EPISODE 6:
Different scenes cut together:
Several people walk around London, reading the latest Whistledown column.
LADY WHISTLEDOWN (V.O)
Dearest gentle reader, the ton's interest
is but in one place right now: the impending
nuptials of Viscount Bridgerton to Miss
Kate Sharma.
Kate, Mary & Lady Danbury sit and talk to visitors in the Danbury drawing room, keeping a placid smile on their faces.
LADY WHISTLEDOWN (V.O.)
This author has found out another piece
of news that will add to the buzz. Not
only will the wedding be taking place in
less than a week's time, but the event will
only be attended by family, and no other
guests are invited.
Kate walks around with Mary, Lady Danbury, Violet, & the Bridgertons, and is stopped by many other ladies who wish to speak to her.
A footman brings a salver with a letter on it to Edwina, who's reading. She puts down the book, and takes the letter. She brightens when she sees the letter from Mr. Bagwell, and quickly opens it to read.
LADY WHISTLEDOWN (V.O.)
This could be a telltale sign of
both the Bridgertons and the
Sharmas wishing to avoid the possible
scandal that occurred at Aubrey Hall.
Kate sits and chats with Violet, Eloise, Benedict & Colin in the Bridgerton drawing room while Lady Danbury & Mary watch. Gregory & Hyacinth play with Newton nearby, much to Lady Danbury's annoyance.
LADY WHISTLEDOWN (V.O.)
But do not fear, dear readers, for
that will not stop this author from
discovering details of the wedding
that the ton so desperately wishes
to hear of.
INT. MADAME DELACROIX'S SHOP – LATE MORNING
Kate looks at the mirror. Only her face can be seen to the audience. Flashbacks of her moments with Anthony appear. She closes her eyes, trying to will away the onslaught of memories. The last thing she thinks about is the kiss she & Anthony shared at Aubrey Hall.
Suddenly, she hears Violet's voice, and her eyes startle open.
Violet and Lady Mary walk towards camera, chatting with each other.
VIOLET
The ton will be talking, regardless
of whether the wedding is sooner or
later. At least, by setting the date
sooner, Kate will have the protection
of Anthony's name. (She looks in Kate's
direction) As well as all the Bridgertons.
(She turns back to Mary) We look after
our own, and I assure you, Kate is
no exception.
Mary gives a small smile of gratitude, thankful that her daughter has the protection of a powerful matron and family
MARY
I understand, Violet. And I thank you.
Violet gives her a reassuring touch on her arm, then looks in Kate's direction. Mary also turns, following Violet's eyes
VIOLET
I must say, this dress is
unlike any other wedding
dress I've seen before.
Shot of full dressing room at modiste. Kate is standing on the pedestal, in front of the mirror, with both Mary and Violet standing behind her.
We're finally able to see Kate's full dress. The top is red with short sleeves. A small white section is in the middle of the bodice with golden designs swirled through the white. The bottom skirt is red with gold appliques of flowers, leaves, & vines. At the front-center of the skirt is a small gap that shows the white underskirt beneath the red one. It's a blend of British & Indian wedding dresses.
VIOLET
It's not the first time I've seen
color on a wedding dress, but
to have it be a completely
different color, that…is
definitely new.
She walks around to see the dress from the front, while Mary stands behind Kate.
MARY
It's a beautiful dress that
shows Kate's British & Indian
background perfectly. I'm happy we
were able to incorporate this idea
for you, dear.
KATE
So am I, Mama.
VIOLET
You mentioned that white is
not worn at weddings, Lady Mary?
KATE
Not by women at
least, Lady Bridgerton.
VIOLET
Violet. I told you
to call me Violet.
Kate smiles sheepishly at her mistake.
KATE
I'm sorry, Violet. White is the
color worn at funerals in India.
It's a sign of life no longer
being joyful. That is why, at
weddings, everyone wears as many
colors as possible, especially the bride.
VIOLET
Well, this dress certainly
will bring lots of joy to
this wedding, no matter how small
it is. You look lovely, dear.
KATE
Thank you.
VIOLET
So, Madame Delacroix says that
the veil and dress should be ready
to go this evening. Now, we just
need to pick up gloves and hats –
MARY
But, Violet, we've already
picked up everything.
VIOLET
Oh yes, we picked up what
was already ordered, but we
still need to order a few more
hats for Kate –
KATE
More, Lady Bridgerton? You've
already spent an enormous amount
already.
VIOLET
It's Violet, Kate. And trust
me, you will need every one
of the items that we've
bought for your trousseau.
Kate is stupefied, wondering why there was the need for so much
KATE
I can make do with what
I have perfectly well.
I don't need any extra –
VIOLET
Kate, as Miss Sharma, I'm
sure whatever you have would
suit you perfectly. But as the
Viscountess and as the lady
of the house, no small task,
believe me, you will need
everything to make sure that
you can assume this position.
I have no doubt that you have
the ability to do both these
tasks, but this is just to make
sure no one else doubts you or
what you're capable of.
Kate looks at her mother in a long-suffering manner. Mary just shrugs in a helpless manner. Kate sighs and gets down from the pedestal. She has to give in to Violet.
EXT. AUBREY HALL – AFTERNOON
Danbury carriage rolls up into the forecourt, where the Bridgertons are standing in front of the stairs, waiting to greet everyone.
Lady Danbury and Mary both alight from the carriage, and talk with Violet & Daphne. Edwina gets down, and Eloise comes up to her. They start chatting animatedly.
Kate gets down from the carriage. As she's stepping down, she sees that Anthony is coming down the stairs, and is staring at her. He's making a beeline for her.
Kate is able to get on level ground, and quickly greets Violet. She turns to Anthony, now barely a meter away from her.
KATE
Lord Bridgerton.
ANTHONY
Miss Sharma. I trust your
journey was pleasant.
KATE
Indeed, it was.
ANTHONY
Are you tired, or are you
willing to join me on the
terrace for some tea and snacks?
Kate looks at her family, absorbed in discussion
KATE
I think I can steal away
some time before we all
head up.
She takes Anthony's proffered hand, and lets him guide her
EXT. AUBREY HALL TERRACE – AFTERNOON
Kate pours tea into a cup, and adds a drop of milk, just as Anthony likes it. She hands the cup to him, which he graciously takes.
She takes her small purse off her wrist, and pulls out another bag and a tea strainer. Anthony is intrigued, and watches as she places the strainer on top of her cup, pours out chai spices from the bag, then pours tea over the spices, preparing her cup of tea. Once she's finished preparing and starts sipping it, Anthony watches her with a bemused look.
ANTHONY
Do you always carry that
bag of spices with you?
KATE
In England? Absolutely.
ANTHONY
Why in England?
KATE
You're joking right? (Anthony
shakes his head, very curious)
This English tea you all love,
I cannot stand. So pitiful, it
is. No flavor, no taste. I can
barely stomach it.
Anthony sips, still having a bemused look in his eyes. Kate looks up and notices. She looks mildly reproaching at his amusement.
KATE
I don't always carry it
with me. I knew we were
going to be arriving in the
afternoon, and thought we
might be invited to tea
immediately. I figured it
would be best to not have
to pull it out of my suitcase.
Anthony gives a small nod, and continues to sip his tea. Kate takes another sip of tea, then puts her cup down.
KATE
Was there something
else, my lord?
Anthony puts his cup down.
ANTHONY
I told you to
call me Anthony.
KATE
You did.
ANTHONY
Can I not simply
enjoy your company?
KATE
Possibly. But…there seems to
be a reason for you to pull
me aside.
Anthony just smiles, realizing Kate reads him too well.
ANTHONY
As it happens, I wished
to talk to you about our
marriage.
Kate's eyes look up, taking in the tone of his voice.
ANTHONY
I know you opposed my suit
of Edwina because of what
you heard me say about not
wanting love. I wanted a
chance to explain myself.
Kate looks at him, arching her brows in curiosity
ANTHONY
It is not that I do not
want love. It's that I am
unable to give love.
Kate lets out a small sigh, almost like a huff of displeasure
KATE
And what about what you
told me during the hunt?
ANTHONY
I meant that. (Kate looks away,
skeptical) I will take care
of you, and your family. I
will give you respect and be
faithful. And I hope you'll give
me the same.
KATE
Of course. I would never disrespect
your family or mine. That is the only
reason I am agreeing to this marriage.
I could've returned to India to
avoid the scandal, but if Edwina's
reputation was going to be affected,
I would never forgive myself.
ANTHONY
Kate, I did not want to argue
with you. I just wanted to be honest
with you on what to expect of our
marriage. It won't be based on
love, but I know that you will be a
capable wife and viscountess, and
mother to our children. They will
be smart, as you are probably
the sharpest woman I've ever met.
Kate can't help but give a small smile at his compliment.
ANTHONY
I just want to be upfront
with you and not hide anything.
Kate stays silent for a moment, then gives a small nod
KATE
Of course.
Anthony nods, then picks up his tea again.
INT. AUBREY HALL BEDROOM – EVENING
All decorations and furniture are set up for a Haldi ceremony. Edwina and Mary spread Haldi on Kate. When Edwina first puts her hand with haldi on Kate's arm, she jumps at the temperature change.
EDWINA
Didi, sit still. Or you're
going to get it all over the
floors.
KATE
It was cold initially, Bon.
I was startled. (Edwina
watches Kate, skeptical) I
promise, it won't happen again.
Edwina lets out a small giggle, and keeps spreading the haldi on Kate.
KATE
We really don't have to do
this, Mama. This whole wedding,
we all know it's not a true
love match. It's simply out of
honor.
MARY
It might be unusual circumstances,
but regardless, Kate, you are
still getting married, and we
will celebrate that as a family.
EDWINA
And I don't believe for one
second that this isn't a true
love match.
KATE
Why would you say that?
EDWINA
Have you not noticed the way
the viscount looks at you?
It's all I see whenever I've
been around you both. He is
completely besotted with you,
Didi. There's no doubt about
that. You both getting married
makes complete sense to me,
and I'm so happy that you are.
Kate stares in shock at Edwina's statement, not believing it to be true
MARY
Well, I certainly want that
to be the case. That is what
I've wanted for both of you to
have – a happy marriage where
your husband will care for
you as much or even better
than I do. You deserve nothing
less.
Kate gives a small smile, thinking about Anthony's words. Mary and Edwina continue to spread the haldi, and the three laugh when Newton runs around, wanting their attention.
There's a knock at the door, and the three turn to it.
MARY
Enter!
Door opens, and in comes Lady Danbury, Violet, Daphne, Eloise & Hyacinth. They all are enthralled seeing the Sharmas perform the haldi ritual.
DAPHNE
Well, it certainly looks like
you all are having fun in here.
EDWINA
Indeed, we are.
VIOLET
Do you mind if we join you?
MARY
Of course not, Lady Bridgerton!
Please join us!
Lady Danbury sits on a chair near the wall, while Daphne, Violet & Hyacinth pull up stools behind Edwina and Mary. Eloise lingers behind them, simply watching.
VIOLET
What is going on, if you
don't mind me asking?
EDWINA
It's a ritual called Haldi
that we do in India.
DAPHNE
And what is that?
MARY
It's a pre-wedding ritual
that's always done for a
bride. We spread turmeric
on her so her skin glows and
she looks radiant on her
wedding day.
VIOLET
Well, her face is already
glowing with that brilliant
smile of hers.
Violet gives a soft caress to Kate's chin, causing Kate to smile bashfully
DAPHNE
It seems like a wonderful
way to pamper the bride.
MARY
Oh, it is, and to give
her our blessing as she
starts her new life.
Kate smiles at Mary with affection, showing how dearly the two love each other
HYACINTH
Can we do it, too?
It looks like fun.
VIOLET
Hyacinth, let them continue.
MARY
It's all right, Violet. Of
course, all of you join in.
EDWINA
Just be careful. The haldi
will stain if it gets on
your clothes.
Hyacinth quickly takes a large amount of haldi on her fingers, and runs around to apply it on Kate's cheek. She smiles in delight.
KATE
Thank you, Hyacinth dear.
Violet & Daphne take their turns, too, as do Eloise & Lady Danbury. The women continue to laugh and talk, enjoying time together as a family.
INT. KATE'S BEDROOM – MORNING
Mary and Edwina fuss with Kate's dress, then step back. They both look up and down, then smile brightly.
MARY
You look beautiful.
Camera pans to right, showing Kate turning around and facing the mirror. She sees herself in the dress, along with an elbow-length veil that has a wide red-gold border sewed on the edges. Her gloves are a pale red. She nervously looks at her reflection, hardly believing that it's her.
MARY
There's just one thing remaining.
Kate turns around. Mary opens a chest, and pulls something out. She opens it up, and gives it a quick shake to make sure there's no dust. It's a red cloth shawl with white paisley print, lotuses, and purple and green to accentuate the design. The edge of the shawl has a gold border sewn into it.
Kate and Edwina look at it, open-mouthed with shock and wide eyes.
KATE
Is that…?
MARY
(nods) It was your mother's.
Kate looks at it with both awe and nostalgia as Mary brings it to her.
MARY
Your father didn't know if it
would go with your outfit, but
it only made sense that it be
given to you. But since your
dress would match perfectly,
I say you wear it.
Kate smiles, excited
MARY
Edwina, can you help me?
Edwina comes up and grabs one side, while Mary grabs the other. The two make an arc motion with the shawl, bringing it to rest on top of Kate's veil just as Lady Danbury enters the room. She calls them to attention.
LADY DANBURY
Well! Don't you look
splendid, Miss Sharma?
KATE
Thank you, Lady Danbury.
LADY DANBURY
And just in time, as
well. Lady Bridgerton
sent me up to bring you
all down. It is time.
The Sharma ladies look at each other excitedly, and give each other one last smile. Edwina grabs her bouquet, and gives Kate hers before they head out of the room.
INT. AUBREY HALL DRAWING ROOM – LATE MORNING
The drawing room is rearranged to make room for an aisle and altar, with chairs sitting on either side of the aisle in front of the altar. There are tulips hanging off the chairs.
The Bridgerton family sits on one side of the aisle, while Lady Danbury sits on the other. The vicar stands in the middle of the altar, with Anthony to the right, and Benedict standing next to him.
Edwina walks in to the drawing room from stage left, holding her bouquet and a serene smile on her face as she walks down the aisle. She steps to the other side of the vicar, and looks at Anthony. They silently acknowledge each other.
They turn towards the back, as everyone stands up in their chair and turns around. Kate and Mary appear at the beginning of the aisle. Anthony is mesmerized, watching Kate walk down with Mary, resplendent in her wedding attire. He cannot seem to look away, fixated by how her beauty is finally allowed to be on full display.
Kate has a nervous look on her face, but still briskly walks down the aisle next to Mary as she continues to watch Anthony. At the altar, Mary hands Kate up with a kiss on her cheek before taking her seat next to Lady Danbury.
Kate comes to stand before Anthony, who mouths "You look beautiful" to her. She smiles shyly.
VICAR
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here…
The two look at the vicar as he starts to speak, snapped out of their trance. They look back at each other, now more aware of where they are.
INT. AUBREY HALL BALLROOM – LATE MORNING
A bountiful breakfast buffet is set up along one side of the room, with a two-tiered cake at the very end. It's decorated with red roses and gold ribbon to match Kate's dress.
The wedding party is now in a laid-back setting, as they chat amongst themselves. Lady Danbury, Violet, and Mary talk in a circle. Daphne and Colin play with Augie. Edwina, Eloise, and Benedict are laughing in a group.
Anthony & Kate are sitting next to each other, watching as Gregory and Hyacinth play with Newton. They laugh as Newton becomes excited at having the attention of both the young Bridgerton children.
HYACINTH
I wish he could stay with
me. He's so much fun.
GREGORY
Why does he get to stay
with you? He likes me just
as much.
HYACINTH
He does not!
GREGORY
Does too!
HYACINTH
He will never stay with-
Kate watches, amused, but decides to put a stop to it.
KATE
I think he likes both of
you very much, so how about
this? When he needs to go
for a walk in the mornings,
I'll be sure to bring both
of you along so each of
you may take a turn.
Anthony smiles, proud of how Kate is able to handle his siblings. Gregory and Hyacinth look at each other in question, then nod.
HYACINTH
That will be fun.
GREGORY
I get to walk him first.
Anthony and Kate laugh, as they begin arguing again. Violet walks up to where they're sitting.
VIOLET
Anthony (he looks up), some
of the tenants are here.
Perhaps you and Kate can go
and greet them?
Anthony looks at Kate with a questioning look. She nods, and he takes her hand, and looks up at Violet with a nod. They stand up, and follow Violet.
INT. MASTER BEDROOM – LATE AFTERNOON
Main door opens, and Kate walks through, followed by Anthony. He shuts the door while she looks around the room. She's stunned by the size of the bedroom. Realizing it's the master bedroom, she turns to Anthony, confused.
KATE
Isn't this your mother's room?
ANTHONY
She moved out of here
after my father died. It's
been unoccupied for over
a decade.
KATE
You haven't used it?
ANTHONY
Not at all. I have my
own room that I've been
using since I left the
nursery, so…this is the
first time in a while
it's been used.
Kate looks around again, seeing the clean sheets and furniture. The staff has cleaned it up, and it looks pristine.
KATE
What about the Viscountess' room?
ANTHONY
What?
KATE
The adjoining bedroom for the
Viscountess. Is your mother
using that or has that also
not been used?
Anthony's face changes to skeptical at Kate's question.
ANTHONY
Why do you ask?
KATE
Am I not going to be using
that room while we're married?
ANTHONY
Why would you say that?
KATE
We will be sleeping in
separate rooms. That is
the custom, is it not?
Anthony is shocked by her words, and tries to collect himself
ANTHONY
That might be a custom,
but that doesn't mean we
follow it.
KATE
Why not?
ANTHONY
(giving a light laugh) Oh,
come on, Kate. Do you really
not want to share a bedroom
with me?
KATE
I never said that.
ANTHONY
No, you just implied it.
KATE
No, you did.
ANTHONY
(Pause) What?
KATE
You said our marriage will
not be based on love. If
that's the case, why
should I expect you to
want to share a bedroom?
Anthony is stunned by Kate's declaration. He takes a few steps forward.
ANTHONY
Do you honestly believe
that I do not want you
to be near me our entire
marriage?
KATE
What else am I supposed
to think, Anthony? (pause)
Our marriage is out of
honor, not love. You made it
clear to me to not expect
love, and I'm not. It only
makes sense that we have
separate rooms.
ANTHONY
No, it doesn't.
KATE
And why is that?
ANTHONY
I didn't marry you
only out of honor.
KATE
(pauses in confusion) Why
did you marry me, then?
ANTHONY
Because I can't get you
out of my mind. Not just
my mind, you consume every
bit of my being, and I can't
find any way to stop it.
It's vexing.
Kate is stunned by his words, but composes himself after a moment
ANTHONY
Ever since our first meeting,
I have thought of you every
day, and every night, you
have been in my dreams. (he
walks towards Kate) My thoughts
of you have become what could
possibly happen if you were
ever so close, I could…(he's
standing barely out of arm's
reach from her) I'd teach you
things you'd never fathom,
because I desire you that much.
Even when I courted your
sister, I wanted you. And now…
now…I have the chance to act on
my desires, my feelings for you.
Kate stares at him, hardly able to comprehend his words or his feelings for her
ANTHONY
But I will not act on them
unless you wish for me to.
Say you do not want this, and
I will let you go the
Viscountess' bedroom. I will
not come any closer. I will not
do anything.
Kate takes a few quick, short breaths, trying to calm her racing mind. She wants to say something, but she can't. She wants to speak, but finds her tongue locked up. She opens her mouth, and quickly closes it. She closes the gap, and kisses Anthony.
Anthony immediately wraps her in his arms, trying to pull her closer. The passion ignites between them swiftly and shamelessly.
Anthony unbuttons her dress, which quickly slithers to the ground around Kate's feet. Anthony takes off his coat. Their eyes and lips don't leave each other.
Anthony removes his shirt, then slowly makes his ways to his knees, now at eye-level with Kate's stomach. He starts planting kisses on it, as she tangles her hands in his hair.
Camera pans from foot of bed up, showing Kate & Anthony's strewn clothes laying everywhere. They're still kissing, now partially hidden under the bed sheets. Anthony moves down Kate's body, as she watches until he disappears under the sheet. She moans in pleasure, then gasps at the sensations she's feeling.
Anthony reappears, and they start kissing again.
Their arms are wrapped around each other as they continue to kiss.
Shot of Kate's face as she moans and gasps.
Shot of Anthony from the back, moving over Kate.
Shot of their hands intertwined on the sheets.
Cut to: Anthony and Kate in bed, satiated. Anthony lays on top of Kate, their foreheads touching and their noses brushing each other. They're both gasping and breathing heavily.
ANTHONY
So good…It's never been so good.
Kate opens her eyes, and looks at Anthony. Suddenly, her expression changes and she gets a rather mischievous smile on her face.
KATE
Is that all? Are we done?
Anthony's eyes fly open, then he sees Kate's sly look. He smiles in response.
ANTHONY
Hardly, my lady. We are
just getting started.
They start kissing again, as camera pulls out from the bed.