An Offer From a Gentleman

It is April 30, 1817. Lady Whistledown reports on the Bridgerton siblings who are still unwed. Benedict is bored at the house party hosted by Philip Cavender and decides to leave. Sophie has been working as a maid in the Cavender household, but since Philip has been pursuing her, she wishes to find new employment. As she packs her bags and leaves the house, Philip and two of his drunken friends accost and restrain her, threatening to coerce her into sex.

Benedict interrupts. He asks Sophie if she consents to sex with these men, and she says no. Philip says that he’ll fire Sophie if she doesn’t do what he says, and Benedict promises to find Sophie work in his mother’s household. Sophie is stunned to see him, her “Prince Charming”: “Benedict Bridgerton, standing before her like a hero from her dreams, and she […] thought maybe she had died, because why else would he be here with her unless she was in heaven?” (115). Sophie waits for him to recognize her, but he doesn’t.

Benedict drives Sophie to his house, which is nearby. She thanks him for rescuing her but struggles with the awful realization that he doesn’t remember her.