Episode 4 of Bridgerton Season 4 unfolds with Benedict escorting Sophie to the Bridgerton mansion. The sheer effectiveness of Araminta's blacklist has left her jobless, but Benedict steps in to offer her employment. Sophie is initially outraged and uncomfortable, yet he assures her that he'll stay out of her way. Violet hesitates but agrees to make her a temporary lady's maid for Benedict's sake.
Sophie quickly fits in with the staff, befriending John, Celia, and Mrs. Wilson. She's also pleasantly surprised when Benedict keeps his promise and hires Hazel, the other maid. However, the tension between her and Benedict persists as they continue to search for each other.
In other developments, Gregory returns home. Violet seems to be getting bolder with Marcus. She seeks Mrs. Wilson's advice and the caretaker suggests a night off for everyone so that Violet can invite Marcus over. Violet is a bit embarrassed but Mrs. Wilson assures her that she deserves to live her life.
Hyacinth tries to bond with Eloise, who ends up swooning over Sophie, who has read the same books as she has. Benedict resumes his search for the elusive silver lady but to no avail. Francesca tries to seduce Lord John but gets embarrassed when she's sloppy.
In her free time, Sophie sits with the staff, who gossip about a new neighbor and wonder if she's a mistress since there's no man in the house. Mrs. Wilson smoothly comments that no mistresses are welcome in their neighborhood.
One evening, Benedict checks in on Sophie, and she assures him that she's not mad at him anymore. She fixes his shirt, and they almost kiss before he walks away.
He spends his evenings at the gentleman's club with John, Colin, and Will, where they notice an old friend with his mistress whom he's deeply in love with. Benedict is thrilled by the sight, but Colin and Will look down upon the idea of a mistress.
Meanwhile, the ladies gather for a girls' night at Lady Danbury's and discuss the silver lady. Violet nudges Francesca to host a night so that she can have her romantic tryst with Marcus. Eloise and Hyacinth comment on how well-read and skilled Sophie is, which surprises Violet.
The next day, Violet tries to learn more about Sophie and feels sad that she has no family or prospects. She offers her a permanent position and confides to Danbury that she feels maternal towards Sophie. Danbury, however, has other problems as she wants to suggest Alice as Charlotte's new lady-in-waiting. She knows that she's being selfish as Alice won't like it. Nevertheless, Violet repeats Mrs. Wilson's advice about how they have earned the right to live their lives happily.
That night, Benedict finds Sophie gazing at the stars and she reveals that she misses the cottage. They get too close and before she can leave, he begs her not to go. She tells him about Violet's offer and how she has always wanted to be a part of a family like his. He states that she deserves more but won't jeopardize her employment if she wants to stay. She thinks it's a bad idea and retires for the night, ultimately giving in to her desires by touching herself while thinking of Benedict.
Taking Violet's advice, Danbury takes Alice to Charlotte. Alice seems to have found Benedict's silver lady, and as her reward, Charlotte makes her lady-in-waiting. Alice is upset, while Charlotte still expects Danbury to spend time with her.
Meanwhile, Alice's intelligence reaches Violet, who hosts the enigmatic Miss Hollis. The encounter begins promisingly as Benedict begins to believe that Miss Hollis could indeed be the Silver Lady. However, his smile fades when Sophie serves them, and he becomes distracted, burning his hand with the hot tea. Miss Hollis and her companion excuse themselves, revealing that they didn't attend the masquerade. Realizing that the quest for the Silver Lady is a bust, Benedict tries to explain himself to Sophie. She asks him to stop leading her on, stating that nothing can happen between them. She begs him to leave, and he gives in, returning to his bachelor lodgings.
As for Francesca, she's nervous about hosting her family. John asks about her seduction attempt, and she confides that she's open to trying more things. But when they do get together, it doesn't seem to be working for her. She pretends to like it, and he catches on. She blames herself, but he assures her that she's perfect just the way she is. Touched, she kisses him.
Meanwhile, Alice gives Danbury the cold shoulder, and the latter apologizes. However, Danbury sees herself in Alice and believes she has the potential to rise higher and become an unstoppable force. Even Will seems intrigued by the idea of Alice being Charlotte's right-hand man.
It's the night of Francesca's dinner party, also known as Violet's dalliance. Violet finds Benedict sulking and promises that he'll find that spark again with some other lady. Mrs. Wilson gives the staff the night off, and they head to a tavern. Sophie decides to accept the permanent position. The Bridgertons head to Francesca's, and Violet feigns an illness.
At the dinner party, Hyacinth tries to make small talk with Eloise, gushing about Francesca's hostess tendencies. Eloise shuts her up, and Hyacinth is hurt. She calls Eloise out for not trying and being self-obsessed. John and Francesca have a surprise guest - Michaela who drives her own carriage. Francesca looks pale, and Michaela notices.
At home, Violet is nervous as she waits for Marcus. But when he arrives, she jumps him, and he's delighted. Benedict cannot stop thinking about Sophie and decides to pursue her. At the same time, Sophie has forgotten her coin purse and heads back into the Bridgerton house. They meet in the servant's stairwell and kiss, which then escalates.
Benedict makes a romantic confession of how he wants to give her everything and makes an offer - he wants her to be his mistress. At this, she is upset and leaves, confusing Benedict. Just as Sophie leaves with the other servants, a carriage arrives. Araminta has moved into the house next door, and Varley is their housekeeper.
