As a movie critic, I must confess that while Netflix’s “Bridgerton” is undeniably named after the intriguing Bridgerton siblings and their romantic entanglements, it’s essential to acknowledge the pivotal role of Lady Whistledown. Indeed, the narrative’s backbone is woven through the tantalizing tidbits shared by this unseen scribe, brilliantly voiced by Julie Andrews. Throughout the first season, the audience and characters alike were spellbound by the intrigue surrounding the author’s clandestine identity. Though we finally learned that Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) was behind the pen in the finale, none of the characters had guessed it until Eloise’s revelation at the end of Season 2. As for the Ton, they were left guessing until the climax of Season 3, when Penelope chose to reveal herself as the writer at her sisters’ ball after being cornered by Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen). Blackmail or not, it was a decision that shook the very foundations of society.
Prior to the unveiling of the real identity behind the enigmatic columnist, readers were subtly guided with various hints and hidden references. Some were clear, such as Whistledown’s articles detailing Marina’s pregnancy and her absence from reporting on the Queen’s luncheon. Yet, there were others that could be easily overlooked.
As you eagerly await the arrival of Season 4 on Netflix, spice up your downtime by discovering these 10 hidden hints from Season 1 that may have alluded you, revealing possible clues about Lady Whistledown’s true identity.
10
Pen Holds a Quill in the Show’s First Scene
In the opening moments of the premiere episode of Bridgerton, I found myself captivated by the Featherington women preparing for their presentations before Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel), a tradition marking the start of society’s season. As Portia (Polly Walker) aggressively laced her eldest daughter, Prudence (Bessie Carter), into a corset, Penelope stood by with a quill in hand. The scene then subtly shifted focus to Pen, whose hand held a feather – a hint of Lady Whistledown’s voiceover yet to come.
The First Minute-and-a-Half Gives Away Plenty
Initially, it might go unnoticed during a first viewing, but attentive viewers on a second watch may pick up on it. The quill isn’t the only hint dropped in that initial minute. In the opening scene, Whistledown calls Portia a “tasteless, tactless mama,” which aligns with Penelope’s growing feelings towards her mother as the series unfolds. As we shift to the Bridgerton household, Whistledown compliments the family in a manner similar to how Penelope perceives them throughout the season, describing them as “a surprisingly fertile family, renowned for their abundance of strikingly handsome sons and stunningly beautiful daughters.
9
The Double Lord Byron Reference
In the initial episode, following the title sequence, Lady Whistledown concludes her introduction for her column. As she signs off, she playfully suggests that if it’s true that a female writer is more dog-like than any other living or deceased female, then this author is ready to bare her teeth. This statement references an old saying attributed to Lord Byron, which he wrote in a letter to John Cam Hobhouse in 1812, aimed at author Anna Seward.
A Well-Read Lady
Later in the episode, Byron is mentioned again. After capturing the attention of several gentlemen at Lady Danbury’s ball, a group of admirers vying for Marina’s (Ruby Walker) affection pay an unexpected visit to the Featherington residence the following day. One of them reads a rather poor poem he wrote for her. Colin (Luke Newton) then remarks to Penelope, “That sonnet was truly dreadful.” To which she responds, “He’s no Lord Byron,” giving the viewers a subtle clue that was missed by most.
8
Eloise Mentions Penelope in the First Newsletter Scene
In the opening ten minutes of Bridgerton, the scene was brimming with hints. Furthermore, when Whistledown’s newsletter made its appearance for the first time, Eloise subtly dropped a clue by talking about her friend. As Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) was being dressed, Eloise casually mentioned her friend during their conversation, saying, “I must go visit Penelope.” It wasn’t a mere coincidence that the first time any character held the newsletter in the show, they were referring to Penelope.
Two Scenes That Say Plenty
The barely noticeable gesture towards the hidden writer was a significant yet subtle hint, considering it occurred during the initial 10 minutes of the series and we weren’t on the lookout for clues then. Looking back now, it seems intentionally planned, more so when considering the following scene. As we transitioned to the Featherington household, Penelope was spotted by a window engrossed in a book – a testament to her intellectuality, an unusual trait among young women during that era.
7
Lady Whistledown’s “Mistake”
Immediately after the previous hint, we find ourselves in Portia Featherington’s sitting room, where she and her daughters are joined by Lady Araminta Crowper (Joanna Bobin). The head of the Featherington family is furious about Whistledown’s compliments for Daphne, suspecting that Viscountess Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) might be the one writing the gossip column. To emphasize the unreliability of Whistledown, she highlights an inaccuracy: the author claimed only three girls from her household would debut this season, but there are actually more.
An Act of Wishful Thinking
Afterward, Penelope proposes taking a break from the current season: “If you’re fine with just having three young ladies in your charge, I’d be more than happy to skip this season.” It turned out that she wasn’t making an error but rather hinting at her desire for a delay in her debut. Later, it becomes clear that Whistledown deliberately published incorrect information to make it seem as though Pen would be overlooked, mirroring her feelings from the first season of feeling ignored and insignificant.
6
Daphne’s First Dance With the Duke of Hastins
In the debut of Bridgerton, there were numerous hints strewn about. Towards the end of the episode, at the open-air Vauxhall ball, a crucial clue unfolds. After Daphne and Simon (Regé-Jean Page) decide to stage a courtship to boost her popularity among other suitors and Simon’s availability, they walk hand in hand towards the dance floor. Penelope is the first significant character to witness them, with the camera focusing on her several times during this scene. As Daphne and Simon dance, the camera zooms out, revealing Penelope in the frame once more.
More Than Just a Wallflower
As Whistledown’s voiceover commences, announcing “the most delightful coup of the social calendar,” the camera focuses on Penelope, subtly observing Daphne and the Duke from a distance. This suggests that she is the secret writer behind the newsletter. Throughout the season, Penelope is often spotted in the periphery during events that Whistledown reports, and while the author shares her gossip column. As Eloise notes later in the series, the unnamed author is a “wealthy woman without title…who attends all the gatherings but remains unnoticed.
5
Pen Assures Eloise That Whistledown’s Identity Is Protected
In my opinion, the captivating fourth episode of this season, titled “An Affair of Honor,” finds our protagonist Eloise deeply engrossed in the enigma surrounding the anonymous author. Throughout the entire hour, she is relentless in her pursuit to unmask the writer. As Eloise and Penelope traverse the town and visit the bustling marketplace, Eloise can’t help but express admiration for Whistledown, referring to her as a “brilliant entrepreneur who manages to outsmart the entire Ton while pocketing their money.” Her best friend, unable to contain her pride, maintains her secret, a truth unknown not only to Eloise but also to us viewers.
One of Many Times Pen Discourages Eloise From Her Mission
As their talk progresses, Eloise shares her intention to discover who Lady Whistledown is for a face-to-face meeting. “Lady Whistledown’s secret identity is tightly guarded,” Penelope says assuredly. At first, her comment went unnoticed by Eloise, but upon reflection, it was quite obvious that Penelope wasn’t concerned about being discovered herself. This wasn’t the only instance where Penelope showed disregard for Eloise’s curiosity regarding Whistledown, nor the first time she tried to deter her from her investigation. Looking back, there were numerous warning signs.
4
Pen’s Comments on Lady Trowbridge’s Possible Affair
In the fourth episode, Ton attends a ball hosted by the widowed Lady Trowbridge midway through. While Colin and Penelope engage in friendly banter, Ton makes a jest about the Trowbridge baby causing a fuss, saying, “It’s fortunate that the lady gave birth to an heir before the old earl passed away, isn’t it?” To which Penelope replies, “Indeed, it’s lucky. But don’t you think the boy looks somewhat like Lady Trowbridge’s footman?” Surprised by Penelope’s sharp remark, he playfully nicknames her a “sharp-tongued one.
A Low-Key Savage
During the first season, Penelope appeared shy and reserved, often blending into the background at social gatherings. However, she was far from ordinary – her keen eyes and ears were always alert, never missing a beat. At first, her interaction with Colin seemed like just a harmless exchange of wit, but it revealed a great deal about Penelope’s character. It exposed her sly and mischievous nature, as well as her knack for town gossip. Her quick wit was evident, yet nobody, not even the viewers, suspected the normally quiet and gentle Penelope of any wrongdoing.
3
Pen Holds Back a Giggle When Eloise Mentions Forcing a Retraction
Initially, Eloise deeply respects Whistledown, seeing her as bold, self-reliant, and vocal. She secretly yearns to challenge societal norms, much like the anonymous columnist. However, this perception shifts when Whistledown exposes Marina’s pregnancy, turning the Featheringtons into social outcasts. Eloise expresses her indignation to her mother, stating, “Penelope and her sisters didn’t do anything wrong, but their reputations are ruined,” feeling betrayed that the anonymous writer has hurt people so close to her heart. Unaware of this, it was Penelope herself who inflicted the damage, attempting to protect Colin from a deceptive marriage and betrayal.
A Painful, But Necessary Choice for Penelope
Following the harm inflicted upon her friend’s loved ones, Eloise becomes more resolute than ever in revealing the real identity of the author. She feels this person has crossed a line. Much like Portia and her daughters being denied entry at Queen Charlotte’s luncheon in episode seven, Eloise draws Pen aside to inquire about her well-being. “Once we unmask Whistledown,” Eloise assures her, “we will persuade them to retract the publication and rehabilitate your family’s standing.” This prospect brings a broad smile to Pen, though she struggles to suppress a chuckle. Despite the pain it has caused her family, she stands firm in her contentment with what she wrote, and finds it amusing that Eloise believes she can expose her true identity.
2
Pen Briefly Panics When Eloise Claims She Uncovered Whistledown’s Identity
For much of Season 1, Eloise is engrossed in a different pursuit compared to other women, who are focused on fashion and marriage – she’s tirelessly chasing after the mysterious author of Whistledown. She comes up with various assumptions throughout this quest. At one instance, she even suspects her family’s housekeeper, Mrs. Wilson (played by Geraldine Alexander), of being the writer, going through her possessions, but gets corrected when caught. In the final episode, she becomes certain that it’s the dressmaker, Genevieve Delacroix (portrayed by Kathryn Drysdale). Given her proximity to all the high-society ladies and ability to eavesdrop on conversations, this guess seemed logical, but she was mistaken.
A Look of Fear
After solving the mystery, she draws Pen aside to break some important news. When she reveals that she’s found her, a look of surprise, worry, and panic flashes across Penelope’s face, suggesting she’s been caught. However, when Eloise mentions Madame Delacroix, Penelope’s expression changes to one of relief, and she refrains from asking any further questions suspiciously.
1
Whistledown’s Carriagemen Wear the Featherington Colors
At Hastings’ ball one evening, Eloise plans to speak with Queen Charlotte regarding the Whistledown investigation. En route, she bumps into Penelope who advises her not to let this opportunity slip by. Soon afterward, it appears that Penelope departed from the gathering early, possibly distraught over Colin’s journey announcements. However, unbeknownst to all, she had actually hurried off to deliver tomorrow’s newsletter at the printing press before the night was through.
A Clue Easy to Miss
When Eloise finds out that Queen Charlotte knows which printing press delivers her articles through Whistledown, she realizes a plot is in motion to expose and capture her. Thinking it’s still Genevieve, she hurries to alert the author about the impending danger. Upon arrival, she doesn’t get a clear look at the columnist, but manages to issue the warning. The carriages of Whistledown are adorned with Featherington colors, green and yellow. They were hard to spot in the dim light without the camera zooming in, but that was the clue. Twenty minutes later, the finale’s closing would reveal to viewers that Penelope had been Whistledown all along, making it one of the show’s most captivating episodes.
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2025-05-26 01:10