EPISODE 5: INT. AUBREY HALL/KATE'S BEDROOM – MORNING
Kate sits by the window, looking outside, thinking about the night before. She can't forget how Anthony helped her out during her panic attack, and wonders what she thinks of him.
The door opens, and Mary sneaks inside, seeing Kate sitting by the window.
MARY
You didn't come down
to breakfast, Kate. Is
everything all right?
Kate sits up, making room for Mary on the bench next to her
KATE
I'm sorry, Mama. I didn't
mean to worry you. It was
just a long night, and…
MARY
Was it the storm? (pause)
Kate, don't hide your
fears. If the storms are
still scaring you –
KATE
It wasn't that, Mama. Truly.
Yes, I wasn't able to sleep
initially, but eventually I did.
MARY
Then what's the matter,
darling? You know I consider
you my own as much as Edwina.
I want to help you too. Please,
let me.
Kate looks at Mary and smiles, touched by her words
KATE
I do love you, Mama.
MARY
And I love you. Always.
Never forget that.
Kate readjusts her shawl, and takes a deep breath, getting ready
KATE
I…wanted to try and enjoy
myself here in London when
we came, I really did. But I
couldn't. I thought if Edwina
settled well enough, I'll have
money to return to India and
live comfortably there. But now…
MARY
Now that's changed?
KATE
I'm wondering if it's possible
to find happiness here. I'm
starting to find a path to that,
but I wonder…will it actually
come true? Or will I just let
it go because it can never
be more than a dream.
Mary takes Kate's hand, and looks at her
MARY
Kate…in my first marriage, I
didn't love him, but I was
comfortable, and I figured I would
be content for life with that. I
never asked for more. Then, I
met your father…and you.
Kate smiles, as Mary puts a gentle hand on her cheek
MARY
I realized that love &
happiness is out there, despite
other's attempts to prevent us
from finding it. I want you &
Edwina to find that same
happiness I did. I want you to
go after it, no matter what
society says. If there is
someone you want in your heart,
then follow it. Because if you
do, you'll be happy, and that's
all I want for you. As your
mother, that's what I wish
for you always.
Kate hugs Mary, overwhelmed by her affection. The two just sit there, embracing & comforting each other
EXT. AUBREY HALL BALLROOM - EVENING
Guests are in the main room and the back terrace, chatting in groups and pairs. Kate walks out onto the terrace, looking at the various groups and seeing no one she knows or is interested in talking to. Then, she spots Edwina talking to Eloise and Penelope, and decides to head over there. Edwina then spots her.
EDWINA
Oh, Kate, you're here!
Join our discussion. We're
talking about marriage.
ELOISE
Well, it's more like making
fun of marriage. The whole
institution is set up like
it's the only way for women
to be in society. Meanwhile, men
get to go to university and study,
do whatever they want.
PENELOPE
It's unfair, to be sure,
but there can be an upside.
ELOISE
Like what?
PENELOPE
Finding true love. Everyone
yearns for that. If we can
find it, does that not make
our lives better?
ELOISE
Is love the only thing that
can help a woman out? I mean,
why can we not provide for
ourselves instead of relying on
a man to help us out? What
do you think, Miss Edwina?
EDWINA
I think love is a wonderful
thing to aspire for, but it comes
with its challenges and demands.
Sometimes, it would be helpful
to not have so many put on us.
Kate looks at her sister, wondering if there's more to her words, like if she knows the family's financial situation. She quickly composes herself, turning to Eloise & Penelope
KATE
Well, as I've told my sister,
despite the challenges we face,
what it comes down to is
making our own choice, and
we should be able to do that.
ELOISE
Exactly. I mean, why should only
men have all the choices? Why
can't we have those same choices
in society? It seems like we need
to change society, not fall in love.
Kate looks to the gardens, and spots Anthony playing with Gregory & Hyacinth. Hyacinth playfully pushes Anthony, and he just laughs
KATE
Are those your siblings
with your brother?
Eloise looks over to where Kate is looking
ELOISE
Oh yeah, that's Gregory &
Hyacinth, the youngest two,
which you would know from
their names.
KATE
Their names?
ELOISE
We're all named alphabetically.
It's well known in the ton.
Lady Whistledown has mentioned it
as banality, and I can't say I
disagree with her, even though I love
my name and my family. My parents
wanted to make sure they could
keep us in order.
Kate looks at the young Bridgerton siblings, and recalls the gravestone of Edmund
KATE
Did they ever spend time
with your father?
ELOISE
Not Hyacinth. She was born a month
after he died. Gregory was only
two. I doubt he remembers him.
Anthony is the only father
figure they've ever known.
He tries, but…it's not easy.
Kate keeps watching the trio, who are joined by Daphne and Augie. Anthony picks up Augie and makes funny faces to entertain him while Gregory & Hyacinth giggle at his funny faces. Kate is touched by the bonding moment, seeing another side of Anthony she hasn't seen before
EXT. AUBREY HALL GARDENS – LATE MORNING
Kate sits on the bench, deep in thought. She thinks about all her encounters with Anthony, and what Eloise told her. She sighs deeply, knowing what she has to do.
ANTHONY (O.S.)
Miss Sharma.
Kate looks up, sees Anthony, and stands
ANTHONY
Is everything all right? You
sounded quite serious just now.
KATE
I'm fine, my lord.
Thank you for asking.
ANTHONY
I think you should call me
Anthony, after everything we've
been through.
KATE
(she gives a small smile)
Very well, Anthony.
Anthony walks up to her, a more serious look coming to his face
ANTHONY
Are you all right?
KATE
Yes, of course. Why would
you think I wouldn't be?
ANTHONY
Because of the other night.
You can't think I wouldn't
be worried after finding
you the way I did.
KATE
Oh, right, of course.
I am better now, thank
you. You were able to help
me a lot.
ANTHONY
I'm glad. I didn't know how
to help you in that moment.
It was unsettling to see
you like that.
KATE
I assure you, what you
did was more than enough.
Anthony smiles and nods. Kate takes another breath, preparing herself for what she's saying
KATE
I…I did wish to speak to you about something.
Anthony walks towards her, wondering what she'll say
KATE
It's about Edwina.
ANTHONY
Is she all right?
KATE
She's fine. It…it's not
exactly about her.
Anthony looks confused. Kate steels herself to say what he has to.
KATE
I'm no longer opposing
your suit of Edwina.
Anthony tries to process this, taken aback
KATE
I admit to not wishing you
near her, but…I realize I
was wrong. And I'm giving my
permission for you to court
her and marry her, if you wish.
ANTHONY
I see.
Anthony tries to take this in, his head bent down as a bee happens to fly near Kate.
ANTHONY
Kate –
Anthony looks up, sees the bee near Kate. He has a look of terror in his eyes.
ANTHONY
Don't move.
KATE
Anthony?
He moves closer to Kate, slowly watching the bee.
KATE
My lord? What's –
ANTHONY
Stand still, damn it!
Kate looks down, sees the bee, and tries to swat it. Anthony tries to stop her, but it stings her. He starts having a panic attack, and she puts his hand on her heart, to get him to calm down
PORTIA (O.S.)
Oh, my god!
Anthony and Kate startle apart, and see that both Portia & Prudence are at the gate, watching them. Portia is shocked, but trying to hide her thrill. Prudence doesn't contain her excitement, thrilled to catch Anthony & Kate in a compromising position.
ANTHONY
Lady Featherington.
PORTIA
What are you two doing here?
ANTHONY
Do you honestly care?
Violet & Lady Danbury walk up next to Portia & Prudence, and spot Kate & Anthony
VIOLET
What is happening here?
PORTIA
I'll tell you what is
happening, Violet. Your son had
his hands on Miss Sharma's bosom.
ANTHONY
Will someone shut her up?
PORTIA
Excuse me!
Portia looks astonished as she turns to Violet & Lady Danbury for assistance, but Violet just holds her hand out to Portia, moving towards her son
VIOLET
Anthony, what happened?
Anthony looks at Kate, who's still flustered
ANTHONY
She was stung by a bee.
Violet looks from Anthony to Kate, her face starting to change to awareness
KATE
I was fine, but he became overwrought.
ANTHONY
I was not!
KATE
You were panicked, even
though I said I was fine!
Lady Danbury hits her stick against the garden wall, startling everybody
LADY DANBURY
That is enough, both of you!
Kate and Anthony stop talking, as they look at Lady Danbury, who looks at Violet, who just hangs her head in sadness, realizing why Anthony reacted.
Portia just looks between the two ladies and Anthony & Kate in anticipation, wondering who will say something
PORTIA
Well?
ANTHONY
Well, what?
PORTIA
There's nothing else to be done,
your lordship. You need to marry her.
KATE
What?!
PORTIA
You two were caught in a compromising
position. There's no other option. Unless
you want to be caught in a scandal.
KATE
It was just a bee!
ANTHONY
There will be no scandal.
PORTIA
Do you really expect
to keep this quiet?
ANTHONY
I'm not going to say anything,
neither is Miss Sharma. My mother has a
vested interest in protecting us, as does
Lady Danbury. The only people who would
gossip are you or your loudmouthed daughter.
PRUDENCE
Hey!
ANTHONY
I will not allow anyone to
besmirch Miss Sharma's reputation.
Portia's offended look changes as she sees Anthony's cold, hard stare. She's not scared, but unnerved by the unspoken threat he's conveying
PORTIA
An-anyone could have
seen from the house.
She waves absentmindedly at Aubrey Hall. Violet turns to look at the hall, and becomes anxious
KATE
But surely, we don't need to
marry cause of one silly little
bee!
LADY DANBURY
Kate, you need to
stop talking right now!
Kate becomes even more anxious at Lady Danbury's words
VIOLET
Anthony…(he turns to look at her)
she's right. There are guests staying
in that top floor, and you both were
in full view of the windows.
KATE
But…this is ridiculous! Isn't it?
Kate looks at Anthony, who's now got a distance look on his face as he takes in everyone around him
KATE
Anthony?
Kate looks for any indication of what he is thinking, hoping for an answer
ANTHONY
We shall marry next week.
He looks at Kate, stunned by his declaration, while Violet & Lady Danbury slowly release the tension from their posture
ANTHONY
Mother, start planning immediately.
VIOLET
Lady Danbury & I will
find Lady Mary right away.
Kate walks up to Anthony, still unnerved
KATE
But my lord…are you sure?
Anthony looks at her with stoicism, no sign of hesitation or emotion
ANTHONY
We will marry. There
is no other option.
Kate suddenly has a look of misery in her face, as she realizes she can't refuse to go through with the marriage. She walks over to the bench, and sits down, deflated
ANTHONY
Mother, would you give my
fiancée and me some privacy?
PORTIA
Is that a good idea?
ANTHONY
(in a whisper) And get them both
out of here, as well, before I
decide to inflict serious harm on them.
LADY DANBURY
(also whispering) If I do not
have Miss Sharma back at my
side in five minutes, they
won't be the only ones in
danger of being harmed.
Anthony looks at Violet, who just smiles, and turns towards the arch, waiting for Lady Danbury to do the same. As they head back, Violet pulls Portia, still watching Kate & Anthony, and Lady Danbury waves her cane at Prudence, nearly hitting her. She turns and follows Violet & Portia out.
Lady Danbury follows her, giving one last glance in Kate & Anthony's direction before leaving
Anthony sits next to Kate on the bench. She's unable to control her misery, shutting her eyes and shaking her head in despair
KATE
This isn't happening.
This can't be happening.
Anthony puts his arms around her shoulders
ANTHONY
It is. We will be getting married.
KATE
But you don't want to marry me.
ANTHONY
Lady Featherington will never keep
silent about this. If she says anything,
not only will you be ruined, but so will
your sister and mother. Is that what you wish?
Kate lets out a frustrated sigh, as Anthony knows exactly how to get her to comply. She would never want to let her family get hurt.
KATE
Nobody will believe it. They'll all
know that I trapped you into marriage.
ANTHONY
You didn't trap me. It was
my fault we got caught.
KATE
What will I tell Edwina? Or Mama?
ANTHONY
Just tell them the truth. I'm
sure they'll be understanding.
KATE
And what about Edwina? And
your promise to marry her?
ANTHONY
I never made Miss Edwina any promises.
KATE
This is ridiculous.
This will never work.
ANTHONY
I think it will.
Kate looks at him, slightly suspicious
KATE
How can you be so sure?
A small smirk appears on Anthony's face
ANTHONY
You and I have developed a
friendship, a mutual respect for
each other. We're both driven to
help our families. I think we'll
have a pleasant marriage.
Kate is perplexed & worried by his statement, wondering how he can be so calm and what's in store for her future
INT. KATE/EDWINA BEDROOM – LATE MORNING
Edwina & Mary sit next to each other at the window, carrying on a conversation. The door suddenly opens. They both turn. Camera quickly pans to follow their eyes, showing Kate & Lady Danbury coming in hurriedly. Kate runs over to sit on her bed, because she can't catch her breath, still in disbelief over what has occurred
MARY (O.S.)
Kate?
Mary and Edwina are both standing now, looking concerned. Mary looks to Lady Danbury
MARY
Lady Danbury, is everything all right?
Camera holds on Kate, still struggling to breathe
EDWINA (O.S.)
Didi?
Edwina comes and sits next to Kate.
EDWINA
What's wrong?
LADY DANBURY
You'll find out soon, but right
now, Lady Bridgerton is waiting for
us in her sitting room. We need to go
right away.
Mary throws a concerned look in Kate's direction, but follows Lady Danbury's direction and heads out the door. Lady Danbury throws one last glance at the sisters, then pulls the door shut behind her
Edwina watches the door shut, then turns her attention to Kate. Kate turns to her sister, a look of guilt on her face
INT. AUBREY HALL BALLROOM – EVENING
Guests are dancing with gusto at the ball. Those not dancing are scattered all around the edge of the ballroom.
Anthony stands at one end, anxiously looking around for Kate. Violet comes & stands next to him.
ANTHONY
Most of the guests are here,
Mother. What's going on?
VIOLET
She'll be here, Anthony.
Lady Danbury and Lady Mary
will make sure of it. You're
not the only one dealing
with nerves tonight.
Anthony just sighs frustratedly, as his mother's statement is not helping his tension
VIOLET
Once she arrives, and the
dance is finished, I promise,
you will be able to make
your announcement.
Anthony gives a curt nod, then looks in the direction of Portia & Prudence, both watching Violet & Anthony with a wary eye
Violet introduces Eloise to Lord Morrison, the two dance, but Eloise leaves mid-dance
Lady Danbury and Lady Mary enter the ball, followed by Kate & Edwina. They stop at the top of the stairs and see Anthony & Violet at the other end of the room. He looks up and sees them, and his face turns to determination.
Kate watches him warily, following her mother & Lady Danbury down the stairs with Edwina by her side. They come to the side of the ballroom just as another dance starts.
Violet whispers in Anthony's ear, and he nods in response. She makes her way to the ladies.
Kate continues to watch Anthony, still anxious.
EDWINA (O.S.)
Didi…
Kate turns to her sister, who is giving her a very intent look
EDWINA
Breathe.
Kate lets out a breath, and nods with a smile, remembering how she told Edwina the same thing at their first ball.
Violet comes up to Lady Danbury & Mary.
VIOLET
Once this dance finishes, I've
instructed the musicians to stop
playing. Anthony will come this
side, make the announcement, then
he & Kate will dance once. After
that, we will go into dinner.
Mary turns to Kate
MARY
Will you be able to do
that, Kate? Dance one time?
Kate hesitantly nods.
KATE
Of course, Mama.
MARY
Are you sure?
LADY DANBURY
She's not been doing well
with nerves since we came back.
KATE
I can do this. I
will. I will do this.
Mary & Lady Danbury turn from her, back to Violet. She nods and sets off.
The couples on the dance floor continue to whirl around. Anthony makes his way around the ballroom, opposite from Kate. Edwina wraps her fingers around Kate's arm in reassurance. She notices Mr. Bagwell at the other end of the room. She wants to speak to him, but her sister needs her more. Mr. Bagwell can wait.
Anthony takes one last look at Kate, as he comes to the other end of the dance floor. The music comes to an end. He quickly goes to his position. The couples on the dance floor make their way off the dance floor, and a small chatter starts.
A footman near Anthony stamps his staff. The crowd all turn their attention towards where Anthony is standing, at the helm of the ballroom.
ANTHONY
Ladies and gentlemen…I thank you for
being our guests at Aubrey Hall for
these last few days. I hope you have
enjoyed this brief respite from the
busy season in London, and have taken
advantage of every bit of the activities
that our ancestral home has offered you.
Shot panning the crowd, showing them listening intently to Anthony
ANTHONY
But, as we know, this respite was
brief, and we all must return to
London for the remainder of the
season to fulfill a common aim
we all have, including myself. It
is an aim my mother had no trouble
loudly proclaiming at the beginning
of the season.
There is a quiet laughter in the room, while Violet just gives a small smirk towards Anthony
ANTHONY
But, nonetheless, it's an aim
I was planning to fulfill.
Therefore, it is with great
pleasure that I announce to you
all first, my betrothal to
Miss Kate Sharma.
Anthony looks in Kate's direction, as the crowd reacts to the news. They eventually start clapping, showing a range of reactions from shock to delight.
Kate just glances around, a nervous smile on her face. A few women come up to Kate and her family, offering congratulations.
Anthony comes up to Kate and offers his hand.
ANTHONY
Miss Sharma, may I have this dance?
KATE
You may, Lord Bridgerton.
She stands up straight and puts her hand in his. He leads her to the dance floor.
The music begins, and Kate & Anthony begin dancing. As the dance goes on, other couples join them on the dance floor. Both their families watch in earnest, with Edwina smiling brightly at the couple. Daphne has a knowing grin on her face. Violet & Lady Danbury watch at separate ends with a sense of pride & relief.
Kate is eventually in Anthony's arms, being spun around with him standing behind her.
ANTHONY
Are you still uncertain
about our future, Miss Sharma?
KATE
Does it matter what I think?
ANTHONY
Yes, it does. Because I want
my intentions to be clear.
KATE
You are marrying me out of
honor, that is all I need to
know of your intentions.
ANTHONY
That is not true.
KATE
What else could it be?
ANTHONY
It is more than that.
She turns around to face him, and he pulls her close.
ANTHONY
I do not see this marriage as
out of honor or an obligation.
KATE
Well, what is out of then?
ANTHONY
Can you not tell?
Kate shakes her head, as they continue to dance.
ANTHONY
Do you not believe that
I would want to marry you?
KATE
I've never been the one men
want to marry, my lord. My sister
has always been the one with a line
of admirers. Why would you suddenly
find me so special?
ANTHONY
You really think there's
nothing special about you?
Kate realizes Anthony is becoming angry, and tries to calm him down
KATE
That's how it's always been.
Even in India. She was the one
people looked for because of her
noble British bloodline. She knew how
to be a perfect debutante, and has
many skills. It is something I've
known for many years, and I've
simply accepted.
She looks down at her feet, while Anthony has an outraged look in his face
ANTHONY
Miss Sharma.
Kate looks back up at him.
ANTHONY
Let me make something very
clear. I said I would marry
you, and I'm a man of my word.
I want to marry you, and I
will. Nothing will change that.
Kate is stunned, as he has an intense look in his eyes. The music comes to an end, and they both bow to one another. Anthony takes her hand, and leads her off the dance floor, where many people are waiting to speak to them.
EXT. AUBREY HALL TERRACE – NIGHT
The guests are enjoying fresh air after dinner. Many of the guests are crowded around Lady Danbury and the Sharmas to convey their best wishes, while others gather around Violet and Anthony to also offer their good wishes.
Edwina slips away from where her family & Lady Danbury are standing. She's not hiding, but she wants a chance to breathe. She watches her sister and smiles. Edwina is proud of her sister for finally being recognized for how lovely and worthy she is. She sighs, knowing that Kate has lifted a heavy burden off Edwina's shoulders.
MR. BAGWELL (O.S.)
I guess congratulations are in order.
Edwina turns and sees Mr. Bagwell approaching her. Her eyes light up, and her smile comes out in full force.
EDWINA
Indeed, it is. My sister
has found the perfect match
for herself with the viscount.
MR. BAGWELL
I must confess some surprise.
I had no idea Lord Bridgerton
was interested in her.
EDWINA
Oh, I did. I've seen the spark
between them from the very
beginning. It was obvious to
me they were smitten with each
other. I can't imagine why no one
else saw it.
Edwina looks over at Kate again, affirming her belief that Anthony & Kate have feelings for each other.
EDWINA
Kate has found her perfect match.
I could not be happier for her.
Lord Bridgerton will make her
happy and take care of her, like
she deserves.
MR. BAGWELL
And as your family deserves, as well.
Edwina turns back to Mr. Bagwell at this comment.
MR. BAGWELL
I know it's not my place to say
anything, but the Bridgerton
family are prolific in the ton
for a reason. It's no secret
that the family is well off.
Guess that solves the problem
of your family's financial
troubles, does it not?
EDWINA
Indeed, it has.
Edwina's face visibly relaxes as she speaks, and her smile seems lighter
EDWINA
I do not need to worry about
Mama or Kate anymore, for
I am sure, like you said,
that the viscount will
provide for them. It is a
relief that my sister has
been able to solve that issue.
MR. BAGWELL
Does that mean I can look
forward to seeing you again?
Edwina gets a conspiratorial glint in her eye, but is also hopeful when he says this
EDWINA
That depends. Are you coming
to London after this event?
MR. BAGWELL
I'll be going back to Oxford,
but I plan to be in London in
a few weeks' time.
EDWINA
Well, then, you must write to
me and let me know when you
are arriving so we may meet.
MR. BAGWELL
And where would that letter
have to be sent, Miss Edwina?
Edwina lifts up the dance card on her wrist. She tears off one of the papers, and hands it to Mr. Bagwell. He looks at it, sees the address written, and looks back up at her, surprised.
MR. BAGWELL
You had kept this ready?
EDWINA
Of course. Once I was informed
of my sister's marriage, I kept
it ready for this moment.
Mr. Bagwell smiles at Edwina's ingenuity, and tucks away the note in his pocket. The two continue to look at each other, their excitement barely concealed in their faces.
Kate finds a quiet spot on the balcony, away from the buzz of the party. She breathes while leaning on the balustrade, overwhelmed by all the attention she is now getting.
ANTHONY (O.S.)
May I join you?
Kate turns, and sees Anthony coming up next to her.
ANTHONY
Quite the event, isn't it?
KATE
It's even bigger after you
announced our engagement.
I swear, I've never had so
many people come up and talk
to me in my life.
ANTHONY
Yeah, it's not new to me,
but I don't enjoy it,
either. Would you like to
join me for a private moment?
Kate looks up to him
KATE
Are you sure that's a good idea?
ANTHONY
Now you sound like Lady Featherington.
KATE
God forbid. But the
question still stands.
ANTHONY
Yes, I do believe
that it's a good idea.
He offers his hand, which she takes, and he leads her inside
INT. AUBREY HALL STUDY – NIGHT
The door opens, and Anthony brings Kate inside. He shuts the door behind them.
KATE
What's going on? Why
did you bring me here?
ANTHONY
I need to give you something.
KATE
What?
Anthony walks around her to his desk and opens the drawer. He pulls out a small ring box. He brings it out and reveals the ring inside to Kate. She looks at it, stunned
ANTHONY
This is now yours.
Kate continues to look at it, captivated by its beauty
ANTHONY
My father gave it to my mother
when they became engaged.
KATE
It's beautiful.
ANTHONY
May I?
Kate gives her hand to Anthony, who removes the glove. He puts the box down on the table, then takes the ring and slides it onto her finger.
ANTHONY
It's a perfect fit.
KATE
Yes, it is.
Kate looks up at him with a smile
KATE
Thank you.
Anthony smiles and walks towards her.
ANTHONY
And how exactly will
you show your gratitude?
Kate gives him a sly look
KATE
What do you mean?
ANTHONY
Well, in India, I'm not sure
what the tradition is, but
here in England, when a man
gives his betrothed with a
ring, there's only one way to
seal the deal.
KATE
How is that?
Anthony moves closer to her, until he's barely a finger width away from her face. He puts a finger under her cheek. She's startled, but doesn't move back.
ANTHONY
If you do not want this,
let me know. But I assure you,
I've been wanting to do this
for a long time, because
that's how much I desire you.
Kate sees the desire smoldering in his eyes
ANTHONY
Do you want me to stop?
Kate looks at him motionless for a moment, then gives a small shake of her head.
Anthony comes in close, and the two finally kiss. The passion exudes between them, as they wrap their arms around each other, absorbed by the intensity. When they finally break apart, they stare at each other in shock. The passion still smolders between them. They don't want to break apart.
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