloise watches Penelope and Colin laugh together and Cressida tells her when she has a disagreement with someone, she finds it helpful to pretend they're dead. Eloise doesn't think she could pretend Penelope is dead because Penelope was at her house today. When Cressida asks what for, Eloise tells her about Colin helping Penelope find a husband. She and Penelope used to say they'd be spinsters together. Cressida says that's rather scandalous, for Colin, but even more for Penelope. Cressida says it's clear Penelope's feelings for Eloise have altered, so she proposes that Eloise alter hers for Penelope. Miss Livingston interjects and asks Eloise if she has any talents she'll be showing off for the queen. Miss Barragan, Miss Hallwell, and Miss Malhotra also take an interest. Eloise says no, unless you consider saying the wrong thing at the wrong time a talent. Like the time she tried to tell her French tutor he was nice and called him an owl instead. She can't blame her teachers for her lack of talent because she's a terrible student. Miss Malhotra thinks they've found her talent. Miss Hallewell adds that she's an entertaining speaker.

As the dance ends, Miss Stowell tells Benedict he's an excellent dancer. He says the pleasure was his and excuses himself when he sees Will and Alice entering. He welcomes them to the ton. Will has been in the ring against men who could have killed him, but he's more nervous at the ball than he was then. Benedict tells them they both look great and not to be intimidated. It can be enjoyable if they don't resist. Alice saw him with Miss Stowell and asks if he's courting. He says no, that was just him not resisting. Alice doesn't think Miss Stowell sees it so casually and shows him that Miss Stowell and Lady Stowell are both looking at Benedict. Alice excuses herself to get a drink, as his situation is making her nervous. Will doesn't understand society's rules and isn't sure he ever will if Benedict can't grasp them. Benedict points out Lord and Lady De Leon. It's considered impolite to dance so often with the same partner, but they do it. Then there's Lord and Lady Singer. The rule is that you're not meant to have more than one or two drinks, but they are drunk. They have that freedom because they're married. The rules are to keep the marriage mart churning, but once you're married, you're free.

Violet introduces Francesca to Lord Petri, who is accomplished on the cello. They start talking about the music they love. Lord Petri is interested in the story of the music while Francesca is more interested in the music itself.

Lady Danbury finds Violet watching Francesca. Violet says she's fearful of pushing a daughter too far, given what happened with Eloise. But she's also worried that without a push, Francesca will marry the first suitor who is good enough and never step outside her natural sphere. They watch Lord Petri walk away from Francesca and Lady Danbury says perhaps it might be best if Violet lets Francesca stay in her natural sphere. She summons Francesca to her and they walk away together.

Philippa picks up a cookie, saying she might be with child already and needs to eat for two. Prudence takes the cookie from her, saying her arrogance doesn't count. Portia then takes the cookie from Prudence and puts it back on the tray, asking why they're not with the husbands she procured for them. Philippa says she and Albion laid together before they came to the ball, to which Portia tells her to lower her voice.

In another room, Portia asks Prudence about her and Harry. Prudence says they started, but she doesn't enjoy it. Portia says a woman's pleasure is subtler than a man's. When he inserts himself … Philippa interjects and asks where he inserts himself. Portia asks what she and Albion do. She says they kiss and then he makes an odd sound, then he goes to change his clothes. Portia is horrified.

The queen tells Lady Danbury she's tired of the debutantes jumping through hoops to try to impress her. She's seen enough and is ready to leave. Lady Danbury stops her and asks if she's seen the Gérard painting in the back room. She thinks the queen might find it rather brilliant.

Miss Hallewell is upset to see the queen leaving without speaking to more debutantes, but Eloise is happy she can eat chocolates now without appearing impolite. She leaves to do that. Without the queen to impress, the ladies wonder if anyone has any good gossip. Cressida says she can't think of anything at the moment and leaves.

Penelope talks to Lord Remington. He heard the queen didn't name a diamond, which is leaving the ladies unsettled. Penelope says she doesn't like idle gossip, which Remington declares makes her a more resolute person than he is. He loves gossip. On Whistledown days, he sits by the door and reads it as soon as it arrives. That gets her attention and she eagerly discusses Whistledown with him.

Colin approaches Penelope as Lord Remington leaves and Penelope tells him that Remington asked her to call on him tomorrow. He asks if she likes him and she says she enjoyed herself. Colin is sure that Lord Remington did as well. Nearby, they heard Miss Livingston and Miss Malhotra gossiping about them and their arrangement. In another crowd, Lady Cowper is gossiping about it with Lady Hanbury and Lady Livingston. They look around to see several others whispering. Colin asks them what they're whispering about. Lady Livingston asks him why an eligible bachelor like himself would help a spinster find a husband, especially someone beyond hope such as Penelope. Upon hearing that, Penelope walks out, hearing people talk about her as she passes. Colin calls to her, but she doesn't stop. Miss Goring and Miss Barragan can't wait to see what Lady Whistledown will write about it.

Eloise follows Penelope out. When Colin sees her, he asks if she told anyone about him helping Penelope. She admits that she confided in Cressida. Colin doesn't understand why Eloise is friends with her instead of Penelope and wonders what Penelope could have done to deserve this treatment.

Penelope cries as she rides home.

As they walk toward the painting, the queen and Lady Danbury hear someone playing pianoforte. They find Francesca, who is startled when the queen applauds her playing. The queen is impressed that Francesca didn't perform such a talent just to impress the queen, but for herself. She declares Francesca sparkling.

Alice's maids help her get ready for bed. Will comes in and she asks if he shouldn't be sleeping in his own bedchamber. He says he doesn't want to sleep. But when he does sleep, he'll sleep in there with his wife. Alice reminds him of what Mrs. Khanna said, but he says they can do whatever they want. This is their life. They're a married, noble couple. Alice is afraid of doing something wrong and having it all taken away. They've always worked for everything they had. They didn't do anything to earn this, but he reminds her that none of the other titled families did anything to earn it. But it's theirs, so they might as well enjoy it. Alice wants to get rid of Lady Kent's horrid clothes. Will wants to get rid of all clothes. Alice decides she'll keep the jewelry. They start kissing.

Penelope writes the next Whistledown.

Prudence and Harry try to produce an heir. She slaps his hand when he touches her face.

Philippa and Albion also work on an heir, the correct way.

Footman Oliver brings Lady Danbury a letter. She reads it and tells him to alert Mrs. Walsh that they're expecting a visitor.

Penelope sits in the window as people get the latest Whistledown, which reports on her arrangement with Colin.

Across the way, Colin reads the news himself.

Eloise is reading it when Cressida finds her. Eloise blames Cressida for the news getting out. Cressida says she didn't tell anyone, but did notice Miss Livingston whispering around the room after hovering near them. Eloise was rather indiscreet when she told Cressida. Perhaps if she were more decided about Penelope, she wouldn't have felt the need to gossip. In this case, Eloise was the cruel one, not Cressida.

Portia takes the Whistledown to Penelope and asks how she could be so reckless. The family has already endured so much and now she's added this. Portia tells her she needs to be reasonable about what she can achieve. She thought the dresses were only for Penelope's amusement, not because she really believed she'd find a husband on her third year out. An unmarried life isn't all bad. Men often cause more trouble than they're worth.

Penelope remains in her window as the sun sets. Rae comes to tell her she has a visitor.

Rae escorts Penelope out to the garden, where Colin is waiting. He bribed Rae to give them a moment alone. He had to see Penelope. He's upset with Whistledown for what she wrote, but Penelope says it's her job to write about what everyone is talking about and it would have been suspicious if she hadn't. Penelope brought it on herself, by thinking she had a chance at love. Penelope asks Colin to kiss her. She's never been kissed before and isn't certain she ever will. She doesn't expect anything else. She doesn't want to die having never been kissed. After a few moments, he steps forward, leans in, and kisses her. It's brief, but after they pull back, they both lean in again, for a longer kiss. She thanks Colin and runs away.

Cast[]

Main Cast[]

Guest Stars[]

Music[]

Song Performer Scene
"String Quartet in B Flat Major op 130 - VII Finale" BMGPM
"Concerto for Violin, Orch in E-Major, Allergo Assai" APM
"String Quartet No 8 K168 IV Allergo" WCPM
"String Quartet in G Major" De Wolf Music
"Dynamite" Vitamin String Quartet (originally by BTS)
"String Quartet No. 23 in F-Major K. 590" APM
"String Quartet in B-Flat Major, K. Anh.IV, No. 210 Milanese Quartet No. 2 I. Allegro di molto" BMGPM
"Jealous" Shimmer (originally by Nick Jonas)
"Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 'Appassionata': Il. Andante con moto" BMGPM

Notes and Trivia[]

Gallery[]

Episode Stills[]

Behind the Scenes[]

Quotes[]

Lady Whistledown: What this author knows to be true is that diamonds are not the only gems that sparkle.
Philippa Finch: I might like to change some things when I become the new Lady Featherington.
Prudence Dankworth: But I want to keep Varley.
Portia Featherington: Do you not think that you are both putting the cart somewhat before the horse?
Colin Bridgerton: Pen, living for the estimation of others is a trap. Once you break free, the world opens up.
Penelope Featherington: You make it sound so easy.
Colin Bridgerton: Why is it you want a husband?
Penelope Featherington: So that I may have my freedom. So I may feel comfortable in the world.
Penelope Featherington: Would you kiss me?
Colin Bridgerton: Penelope…
Penelope Featherington: It would not have to mean anything. And I would never expect anything from you because of it, but I’m nearly on the shelf and never been kissed, and I am not certain I ever will be. I could die tomorrow…
Colin Bridgerton: You are not going to die tomorrow.
Penelope Featherington: But I could, and it would kill me.
Colin Bridgerton: But you’d already be dead.
Penelope Featherington: I do not wish to die without ever having been kissed. Please. Colin.
Penelope Featherington: His horse recently died.
Colin Bridgerton: You are joking.
Penelope Featherington: I am not.
Colin Bridgerton: Surely someone here is not in mourning. We shall gallop along.

See Also[]

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


References

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