If you love Bridgerton as much as we do, then you’ve probably already watched Bridgerton season 3 part 1 (and the trailer for part 2) more times than you can count. There’s also a good chance you have a favorite relationship. While many fans love Eloise and Theo, Anthony and Kate, and (of course) Colin and Penelope, my favorite relationship on the show actually has nothing to do with romance.
I’ve always loved brother-sister relationships in fiction, and all it took was one Bridgerton season 2 clip to go viral for Hyacinth and Anthony to become my favorite relationship on the whole show. In episode 7, when the Bridgertons throw a ball (and no one attends thanks to another Lady Whistledown scandal), Anthony invites Hyacinth to come dance with him because he knows how special it would be for her, despite the fact she’s not technically old enough.
Even though it’s one small moment, this dance emphasizes how much Anthony cares about Hyacinth (and Gregory), and how much they look up to him like a father. Becoming the head of the family after Edmund Bridgerton’s death isn’t something Anthony asked for, but he really shines at taking care of those around him once he fully steps into the role.
He comforts them, watches out for them, and knows exactly how to make them laugh. I read a quote once that said “To be known is to be loved,” and I feel like that perfectly summarizes Anthony’s relationships with his siblings because he really does know them. And if you don’t believe me, you’ll have to take Gregory’s word for it!
“‘Anthony was a good father to me,'” author Julia Quinn writes in On the Way to the Wedding. “Gregory said it because he knew it would bring her joy, but he also said it because it was true.”
Anthony takes care of all his siblings, and his kindness towards Hyacinth just melts my heart. Oh, and the friendship between Jonathan Bailey and Florence Huntis adorable too!
“He has a dual role for her,” one Reddit user points out. “On one side, the older brother and head of the family to whom she’s attached, and on the other, a fatherly figure, considering she’s the only one who didn’t know Edmund.”
“Anthony-Hyacinth always gave me cheerful Darcy-Georgiana vibes,” another user comments. “The father/brother role mainly.” I couldn’t agree more, and I can’t wait to see the moments Anthony and Hyacinth share in Bridgerton season 4!