In the latest issue of Lady Whistledown's gossip column, Episode 5 of Bridgerton Season 4 commences with Penelope issuing a warning to men about their mistresses. However, it's a secret known to all that she's referring to Benedict's friend, Hiscox, and his mistress, Virginia. Portia urges Penelope to name names in her column, but the latter claims she won't expose anyone anymore as it could ruin lives.
Sophie ignores Benedict's persistent waiting for her answer to his mistress offer. Meanwhile, Violet and Marcus are involved in an affair, and the former no longer seems as nervous about being caught. Hyacinth is preparing for a recital, a rehearsal ball for her peers. As Alfie and Mrs. Varley gossip, we learn that the current Lord Penwood has finally married and his wife wants to move up in society. This is why Araminta has been kicked out of the house.
While moving, Araminta finally notices that the "diamond" shoe clips are missing. Posy tries to redirect her attention, but Araminta tells Mrs. Varley that Sophie has stolen them. Sophie tells Alfie about Benedict but the butler doesn't think there's anything wrong with being a mistress. Sophie disagrees and decides to rejoin the Penwoods with Violet's letter of recommendation.
Benedict too chooses to confide in someone and selects Will. He finally learns of his mistake as Will reveals that no one likes to be hidden. And even if they cannot marry, it's not about honesty but about the gesture. She needs to know he's sure about his feelings for her.
As for Will's wife, it's Alice's first day as a lady-in-waiting. As expected, Queen Charlotte barely spares her a glance and orders Lady Danbury to resume the hunt for Benedict's lady in silver. Not one to give up, Danbury redirects it to Alice who is uncomfortable with spying on Benedict. However, Danbury reasons that having the Queen's favor will only benefit the Bridgertons.
Days have ticked by, yet Michaela persists in John's company, imbibing and indulging in late-night chatter with him. This upends Francesca's world, where routine reigns supreme over Michaela's unbridled spontaneity. John acquiesces to her wishes and agrees to adhere to her stringent schedule. However, he grows increasingly fatigued, and Francesca worries that it's a reflection of her shortcomings as a wife. He reassures her that it's merely the stress of work and that Michaela's companionship provides him with solace. Envious, Francesca decides to set up Michaela with a suitor, but John begs her not to, as Michaela intends to remain a spinster.
Meanwhile, Hyacinth ejects Eloise from her finishing lessons, and Violet reminds Eloise of their agreement: if she's not engrossed in lessons, she must rejoin the marriage mart. Fuming, Eloise struggles to reconcile with Hyacinth. Benedict steps in to help by suggesting Eloise purchase a feather for her recital outfit, but the shopping trip is merely a pretext to meet with Sophie, who is chaperoning Eloise. He apologizes for his previous proposal but is met with a blunt rejection from Sophie. She even informs Violet of her impending departure. Violet wonders if there's more to it and enlists Mrs. Wilson to delve into Sophie's past. While inquiring, Wilson encounters Varley defending Portia against the other housekeepers' comparisons to the ruthless Araminta. Varley piques Wilson's curiosity, and Wilson reveals that Sophie has been an exemplary maid. Another housekeeper inadvertently reveals that she worked with Sophie's mother, and this information trickles back to Violet. She realizes that Sophie is the illegitimate child of a noble man and is dismayed that she's unsuitable for marriage... (Did she figure out that Sophie and Benedict have a thing?!)
Turning back to the Whistledown predicament, Virginia storms up to Pen, revealing that she's been ostracized and Hiscox has dropped her. Whistledown lends credibility to rumors, and she blames Pen for unraveling their love.
Hiscox is sulking as Benedict approaches him. He reveals that he couldn't fix things and that he ended them solely to save Virginia's reputation. While preparing for the recital, Sophie stumbles upon Benedict's room and sees his sketches of the Silver Lady. He appears just then, confessing his love for her and dismissing the Silver Lady as he only cares for Sophie. He tries to kiss her, but she stops him, hurt that he takes liberties with her that he wouldn't with nobility like the Silver Lady. As memory serves, he had hesitated to kiss her at the ball because it wasn't right. As a maid, she still has some dignity and cannot let him strip it away. He apologizes and leaves.
Downstairs, he finds Colin and the Featherington husbands advising Gregory on how to find love. He's lost in thought as Colin explains that the only way is to declare one's love. Later, Gregory and Hyacinth argue on the right way to court someone. Apparently, Daphne had told Hyacinth about wooing with lemonade. Violet decides to tell them that she's inviting Marcus to the recital as a friend. They fill in the subtext, and all three get awkward. Eloise offers the feather as an olive branch, but Hyacinth believes she's mocking her.
The recital begins, but Michaela ends up hosting a soiree at the same time, which annoys Francesca. Michaela holds everyone's attention as she regales them with her adventurous tales. Similarly, Pen is unable to attend as Queen Charlotte calls her to scold her for not committing to Lady Whistledown anymore. Pen shares her discomfort over ruining lives and decides to retire Lady Whistledown. Charlotte is annoyed that everyone is changing the status quo and refuses.
The older guests find the kids adorable. Gregory declares that he has fallen in love with a girl called Rochelle. Hyacinth likes a boy but he has no manners, which annoys her. Eloise is swarmed by suitors, and her mother pushes her to behave. Marcus shows up, and Violet cosies up to him, which Benedict notices. Alice tries to find out about his special lady from Violet but Mama Bridgerton is tight-lipped as she watches Benedict move to stand next to Sophie.
Back at the soiree, Francesca encourages a suitor to approach Michaela. Upset, Michaela storms off. John too is unhappy, and Francesca offers to apologize. She finds Michaela lounging on the library floor and ends up lashing out as she can't handle her chaotic nature. She confesses that she thinks she's a bad wife and is envious of how John is comfortable with Michaela. Michaela comforts her and confides that she only hangs out with John as he's the only one she's comfortable with. They agree to be friends.
Meanwhile, Araminta keeps finding faults with Varley and wants to fire her. To keep her position, Varley reveals that Sophie is working with the Bridgertons. Pen also writes about people from opposing worlds being attracted to each other. But the desire isn't the problem; it's the world.
Back at the ball, Sophie overhears gossip that Araminta is their next-door neighbor. She panics and goes upstairs. Benedict tries to follow her, but Violet stops him, claiming it's inappropriate. He calls her out for being a hypocrite and having an affair and tells her to mind her business. He goes to Sophie and tries to comfort her. She drags him to a room and begs him to leave her alone. Alice, who's searching for her son, overhears them.
Back inside, Sophie laments that she hates Benedict for showing her a world she can't be a part of. He's equally emotional, declaring that he hates the world for stopping him from being with the one he loves. He will give up his life for her and doesn't care if he doesn't marry. She reveals she loves him too and they kiss passionately. They end up having sex together in a moment of intense emotion and desire for each other.
