The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After is a book connected to the Bridgerton series, by Julia Quinn. The book consists of short epilogues that take place after each of the eight Bridgerton novels, each following a different Bridgerton sibling. It also includes a novella, Violet in Bloom, about Violet Bridgerton, the matriarch of the Bridgerton family.
Synopsis[]
Once upon a time, a historical romance author created a family…
But not just any family. Eight brothers and sisters, assorted in-laws, sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, (not to mention an overweight corgi), plus an irrepressible matriarch who’s a match for any of them… These are the Bridgertons: less a family than a force of nature. Through eight bestselling novels, readers laughed, cried, and fell in love. But they wanted more.
And so the readers asked the author…
What happened next? Does Simon ever read his father’s letters? Do Francesca and Michael become parents? Who would win in a Pall Mall grudge match?
Does “The End” really have to be the end?
Now, with The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After, Julia Quinn delivers eight sexy, funny, and heartwarming “2nd epilogues,” plus a bonus story about none other than the wise and witty Violet Bridgerton herself. So get to know the Bridgertons all over again—because Happily Ever After is a whole lot of fun.[1]
Plot[]
Daphne is shocked to realize she's pregnant again, at 41. She is skeptical about whether the pregnancy will be full-term, and decides to hold off on telling Simon, who's dealing with business at Clyvedon. Daphne juggles having three daughters out in society, while keeping her pregnancy a secret.
Colin and Penelope visit with their four children - Agatha, Thomas, Jane and George. While holding three-year-old George, Daphne learns from Agatha that he isn't talking, and realizes Colin and Penelope came to talk to Simon. When Daphne sits down with them, Penelope quickly deduces that she's pregnant; Colin is in denial, but when Daphne falls asleep mid-conversation, he finally believes it.
Simon returns to London and goes to see Daphne. When she throws up in front of him, he realizes she's pregnant again. The thought of another baby both delights and scares Simon at the same time. That evening, Colin confides in Simon about George not talking, and asks for his advice. Simon doesn't have any, except that Colin should love and care for George as a father should, like Simon's father never did.
Simon pulls out his father's letters, having been untouched for almost 20 years. He finally decides to read them to see if they can help Colin and Penelope in some way. Daphne comes in as he prepares to, and helps him to open and read them. One after the other, they read them, and find Simon's father mainly sent details about estate, tenant, and account matters - there's no mention of an apology or any personal note to Simon. He finally takes the letters, and throws them in the fireplace, figuring they're not worth saving. Simon tells Daphne he has her and his children - that's all that matters and all he needs.
Kate heads to the shed to get ahold of the mallet of death. However, Anthony finds her, and reveals he already has it. She tried to bribe Anthony's valet into distracting him, but Anthony bribed him more to pretend. Kate tries to seduce it away from Anthony, but he leaves with the mallet, making Kate angry.
One day prior
Anthony recalls how he first fell in love with Kate during the first Pall Mall game they played together. They've replayed the match annually for the last fifteen years since as a tradition. He is sure he'll win, now that he got ahold of the black mallet this year.
Kate is chased down by Anthony, who has lost the black mallet. Kate is sly in admitting she had a duplicate key made for his office, and stole the mallet back. Anthony tries to corner and scare her into revealing the location, but Colin shows up, and reveals he has the mallet after bribing a maid.
Game day
Anthony sets up the course, annoying Daphne. The two of them, along with Colin, Simon and Kate, trade jabs while waiting for Edwina to arrive. Penelope also comes to watch, and is taken aback by the arguing between the Bridgerton siblings. While Edwina always takes the blue mallet, the rest always switch colors each year. Kate slyly mentions that she created a puddle right where Anthony tends to hit the ball with his first shot. Unfortunately, she sends her own ball into the puddle.
Kate later ends up covered in mud after Anthony "accidentally" knocks her into the puddle she created, and ends up falling behind in the game again. Kate vows to make sure Anthony doesn't win. Anthony is hopeful he'll win, until Kate hits her ball right next to his, then sends his over the hill, ensuring he loses. Anthony retaliates by sending Kate's ball into the lake. The two head back to the house, and make plans to keep Colin from stealing the black mallet. Anthony talks about making "other" plans, and Kate gives in, smiling.
At 25, Posy Reiling would be considered a spinster, but life for her had begun when she was 21 after being disowned by her mother, Araminta, and taken in by the Bridgertons. Ignored and neglected by Araminta, Posy had never been truly loved or been given a chance to enjoy life until the Bridgertons took in Posy after Sophie, Posy's stepsister, married Benedict.
Sophie believes Posy can make a good match despite her age, and tells Benedict she wants to find her a match. After going through the list of unmarried men they know, Sophie realizes that Hugh Woodson, the new vicar, would be perfect for Posy. She arranges a meeting, and it is love at first sight for both Hugh and Posy. They married soon after, and had four children in four years - Sophia, Benedict, Georgette, and John.
Five years after her youngest is born, Posy is surprised when she finds out she's pregnant again, and gives birth to a daughter. She decides to name her Araminta, but explains to Sophie that it's not to honor her mother, but rather to associate a new, loving memory with the name. For short, Posy decides to call her Minty, and Sophie delights at this nickname.
Colin returns home to Penelope after following Eloise to Sir Phillip's house. Penelope is shocked that Colin didn't tell Eloise about her Lady Whistledown secret, but Colin says there wasn't time. Colin suggests telling Eloise when they return for her wedding, but Penelope doesn't want to distract attention from her wedding day. Colin agrees, and they let it be.
Penelope and Colin head to Romney Hall for Phillip and Eloise's wedding, opting to stay at a nearby inn away from the family to have privacy as newlyweds. When they get there, they make sure nobody tells Eloise the truth about Whistledown, and Colin even bribes Hyacinth to stay quiet. The day of the wedding, Penelope meets with Eloise, Violet, and Daphne to get dressed. Eloise apologizes for keeping Sir Phillip a secret, making Penelope feel more guilty about hers. She still keeps quiet as they go down to the ceremony.
After the reception, Penelope finally decides to pull Eloise aside, and tells her she's Lady Whistledown. Eloise reveals she knows, because Hyacinth told her after Eloise had to bribe her. Eloise says she's surprised, but proud of Penelope and what she's achieved. Colin and Penelope decide to leave the wedding early, and head back to the inn.
A day later, they get three different letters from Violet, Hyacinth and Eloise. Penelope reads Eloise's, and finds out Eloise was apologizing to try and trick Penelope into revealing her secret. She promises to collect from Penelope later, with Hyacinth's help. Colin says they can worry about that later; for now, the two start enjoying their honeymoon.
Written from the perspective of Amanda Crane, she tells her own love story. While at tea with the Brougham family, neighbors of the Cranes, Mrs. Brougham mentioned that her nephew, Charles, will be visiting. The Brougham daughters are immediately distressed, as Charles would pick on them when they were kids. Eloise convinces Mrs. Brougham to let Charles go on a horse ride with Amanda.
The Crane family has never gone to London, as both Eloise and Phillip enjoy the country more. Eloise was willing to set Amanda up with her family in London, but Amanda chose not to go, preferring the freedom of the country. Hence, to help Amanda get married, Eloise is trying to match her up with men in the country.
Amanda waits for several hours before a carriage finally arrives, and she's shocked that all four Brougham daughters have come with Charles. They come inside, and Amanda realizes that Charles has grown into a handsome young man, hence the change in attitude of the Brougham daughters. Amanda is introduced to Charles Farraday. Though she insists it was not love at first sight, there's a spark between them at the beginning.
Eloise is able to wheedle the Brougham daughters away from Charles and Amanda, letting them head out for a ride. Charles and Amanda head to the stables, talking about family. The two bond over childhood pranks they played, and Amanda talks to Charles about her family. Charles is enchanted enough to listen, something he admits he never does. After talking for a long time, they decide to instead go for a walk together.
Amanda sits outside that night, when she's joined by her father. Phillip asks her about Charles, and Amanda admits she's interested. Phillip talks about how he told Eloise that he'd have to get a stick when Amanda started courting. Amanda is distressed, but Phillip assures her that he trusts her judgment and hopes her husband will treat her well.
Amanda and Charles marry six months later and move to Somerset, halfway between their families. Charles and Phillip become friends, leading to Phillip visiting often. Charles often plays a game with Amanda, to see if she can be quiet in the bedroom while her father sleeps across the hall. Amanda believes she failed, because her father abruptly left the next day on a made-up emergency. Amanda feels she has found the perfect love match, just like her parents.
Three years after their marriage, Francesca remains childless. Despite the love she has with Michael and the family who supports her, Francesca is sad about not having her own children. Michael is just as upset, as he wants a family as much as Francesca does, and is sad every time she discovers she's not pregnant.
A year and a half later, Francesca travels to Aubrey Hall for the christening of Isabella, Hyacinth's daughter. After arriving, Francesca is met by Violet, and the subject of her infertility comes up. Eventually, Francesca breaks down crying, and Violet comforts her daughter. Francesca is able to feel slightly happier after this and spends every moment she can with her various nephews and nieces, as well as planning the christening. Michael arrives two days later, and the two enjoy time together away from Aubrey Hall, making love in the fields hidden away from the house.
Three weeks later, Francesca and Eloise are watching the Bridgerton children, including Eloise's stepson, Oliver, play outside. Francesca asks Eloise if having her own children has made her love Oliver and his sister, Amanda, less, but Eloise denies this, still feeling love for them. The two eventually join in playing with the children. That evening, Michael talks with Francesca about her day, and the two decide to head back home to Kilmartin. The two start to become romantic, but Michael realizes Francesca's courses are due, and Francesca realizes she's late. They both are hopeful she's pregnant. Both agree to Francesca taking every precaution necessary, and decide not tell her family just yet.
One year later...
Violet is with Kate, waiting for Francesca to arrive. The two fawn over Kate's newborn daughter, Mary, named after Kate's mother who recently passed away. Kate sees Francesca's carriage arriving, and Violet runs out to greet both Michael and Francesca. Francesca surprises Violet by introducing her mother to her newborn son, John. Violet is in awe, and immediately becomes enraptured by her new grandson. She comments on how he looks exactly like Francesca. Though Francesca tries to take him back, Violet refuses to hand him over, and Francesca jokingly says they're not going to get John back during their entire visit. Michael slyly says they can use the time to give John a sister. Though Francesca playfully scolds him, she gives birth nine months later to their daughter, Janet Helen Stirling, who looks exactly like Michael.
Hyacinth is at the modiste with her daughter Isabella, now 19. They are choosing dresses now that she's out in society. Isabella throws up protests, wanting to travel rather than parade about the ton to find a husband. Hyacinth firmly shuts her down, and silently sends an apology to her mother for all the trouble she caused during her seasons. Isabella is just like her mother, as Violet had always told Hyacinth.
An hour or so later.
Gareth is sitting in his study. His father stopped plundering the estate after discovering the truth of Gareth's birth, but still neglected it. By the time Gareth inherited the estate, there were debts and mortgages piling up. With Hyacinth's dowry and hard work, Gareth was able to restore the St. Clair fortunes, and he's proud of himself. The work was fulfilling to him, and he's still just as happy with Hyacinth and his children. Hyacinth comes into his office, complaining about Isabella. Gareth reminds her that Isabella is just as spirited as Hyacinth. He starts seducing her, but Hyacinth says Isabella is upstairs and could hear. Gareth says she will know because she's a smart girl, and Hyacinth gives in to his seduction.
The following day
Hyacinth is still looking for the diamonds, as she has been for 15 years off and on. She's never told anybody except Gareth. She's in the bathroom trying to move the tub when Gareth comes in and offers to help her. After finding nothing, Gareth prepares to leave and offers to buy Hyacinth a diamond necklace. Hyacinth knows, and says she loves him because he could've bought it for her years ago, but he didn't; they understand each other so well.
Meanwhile six feet away...
Isabella is listening to her parents talking, enamored by the love they share for each other. She then hears them talking about the diamond necklace while checking the bathroom floor, and realizes they're looking for the diamonds she found when she was ten. Though Hyacinth never told her, Isabella feels bad for keeping them hidden from her mother, and decides that Hyacinth deserves to have them. She makes a plan to have her mother find them.
One year later
Hyacinth is looking in the nursery washroom for the diamonds yet again. She notices the little crack in the tiles that Isabella noticed the first time. She manages to get the tile free, and pulls out the bag inside the hole. She finally finds Isabella Marinzoli's diamonds. She yells out to Gareth, who comes up in a haste, and Hyacinth shows him the diamonds. They both revel in her victory.
Meanwhile, one floor down...
Isabella hears her mother's screams of joy, and realizes she found the diamonds. She smiles in silent satisfaction, and keeps reading her book.
21 June 1840
Cutbank Manor
Near Winkfield, Berkshire
Hyacinth writes to Gareth about Lucy's pregnancy and their daughter, Isabella. She writes a postscript saying that Lucy gave birth to twins.
After the twins are born, Lucy and Gregory agree that nine children is enough. They decide to name the twin girls Eloise and Francesca. Hyacinth is miffed at not having a namesake. She points out Katharine, Gregory and Lucy's eldest, is named after their sister-in-law, Kate, but Gregory says it's because Kate brought them together.
While holding one of her daughters, Lucy becomes weak. She loses consciousness, and the midwife realizes she's bleeding out. The midwife tries maneuvers to get the blood out, causing Lucy to scream in agony. Gregory feels helpless, unable to stop her pain. Lucy loses consciousness again, and the midwife says the bleeding has stopped. She can't do anything more, and Hyacinth and Gregory just have to wait to see if Lucy will wake up.
Gregory stays by Lucy's bedside, begging her to wake up. Katharine comes by, and Gregory says Lucy's resting, but Katharine seems to know something is wrong. Gregory remembers when Katharine was born and he became a father; he found his purpose in life that day. Katharine suggests middle names for the twins ̶ Francesca Hyacinth and Eloise Lucy. Gregory loves both suggestions. The doctor returns to Lucy's bedside, and tells both Gregory and Hyacinth to wake Lucy up. Lucy wakes up for a moment, after Gregory asks about the number of stairs in their back staircase. Hyacinth and Gregory are hopeful, but the doctor is cautious, saying Lucy's condition is still uncertain.
Gregory stays in Lucy's room all night, and is thrilled when he sees her awake the next morning. Gregory takes care of her, overwhelmed but relieved. Lucy is weak, but asks to see the twins. Gregory agrees, and reveals the names Katharine gave them. Lucy is touched, and asks to see all their children. Gregory brings them in, and Lucy is delighted watching all of them: Katharine, Richard, Hermione, Daphne, Anthony, Benedict and Colin. Gregory gets them to leave so Lucy can rest. He also leaves, but promises he'll be back.
23 June 1840
Cutbank Manor
Near Winkfield, Berkshire
Hyacinth lets Gareth know she's going to be staying another month to help Lucy after her difficult birth. After seeing what Lucy went through, Hyacinth is grateful for the ones she loves, and how fortunate she is for them.
Surrey, England
1774
Eight-year-old Violet Ledger is caught sneaking a blackberry pie from the kitchen by her governess and her father. Initially making up excuses, Violet confesses she wanted to play a prank on Edmund Bridgerton, a boy visiting the neighbors, after he played a prank on her. Her father quickly takes away the pie and denies her dessert that evening, making Violet hate Edmund even more.
London
Nine years later
Violet sits with her friend at the edge of a ballroom, quietly bemoaning being a wallflower with no potential suitors. Her friend spots a man that neither recognize, and wonder if he's new to the ton. He makes his way to Violet, surprising her, and introduces himself as Edmund Bridgerton. She doesn't recognize him until he mentions the prank he played on her years before. Violet admits she tried to get revenge, but was caught. After chatting, Edmund asks Violet to dance and she accepts.
Somewhere in Sussex
Six months later
Edmund and Violet have just gotten married, and are headed on their honeymoon. They stop at an inn, which surprises Violet. Edmund explains that going home, they'd have to greet the staff and have no time to enjoy to themselves, as they have to attend to their duties as Viscount and Viscountess. At the inn, they can enjoy each other's company as long as they want. Violet enjoys this idea, and the two head inside to enjoy their honeymoon.
Aubrey Hall, Kent
Twenty years later
Violet, eight months pregnant, hears seven-year-old Eloise scream and runs outside to see what's wrong. She gets there and finds Edmund dead. Eloise says Edmund was stung by a bee, then suddenly couldn't breathe. The shock takes its toll on Violet, and she faints. Violet regains consciousness, and the servants attend to her. Though they insist on calling a doctor, Violet says she's fine. The servants become scared, and call for the midwife.
Violet goes into labor three weeks after Edmund's death. She believes she'll have a boy, and decides to name him Edmund, forgoing naming her children alphabetically. Instead, she gives birth to a girl, but is in awe of her newborn daughter. Violet names her Hyacinth after Edmund's favorite flower. Daphne, Eloise and Francesca come into Violet's room, and are thrilled to meet their new sister. Daphne notes it's the first time Violet has smiled since Edmund's death.
London
Thirteen years later
During her masquerade ball, Violet ends up being asked by another man to dance and accepts. Eloise, Francesca, Colin and Anthony all notice, and wonder who she's dancing with. When she later meets them, Violet confesses that she doesn't know who he is, and leaves it at that.
Aubrey Hall, Kent
Years later
Notes and Trivia[]
- Julia Quinn stated she wrote the book after getting many questions from fans about what occurred after each book ended.
Book Covers[]
