A carriage arrives at the house in Bridgerton Season 4 episode 1. The people in the house are preparing for a party. The madam guides the maids how to place the flowers and the desserts. The madam plans to give the desserts in the fridge to the girls. But Mrs. Wilson goes against it. She mentions the girls need something warm after a fortnight in a carriage. She takes away the warm desserts. The madam isn’t happy with it. But she still thanks Mrs. Wilson.
Mrs. Wilson goes downstairs. She arrives at the kitchen. She asks for scones and the napkins. The maid reports to Mrs. Wilson that scones are just out, and napkins are pressed. The servant notices that Princess Hyacinth got up from the bed. But Mrs. Wilson saw a bootprint in the entry hall. The servant cleans his boot.
Miss Bridgerton arrives. The servant John goes to welcome her. She’s very happy after she returned home. It promotes the gentleman to believe that she forgets Scotland. His partner comforts him that they will miss Kilmartin Castle. She tells Miss Bridgerton that she’s happy for returning home as well. Miss Bridgerton laughs.
In the house, the lady carries the baby. She introduces the man beside her as the baby’s father. The man smiles when he looks at his son. The lady tells the man Elliott that the baby is perfect like him. Elliott praises his wife that the baby is like her. It makes her laugh. He gives her a kiss. He takes over the baby from her. But the baby is taken away by the babysitter soon. She claims that she doesn’t want anyone spilling tea on the heir to our name. The people get into the room. Miss Bridgerton gives the lady Penelope a hug. Penelope asks Miss Bridgerton about Scotland. Miss Bridgerton reveals there’re not nearly enough people in Scotland. She had to talk to talk to the sheep. Hyacinth is close to the baby. She wants to eat his cheeks. Mrs. Wilson watches the scene. She thinks the baby is cute. But you have to look after him. She feels relieved that the viscountess had her baby in India. The chief maid scolds Mrs. Wilson. She wants to meet the little heir. John thinks they need more boys. It’s getting rather girlish around here with Gregory off at Eton. Mrs. Wilson doesn’t expect that Miss Bridgerton has young men around. But if Hyacinth has her way, she shall make her debut any day now.
Hyacinth brings a good news to the babysitter that her mother finally let her lower her hems. The madam is going to leave the room. Mrs. Wilson wonders if everything is well. The madam says that everything is perfect. But she wonders where is Benedict. She asks John to prepare a carriage for her.
The madam Lady Bridgerton takes the carriage to the house. John tries to stop her on the second floor. He offers to go to pick up Benedict on his own. She points out that he has done it for her too many times these last months. Perhaps if Benedict is awakened from his inebriated slumber by the face of his mother, he will learn to be on time for once. She opens the doors. She gets into the room. She asks for seeing his son. But the guy blocks the doors to another room. He claims that the room is in a state of disarray. He offers to send a maid in first. She claims that she has often witnessed Benedict’s disarray. She asks him to move. He walks aside. She gets into her son’s bedroom. She asks the guy to go to get a maid. She pulls back the covers. She sees Benedict and another girl in the bed. She avoids the two immediately. She asks the girl where’s her chaperone. Benedict is surprised that his mother came. Lady Bridgerton asks the guy Hatch to draw back the curtains. She thinks it’s time for her son to wake up. Benedict fails to stop Hatch. We see another girl on the couch. She gets up and she wonders why the place is so bright. Lady Bridgerton is shocked after she saw the girl. She asks her who she is. The girl tries to introduce herself. But Lady Bridgerton thinks it’s not important. Because she’s going to leave. Benedict calls his mother. The girl learns that Lady Bridgerton is Benedict’s mother. Lady Bridgerton runs out of the room.
Benedict is in his study. Hatch reports to his master that the solicitor wants to know if Benedict’s family will continue the investment in copper. He remembers the viscount was quite insistent that it was a wise investment. Hatch reads the letters from the tenants. Mr. Boyle writes to ask for a loan to reinforce his cattle fence. Benedict agrees. But Hatch asks Benedict if he’s sure. He reveals the viscount wouldn’t usually grant such a request until the finances for the tenants are on secure footing. Lady Bridgerton shows up. Hatch puts the letters on the table. He leaves. Benedict apologizes to his mother. She wonders if he apologizes for constantly missing family events or turning up late. Usually smelling of liquor. Taking advantage of her forgiving nature. Or for debauching himself so much so this summer that apparently he has ended up with not one but two mistresses. She worries that one of the mistresses gets with child. He claims that the two girls aren’t his mistresses. They’re simple acquaintances. But she thinks it’s even worse. He claims that he’s be careful. She has a headache after knowing he finds it a laughing matter. She reminds him that he has two sisters who must marry. Their fate depends on the family reputation. She persuades him to consider it for his sisters. But he points out that it’s Anthony’s job. Because Anthony is the viscount. His reputation secures the Bridgerton name.
Benedict claims that he’s just a second son. Lady Bridgerton reminds him that he must marry even if he’s the second son. He needs to seek approval of the father of an eligible young lady. He needs to be a gentleman or a rake. His body will be broken if he keeps doing it. He claims that his health is his business. She doesn’t have to worry about his reputation. He thinks he won’t marry. He explains it to her that what he means is that the eligible ladies are lovely. But they all have the same dream of marriage. They display no true animation, no zest for life, no personality. He thinks he’s charting a more venturesome course outside good society. He’s doing so because he’s being true to himself. He thinks it’s the point. He tells her that it’s enough for her. She walks to him. She thinks he simply hasn’t met the right young lady. He never will if he doesn’t settle down and join society. She allows him to be true to himself. She reveals they’re going to hold a party. All the eyes of the ton will be on them. She begs him not to humiliate her and be on time.
Queen is in her palace. She sits on her throne. She stokes her dog. She’s furious to ask her followers that where the person is. The lady reminds Queen that she just summoned the girl. She wonders if she decided to attend Lady Bridgerton’s ball. Queen thinks it’s just a masquerade. She’s not interested in dressing as someone other than herself. She complains that the girl doesn’t arrive. She hands over the dog to the male attendant. The lady persuades Queen that her attending is very important to Lady Bridgerton. In confirming her as the new hostess of the season’s first ball. Queen wonders why Lady Bridgerton hosts the ball instead of the lady. The servant shows up. He reports it to Queen that Lady Whistledown arrived. Lady Whistledown gets into the palace. She greets Queen. Queen reminds the lady that she’s late. Lady Whistledown talks back that Queen has only just sent for her. Queen scolds Lady Whistledown. Lady Whistledown apologizes to Queen. It promotes Queen to be happy. Queen brings up that they begin another season. This time they’re good friends. The relationship will endure as long as Lady Whistledown brings her great gossip. Lady Whistledown promises Queen that she will try her best. Queen is very satisfied. But she wants a foretaste before Lady Whistledown’s first issue is distributed today. Lady Whistledown agrees. She reveals tomorrow night, the social season shall begin. But things might look a little different. Queen interrupts Lady Whistledown. She thinks she should begin how it begins. The proper way. Lady Whistledown gets Queen’s point. She tells Dearest Gentle Reader. Queen is excited to applaud after she heard Lady Whistledown’s tone.
Dearest Gentle Reader, tomorrow night, the social reason begins, but it might look a little different from what our fair ton has come to expect. Because tomorrow night is Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball. An even sure to transport its guests into fantasy.
The next day, Lady Whistledown is in her room. The maid helps Lady Whistledown wear clothes. The lady brings up that Lord Harley has a weekly rendezvous with Lady Luton every Friday. Another lady thinks Queen will relish that. But Lady Whistledown doesn’t plan to print it. Because she knows Lady Luton’s daughters will be ruined. Elliott walks into the room. He wonders if he’s interrupting the ladies. The lady laughs to deny it. Elliott’s mother gives Elliott a kiss. She leaves the room with other ladies except his wife. Elliott asks Lady Whistledown about Queen. He hugs her from her back. She says that it was terrifying. She was asked to recite her column from memory. He praises her. But he asks her to forget Whistledown for a little while. He tries to take off her dress. She thinks he’s a good man. She smiles.
Behind the cover a mask, we are free to be anyone we so choose. All that is certain is that a masquerade is like no other event. Prepare yourself, gentle reader for anything can happen.
In the evening, Benedict goes to the club. He takes over a glass of wine from the waiter. He drinks the wine. Louis shows up behind Benedict. Benedict claims that he’s not free tonight. Louis figures it out that his friend needs to attend a shocking society event. Benedict admits that it’s his mother’s shocking society event. He came to the place for a dose of merriment. He cannot stay long. Louis claims that he doesn’t need Benedict to stay too long. He thinks they can get merriment even if the time is limited. Benedict kisses Louis.
In Bridgerton House, the maids are busy in the kitchen. Mrs. Wilson finds out that the dance cards aren’t placed upstairs. John explains it to her that they decided not to use it. They thought the point of the evening was concealment. But she says that the point of the evening is try to hide one’s identity by costume or mask. Not that many succeed, but they still must dance. They will write down their costume names. She asks John if those guys will wear masks all the time. The chief maid thinks it sounds thrilling.
Sophie wears a white mask. She goes out. She takes a carriage. She’s nervous in the carriage. She tells herself that she can do it. The carriage arrives at Bridgerton House. She glances outside. She sees the guests. The servant helps her get off the carriage. He reports it to her that there’s a large group arriving. He teaches her that she just needs to conceal herself behind the people. She needs to come out by midnight.
Sophie follows the guests into the house. She sees some dancing people who wear masks. She runs into John. She mentions she followed the people. He says that he has given those guys the dance cards. She notices the cards on the plate. She reaches out her hand to him. He wonders if she wants him to tie it on, instead of her chaperone. He tries to take the card. But she denies it. She explains it to him that she has lost her friends. She takes over the card from him. She’s cute to thank him.
Sophie’s stepmother Lady Araminta Gun and Sophie’s stepsister Posy Li are at the ball as well. Posy Li doesn’t expect so many shoulders. She wonders how many balls they need to attend this season. She likes society. Sophie’s another stepsister Rosamund Li scolds Posy Li. She thinks young ladies shouldn’t ramble on. Sophie walks around the ball. She sees her family. She’s startled to step back. She walks away. She watches the dancers. She thinks it’s glorious.
Violet Bridgerton is very happy after she saw the guests who came to her ball. She tells them to enjoy it. She runs into her friend. She gives her a hug. Her friend Lady Danbury thinks the party is very fine. Violet Bridgerton wonders if Lady Danbury has no regrets. Lady Danbury denies it. She says that hosting the first ball of the season has always meant a great deal to her. But she’s looking forward to stepping back. She wonders who doesn’t come when she looks around. She and Violet Bridgerton realize that the person is Benedict. Violet Bridgerton can tell that her son is late again. She laughs.
Violet Bridgerton tries to go to look for her son. But Queen arrives at the ball. The people pay their respect to Queen. Queen asks the follower to bring Penelope to her. The follower leaves. Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton greet Queen. Queen walks to her throne. She sits on the throne. Queen’s follower asks the ladies about the location of Penelope. Penelope shows up. She walks away with Queen’s follower. Queen’s follower takes Penelope to see Queen.
Penelope flatters Queen. She reminds her that the season has just begun. But she believes that they will find a debutante or two tonight for her to champion. Queen claims that she tires of debutantes. They have been so unreliable in the past. She wants to look for a leading suitor this year to fire the competition. Penelope brings up that Lord Napier planned to marry. Queen takes a look at the guy. She thinks he’s very handsome. Unfortunately, he’s also exceptionally dull. Penelope mentions Mr. Frye then. The guy might be eligible. But Queen isn’t interested in him. She pays attention to another guy. Penelope reveals the person is Baron Hamilton. Queen worries that Baron Hamilton isn’t rich enough. She wonders if there’s a man at the ball worthy of her interest.
Mrs. Wilson goes to the kitchen to look for Benedict. Benedict arrives at Bridgerton House. He greets the ladies outside the house. John walks out of the house to pick up Benedict. Benedict gives his coat to the servant. He gets into the house. He runs into Violet Bridgerton. He greets her. He gives her a kiss. She reminds him that he’s too hours late. He should have accompanied Eloise. He claims that he’s there. He guesses she didn’t recognize him in his mask. She points out that they’re not serving gin, but she smells it all over him. Eloise shows up. She’s happy to join the talk. Benedict gives her a hug. She blames him for his late since she came back from the Highlands. He explains it to her that he went to his bachelor lodgings to change. She finds out that he’s the same. He claims that he can be anyone tonight. It promotes Violet Bridgerton to wonder if he will talk to those debutantes. She says that she has planned it carefully. She thinks his showing up implies to the ton that he’s back in society. He needs to talk with the debutantes to prove it. She orders him to go to do that right now.
Benedict walks to the ladies. He flatters them. One of the ladies thinks his disguise is amazing. But he points out that she recognized him immediately. She explains it to him that she could discern the Bridgerton build from anywhere. She thinks he and his brothers do all look so much alike. He accepts her explanation. He laughs. She guesses he’s number two in his family. He claims that it’s his name. Another lady points out that he’s the last unmarried. She wonders if he plans to change the situation. He figures it out that those ladies don’t forget Gregory. He wonders if they’re sure that he’s not Gregory.
Penelope introduces Mr. Lewis to Queen. She thinks the gentleman is an ideal partner. But he tends to smell. Lady Araminta Gun calls Violet Bridgerton. She walks to her. Violet Bridgerton is in a good mood after she saw Lady Araminta Gun. She brings up that she hasn’t seen her for a long time. Lady Araminta Gun reveals she left the society after her husband passed away. She adds that the first and the second passed away. Violet Bridgerton knows the husbands are Viscount Li and Earl of Penwood. She feels sorry for Lady Araminta Gun’s losses. She sees the two girls. She guesses they’re Lady Araminta Gun’s daughters. Lady Araminta Gun admits it. She says that their daughters just made their debuts. She introduces her two daughters to Violet Bridgerton. Posy Li greets Violet Bridgerton. She’s happy to express that she likes the party very much. Violet Bridgerton is polite to thank Posy Li. But Lady Araminta Gun is interested in Violet Bridgerton’s children. Violet Bridgerton says that their children are fine. She thanks Lady Araminta Gun for caring for her. She reveals Anthony went to India with his wife. She tries to bring up Colin and Penelope. But Lady Araminta Gun interrupts Violet Bridgerton. She wonders if she thinks she will succeed the season. She persuades her to get her second son to take a wife. Violet Bridgerton realizes that Lady Araminta Gun wants to be her in-law. She says that her son is so unpredictable. She laughs to walk away.
Lady Araminta Gun asks her two daughters if they studied their miniatures. Rosamund Li nods. Posy Li sees Benedict. She thinks he’s very handsome. But her mother asks her not to be shallow. She thinks what matters most is the guy’s surname. She heard the rumors of rakish behavior. But she knows reformed rakes make the best husbands.
Penelope drinks alone. She hears the two guys talking about the fairy with Lord Arliss. One of the guy thinks the fairy is a mistress. Another guy thinks Lord Arliss is bold to bring the girl right under the nose of Queen and his wife. Penelope smiles. She drops her wine on the table. She walks to Eloise. She brings up that she just chatted with debutantes. She thinks it’s the most scandalous news of all. Eloise laughs. She wonders why Penelope keeps to the wall to begin with. Penelope claims that it’s Whistledown. She reveals Queen insists on great gossip this year. Eloise is surprised that Penelope didn’t write about Benedict. Penelope explains it to Eloise that Queen is looking for a gentleman to champion this year. The last thing this family needs is for her to choose Benedict. Queen will never win, which will outrage her, and Eloise’s mother will explode. She will burst into flames at the feet of an outraged monarch. Eloise hopes Penelope can overhear something better on the wall. Penelope mistook that Eloise doesn’t want to pretend to talk with debutantes after last season. Eloise claims that she doesn’t pretend. She reveals she thought a lot after she went to Scotland. She realizes that she doesn’t have to be enemy of suitors and debutantes. She can be nice to everyone. She decides to be on the shelf.
Benedict finds Sophie from the ladies. He notices that she’s looking at the chandelier. The gentleman invites her to dance with him. She says that she wants to dance with him. But her dance card is missing. She actually has the a card. She hides it behind her back. She says so to politely reject him. Benedict grabs a card from the waiter. He runs to Sophie. He tells the gentleman Lord Napier that he just found Sophie’s dance card. Unfortunately, it’s his turn. Sophie takes a look at the card in Benedict’s hand. She tells Lord Napier that what Benedict said is true. Lord Napier has to walk away. Sophie wonders why Benedict saved her. He brings up that she was very happy. He reaches out his hand to her. She lets him hold her hand. She claims that she could reject the guy on her own when they step onto the dance floor. He wonders if the gentleman doesn’t have the qualities she seeks. She says that she doesn’t plan to look for a husband. The dance begins. Sophie wants to leave. Because she cannot dance. He realizes that she’s playing an innocent girl. She learns that he saw through her. She laughs. She wonders what role he’s playing. He says that he’s a dancing master. She believes that people will be confused if they look at them taking a dancing class.
Benedict sees his mother. He asks Sophie to go to the terrace with him. He explains it to her that he needs to avoid his mother. She decides to trust him. They leave the dance floor. Queen wants to choose a good man. She sees Benedict on the terrace. She tells Penelope that the guy is a fine choice. Penelope thinks it’s not a good idea. She reports to Queen that the guy is Benedict. But Queen thinks it’s very good. She makes the decision.
Eloise recognizes Hyacinth on the dance floor even if Hyacinth wears a mask. She drags her out of the place. Hyacinth begs her sister to let her dance with the suitor. Eloise reminds Hyacinth that she won’t have a chance to dance if their mother catches her. She orders her to go upstairs. Hyacinth wishes Eloise stays in Scotland. She’s furious to go upstairs.
Violet Bridgerton looks for Hyacinth. But she runs into Lord Anderson. He mistakes that she’s looking for him. He kisses her hand. Will Mondrich and Alice Mondrich go to greet Queen. Because Queen praised them for their ball. But Queen ignores the couple. She’s only interested in Benedict. She wonders where the guy went. Lady Danbury wonders if Queen enjoys the party. Queen brings up that she visited Violet Bridgerton’s first ball. Lady Danbury thanks Queen for her coming. But Queen wishes Benedict will show more of his face next time. She wants other gentlemen to be more interesting. She tells Lady Danbury that she would like to enjoy the season. Danbury confesses it to Queen that she handed over the first ball of the season for a reason. She plans to play less of a part in society this year. She brings up that she contributed much to society and the young couples. She has enjoyed it deeply. She cherishes the friendship of her and Queen. But she thinks it’s time to say goodbye. She expresses that she want to go to travel and visit her ancestral home. She hasn’t been there since she was four years old. She would like to leave at the end of the season. She thinks they can write, and she will come back for visits. But she makes the decision. Queen rejects it.
Benedict takes Sophie out of the house. They go to a pavilion. She laughs. He mistakes that she’s laughing at him. She denies it. She thinks it’s a beautiful night. He brings up that she’s not like the other young ladies. It promotes her to wonder what the other young ladies did. She guesses those ladies kept pursuing him. She knows it’s taxing for him. She reminds him that those ladies have worked hard for the pursuit. Hundreds of hours acquiring their accomplishments, endless of fittings. Not to mention the three hours alone it takes to do up their hair for the five or six hours they will be at the ball. All in the hope that he might notice them. He wonders if she doesn’t want to be noticed. She claims that she just wants to enjoy herself. She admits it to him that she feels that she’s a little out of place at a society function. He doesn’t believe it. She says that she prefers to appreciate the details of an event than she does participating. He comforts her that he won’t tell it to him mother. She realizes that it’s his house and he’s Mr. Bridgerton. He’s surprised that she didn’t know who he is. She speaks out his name Benedict. She thinks he’s just as Whistledown describes, both in appearance and nature. He’s surprised that she knows him from Whistledown. He mentions she attends a ball but she cannot dance. She’s singularly self-possessed, and yet she doesn’t feel as if she fits in. He asks her who she is. Where she grew up. She claims that she grew up in England. So he asks her who are her parents. She refuses to leak it.
Sophie brings up that Benedict doesn’t tell her a single thing about himself. She wonders if he always does so. Put all the attention on others so nobody will see beneath his surface. He laughs. He claims that sometimes it’s easier to stay in shallow water. Warmer. More pleasant. But she thinks it’s dull to swim in the same waters day after day, even if they’re warm and pleasant. She invites him to wade out deeper with her. He gets her point. He knows tonight’s young ladies made the efforts. But he thinks their pursuit isn’t his business. He thinks he can stay in shallow water. But he feels like an imposter. She reminds him that it’s his family home. He mentions he owes her a dance lesson. He wants to dance with her. She wonders why he wants to do it with her. He says that he’s a mere mortal. He doesn’t question what the dance card tells him to do. They bow. He asks her to put her hand in his hand. She does it. He asks her to move a little closer to him then. The dance begins. But she steps on his shoe when they dance. She crouches down. She tries to wipe his shoe. But he stops her. He reveals his sisters have done far worse. The dance continues. He finds out that she can dance with her eyes closed. She says that she’s trying to remember the moment, so that she can escape there if she wishes. He tells her that she’s the most intriguing person he has ever met. He wants to visit her tomorrow. But she says that it won’t possible. He kisses her face and her hand. He asks her to tell him her name.
It’s midnight. Benedict tells Sophie that everyone needs to reveal themselves, including her. But she says that she has to leave. Because her chaperone is looking for her. She gives him a long kiss. She runs away. Sophie returns to the ball. She bumps Lady Araminta Gun. Lady Araminta Gun scolds Sophie. Sophie doesn’t apologize. She runs away. Lady Araminta Gun sees Lady Whistledown. She tells Rosamund Li that she should let Lady Whistledown know that she’s the diamond. Rosamund Li runs to Penelope. She greets her. But Penelope is looking for someone. Benedict returns to the ball. He runs into Colin. The two brothers have a hug. Colin wants to have a talk with Benedict. But Benedict runs away for looking for Sophie. He has the lady’s glove.
Sophie runs into her room. She gets changed. She becomes a maid. The old maid asks Sophie if she had fun at the ball. Sophie is happy to reveal that it was the most extraordinary night of her life. But the servant breaks into the room. He informs the two that those guys arrived. The old maid comforts Sophie that she has already taken care of everything. Sophie thanks the old maid and the servant.
Rosamund Li returns home from the ball. She complains that it was taxing as a debutante when she takes off her shoes. Sophie shows up with the tea. Her goal is to make sure that nobody in the family knows that she went to the ball. Her stepsisters will go mind if they know she stole the prince’s kiss. Lady Araminta Gun guesses Sophie had a good evening when Sophie is making tea. Sophie tells her stepmother that the evening was the same as usual. Lady Araminta Gun wonders why Sophie didn’t prepare the tea and wait for them. Sophie apologizes to Lady Araminta Gun. She hands over the tea to her. Posy Li brings up the thing toga. She wants Sophie to see it. Sophie hands over the tea to Posy Li. Rosamund Li brags that Benedict had feelings for her. But Posy Li doesn’t believe it. She didn’t see her sister talking with the guy even. Rosamund Li believes that Benedict will fall for her as long as the woman doesn’t tangle him. Her mother comforts her that the woman isn’t their rival. Because she will give her a lesson. Sophie cannot resist Lady Araminta Gun. She puts the stuff on the table as a response.
At the ball, Penelope persuades Queen not to choose Benedict. She mentions many ladies had feelings for the guy. She claims that she knows the guy. She believes that Benedict won’t marry. Queen offers to have a wager. She smiles. Eloise has a talk with Violet Bridgerton. She tells her mother that she plans to be a spinster. Violet Bridgerton tries to persuade Eloise. But Eloise mentions she didn’t find any good man after the three seasons. Violet Bridgerton thinks Eloise should give it a try. She realizes that she didn’t care for Eloise and Benedict enough. She makes the decision to help her two children in the season. Eloise thinks she shouldn’t continue the topic with her mother. She makes an excuse that she needs to go to sleep. She walks away.
Violet Bridgerton finds Benedict on the stairs. He thinks the ball was good. It promotes her to believe that he fell for a lady. He denies it. But he knows the ladies’ situation. He brings up that those ladies did a lot of work for winning a man’s heart. She’s surprised that her son is changed. She notices that Hyacinth is watching the ball. She asks Hyacinth to go to sleep. Hyacinth shows up. She mistakes that Eloise reported her. Violet Bridgerton realizes that Hyacinth did something bad. She goes to chase her daughter. Sophie returns to her room. She finds her glove. She conceals the glove beneath her bed sheets.