Nigel Berbrooke is a suitor who pursued Daphne in spite of her objections.
History[]
Courting Daphne[]
Early in the 1813 social season, Nigel took an interest in the newly-debuted Daphne Bridgerton. Disinterested, she tried to reject his affections, though her brother insisted it was a good pairing and pressured her to reciprocate Nigel's interest. Nigel came to the Bridgerton home to call on Daphne, telling her he believed they were destined for each other. Eventually, Nigel asked Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, Daphne’s eldest brother, for her hand in marriage, and he accepted, though Daphne was very upset by the news.
At the next event, Nigel pursued Daphne aggressively, even following her out to the garden as she went to get some air. He asked her to marry him, acting like he was doing her a favor. When she tried to walk away, he grabbed her, so she punched him to get him off. Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, then came upon them and was impressed that Daphne was able to take him out with one punch. As Daphne realized she was alone in the garden with two men, Nigel tried proposing again. Daphne pretended to consider it, as being caught alone in the garden with two men would force her hand.[1]
Anthony brought Nigel to see Daphne at their home. They were both shocked to see her entertaining other suitors. Anthony quickly sent Nigel and all the other suitors away. Desperate to get away from him, Daphne got closer with Simon, hoping it would dissuade Nigel. It didn't work and Nigel continued his pursuit. When Anthony learned what happened in the garden between Daphne and Nigel, he joined Daphne's efforts to push Nigel away. Nigel responded by acquiring a marriage license for the two of them. He reminded her that he could ruin her reputation by telling everyone about what happened in the garden. Daphne had resigned herself to marrying Nigel when some gossip from his staff gave them the ammunition they needed to get him off her. They learned he had an illegitimate child with a maid and instead of providing for the child, he simply sent the maid away. They spread this gossip around until Lady Whistledown caught wind of it and published it, forcing Nigel to leave town abruptly.[2]
Personality[]
A smug, presumptuous, inelegant and awkward suitor on this year's marriage mart. Nigel has his eyes on the prize - that'd be Daphne Bridgerton, of course.
Relationships[]
Romantic[]
He took an immediate interest in Daphne and indicated that he'd been interested in her since she was a small child. Anthony later accepted Nigel's offer to marry Daphne, much to her horror. Nigel tried to corner Daphne in private, she punched him and knocked unconscious.[1] When Anthony was told what happened, he refused to let Nigel marry Daphne. Nigel tried to blackmail Daphne into marrying him, but had no choice but to abandon his wedding plans to flee after Lady Whistledown's exposé on his illegitimate son.[2]
Rivals[]
Simon Basset[]
Simon witnessed Daphne knocking Nigel out cold after Nigel tried to convince her to accept his proposal, and after this offered her a way out of marrying Berbrooke by pretending to court her to make her look more desirable to suitors, which proved effective,[1] much to Nigel's distress when he suddenly found himself competing with many more men for Daphne whereas he had previously had none. Nigel's hatred of Simon was cemented when the Duke revealed to Daphne's brother what Nigel had tried to do to her, prompting Anthony to reject Nigel as Daphne's husband and forbid him from speaking to her again.
Nigel followed Simon and tried to convince him to talk Anthony into letting him marry Daphne, stating that he needed her and Simon didn't, since he already had the money, title, and standing. When Simon refused to help him, Nigel insulted first Daphne and then Simon's late mother, provoking him to punch the baron in the face.[2].
Familial[]
Lady Berbrooke[]
He is his mother's only child. His mother mentioned to Lady Bridgerton and Daphne that she wasn't blessed with another child because Nigel was already perfect enough.[2]
Son[]
One of Lady Berbrooke's maids and later Lady Whistledown reported that he has a son through one of his maids. It was mentioned that he refused to provide for the boy and his mother and sent them both away to live off 'scraps.'[2]
Career[]
Nigel Berbrooke is a baron, the lowest rung on the noble social ladder. On the outside, he is a decent lord, as his lineage goes far back and he has no debts or obvious vices. However, his clean facade hides secrets. He had an affair with one of his maids, which resulted in an illegitimate son. He not only refused to provide for the child, but he sent the mother away with no money before she had given birth, covering up the scandal for a while. However, it was his ravenous pursuit and eventual blackmail of Daphne Bridgerton, in the goal of forcing her into marriage, that led to the scandal being exposed. His already low reputation and respect amongst the noblemen of the ton plummeted even lower, and Berbrooke was left with no choice by to cancel his engagement and flee London to avoid the controversy.
Notes and Trivia[]
- According to Anthony, he has no debts and is a good shot.[1]
- According to Lady Berbrooke, Nigel had already turned plenty of 'more handsome dubutantes' before choosing Daphne to be his bride.[2]
- In the books, Nigel marries Philippa.
Gallery[]
Episodic[]
Episode Stills[]
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" | ||