At this point, there are three major candidates for which Bridgerton sibling will be the star of Bridgerton season 4, and though Eloise used to be one of them, her plotline in the third season insinuates that her story is still a long way off. Notably, Bridgerton season 3 follows the love story between Penelope Featherington and the third-eldest, Colin Bridgerton, however, supporting characters like Eloise play a large role in this romance. In particular, Bridgerton season 3, part 1, Eloise kindles an unlikely friendship with Cressida Cowper.

It is easy for audiences to make theories about which Bridgerton sibling is next up for the franchise, based on the foundations laid by the current season. In Bridgerton season 1, plenty of screen time was given to Anthony, as his rakish ways led to heartbreak between him and the opera singer, Siena Rosso. Furthermore, season 2 amplified Penelope’s Lady Whistledown secret so that it had to come to a boil in season 3. And now, in the latest installment, plots are certainly being introduced, but they do not seem to be favoring the most stubborn Bridgerton, Eloise.

There’s No Sign Of Eloise’s Book Story In Bridgerton Season 3

Sir Phillip Crane remains out of the picture

In Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books, Eloise’s story is the fifth of the bunch, “To Sir Phillip, With Love.” Though Eloise could potentially take the spotlight for Bridgerton season 4, as the Netflix series has already gone out of book order, at this point it seems unlikely. In season 3, Eloise’s plotline shows no signs of what is to come in her season. On the contrary, Eloise’s plot is almost completely wrapped up in Cressida Cowper and the ton.

In this way, it seems highly unlikely that season 4 could possibly delve into Eloise’s “To Sir Phillip, With Love” story.

The biggest hint that Eloise’s story isn’t forthcoming is a major absence from Bridgerton season 3: Sir Phillip Crane. Crane has only been mentioned as Marina Thompson’s husband, and audiences have only met him briefly, most recently in Bridgerton season 2. In order for Eloise’s love story to begin, she needs to begin a correspondence with Sir Crane, and at this point, she is far from doing this. She is too caught up in friendship troubles to even consider romance, not to mention that she doesn’t care for love at all. Therefore, her story seems to be on the backburner.

Marina Thompson’s Absence Means Eloise’s Book Story Won’t Work

Marina needs to come back into play

In actuality, Bridgerton season 3 has another absence that is even more vital than Sir Phillip Crane, and that is Marina Thompson. As previously mentioned, Crane and Marina are married, and audiences have seen their practical marriage up close in Bridgerton season 2. However, Marina has definitely been sidelined by the events of season 3, and if Eloise’s story is going to happen, Marina must become relevant again. As shown by the plot of “To Sir Phillip, With Love,” Marina is really the catalyst of Eloise’s love story, and so without her, nothing can truly begin for Eloise.

When it comes to Bridgerton, timing is everything. Though the Netflix series changed the order of the Bridgerton siblings’ stories from Benedict to Colin, this choice made sense when considering the stories’ timing. Penelope’s secret identity and her crush on Colin could not wait another season, meanwhile Benedict’s story hadn’t quite made itself known yet. This seems to be the case for Eloise as well. At this point, Eloise’s romantic prospects continue to be at a low, meanwhile other Bridgerton siblings, namely Francesca, are moving closer to their destined paths. Marina Thompson’s absence only proves this point.

Bridgerton Siblings In Julia Quinn Order
Their Netflix Season

Daphne
1

Anthony
2

Benedict
TBD

Colin
3

Eloise
TBD

Francesca
TBD

Hyacinth
TBD

Gregroy
TBD

Why Bridgerton Changing Eloise’s Book Story Is A Good Thing

Eloise’s story shouldn’t be rushed

Although it may be disappointing that Eloise is not the next Bridgerton star, this choice is actually a good one. Of all the Bridgerton siblings, Eloise has a story that cannot be rushed. It is no secret that Eloise is opposed to marriage and societal expectations, so it would be strange to see her opinions shift so rapidly. If anything, Eloise needs time to acclimate to these ideas, and that is impossible for her to do when there is so much drama occurring between her and Penelope. That conflict must be resolved before Eloise can tackle her own love life.

Furthermore, there are other Bridgerton siblings that need their love story told sooner rather than later. Benedict, for example, is in a place where he is simply floating through time without purpose. Where Eloise has motivation, Benedict has nothing. In this way, choosing Benedict as the next Bridgerton star would make sense, as he is at a low point and needs something to inspire him. In this way, Eloise’s Bridgerton delay is slightly disappointing, but in the end, is the best option for the show.