As the eagerly awaited Hastings Ball nears its conclusion at the end of the week, Episode 8 of Bridgerton opens with Simon secretly plotting his departure. Daphne and Simon steal glances at each other during their portrait session, striving vainly to conceal their unmistakable love and affection.
Back at the Bridgerton Household, Eloise approaches Benedict with her concerns about Madame Delacroix, but he brushes them aside, refusing to entertain her suspicions. Meanwhile, Marina, now recovered from her fainting spell, decides to gather her belongings and return home. She apologizes to Penelope for the incident involving Colin and assures her that one day he will see her true self.
However, before Marina can depart, she receives an unexpected visitor—Philip, George Crane's brother. It transpires that George had written half-finished letters confessing his love for Marina, but he tragically perished in battle. Overwhelmed with grief, Marina confesses to Daphne that she was wrong to doubt his affections.
Determined to pursue her inquiries, Eloise sets out to confront Madame Delacroix and unravel the mystery surrounding her. But her efforts are cut short, and she eventually departs, unaware that Benedict has been listening in from the shadows the entire time.
Elsewhere, Will's highly anticipated boxing match commences, and Simon attends to watch. As the fight unfolds, he witnesses Will intentionally throwing the match. Lord Featherington, overconfident and eager to make a bet, stakes the deeds to his house and emerges victorious with a substantial payout.
Simon confronted Will, demanding answers about throwing the fight, but Will stubbornly refused to listen to his concerns. Instead, he dismissed Simon's questions, urging him to focus on his own troubled marriage for the meantime.
Back at the Featherington manor, Sir Philip made a surprising proposal to Marina, asking her to become his wife. However, Marina flatly refused, stating that she neither knew nor loved him. Despite his desire to fulfill his late brother's wishes, Marina's rejection stung, and she firmly told him to leave. Believing she was no longer carrying a child, she was resolute in her refusal to indulge in any marriage schemes.
Lady Featherington's fortunes suddenly changed when she learned that her husband had returned home with a considerable sum of money earned from the boxing ring. This unexpected windfall meant that she would finally be able to purchase new dresses for her daughters, much to their delight.
Marina suddenly experienced severe stomach pains, prompting a hasty trip to the doctor. Lying in bed, the doctor confirmed that Marina was indeed still pregnant and that the tea she had consumed had no impact on her condition.
Daphne embarked on her own investigation, uncovering information about Simon's past speech problems. Lady Danbury arrived, and the two women discussed the difficulties of Simon's childhood and how Lady Danbury had overcome them to raise him well.
This revelation softened Daphne's attitude towards Simon. As they sat together enjoying breakfast, she invited him to accompany her to Bridgerton House to meet her family. There, they bonded like long-lost friends, as the various subplots of their story began to coalesce and develop. For the moment, all seemed to be going well for the pair.The eagerly awaited final Ball of the season is about to commence, and Anthony extends a warm invitation to Siena to accompany him. However, she firmly declines his offer, declaring that he has lost her favor. She rejects the idea of dressing up for the occasion, insisting that she is content with her life as it is, without him.
Meanwhile, Daphne and Simon reunite, engaging in their familiar playful banter. Now armed with the truth, the Duke and Duchess prepare for their final dance as the guests begin to arrive. Eloise enters the ballroom in a stunning ballgown, nervous about the possibility of being matched up at the end of the season. The Featherington family also arrives at the party, but Lord Featherington finds himself in a precarious situation as the two men he had gambled with corner him in an upstairs bedroom.
Elsewhere, Colin and Penelope cross paths again. Colin apologizes for his foolish behavior and lack of insight, while Penelope is poised to reveal her true feelings for him. However, to her dismay, Colin announces that he is leaving town. Heartbroken, Penelope rushes outside.
Meanwhile, Eloise receives startling news about Delacroix's predicament. The Queen is closing in on the identity of Lady Whistledown and intends to unmask her that very night. Determined to thwart the plan, Eloise intervenes, stopping the guards as they are about to ambush a horse-drawn carriage with its occupant inside.
Back at the party, the heavens open up, sending a downpour that sends everyone scrambling for cover. Yet, Daphne and Simon remain standing, giggling and engaging in open conversation. Simon apologizes for their past misunderstandings, and Daphne confirms that she has read his letters and is aware of his past.
In the end, she confesses her deep love for Simon to him, flaws and imperfections included. This confession eventually leads to a reunion of their bodies, this time filled with pure joy and genuine affection, devoid of any deceit.
Back at their home, Lady Featherington receives the shocking news that her husband has perished. To her dismay, she discovers that the money she had secreted away in her drawer has vanished. Despite her despair, she maintains a resolute facade as Marina departs with Sir Philip, honoring George's wishes in the end.
Colin also departs, leaving Anthony grappling with the aftermath of his romantic entanglement with Siena and struggling to move forward. Eloise learns the startling revelation that Madame Delacroix is not the mysterious Lady Whistledown... but rather, it's Penelope! A delightful twist indeed, well done, Bridgerton!
As time passes, Daphne gives birth to a handsome baby boy. Simon holds his child in his arms and smiles, deciding to uphold the Bridgerton family tradition and christen him with a name beginning with 'A'. Perhaps 'August' or 'Alexander'? Such a choice aptly encapsulates the essence of this captivating series that has spanned over eight enthralling hours.
