In the opening of Episode 7 of Bridgerton Season 4, the Bridgerton and Kilmartin families are immersed in mourning. Anthony returns to his family, and Benedict is tasked with delivering a poignant eulogy. The family strives to console an overwhelmed Francesca, but she refuses to allow herself to grieve, choosing instead to focus on chores, funeral duties, and correspondence. Sophie steps in to offer her a moment of escape, pretending to fix her hair and offering her a private moment of comfort. Alone, she urges Francesca to honor the memories of her loved ones and suddenly realizes that her mother's necklace is missing.
Araminta is frustrated that she wasn't invited to the funeral, but her attention is diverted by the arrival of Lord Stotter, a wealthy suitor for Rosamund. She confides in Posy that she needs to catch up with Sophie, as the girl has already stolen Benedict from Rosamund and might do the same with Stotter. Sophie finds Benedict mourning John in the garden and tries to comfort him, but he refuses, fearing that he'll break down if she stays. They share a tearful farewell, wondering if this might be the last time they see each other.
After the funeral, Michaela and Francesca are left alone. Michaela is unimpressed by the stiff English traditions and misses the Scottish tradition of celebrating the dead. She expresses a desire to host such an event for John, but Francesca snaps at her, insisting that it's not proper.
Lady Danbury joins Sophie in leaving, bidding Violet farewell as Mama Bridgerton expresses her concern for Francesca. She also decides to keep her betrothal to Marcus a secret, not wanting to burden Francesca further.
Next, Danbury visits Queen Charlotte to say her goodbyes. Charlotte is fussy at first but then confesses that she misses Lady Whistledown and feels cut off from society without the column. She's unaware of what's happening, just like John's funeral.
This passage paints a vivid picture of the emotional turmoil and cultural differences within the Bridgerton family as they navigate their grief and navigate the social conventions of their time.
Pen and Eloise try to reassure Francesca that it's okay to let go, but she refuses. She finally reveals that she needs to stay calm for the sake of her unborn child. She's pregnant!
Violet tries to check up on Benedict and how he's dealing with his breakup. He calls her a hypocrite for encouraging love matches but rejecting his feelings due to class differences. She's in a daze and comes across Sophie looking for her necklace. She seems to be assuaging her guilt by declaring that if Sophie had been of nobility, she would have accepted their relationship.
Elsewhere, Hyacinth is disillusioned by the idea of love, calling it a source of suffering. She starts destroying her things in preparation for her debut. Eloise is helpless as Hyacinth claims she will join her in their spinsterhood.
Sophie plans to leave in a week, but Alfie suddenly alerts her that the Penwoods couldn't wait and have hired someone else. But there's no need to fret; there's an opening for a maid in a family shifting to the Americas in just three days.
The House of Lords needs to confirm Francesca's pregnancy for matters of succession. She's uncomfortable when they insist, and Benedict gets defensive, upset that society keeps intruding into every aspect of their lives. But he's unable to stop them, and Francesca gives in. The examination is painful, only for them to learn that she's not pregnant.
Upset by the whole thing, Benedict causes a scene, and Sophie checks on him. He's scared that every time they meet, it will be their last. They hold hands, and he sadly accepts their fate.
That night, Violet tries to comfort Francesca, who berates her for pretending that they are the same. She hates that she couldn't do her duty as a wife and blames herself for not being able to give John a child.
Violet, lost and seeking refuge in the memories of her late husband, Edmund, believes he would have all the answers. Mrs. Wilson reassures her that she doesn't need answers but to show her love. Inspired by this, Violet approaches Benedict once more, promising to love him unconditionally, regardless of his decision. However, she warns him that if he chooses Sophie, it will be a life of hardships.
Meanwhile, Benedict spends time with Francesca, comforting her as she struggles to move on. He insists that she was a good wife but finds it hard for her to let go. Desperate, she decides to give Michaela's idea a shot.
Araminta sets a trap, grounding Posy for mocking Rosamund and loudly declaring that she will have Sophie arrested for stealing the shoe clips. Once she is gone, Posy sneaks out to warn Sophie. They have a bittersweet farewell as Sophie confides that she is moving to the Americas.
When Posy returns, Araminta shares her sob story about how risky it is to be a two-timed widow with children. They cannot have any weaknesses, and Sophie is their weakness for being an illegitimate child. Posy confidently shares that Sophie won't be a problem anymore as she is leaving that night.
At the Kilmartins' event, Sophie bids Hazel goodbye. Hazel wonders about her necklace, but Sophie realizes she only kept it as a reminder of her mother's mistakes. At Michaela's event, everyone shares their memories of John. Francesca joins them and reveals that he made her feel like she belonged and that the love he gave her outweighed the pain. They dance a Scottish dance, laughing and enjoying themselves. Benedict is inspired by Francesca's words and decides to go after Sophie. On his way out, Violet reveals that she has left his grandmother's ring for him.
He rushes home and finds Sophie's necklace by his bed. He finally recognizes it as the same one worn by the silver lady. He goes to her room and finds the silver lady's glove. He puts the pieces together and gets ready to follow her. However, there is a hitch as Hazel reveals that Sophie is leaving for the Americas but no one knows which family, ship, or harbour she will take.
Outside, Sophie is arrested with Araminta accusing her of theft and impersonation. She is taken away long before Benedict comes out of the house.
