An Offer from a Gentleman (books) (2024)

An Offer from a Gentleman is the third novel of the Bridgerton series, by Julia Quinn. The story follows the love story of Benedict Bridgerton, the second Bridgerton child.

Synopsis[]

Will she accept his offer before the clock strikes midnight?

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she’d be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton’s famed masquerade ball—or that “Prince Charming” would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Ever since that magical night, a radiant vision in silver has blinded Benedict to the attractions of any other—except, perhaps this alluring and oddly familiar beauty dressed in housemaid’s garb whom he feels compelled to rescue from a most disagreeable situation. He has sworn to find and wed his mystery miss, but this breathtaking maid makes him weak with wanting her. Yet, if he offers his heart, will Benedict sacrifice his only chance for a fairy tale love?^[1]

Plot[]

Prologue

Sophie Beckett always knew she was a bastard; she’s the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Penwood. When she was three years old, she was dropped off at her father's estate in the country by her dying grandmother. The Earl told everyone she was the orphaned daughter of a friend who he’d taken in as his ward, even though it was quite obvious that she was his child. Though everyone knew the truth, no one dared say it. When Sophie was ten, the Earl married a woman named Araminta Reiling, who had two young daughters Sophie's age, Rosamund and Posy. Sophie was excited to finally have sisters and a family around. However, Araminta bitterly told Sophie that she knew she was the earl’s bastard and that she refused to accept Sophie. Araminta told her to stay far away from her and her daughters unless they were in lessons together. Rosamund used to mercilessly find ways to abuse Sophie, but Posy was reluctant to do so.

When Sophie was fourteen, the Earl suddenly died. After it was confirmed that Araminta wasn’t pregnant, the Earl’s distant relative inherited the estate. In the late earl’s will, he set aside dowries for Rosamund, Posy, and Sophie. He also stated that Araminta would receive 2,000 pounds per year, but if she agreed to keep Sophie in her house till she turned 20, she would receive 6,000 pounds per year. Not willing to lose the extra income, Araminta agreed to let Sophie stay. But when she did, she purposely left out some information.

PART ONE

Chapter 1

May 31, 1815

Lady Whistledown says that the Bridgerton masquerade ball is the most sought-after invitation in the ton, and the most talked about event of the season. She also mentions that Benedict and Colin, the two unmarried, eligible brothers of the Bridgerton family, will be in attendance, and there’s speculation about whether they will find someone to marry at the ball.

Sophie is a maid to Araminta, Rosamund, and Posy, making her do the work of three maids. Sophie loves reading Lady Whistledown’s column, which is her escape from her awful circ*mstances. Rosamund and Araminta mercilessly order Sophie around with pleasure, but Posy shows compassion.

Sophie is helping all three women get ready for the masquerade ball. Araminta boasts that Rosamund will catch the eye of one of the Bridgerton brothers at the ball. Sophie wishes she could go to the ball, and Araminta and Rosamund are quick to mock her. She notices Mrs. Gibbons, the housekeeper, smiling and winking at her at that moment, and is confused.

After Araminta, Rosamund, and Posy leave for the ball, Sophie is quickly led away by Mrs. Gibbons to her room, where she sees housemaids have set up a bath for her. Mrs. Gibbons tells Sophie she will be going to the masquerade. They give her an old gown belonging to the late earl’s mother, matching gloves, and have her hair and makeup done. Sophie is transformed into a princess.

One of the maids provides her with a pair of Rosamund’s shoes to wear, but Sophie finds they’re too big. Posy’s shoes won’t fit either, so the maids get a pair of Araminta’s shoes for her to wear. Mrs. Gibbons helps her put on a demi-mask, completing her outfit. She instructs Sophie to be out of the party by midnight so that the coachman will be back in time to pick up Araminta and her daughters. Grateful and excited, Sophie sets off for the Bridgerton masquerade ball.

Chapter 2

June 2, 1815

Lady Whistledown comments on how the Bridgerton family is the most prolific in London. They’re best known for their children being named in alphabetical order. Lady Whistledown speculates on what the next child would’ve been named if they had another.

Benedict is miserable at the masquerade and tries to escape, but Violet stops him and inveigles him to dance with Penelope Featherington. Just as he finds Penelope, the crowd is abuzz, and Benedict follows the murmurs. He finds them looking at Sophie, who has just entered. Benedict is immediately entranced by her. He quickly whisks her away from other gentlemen to the dance floor. He asks for a dance, but Sophie admits she can’t dance. Benedict then says he’ll teach her, and pulls her in the direction of the private terrace. Sophie asks how he knows of the private terrace, and Benedict realizes she doesn’t know who he is, which strangely delights him.

Sophie and Benedict head to a private hallway, where Colin accosts them, and scolds Benedict for not dancing with Penelope. Watching them talk, Sophie realizes who Benedict and Colin are. Benedict gets Colin to leave him and Sophie alone. They discuss family and upbringing; Sophie feels pained by the life she once had as a child. Benedict promises to make the night memorable for Sophie.

Chapter 3

June 5, 1815

Lady Whistledown reports the gossip she heard about the various costumes that will be seen at the Bridgerton masquerade ball.

After Benedict figures out that Sophie knows who he is, he tries to get information about who she is. Benedict starts showing her how to dance, and Sophie gets lost in the music and dance. They end up kissing. Benedict later removes one of his gloves to kiss her hand, and the spark between them is ignited.

Benedict again asks who she is, but Sophie doesn’t tell him. Benedict insists that he wants a future with her. Sophie is pained by his words. Benedict asks what her name is, but before Sophie can respond, she hears the gong signaling the midnight unmasking. Panicked, Sophie runs off, despite Benedict’s attempts to stop her. She runs straight into the ballroom, towards the side door. At one point, she runs into Araminta but, to Sophie’s relief, she doesn’t recognize her. Benedict follows Sophie, but gets waylaid just as Sophie gets to the side door. She easily finds the Penwood carriage and gets in, disappearing into the night.

Chapter 4

June 7, 1815

Lady Whistledown reports on Benedict being seen with a mysterious Lady in Silver whose identity is unknown, even to Lady Whistledown.

Benedict is stopped by Lady Danbury, and prevented from following Sophie. By the time he reaches the side door, she is gone. He still has her glove, and notices there’s a family crest with initials sewn in. Not recognizing the crest, he decides to ask his mother who it belongs to.

Sophie quickly changes when she gets home. Despite the magical night she had with Benedict, she resigns herself to never seeing him again as she cries herself to sleep.

Benedict shows the glove to his mother the next day. Violet recognizes the crest as the Penwood crest. Violet recognizes the initials as that of Sarah Gunningworth. As neither of them know who Benedict danced with, he decides to go to Penwood House and find out.

Sophie is summoned by an irate Araminta over one of her pairs of shoes being scuffed. It’s the same pair Sophie wore to the ball the night before. Sophie does her best to deflect blame, and offers to try to get the scuffs out. Araminta then makes Sophie polish her entire shoe collection. Before she can pile even more duties on, the butler arrives and presents a visitor’s card. Araminta is shocked, and orders the butler to provide tea in the morning room. She orders Sophie to have Rosamund and Posy’s hair done, and to have Sophie locked in Araminta’s closet. Sophie reluctantly agrees and tells Posy to lock her in the closet, which Posy does reluctantly.

Chapter 5

June 7, 1815

Lady Whistledown calls Posy’s costume unflattering, but says the Featherington family was dressed up even worse.

Benedict waits at Penwood House, nervous about finding his mysterious Lady in Silver. Araminta comes in, and effusively greets Benedict. She berates the servants over their serving tea, and Benedict is not impressed with her attitude. Rosamund and Posy arrive, and Benedict quickly realizes neither of them are his mystery woman. Benedict asks about extended family, trying to deduce the identity of the Lady in Silver. Rosamund then asks Benedict about the woman who he spent time with at the masquerade, and Benedict pushes aside her inquiry, makes his farewells, and exits, wondering how else to find “her”.

Araminta watches Benedict leave, and notices him pull out the glove from his pocket. Rosamund remembers how the lady she saw him with was wearing silver, the same color as the glove. Araminta thinks of her scuffed shoes, and realizes who Benedict was looking for.

Araminta confronts Sophie about going to the ball, and fires her. She orders Sophie to finish polishing all her shoes, then to leave. Sophie sits in the closet, refusing to polish the shoes; she’s afraid to go out into the world, and face the unknown. She’s more afraid of running into Benedict Bridgerton if she stays in London. Sophie decides she’ll go back to the countryside and takes two diamond shoe clips in Araminta’s closet to pawn. Posy lets Sophie out before the next morning, and Sophie leaves Penwood House, feeling hopeful.

PART TWO

Chapter 6

April 30, 1817

Lady Whistledown says it’s been three years since any Bridgerton siblings got married, and Lady Bridgerton is getting impatient.

Benedict is at the house of Phillip Cavender, a man he doesn’t know, and he’s miserable in the midst of all the debauchery occurring in the house. He decides to leave, and goes to find Phillip and say farewell.

Sophie is at the Cavender house, working as an upstairs maid. But she’s leaving as Phillip is making advances, despite her repeated rejections, and she doesn’t feel safe without his parents and around his wild friends. Just as she leaves, Phillip drunkenly accosts her with two of his friends. Sophie tries to escape, but is pinned down by Phillip and his friends. Just then, Benedict appears, to Sophie’s shock.

Benedict finds Phillip just as he and his friends are about to rape Sophie. Seeing Sophie’s terrified face, he tells the three men to let her go. Despite Phillip’s threats, Benedict doesn’t back down, and forces him to let Sophie go. Phillip threatens to fire her, but Benedict simply says he’ll get Sophie hired at his mother’s house. Without any other options to avoid Phillip and his ragtag group, Sophie accepts Benedict’s offer and leaves with him.

Sophie is so surprised and stunned to see Benedict again, he’s worried she’s in shock. Sophie then realizes that Benedict doesn’t recognize her as the Lady in Silver.

Chapter 7

April 30, 1817

Lady Whistledown says that Rosamund is interested in Phillip Cavender.

Sophie is seated next to Benedict in his phaeton, still in disbelief over seeing him again. He believes she’s dealing with shock from her trauma. Benedict thinks Sophie looks familiar, but can’t place her. He notes her accent is refined for a housemaid, and Sophie lies that her mother’s employer let her be educated with the daughters. He tells her that they’ll go to his cottage nearby, and the caretakers will be there so Sophie is not unchaperoned with Benedict.

It starts to rain, and Benedict becomes sick. As they neared Benedict’s residence, My Cottage, his cold becomes worse, and Sophie takes hold of the reins, and is able to guide the phaeton to My Cottage. Being out of the rain, Sophie’s overwhelmed, though she insists she’s fine. When Benedict hugs her, Sophie gives in to tears over her circ*mstances.

Benedict and Sophie get to the front door, but realize nobody’s home. Benedict gets the spare key, and opens the door for Sophie. She heads to the servants’ quarters, but Benedict stops her.

Chapter 8

May 2, 1817

Lady Whistledown describes a fight between Mrs. Featherington and Araminta at the Smythe-Smith musicale over a lady’s maid that Araminta had stolen from the Featheringtons, but who fled back to Mrs. Featherington because Araminta was making her do the work of three maids.

Benedict lets Sophie stay in one of the guest rooms while they both warm up. Sophie starts a fire in his room, and notices his collection of childhood mementos, wondering what they mean. Benedict tries to get into bed, but is too weak to do so. She awkwardly helps him undress, then he gives her a pair of his clothes for the night, and she goes back to her room and falls asleep. Some hours later, Sophie wakes up, hearing a noise. She heads to Benedict’s room, and finds him delirious from a high fever. He starts telling Sophie to kiss him. She can’t resist and gives him a small kiss on his lips, confessing her love. Benedict then asks where she went, and Sophie replies that she’s right there. He wakes up, and is lucid for a moment.

Sophie leaves and brings back some cold water and a cloth to reduce Benedict’s fever. She explores his room, and finds his collection of artwork, which includes a drawing of her as the Lady in Silver. Benedict wakes up, and asks Sophie for water. She gives it to him, and is able to change his sheets while he’s still in bed. Sophie is relieved that Benedict is doing better.

Chapter 9

May 2, 1817

Lady Whistledown says that while physicians are said to be the worst patients, she believes any man will be a terrible patient.

Sophie is startled the next morning by Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree watching her because she was asleep in the chair next to Benedict’s bed. Benedict tells Mrs. Crabtree to bring him and Sophie some tea. Benedict explains how he ended up at My Cottage last minute. After bringing the breakfast tray, Mrs. Crabtree provides Sophie with a dress and makes her sit down to eat.

Benedict asks if he acted ungentlemanly the night before while delirious, but Sophie assures him he didn’t. Sophie tries to get out of working in Benedict’s mother’s house, but refuses to state why. Benedict annoys her by prodding her for answers, which delights him.

Chapter 10

May 5, 1817

Lady Whistledown reports on Benedict’s absence from the Covington ball.

Benedict slowly recovers, and enjoys Sophie’s company whenever she stops by his room. When Sophie comes by with tea and biscuits, Benedict realizes how strong his desire is for her, and becomes agitated. Sophie leaves, and Benedict quickly dresses so he can go to the lake and swim in the cold water. Sophie finds Mrs. Crabtree, who tells her that Benedict is gone. Sophie argues with Mrs. Crabtree about her position, trying to remember her status as a servant, but also falling in love with Benedict. Sophie decides to go for a walk when Mrs. Crabtree says she doesn’t need any help in the kitchen.

Sophie remembers the lake Benedict mentioned, and heads in that direction. As she gets closer, she realizes someone is nearby. Despite instinct saying to run, Sophie comes closer and sees Benedict swimming naked in the lake.

Chapter 11

May 7, 1817

Lady Whistledown reports on Araminta and Mrs. Featherington fighting over housemaids again in front of three society matrons, including Violet.

Benedict gets the sense that someone is watching him, and realizes that it’s Sophie. He threatens to jump out of the lake and run after her without his clothes if she runs. Sophie finally reveals herself, and tells Benedict she wasn’t following him. Benedict gets dressed while Sophie turns her back, and realizes he’s purposely drawing things out to annoy her. After he’s dressed, Sophie asks why he didn’t let her run away. Benedict admits he doesn’t know, but he just wanted her close by. They come close, and Benedict kisses her, reminding Sophie of the night they first met.

Sophie breaks the kiss. Benedict then says that she’s too well-spoken to be a maid, but Sophie says even with her education, she’ll never be able to get work better than a maid. Benedict then suggests that she come to London and live in his household, with him.

Chapter 12

May 9, 1817

Lady Whistledown speculates about Benedict’s whereabouts, commenting that even Eloise doesn’t know where he is.

Sophie realizes that Benedict is asking her to be his mistress. Sophie starts to refuse, but Benedict then kisses her, and the two end up falling on the ground in a passionate embrace. Sophie thinks about her own life as an illegitimate child, and pushes him away. She refuses his offer, surprising Benedict. He wonders why, and Sophie simply says she refuses to be a mistress.

She starts to head back to My Cottage, and says she’ll pack her bags and leave. Benedict stops her, saying it’s dangerous for a woman to be in the world alone. Sophie keeps going, and Benedict purposely trips her. Sophie is annoyed, but Benedict simply says she’ll go back with him to London. Benedict simply follows Sophie, refusing to let her go anywhere without him.

While Sophie packs her things, Benedict recalls their conversation and realizes that Sophie’s an illegitimate child. He confronts her, and she goes silent. Benedict assures Sophie that he’d care for any children they have, and Sophie asks what would happen with his wife. Benedict says he doesn’t have one, but Sophie is sure he will. Benedict says he has to marry, but Sophie says she doesn’t have to be anyone’s mistress. She starts to leave, but he stops her, not willing to let her go. He threatens to accuse her of theft unless she agrees to work in Violet’s household. Sophie begrudgingly accepts his offer, and Benedict muses that he’s okay with Sophie hating him, but he’s not okay with Sophie leaving him.

Chapter 13

May 9, 1817

Lady Whistledown says that Araminta refuses to allow Rosamund and Phillip's wedding because he's not titled.

Sophie dreads coming to London during the season, as Araminta will be there. She deflects Benedict’s questions while remembering the last time she was at Bridgerton House. Sophie gets down from the carriage, and realizes they’re not at Bridgerton House. Benedict reveals that Violet moved out of Bridgerton House two years before so Anthony could move in with his family.

Benedict and Sophie head to the front door, and Sophie insists on going through the side door, as a maid would. Benedict refuses, and insists she come with him through the front door. He tells the butler, Wickham, to let Violet know he’s here. When Wickham leaves, Sophie and Benedict get into another argument about Sophie refusing Benedict’s offer.

Violet arrives, greeting Benedict and meeting Sophie. She says Sophie looks familiar, but Sophie brushes it off, hoping Violet doesn’t remember her from the masquerade. Benedict recounts to Violet what happened to him, and how he brought Sophie to find a place in her house. Violet says she needs an upstairs lady’s maid, and Sophie agrees to help. Violet notices Sophie is well-educated, and she gives her the same story she told Benedict. Sophie asks Violet to introduce her to the housekeeper, but Violet insists on helping Sophie herself. She sees the love in the Bridgerton family, and thinks how her own childhood lacked that love. She leaves with Violet, feeling hopeful for the first time in a while.

Chapter 14

May 12, 1817

Lady Whistledown reports that Rosamund spotted Benedict in London.

Benedict meets Eloise, who quickly gets him to spill every detail of where he’s been. He tells her, ending with how he brought Sophie to find a place in the household. Eloise mentions that she and Francesca lost their maid to Araminta. She leaves to go meet Sophie.

Violet comes back down, and asks Benedict who Sophie really is. Benedict admits he doesn’t know, and Violet says she’s more well-educated than she claims to be. She also speculates that Sophie is an illegitimate child, and wonders how she ended up as a maid. She vows to find out, and Benedict suggests she enlist Eloise to help. He leaves to his own place, and Violet watches him with curiosity.

Sophie unpacks, trying to figure out how to leave. She’s worried about running into Araminta, but she’s more worried about being around Benedict. Violet comes and says she and her daughters have managed for a week with one lady’s maid, and can manage for one more day while Sophie gets a chance to settle in. Sophie is surprised by her generosity. She then meets Eloise, who also likes her and talks about her family. Sophie becomes emotional, thinking about being in the household of a loving family.

Chapter 15

May 14, 1817

Lady Whistledown reports on the Bridgerton maid leaving for Araminta, and about Benedict returning to town late because he was sick.

Sophie is accosted by Benedict the next day when she’s heading to breakfast. He stops her from walking away, until she says she needs to have breakfast. After finishing breakfast, Sophie again finds Benedict waiting for her, and says she has work to do. Benedict again offers for her to be his mistress so she has no work to do, but Sophie steadfastly refuses.

Benedict later finds Sophie reading in the garden, and again teases her, to her annoyance. She tries to leave, but she can’t seem to stay away from Benedict. As they’re arguing, Benedict kisses her, and Sophie doesn’t push him away. Benedict finally pulls away, surprising Sophie, and leaves after Sophie insists that it won’t happen again.

Chapter 16

May 19, 1817

Lady Whistledown reports on a Featherington dinner party where the Bridgerton family attended without the men, and Nigel Berbrooke, who was interested in Philippa.

A week later, Sophie is sitting with the Bridgerton family while they have tea. When they start mentioning Benedict, Sophie ends up pricking her finger doing the mending, also annoyed that she hasn’t seen Benedict since they kissed.

Benedict shows up, and Sophie quickly leaves, unable to be in his heart-stopping presence. Sophie wants to leave the Bridgerton household; even though she likes working for them, she can’t bear to be around Benedict. But as she’s leaving, she hears Araminta’s voice, and realizes that she lives near Violet. She sees Araminta yelling at Posy. She hides to avoid being seen, but when Posy trips and gets up, she spots Sophie. Terrified, Sophie silently tells Posy not to say anything, and Posy leaves with Araminta and Rosamund.

Benedict loses interest in his family after Sophie leaves, and finds Sophie looking terrified after escaping being seen by Araminta. Though she doesn’t tell him the reason, Benedict offers to bring her to his place nearby until she calms down.

They arrive at Benedict’s place, and he asks Sophie how working for his family has been. Sophie compliments them, surprising Benedict, and Sophie mentions she never had a family like that, and thinks Benedict is lucky. Benedict explains that he’d rather be more than just a Bridgerton or Number Two. Sophie says he is, saying his artwork shows how incredible an artist he is, and he deserves to be recognized for that. Benedict then realizes he loves Sophie, and he kisses her.

Chapter 17

May 21, 1817

Lady Whistledown reports that Araminta was hit in the head by a biscuit while at Gunter’s for tea, most likely by Felicity or Hyacinth.

Benedict and Sophie keep kissing and, despite Sophie’s wish to never have an illegitimate child, the two make love in Benedict’s front sitting room. Afterwards, Benedict says he’ll have Sophie’s things moved to his house, and Sophie quickly realizes that he wants her to be his mistress. Upset, she steadfastly refuses. Benedict tries to get her to reveal why; when that doesn’t work, he tries to convince Sophie that she’d have a better life as his mistress than as a maid. Sophie still refuses, mentioning how she doesn’t want to have a bastard child. Benedict insists he would care for any illegitimate child of his, and she would, as well, but Sophie doesn’t care and refuses. She tells Benedict to marry someone suitable and leave her alone. Benedict then says that he could easily seduce her again, but Sophie counters he'd hate himself afterwards. Benedict leaves, and Sophie cries silently.

Chapter 18

June 9, 1817

Lady Whistledown reports that the pick of eligible men is slim for the season, and that Benedict tends to stay away from gatherings, not coming out of his own house.

Two weeks later, Sophie hasn’t seen Benedict, Araminta, or Posy, and is a mess. Violet comes by, asking why Sophie hasn’t come to tea lately, and Sophie makes an excuse to avoid the happy Bridgerton gathering that pains her. Violet insists, and Sophie relents, joining Violet and all four of her daughters, along with Daphne’s daughter, Caroline. Hyacinth mentions that Benedict hasn’t been seen in two weeks, complaining that he promised to help her with her arithmetic. Daphne suggests Simon would help better. When Hyacinth wonders what he’s good at, Sophie slips out that Benedict is good at art. The Bridgerton ladies are immediately interested, but Sophie keeps her responses short, not wanting to tell Benedict’s secret.

Penelope Featherington shows up, and meets Sophie. She feels that Sophie looks familiar, and Sophie realizes they met briefly at the masquerade ball two years before. Penelope brushes it off, and Hyacinth asks Sophie for help to watch her young cousins that evening. Sophie agrees, and Penelope again watches her, feeling like she’s familiar. When Eloise says that Penelope never forgets a face, Sophie makes a hasty retreat to get away from Penelope.

Benedict has been avoiding his mother and family for two weeks, in a bad mood. He finally decides to visit and runs into Anthony and Colin, who are also going to Violet’s house. Colin says Violet’s been trying to match him with Penelope, but he refuses. Anthony and Benedict tease him about it, and he loudly declares he won’t marry Penelope. Penelope happens to walk by and overhears this; Benedict realizes that she’s in love with Colin. Penelope then says she never asked Colin to marry her, and then leaves. Anthony retreats, while Colin avoids Violet when she greets them. She instead turns her attention to Benedict, suggesting another eligible young lady for him, to his misery.

Chapter 19

June 11, 1817

Lady Whistledown reports that during Araminta’s musicale, Posy sat by the window and kept staring outside, as if she was looking for someone.

Violet gives up matchmaking for Benedict when he stops listening. He asks her about her and Edmund falling in love, and Violet remembers she fell in love the moment she heard his voice. Benedict then asks his mom what would happen if he wanted to marry someone unsuitable. Violet understands, and says society might not accept the marriage, but she will always love and support Benedict, no matter what.

Sophie is playing with Hyacinth and her cousins. When they start fighting, she suggests playing blind man’s bluff instead. They make her be the blind man, and Sophie is forced to wear a blindfold.

Benedict is accosted by Eloise, who says to stay until Daphne announces that she’s pregnant again. He refuses, already knowing, and Eloise instead tells him to go help Hyacinth with her arithmetic since he promised to. He heads to the nursery.

When Benedict gets to the nursery, he sees Sophie with the blindfold and immediately recognizes her as the Lady in Silver. He gets Hyacinth to leave with their cousins, and confronts Sophie. She also realizes that Benedict knows who she is. He’s furious that she didn’t tell him, but Sophie doesn’t feel like she could tell him. Benedict tells her how he searched for Sophie, but couldn’t find her. Sophie says she couldn’t look for him, and wouldn’t have, because of their difference in status. Benedict angrily asks who she is, and she finally reveals that she’s the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Penwood. Benedict is so furious about being lied to that he storms out.

Chapter 20

June 11, 1817

Lady Whistledown reports that Araminta was verbally and physically abusing her servants recently.

Sophie quickly packs her belongings, wanting to get as far away from Benedict as possible. She heads downstairs to say goodbye to Violet, who quickly interprets that she’s leaving because of Benedict. She kindly agrees to let Sophie leave, wishing she could stay. As Sophie steps out, though, Araminta finds her, and has her arrested for stealing her shoe clips.

Chapter 21

June 13, 1817

Lady Whistledown reports that Penelope was seen with all three Bridgerton brothers, then later, a young woman (Sophie) was ambushed by Araminta, who claimed that she had stolen from her two years ago, and then dragged off to jail.

Benedict uses his fencing session with Colin to get out his anger. Colin quickly deduces Benedict is upset, and figures out it’s because of Sophie. Benedict tells Colin about Sophie being the Lady in Silver and the Earl of Penwood’s daughter. Colin asks what he’ll do and, after considering all the options, Benedict realizes that he doesn’t care what society thinks; he just wants Sophie in his life. He thanks Colin, and leaves to find Sophie.

By the time Benedict comes to his mother’s house, Sophie is already gone. Benedict tells her about Sophie being the earl’s illegitimate daughter just as Francesca and Hyacinth come with the Lady Whistledown issue that reports of Sophie being taken to jail. Benedict heads out the door, and Violet quickly follows him, and they set out to rescue Sophie.

Chapter 22

June 16, 1817

Lady Whistledown reports of the commotion that occurred at Violet’s house and at Araminta’s house between her and Posy.

Sophie is in squalid conditions in her prison cell, when Araminta shows up. She hurls insults at Sophie, who tries to ignore her, but Araminta gloats about getting rid of Sophie for good. However, Benedict shows up, shocking Sophie and Araminta, along with Violet. Benedict declares that Sophie is his fiancée, which makes Araminta angry, and she threatens to expose Sophie as a bastard and thief. Benedict and Violet quickly throw their support with Sophie, telling the magistrate about Sophie being the Earl of Penwood’s daughter, and accusing Araminta of being spiteful. The magistrate gets nervous when he finds out they’re the Bridgertons, and Araminta tries to leverage her own countess title. She accuses Sophie of stealing her shoe clips. Just then, Posy shows up and claims she stole the shoe clips. Araminta tries to get her to leave, but Posy continues to insist that she stole the clips.

The magistrate is hesitant to arrest Posy, and Violet uses this to get him to release Sophie. Sophie, at the magistrate’s command, tells her story about growing up as the Earl of Penwood’s ward. Violet realizes she recognized Sophie from her family. Sophie then reveals she was forced to become a maid after the earl’s death and remained there even after Araminta lost the money she got from keeping Sophie. Sophie mentions that the earl didn’t provide anything for her in his will, but Posy interjects and reveals that she read the earl’s will and discovered Sophie’s dowry. Sophie is shocked, as she always believed the earl never cared about her. Violet quickly deduces that Araminta has stolen Sophie’s dowry, which means she’s committed a crime.

Chapter 23

June 18, 1817

Lady Whistledown reports that both Violet and Araminta have left London at the same time.

The magistrate and Araminta are shocked at the idea of arresting her, but Violet stops him, and asks for a moment alone with Araminta and her family. After the magistrate and the warden leave, Violet haughtily tells Araminta to claim that Sophie is a distant relative of the earl, or she’ll have her solicitors search Araminta’s estate for Sophie’s dowry, since Benedict is entitled to it. Araminta begrudgingly agrees, and tries to leave with Posy. However, Sophie gets Violet to offer to take in Posy. Posy agrees, but Araminta refuses to let her go. Violet again throws the threat of her solicitors at Araminta, who insults Posy again and saying she’ll disown her. Violet promises to give Posy a new home.

Posy and Sophie reconcile, and Araminta yells at them both. Violet quickly stops her again with the solicitor threat, and Araminta bitterly insults Posy. Sophie finally releases her rage, hitting Araminta in the face and knocking her to the ground. She’s furious over Araminta insulting Posy more than ruining her life. Araminta finally leaves, defeated, and Benedict and Sophie head home with Violet and Posy.

Benedict and Sophie head to his place, where he declares his love for her and how he wanted to marry her even before he found out she was the Lady in Silver. Sophie also declares her love for him, and they embrace. Benedict then arranges a bath for Sophie. Sophie enjoys the bath, with Benedict assisting her. He then reiterates how he fell in love with her from the moment he saw her at the masquerade. Sophie is so happy, and the two kiss and make love.

Sophie wakes up later, and is shocked that it’s three in the morning when she was supposed to be back at Violet’s house by seven. Benedict isn’t worried, saying he’ll marry her next week. Sophie is excited about how her life will change. She apologizes for not telling him the truth, but he says it no longer matters. Sophie still tries to explain herself, but trails away, and Benedict assures her that he still loves her.

Epilogue

April 9, 1824

Lady Whistledown reports that Violet celebrated her birthday with her family and a large group of friends.

Benedict and Sophie have been married for seven years, and have three children. They enjoy time alone at Bridgerton House, reminiscing about the first time they met. Sophie reveals that she’s pregnant with their fourth child. Benedict hopes they'll have a daughter, since they already have three sons. He decides that they will name her Violet, and Sophie loves the idea.

Elsewhere, Lady Whistledown starts to write her April 12, 1824 column revealing Sophie’s pregnancy when she suddenly puts her quill down. After reporting on other people’s lives for 11 years, she decides to quit being Lady Whistledown and start living her own life.

Notes and Trivia[]

• This story was Julia Quinn's own spin on the classic fairy tale story Cinderella.

Book Covers[]

References