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Out of the Shadows

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Out of the Shadows is the first episode of season three and the seventeenth episode overall of Bridgerton.

Synopsis[]

The debutantes enter the marriage mart as Francesca navigates her first season out. A well-traveled bachelor returns, and Penelope unveils a new look.

Full Summary[]

The paperboys distribute the new Whistledown, which states that London's fashionable set has made its return, as has she.

Mrs. Varley greets Penelope and Portia as they exit their carriage. Portia declares that it's good to be home. Penelope observes people walking around reading her pamphlets and agrees.

Penelope follows her mother as they pass the year's debutantes, including Miss Malhotra and Miss Stowell.

At the modiste, Penelope sees Miss Anne Hartigan and Miss Emma Kenworthy, two more debutantes. She watches as Miss Winifred Barragan snorts upon realizing that Whistledown mentioned her. Penelope notes that Genevieve's business is thriving. Genevieve replies that Penelope's is as well.

Violet and Gregory have their ears pressed to Francesca's bedroom door, while Eloise leans against the wall and Hyacinth paces. Gregory says he can't hear anything, which Eloise attributes to Francesca knowing they're eavesdropping. Benedict arrives and jokes about Eloise's own debut the previous year. Anthony and Kate join them, questioning how they can help get everyone ready to go. Violet asks them to go to whoever is playing the piano downstairs and ask them to be quiet so she can hear. Kate says she can try, but she thinks the person playing is Francesca herself, meaning she's not in her room at all.

Violet approaches Francesca, followed by everyone else. Hyacinth wonders how she got downstairs when Hyacinth's been outside her door all morning. Francesca reveals that she got up early, got dressed, and had breakfast, because it's just another day. She grabs her feather and asks if they're ready to go. Anthony notes to Violet that perhaps they need not worry, but Benedict points out that Francesca was playing Mozart's "Funeral March."

Penelope watches the Bridgertons leave their home.

The Bridgertons spot a crowd of ladies nearby talking and wonder what it's about. When one of the ladies drops her glove, Colin picks it up and hands it to her, kissing her hand. Colin then breaks away from the crowd to join his family, who are happy to see him.

As Colin changes in the carriage, Gregory, Benedict, and Anthony ask to hear about his adventures. Colin says he was everywhere and anywhere, but won't bore them with details. The time away has given him a sense of proportion.

Miss Hartigan is announced and appears before the queen, followed by Miss Stowell and Miss Livingston. The queen is unimpressed and Brimsley offers her a refreshment. She proposes a casket instead, because they're driving her to an early grave.

As the debutantes continue to be presented, Colin slips into the room and stands next to Eloise. He notes the change in her style of dress, which she says is the style of the season.

Violet prepares Francesca and asks if she's not excited for her debut. She's excited at the prospect of meeting someone and having her own house. She could use some peace. Violet says if peace is what she's after, this might be overwhelming. Francesca is sure she'll find her way, even if it is chaotic. The doors open and Francesca freezes for a moment before stepping forward.

Brimsley reminds the queen she's had good luck with Bridgertons. Francesca bows, but the queen isn't impressed.

As the debuts continue, Colin notices some ladies watching him and winks at them.

Prudence brags that her wedding to Harry Dankworth was more beautiful than Philippa's to Albion. Albion thought their wedding was lovely. Harry says he'd marry Prudence as many times as it took to make her happy. Portia asks if he'd spend more of their departed Aunt Petunia's money in the process. Philippa is glad Aunt Petunia died. It happened just in time for Prudence and Harry's honeymoon. Penelope, on the other hand, liked Aunt Petunia. Prudence isn't surprised by that because she was a spinster who always had her nose in a book. Portia tells them they return to society with their finances in order today, without any men telling them what to do. They should enjoy the day.

Mrs. Varley expresses concern to Portia that the Aunt Petunia story won't be believable. Petunia was a spinster who owned nothing in life, but now allegedly had a fortune to leave to them. Portia says no one in London knows how Petunia lived.

Lady Livingston wonders where the queen is, as she hasn't picked a diamond. Lady Barrgan wonders if their girls left that much to be desired. Then they see their daughters fawning over Colin and realize they are preoccupied.

Miss Goring asks if Colin is back in town for a particular reason or person. He says if she's asking if he came back to take a wife, his answer might disappoint her, but he's learned to expect the unexpected.

The Featheringtons arrive. Penelope watches Colin talk to the other ladies. She stops when she spots Eloise. They look at each other and then Cressida makes a disparaging remark about Penelope's clothes. Eloise jumps in and distracts Cressida. They talk about being back from the country. Cressida didn't enjoy it there, but befriending Eloise was a happy surprise.

Francesca chats with Miss Malhotra, Miss Livingston, and Miss Hartigan, who describes her expectations for her husband. Miss Malhotra has dreamed of a man who writes poetry, but above all, she wants someone who gives her butterflies. Miss Livingston asks Francesca what she's looking for. Francesca says someone kind, but can't think of anything else.

Violet finds Kate alone and comments on her being left to fend for herself. Kate says Anthony had paperwork to deal with from their time away. He also has a lot of work to do with two sisters out in society. They watch Francesca from a distance, then pivot to Eloise. Violet doesn't understand her new friendship with Cressida, but she's done meddling with Eloise after last season. Kate admires how she sees her children so clearly and hopes to be half the viscountess she is. Violet says she's sure Kate will be better and promises to move into a dower house as soon as she finds one. Kate tells her not to worry, as in India, mothers stay in the home long after their daughters' weddings. She's grateful to have Violet close. Lady Danbury approaches them. They say they're enjoying the festivities, but notice the queen's absence. Lady Danbury thinks the queen finds herself reticent after her instincts failed last season. But it all worked out in the end.

Colin charms several groups of ladies.

Prudence explains how Jack left in the night, not taking anything with him. Lady Cowper hopes the next Lord Featherington will have more scruples. Portia says Jack actually left a document bequeathing the estate to one of her daughters, once they'd had a son.

Colin goes to Penelope and says he's happy to see her. He feels as though it's been years instead of months. A lot has changed in that time. Penelope says he looks distinguished, but he always did. He questions her about Eloise and Cressida, but Penelope just walks away.

Philippa wonders why Portia didn't tell them sooner that one of them would be the next Lady Featherington. Portia didn't think she should have to tell them as they were both married women, so the expectation is that they'd produce an heir. Penelope says technically, one of their sons would be the heir. They'd just be the heir's mother. Prudence is flabbergasted that Penelope considers herself part of the race. Philippa and Prudence are already making plans for changes they'd make to the house. Portia tells them they can't do anything until they get to work. She sends them both off to go home and produce an heir. Portia then tells Penelope she takes comfort in knowing Penelope will always be there to care for her.

Penelope lies awake. Suddenly, she gets up and looks in her wardrobe.

Penelope tells Geneieve she never wants to see a citrus color again. Genevieve questions the sudden desire to change and Penelope tells her she can't live at home anymore, especially if one of her sisters becomes the lady of the house. The only way out is to get married. Genevieve asks if she has a particular suitor in mind. Penelope says she wants to be sensible. She wants someone kind, who allows her her privacy. Penelope requests something like what they wear in Paris.

Gregory loves the bow and arrow Colin brought him from a trader in Marseille. Hyacinth is happy to have perfume from Paris. Benedict thinks the writing on his new cards is Spanish, meaning Colin went to France and Spain. Francesca adds that her sheet music is Italian. Colin admits he lost count of how many cities he visited. Gregory draws his bow, but Anthony tells him to take it outside, where Violet can't see. As they exit, Violet comes in and asks Francesca where Eloise is. Violet then calls for Eloise and tells her it's time for the modiste. Before they can go, Colin gives Violet her gift, a pocket watch. She loves it, but it reminds her that they're late. Eloise comes in to find her purse. Colin tries to give her her gift, a book, but she says she's already reading a book called Emma. It's more realistic than the non-fiction books she's been reading. Colin asks her about her new friendship and she says Cressida surprised her this summer. She showed her kindness in the country when no one else would. She and Penelope have grown apart. Lady Whistledown nearly ruined Eloise last season. She has lost the battle and doesn't want to lose the war, so she's joined the winning side.

Violet, Francesca, and Eloise enter the modiste. Eloise and Penelope freeze when they see each other, so Penelope sends Rae to wait for her in the carriage. Penelope's been hoping they would meet, but Eloise doesn't think that's true because of how Penelope avoided her in the countryside. Penelope says she avoided society because she didn't know if Eloise would want to see her. Eloise thinks she was more worried that Eloise would reveal her secret. Penelope appreciates her keeping it. Penelope apologizes, but Eloise asks if she's sorry for writing what she did or because Eloise found out. Penelope tries to defend herself, but Eloise cuts her off. She kept Penelope's secret because she doesn't want to revisit the past. They have their separate lives now. Penelope asks if she's really friends with Cressida. Eloise ignores the question, wishes Penelope well, and leaves.

Anthony, Benedict, and Colin are having a drink at Mondrich's so Anthony can thank Benedict for handling the estate while he was on his honeymoon. He was surprised that Benedict did so well. Benedict enjoyed having a purpose and doesn't know what to do now that Anthony is back. Anthony hints that he could get married, so Benedict begs Colin to take some of the attention off him. Anthony congratulates Colin on his many new admirers. Will comes to the table to welcome them, apologizing for the wait. Business is good. They invite him to join them for a drink, but he has business to attend to with his wife.

Will walks over to Alice, who is standing with Walter Dundas. Will offers Dundas a drink, but he declines. He asks if Alice is aware of her great-aunt, Lady Kent. She says they met once when she was a child. Lady Kent was very cold. Dundas says she's died. Alice asks if she left them something. He says no, but their son, Nicholas Mondrich, is now Baron of Kent and will inherit her entire estate. Alice has cousins who are closer relations to Lady Kent, but none have male children, so it goes to Nicky. Will and Alice are shocked.

Newton barks outside the door as Anthony and Kate enjoy their marital bed. They startle when they hear the Bridgertons approaching. Anthony tells Kate to ignore them and continues, but Kate can't do that. Anthony says making an heir is more important than whatever is going on outside the door. Kate gets off the bed and puts on her dressing gown, reminding him that exactly what they were doing doesn't make an heir. It's her first week as viscountess in her new home. Tonight is Lady Danbury's ball and she needs to make a good impression. Anthony pulls Kate back onto the bed and kisses her.

Lady Danbury's staff prepares for the Four Seasons Ball.

Penelope tells Rae she wants to try something different and shows her. Rae helps Penelope get ready.

At the ball, Lady Danbury greets the arriving Bridgertons. She doesn't take the task of throwing the first ball lightly.

The Featheringtons arrive next.

Cressida wonders what Lady Whistledown will write about next, because the season has been dull so far.

A Danbury butler stops Penelope to collect her cloak. As he removes it, people notice Penelope, who is wearing a beautiful green gown. Even her family is shocked. She also catches Colin's eye.

Lord Garret eyes Penelope as she stands on the edge of the dance floor. Lord Leiber and Lord Barnell approach and compliment her gown. Penelope is awkward when she accepts the compliment.

Eloise finds it hard to believe Miss Hartigan genuinely enjoys embroidery. She lists all the things one can do with it. Miss Hallewell joins her.

Penelope tells Leiber, Barnell, and Garret that she likes to read and rambles about that.

Miss Kenworthy asks if Eloise has a favorite stitch, so Eloise says the shift stitch, the one that shifts the conversation to something else.

After an awkward silence, Barnell excuses himself and the other gentlemen, lest they give Whistledown something to write about.

The queen and Lady Danbury watch from above. The queen asks about one of the ladies and learns it's Penelope. It's her third season, but there are several new contenders for the queen to consider. There's some anxiety amongst the mamas because she hasn't chosen a diamond. The queen says diamonds are rare, so they shouldn't expect one every year. Lady Danbury recalls that the queen has only named one diamond. Lady Whistledown actually named the diamond the first year. She was right about Daphne.

Lord Basilio asks Francesca about her hobbies. She tells him, plus Lord Fife and Lord Houghton, that she plays the pianoforte. Fife asks about her other interests and she says the pianoforte takes up most of her time. Houghton asks who she is outside of her hobbies. They are all eager to know about her. Francesca makes the excuse of her brother needing her to walk away. She goes to Anthony and asks for a moment alone, which he says she can have.

Anthony approaches Violet and Kate. Violet is worried about Francesca, but he says she just needed a moment, and he does as well. He wants to use his to dance with Kate.

Francesca stands with Penelope as they watch the dancers. Penelope says Francesca should go dance again, because it's difficult to come off the wall once you end up there. Francesca prefers the wall to the suitors she's met so far. She expected conversation, but didn't expect to be inspected. She doesn't like attracting notice. Penelope says that makes her rare as it seems all Bridgertons were born to attract notice. Penelope's different from her siblings as well. It can be difficult. Francesca says all her siblings are wonderful. Penelope says she's lucky for that. And lucky to have attention, even if it's difficult. For some of them, there's not much. Lord Cho asks Francesca to dance and she accepts. She tells Penelope she should take to the floor again, so she doesn't end up stuck on the wall.

Penelope grabs an ice cream and takes a bite, but flinches. Lord Alfred Debling checks on her, but she says she has a cold headache. He asks her if it's from the ice cream or the look one of the other ladies is giving her. She says she's been on the receiving end of plenty of those looks. Debling suspects she can give one herself. Penelope becomes nervous at the attention. She goes to step away, but Cressida is standing on her dress and it rips. Cressida apologizes as Debling goes to find a maid to help her. Cressida taunts Penelope and then walks away. Eloise tries to tell Penelope she's sorry, but Penelope just walks away.

Penelope passes Colin as she leaves the ball. Colin is concerned because she didn't look well, but Lord Stanton questions why he would concern himself with her. Houghton says whatever Colin did, he's much more fun this season. Colin excuses himself to follow Penelope.

Outside, the footman calls for a carriage for Penelope as she tries to compose herself. Colin finds her and asks why she's leaving so soon in such a lovely dress. She thinks he's just placating her and tries to leave. He questions her lack of chaperone and she tells him spinsters don't need them. Colin says she's not a spinster, but she's in her third year on the marriage mart with no prospects. Colin asks if there's something wrong between them. He wrote to her this summer and she didn't respond. Very few people did, but she usually does. He tells her he misses her. She confronts him over his comment that he'd never court her. He wants to go somewhere more private, but she isn't concerned with him avoiding embarrassment. She's the laughingstock of the ton even when she changes her whole wardrobe. It never occurred to her that Colin would be so cruel. She walks away.

Back in her room, Penelope starts another Whistledown column.

Mrs. Varley announces a gentleman there to see Portia. Mr. Dundas comes in and explains that he works for the Crown, ensuring the lines of succession run smoothly. He learned that Jack left town with their entire fortune. Portia confirms that's true. Mr. Dundas has a document, signed by Jack, leaving the estate to one of Portia's daughters, once she produces an heir. Portia says the document is valid. Dundas finds the situation unusual and asks if her daughters are expecting. She says she hopes to receive the news any day now. He says the Crown is unaware of another living male heir and it would be a task to transfer the estate to another family. It would be a lot of upheaval, but if he finds the document is forged before one of her daughters has an heir, he'll have to do it. Portia says it's a good thing the document isn't forged. He says he'll be back again soon.

Cressida says it's good that she doesn't have much competition this season, except Francesca. She thinks her actions with Penelope sent a clear message. Eloise thinks everyone got the memo on that. What Cressida did was cruel and unnecessary. She talks about how difficult it's been for her to find a husband, but it might be easier if she were nicer. Cressida admits it has been difficult. It's been even harder to find a friend. She hasn't had many since her debut. She did as a child, but the season comes between young ladies by pitting them against each other and she fell prey to that. Eloise says society doesn't seek to forge affections between them. She thought she was the only one who noticed. Cressida actually tried to befriend Eloise her first season out, but Eloise rejected her. Cressida doesn't blame her because she hasn't always been kind. Whatever Penelope did to fracture their friendship, she doesn't deserve what Cressida did to her. She wants them to focus on themselves now.

Kate is sitting at a desk when Anthony comes in. She asks how his meetings were and he says not as good as their bed. He wants to return to it and starts kissing her. Kate has something to talk to him about first. It's his mother. Anthony knows she's delaying her move and promises to speak to her about it. Kate has a different proposition. Violet loves being viscountess and Kate already spent years taking care of Edwina and running the Sharma household. She's never seen Anthony happier than when he was away from running the estate. She suggests they extend their honeymoon. They have their whole lives to be viscount and viscountess. Now her only interest is making an heir. Anthony lifts her onto the desk and says he doesn't want to talk about his mother anymore.

Violet asks Francesca how she enjoyed her first ball. She found it satisfactory. Violet tries to encourage her to use the balls to find a person to make a connection with. She's not afraid of the balls or of finding a match. What Violet and Edmund have is enviable, but rare. She's not sure she needs that. Violet asks her to be open if love comes her way. She says they'll see what happens. Mrs. Wilson then informs Violet that Kate is looking for her.

Rae tells Penelope she has a visitor. It's Colin. He apologizes for intruding. Penelope excuses Rae and Colin apologizes for his callous comments about her. He hates to see her upset. He's not the man he was last season and he's not ashamed of her. He actually seeks her out at social events because she always makes him happy. She's smart and kind and he's proud to call her a good friend. She's frustrated watching him walk back into society so easily while she struggles to fit in year after year. Colin offers to help her find a husband. He visited 17 cities this summer and knows charm can be taught. He offers to give her lessons. He wants to earn back the favor of the one person who has always made him feel appreciated. They shake on it and he leaves. After a moment, Penelope runs inside.

Alice and Will arrive at their new estate with Nicky, Daisy, and John. A butler bows to Nicky and welcomes him to his new home. Mrs. Khanna shows the family inside.

Francesca looks up at the portrait of her parents.

The queen reads the newest Whistledown, which calls out the queen for not choosing a diamond and posits that it's due to fear. When she finishes, she tells Brimsley that Whistledown is playing games again.

Penelope tries to take the new Whistledown from Prudence, but Prudence hasn't finished yet. Philippa tells Penelope that Whistledown had a lot to say about Penelope's precious Bridgertons, particularly Colin. Penelope says whatever Whistledown said about him, she's wrong.

Eloise is reading the new Whistledown when Colin comes in. She tries to hide the Whistledown from him, but ultimately gives it to him. It calls him out for changing so drastically. Whistledown wonders if this is the real him or a ploy for attention and questions if he knows. Colin tells Eloise he doesn't care what Whistledown writes about him, but what she did to Marina and Eloise is unforgivable. Eloise asks if he has any idea who she is. He doesn't, but would make sure her life is ruined if he finds out.

Cast[]

Main Cast[]

Guest Stars[]

Music[]

Song Performer Scene
"Funeral March in C Minor" Soo Woo Kang
"String Quartet in F Major op 18 no 1 - IV Allegro" BMGPM
"String Quartet No. 1 3rd Movement" BMGPM
"Elegant Country House" APM
"Sonata in G Major, L. 103" APM
"String Quartet No. 16 in E-Flat Major, K.428 - Haydn - Quartet No. 3-, Op. 10-3- IV. Allegro Vivace" BMGPM
"abcdefu" Vitula (originally by Gayle)
  • Penelope arrives at Lady Danbury's ball with a new look; Colin notices and stares at her.
"String Quartet in G Major op 18 no 2 III Scherzo" BMGPM
"String Quartet in B Flat Major Hunt - Presto" Extreme
"Etude for String Quartet 1" APM
"String Quartet in E Flat Major, Op. 33 No. 2 The Joke - IV. Presto" BMGPM

Notes and Trivia[]

  • According to the Four Seasons Ball invitations, this season takes place in 1815, but Eloise tells Colin she's reading Emma, which wasn't published until December of that year.[1]
  • Despite it being summer, Eloise wore a muff, or hand warmer, to conceal a cast on Claudia Jessie's wrist. Claudia had broken her wrist on set while trying to do a celebratory high-kick in a tight dress.[2]
  • The first screening of this episode was done in Bowral, Australia. Luke Newton, Nicola Coughlan and Jess Brownell were present.[3]
  • In the scene where Penelope walked out of Lady Danbury's ball upset, she took off her hair accessory and threw it away, because the original hair accessory went missing during through filming and the producers were concerned with how the replica looked.[4]
  • The scene outside Lady Danbury's ball was filmed at a museum in Bath. It was very noisy during filming due to traffic, but the sound department did a good job removing background noise.[4]

Gallery[]

Episode Stills[]

Behind the Scenes[]

Quotes[]

Benedict Bridgerton: Under what foreign sun did you apparently get so sturdy?
Violet Bridgerton: It is your debut, Francesca. Are you not excited?
Francesca Bridgerton: I suppose entering society means I might meet someone. It would be pleasant to have my own house.
Violet Bridgerton: You are only one week back from Bath, and already you are eager to escape us.
Francesca Bridgerton: No. I simply could use some peace.
Violet Bridgerton: I'm afraid if peace is what you are after, then this may all be rather overwhelming. You know, even Daphne--
Francesca Bridgerton: Mama, do not trouble yourself. If I can be at ease in the chaos of our home, surely, I shall find my way in the season.
Miss Livingston: And you, Miss Francesca?
Francesca Bridgerton: Someone... kind, I suppose.
Miss Livingston: Well, that is plain. You do not want someone unkind.
Francesca Bridgerton: No. Of course not.
Colin Bridgerton: Do you not need a chaperone?
Penelope Featherington: Spinsters don't need chaperones.
Colin Bridgerton: You are not a spinster.
Penelope Featherington: I am in my third year on the marriage mart, with no prospects. What would you call that?
Colin Bridgerton: Is something wrong, Pen? Between us, I mean. I wrote you this summer, as I always do. And... wel, you did not respond. Admittedly, very few did. But... If you are going to make me say it out loud, I miss you.
Penelope Featherington: You miss me? You miss me, but you'd never court me. Is that correct?
Portia Featherington: Neither of you will be inheriting anything if you do not go home and get to work.
Philippa Finch: Can we not come over for a bit of pudding first? Your cook is so much better than ours.
Portia Featherington: Well, that's your fault for marrying men without title. Go!
Penelope Featherington: I do not wish to see a citrus color ever again.
Anthony Bridgerton: You visited France and Spain?
Francesca Bridgerton: My sheet music is Italian.
Colin Bridgerton: There is nothing more I want than to earn back the favor of the one person who has always truly made me feel... appreciated.
Eloise Bridgerton: Do you... have any idea who she might be?
Colin Bridgerton: I do not. But trust me, if I ever find out, I will make sure it is her life that is ruined.

See Also[]

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

References

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