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Old Friends

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Old Friends is the fourth episode of season three and the twentieth episode overall of Bridgerton.

Synopsis[]

When a caller arrives at her home, Penelope faces a difficult choice. For others, opportunities to build a fresh start - and find a love match - abound.

Full Summary[]

Philippa and Prudence arrive at the Featherington estate. Philippa tells Prudence to slow down. She can't rush because she's with child. Prudence says she doesn't know that for certain, but Philippa was up all night sick. They meet up with Portia, asking her what it is. All Mrs. Varley told their housekeepers was that it was urgent. Portia tells them Penelope has a caller and points through the cracked door, where Lord Debling is talking to Penelope.

Lord Debling shows Penelope the plant he brought her so she can enjoy nature from her windows. She thanks him and asks him what the plant is.

Outside, Portia, Prudence, and Philippa wonder why Lord Debling chose Penelope. They think she must have tricked him somehow. Finally, Portia decides Penelope needs help and enters the room. She welcomes Lord Debling and says it's nice to see Penelope not reading in the window. Lord Debling asks her why she likes that window in particular and she says she just enjoys the view, but she's grown tired of it and she's happy to be there with him.

Violet finds Colin in the study and tells him they're expecting Lord Samadani to call on Francesca this morning. She asks if he'll be there and he says it might be better if he sits this one out. If he's there, he'll eat all the biscuits and leave none for the marquess. Violet asks him about the conversation they had last night about friendship blossoming into love and asks if he has something to discuss with her. He says it was purely speculative. He just wants the best for Francesca. He says he'll come down later.

Benedict brings flowers to the home of Tilley Arnold, where he overhears her talking to her solicitor and threatening to find a new one. He promises to return with things in order. She turns to Benedict and asks if he's there to overcharge her. He promises he isn't. He's there to call on her, but she doesn't wish to be called on.

Benedict and Tilley kiss in her bedchamber.

Marcus tells Lady Danbury a story and laughs. She doesn't laugh and when she looks at her staff, they stop laughing as well. She asks him what the purpose of his visit is. He is used to his staff being his only company and that lack of society is what brought him back to London, as well as the lack of ladies. Lady Danbury says that's perfect because she's occupied for a while, so he's free to meet with as many ladies as he likes. She gets up and leaves him.

The queen is pleased to read Lady Whistledown reporting on Francesca and Lord Samadani as a potential match. Brimsley notes that Lady Whistledown has lavished the queen with praise. The queen decides to host a gathering, to celebrate their good standing. Brimsley asks if she'll also use the opportunity to make a match for Francesca. The queen has him take a step backward, saying he reads her too well.

A maid brings in mille-feuille. She says the cook spoke with Lord Samadani's kitchen and it should be to his standard. Violet stops Gregory from sampling it. Francesca hopes it's not all for nothing, noting that he might not even call on her. Just then, Footman John announces a caller. Violet tells him to bring him in. Instead of Lord Samadani, it's the man Francesca enjoyed the silence with. After a prolonged silence, Hyacinth welcomes Lord Samadani to their home, unaware that she has the wrong person. Violet tells her he's not Lord Samadani and asks the man's forgiveness for the error. He says he's there to call upon one of her daughters. Eloise steps to the side, hiding behind Gregory while Francesca takes a step forward. Violet asks if he means Francesca. He introduces himself as John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin. Francesca explains that they met briefly at the Hawkins ball, but didn't have the opportunity for a proper introduction. He asks if he can join her for a moment and she says she'd like that. The rest of the family watches, bewildered, as they sit in silence together. Eloise is impressed with it, thinking it a much more efficient way to dissuade suitors than her strategy of using wit and banter. Violet wonders how they can get to know each other without speaking. He also came to call on her without a proper introduction. Footman John returns to announce another caller, Lord Samadani. Violet goes to get him a pastry as he introduces himself to Francesca's siblings. He then goes over to Francesca, kisses her hand, and tells her it's lovely to see her. He doesn't know John, but John says he was just leaving as he doesn't want to interfere. He leaves as Violet offers Lord Samadani mille-feuille, which he happily accepts.

Will and Alice talk about the numerous people who have told Will he must give up the club. Everyone seems to have an opinion on the matter. Will is appalled that Alice thinks he should sell the club. Alice reminds him that he was the one to say they should embrace what they had. He shouldn't burden himself with a business that will only cause confusion. He declares that he's not confused and he'll be keeping his club.

Lord Fuller shows off his collection to the Featheringtons.

Penelope pulls a book off the shelf and begins reading it. Portia closes it and Penelope objects, saying they're in a library. Portia doesn't want Penelope distracted. She must only think of Lord Debling today. Penelope points out that the book is on voyages to the north, where Lord Debling intends to travel. Portia tells her to let him tell her about it then. If she's already learned it through reading, he'll feel superfluous. Lord Debling approaches and asks Penelope if she's reading about the Northwest Passage. She starts to talk to him about it, but Portia interrupts and says it's terribly confusing. She asks Debling to explain it to them.

Lord Samadani enters with Francesca, Eloise, and Colin and says he has a collection of over 1000 books himself. Eloise quips about books being collected while Colin gets distracted watching Penelope with Lord Debling.

Eloise finds Cressida and says she doesn't think anyone in the library has read a book all the way to the end. Cressida thinks maybe her story will be there soon, a tragedy of a spinster whose father is promising to marry her off to one of his aged friends. Eloise tries to make a joke about it, but Cressida is serious.

Lord Stanton reminds Colin that he helped with the balloon and Colin is getting all the credit. He and Lord Wilding invite Colin to join him the next night for some revelry. Colin agrees to join them.

Penelope spots Colin talking to them and Lord Debling asks her if she's looking for someone. She says no, that she's just taking in the books. He asks what she prefers to read. She says she enjoys non-fiction, but finds herself more drawn to tales of love. He asks what about them interests her. She says they're about connection and hope for a better life. When she asks if that makes her vapid, he says he's happy to hear about her passion that brings her as much joy as his research brings him. He asks if there are any books about a traveler whose wife is happy to stay behind and tend to the estate. She says if the wife had her own interests, they could both be happy. He says it could be both practical and happy. He asks how the fictional gentleman might ask for her hand if she had no male relative. She says he'd have to ask her mother. And if her mother gave her blessing, would the lady say yes? Penelope looks over at Colin and tells Lord Debling he'd have to read the book.

Colin is at the brothel again, where Merry and another woman service him. Merry asks if he's okay and he says his enthusiasm is elsewhere today. She asks if he'd prefer to watch. He already paid. He agrees to watch and sits down as they move to the bed together.

Violet talks to Francesca about Lord Samadani. She's sure he'll ask Francesca for a dance, possibly two. She reminds her that she can refuse if she wants. Francesca spots John and asks if Violet knows his family. Violet says she doesn't know them well. They're known for keeping to themselves. She asks if Francesca is interested in him. Francesca doesn't answer, but goes to John and greets him. She says he left abruptly the other morning and he reminds her that she had another caller. She hoped to see him at the opening of Lord Fuller's collection, but he wasn't there. He says he doesn't attend society events often unless he's required to. Francesca asks if he's stopping to speak with them to be polite and he reminds her that she started the conversation. After a moment of awkward silence, John notices a violinist playing nearby and asks if it's not enjoyable music. Francesca doesn't like it and critiques the performance. She explains how they could fix it. John excuses himself and walks away. Francesca then tells Violet she's not interested in him.

Cressida and Lady Cowper await any callers. Their footman comes in and says Cressida has a visitor. Unfortunately, it's Eloise. She compliments their home. Lady Cowper reminds her that it's calling hour and Eloise says she wants to call on Cressida. Lady Cowper agrees to allow it and leaves the room. Eloise is there to check on Cressida, as she didn't seem like herself yesterday. Cressida's never had a friend come to her house before. She can't blame them, as their house isn't welcoming. Lord and Lady Cowper come back into the room and Lord Cowper asks Eloise if he can speak to Cressida. Eloise leaves and Lord Cowper tells her she must not be seen with Eloise anymore, a remark Eloise overhears.

Alice asks Will if he's sure he won't come to dinner tonight. He says two-thirds of the lords have closed their accounts, so he can't afford to bring on another bartender until he solves the problem. Maybe he needs a new decorator or a cook. Alice is sure he'll figure it out. She kisses him and leaves.

Lord Stanton tells a story of encountering a Greek girl in the Balkans. They became acquainted for six months straight. Lord Wilding has a similar story of his time in the French Quarter. Lord Fife then asks Colin if he has any stories from his travels. He was gone for quite a while. He reminds them that he told them a story about a contessa, but he didn't share the details. He says a gentleman must keep some things to himself. They don't see a gentleman among them, which he agrees is true. He asks if it doesn't tire them to be so cavalier about the only thing that has real meaning. Do they not find it lonely? They start laughing.

Colin enters his bedchamber and falls into bed.

Penelope waits outside and paces. Lord Debling leaves the room and Penelope enters, going to Portia, who says Lord Debling has asked her permission to propose to Penelope. Penelope asks if she gave it and she says of course she has. Penelope has done well for herself, as Lord Debling has a large estate and travels often, so it'll be up to her to manage his estate. That will give her tremendous influence. Penelope reminds Portia she hasn't said yes, but Portia is sure she will. His travel has advantages, but she's not sure. Portia reminds her of the changes she made to secure a husband and now she has an offer, a good one. She tells Penelope not to become greedy and asks what more she could want. Portia is aghast that Penelope is holding out for love. This is why she discouraged Penelope from reading. Love isn't real. It only exists in stories. Security is romantic. She tells Penelope to be smart. If Penelope won't, Portia will do it for her.

Penelope looks at herself in the mirror. Rae comes in and asks if Penelope is ready for her.

Mrs. Wilson brings Violet her gloves. Violet sees that Colin isn't dressed to leave while everyone else is in the carriage. Colin says he wants to stay home tonight. Violet says he doesn't look well and asks if he was who she heard in the hallways late last night. He says he's fine. He's always been one of her most sensitive children. He's always tried to help those in need. It's rare for him to put himself first. She's proud of his sensitivity, but he can't live to please others. She warns him to be careful not to let the armor around him rust so he can never take it off. He claims he's bottle-weary and apologizes for lashing out. He just wants to rest for the evening. Violet says it's a shame for him to miss the fruits of his labor as she hears Penelope might be getting a proposal. Portia is telling anyone who will listen. Colin says that's quick. Violet tells Colin she hopes he feels better and leaves.

Two dancers perform an elaborate routine for a captivated audience that includes the queen, who hopes the love play will inspire lovers.

Lord Samadani looks at Francesca, who in turns looks at John.

The dance ends and everyone applauds. Lord Debling approaches Penelope and Portia asks if he's there to request a dance. He asks for a dance indeed.

Violet watches as Francesca dances with Lord Samadani. Marcus approaches her and offers her food, which she declines. She asks if he's enjoying his time in Mayfair. He says he is. He hasn't spent much time there since the early days of his marriage. It's different from the countryside, where there's so much more to do. Violet says most of them spend their time meddling in other people's lives. His sister is chief among those. Marcus is surprised to learn that his sister likes to meddle. Violet says she molds society to her will and she's very good at it. Violet is surprised he doesn't know that and Marcus admits they're getting to know each other again. Marcus asks who she's molding at the moment. Violet says it's her daughter, Francesca. Violet's not sure she's found that spark yet. For what it's worth, Marcus says some fires are slow to burn. His marriage wasn't a love match, but he became fond of her. They were happy until she died. Violet says she's sorry for his loss. She had a love match herself, so that's all she knows. He says she has his sympathies. He's envious of her getting to experience a love match. He hasn't given up on finding that in his second act.

Lady Danbury tells the queen her sparkler is shining brightly. The queen agrees. Even Lady Whistledown couldn't disagree. Lady Danbury suggests this might forge an alliance between the two of them. The queen has to agree that it has. Alice expresses her gratitude to Lady Danbury for keeping her company. She didn't want to miss another ball, but didn't want to come alone. Lady Danbury tells her Will should be there with her. Alice says Will is having a hard time letting go of their old life, specifically his club. Lady Danbury quietly tells her the queen won't look upon him favorably for working in a club. She must show him that his new life is worth the sacrifice. It's dangerous to revisit past lives.

Lord and Lady Fuller ask Benedict if he enjoyed the ballet and he says he did. He might have missed his calling as a dancer. Lord Fuller sees Benedict looking at Tilley and invites her over to join them. She greets them and Benedict says they were just talking about the ballet. Lady Fuller isn't sure the male dancer needed to be so undressed. Lord Fuller agrees that he could have put on a shirt and Tilley seconds that.

Cressida finds Eloise. She's been looking for her all evening. Eloise asks if she shouldn't be careful about being seen with her and quotes Lord Cowper's remark about her. Cressida apologizes for her father. Eloise understands if Cressida has to keep her distance for a while. Cressida says no, her father will have to deal with it. He is a fool. Eloise is unlike other people. Cressida asks how she has the courage to be so different. Eloise says it's not courage. She just doesn't understand how people don't see things the way she does. Cressida asks how she sees things. She starts to explain.

Colin sits alone in the study. His light burns out and he remembers the moment he shared with Penelope after cutting his hand on the broken glass.

Marcus finds Lady Danbury leaving and asks where she's going. She tells him she's leaving early because she's done what she needed to do for the night and she wants some time for herself. Marcus has heard she's something of a molder for society and wants her to help him find a lady. Lady Danbury asks him to leave her out of his raking about town. He understands that it appears that way, but he's pure of heart. She doesn't believe him.

Francesca finishes dancing with Lord Samadani. John comes to her. She says she's parched from dancing and doesn't feel much like talking. He asks if that isn't how they prefer things. He asks her forgiveness for leaving so abruptly from their last meeting. He wanted to get her something and hands her a rolled paper. He's not a man of many words and what words he has aren't good. But he does believe in the power of a gesture. Lord Samadani brings Francesca lemonade, but she declines and tells Violet she wants to return home early. Violet says they need to find her brother and sister first. Francesca says goodbye to both men.

The queen is horrified to see that Francesca appears to be leaving and declined the offered lemonade.

Harry thinks it might be for the best that Philippa has produced a child before Prudence. Children take up so much time and drain one's beauty, though they both have plenty to spare. She asks if he thinks they should give up. She has a sudden pain in her chest. She admits she's been tender all week. Philippa sees her grabbing at her chest and asks if Prudence is mocking her. Her chest has also been sore non-stop. Portia said it was a clear pregnancy sign. Prudence didn't know that.

Colin arrives at the ball. He runs into Fife, Stanton, and Wilding as he enters. Fife tells him the ball's not worth it and invites him to come with them instead. They'll be drinking at White's this time instead of Mondrich's bar. Colin brushes past them and goes inside.

Penelope dances with Lord Debling. He asks if she's okay and she says she's fine. She asks him if he believes love might one day grow between them if they form a practical match. He admits that he doesn't know. His work has so much of his heart. It might be difficult to make more space. But he's glad she has such a full life. He compliments her beauty.

Eloise says they'd have so much more time if they didn't always have to think about marriage. They could read or exchange ideas. Cressida says it's interesting. She doesn't mean what Eloise is saying, but Colin approaching Penelope and Lord Debling.

Colin asks if he can interrupt Penelope and Lord Debling's dance. He only needs a moment. Lord Debling leaves them to resolve whatever it is they need to resolve.

Cressida leaves Eloise, saying they can continue another time.

Cressida approaches Lord Debling and offers to finish the dance with him. He leads her onto the dance floor.

Penelope tells Colin he'll ruin things between her and Debling. He thinks that might be for the best. She can't marry him because she hardly knows him. He's planning to leave for three years, but Penelope already knows that. It takes an entire year just to get to where he's going.

Cressida notices that things seem tense between Colin and Penelope. Lord Debling says they're old friends. Cressida says they've been friends since the Featheringtons moved in across the street from the Bridgertons. Lord Debling wasn't aware of that.

Penelope says she's made her peace with what Debling has offered and plans to accept his proposal. The dance ends.

Lord Debling thanks Cressida for the dance.

Colin tells Penelope he said he'd help her find a husband, but he can't watch her make a mistake. She thinks the only mistake was asking for his help in the first place.

Penelope goes to Lord Debling and apologizes for the interruption. She knows the ball is ending, but wants to return to their conversation. He asks her why she sits in her drawing room window so often. He watched her search for someone all week and now realizes it was Colin. He's why she prefers the drawing room window, because it allows her to see his house. She feigns ignorance. Lord Debling knows they have feelings for each other. Penelope says Colin would never have feelings for her. They are just friends. Lord Debling asks if she wants it to be more. She says it's not possible, but that's not what he asks. She doesn't answer. He says with how long he'll be gone, he needs to make a match with someone who isn't engaged elsewhere. He hopes she finds what she's looking for. Portia is horrified to see him leave and asks Penelope what she's done. Penelope is angry that that's her first question, not checking in on Penelope's well-being. She asks if she only matters to Portia if she's engaged. Prudence interrupts to tell Portia she thinks she's pregnant. She gets upset by Portia's lack of reaction.

Penelope walks outside and cries. She gets into the carriage.

Colin comes outside and runs to the carriage, but isn't able to stop it.

Francesca plays the music John gave her. She tells Violet that he had it rearranged just as she suggested.

Benedict and Tilley kiss in her bed.

Penelope cries in her carriage. She hears Colin shouting for them to wait and then the door opens. She tells him she doesn't want to speak to him, but relents when he begs to be let in. He climbs in with her and they continue on. She tells the driver they'll stop at Bridgerton House first. He asks if Lord Debling proposed. He needs to know. Penelope says she didn't realize asking him to help her find a husband might lead to him denying her one. Colin says she can't marry Lord Debling. He'll leave her and he's too particular. He's just not right for her. Penelope says he didn't propose. In fact, he rejected her because of Colin, because the scene he caused made Lord Debling believe he had feelings for her, which she finds preposterous. She asks him to let them ride home in silence. He can't. He asks what if he did have feelings for her. He's spent so long trying not to feel this way, to do what society expects. He thought he'd succeeded, but the last few weeks have been so confusing. He can't stop thinking about her and about their kiss. He dreams about her when he's asleep. It's like torture, but he can't and doesn't want to give it up. He's wanted to say this to her for weeks. Penelope says they're friends. Colin says he didn't know what he was thinking and asks her forgiveness, but then she says she'd like them to be more than friends. He leans in and kisses her. When they pull back, she runs her fingers through his hair and then pulls him back in. He pulls her gown off her shoulder as he kisses her neck, then he covers her breast with his hand. He reaches down and pulls her gown up her leg. He looks at her and she nods, so pushes his hand up underneath his gown and uses his hand to pleasure her, causing her to moan. When someone knocks on the carriage, they break apart. They're at Colin's house. He asks if the carriage driver can keep driving. She wonders if anyone saw them because she wasn't paying attention. He kisses her, then fixes her gown and exits the carriage. Then he holds out his hand and asks if she'll come with him. She says his family will see her, so he asks her if she'll marry him or not.

Cast[]

Main Cast[]

Guest Stars[]

Music[]

Song Performer Scene
"Sequence (Three)" Peter Gregson
"String Quartet in F Major op 3 no 5 Serenade" APM
"String Quartet in D Maj. The Lark - Menuetto-Allegretto" APM
"String Quartet D-Maj.op.76/5 (#5)" APM
"Snow on the Beach" Atwood Quartet (originally by Taylor Swift feat. Lana Del Rey)
"Give Me Everything (Stripped Down)" Archer Marsh (originally by Pitbull, AFROJACK, and Ne-Yo feat. Nayer)
  • Colin and Penelope talk and then kiss in the carriage.

Notes and Trivia[]

  • Title Drop: Lord Debling states it while dancing with Cressida, referring to Colin and Penelope.
  • While filming the scene at the ball, Nicola Coughlan and the crew pranked Luke Newton by playing Cougar Town, a song from Luke's former boy band, South4. A full video of the prank is available on YouTube.
    • Luke later scared Nicola by hiding under a desk in the hair and makeup trailer, as payback for Nicola's prank.[1][2]
  • The carriage scene was filmed over several days, split over 2-3 months. It was filmed outside Hampton Court Palace, in a sound stage and outside Bridgerton House.[3]
    • Nicola knew that the carriage scene from the books was very steamy and a big deal. Nicola was initially terrified and didn't feel ready to film the scene because Bridgerton is about female pleasure, intimacy and romantic connection at a deep level, so it took a long time for Nicola to mentally and physically prepare for it. Nicola thinks it's very lucky that she has known Luke for five years and can talk to each other.[4][3]
    • Due to the limited space inside the carriage, Nicola and Luke could do the scene without seeing the camera crew and cameras surrounding them, which made the scene easier to do.[3]
    • After the cameras stopped rolling, Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton continued acting out the carriage scene for several more minutes because they could not hear the director, Andrew Ahn repeatedly yell for them to stop. According to Nicola, the carriage was like a little sound booth.[5][4]
    • While Nicola and Luke were filming the carriage scene, there were burly men outside shaking the carriage, to give the appearance that the carriage was in motion. Luke and Nicola were careful not to make eye contact with the men.[6]
    • Towards the end of the carriage scene, Colin adjusts Penelope's dress using only his ring and pinky finger, to avoid his index and middle fingers messing with her dress. Director Andrew Ahn and Luke Newton have confirmed that this was intentionally done to create physical authenticity and was entirely Luke's idea.[7][8][9]
  • While filming the ball scene, Nicola wore pink crocs underneath her dress.[10]
  • In the scene where John tells Violet he is calling on one of her daughters, Eloise hiding behind Gregory was not in the script.[11]

Gallery[]

Episode Stills[]

Behind the Scenes[]

Quotes[]

Colin Bridgerton: For god's sake, Penelope Featherington, are you going to marry me or not?
Colin Bridgerton: I have spent so long trying to feel less, trying to be the kind of man society expects me to be. And for a moment, I thought I had succeeded. 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.
Penelope Featherington: Please. Do not say things you do not mean.
Colin Bridgerton: But I do mean it. It is everything I have wanted to say to you… for weeks.
Violet Bridgerton: You know...you have always been one of my most sensitive children. Always aware of what others need. Always trying to be helpful or offering a joke to lighten the mood. You so rarely put yourself first. I am proud of your sensitivity. But living to please others? I imagine it can be wearying at times. Painful, perhaps. So, I do not blame you for putting on armor lately. But you must be careful that the armor does not rust and set so that you might never be able to take it off.
Violet Bridgerton: Dear, at last night's ball, when you were asking about friendship and whether it can blossom into love, is there something you wish to discuss with me?
Colin Bridgerton: That is kind of you, Mother, but it was purely a speculative question.
Philippa Finch: I must not rush as I am with child.
Prudence Dankworth: You do not know that for certain.
Philippa Finch: I threw up all night.
Prudence Dankworth: Is pregnancy sickness not associated with the morning?

See Also[]

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


References

  1. ↑ Luke Newton Pranks Nicola Coughlan on 'Bridgerton' Set, Gets "Payback"
  2. ↑ 'Bridgerton's Luke Newton SCARES Nicola Coughlan
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton Take A Carriage Tour of London | Netflix
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 How Nicola Coughlan Became Penelope Featherington of 'Bridgerton' 🐝 | Teen Vogue
  5. ↑ Nicola Coughlan & Luke Newton on Funny Set Moments, First Kisses, and Being Besties | Netflix
  6. ↑ Nicola Coughlan & Luke Newton laugh at filming THAT carriage scene | Bridgerton Season 3 interview
  7. ↑ Luke Newton Improvised That "Two Finger" Move in the Bridgerton Carriage Scene
  8. ↑ Andrew Ahn tweet
  9. ↑ Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton react to the FINGERS THEORY and other Brazilian tweets
  10. ↑ Behind Bridgerton - Inside The Scene: A Dance Story | Shondaland
  11. ↑ The Bridgerton Cast Reacts to Season 3 Part 1 Scenes | Netflix
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