Bridgerton
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Dearest gentle readers, weve made it to the end ofBridgertons second season!
Now lets take a breath and do some much-needed trauma healing!
Surprise: You might cry!
This is a rare occasion where a You up?
inquiry is the most wholesome thing to do.
(Did they not already try that before?)
Lady Mary and Lady Danbury run in, thrilled.
Kate asks about Anthony and they tell her how he gallantly rescued her.
But after she presses, they reluctantly reveal he hasnt been around since.
Of course, shes disappointed.
Lady Bridgerton approaches Anthony, and somehow he already knows.
he asks, his eyes glistening before he places his head in his hands.
(I teared up too, but over Anthonys palpable relief.)
And I am sorry for everything that happened in the days that followed.
(Violet acknowledging this feels seismic; children arent ever meant to be caretakers.)
But Lady Bridgerton tells him not to lose her.
Maybe its just the exquisite performances of Jonathan Bailey and Ruth Gemmell here, but this scene floored me.
Last season, we witnessed the dukes trauma from not being loved enough.
But this season highlights the pain that can come from loving someonesomuch.
Grief is usually left unexamined because its seen as depressing or debilitating.
I generally watchBridgertonto witness horniness, not heaviness, and yet I found this moment so affecting and cathartic.
Next time we see him, Anthonys carrying a bouquet of tulips.
He finally visits Kate (who looks like a literal angel are wesureshes alive?).
He keeps his distance, as if hes afraid he could hurt her if he gets too close.
I did not want it to happen like that.
So Anthony apologizes again and proposes(!).
Is this how it happens?!
I am waiting for tears and confetti to start falling.
She wont hear it.
Back at home, Anthonys gazing at a portrait of his father when Gregory comes into the room distraught.
Mary tells Kate that running away is never the right move.
She insists that Kate never had to earn her place in the family.
This scene also walloped me big time.
(Am I just hormonal?!
That sentiment also ties to why I think Kate and Anthonys romance works so well.
The two are so ridiculously alike that by loving the other person, their relationship encourages self-acceptance too.
Its a two-for-one deal!
Time for the Featherington Ball!
Edwina tells Kate she cant keep avoiding the viscount and that she shouldnt.
Thats his cue: Kate turns around and theres the viscount.
This is the first time an improv exercise has ever been sexy.
And friends, Anthony looks SO happy.
He even teasingly asks her how many fingers hes holding up.
Its playful and sweet and caring.
Still hot, but no longer tortured!
She takes his hand and Wrecking Ball the classical version begins.
But soon other couples start leaving the floor due to their scandalous pairing.
Slowly, other couples resume dancing.
The song ends, and Lady Featherington orders everyone outdoors for a surprise.
Anthony finds Kate standing alone outside.
He asks if shes still leaving for India, which she confirms.
But its now or never for Anthony.
He admits he didnt visit her because he was terrified of losing her.
And then he says it: I love you.
He lists every time theyve ever been together or apart yep, he loved her then too.
You do not have to accept it, you dont have to embrace it or even allow it.
Knowing you, you probably will not.
But you must know it, in your heart.
You must feel it because I do.
He puts his hand to his heart and repeats those three words.
And she says it back!
Kate reminds him: You do know there will never be a day where you do not vex me.
And then he looks at her SO mischievously and asks, Is that a promise, Kathani Sharma?
His proper pronunciation paired with the implication that he knows who shereallyis so swoony.
I keep thinking about it and blushing!
Kate and Anthony are rolling around naked in bed, and he calls her viscountess.
This isnt my fanfic its canon!
But they just cant keep their hands off of each other.
Anthony asks if they should ditch the game, and Kate responds, And admit defeat?
And thats how you know theyre going to last.
Afternoon Tea
Let everyone be allowed to finally see how well we are doing!
After such a tragic year.
Poor boho Benedict quits art school after learning that Anthony pulled an Aunt Becky and paid for his acceptance.
Eloise figures out that Penelope is Whistledown(!
), and they have an epic, painful breakup fight.
Stop it, Colin!
The queen wants to set up Edwina with her prince nephew.
Can we get an Edwina spinoff?
The brief Penelope-narration switcheroo.
Kate and Anthony arguing over Newton is perfection.
