Because Bridgerton season 3 has been highly anticipated since season 2 premiered in 2022, it is no surprise that audiences have rushed to binge the first part of the series to see what happens between Penelope Featherington and her long-time crush, Colin Bridgerton. Hopefully, Bridgerton fans were not disappointed by what they saw. Bridgerton season 3, part 1 sees Penelope’s newfound drive to get a husband, her complicated relationship with Colin after his harsh words last season, Eloise’s unexpected friendship after her and Penelope’s falling out, and above all, the ton’s struggle to find out Lady Whistledown’s identity.

As always, Bridgerton season 3 offered several different storylines in its first six episodes. Although Penelope and Colin took center stage, as Colin offers to help Penelope find a husband, and as a result, realizes his own feelings for her, other characters have their own dramas as well. Eloise and Cressida Cowper form an unlikely friendship, Francesca enters her first courting season and meets someone who may be her match, while the Mondrich family enjoys the luxury of their brand new title. However, what truly matters is how everyone’s story ends. For some, their fates are much better than others.

Does Penelope Accept Colin’s Marriage Proposal?

Penelope becomes engaged to Colin, despite her Lady Whistledown doubts

One of the biggest rifts to affect Bridgerton season 3 is Penelope’s identity as Lady Whistledown. Although her gossip column has long been a passion of hers, it is a major obstacle in terms of her relationship with Colin because of how she has portrayed the Bridgertons in her writing over the last few seasons.

Therefore, when Colin proposes to Penelope, she has a choice to make: tell Colin about Whistledown and risk ruining their engagement or keep it from him and lose her greatest accomplishment. Ultimately, Penelope’s decision remains a mystery.

It is unclear whether Penelope accepts Colin’s marriage proposal at the end of Bridgerton season 3, episode 4, Colin spontaneously asks Penelope to marry him after their steamy carriage scene, and the episode ends before viewers can see her answer. However, based on the look of surprised joy on her face, many can likely guess what her response will be. Overall, Colin’s sudden proposal is exciting for the couple, however it begs a few questions as well. In particular, when will Penelope tell Colin about Lady Whistledown?

How Colin & Penelope’s Carriage Scene Compares To The Book

The carriage scene has a new context

Among fans of Julia Quinn’s romance novels, there is one scene in Bridgerton season 3 that everyone is waiting for: the carriage scene. And though it is just as steamy as it appears in the book, there is a very significant change to the moment. In Julia Quinn’s book, “Romancing Mister Bridgerton,” Colin sees Penelope get into an unhired carriage and decides to follow her for her safety. By doing this, he ends up discovering that Penelope is Lady Whistledown. The two bicker, as Colin is worried for Pen’s reputation, however the arguing eventually turns into a passionate make-out session.

In Bridgerton season 3, this scene’s context is much different. Colin follows Penelope into her carriage, but it’s because she ran out of a ball after Colin ruined her chances of being engaged to Lord Debling, not because of Lady Whistledown. Seeing her emotions, Colin demands to be let into Pen’s carriage and they argue. Once again, this turns into a revelation of Colin’s feelings, and the two have an intimate carriage ride. Despite this massive context change, one detail notably stayed the same. At the end of the ride, Colin says, “Are you going to marry me, or not?”

Does Francesca Marry John Stirling?

Francesca & John’s romance hangs in the balance

Image via Netflix

Although Penelope and Colin are the main romance in Bridgerton season 3, there are a couple of other notable love interests that come into play. Namely, Francesca Bridgerton forms a fondness for a like-minded gentleman named John Stirling. In many ways, the two seem perfectly matched due to their love of silence, however Stirling causes a conflict when he reacts poorly to Francesca’s public advances. Luckily though, by the end of the first part, Stirling has eventually made it up to the sixth Bridgerton by gifting her music she described to him. Francesca seems smitten with him.

Although the end of Bridgerton season 3, part 1 doesn’t reveal the fate of Francesca and John, there are a few hints about where their romance may go. Despite the fact that the two are seemingly fond of one another, their relationship seems quick, especially since all Bridgerton fans know that each sibling gets their own season. Francesca’s season should be far off, so John Stirling may not be her true match. Therefore, it is safe to theorize that Francesca and John may not work out.

Will Eloise & Pen Mend Their Friendship?

Eloise and Pen seem to be fixing their relationship

While the relationship between Penelope and Colin is of the utmost importance in Bridgerton season 3, there are other dynamics that are almost equally important. Namely, the friendship between Pen and Eloise. At the end of Bridgerton season 2, Eloise discovers that Penelope is Lady Whistledown, and due to what she wrote about Eloise, the two have a tragic falling out. Season 3 maintains this rift, and worse gives Eloise a new best friend: Cressida Cowper. Eloise and Cressida’s newfound relationship is painful for Penelope, and implies that things between the former friends are still far from mended.

However, it seems unlikely that Penelope and Eloise will remain apart forever. Already, there are signs that the two could work things out. After Penelope writes poorly about herself in Lady Whistledown following the revelation that Colin was helping her find a husband, Eloise tells Pen that she did not need to be so harsh with herself, and also, assures her that she didn’t reveal her secret. In this way, things may still be icy between Eloise and Penelope, but they still clearly care for each other, and the next episodes may prove that.

Does Cressida End Up With Lord Debling?

Cressida paves her own false future

In the midst of Colin and Penelope’s romance, there are a few other key players, including Cressida Cowper and Lord Debling. When Penelope decides to seek a husband, Lord Debling stands out as a strong, practical choice. He is quirky enough to fit her personality, and also travels often enough that she can maintain her identity as Lady Whistledown. However, Cressida sets her sights on Debling as well, and the two women seem evenly matched for Debling. Ultimately, Colin’s feelings come between Pen and Debling, which leaves Cressida with an opening that, unfortunately, she does not take.

At the end of Bridgerton season 3, part 1, Cressida does not end up with Lord Debling, but the chance may be there. Throughout the first four episodes, it is clear that Cressida needs to find a husband before her parents intervene. In this way, Debling is her chance for a marriage that may not be romantic, but at least would be on her terms. Now that Debling is no longer interested in Penelope, Cressida has the perfect chance to woo Debling and save herself from a tragic fate.

What To Expect From Bridgerton Season 3 Part 2

Penelope & Colin will have to save their relationship

Overall, the end of Bridgerton season 3, part 1 was steamy and surprising. Audiences were gifted a perfect climax via the carriage scene, but as much as Colin’s proposal is exciting, it is also tinged with doubt. Penelope and Colin need to end up together, but Pen cannot keep her Lady Whistledown secret from him forever. In this way, Bridgerton season 3, part 2 must explain Penelope’s response to Colin’s proposal and show how this mess is going to be cleared up. Of all the Bridgerton seasons, this one may be the most chaotic.

Of course, Bridgerton season 3 has to set the stage for season 4 as well, and that will be all about the side characters. Francesca and John Stirling will have to reach their unfortunate end in order for her to have her own season. Benedict’s love affair with Lady Tilley Arnold will have to succeed or end. And Cressida Cowper faces a tragic fate that will be revealed in Bridgerton season 3, part 2. Hopefully, all can be made right in the ton on June 13, 2024.