DISCLAIMER: This recap of Bridgerton Season 3 Episode 7, “Joining of Hands,” contains spoilers. Proceed at your peril.
Dearest Gentle Readers,
It’s the penultimate episode and the Polin wedding, to boot. Of course, emotions run high because of all the Whistledown business. “Joining of Hands” presents a lovely ceremony for our leads while fleshing out the LW conflict. Plus, the series seemingly confirms bi Benedict, although the threesome angle is pretty tropey. I’m curious how this will play into his season.
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Betrayal
We open right where we left off — with Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) learning that Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) is Lady Whistledown. His feelings of betrayal are palpable, and honestly, this is, in my opinion, Newton’s best work here. Colin’s rakish facade melts away to reveal a vulnerable, sensitive, soft man. I love it. He storms off.
Later, Cressida (Jessica Madsen) and Lady Cowper (Joanna Bobin) observe from their carriage while the ton devours their fake Lady Whistledown scandal sheet. Lady Cowper wrote that missive presented at the Mondrichs’ ball, so it’s safe to assume she penned this one.
She takes aim at the Bridgertons. Lady Violet (Ruth Gemmell) reads what she says in shock. Gregory (Will Tilston) and Hyacinth (Florence Hunt) ask to read the pamphlet, but Violet refuses to subject her children to such vitriol. Francesca (Hannah Dodd) keeps out of the drama, sticking to her book. Colin lies in bed in full Brooding Leading Man mode.
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Pen Intercepts
However, something remarkable transpires. The actual Lady Whistledown publishes her issue at the same time. Now, we see a bewildered ton with two pamphlets in hand, including Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel). Lady Agatha Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) also reads Pen’s pamphlet, relishing the d-r-a-m-a this is causing. I don’t blame her. Pen (with Julie Andrews‘ wonderful narration) does her best to soften the blow of the Cowpers’ scandal sheet and effectively proves she’s the real Whistledown. Lord Cowper (Dominic Coleman) confines Cressida to her room, revealing she’s not allowed to leave until her aunt arrives from Wales.
Later, Pen, Lady Portia Featherington (Polly Walker), Philippa (Harriet Cains), Prudence (Bessie Carter), Mr. Finch (Lorn Macdonald) and Mr. Dankworth (James Phoon) take a walk through the park. Portia is excited to have the Cressida debacle behind them. Now, the ton can focus on Pen’s impending nuptials.
A Friendship on the Mend
Meanwhile, Eloise (Claudia Jessie) and Benedict (Luke Thompson) walk arm-in-arm toward the Featherington/Finch/Dankworth clan. Eloise is quite pleased with Pen’s latest issue. Benny steps aside to give the former BFFs space. Pen reveals that Colin knows she’s Lady Whistledown. Eloise refuses to offer advice or get in the middle of it. Pen’s alter ego has already inadvertently put Eloise in the center of the drama. Still, Eloise wishes Pen luck and commends her for putting Cressida in her place.
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Then, Agatha and Violet have tea together. Violet voices her concerns regarding Francesca and John. She hopes to have a moment to speak with the queen. Agatha cautions against this for now, admitting the queen is in a mood because of the LW business. Violet notes that something is troubling Agatha. She reveals she’s here for Agatha if the latter needs an ear to listen. I’ve always adored their friendship.
Meanwhile, Colin confronts Eloise about Pen. Has she always known that Pen is Whistledown? Eloise admits she learned about it last year. However, she didn’t think it was her news to share. In fact, she pushed Pen multiple times to confide in Colin.
Wedding Breakfast
Later, Colin and Pen reunite with their mamas to discuss wedding details. Portia shows Violet where she plans to host the wedding breakfast. The mamas notice the tension between their engaged children. Colin tells Pen he still intends to marry her, but the nature of their marriage depends on multiple factors. They’ll have to hash it out after the ceremony. Elsewhere, Benedict calls on Lady Tilley Arnold (Hannah New) after fleeing her dinner party.
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Tilley discloses that her relationship with Paul Suarez is casual—like her bond with Benedict. Paul interpreted a moment between him and Benedict as a green light leading to a threesome. Tilley tells Benedict that love has no boundaries. It exists beyond sex, gender, etc. Tilley adds that her staff is very discreet. Benedict ponders her words. This isn’t the first time the series has teased bi Benedict. Will they follow through?
Next, Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis) calls on Violet. The two sit in her drawing room. He voices his desire to pursue something more with her. Violet wants the same — she’s awfully fixated on him eating that sweet treat. Like mother, like son (Colin). She reciprocates his feelings but states that all their affairs must be in order first. This includes the tension between Marcus and Agatha.
By Herself
Meanwhile, Cressida begs her mom to let her leave her quarters. She also calls Lady Cowper out for being too harsh on the Bridgertons. Eloise was the only true friend Cressida had. LC asks where Eloise is now. She reminds her daughter that all she has in this world is herself. What a lonely existence.
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Later, we see Colin, Benedict, Will Mondrich (Martins Imhangbe) and Lord Kilmartin, aka John Stirling (Victor Alli), attending Colin’s stag party at a club. John states outright that Violet doesn’t like him. Benedict and Colin explain that Violet loves big, bold, romantic gestures. She wants a grand love for all her kids. They encourage him to step outside his comfort zone. Will and John depart, leaving two of the Bridgerton bros to chat. Benedict senses something’s amiss but leaves Colin to stew his feelings.
Meanwhile, Pen sits with Madame Delacroix (Kathryn Drysdale) in the latter’s shop. Pen reveals that Colin knows. She explains she tried giving up her column, but it felt like tearing away a piece of herself. Whistledown is power, and it gives her a voice. At the same time, Benny sits in the study, staring at Tilley’s calling card. The wheels are turning. Colin and Pen pass each other on the street as the latter departs the modiste. They have a big fight outside the shop.
Get It All Out
Pen apologizes for all the damage she’s done with her quill. Colin calls her out on writing disparaging remarks about Eloise, Marina and himself. Colin wonders if she meant what she said about his writing, especially since she is a renowned scribe across Mayfair. This argument culminates in Pen telling Colin she loves him. They kiss. Things get hot and heavy against a wall until a carriage passes by. Colin tries to conceal Pen from any prying eyes. Then, he helps her into her carriage before saying goodnight.
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Next, Colin reunites with Viscount and Viscountess Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley). Anthony and Kate offer Colin wonderful marriage advice. I love these Kanthony scenes in Season 3—especially Kate. Simone Ashley is mesmerizing and captures Kate’s essence.
The following morning, Agatha and Marcus hash it out. Marcus apologizes for impeding her escape from her arranged marriage all those years ago. He admits he was only 10 and didn’t know much of the world. Their father wasn’t the kindest to him either. Marcus regrets not standing up to him. Thankfully, Agatha accepts his apology. They joke around before Agatha invites him to attend Polin’s wedding.
The Big Day
Meanwhile, we see Pen getting dressed for her big day. Elsewhere, the queen has a long line of her subjects claiming they know the identity of the real Lady Whistledown. One man presents the idea that LW might not be a woman. This gets the wheels turning in Queen Charlotte’s head.
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Later, Will and Alice Mondrich (Emma Naomi), among many others, file into the church for the ceremony. Portia escorts Pen down the aisle to a classical rendition of “Yellow.” Our bride looks stunning. They exchange vows and the requisite smooch. Even Eloise looks emotional at the display of love.
Benedict finds Eloise munching on food alone at the wedding breakfast. The series addresses the loneliness she feels watching everyone she knows getting married. They’re setting her up for her season (whenever that may be). Meanwhile, Cressida packs her belongings. A maid arrives with tea, and she asks the maid for help.
Returning to India
Kate and Anthony discuss Edwina and her newfound love for the outdoors, thanks to her husband. Kate misses India, prompting Anthony to suggest she give birth to their child there. He wants their kid to know they’re a Bridgerton and a Sharma. Kate counters that Violet would be saddened to miss the birth of her grandchild. However, at the end of the day, marriage is about compromise. I love this, and I love Anthony for suggesting it. Kanthony’s chemistry is on point here.
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Meanwhile, Pen thanks her mother for arranging a wonderful wedding breakfast. Portia notes she’s noticed tension between Pen and Colin but hasn’t had time for her usual meddling. Pen and Colin reunite for a dance in the daylight. It’s not a ball, but Pen is tired of clinging to the walls. She wants to dance in the open with her husband. Aw. Our newlyweds begin dancing to a classical version of “You Belong With Me.” Others start catching on, joining Polin in the fun. Even John decides to be bold and asks Francesca to dance. It’s sweet.
Suddenly, Queen Charlotte, Brimsley (Hugh Sachs) and the queen’s crew arrive. They ask everyone to leave except the Bridgertons. Colin persuades Pen to stay because she’s now a Bridgerton. Here, the queen reveals her suspicion that one of them is harboring a secret. She asserts that nobody’s allowed to leave until one of them confesses. Pen looks panicked. Francesca, believing her engagement is said secret, tells Her Majesty that she’s engaged to John. However, the queen claims that’s not her concern. She believes one of them is Lady Whistledown.
She Is Whistledown
Anthony steps forward, stating that if someone were writing a secret gossip column in his household, he would’ve quashed it swiftly. The queen backs off but asserts that the rea LW will fold soon enough. After this, Pen declares she’s Whistledown to Colin and won’t change that. Colin states he can’t accept that. He plans to sleep on the sofa that night. Upon his departure, Eloise embraces Pen, comforting her.
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Later, Benedict returns to Tilley’s home, where she enters with Paul (Lucas Aurelio). He’s down to have some fun. Benedict starts kissing Tilley before making out with Paul. I’m glad the series has finally confirmed that he’s bi.
Elsewhere, Cressida approaches several printers, asking for payment for publishing her scandal sheet. She chats with one boy who reveals his former employer worked with the real Lady Whistledown. According to him, she has red hair. Cressida asks the boy what else he knows about LW. Oh, she’s definitely going to use this as ammo against Pen.
Bridgerton Season 3, Part 2 is now streaming on Netflix.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
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