Original release: 25 December 2020
Director: Tom Verica
Writer: Leila Cohan-Miccio
Based on: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Art of the Swoon
Daphne’s fake courtship with Simon has successfully turned her fortunes around, allowing her to reject three unwanted proposals while Lady Whistledown correctly speculates she is holding out for someone truly worthy. Though Daphne is truly enjoying her newfound status, Violet warns her that she cannot stall forever.
Simon continues to play his role; he accompanies Daphne to balls and helps her to evaluate suitors. However, their exchanges are becoming increasingly intimate. When Daphne asks what makes a woman desirable, Simon offers an unexpectedly honest lesson on female pleasure and encourages her to stop striving for perfection and explore her own desires. Intrigued, Daphne acts on his advice in private, marking a pivotal moment in her personal awakening.
The social landscape is suddenly transformed with the arrival of Prince Friedrich of Prussia, Queen Charlotte’s wealthy nephew. The Prince is looking for an ideal bride and the Queen champions Daphne for the coveted position. While Friedrich is attentive, Daphne’s attention is really drawn to Simon. At an art exhibition, they share a rare moment of genuine vulnerability while discussing a painting that reminds Simon of his late mother, an event that shows how their emotional connection runs much deeper than their public ruse.
Lady Danbury is quick to observe the changing nature of their relationship and warns Simon that his feelings for Daphne are clearly no longer pretend. Simon is terrified by this and the implications it has for his plans so he panics and abruptly ends their arrangement and reminds Daphne that she now has the Prince’s attention and no longer needs a fake suitor.
Daphne feels hurt but hides her heartbreak and fully embraces her role as the season’s star. At the next ball, she makes a breathtaking entry wearing a silver and white gown, commanding the attention of the whole room and stepping into a dance with Prince Friedrich. A sombre Simon watches her from the sidelines.
Back at the Featheringtons’s home, Marina Thompson waits desperately for news from George Crane, the soldier father of her unborn child.
Unbeknownst to Marina, Lady Featherington forges a letter from George to Marina in which he claims to want nothing more to do with her. Marina is devastated and realises she must quickly find a husband to save herself from complete ruin. Penelope and Marina have grown close and she watches helplessly as Colin Bridgerton becomes increasingly captivated by Marina.
Elsewhere, Eloise becomes obsessed with finding out Lady Whistledown’s true identity, as she sees the writer as a symbol of female independence. Anthony struggles to meet his mother’s demands that he marry an eligible debutante, and is unable to stay away from Siena Rosso despite having broken off their affair.
By the end of the episode, Simon announces his intention to leave London early, apparently determined to escape his growing attachment to Daphne.
Daphne, in turn, throws herself into her courtship with Friedrich.
Lady Whistledown gleefully reports the development: the season’s diamond appears to have tired of waiting for the Duke of Hastings.
After all, why settle for a duke when she might have a prince?
Freddie Stroma as Prince Friedrich and Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton as the Queen’s favoured match begins to take shape. Photo courtesy of Netflix.
Where to watch Bridgerton
Bridgerton is available to stream exclusively on Netflix. You can also shop for Bridgerton books, soundtracks and other related releases on Amazon.
