The fourth season of Bridgerton begins with Sophie and Benedict making their way to London. They bicker over the distance and the weather, but she proves right when it rains. He decides to stop by his "cottage," which is actually an estate. The class difference is evident as he doesn't have a key, and she breaks into the cottage. He has no idea how to make a fire, but she builds one in an instant.
He hides his injury but ends up getting a fever from the infection. She nurses him, and in his delirium, he asks her to kiss him, believing she is the lady from the masquerade. Unfortunately, he doesn't realize that he's right.
Back in London, Lady Whistledown writes about the Maids War. Araminta has poached multiple skilled staff members from other households to replace Sophie. This has led to everyone fighting and poaching staff members to fill the void. Even Varley gets an offer and turns it down in hopes of Portia Featherington raising her wages. Portia claims she doesn't have the money and instead gifts Varley her old dresses.
Charlotte finds this gossip about the staff boring and dismisses Danbury's ethical concerns. The Queen also doesn't notice that Danbury is simply indulging her whims and fancies. Benedict has advised Violet to go easy on Eloise, but Mama Bridgerton has other plans. If Eloise won't be courted, she is to chaperone Hyacinth's etiquette lessons. Eloise is further annoyed during the lessons when she sees how spinsters are treated.
The next day, the cottage caretakers, the Crabtrees, arrive, and Benedict insists that they treat Sophie as a guest. He convinces her to wear old Bridgerton dresses and she hides her necklace. The caretakers refuse to let Benedict leave until he is fully healed, and he, in turn, insists that Sophie enjoy the countryside instead of working. It cuts to a fidgety Sophie pulling out weeds in the garden instead of relaxing.
She encounters him at the library, her heart skipped a beat as she marveled at his artwork. He casually mentions that he can secure jobs for her and Hazel, touching her deeply. She attempts to sneak away with a French tome, surprising him with her proficiency in the language. Their conversation leads to a tantalizing moment, nearly turning into a kiss, until Mr. Crabtree abruptly intervenes.
That night, Francesca and John share an intimate moment. Her conscience pricks her as they haven't had a child yet, and he wonders if reaching the pinnacle might aid conception. On her next outing with Colin and Pen, she observes their constant longing for each other. She enquires about the pinnacle from Pen, who explains that it's a "magical feeling" experienced during sex, further confusing Francesca.
Meanwhile, Danbury rants to Alice about Charlotte's attachment to her, suggesting that no one can replace her. Alice, in a casual tone, remarks that Charlotte might not be interested in them due to their perceived irreplaceability.
Back at the cottage, Sophie diligently washes the dishes while Mrs. Crabtree finds amusement in her restless energy, advising her to accept Benedict's kindness. Sophie reveals her fascination with him, prompting Crabtree to remind her of her station.
At a garden party, Araminta's arrival stirs discontent among the ladies, who resent her for starting the Maids War. Marcus flirts with Violet, making her nervous. Adding to their woes, Francesca questions Violet about the pinnacle, prompting an embarrassed Violet to explain the "magical feeling," which only further confuses Francesca.
As for our main couple, Benedict convinces Sophie to fly a kite with him, much to his own amusement. She teases him as he initially struggles, and they end up bantering and goofing around. Mrs. Crabtree watches from afar, worried that Sophie's reputation might be ruined if anyone were to see them. Unbeknownst to the caretaker, Sophie later happens upon a naked Benedict swimming. He accuses her of following him, but she accidentally confesses that she can't stop watching him. They share a passionate kiss before she becomes awkward and formal again.
Mrs. Crabtree observes that something has happened and warns Benedict about the power imbalance between him and Sophie. She advises him to focus on something else, like the silver lady. Meanwhile, Varley notices Portia buying new clothes and decides to stand up for herself. Portia calls her bluff and looks upset as Varley leaves.
Lady Danbury, aware that Charlotte loves a challenge, bets that she can find an exciting lady-in-waiting. Predictably, Charlotte agrees to the challenge. Following his conversation with Crabtree, Benedict declares that it is time to leave. He apologizes to Sophie for the kiss and claims that he regrets it. This seems to hurt her deeply.
Next, a desperate Francesca goes to Pen and asks her outright what a pinnacle is. Pen is more accurate in describing an orgasm but ends up comparing it to warm biscuits. Right then, Eloise joins them and they laugh off the conversation instead of explaining what they are talking about. Eloise feels left out.
It cuts to Violet approaching Marcus and rambling about how she wants him but is nervous and scared. He promises to wait as long as she wants and they share a passionate kiss.
At the end of the episode, Sophie changes back into her maid's dress and hides her necklace under her collar. As they leave, Benedict asks if she has any opinions about the route. She bitterly states that it's not her place.
