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(And to keep up appearances for the ton, of course.)
But when the new Lord Featherington arrives, only to reveal himself as a scoundrel as well?
I alternate between thinking Lady Featherington is a diabolical genius and a fool.
After the finale, Ive landed on genius.Yes, Im of that thought as well.
It was important to me that she was ultimately in control and came out on top.
I couldnt have done that story line with her being an idiot.
Did you tell the showrunners those feelings?I didnt have to.
I was very protective of Portia all along.
I vocalized that at the beginning.
How else were you protective of her?You have to be protective of any character you play.
You have to understand why the character acts as they do and what their motives are.
And to be sympathetic, because often nobody else is in the story.
Ihaveto be sympathetic to her to show her humanity.
Whatisshe playing at, in your opinion?Shes playing a few things.
Shes desperately trying to survive and protect her daughters.
Thats her overriding motive.
She has been unloved for so long and so derided.
Shes very aware of peoples opinion of her, so shes not a fool in that regard.
Shes very clever, just born in the wrong century.
Shes playing at rediscovering her femininity and herself as a woman.
Shes consumed by her role as a mother, but we all know women are more than that.
She would like love too.
Its tough for her.
She doesnt have any allies.
Shes a lone wolf and not a team player.
Thats not a negative thing.
Shell just always feel like a misfit.
Have you given much thought to her backstory or how she became the woman she is?
I was told that shes not featured heavily and is quite broadly drawn in the books.
Was she the titled one?
Did she marry into money, or was it the other way around?She wasnt sure.
That final scene, where she excuses her cruelty to the lord as maternal duty, was superb.
I still think about your line reading of, I am amother!
It reaffirms everything youre saying.It was such a reaffirmation for me, personally.
It was her moment of poetic justice and it came from a really deep place for her.
And a great deal of sadness.
What was it like to film that scene?
Did it feel cathartic?It was very late, around 4 a.m.
They let us get on with it without too much interference.
Do you view Lady Featherington as a villain at all, in the full scope ofBridgertoncharacters?
Its not a great way to behave.
I dont know if shes a baddie.
I think she has baddie tendencies.
The more they exploit that side of her character, its better for me.
I dont want to be simpering in the corner at a ball, fussing around my daughters dresses.
That would be hell.
Shes not good or bad, she just has a dubious style.
I feel bad for her daughters, honestly.
But I think she has the best motive in the end, so therefore shes forgiven.
You know what I also find interesting?
Shes uneducated and has led an incredibly sheltered life.
If she had been educated and out in the world, it would be a different scenario.
She manages to survive even within that kind of society, which is quite unusual.
She doesnt value books or education.
She thinks it does a huge disservice to a girl trying to find a husband.
She overlooks everything about that.
Portia is also aware of her daughters failings physically.
Penelope is the youngest, and she overlooks her the most.
Nicola Coughlan and I have now told the writers several times that we want more scenes together.
It would be great to further explore that relationship.
But I suppose then theres a danger of me discovering that she is indeed Lady Whistledown.
Narratively, were kept at arms length to stop that from happening.
Maybe shell run off a cliff.
Maybe shell throw herself under a horse-drawn carriage.
Polly, we need you for all the seasons!Maybe they just cant be successful at getting married.
I dont know what the point of her would be.
I dont think she would be a doting granny.Bleh.
Is it a treat or torture to wear such brightly colored dresses?Its slightly torturous.
Im generally in all black or jeans on my own time.
Being thrown in these bright colors is so alien, but it helps with the character.
But thats the Featheringtons for you.
If I can do it, anyone can.
