The last episode of the first half of Bridgerton season 3. This one is packed with relationship drama. We get the continuation of Penelope and Lord Debling’s relationship, Francesca’s mysterious suitor (whom she prefers over the queen’s choice), and we finally get to see Colin act on his feelings. This was the perfect episode to leave the Bridgerton fans wanting more.
Before continuing to read, make sure you have read part 1, part 2 and part 3 of the analysis.
Bridgerton season 3 Episode 4: Old friends
Major events:
- Lord Debling’s proposal
- John Stirling’s gesture
- Lord Debling’s rejection
- Carriage scene
- Colin’s confession
New characters:
- John Stirling (Francesca’s love interest)
Key interactions:
- Penelope-Lord Debling: Lord Debling is very interested in Penelope and plans on proposing to her. While Penelope likes Lord Debling, the idea of loveless marriage upsets her.
- Francesca-John: He is the only one who truly understand Francesca’s personality. He gets her fondness of silence and what she actually likes about music. His gesture charms Francesca.
- Eloise-Cressida: Eloise is a really good friend. She constantly checks up on Cressida, is a good influence on her, and always tries to cheer her up.
- Penelope-Colin: It takes Colin almost losing Penelope to finally make him confess his feelings for her. He is head over heels in love with her. She has been so since season 1, so nothing new there.
Character arcs:
- Lord Debling – I love how sweet and charming he was when he hinted at proposing to Penelope through books. He wanted to express his feelings in a way Penelope would understand best.
When he knows what he wants, he does not hesitate and acts upon it. That is why the proposal was quick from his side. I do also respect him for rejecting Penelope, because he didn’t want to be with a person who already liked someone else, even if he was searching for a practical match. He didn’t want his wife to be unhappy.
Bridgerton season 3 Episode 4 breakdown
A new day has come, and Penelope has a caller (I guess her first one ever?? All the Featherington women are behind the door, peering). The caller is obviously Lord Debling. He gives her a plant so she can continue enjoying nature from the indoors (he is so sweet).
For some reason, Prudence asks, “why HER??” How is she not happy that Penelope has a caller? Didn’t she want Penelope out of the house? I do not understand Prudence’s character at all.
Penelope’s mom tells Lord Debling how Penelope is always sitting by the window and reading. Lord Debling asks Penelope if there is a particular reason she likes to sit by THAT window. She says that she liked the view but has since grown rather tired of it, and that she is very glad to be here with him.
I definitely did not pick up on this the first time, but knowing what Debling will say later in the episode, I now understand that at this moment Penelope was thinking about Colin. He is the view that she liked, but now she has grown tired of it (probably tired of waiting on Colin) so she is happy to be with Lord Debling, who actually wants Penelope (so it seems).
What is the primary force that guides us along our paths? Is it our minds or our hearts?
Lady Whistledown (Bridgerton season 3)
Back at the Bridgerton’s house, Violet finds Colin and asks if his friendship question that he asked at the last ball was with any particular intention. She already knows the answer but would rather hear it from Colin. He denies Violet’s suspicion and says no, though Violet knows he is lying.
I feel like Violet is not as pushy with her sons as she is with her daughters, probably because it is very important to marry off daughters. There is not as much pressure for sons to marry. With daughters, Violet meddles a lot more and is directing them on what she thinks is a better path. With sons, she offers her advice but lets them make the decisions (even if she knows for a fact that they are making a mistake).
Francesca has a caller, the mysterious suitor from the ball. His name is John Stirling, and Francesca clearly likes him. The Bridgertons were actually expecting Lord Samadani to call on Francesca. Violet doesn’t seem to like John, but as she is all for love, she doesn’t say anything; she is just a bit annoyed.
Francesca and John both sit in silence, which they find comforting (it is sort of their thing). Violet, Eloise, Gregory, and Hyacinth are looking at them, confused. They don’t understand why they are not talking to each other. Eloise is simply in awe, as she thought one needed wit or banter to dissuade a suitor. In Francesca’s case, silence works better.
Lord Samadani comes and crashes the party. Francesca clearly would rather spend her time with John, but it is what it is. John has to go, as it would be impolite to ask Lord Samadani to leave.
Some gentleman is sharing his collection to the ton. Penelope goes looking at the books, which her mother disapproves of. She wants her to think only of Lord Debling. Penelope is actually reading a book about the destination that lord Debling will travel to. Portia advises Penelope to act ignorant and let Lord Debling explain the book to her.
Lord Debling comes over. Penelope starts telling her thoughts about the book, but Portia interferes, saying that they both don’t understand the book and would like him to explain. Portia thinks dumbing oneself down is a good way to charm a suitor, but I think Lord Debling would have loved to hear Penelope’s thoughts.
Penelope and Lord Debling talk about books. He asks what she likes to read about. She says stories about love. He asks what about them interests her. Then, Lord Debling tells Penelope (not directly, using books) that he wants to find a wife who would be happy to look after the estate while he travels for long periods. He is basically telling Penelope what kind of life he could provide for her and asks if she would agree to that. He is looking for a practical and happy match.
And how, dare I ask, might this fictional gentleman ask for the young lady’s hand?
Lord Debling (Bridgerton season 3)
He then again, through books, asks how he could propose to her (since she doesn’t have a male relative he could ask for a blessing). She tells him he would have to ask her mother. And when he asks if she would agree to that marriage, Penelope says that he would have to read the book to find out (basically not saying no and not saying yes). However, Penelope looked at Colin while giving that answer, so she is saying yes if Colin doesn’t finally admit his feelings.
The next day, Violet and Francesca are walking and talking in public. She sees John and goes up to him. She wanted to meet him at the collection, but he didn’t attend it. He reveals that he attends social events only when he is obligated to (another reason why they are a good match, as it doesn’t seem that Francesca enjoys the social events much).
We see Cressida’s family home, which resembles a museum – not in a good way. It doesn’t feel comforting and cozy like the Bridgerton house. It’s calling hour, and they are expecting Lord Debling (I presume) to call on Cressida, though it is Eloise that comes instead.
Cressida’s mother is not pleased and points out that it is calling hour (there was literally no one there; I don’t see how she was in the way of the calling hour. Francesca had two suitors coming back-to-back. When the other came, the first one left. Eloise could do the same???).
Cressida’s mother goes to Cressida’s father to complain about the situation. They both return and Cressida’s father asks to speak with Cressida alone. We hear him say that Cressida cannot hang out with Eloise anymore (her only friend, by the way).
Earlier, Cressida told Eloise that she is the only friend who has ever come to her house (understandable, as it is so uninviting). We get a glimpse of Cressida’s family life, which is miserable. The house, much like her parents, feels cold and sad. Her father seems cruel, and her mother seems unpleasant.
Back at the Featherington house, Lord Debling has asked Portia’s permission to purpose to Pen. She obviously gives it. She is very happy because Lord Debling is rich and Penelope will be left to manage the household, which will give her great influence. BUUUt she is also happy about the influence that it will give to all the family (her and the other sisters, who are mean to Penelope… how fair).
Penelope is a bit hesitant because she realizes that Lord Debling will be away a lot. What she craves in a relationship is love. I believe that Penelope would enjoy Lord Debling more if he would stay by her side. But the tv show had to do something to make people root for Colin. Portia, however, finds that ridiculous. She believes love is only in storybooks. What she finds romantic is security, which Penelope would have with Lord Debling.
But living to please others? I imagine it can be wearying at times. Painful, perhaps.
Violet Bridgerton (Bridgerton season 3)
Colin decides he will not attend the ball. I guess he doesn’t feel well (probably because he let Penelope slip through his fingers). He came shitfaced home last night. Violet says that Colin has always been the most sensitive of her children.
He always thinks of others, always tries to lighten the mood, and help others. She says he rarely thinks of himself, rarely puts himself first. She understands why Colin has been having armor up lately (this season, I guess, so Violet also has noticed that Colin has been acting weird lately).
She says it’s fine to do so, but one must be careful to not let the armor rust and set; then one finds it hard to remove it. Then Violet casually tells Colin that Penelope will get proposed to tonight. She says that he will miss helping Penelope reach her goal, but what she really is saying is don’t miss out on Penelope; don’t let her go if you really love her. Violet is the best mom, truly.
A quick appreciation paragraph for the queen’s gorgeous wig. It has swans? That swim in her hair? I would love to wear something like that, though I wouldn’t be able to stop admiring it through a mirror.
Violet and Marcus have another lovely conversation. We find out that Marcus was married. Not a love match, but they fell in love eventually (the slow burn, not very passionate, but nice). Violet shares her experience.
Marcus lets her know that he intends to find a love match in his second round wink wink. Definitely foreshadowing that these two will have a connection together. We also find out that Marcus doesn’t know much about his sister; he was surprised to find out that Lady Danbury is the boss of this society.
Lady Danbury says to Mrs. Mondrich that it is dangerous to relive past lives (camera pans to Marcus). I am so intrigued as to what happened between these two.
John gives Francesca sheet music that I believe he has written himself. He says he is not good with words but believes in gestures. Francesca is charmed and wants to leave the ball early to play the music; she definitely is not interested in Lord Samadani anymore. The queen is not happy about that.
Penelope and Lord Debling are dancing. Penelope asks if, with time, they could fall in love. Debling says that he doesn’t know. He devotes so much time to his work that he believes there may not be any space for love, and he may not have time for his partner.
Colin interrupts their dance. One does not do that. People are quickly starting to whisper. Colin tells Penelope that she should not marry Lord Debling, since he will be away all the time. Penelope knows that, but in her case, she has no choice.
Cressida saw her chance and went to dance with Lord Debling. Cressida tells Lord Debling that Penelope and Colin have been friends ever since the Featheringtons moved in across the street. Lord Debling quickly puts two and two together. He know understands why Penelope likes to sit by her favourite window. It’s because the view is to the Bridgerton house. He knows Penelope has feelings for Colin.
The dance ends and Penelope is mad that Colin is ruining her chance of being proposed to. She runs off to Lord Debling, and asks if they could continue their conversation (basically will he still propose). Lord Debling tells her his observations:
He then says that with the lifestyle he has, he cannot have a wife that has feelings for someone else. He basically rejects Penelope.
Penelope is standing there, crushed. What happens next? Portia comes up and manages to make Penelope feel even worse.
My heart BROKE for Penelope in this scene. I understand that her mother wants the best for her, but come on. Show her some love for ONCE!
Penelope gets a carriage and rides home. Colin sees that and runs after her.
It is said that the heart is forever making the head its fool.
Lady Whistledown (Bridgerton season 3)
Back at Bridgerton house, Violet is confused why Francesca wanted to leave the ball so quickly. Francesca tells her that John gave her a music sheet. He rearranged a song to Francesca’s liking. Violet sees that Francesca really likes him. As this is true love, Violet is happy for her.
Back at the carriage. Colin asks if Lord Debling proposed. Penelope tells him that Lord Debling rejected her because of Colin, thinking Colin had feelings for her. A thought Penelope finds ridiculous, since she is certain Colin doesn’t love her.
And now, ladies and gentleman, comes Colin’s confession:
“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.“
Apparently Colin wanted to say this to Penelope for weeks (probably right after that kiss). Penelope confesses that she would like them to be more than friends (so much more). That leads to their make out session in the carriage (aaand much more).
Their steamy carriage drive is interrupted when they reach the Bridgerton house. Colin then says a funny line: “Could the carriage driver not keep on driving?“
Colin then invites Penelope to his house and delivers the best line in these 4 episodes:
For God’s sake Penelope Featherington. Are you going to marry me or not?
Colin Bridgerton (Bridgerton season 3)
Finally, Colin confessed! It only took him half the season to do so. But, oh well, we got the carriage scene and the confession, what more could we ask for?
This was an intense episode that left me hungry for more. I was so sad to realize I had to wait a month for the rest of the episodes. Safe to say I binged all four episodes in one go and plan on doing the same with the second half.
I really love the friends to lovers trope that this season provides us with. Though it is a bittersweet moment as we will probably not see Penelope or Colin in the upcoming seasons.
I hope you enjoyed my analysis of the first four episodes of Bridgeton season 3! Feel free to write your thoughts in the comments and share this post with fellow Bridgerton fans.
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A nice way to spend my time, while waiting for next season 😂 Waiting for next posts!