Bridgerton

"A Love Soiree"

By

Isabella Stowers

Act 4 Scene 3
INT. MANSION - NIGHT

Penelope's steps are heavy with sorrow as she navigates the

elegant ballroom, intent on escaping the soiree that has
brought her nothing but heartache. Her vision is still blurry
with unshed tears, and the weight of Colin's words makes her
shield her sniffles behind her hand.

Vibrant fabrics are swirling on the dance floor and laughter

surrounds Penelope as she tries to maneuver through the
crowd. In her peripheral, she sees Colin speaking with his
earlier dance partner, and keeps moving hastily.

Eloise stands in a corner observing the attendees and she

sees Penelope rush by. Clutching her notebook, she hurries
after Penelope with only her Lady Whistledown investigation
consuming her thoughts.

As she follows after her friend, she trips up on her dress'

fabric and bunches it up in her hand, groaning in
frustration. Eloise calls out to Penelope, but her voice is
muffled by the music and frenzy of the soiree.

INT. MANSION FOYER - NIGHT

Penelope finally escapes the ballroom and races the steps to

the grand mansion doors. Eloise catches up and calls out once
more.

ELOISE
(urgently)
Penelope, wait!

Penelope halts just as she reaches the doorway, her back

still turned to Eloise. She brushes away a tear that escapes
and takes a shaky breath.

ELOISE
(out of breath)
Penelope, I really need your help with
my Lady Whistledown investigation. I'm
closer than ever to discovering her
identity.

Penelope's frustration simmers beneath the surface, and she

finally turns to Eloise, her eyes ablaze with emotion.

PENELOPE
(angrily)
Eloise, can't you see that I'm upset?
This is not the time for your silly
 2.

investigation!

ELOISE
(determined)
Penelope, this is more than just
"silly." It is profound! Lady
Whistledown has been revealing secrets
and scandals about everyone in town,
and I'm close to exposing her.

Penelope's patience snaps. She stomps toward Eloise, and her

voice trembles with anger.

PENELOPE
(shouting)
Important?! You're always so wrapped
up in your Lady Whistledown nonsense!
Can't you see that I'm hurting right
now?

Eloise is taken aback by Penelope's outburst, and for a

moment, she is at a loss for words. Her eyes are wide, and
she stumbles over her words.

PENELOPE
Your brother has already said enough,
I do not wish to hear MORE nonsense
this evening.

ELOISE
My brother? Penelope, I didn't
realize... I'm sorry.

PENELOPE
(teary-eyed)
Sorry isn't going to change anything.
I thought you were my friend, but it
seems like your investigation is more
important to you than my feelings.

Eloise's frustration flares, her dedication to her

investigation clouding her judgment. She waves her notebook
in front of her.

ELOISE
(defensive)
Lady Whistledown is hurting everyone
in London with her revelations. If I
can unmask her, I will be helping more
people than you can imagine.
 3.

PENELOPE
Well, maybe you should focus on
helping your own friend for once! Lady
Whistledown may be hurting others, but
you have hurt me, Eloise!

The words hang in the air like a heavy cloud, and Eloise is
stunned into silence.

ELOISE
Penelope... I did not mean to...

PENELOPE
(dismissively)
Just forget it, I do not want to talk
about it right now.

Penelope turns and walks away, her tears pouring down as now
the Bridgerton's she cared most about hurt her. Her lace
gloves are damp as she keeps wiping her tears. Penelope
swings the door open, and she slams it behind her. The sound
echoes throughout the foyer, but only Eloise is aware.

She watches Penelope's figure through the window, and

realizes she just pushed her closest friend away for her
investigation. Eloise stares down at her Lady Whistledown
notebook and grips it tightly in her hands as a tear falls
down.

The grandeur of Lady Whistledown's soiree suddenly feels

hollow as Eloise stumbles back up the steps to the ballroom.