Episode 2:
INT. DANBURY DRAWING ROOM - MORNING
Edwina entertains various suitors. Other suitors come up to Kate, and try to gain her favor. Edwina heads out on a carriage ride with a suitor as Lady Danbury & Kate look on.
Kate admires the flowers given to Edwina, wishing she could get some
ANTHONY (O.S.)
Miss Sharma.
Kate turns around, startled, and sees Anthony standing in the doorway with flowers
KATE
Lord Bridgerton. How did you get in?
ANTHONY
I came through the front door.
KATE
No, I mean, how did you get in without
anyone informing me you were here?
They're supposed to tell one of us
if one of Edwina's callers arrive.
ANTHONY
I don't know what to tell you.
I gave the butler my card,
and he led me up to this room.
KATE
Well, unfortunately, Edwina
is out on a carriage ride
with Lord Lumley. Your
visit is for nothing.
ANTHONY
I wouldn't say that.
This is for Edwina,
(He puts one bouquet
on the side table)
this is for your mother,
(He puts down another bouquet)
and these…are for you.
He hands the last bouquet to Kate, who is shocked that he thought to give her flowers, that she's speechless for a few seconds
KATE
Thank you, my lord.
ANTHONY
It is unlike you to not
be reaming me out,
like you did the other
night on the terrace.
KATE
Are you always so presumptuous
and brazen, my lord?
ANTHONY
Only with you, Miss Sharma.
I assure you, it's not
always the case.
KATE
So I've heard.
ANTHONY
Ah, so you've read Lady
Whistledown's column. I swear,
if I ever manage to find
that lady, I might just strangle her.
KATE
I find her to be quite
insightful. She tells the truth,
does she not, including the truth
about your libertine reputation?
ANTHONY
I assure you, Miss Sharma, you'll
find there's more to me than
what you assume if you look harder.
KATE
I'm not sure if that's
possible with you, Lord Bridgerton.
ANTHONY
Oh, I assure you, it is.
KATE
Aside from her column, after
what I heard you say that
night on the terrace, you
cannot possibly think I would
allow you to court my sister.
ANTHONY
Well then, something you should
bear in mind, Miss Sharma, is
that those with my reputation,
as you put it, love a challenge,
and never back down from one.
If I wish to court your
sister and marry her, I will,
and there's nothing you can
say that will change my mind.
KATE
And what if my sister rejects you?
ANTHONY
Ah, Miss Sharma, like I
said, I do love a challenge.
A low rumble from outside comes, drawing Anthony & Kate's attention to the window. Raindrops start to patter against the glass pane.
ANTHONY
Oh dear, the rain is starting
to come down. Looks like Miss
Edwina's carriage ride
is going to be cut short.
Anthony heads for the door.
KATE
Where are you going?
ANTHONY
She's going to be coming home.
Aren't we going to go
and greet her?
KATE
I assure you, there's
no need for that.
ANTHONY
I have no plans. I
am more than happy to.
INT. DANBURY FOYER – LATE MORNING
Edwina comes through the front door, soaked, with Lord Lumley by her side
ANTHONY
Miss Edwina, may I assist you?
EDWINA
Lord Bridgerton, a pleasure
to see you. I appreciate your help.
Edwina lets Anthony help her with her gloves and hat. Kate stands inside, unable to approach the door out of fear of the rain
ANTHONY
Are you not going to
help your sister, Miss Sharma?
Kate gives him an annoyed glare, then quickly comes up to Edwina, now in the foyer
KATE
All you all right, Bon?
Hopefully not too wet?
EDWINA
Unfortunately, we were in the
middle of the Park, and had
no shelter, so we were rained
on quite a bit. I should've
brought my shawl cause there
was a slight chill in the air, too.
KATE
Well, let's get you into some
dry clothes and all freshened up.
EDWINA
Good day, Lord Lumley. And
you, Lord Bridgerton.
ANTHONY
Miss Edwina. Miss Sharma.
Kate watches as Anthony leaves, wondering what else he will try in the future
INT. DANBURY DINING ROOM - EVENING
Kate is eating dinner with Lady Danbury, Mary & Edwina. Lady Danbury is at the head of the table, with Mary on her right, Kate on her left, and Edwina next to Mary
LADY DANBURY
I wonder if we can host a
soiree for all of Edwina's
suitors, a chance for them
all to impress her.
MARY
And Kate.
LADY DANBURY
Yes, Edwina has publicly declared
that she will not marry anyone
without Kate's approval, so the men
have their work cut out for them.
MARY
Well, either way, we can host an
event for both girls to be impressed.
KATE
As long as we're careful
about who is on the guest list.
EDWINA
Well, with suitors, you
can never have too—
Edwina stops, puts down her fork, and closes her eyes trying to ease the pain she feels coming. The ladies notice, and begin to look worried
KATE
Edwina, are you all right?
EDWINA
I—
Edwina grasps her head. The onset of a cold has hit her. Kate immediately gets up from her chair, worried
KATE
Mama, she's not feeling well.
Mary gets out of her chair, trying to look at Edwina's face, while Kate tries from the other side of Edwina
MARY
Lady Danbury, can you send for a
doctor, please?
INT. EDWINA & KATE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Edwina is in bed, with Lady Danbury, Lady Mary & Kate sitting by her side
LADY DANBURY
The doctor says you'll need
to rest till this cold is gone,
and it might be anywhere
from a few days to a week.
EDWINA
I knew being caught in the rain
would be a problem. I felt a
slight chill while we
were driving back.
MARY
I thought it might happen,
but I was hoping you were
stronger than me. When I came to
India from England, I also got
sick because of the weather change.
Your poor father had to look
after me for a week. Looks
like you have the same
sensitivity I did to the weather.
KATE
Why was I not affected by the change?
MARY
You were. When you came here as a
child, remember? You got sick with
lung fever, but you recovered. Your
body had a chance to get used to
England's weather, Kate, unlike Edwina.
But it's alright. You'll be better soon,
and be able to enjoy the rest of the season.
EDWINA
You should still attend balls, Didi.
You should find a match for yourself.
KATE
Well, maybe one of your lovesick
suitors will be available once you marry.
INT. EDWINA & KATE'S BEDROOM – LATE NIGHT
Kate is now in her nightgown, and she & Edwina are by themselves in the room
EDWINA
So, was your visit with Lord
Bridgerton pleasant? I presume you talked
with him while I was out with Lord Lumley.
KATE
Goodness, he was abominable.
The man was purposely annoying me.
EDWINA
Was he now? That's interesting.
KATE
It's not interesting. It was quite awful.
EDWINA
No, I mean, it's interesting he
annoys you if he's trying to court me.
I told him I require your approval
to marry, yet he annoyed you. I wonder why.
KATE
He says it only happens with me.
Edwina is shocked by this statement and lets out a small snort. She tries to cover it, but eventually can't help it, and starts giggling uncontrollably.
EDWINA
Oh, lord!
KATE
That's not funny, Edwina!
EDWINA
Well, it is to me! He only
annoys you? Goodness, Kate, I
think we may have found
someone who cannot be handled by you.
KATE
Well, I do not feel that he
is a good match for you at all.
EDWINA
Maybe, but we'll see what happens.
INT. ANTHONY'S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Anthony is tossing and turning in his bed, unable to sleep.
DREAM SEQUENCE
In the master bedroom of Aubrey Hall, the sun shines bright through the windows onto the bed.
From the corner of the bed, camera moves up towards the head, showing a bare male chest. The camera moves up, revealing Anthony's face.
Two hands suddenly come up on either side of his head. He opens his eyes, and smiles up at the figure above him.
Camera shows the face above him, out of focus and unable to discern.
Shot interspersed with shots of Anthony in bed, still tossing and turning.
The camera focuses further on the blurry face, eventually showing…Kate. She smiles at Anthony, a halo of light surrounding her face.
END DREAM SEQUENCE
Anthony jolts awake in his bed, sitting up. His eyes are wide with shock, as he breathes quickly. He wonders what is happening to him.
INT. DANBURY DRESSING ROOM – EVENING
Kate is being helped by a maid to dress on one side of the room, while Mary and Lady Danbury are being helped on the other side
KATE
Must we attend? Edwina is not
better yet. She'll be lonely.
MARY
Edwina will be fine. She has
that new Austen novel. And besides,
you're also looking for a husband
this season, so we have to keep up
appearances.
LADY DANBURY
Indeed, and this ball held by
Lady Selby is quite the gathering.
There will be plenty of men
there that will be available.
KATE
All the men will be looking
for Edwina, not me. We could just
rest at home, and avoid this pointless
event –
MARY
We are going to this ball, Kate.
KATE
Mama –
MARY
We. Are. Going.
Kate sighs, knowing she won't win the argument with Mary. Mary comes over, and takes her hand so Kate will look at her.
MARY
You deserve to find what your
father and I shared as much as
Edwina, Kate. I never want you to
think otherwise.
Lady Danbury approaches them, and they both turn towards her
LADY DANBURY
Shall we?
Mary and Lady Danbury lead the way, with Kate reluctantly following them out
INT. SELBY BALLROOM – EVENING
Lady Danbury, Mary, and Kate appear at the ballroom entrance, already filled with guests and many couples whirling on the floor
LORD LUMLEY (Late 20s) approaches the group
LADY DANBURY
Ah, Lord Lumley. It's a
pleasure to see you.
LORD LUMLEY
And you, Lady Danbury. Lady
Mary. Miss Sharma. Is Miss
Edwina all right?
LADY DANBURY
She has unfortunately caught
a cold, and had to stay at home.
LORD LUMLEY
I hope nothing serious.
MARY
Not at all. She's almost
better, but I decided to be
safe so she doesn't have a setback.
LORD LUMLEY
Understandable. In that case,
may I have this dance, Miss Sharma?
Kate is surprised for an instant, but remembers Lady Danbury's words about not refusing a dance, and smiles
KATE
Of course, my lord.
Kate lets Lord Lumley lead her to the dance floor, as Mary and Lady Danbury watch
Cut to: Kate drinks some lemonade after dancing, and sees the open doors to the terrace. They're very tempting. She makes her way to the opening, going near a divider, where Cressida, Margaret, and HALLIE RENFORD are on the other side
CRESSIDA
Miss Edwina is not here tonight.
Kate stops, and hides behind the divider to hear what they're saying about Edwina
MARGARET
No, but her sister is.
CRESSIDA
Oh goodness, the sister. You
hear that Miss Edwina declared
she would not marry
without her sister's approval?
HALLIE
What kind of lady
needs her sister's approval?
MARGARET
A mother, I would understand.
But a sister, especially an
outsider like Miss Sharma, who
knows nothing of the ton, how
could she possibly know anything
to help her sister make a good match?
CRESSIDA
Well, maybe, we should be thankful.
The sister might make such a bad
choice that we will be left with
better gentlemen once Miss Edwina marries.
The three giggle in agreement, as Kate walks away, frustrated by their words. She makes her way outside, where couples are scattered all about. Kate wants a private place, but that's not going to happen at a ball. She sees a ledge near a window, and goes to sit there. She sits down, and takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She knew there would be scrutiny, but to hear it firsthand has unnerved her. It reminds of her something else.
FLASHBACK
INT. SHARMA DRAWING ROOM – EVENING
A young Kate (5) sneaks up to the doorway, and hides while watching her father, NARENDRA 'NAREN' SHARMA (early 40s), Mary, LORD SHEFFIELD & LADY SHEFFIELD (both late 60s)
MARY
I don't know why you're here.
You wanted nothing to do with
me or my family.
LADY SHEFFIELD
Well, not your husband or his
child, but your child is another
story.
MARY
Kate is as much my child as
Edwina is!
LADY SHEFFIELD
Well, Edwina is a blood-born
member of the English aristocracy.
We want to make sure she gets
that birthright.
MARY
And how exactly would you do that?
LADY SHEFFIELD
Let us raise her.
MARY
What?
LADY SHEFFIELD
If you allow us to raise Edwina,
we'll make sure she has the best
schooling and a proper introduction
to the ton. You can't possibly
imagine that she will be accepted
if you present her to the London
society, after your marriage to
a commoner.
MARY
Do you really believe I would
hand over my precious child
to you just because of what
society thinks? I've been able
to handle them better than you
have since you married me to the
Earl. I am better prepared to
handle the ton's scrutiny
than you ever were. I will raise
my daughters in the way I see fit!
LADY SHEFFIELD
What did we do wrong?
We made sure you married a
respectable man with 12,000
acres. Any daughter would be
falling in gratitude.
MARY
Well, I'm not. All you cared about
was wealth and titles, you never cared
about me, how I felt. And that man you
laud is now dead, gone, widowing your
daughter after only four years. I'm
perfectly happy in the marriage I am
in now. (takes her husband's hand) This
is the family I want my daughters to be
raised in.
LADY SHEFFIELD
Do you honestly think you can stay
in town with your child? With this
outsider from god-knows-where,
and his own child from god-knows-who?
NAREN
ENOUGH! (the whole group is taken
aback by his shout) You can insult me
all you want for my lack of class,
but you will not insult my daughter!
As for Edwina, I believe Mary has more
sense to raise her than you two,
as she does not wish to alienate her
daughter from her parents the way you
have. And if you do not wish to be
connected to your own daughter, then you
will have nothing to do with
Edwina, either! I suggest you both leave!
LORD SHEFFIELD
I declare you –
NAREN
NOW!
The Sheffields look at Naren with shock, then give one last look of contempt to Mary, before leaving. Kate watches as Mary embraces Naren.
MARY
I am so sorry, Naren.
NAREN
Jaan, it's not your fault. They
don't like me. But I will not let them
throw blame on our daughters.
MARY
Kate is wonderful young girl,
Naren. You have done right by her as
a father.
NAREN
I will make sure of it. Both girls
will make their debuts here in
London, and will marry men that will
make your parents regret ever
insulting Kate or disowning you. We
will show them that we're capable
parents who can stand up to any
family of the ton. They will not know
what hit them.
Mary looks at Naren with surprise, which turns to admiration as she silently agrees to his plan. They embrace each other, as Kate watches them
END FLASHBACK
EXT. SELBY TERRACE – NIGHT
Kate's face has a bit of anger and sadness. After all these years, she's been insulted again for her lack of noble lineage.
ANTHONY (O.S.)
Miss Sharma?
Kate looks up, snapped out of her thoughts, sees Anthony watching her. She stands up
KATE
Lord Bridgerton.
ANTHONY
What are you doing out here?
Should you not be inside?
KATE
It is not as if anyone is
really looking for me. They're
more interested in my sister,
who is not here tonight.
ANTHONY
I heard. I'm sorry to
hear she fell ill. I hope she
gets better soon.
KATE
I will send along your wishes.
Funny how you're courting my
sister, yet you always seem to
be around me.
ANTHONY
I wouldn't think that
to be an issue. Miss
Edwina specifically told me
she needs your approval to marry.
KATE
You and every other gentleman
caller she has knows that.
That's the only reason they
seek me out.
ANTHONY
In that case, would you
be offended if I ask you
for a dance?
KATE
Not at all, but it's
not as if I'm inclined
to accept the offer.
ANTHONY
Oh, come now, Miss
Sharma. It is not proper
to decline a gentleman
who asks you to dance.
KATE
Not unless the woman
is already taken, I know.
ANTHONY
Are you already taken by another?
Kate wants to respond, but is not sure what to say. Anthony gives a small smile of victory
ANTHONY
Why don't you give me a
chance, then? You know I
won't stop unless you accept.
Resigned, Kate puts her hand in Anthony's
KATE
Don't think I will approve
of you courting my sister
by agreeing to this dance.
ANTHONY
I never thought it
would be that easy.
Anthony escorts Kate to the dance floor, and the two begin dancing. They're unable to look away from one another
ANTHONY
Is there truly no way for me
to change your opinion of
me, Miss Sharma?
KATE
Do you honestly believe
I would want my sister
to be with a man who
doesn't want love? She
deserves to find a
love match.
ANTHONY
And that's your opinion?
What is your sister's?
KATE
You think I'm wrong about
my own sister's desires?
ANTHONY
I think she deserves to
make up her own mind.
I understand her wanting
your good opinion. Family
clearly is important
to her. But she should be
able to form her own opinion.
KATE
And what if that opinion
is that she rejects you?
ANTHONY
You act as if she's already
made up her mind. Has she?
(pause) Judging by your silence,
I'm guessing she has not ruled
me out.
KATE
If you are attempting to gain
my favor right now, my lord,
you are not doing a very good job.
ANTHONY
I cannot help it. It is so
tempting to try and push you.
You love to react and
engage with me, as well.
KATE
I assure you, my lord,
I would never be prone to
such reckless actions
and ask for trouble.
ANTHONY
Yet, you like to ride
astride early in the
mornings without a maid.
KATE
And what business is that
of yours? It is not as if
you have any say in my
actions. Or you wish to
engage me in a battle of wits.
ANTHONY
On the contrary, Miss Sharma,
that…(draws her close)
is something…(brings his face
close to hers) I very much…wish for.
Music ends. Anthony bows to Kate, and walks away, leaving Kate slightly befuddled. She quickly shakes her head clear and walks the other direction.
INT. EDWINA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Edwina is in bed, reading while Newton sits next to her. She strokes his fur idly, then closes the book with a heavy sigh. Tossing the book aside, she gets a distant look as she recalls something she heard.
FLASHBACK
INT. MARY'S BEDROOM IN INDIA – EVENING
Edwina is walking down the hall, then hears raised voices. She leans in to see Mary and Kate, both looking frustrated and hassled.
KATE
Our money is running out, Mama.
MARY
We will be fine. We can
last for another year, and
then we will be able to go
to England and find both you
& Edwina a husband.
KATE
The suitor will need to provide
for this family, Mama. I doubt I
will find a man that generous.
Only Edwina would be able to charm
a man like that.
MARY
You have just as much to
offer as Edwina does, Kate.
KATE
Not as much.
MARY
You are just as capable of
managing your own household
and being a respected matron.
You both have been taught
well, and I know you will
find matches that will not
only secure your future, but
admire the women you are.
Your father believed the same.
KATE
Ok, but if we are unable
to find a wealthy gentleman
to help, our family will not
be able to survive in England
or India. We won't even be
able to make the journey back.
END FLASHBACK
INT. EDWINA'S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Edwina remembers that night, and is weighed down by what she heard. How her family needs a wealthy man to provide for them, and how Kate believes only Edwina can make that match. Edwina pulls Newton close.
EDWINA
What do you think, Newton?
Will Kate be able to make a
match that will help the
family? You and I both know
she is capable of it.
If only she would believe that.
At the ball, both Anthony and Kate walk on different sides of the ballroom, watching each other closely.
EDWINA (V.O)
She has quite the discerning
eye, and can be rather stubborn,
but she has a good heart.
Maybe someone will recognize it.
They will finally see what
I do, that there's more to
her than just that sharp
gaze and biting wit.
INT. DANBURY DRAWING ROOM – MORNING
Edwina, Mary, and Lady Danbury look at flowers sent from Anthony. Kate does not look as impressed as them.
EDWINA (V.O)
Kate is quite capable of love, too,
and I know she can find it. She deserves
to find love, too. Perhaps with Viscount
Bridgerton? Will that not be something,
Newton? Yes, it would. Kate would be
able to lift this pressure from me to
not be the one to save our family.
But I don't want her to feel that
pressure either. I know what it
feels like. I hope…we can both save
each other.
Edwina opens an envelope pulling out an invitation from Violet to the Bridgerton Country House party at Aubrey Hall. She and Mary are excited, while Lady Danbury just smiles with pride. Kate, though, looks wary, wondering how she'll deal with Anthony again.
Shout-out to tomscupoftea on Twitter, whose drawing helped inspire the dream sequence scene!