Bridgerton Recap: Garden Body Party
Reader: I screamed. Ultimately, “An Affair of Honor” convincingly proves that Bridgerton is a speculative historical romance. We learn from Lady Danbury that the overarching world of Bridgerton is not just the result of color-conscious casting by the show’s creators, but also an alternate history that occurred because King George III fell in love with Queen Charlotte and elevated other people of color—most notably black royal subjects—to the nobility. The idea that love itself changes the course of social and cultural relationships in a historical romance? Perfect. It drives me crazy that this was kept from us until midway through episode four. I wish this had been revealed earlier or more revealing because it was a great way to use the love, the foundation of the story and the genre as a whole, to imagine a more inclusive past based on what historians know about Queen Charlotte’s black ancestors.
Bridgerton walks a fine line against the anxiety of what is considered strict historical accuracy and reimagines Regency England as an inclusive society on every level while modeling some characters like Queen Charlotte and Will Mondrich (based on Bill Richmond) after historical people of color. As the show’s creators, historical consultants like Bridgerton’s David Olusoga (author of books like Black and British: A Forgotten History), film directors, and writers restore people of color to all-white spaces like Regency England, they are often questioned and forced to provide a series of sources from a suspiciously broken box of available evidence.
The truth is that there were people of color in England in 1813, and even if they were high-ranking, the next 200 years have provided ample opportunity to hide and erase their presence. I studied a black Duke, Alessandro de’ Medici of Florence, who ruled in the 16th century. While completing my doctoral thesis on how later Florentines shaped historical memories of Duke Alessandro, I learned that chronicles had been edited to change his title from “duke” to “tyrant,” a priceless letter from his mother had disappeared from the archives, and his daughter had been painted out of a portrait. At no point did those who erased Alessandro and his family from the record have to explain their motives, but Duke Alessandro’s family was vilified and erased.
Bridgerton doesn’t just recreate a white Regency alternate universe with black actors in the lead roles. This is a new version of the AU with a specific racial history influenced by love. The show is a major contribution to the historical romance genre, and I hope we learn all about this world as the season goes on.
At the beginning of the episode leading up to the midpoint of Bridgerton’s first season, Daphne and Violet walk through the palace hallways, where people are talking positively about them because of Prince Friedrich’s interest in Daphne. Someone calls Daphne a commoner, which confuses me, but it makes sense since she’s the daughter of a Viscount, not a noble. Queen Charlotte enters wearing the most gorgeous dreadlocked wig on her head. I would be remiss if I didn’t point out her collection of shoulder-length braids, held in what is definitely a solid gold cuff, reminiscent of the hairstyles many 19th century beauties wore for their Wikipedia portraits. Perfect and the best way to show the world of Bridgerton in one image.
Turns out the invitation is from Prince Friedrich, and he rewards Daphne for braving traffic across town with a piece from Claire’s 1813 ball collection. As Friedrich puts the necklace on, Daphne imagines Simon touching her neck and almost needs some smelling salts in front of the entire court. Now that’s hot, phew. Friedrich realizes she’s having a moment, but also understands that she’s unwell, which doesn’t bode well for their wedding bed. Queen Charlotte talks about Daphne’s elevation to princess like it’s a done deal, so the pressure is ON in this episode.
Lady Whistledown returns to brag about Daphne’s jump from future duchess to princess, but Daphne herself confirms to Hyacinth that she’s not engaged yet. As Whistledown predicts Simon won’t back down from a fight for Daphne’s hand, he’s at the boxing saloon. Will Mondrich and his wife Alice walk in to remind Simon that he needs to support the family’s financial health by showing up at the fight so his fancy friends can bet on Will. I’m distracted by the fact that if that’s really how boxing purses work, Will needs to join Siena at the solicitor’s office to draw up a better contract.
