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Joining of Hands

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Joining of Hands is the seventh episode of season three and the twenty-third episode overall of Bridgerton.

Synopsis[]

A shocking column fuels the queen's search for the real Lady Whistledown. As the wedding looms, Penelope questions her future as a wife – and scribe.

Full Summary[]

Colin realizes Penelope is Lady Whistledown. He warns her not to deny it because he heard everything. He ran after her because he thought her carriage driver had abducted her to that part of town. But she knew what she was doing because she was the one who printed tonight. She tells him she didn't print tonight's issue, but when he asks about the others, she can't deny it and confirms she's Lady Whistledown. He remembers all the lies she told and the things she said about his family. He knew something was wrong, but he blamed himself. She was the one at fault. He says he'll never forgive her and walks away.

Delivery boys distribute the latest Whistledown, written by Cressida and Lady Cowper.

Cressida and Lady Cowper ride through town, watching people reading their work.

Colin lies awake in bed.

Violet is shocked as she reads a scathing review of her family. Hyacinth asks if she and Gregory can read the issue and Violet says no.

Around town, Lord Cho and Miss Kenworthy are among those who read the issue.

Violet is aghast at the lies about her family. Mrs. Wilson comes in and reports that the Whistledown is here. When Violet says they already have it, Mrs. Wilson says there's another one. Gregory tries to take it, but Violet takes it from him and reads it. She is relieved by the difference.

Queen Charlotte also reads both issues as Cressida and Lady Cowper stand before her and wait. She looks between the two and then puts Cressida's version to the side.

Lady Danbury smiles as she reads Lady Whistledown reporting that she's not Cressida.

Around town, everyone receives the second issue and reacts, balling up Cressida's version and discarding it.

Lord Cowper shuts Cressida in a room, declaring that she'll stay in there until her Aunt Joanna arrives.

Penelope pulls a book with a cutout section from under her floorboards and stores something inside it.

Portia tells Penelope it's good that the business with Cressida and Lady Whistledown has been settled so they can focus on her wedding. She wants all eyes focused on Penelope. Behind them, Philippa wonders how many eyes are in the ton. Prudence says twice as many as there are people. As Prudence glares at her mother and sister, Philippa realizes that Prudence hasn't been as cruel to her since Penelope got engaged. She's starting to think she's clever. Albion agrees that she is, but Philippa meant it to say something's wrong with Prudence. Harry has also noticed a change. She no longer swats his hands away with such vigor.

Portia gushes to Penelope about the wedding breakfast she's planning. Penelope excuses herself when she sees Eloise.

Eloise and Benedict talk about the latest issue. Benedict thinks he might read it to distract himself. Penelope approaches and greets them. Benedict realizes he's not wanted and excuses himself to go read the Whistledown. Once he's gone, Eloise tells Penelope she did it and Cressida is now discredited. She's surprisingly pleased that Penelope is printing again. Penelope tells Eloise that Colin knows. Eloise asks how he is and Penelope says he's angry. They're getting married this week if he'll still have her, but she doubts he'll even speak to her. She doesn't know what to do. Eloise can't help her. She's grateful for what Penelope has done, but she feels like she's already between Colin and Penelope. She met Colin first. Penelope says it was just a silly infatuation. It grew into a real friendship over time, but Eloise is the truest friend she's ever known. It's been awful not being with her this season. She couldn't bear to lose either of them completely. Eloise pulls away from Penelope, which Penelope understands. It's her mess to clean up. Eloise wishes her luck.

Lady Danbury says she's lucky Lady Whistledown published when she did and Violet agrees they averted a crisis. Now she has to avert the next one. She asks if Lady Danbury could get her an audience with the queen. Lady Danbury doesn't recommend it with how irritated the queen is about Lady Whistledown. Violet thinks Francesca was right and she should have approached the queen at the ball. Lady Danbury says she's done nothing wrong. They're always trying as hard as they can, but they can't always support the weight of the world. Violet comments that she doesn't sound like herself. Lady Danbury offers to try with the queen. Violet says it's not necessary. Violet says that Lady Danbury and her brother both have a constant urge to help others and assures her that her care for Lady Danbury doesn't rely on her helping. She's always there for her, even when there's no more unmarried children left to help. Lady Danbury says that means a lot to her.

Colin goes to Eloise and asks how long she's known. He saw her with Penelope shortly before he found Penelope himself. Eloise says she's been trying to get Penelope to tell him, but he thinks she should have told him herself. She counters that he should have told her he was in love with her best friend before their engagement. She tells him she didn't know until last year and she was too brokenhearted to speak about it. She'd been trying to make Penelope tell him, but then decided she didn't want to break his heart as well. She has also noticed she has not been as biting this season, either and hasn't been cruel to anyone who didn't deserve it. Colin reminds Eloise about what she wrote about him. Eloise admits that wasn't good. Colin asks if she's forgiven Penelope. She says she wants to and asks if he thinks he can. He says she should consider herself lucky she's never been in love.

Portia leads Violet into the room where she wants to have the wedding breakfast. When Violet expresses doubts, Portia asks if she thinks it'll be too small and shows her how she plans to lay things out. While the two of them and Mrs. Varley discuss that, Penelope tries to talk to Colin, who admits he only came because Violet was starting to get suspicious about them not seeing each other. She asks if he's going to call off the wedding. He says he's a man of honor and he compromised her. He wonders if that was part of her plan. She says she didn't mean to entrap him and she loves him. She asks what their marriage will be. Colin says it depends. He noticed there was no Whistledown this morning and asks if she'll stop publishing. She admits she doesn't know. He says they'll get through the wedding and then decide.

Portia and Violet awkwardly discuss the plans. Mrs. Varley excuses herself to offer Colin and Penelope refreshments. Portia's happy to see Colin there. Violet says they should want to spend time together before the wedding. Neither mother knows what's going on with them.

A maid comes to Benedict and tells him he had a caller while he was away. She hands him a note. He opens a note from Tilley asking him to let her explain.

Tilley tells Benedict that she meant to talk to him about Paul privately first. Then they got caught. Benedict asks what the situation is. Tilley says they have a relationship like he has with Tilley, but Paul also likes to be with men. Paul thought they shared a moment. Benedict has known men like Paul before, but he's never felt tempted himself. She asks if he's tempted by every woman he meets. He admits he isn't. Tilley says the world is incredibly diverse, despite what they've been led to believe. They all follow the expectations of society and play by the rules. They rarely question anything. It's unnatural. Feelings between two people, no matter their sex, is not unnatural. Tilley says they can continue as before if he has no feelings for Paul, but she tells him her staff are discreet. She walks away, leaving him to think.

Mrs. Wilson announces that Marcus has come to visit Violet. Violet stands up and is flustered as she puts away her crafting. Mrs. Wilson has Marcus brought in. They agree it's good to see each other. It's been a while, too long. Violet offers him refreshments, which he accepts. He asks how she is and she admits that Francesca is avoiding her and she and John Stirling are secretly engaged. Marcus hadn't heard that and congratulates her. They're waiting for the queen's blessing to announce and may be waiting for a while. He says patience is bitter, but the fruit is sweet. He asks Violet if they could explore something together once things with Francesca are settled. She's open to that, but she won't know if she's ready until things are in order, but she's not the only one who needs to get things in order.

Lady Cowper tells Cressida that Aunt Joanna sent them a letter. She is on her way and will arrive in a week or two. Cressida begs her mother to stop this, but Lady Cowper can't do anything. Lord Cowper has threatened to send her away, too, if she intervenes. That would leave no chance for Cressida to return. Lady Cowper did tell Cressida to avoid Eloise. If Cressida had, this might not have happened. Cressida asks why they had to be so cruel to the Bridgertons. She wishes they could have chosen a different family, but Lady Cowper says they're featured so often, it would have been odd not to mention them. It also brought them down a peg. Cressida thinks she was wrong to turn on Eloise. She's the only person who has ever shown Cressida true friendship, but Lady Cowper notes that Eloise isn't there now. Lady Cowper raised Cressida to believe it's every person for themselves, especially for women. Lady Cowper encourages her not to forget that.

Benedict, Colin, John, and Will drink to celebrate Colin's wedding. Benedict thinks Colin might be getting too drunk. Will doesn't think any of them can keep up with him. John starts hiccuping. He's not much of a drinker, but Violet doesn't like him. Colin says she doesn't not like him. Benedict then adds that Violet adores him, but she's obsessed with great love stories. Will says they should give him practical advice he can use. Benedict tells him to do something foolish and bold to declare himself. He can throw rocks at Francesca's window. He's trying to hard to be respectful. John says if he's to be bold, he'll need time to think about it. He takes another drink and stumbles as he gets up. Will also wants to go home. He finds it strange to drink in someone else's club. He and Alice have also been busy this week and he's spent. Benedict thinks that's their cue, but Colin needs a moment on his own and pours himself another drink. Benedict asks if everything's okay and Colin turns the question back on him. Benedict doesn't answer, but hugs Colin and leaves.

Penelope goes to see Genevieve and tells her Colin found out, but he doesn't know how Genevieve helped her. Genevieve is glad to hear that, but still worried about Penelope. Penelope's partially relieved, but also upset. Colin hates her and has every right to. She's about to get married to the man she loves and she doesn't know that she's worthy of him. Genevieve says she's made some controversial choices, but she was a girl who didn't know her power. It doesn't justify it, but she can't go back to the past. You just have to be true to your choices and look forward. She asks Penelope if she'll keep publishing. Penelope says she held back this week because of Colin, but it almost killed her to try to give it up before. Genevieve says there's no such thing as true love without embracing yourself. They drink to Penelope's wedding.

Benedict sits alone and thinks. He looks at Tilley's card.

Colin walks alone at night and runs into Penelope, who is leaving the modiste's. He asks what she's doing there, but then realizes he doesn't want to know. She's clearly in the middle of some secret dealings. She questions what secret dealings he's up to, out all alone the night before their wedding. He asks what right she has to ask that, after the secrets she's kept and the damage she's done. She knows he's right and she's sorry about the damage she's done. She says she was trying to protect Eloise with what she wrote, but she was misguided. He asks about Marina and she says she was protecting Colin with that. He says she should have told him that, but she didn't realize that at the time. He doesn't believe she respects him with what he wrote about her this year. She says she just wanted the Colin she knew back, not the stoic man who came back from traveling. She wanted the man she loved. She knows she should have done things differently and now with the confidence he helped her find this year, she can finally do that. Colin takes that to mean she doesn't need Whistledown anymore. Penelope says she doesn't need to hide behind Whistledown anymore, but she won't say there's no value in it. Colin is humiliated because she talked about his journal like he'd be this great writer, all while she was renowned across Mayfair. She says she meant what she said about his writing. Colin says she's put herself in danger, but she says she's careful and can take care of herself. He asks what good he is to her if that's the case. She says she loves him. He leans in and kisses her. They're interrupted by a horse passing and Colin tells Penelope to stay still as he covers her body with his own. Colin puts Penelope back in her carriage and says he'll see her tomorrow.

Colin comes home and hears two people talking. He goes into a room to find Anthony and Kate. Colin hugs them and asks what they're doing there as he didn't think he'd see them until tomorrow. Kate says Violet called them in early to give him marital advice. Colin says Violet knows everything. Anthony asks what's going on between him and Penelope. Colin says all is well, but Kate knows that's not true because he smells of alcohol. He says he was celebrating. Kate says two glasses is a celebration, but a whole bottle is a cry for help. Colin doesn't want to unload on them with their perfect marriage. Kate says their marriage isn't perfect. They're happy now, but it took time to get there. And he and Penelope have been friends for years. Despite this, Colin doesn't feel he truly knows her anymore. Anthony asks what happened, but Kate says it's not their business. They all have secrets and have made mistakes, but there's a reason Penelope has been so special to him. She asks if what he's learned really negates all of that. She urges him not to let one mistake ruin their relationship. Marriage is hard work, but it's worth it. Anthony claims their marriage isn't hard work, but Kate shushes him. She tells Colin she'll see him at the church and bids him a good night, leaving the brothers alone. Anthony says he drank a whole bottle the night before his wedding with Kate and it was celebratory. He tells Colin to drink three raw eggs in the morning and leaves.

Lady Danbury reads something and laughs. She enters her drawing room to find Marcus. She goes to chastise her staff, but Marcus stops her, saying he slipped in. The night she nearly escaped, he has no idea what she was running from. He was only ten and knew little of the world outside their home other than it was dangerous for a young lady. He thought if he could get her to stay a little longer, he could prove himself to her. She asks if he meant to their father, but he meant to her. He's heard her disparage the girl she once was, but she was resolute even then. She dreamt of running away, a courage he never dreamed of having. He's wished many times that he had stood up to his father for both of them. She wasn't the only one made to feel that she'd been found wanting. She asks why he never told her before. He says he was scared of her. She thinks she might be like their father, but Marcus says she's nothing like him, except the cane, though hers is more stylish. She thinks he must have gotten all the good joints in the family. She admits she's been hard on him. She's finally happy in her life and she worried he'd take it away. Marcus says he hopes she's part of his joy. After a moment, she says she needs to speak to the footmen, because they need to mind the visitors. Marcus laughs and Lady Danbury tells him to come with her as they have a wedding to attend.

Mrs. Varley and Rae help Penelope get ready. Varley asks if she's ready for her dress. Portia says she'll be the most beautiful bride.

A line of people waits to see the queen. Miss Hartigan is at the front and uses crutches to step forward when it's her turn. She turned her ankle chasing a delivery boy. The boy doesn't know who Whistledown is, but says most of his buyers live in Mayfair, so Whistledown must live there as well. Brimsley says they'll look into it, excusing her. Next to address the queen is Lord Holley, who has thought long and hard and has concluded that Lady Whistledown is not a lady at all. As he explains his theory that she's a man, the queen picks up some old issues and looks over them.

At the wedding, Will and Alice notice Lady Barragan and Miss Barragan waving at them. Alice reminds Will that they failed to attend Lady Barragan's luncheon. Will realizes she'll want them at the next one even more. They also see Lady and Miss Livingston approaching.

As the guests settle into the seats, Anthony says he loves weddings. Kate echoes that theirs was perfect. Colin and Minister Hughes enter and stand at the front.

Portia asks Penelope if she's ready and Penelope nods.

Everyone stands and watches as Penelope enters with Portia escorting her. Penelope pauses for a moment as she sees everyone, but then she looks at Colin. He nods at her and she nods back, then starts walking. Once she gets to the end of the aisle, Minister Hughes starts the ceremony, taking them through their vows. Then he pronounces them man and wife and they kiss. They hold hands as they're presented to the crowd.

Penelope tells Portia she's outdone herself. Penelope says it's magnificent. Prudence congratulates Penelope and says she's makes an exceptionally fine bride. Once Portia steps away, Penelope asks if Prudence wants to say how she really feels. Prudence says that's how she really feels and Penelope thanks her, bewildered. Penelope looks over at Colin, who is talking to Benedict and Gregory. When they step away, Colin looks toward her. He starts approaching, but Hyacinth stops him to tell him it was a beautiful wedding.

Lady Danbury says it's quite the wedding breakfast. Violet agrees. Lady Danbury and Marcus entered together, but were quickly separated because of the sheer volume of guests. Violet asks if she's feeling better and she says she is. It's a relief to make peace. She looks over at John and Francesca and suggests that Violet try it for herself. Violet intends to.

Benedict asks if Eloise is okay because he saw her crying during the wedding. Eloise says she was crying because she lost another friend to marriage. Or maybe there was just dust. Benedict asks which sibling of theirs she likes the best. She immediately says Gregory. He says that's fair, but he knows there's room in her heart for the rest of them. Love isn't finite. She is lucky to be friends with Penelope and with Colin. Eloise starts to tear up and blames it on dust again. She looks over at Penelope and excuses herself to find some champagne. Benedict pulls Tilley's note out of his pocket and looks at it again.

Cressida frantically packs things into a bag. A maid opens the door to bring Cressida tea. She asks for the maid's help.

Alice and Will promise they'll try to be at an event. As those people walk away, another approaches them.

Anthony asks Kate when she got her last letter from Edwina. Kate says there was one waiting when they returned. She is happy with her new husband, who is a reader and has cultivated a love for the outdoors in her. She's even gone riding with him, which shocks Kate and Anthony. Kate is envious, because their town in India is so charming. Anthony wants to see it and decides he wants that to happen soon, before their baby comes. She wants to go with him someday, but the journey takes months. He says if they go now, they'll have time to prepare for the birth there. He knows she loves their lives in Mayfair. She's made a life for herself with their family, but he knows something is missing. Kate asks about Violet missing the birth of her grandchild. Anthony says their child will always be a Bridgerton, but he wants them to know they're a Sharma as well and know their history. It's important for him to know it so they can share it with their child together. Violet will understand that. Kate asks him not to make her love him more and kisses him.

Penelope watches Colin from a distance. Portia checks on her and Penelope says she's enjoying herself, but finds it overwhelming. Portia says weddings are never for the bride and groom, even when things are well between them. Penelope thanks Portia for allowing her to work it out for herself. Portia says she hasn't had time to meddle while planning the wedding. She knows Penelope will resolve whatever it is. The important part is that she's married now. Penelope and Colin make eye contact and Penelope walks to Colin. Penelope wants them to move. She's clung to walls for so long and doesn't want to do it any longer. She proposes going to the center, but he doesn't have it in him to greet more guests. She suggests they could dance instead. If they did it in the church, they can do it now. As they dance, other couples join them.

John asks Francesca if she wants to dance. She doesn't think he's serious, because he's not much of a dancer. He admits that, but thinks they both might need to be a bit bolder in declaring themselves. She offers her hand and they join the dance.

Marcus finds Violet and Anthony and Kate watch them interact. Marcus confirms that he and his sister worked things out. Violet watches John and Francesca dance and says her affairs are coming together as well.

Anthony thinks Marcus is overstepping with Violet. Kate tells him their family is happy and together and urges him not to take that for granted.

As the dance ends, the queen enters. She dismisses everyone except the Bridgertons. When Colin sees Penelope leaving, he takes her hand and reminds her she's a Bridgerton now. Once everyone else is gone, the queen says someone in the room is hiding something and she won't leave until they reveal themselves. Penelope starts to panic. Finally, Francesca steps forward and admits that she and John are engaged. She loves him and plans to marry him with the queen's blessing. The queen says that's not a mystery. It's been obvious for some time. Francesca doesn't need her blessing to marry. That's not why she's there. She's talking about Whistledown. She knows she's in the room. She was close last year and now Whistledown has rushed to print after Cressida published lies about the family. She must have suspected what Cressida would publish and it roused her from hiding. Anthony says if such a thing were happening in his home, he would know and would have stopped it. The queen decides to back off for now and leaves. As she leaves, Colin also steps out, followed by Penelope, drawing the others' attention.

Penelope says she didn't know if it would help or hurt the family if she spoke. Colin is glad she stayed silent, but thinks this is a sign that she needs to give up the column. She'll find Penelope eventually and as long as she's Whistledown, it'll hang over them. Penelope asks if he knows what it's like to have no place to be himself. He can't possibly because he's not a woman. He has choices, while women only have the choice to conceal the parts of them the world won't accept. She is Whistledown and she won't change that. Colin can't accept that. Penelope reminds him it's their wedding night. He says he'll sleep on the sofa and leaves to get their carriage. Penelope turns to see Eloise, who has followed them. Eloise hugs her as she cries and tells her it'll be all right.

Benedict is waiting when Paul and Tilley come in. Paul says it's nice to see him again, a sentiment he shares. He's been thinking about their offer. He leans in and kisses Tilley, then pulls back and kisses Paul. After a moment, he pulls back and then goes back in more passionately.

Cressida goes to a print shop. When an apprentice answers the door, she says she's there to collect her payment for the Whistledown that was printed there last week that were dropped off from the Cowper house. He says no Whistledowns were printed there. She goes to leave, saying she's already tried three other printers and there can't be many more. He asks if she's Whistledown because he's always wanted to meet her. His boss at the last place he worked at used to print for her, but he said she was a redhead. Cressida asks what else he told him.

Cast[]

Main Cast[]

Guest Stars[]

Uncredited[]

Music[]

Song Performer Scene
"Offertorium" (PD arrangement by Edward Farmer) Production Owned
"Andantino" (PD arrangement by Edward Farmer) Production Owned
"Yellow" Vitamin String Quartet (originally by Coldplay)
  • Penelope walks down the aisle.
"String Quartet in B-Flat Major Hob III" APM
"String Quartet in F Major Op 3 No 5 Serenade Quartet" APM
"You Belong with Me" Duomo (originally by Taylor Swift)
  • Penelope and Colin dance at the wedding breakfast.

Notes and Trivia[]

  • The scene where Colin told Penelope that he would sleep on the sofa was reshot because the characters were too angry in the original shot.[1]
  • When Queen Charlotte ordered everyone to leave the room except the Bridgertons, Lady Danbury stayed in the room despite not being a Bridgerton.[1]
  • The corset Penelope wore under her wedding dress was custom-made before the dress was even started. It mixed more modern styling with historical design.[2]

Gallery[]

Episode Stills[]

Behind the Scenes[]

Quotes[]

Colin Bridgerton: All is well between us.
Kate Bridgerton: The smell of fermented fruit emanating from your person would indicate otherwise.
Colin Bridgerton: It was celebratory.
Kate Bridgerton: Two glasses is celebratory. One whole bottle is a cry for help.
Penelope Bridgerton: Do you know what it is like to have nowhere in the world you can truly be yourself? You cannot possibly know because you are not a woman. You have the choice to be any kind of person you wish to be, while the only choice women have is to conceal the parts of ourselves the world will not accept.
Colin Bridgerton: Penelope, you are a Bridgerton now.
Prudence Dankworth: You do make...an exceptionally fine bride.
Penelope Bridgerton: (after Portia walks away) Would you like to say how you really feel now?
Prudence Dankworth: It is how I really feel.

See Also[]

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


References

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